The Daily Discovery Series

And Now for the Good News …

February 23rd, 2009

WORD COUNT: 598 Short, Yet Encouraging Words

TIME to Lasting Affluence: About 2 1/2 Minutes

Hardly a day goes by when we don’t see headlines about economic downturns and layoffs. There’s far too much bad news reported, and it’s rare to see a story about a prospering business, or positive outcomes. Yet those stories are out there, but they don’t make
headlines.

I realize that negative economic indicators may be newsworthy, and my heart goes out to everyone affected. Yet I believe that these challenges can help us create something better than what we’ve known.

Perhaps as one door closes, a more rewarding door will open?

We can choose to commiserate, and focus upon what we’ve lost, or instead, we can choose to see current events as opportunities to explore new possibilities, and embrace unlived dreams.

I’m not saying that change isn’t scary, or that someone shouldn’t mourn the loss of a job. Feeling sad or frightened is perfectly understandable, and grieving what’s lost is an important aspect of personal and social evolution.

Yet if we remain focused on the problems, we can’t see the opportunities that will certainly emerge.

A singular focus on “the bad news”, helps no one, least of all those who could use a little economic boost right now. Focusing soley on sensational headlines of doom and gloom can cause us to forget that in all of the commotion, there’s also freedom to redefine
our concept of success and prosperity!

So how would you define a life well-lived? What are your essential ingredients to a fulfilling life and meaningful work?

Perhaps we could let the temporary issues that are challenging our nation, be the fuel for reevaluating our definition of success and happiness?

For the current circumstances could propel us into a deeper appreciation for what we already have, and where we really want to go next, individually and collectively.

We could choose to see ourselves at the beginning of a new chapter in our personal and shared histories. Will we continue to be lured by the promise of blind consumerism, or will we reach for something more?

Can we envision a more empowering reality, one that feeds the spirit, as well as the bottom line? I think we can.

For the people I know are seeking more balance, and a stronger sense of community, rather than a bigger prize at the end of a faster rat race.

Somewhere along our journey, we may have lost sight of what’s really important … like more time with friends and family, and feeling like a human being, rather than a human “doing”.

You are the author of your own destiny, and together we create the communities in which we live and work. My wish is that you explore “what’s next” with a hopeful and eager heart. My hope is that you believe in yourself and allow yourself to imagine something better! Certainly it’s okay to enjoy nice things, but you’re worth more than that!

Maybe the economic challenges are a means of encouraging a more meaningful dialogue about life, work and success.

What have you given up in the current model that you’d like to reclaim to live a more joyful life? Maybe this is an opportunity for a more balanced and fulfilling perspective.

We can focus on what we don’t have, or we could see our current economic issues as a tremendous opportunity for positive change.

So, what are your essential ingredients for a rich and rewarding life?

Perhaps now is the time to align with your greatest hopes and dreams!

Your friend and partner in empowered living,