Is the economy making us better people?

On my walk with my daughter today I keep wondering if the bad economy is actually good for us. My family is learning to save our money and appreciate what we have. I'm becoming a better cook because we don't have the money to go out. I'm becoming inventive with making all the christmas presents I'm giving this christmas. I'm crocheting mittens scarves and socks... and cute little leg warmers for my daughter. I'm shopping at second hand stores and making cute outfits work with second hand clothes (something I would never do before). I look for a lot of free activities for my daughter and I to do together like playing in the park, hanging out with our friends, and going for long walks. I babysit on the side for extra money just because I can take my daughter along. I drive a lot less because of the price of gas. All we really need is each other. How is the bad economy making you a better person?