It can be hard not to be stressed out with all the negative news out there: Wall Street gyrations, unemployment numbers, corporations cutting employees and tightening budgets. Most of us know someone close to us who has gotten a pink slip or is worried that they might soon.
Ironically, times like this do provide opportunity and a sense of possibility. In fact, when many people look back on their life, it’s the times of struggle that they often recall most vividly – and most fondly.
Why is that?
Often times of struggle are when we are most engaged with ourselves and our lives. These are the times when we are most likely to reach out and connect with others, and when we focus to achieve an important breakthrough for ourselves.
Here are five things that tough times are great for:
- Make new friends. Go to an event by yourself so you’ll meet new people. Find a networking event that you’ve been thinking about and just do it.
- Be generous with your old friends. Generosity is often cited as a key trait of successful people. Reach out to a friend who’s more stressed out than you with the economy offering guidance and encouragement.
- Get back to basics. Cook a meal from scratch. Invite friends over for wine and cheese. Clean out the closet. Remember what’s most important to you.
- Stop rushing around. Cut back some of the things you are doing that aren’t really fun for you anymore. Streamline your life.
- Develop an attitude of gratitude. If you are wondering how, visit gratefulness.org for ideas.