Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Screw the Media, I'm Going With a Positive Spin....


It seems everyone is going through challenging times these days and there is not a lot of good news out there. Never mind that the Dow Jones Industrial Average broke to a new six-year low last week, researchers say that even sharks are feeling the economy’s bite as fewer people can afford beach vacations. 


I’m sick of bad news; it is paralyzing. Since I took my head out of the sand in early January, it’s been a constant struggle to remain positive, but it’s a struggle I will not abandon. Every day I choose to concentrate on things that I can control like my thoughts and my attitude and my response to our employment situation (or lack thereof) and not on things that I have no control over whatsoever (like the Nikkei Index). 


There are millions of people out of work and millions more worried about becoming the next statistic; would it kill the media to throw them a bone and report some good news every now and again? If they won’t, I will: my husband has been out of work since November and has already been on several interviews. Yes, the job market is competitive, but I refuse to believe that he will not be gainfully employed in the near future. He will. 


Of course, I am experiencing stress and anxiety as a result of the layoff, but I am choosing to confront it with humor and a positive attitude. That may lead some people to believe that I am not going through a difficult enough time, but I am a firm believer that laughter is the best medicine. Just like negative energy, positive energy can be contagious and I hope mine is as contagious as the common cold. 


The greater purpose of humor, especially during tough times, is to uplift and take us out of ourselves and our cares, if only temporarily. Being able to do that is no trivial pursuit, but I believe if you put laughter and positive energy in your life, you will reap the dividends. I’m not talking about the kind of dividends that are controlled by the stock market, I’m talking about the kind of dividends that are controlled by you. 

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Are you choosing not to participate in this recession?

Anonymous said...

I agree with L...News is just news. We decide if it is bad or good based on our emotional response. If we choose to be happy, then we're happy!!! I'm not letting some pill popping pretentious producer provide (go Bobby!) me with a negative emotional response...that's my choice. I choose happiness.

Unknown said...

Amen, sistah! Laughter through tears - as one of my dear friends always says. And when you get right down to it - elephants are very cute animals, no? Except I bet they're smart enough to wear waterproof mascara!

:)

Anonymous said...

I always try to think of all that I do have! And the BEST family ever is #1 on my list.

xoxo

Unknown said...

OK, so let's have a party and I'll bring the champagne. I just love champagne and parties. We'll call it a Screw the Media, Screw the Economy party. And let's have it on a week night.

Anonymous said...

I want to come to the champagne party. ANd now that gas is such a bargain, I can drive down from NY!