Barbara Clark

My Cup Runneth Over In This Economy: 10 Positive Reasons Why



Posted: Saturday, October 25, 2008

by
http://www.spiritedstrides.com

When you think about the economic situation these days, how are you feeling? Are you feeling as if your glass is half-empty or half-full? Perhaps you're feeling as if your glass has broken! My glass is neither. I actually have a cup and it runneth over with an abundance of ways in which to see things, no matter how bad people say our economy is.

Do you want to know why my cup is so full? It's because I'm choosing to see the positive in the middle of all this turmoil and fear. I'm choosing to find peace and ways to see the good things that are coming forward as a result of this situation. You can do that, too. All you need to do is stop, look and listen (and sometimes tune out, turn off and turn away from anyone and all that is fear-based and negative).

Here's 10 positive reasons why my cup runneth over.

1. Gas prices have gone down.

2. People may be restrained from needless spending, when they can no longer get the credit to do so. For too long, we have relied on plastic and living beyond our means.

3. A deeper awareness and appreciation for what we do have is more evident now. We can see that we are not the only ones suffering and many have it worse off than us.

4. The "crisis" forces us to think, act, behave or create in new ways that we may not have thought of before. I'm expecting great strides in creativity!

5. The situation also forces many to come together for a solution. Collaboration and cooperation are great strategies for peace.

6. By seeing such a strong contrast, we are able to define more clearly what we really want and desire in our lives, as well as what we value.

7. If we turn off the television, we can help ourselves turn away from that negative energy being presented about the economy and focus on what is truly important: the people in our lives, our family, friends and loved ones. This is an opportunity to make your relationships stronger, if you choose to support each other.

8. Times like these can be the impetus for the "push" that people need to go back to school, get re-trained in a skill or otherwise work on their own personal and professional self-growth. Imagine the possibilities!

9. Just think of the stories you'll have to tell your grandchildren! We are part of history in the making and we'll all have stories to tell.

10. Since intense feelings and emotions are contagious and a negative outlook can bring someone down or make a whole roomful of Wall Street traders panic rather quickly, I know that by focusing on intense positive feelings and emotions, a more positive outlook is possible: not only on my mood, but on those of others. This awareness of how I'm not reacting and my ability to write articles such as these, demonstrates to me that it is possible to make change by choosing a different reaction to what is happening with the economy.

So stop the nail-biting, losing sleep or fretting about tomorrow; instead choose to feel good! Appreciating what you have is a good place to start. You will attract more into your life for which to be grateful when you do. Just imagine the possibilities as that multiplies!

Now, where's that cup of mine? I think I need a pitcher!

Barbara A. Clark has been a professional in higher education for over 25 years. She holds a Master's degree in Counselor Education and completed all course requirements for a Ph.D in International Comparative Education before several life-changing events interrupted her studies. It was during the interruption that Barbara discovered her passion and began her journey as The Spirited Strider. Her motto is "serving in love, one step at a time." Barbara is an educator, writer, law of attraction life coach and speaker, and uses EFT with clients who are willing. In 2010, Barbara became a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader and a faculty member at GoodVibeUniversity, where she leads "Giggle Fest & Manifest," "Making Room for Abundance," and occasional "Scripting" and "EFT" calls.

Blogs:Journey of A Spirited Strider

The Gab of Gratitude
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» left by straight talk
3 years 88 days ago.
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I agree. Certainly your smiling face says boldly, happy. Perhaps because you write excellent you just might even change my perspective and that really would be an accomplishment.
» left by Barbara Clark 3 years 88 days ago.
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Robert, I have hope....lol 
» left by Teresa Ortiz
3 years 87 days ago.
187 fans.
Barbara, thanks for an inpirational message. I think that we can have a positive attitude and not pretend things aren't tough, and you did a great job on bringing balance and pespective. For me, it just reinforces my faith that God is my provider and he knows my needs so, I do my best, knowing He will work a miracle when I need it.
 
I love your perspective! Have a wonderful week.
» left by Teresa Ortiz
3 years 87 days ago.
187 fans.
Great job, Barbara!!!
» left by Barbara Clark 3 years 86 days ago.
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Teresa, Thanks so much for your comments and encouragement. I appreciate your outlook! Warmly, Barbara
» left by Yangki Christine Akiteng
3 years 87 days ago.
104 fans.
Barbara, I’d have sworn I wrote this article -- the difference being that it’s better articulated, better written and your smile runneth over.  There is too much cynicism, chronic negativity and “OMG, The sky if falling” going on that it’s refreshing to read some reality check.  Raindrops in the desert!
 
Now see what you’ve done.  I need a pitcher too!  Love ya.
» left by Barbara Clark 3 years 86 days ago.
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Christine, Thank you for your kind comments. What a great way to start my day, surrounded by such supporting and encouraging people like you! Forget the pitchers--Is there a bucket in the house? :-) Warmly, Barbara
» left by Yangki Christine Akiteng 3 years 86 days ago.
104 fans.
LOL!  You have a richly blessed day.
» left by Avis Ward
3 years 86 days ago.
131 fans.
Forget the pitcher and bucket! I'll take a jacuzzi! Mine is always full. It's filled with what I see and don't see but believe. It runneth over. I simply love your attitude. I am not in denial about what is but if I wish it to be different, I look for it, the good not the bad. I think it, I speak it, I believe it and often times, it's manifested. If not, I was out of His will for me. (Which happens!) LOL  Be well and Blessings to you!
» left by Barbara Clark 3 years 85 days ago.
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Avis, We might as well have a pool, too! :) Thanks for the uplifting comments! I appreciate you! Warmly, Barbara
» left by Rob Trahan
3 years 86 days ago.
16 fans.
Barbara, very well written article! My favorite is #2. While there are certainly some who struggle financially and need the help that credit provides, the vast majority of Americans needlessly live well beyond their means. Times like this serve as a reminder of the dangers of living this way.

I enjoyed your positivity!
» left by Barbara Clark 3 years 85 days ago.
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Rob, Thank you, Rob, for your support and feedback.  I really appreciate it. Warmly, Barbara
» left by James P Krehbiel
3 years 86 days ago.
125 fans.
Barbara,
 
A well written article about the perpective we all need in these difficult times. As you say, thinking creatively and constructively is the only healthy option we have and it works! Thanks.
» left by Barbara Clark 3 years 85 days ago.
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James, Thanks for stopping by and  for your encouragement and feedback! Warmly, Barbara
» left by Judi Lake
3 years 86 days ago.
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Barbara, great inspiration to ponder -- I can attest personally, as one who was hit extremely hard this past year that hope is always there as is optimism and I am not in fear for the future. Thanks for sharing.
» left by Barbara Clark 3 years 85 days ago.
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Judi, I'm glad that you choose hope and optimism during "challenging" times like this past year--and really appreciate your time and feedback here. Warmly, Barbara
» left by Susan Thom
3 years 86 days ago.
174 fans.
hi barbara,
 
"it's all in the head" if enough people realized that they are the ones who are key to their happiness, there'd be more peace. thanks for sharing,
 
best regards,
 
sue thom
» left by Barbara Clark 3 years 85 days ago.
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Sue, Yes, happiness is a choice that we make. Thanks for your support. Warmly, Barbara
» left by James Bond
3 years 66 days ago.
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Checking out your work. I really enjoy your writing. I am currently reading a new earth right now. I am TAing a intro to counseling course at San Diego State and the professor assigned it as extra-credit. I am really enjoying the reading and working with the concepts.

James
» left by Barbara Clark 3 years 63 days ago.
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James, Thanks for your kind remarks. Interesting that your prof assigned "A New Earth" as extra credit...It wasn't around when I did my counseling M.A. way back when, but the concepts are interesting to think about using with clients, don't you think? Warmly, Barbara

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