thrift is an old word that has changed its meaning. it used to mean abundance, not stinginess. the british wildflower is called thrift because of its abundant blooms. the word is derived from the verb "thrive" in the same way as "drift" is derived from "drive" or "shrift" and "rift" are from "shrive" and "rive."

this is etymology for a recession. it is hard to have a sense of abundance and thriving when we have to cut back our expenditures. i think the consumeristic culture we are soaked in makes us think that thriving and thrift are almost opposites. it is a challenge to have a sense of gratitude and abundance when we have to say "no" to ice cream. the quaker community has a strong tradition of non-consumerism sometimes called voluntary simplicity where people with abundant resources look shabby because they never show their wealth. if my income falls and i have to cut back on luxuries, i have to work extra hard inside my mind to keep an attitude of gratitude and volunteerism, that i choose to consume less because i really do have all i need, and that not shopping is connected to my thriving.