Day Three: inspiration

 

Challenges make you smarter and stronger

If you are like me, you like your world steady and calm, no setbacks and no worries. But then, something upsets your applecart. A job change or loss, a new baby, an illness that forces us to recheck our priorities. We become discombobulated and struggle to find our way as we reset our life until once again, it is stable.

Here in Minnesota, we are facing our second week of a government shutdown. There is no sign of either side responsible making any concessions in terms of "Let's do this for the people of our state." Money is becoming tighter and the lag is creating ill will as people are now realizing this is costing everyone more than the initial  budget gap would have.

Myself, I have been coming up with more ways to save money. Coupons, barter, pawning what I don't need, going to thrift stores, and mainly if I don't need it, I don't buy it. I find recipes to stretch food dollars more, I walk to the store instead of drive, I have given up that ice cream treat at McDonald's...and nothing entertains me more than sitting outside on a beautiful summer day and watching the squirrels as they forage for food. 

For others, it can be worse than this. The whole point is to not roll over and feel despair. Instead, become creative, brainstorm ways to make good happen out of bad. There is always a sense of appreciation when what was in abundance is now in short supply. It allows us to feel gratitude when we do have access to it, be it that ice cream treat or the presence of a special person in our lives. Never take anything for granted. And always remember to walk in the shoes of another who may have it rougher than you.

Our challenge can be our greatest blessing! Look for the silver lining!