Here's the deal--we are all aware that the economic crisis in America is nothing short of catostrophic. We get it. If you're hoping to turn on CNN and hear a different story, it will not happen.
Break down:
1) Whole towns are in danger of being jobless, especially when the town is/was supported by a singular industry or employer. Those who are out of work are not having an easy time finding a job. And if you get a job today, you may very likely be the first to lose your job tomorrow. If you hate your job, lie to yourself and become a flag-waving, overproducing company man (woman) so that you'll keep that #*#@#* job. OR... just get out now, decide to do something you love and commit yourself to success. Hey, it's been done many times before in every economy.
2) Do NOT look at your investment portfolio. This activity has caused billionairs turned millionairs to take their lives. Okay, only one so far, but I think that one is enough. Remember to buy low & sell high. It's a basic principal. Stick to it.
3) Mortgages--if you have one, and you can afford it, and you remain gainfully employed, and you can also afford the required catapulting insurance rates plus property taxes and household repairs, well good for you, and God bless. If you have room, you might want to consider taking in a tenant or two for the countless Americans who cannot boast the same circumstances. If you are in the middle of a foreclosure (far too many Americans are), take heart--you are in very good company with many responsible, hard-working Americans. Afterall, media is referring to Florida as the State of Foreclosure.
4) As for the stiumlus package and remaining rescue plans plus health care reformation and international conflicts--pray this all works out well in the end--give energy and visualize success. Oh and more power to small businesses and the self-employed!
NOW TURN OFF CNN, MSNBC and other news stations. Don't watch more than a couple times a week. The gluttonous consumption of horror-filled news that can and will directly affect YOUR life and your loved ones will adversely affect your mental health and stability.
Yes, go ahead and watch now and then for the great coverage on global issues and personal interest stories--know what's going on in the world around you. I just need to emphasize that just because CNN offeres 24 news doesn't mean that you should feel obligated to follow it 24 hours.
The only way to truly survive this crisis or any crisis is to remain positive and creative--remembering to value relationships and community.
1) Patronize small businesses even if it costs you a little more. Get your tacos from the local cantina versus Taco Bell!
2) Ask for help and lend a hand to the people you care about in your lives. Help a neighbor paint his house and ask a friend to help with your garage sale. Save cash, and encourage the people you care about to do the same.
3) Go out of your way to find inexpensive ways to play and relax with family and friends to strengthen these bonds. Don't make lame excuses that you don't have time. Nothing is more important than getting and giving support right now, and spending time together is the very best way to do that.
4) Get creative! Write, sculpt, paint, scrapbook, paly the piano, join a choir, join Toastmasters... find ways to give back to yourself.
5) Think healthy: if you're finding ways to cut back on food costs, think of cutting back on portion sizes, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and less meat, sugar and carbs--plan two or more vegetarian days a week. Go for long walks, run or swim in the evening, and remember to turn off all your lights and TVs and computers to save electricity. When you're living on instant mashed potatoes and Ramen noodles, I get that just trying to afford food on the table is a greater priority than eating healthy--perspective is important here.
But wahtever you do, please STOP watching the news.
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