Tuesday, April 28, 2009

I should practice what I preach (aka the brown ponytail freakout)

As my post from yesterday indicated, I was feeling very positive and happy over the weekend and being thankful for all I have.

Then came a new work week and good ol' reality reared its ugly head. The more I enjoy things the more I worry that it's all going to ripped out from underneath me. Things are bleak on the business front. We are waiting on a letter from a potential new client that could save our asses. If it doesn't happen, there's a good chance we won't survive this.

One of the reasons we chose to live in America instead of Scotland was because of my job (well and the weather!) so I'm the breadwinner in the family. The 20 grand pay cut I just got really hurts but we can survive. If I have no job, that's a different story.

I think it's the uncertainty that's killing me. I'm sure the rest of the world is feeling this too but I wish something, ANYTHING would happen to get us moving in the right direction again. This flu pandemic is not going to help matters at all.

I almost felt bad about today's post because you all were so sweet in your comments yesterday and happy that I was feeling so happy. I need to practice what I preach and I'm embarassed to say that this freak out all started over my hair. My usual cute blonde bob has become a boring light brown ponytail. I just can't justify spending $200 on it right now with all this uncertainty. I even told my hairdresser of 14 years that I coudn't afford it right now thinking he may give me a break on the price. No, he's an asshole. Just like my husband says!

I need to work on a plan. I thought about going to church or that meditation class I've been wanting to go to. Maybe I just need to sit down with a pen and paper and write down all my options and crazy career ideas I've had in the past. I can usually pick up some freelance work when I need some extra cash but I haven't been able to find any. I should probably put some more effort into that. I have a 1,000 page Dreamweaver book I've been working my way through hoping I can make my own portfolio site. I suppose that counts as effort!

Wow, blogging really helps me get some stuff out! Who needs therapy!! :)

What do you all do to calm the voices in your head and stay optimistic through tough times?

9 comments:

  1. Have you ever read the book or watched the movie "The Secret"? I highly recommend it.

    I really try to think positive about everything, and never let negative thoughts stay around. Yeah, I only make $300 per week, and I am now a single mom with three kids to care for with NO CHILD SUPPORT, but hey! We are happy, and so far all our needs have been provided for.

    Believe that everything will work out for the best and it will!

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  2. the economy and the pandemic are really getting me uptight too.

    I don't know how to keep happy while things are so dire, but looking after myself is something I do have control over and will help me through difficult times, financial or physical.

    What else is there, but to keep on trying our best?

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  3. I need to re read the Secret. I will put that on my list!!

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  4. One of the guys interviewed on "The Secret" is Mike Dooley, and he has a website www.tut.com. You can sign up for his daily email. Over the years, I have signed up for many, many email lists. This is the only one I still get. You get a quirky, off-the-wall email from "The Universe" each morning. And his mantra of sorts is "Thoughts become Things". The site didn't change my beliefs, but it expresses them so much better than I would ever be able to. It will not appeal to everyone, but it is worth taking a look...it may be right up your alley! Another favorite saying, which may be from there...I am not sure:

    "May the universe conspire in your favor."

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  5. What you're feeling certainly isn't unusual at all. Even those who are secure in their jobs worry about the economy, the world and where it is all headed. "The Secret" is a good start. You've developed some perspective, so keep at it. Every day is a new opportunity, so look for new things you enjoy, you want to do, you want to see....you know. This crud can't last forever.

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  6. Try to turn off the bad news and surround yourself with positive people, positive books, positive radio, etc. Check out this post and how she is keeping a positive attitude. I found it very inspiring.

    http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/2009/04/is-your-rental-in-foreclosure.html

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  7. It's hard to stay positive when there are so many negative things swirling around. There's some saying that goes you can't control everything but you can control how you react to it. 20 years ago I lost my 6-figure job unexpectedly in a horrible economy and was mugged at knifepoint 2 weeks after that. And then I moved back in with my parents at age 31. UGH! Sometimes even the worst events can bring out the best in us. Even if the worst happens you'll be surprised at the strength and determination that surfaces to get you through. I'm pulling for you.

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  8. Hang in there, Tina. As someone in the same business, I know just how choppy the waters are. Things will get better, one way or another.

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  9. Regarding your hair, don't stress. Brown is beautiful :-)

    If you really want to blonde it though, there are heaps of really easy permanent colours at the discount stores. They're idiot proof - I've used them to blonde my best friend's hair, and she looked great afterwards. It really looked professional.

    I've been cutting my family's hair for years now (but not my own) to save money, and I'm thinking of trusting a friend to cut my own. It can't be *that* hard! There are some good explanatory vids on YouTube.

    But being positive is the key. Dont' let it get to you. As for pandemic, well, that's just rubbish and media hype. Remember avian flu? Know anyone who died from it? Neither do I. You and I have better things to worry about!

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