Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. ~ Albert Einstein

I've been thinking about the economy. Since I have a feeling I will be long winded I'll start by summing a few things up. If you stopped at these things, you would get all of what I’m trying to impart in this rambling on:
a) Change brings Opportunity
b) Gratitude brings Peace, Perspective, Humility, & a sense of Abundance to ANY situation
c) Your own personal economy is a state of mind, just like the real economy is largely perception and state of mind.
d) We need very little material things to live and be happy
Here are some quotes from a group I belong to on FB called "I choose not to participate in the recession, I choose abundance":
a) Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.
b) Life is a field of unlimited possibilities.
c) The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.
d) Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.
Now I don't pretend that I've had everything to do with the direction my life has taken, sometimes we don't make the best decisions for ourselves... but I did make a distinct decision to live my life by inspiration about 2 1/2 yrs. ago, knowing that my Heavenly Father would lead and guide me to my greatest good and it would take me where I needed to go and be. I sit in amazement at what has transpired because of that decision and with His help. It all started more like 5 years ago really when I began a series of radically "Simplifying" my life and I also joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I mention that, because I think it's important to understanding my journey. To make an incredibly long story short suffice it to say, after several major downsizings in my life, I now perfectly and happily live in roughly 400 square feet, I own less personal possesssions than almost any other time in my life, and although I've never been so technically poor: I've never felt this incredibly rich! I am so blessed beyond measure. I no longer participate in materialism. I find value only in those things that really matter. I care more about myself, my family, my environment, and those around me. I don't let the state of the economy affect me, it may bother me because it is a sign of the times and it hurts those around me. But I am full of abundance, things that cannot be taken from me, things that are imovable! That doesn't mean that life isn't tough, I have so many pressures on me that it's very hard not to let them weigh me down and overwhelm me. If I don't "fill my tank" on a regular basis with scripture study and my canyon drives to unwind and clear my head, life get's the better of me. I only just recently figured out the secret recipe to avoid the viscious cycle of being on a high in life then crashing in overwhelmedness... staying positive, healthy and happy with a feeling of true abundance, the kind of abundance you can't count. To wrap up, mind you this won't be short, I will re-iterate two of the most important ingredients for me and my journey, outside of THE most important one: Spirituality. Spirituality should be at the center of our universe. Spirituality may be different for you, but for me, it is a love for and desire to be like Christ, to live a purposeful life here on earth, striving to live His commandments, loving and serving our fellow man, and sometimes simply "enduring" to the end, avoiding Satan’s tools such as fear and guilt, all the while: searching, learning, growing, and praying always, so that we can return to live with our Heavenly Father and our eternal families some day. My "Ultimate Goal" in life (inspired by a talk I saw Steven Covey give) is to Return to My Father in Heaven, it's that simple. If I constantly assure that my shorter term goals align with that one, it gives my life the correct purpose, direction, and priority. Should you want to know more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, there is great info. at www.mormon.org The other two ingredients have to do with 1) My New Year’s Resolution- enjoying the journey and 2) My February Newsletter Monthly Habit- Clearing Mental Toxins.
1) My New Year’s Resolution- enjoying the journey: I implemented a simple step toward enjoying the journey each day this year- at 12:00noon I set my alarm and when it goes off, I first crack a HUMONGOUS smile (I already do this every morning when my eyes pop open), then I take a silent moment and am grateful for not only my blessings, but whatever I have accomplished in the day, whether it is what I'd planned or not, whether it is just simply experiencing a visit from a friendly customer, getting something unexpected done, or getting nothing done but still going on my morning hike or hugging my children, whatever it was... I feel real gratitude for it! If I am in front of someone, I will simply crack the big smile at them and do it later! I was speaking with my business/life coach Cindy Pietersel of www.design-your-success.com and I realized that this simple act, that she helped me formulate, has transfigured my entire life's perspective in a short amount of time, I explained to her that I still had lots of concerns, but that they didn't concern me, tee hee! That is HUGE for me... and it is the truth! I have a greater sense of abundance, gratitude, fulfillment and love and almost no fear, guilt, frustration, confusion or concerns. This act has also lead me to my monthly habit for February.
2) My February Newsletter Monthly Habit- Clearing Mental Toxins. Just like we don't use chemicals on our bodies or in our cleaners we should focus on keeping our thoughts and minds free of toxins. Using positive self talk, watching and listening to only uplifting music and tv, being in service more of our fellow man and the like. I'm doing my best to improve in this area this month and I can see a profound difference in my demeanor, my outlook and perspective. The hardest part for me is watching less, mindless movies (I don't watch TV but I have a serious DVD addiction). Our thoughts are powerful driving forces in our lives; let’s keep them "clean and green" just like our household cleaners... (and of course, for our all natural household cleaners and handmade natural soaps please see our website at www.redclovercottage.com- website shopping will be up and running very soon!) It would do a world of good! Well, I wish you all a heart filled with peace and days filled with balance and purpose as you travel on your life's journey and carve out your own abundant personal economy!