FINANCIAL CRISIS & YOU

Freedom's Just Another Word For Nothing Let To Lose (Bobby McGee)

We reached a pandemic proportioned ‘financial alert’ in the past few weeks. The Dow’s plummeting, global monetary systems are on alert, the housing and oil crisis hammering at our sanity.Part of living in these 'instant messaging' times is steering clear of 'mass fear and hysteria'. How can one stay informed, yet stay balanced and centered. Let's examine a few techniques.

1. Don't listen to every pundit. Consider the source. If we checked their track records or past predictions, we might even be more cautious to readily jump on their proposed rescue wagon.

2. What actually applies to your personal situation right now? Is it a plummeting 401K or are you facing losing your car, house, or credit rating. If that's the case, staying informed to broader scoped solutions, like bail out plans, liquidating other assets, cutting back, or even waiting out the storm as long as possible, may be wise. That is, until a clear resolution takes form.

3. Mind-set and attitude. This is the number one SECRET. What beliefs we hold regarding what we have; keeping it, or losing it can be adjusted in the interim or the crisis. If you feel life is not worth living in another house or that doom and gloom is inevitable for you, your family, nation and planet, it may be time to reevaluate your priorities and values, superstitions, fears and out-moded beliefs.

4. Make a short list of the five things that matter most to you. Is it health, family, serving others, peace, financial security, or whatever?
From that list, decide to be GRATEFUL for what is in place in your life. Be it, loving friends and family, good health, a puppy, that bring a smile, a deep sigh of relief or a calmer spirit in the moment. Continue the gratitude habit. Observe, take note - is there a slight shift in your perception? Are the ‘crisis issues seemingly neutralizing, no longer dominate, or immobilizing you during this 'mass hysteria'.

5. Trust you will do what you can, in the moment, to seize the opportunity for positive change. To seek professional counsel, garner correct information expeditiously for the best outcome.

6. SMILE AND PASS IT FORWARD - TO EASE THE PANIC SYNDROME