It's sad indeed and I agree that many in this spiral don't notice that they are and even make excuses for it...excuses I feel are not acceptable.

I agree there's different realities, extenuating circumstances lice economic factors...however at the end of the day it's pretty much the same for all...we have a life, must sustain it meaning earn money and life will end. What we do in the middle is what matters.

Take you for instance...the fact you're in a tough position economically because of political factors and other things...but the joy you exude from biking comes through. Take me for instance, I find happiness and joy in many things, simple things, and yet have to work as hard to sustain my life as anyone else even in an affluent country. So, I guess what I mean is that we have a choice and finding joy, happiness and contentment doesn't always cost money.