Possibility Thinking: our only sane choice
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” Helen Keller
Probably the worst thing we can do right now is dabble in regret and despair. It’s extremely easy to wallow right now. People who were sneering a few months ago at others who had financial issues are now staring in disbelief at their own shrunken portfolios.
Well, as they say, the good news is we can only go UP from here. Yep, the financial wizards in Washington, DC, have just declared the recession started in December, 2007. Somehow these wizards say we had “an economic expansion that started in November 2001 and ended in December 2007.” 2001? 2001? The same 2001 that had a 9/11 in it? Do YOU remember what happened in the months following 9/11/01? I do: 50,000 people lost their jobs in Hawaii. Businesses across the country were hurting through all of 2002. The meetings industry nearly tanked. I’m not sure who was having an ‘”economic expansion” in 2002, but I’d put money on it that it ain’t you!
One of the good things about being older is you remember stuff. I remember my parents talking about 1929: bread lines, people jumping out of windows. I have a feeling, even if there were color photos at that time, the pictures would STILL be in black and white. While there are several financial comparisons to 1929, we are healthier, we are more global, we are more connected, and – IMHO – we are just a tad bit smarter about how we got into, and how we can get out of, this mess.
I remember the recession of 1980-81. I remember October 1987. What I remember the most is this: Talking Heads on Radio, TV, and in DC don’t really know any more than you do.
This is important information. YOU knew we were in a recession before they did. YOU knew things were squirrelly. YOU now have the opportunity to figure out what to do.
OK – now that I’m done ranting… here’s a thought: Every single time you are tempted to be afraid, confused, upset, snarky, angry, paralyzed, depressed, freaked out, and generally perturbed, mutter this to yourself:
Oh Well! Now What?
Stat thinking about a solution. “Now What” isn’t about giving up, it’s about surrendering to WHAT IS and making a choice to move forward: “OK, things are upside down. What can I do now? What are some creative ways I can approach this? How can I get better, make a difference, make it better?”
Possibility thinking isn’t Pollyanna thinking. Each of us has to face our own challenges and tell the truth. Where are we? What are our first steps back to a good place? What are some of our more difficult decisions? Who can help us? How can we get there? What do we expect to happen? How can we use this time to our advantage? Where can we change to meet these challenges?
Benjamin Franklin said, “There are two ways of being happy. We may diminish our wants or augment our means. The result is the same. And it is up to each one to decide and do the thing that is the easiest.”
I wish for you a Holiday Season full of Possibilities. A 2009 full of opportunities and new, creative ways to share your skills, products, and services with a world that needs you. I wish for our planet a return to our senses; a return to doing what we know works; a return to integrity in our daily lives and in our global commitments to each other.
Stay sane. Stay focused on solutions.
All the best to you and yours,
Beth
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© 2008 Beth Terry Seminars, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Hi Beth – Great to hear from you. I love your Fake Plastic Fish blog, too (to my readers, see her link on the right side of this page.)
I won’t be in Hawaii again until February, but you can go to my website and click on the Hawaii Insider link – http://www.bethterry.com/Hawaii-Insider and there are some great tips for traveling right now. The Hawaiian Airlines fares are excellent, Resort Quest has some great deals, and I think I saw some specials on Alamo.com.
We have to have a Beth Terry reunion one of these days and find all our other Beth Terry’s out there!
Happy and Safe Holidays!
Beth
Hi Beth. Now your readers will think you’re talking to yourself.
I’m not wallowing in regret or despair. I’m planning a short trip to Hawaii to visit my parents. Will you be anywhere near Waikiki Jan 15-20? We could have a mini Beth Terry meetup.
I like your new blog!
Beth