To fear or not to fear

With the economy in the news (a pleasant switch from the tabloid campaign trash?) there is at least a chance for some conversations of substance. I'm reminded of the old adage that most advertisers used to use sex to sell nearly everything. . .now, the 'ticket' to selling seems to be selling on fear: fear of getting (or looking ) old; fear of aches and pains; fear of losing ones self-esteem (credit with your neighbors) this used to be called 'keeping up with the Joneses'. .peer pressure to consume. . fear of going broke before your die (insurance).

however. .now it is simply just keeping a roof over your head, or keeping the robbers away from your door (security systems, buy in a 'safe' neighborhood, better schools where your children might not have to be going to school with 'violent' people that are different from you). .
and now. .invest in where your money is SAFE. in a bank that is FDIC insured. .sure. .now they can't/won't/don't even want to claim that is a sure thing.

so. .what is the answer? keeping your dollars in a sock in the mattress. .maybe.
avoiding opulence and extravagance? sure
living within your means. .by all means. .
but when and how did we ever get away from those basic common sense ideas any way?
when did we allow our selves and children to think that to 'have' was the only way?

Frugal people are no longer seen as something to be admired. .until, perhaps times like this week.
those who have savings in the bank and don't have to fear for their job or their next meal.

was it instant gratification? TV? advertising?

One book I have quoted in the past "Emotional Intelligence" states that people who can understand that delayed gratification is something worth waiting for are more secure and less emotional/aggressive/violent people.
is that the same as maturity?
the school of tough knocks?

Many people who survived the "Great Depression" and every other financial downturn since recognize that politics and the economy really do go in cycles. .and the 'end is near'. .has never been the 'end' yet.
If one looks at the theological concepts here, it could be a lesson of prevention. .or motivation to change one's habits. Such transitions in life can provide the fodder for introspection deep enough to 'hit bottom' and make a U turn. .
Some people will just end up blaming the 'system' and others will learn from it and grow.
Hopefully, the lessons that are learned will be etched in peoples' memories and recorded in their journals so that they can share them with their children and grandchildren. and avoid having to experience similar painful situations in their future.

Such is life. .without fear. .when we know we have the power to overcome the adversities that are inherent what we call 'living'. LM

If you are intrigued by the topic of the woes of consumerism, check out www.thestoryofstuff.org

Travel plans

Fall is the time that I prefer to take a vacation, and it also works well in our office schedule. Last year I was able to visit Jackson WY and Yellowstone & Teton National Parks. This year, I hope to go a little beyond that and check out Montana, Idaho, Utah, and swing back through Colorado and even New Mexico.

This will be a 'working' vacation-- just about 2 weeks. Along with seeing the beautiful scenic areas, I will visit places that are involved in working with us as volunteers. I'm hopeful that we can time my visits so that I can meet with many of them and help instill in them the enthusiasm that is the most important part of being effective in the work they are doing: educating and raising funds for people in need around the world.

Our new motto is that Alternative Gifts International connects people who want to help (these volunteers) with people who can provide help (the other non-profit agencies) for people who need help.
Bridges and concentric circles are symbols that represent the work we do. . if you read this and want more information, see www.alternativegifts.org
LM

Energy bursts

In my work I work with folks who, indirectly, are seeking alternative energy--especially for under-developed countries. But in my personal life, I find that my personal energy comes in fits and starts--not just physical energy, but also mental energy-- new ideas.

Having found personal 'affirmations' to be helpful for daily meditation reading, I am often amazed at to how the yearly cycle of reading the same book year after year brings special motivation and solace at the times when I need it most. This morning, for instance, the message was entitled "Things are Working Out". .which was a reminder that often when we've waited days or weeks or even months for a resolution to a problem, there is usually a 'lightbulb' day when the whole problem seems more 'solvable'.. .and sometimes, it seems, nothing more than time had changed.

Before reading that, I had indeed awoken with a brand new idea for an approach to a challenge that been facing a group at work. I felt enlightened, and lightened. I found a new bounce --new energy--as I jotted the thoughts down in an email to myself at work, afraid that I might forget them before I got there.
it didn't take an energy drink or a drug a self-help book, formula, or even a counseling session. . it just took time.. time for the old 'down' mood to pass away, and be replaced with an upswing and a little optimism.
Today, I wish the same energy bursts, and optimism, for you. LM