Make Yourself Recession-Proof By Making Yourself Depression-Proof

Dear Readers:

We live in increasingly complicated times.

This is not attributable to technology, regulatory standards, the economy, Global Warming, the Gross Domestic Product, changing demographics, internationalism, immigration, or terrorism...it is been principally caused (and continually fueled) by us. We have brought this nightmare upon ourselves.

It happens when the following conditions are permitted to flourish:

1. We become so obsessed with saying something that may be construed as offensive by anyone, that we cease to speak the truth, and start talking in watered-down, unmotivating generalities. Sometimes being "politically correct" means pretending not to notice, or remaining silent, or avoiding precision in communications. We are diluted and deluded;


2. We accept lies and other morally reprehensible conduct from our leaders because we have lowered our standards and diminished our expectations;


3. We make excuses instead of apologies;


4. We stop taking corrective action because we are afraid to upset the norm or receive negative attention;


5. We spend time assigning blame instead of solving problems together;


6. We are more obsessed with imposing stiff punishments than in preventing crime, correcting misbehavior, and seeking balanced justice;


7. We deny each other our sacred uniqueness by imposing labels and diagnoses on each other.

There is a desperate need for a return to sensibility, honesty, humor and humanity. Simplicity is not an obscenity. It is elegant, pure and beautiful.

You can make yourself recession-proof by making yourself depression-proof. Just apply these simple guidelines to your life, and find a calm and peace that you had forgotten could exist within you:

1. Do not associate yourself with negative people, naysayers, energy vampires and chronic critics;


2. Do not live beyond your means...there is no competition worth entering where you must worry daily about meeting huge bills. People do not generally steal and cut ethical corners when they do not have constant pressure upon them to "live bigger and spend more". It seems foolish to give the bulk of your money to a group of faceless creditors;


3. Do not become addicted to listening to the constant litany of negative news in the media -- read some good books and listen to some enjoyable music instead;


4. Dedicate some time to learn something new every day -- set aside time for hobbies and things that you enjoy...reward yourself;


5. Take a walk and get some fresh air every day -- don't stay cooped up and suffer from "cabin fever.";


6. Eat healthier, non-processed foods, and take time to prepare some of your own meals;


7. Exercise daily. In fact, develop an exercise regimen -- it will help you to feel alive and energetic;


8. Plan things ahead of time in order to avoid last-minute panic and stress. Determine in advance when you will shop, run errands, get your automobile serviced, etcetera;


9. Cultivate a circle of trustworthy friends in whom you can confide (no losers allowed in your circle!); and, most importantly,


10. Treat others as you would have them treat you - with respect, dignity and grace.

Simplify your life, and enjoy the journey!

Joseph Droual

Co-Founder, INTERNAL ENERGY PLUS

Author and speaker Douglas Castle contributed to this article. You can visit his blog by clicking on http://douglascastleiep.blogspot.com/. You can also make a needed contribution to the CHILDREN'S INTERNATIONAL OBESITY FOUNDATION at http://www.ciofoundation.org/. Our children are counting on you for support.