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Monday, October 13, 2008

Getting Through It

As I was getting ready to leave the house this morning, I had the NBC Today Show on in the background and heard Tony Robbins discussing the current economic situation and its resulting emotional impact. He had some practical, simple ideas that I thought applied directly to many of us. While I didn't take notes, you'll get the general idea. I thought it was important and timely and a good way to start our week:

1. There have been other crises in all of our lives ... maybe financial, maybe health, maybe a disaster (an accident or fire). And - for those who remember - there have been other challenging real estate markets: 18% interest rates, Hurricane Hugo, the Charleston Naval Base closing, September 11th. Reflect back. Whatever it was, how did you handle it? What pulled you through? Did you determine that this is not going to beat you; did you decide you were going to beat it? It all starts with our own personal mental attitude; let's get tough. Remember, everything is cyclical, and nothing lasts forever.

2. Fear is physical. We must face it, and deal with it in a physical way... get exercise and work it out of your body. Work out, walk, bicycle. It doesn't matter what you do, but do something every day. It's good for your health - physically, mentally, emotionally - and it conquers fear.

3. You've heard, "You are what you eat." You are also what you think. It's important to know what's going on in the world, but fill your head - and your thoughts - with more than negative media. Seek out positive, affirming messages... books, CDs, people who nourish you.

4. With any investment, it is smarter to buy low and sell high. Whether it's the stock market or the real estate market, now is the time to make a smart investment rather than in the midst of a hot market (i.e., the 2005 real estate market). It just makes sense.

5. Offer to help someone less fortunate. It helps us count our many blessings and puts everything else in perspective.

The season has changed. It's finally getting cooler. Things have moved from consumption, materialism and greed to our core values of family, friends, helping and caring - what's basic, necessary, and what's really important. We're rebalancing and there is great value and wisdom in the adjustment - if we keep our heads on straight and our attitudes positive. We will get through this and the pendulum will settle back somewhere in the middle. Spring always follows winter in all things.