10 Reasons It’s Awesome the Economy Sucks
OK, I don’t really think it’s awesome that the economy sucks. I’d prefer all my friends and I have jobs—or even better, an ever-growing money tree. But that’s just not reality. Instead we’re faced with two choices: a.) Worry, complain, and go prematurely grey or b.) See reality from a different angle and benefit from this experience. Not sure how to change your perception? Allow me to offer some suggestions.
It’s awesome the economy sucks because:
10. You’ll become more resourceful. I’ve always preferred a barter system to the actual exchange of money (mostly because I like to roll around in dollar bills and I can’t do that if I give them all away.) Here’s an example: the day I lost my job, I arranged to do laundry at my yoga studio in exchange for free classes. You got skills—use them. You never know where you could save a little cash.
9. You can redefine success. Most people file this type of thinking right next to, “My mom thinks I’m special” and “Money can’t buy love.” But really, if you lose your job or take a pay cut, count all your other successes. You have friends and family who love you. You’re awesome at poker. You make a mean bratwurst—whatever! Anything you do well other than earn and buy stuff, appreciate that right now.
8. You have an opportunity to minimize. Buying, having, and maintaining a wide selection of stuff consumes a lot of energy. A bad economy is the perfect opportunity to rethink what you really need.
7. It shuffles around the balance of power. Maybe you had a cushy job in the mortgage industry until—well, we all know what happened there. Now all of a sudden your sister the teacher wants to buy you dinner. That’s fantastic! This gives her the chance to look out for you like she never needed to before.
6. It invites humility. I’m not saying you have an out-of-control ego (though you may—I don’t know you.) I’m saying humility is a virtue worth nurturing, and falling down presents a perfect opportunity. Charles de Montesquieu said it perfectly: “To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.”
5. You’ll become more creative. Instead of filling your planner with endless dinners and outings, maybe you’ll have board game nights or clothes-swap parties. I prefer these events anyways. It reminds me of the simplicity of childhood, when a toilet paper roll was as much fun as Nintendo (kind of).
4. It might force you into better habits. If you lived paycheck-to-paycheck and then you lost your job, you’ve likely learned the value of saving. Times will be tough while you get over the hump, but it will be worth it if you start planning better for your retirement as a result.
3. You can reconnect with your intentions. Many people fall out of their dreams and into careers because they let life happen to them. Unemployment is an opportunity to reassess what you love in life. You’ve got the time, so map out a plan: how can you make your next job more meaningful than the last?
2. It serves as the best teacher. Our kids will become the future leaders, so we’ve done them a great service by screwing things up.
1. We can redefine happiness. I know many people who have everything but seem deeply discontent. Happiness lives when you can strip away everything you think defines you and still feel blessed.
You may be thinking to yourself, “That’s all well and good, but what about feeing my kids?” or something along those lines. I’m not suggesting a bad economy doesn’t bring challenging consequences, particularly for parents. I’m just saying look for possibility in adversity. It’s far more empowering than the alternative, and from that place of hope you’ll be better equipped to deal with financial stresses.
by Lori Deschene, Photo TW Collins
Great thoughts, thanks.
I’m reminded of the Serenity Prayer:
“God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.”
Blessings
Bosco
@liturgy
Great post- it is good to see more people looking at the bright side of this. # 3 is happening to me. I have been in corporate for over a decade and I never felt like I belonged- always felt like I was in a prison of my own decisions. I kept saying once I made enough money I can follow my real dreams. Well that was not happening, and one day (December 28th- Merry Christmas) I was told I did not have to come back to my job. I thanked them when they told me. It was one of the greatest days of my life. Now I refuse to do anything unless my heart tells me it is right- no more following the mighty dollar. Welcome to the blogopolis!
Bosco~ Thanks for the comment! That’s one of my favorite quotes. I am more spiritual than religious, but I find that wisdom very empowering.
Jay~ So amazing! You definitely have a gift, and I’m glad you have the opportunity to nurture it now. I’m in the same boat as you, though the circumstances are slightly different. My last job connected to my vocation (I was writing for a website) but I didn’t feel passionate about the content. From now on I am only doing work that inspires me! I don’t know how to enable CommentLuv, like Tim has, so allow me to tell anyone reading this to check out Jay’s blog, Inner Noodle, at http://jayfrawley.com/. I’ve enjoyed your honest, insightful writing, as I’m sure your other readers do, too!
Hello and nice blog post. I just recently decided to follow you on Twitter. I appreciate your following as well. Back to the blog:
I can appreciate your topic and it has been a topic I’ve had trouble relaying to my readers. I’ve gotten some really hateful comments from them, but they still read. This tells me I can throw caution into the wind and be brutally honest and people can accept it.
The economy has faltered before and will again. Use this time to reconnect to the person you were before all the brainwashing by the media, your teachers and your bosses. Reconnect with the inner child in each of us. Use this experience to blossom, not shrivel up.
Very inspiring blog, Lori. I hope to read much more from you and wish you all the best…Roland
what a great blog! I love your optimism. something we all need in these times.
Really enjoy your writing style as well. Looking forward to more blog entries.
Great post - way to keep on the positive side of life
Roland~ I’m glad we’ve connected on Twitter! It seems like you have a strong grasp on what’s important, both in terms of optimism and green living. Great analogy about blossoming; I couldn’t agree more! I look forward to following your updates and sharing thoughts in the blogosphere.
Barbi~ Thanks for visiting and commenting. I’m glad you enjoyed this post!
jiznakefoo~ That’s quite the screen name! Thanks right back at ya.
Great first post. Reminds me of my Franciscan principals
Hey Lori — GREAT blog!!
Nice work.
David~ How so? I’d love to hear more about your Franciscan principals. (And thanks!)
Melissa~ Why thank you! I have to say it’s pretty exciting to be conversing with people about things that matter to me here–on my own blog. I’m going to enable CommentLuv soon so people who comment can show their last blog post. I’m amazed by all the cool things you can do with Wordpress.
Great post; and thank you! Your words touched a part of me that I hide..for like many women, I try to be strong even though inside I am crying… Thanks again…
PeppermintPatt2~ I know that feeling of trying to be strong. Some days I feel powerful–like I can do anything if I just keep a clear head and focus on what’s in front of me. Other days I need people to remind who I can be at my best. I take solace in knowing my potential and passion for reaching it define me; not my weakest moments. Anyways, thank you for the comment. I am glad you found my site.
Great first post, Lori! I’m really looking forward to reading more! Your emphasis on personal transformation is very important, and so often disregarded in this modern life of ours.
I’m interested in your thoughts on how to approach people who are disgruntled/angry/otherwise emotional about the downturn in the economy, and present them with one or several or all of the above principles, without causing conflict.
Ian~ I couldn’t agree more. I love this quote from Anais Nin: “Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death.”
I think I’ll use your idea for my next blog post. That definitely sounds like a worthwhile topic to explore. Thanks for the idea! I look forward to picking your brain more
Hi Lori,
I really appreciate what you wrote, as I’m always looking for a different way of looking at things. A different perspective on an issue has the potential to change everything!
I can say that my business has not changed that much in this ‘downturn’ and people still have needs they are looking to have met in the world. I keep hearing from people that are so busy right now, they can’t keep up with the demand for their services. I also know people out of work.
I think the trick for the small and big business, is to find ways of helping people through this adjustment with less stress. This isn’t an easy time, but innovation is key to getting through this time of uncertainty. But, I’m just speaking from my perspective…..
Thanks,
Kara
@karasorensen
Kara~ Well said! I find it fascinating how two people can see the same situation in different ways and as a result have completely opposite experiences. Great insight about businesses surviving the downturn. I think anything that inspires more innovative thinking is ultimately a positive thing.
Wonderful insight, whoda thunk that gray lining was silver after all. I’ve been working towards becoming more minimalistic in everyday things like food, resource usage etc… It really does feel good after you’ve successfully reduced yourself enough to see more in your pocketbook.
Great post! Stumbled, Dugg and bookmarked!
Lori-
Great article. It really helps to focus on the positives when there’s so much negativity going around. I hope your positivity is contagious!
Wayne~ Thanks for the positive feedback! I’m with you about minimalism. I often feel that too much stuff suffocates my space, and I far prefer to save than spend. Just subscribed to your blog, http://www.waynejohn.com/. I can use all the web help I can get!
Angie~ Thanks to you, as well! Nice to see you here in my newly created space.
Wow Lori. What a great perspective. I can’t help but think about how this can also relate to mindfulness and destruction of the Ego. So much has been taken for granted lately, that the recent “financial crisis” is forcing people to “go within” a bit more than they are used to. I really like this blog. Great post!
It’s good to know people can stay strong under certain circumstances, not only for yourself but it’s good also to show others who haven’t yet accomplished such feats to see it can be done and give hope, since without hope there is no reason to try and get up from a fall. Keep up the good work and I hope you get what you want out of life as well, thanks
Excellent post! I especially liked:
“It serves as the best teacher. Our kids will become the future leaders, so we’ve done them a great service by screwing things up.”
Plus our kids see how we choose to react to problems. ‘course, this could be a good OR bad thing….
Barbara
Thanks for the positive thoughts - I especially appreciated #2. With 2 small children is does feel good to know that these times will make us more risk aware/cautious, and that will get passed along to our children’s generation.
Leonard~ I couldn’t agree with you more! It’s inspiring to see people who usually live their lives close to the surface go within and challenge who they think they are. I know I’ve done it more recently, and I’m really grateful for that opportunity.
Mike~ Your comment is greatly appreciated.
I think staying strong is a day-by-day choice. Maybe even minute-by-minute. I have my moments when I don’t feel positive–so I make sure to maximize the times when I do. That way I have blogs, journal entries, twitter feeds, pictures, and memories to help me bounce right back.
Barbara & Trey~ Great points! I love the quote, “Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I respond.” The best thing we can teach children is how to deal with adversity, because it’s a given!
I’ve found that tough times in my life have helped me refine my focus and learn the difference between the things I just want and the what I really need.
Like Chuck Noland said, “The sun will rise tomorrow. And who knows what the tide will bring in.”
Great blog. I lived during the “Great Depression” and I know what it is to have hard times. We were poor but we didn’t know it, because all our friends were poor. We thought that was a natural way to be. My sister used to cut down her clothes for me, and there were ten years between us in age. If we could get through that time, and we’ll get through these times, as well. Keep up the positive attitude. Better times are coming.
I loved this post–the counter-intuitive thinking is great. Sometimes in the midst of struggle it’s hard to see what you already have. Great blog, looking forward to reading more.
@chehaw
Chris~ Very insightful and I completely agree. Have you ever seen this TED video: http://tinyurl.com/3l9h9y It’s called “A Powerful Stroke of Insight” and it’s about a woman who saw value in the experience of having a stroke. Now that’s amazing!
Jeanne~ Thanks for adding that perspective. Those of us who didn’t go through the Great Depression have a lot to learn from your stories!
Chehaw~ I’m glad you stumbled upon my site, and I hope you enjoy the future posts, as well.
wonderfully inspiring article that shows how to think during challenges/opportunities; hope many see this blog.
The best benefit I am seeing from this challenging time/opportunity is that people have tried everything for peace and joy and nothing lasts - it all crumbles leaving an empty unfulfilled experience - that people are now actively seeking out spiritual experiences that touch their soul. Therefore I see this as the time of groundswell awakening of spiritual liberation on a global scale!
Keep up the wonderful blog & tweets!
JOY!
Swami~ It does seem that people tend to look to spirituality more often when their physical world is challenged–which makes it such a blessing when it happens. I’m honored this post inspired one on your site (http://peaceandparadise.org/?p=279) and I’m excited to continue learning from each other
I love the idea of bartering. I have some accounting skills. If someone wants to give me life counseling for some bookkeeping/accounting services, let me know.
hear hear. Excellent post. A post I wanted to post, but just didn’t get around to thinking it up.
Thanks Lori! Love this post.
I agree that we only have two choices. I talk about this all the time with my clients. We can either look for a good-feeling perspective or a bad-feeling perspective. Of course, whichever one we choose is fine, because afte rthat, we’ll choose something else to focus on.
I’ve found that at the end of the day (or beginning really) it all comes down to what our daily intention is. MIne is to look for Abundance and find the good-feeling perspective about everything.
~ Greg
I like the start of your blog about the ever growing money tree. I knew a woman that had original stock in Microsoft and basically had that. Anyway..I like your writing and the relaxing and easy to understand manner in which you present your ideas. It is true that being unemployed (like me) can in some ways be helpful. I have like you said learned to live on a lot less and can save more when I have an income again.
Redefining happiness is a difficult thing and a good therapist can do wonders. So many men especially seem to define their self worth by their job. Even when they have a family and a good life apart from it.
Thanks again for a great article!
Great post, very true
Great post, very true
hello really a nice one..can you provide more information on this?i m interested
Hi Dave~ What type of information are you looking for?
I have bad credit due to some stupid mistakes that I made in the past. I thought I would never have a problem where I would be short 300 dollars to pay my rent.
I love your blog, it helped me to fix my finances. Thank you. I have a similar one http://www.paydayloanbus.com
another sight at the problem, great, thanksб I’m in good mood now))
“You have an opportunity to minimize.” This rings so true because with my last job we were cut 4 days a month. I really taught me a different outlook on life and that desires are the devil! Keep up the good work, I love your blog!
Great post, thanks a lot.
Thank you…
Hey great post i will add this to my blog thanx alot.
Jon
Excellent post!! I think families need to get back to the basics.
Great post! Just wanted to let you know you have a new subscriber- me!
Good work, it is much pleasure to read your interesting posts
regards zmurringo
what a great blog! I love your optimism. something we all need in these times.
Really enjoy your writing style as well. Looking forward to more blog entries.
You are very optimistic. I can say that I’ve enjoyed the added stress of the past 12 months. Maybe I’ll enjoy our future success a little more.
Good Morning just thought i would let you know that i had a problem with your blog coming up blank as well. Must be chimpanzees in the system.
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What’s money? A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and goes to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.
It’s so true. My husband lost his job in Arpil. He has since built a business and is beginning to not only survive but thrive. Over the last seven months we’ve changed more habits that the last 7 years.
It’s been eye opening. I’m never going back to the old ways.
I personally love the part about humility not that I am happy with being simple and frugal for always constantly but having a humble heart gives me a humble heart to live each new day.