Things look pretty messy out there.
Many seem to be having a crisis of some kind...
a financial, health, family or spiritual crisis and likely a combination of these.
How will we get out of our crisis? Will the bailouts work? How about health care reform? How can we care for our families when we are stretched so thin? Has God abandoned us? Yes, we will get through this.
Our finances and healthcare will improve, our families will be OK and no, God hasn't abandoned us.
We're just looking in the wrong place for the solutions.
We look to our government to provide for us and clean up our messes.
We look to our healthcare system, hospitals and insurance companies to care for us when we are sick.
We look to our schools to raise our children.
We look to our religions to establish our relationship with God.
We look to all of these institutions to care for us and our lives.
Guess what? The one we need to be looking to for this care is ourselves.
It is your job! You are the only one who can.
Nothing changes until you do.
Manage Your Own Financial Situation Instead of expecting our governments to take care of your financial situation, find ways to manage it yourself.
Accept responsibility where necessary and take action where you can.
Be creative and find ways to decrease your dependency on money.
Cut back on expenses.
Exchange clothing and services with friends and neighbors.
Take in a roommate and share resources.
Get to know your neighbors and see what you can do as a community such as planting a community vegetable garden.
Take Charge of Your Health and Well Being It is your body and you are the one who is responsible for it.
Eat well and eat less.
Think of fun ways to get exercise.
Include family and friends to get motivated.
Keep thoughts positive.
Be conscious of what you are putting in your body and your mind.
Be well.
Talk out problems to a trusted friend.
Get to the root of your troubles and fears which lead to stress, unhealthy eating habits and sleeplessness.
Learn to love your body and get to know your spirit.
Laugh often.
Get a pet and watch your joy factor increase.
Taking care of your health and well being will lessen your dependence on our health care system.
Devote Time to Your Relationships Connect daily with your significant other.
Actively participate in your children's lives.
Discover and nurture their gifts.
Demonstrate the importance of accountability and responsibility.
Teach compassion and kindness.
Inspire their dreams and encourage their goals.
Listen to what they have to say.
Spend family time together.
Cultivate your relationship with your spirit and your soul.
It is not up to a religion to tell you how, it is up to you.
Know what is in your heart for that is your connection to God.
Religion offers a structured way to do this and a sense of community.
If religion isn't your thing, you can create a spiritual community with other like minded individuals.
Know who you are, your gifts, your truths, your worth and value.
Have compassion and understanding for yourself and others.
Learn what matters to you and make life choices accordingly.
This Is Your Job It's not up to the institutions, it is up to you and no one can do it better.
Be creative and stay open.
Ask for help from others and offer help where needed.
Take care of yourself and your family.
See hope and magic in your children's eyes.
Get to know your neighbors and create a sense of community.
Trust in yourself and your soul and spirit.
You can do this.
We can do this.
It's our job and we have all the resources we need within us to be successful.