Thursday, October 9, 2008

Random Thoughts ... the economy, the election and more

Hi there,
Well, I can't believe it's been about two weeks, actually a little longer, since I last wrote. I have no excuses .. altho I could make some. I was traveling, speaking, entertaining a house guest from Tokyo, having some anxiety about the economy, watching the political debates. But, other than that, no excuses.

Because of all my involvement with personal transformational seminars, I am no longer able to make excuses. I always take responsibility for things that happen in my life. Sometimes I hate that ... I want to blame others; but alas, it's all up to me.

Let's talk about the economy. For the last two weeks, I've been avoiding the television and newspapers; only wanted to hear the basics and no detail. But, alas, I'm not able to avoid it any longer. So, I've sent an email request to talk to my financial planner tomorrow and see where I stand. I'm afraid ... but I guess I need to be a big girl, grit my teeth and just know the truth. I'm also worried about my work. I don't have a lot in the hopper in the moment ... need to book more speeches, get a marketing plan in place, get on the phone. But, I seem paralyzed.

I spend a lot of time living in the place I call "the land of not knowing." I've written of this before. In my steps to reinvent myself ... I talk about having a plan to be with "uncertainty." Well, for all of us .. that's where we're at. We don't know when the market will bounce back. We don't know who will win the presidential election and if that person will be able to make an impact. Heck, we don't even know if it will rain tomorrow. There's a lot that is out of our control and our emotions are volatile. My classic question .. how do we handle it all?

I ask you ... what's your plan for dealing with it all?
Mine ... easy. First I do whatever I can to create some laughter ... to engage my sense of humor. But, when I'm on overload or feeling like I can't get a handle on it .. I go to a movie. Sometimes it's a comedy so I can laugh. Tonight, it was a tear-jerker, so I could cry. Either way, it taps into emotions and gives me a release. I come home more energized and focused to work.

What's your coping strategy?

As you face difficult decisions of the time ... what to do with your money OR lack thereof, who to vote for, what to make for dinner -- engage your coping strategies. Take time to laugh, love, experience, do something different yet meaningful.

Remember, we're the boomers. We are adventurous, daring, risk-taking, compassionate, focused and purposeful. Let's help the other generations tap into those aspects of themselves.

I'll be back at you soon.
Ann

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