While I am far from a Global Economist, I thought you might be interested in this story. As any of my earlier readers would know, two of my children, Greg and Danielle, headed to Ireland with a 12 month working visa recently. I lost count of the amount of people who told us that there was no way they would get work, especially in Ireland as it was one of the hardest hit economies at the moment.While I don’t like to dwell on things like this, I must admit as a mother, there was a time when I started to worry just a little bit. Then I realised, that the worst thing that could happen was that they would have a great holiday, and then come home. How bad would that be? So, after my fleeting moment of worry, which I quickly dismissed, I put all my energies into helping them prepare for their trip.
After a 3 week holiday in Edinburgh, and a week of celebration in Dublin for St Patrick’s Day, they headed to Galway to look for work. Now, I don’t really know what they thought as they began their search for work, but knowing my children as I do, I am pretty sure they would have been focusing on what they could do in this situation rather than focusing on what had been written in the newspapers and spoken in news telecasts.
Danielle secured full-time work the very first day she began her search, and absolutely loves what she is doing. Greg continues working on his business, and has time to travel and explore this beautiful country. Their travelling partner, Linda, also secured full-time work in an industry she had no previous experience in. However, she is enthusiastic and bubbly, and her employer knew she would quickly pick up the new skills required.
All three disregarded what they had been told by the “experts” and instead put all their focus into what they had control over. I am not disputing the fact that many of the world’s economies have taken a major battering in recent times, but the way out of these hard times is for individuals to stop whining about how tough life is, and take action on what they can do. We are not helpless, and there are many small steps each of us can do to help our individual circumstances.
To finish off my story, my children decided they wanted a place they could call home while working in Ireland, instead of staying in hostels. All of the real estate agents told them they could only have a 12 month lease on a unit, which was not practical given they were traveling. Instead of accepting this, they entered into negotiations, and have signed a contract for a shorter lease. By asking the questions, they received the answers that were right for them.
This post came about as I listened to a news telecast (something I rarely do). We are being warned of the doom and gloom that lies ahead. If that becomes your focus, I can almost guarantee, you will fulfill your expectations. Instead, I encourage people to take action in areas they do have control over. Ask the questions, and do the things you can do. This will be different for all of us, but I am sure that deep down you all know of at least one thing you can do to improve your present situation. Take action, and move forward. Enjoy the journey, wherever that may take you!
Please post your thoughts regarding this topic. You may have a similar situation where you have gone against the odds. I would love to read your stories. My aim is to have some positive stories to read rather than what we see in the newspapers on a daily basis. What do you think?
Your comments made a lot of sense to me. I have been caught up a bit listening to all the bad things that are going to happen because of the global recession. Thanks for providing a more positive outlook.
I agree with Karen. There is so much bad stuff reported everywhere. I have tried to look at what I can do with my everyday life rather than throw my hands in the air and blame the economy. I have a job and I am tired of listening to my work colleagues complaining about everything.
I believe that we are the controllers of our own destiny. If we are not happy with aspects of our lives, we have the power to make the changes that are necessary. These changes do not need to be major changes. They can be as simple as choosing who or what we listen to. Thanks for the comments regarding this article. I have received many e-mails regarding this subject, and I would encourage people to send their thoughts through this forum. Every time we think a good thought, we are making changes in our world. How fantastic is that – knowing that our lives are not solely in the hands of others?
What a great post. Whenever I switch over to the news (which I rarely do now) I always hear about how bad of a shape the economy is in and that we are headed for worse. This has been going on for months. Had I not listened to the news or read the papers, I would never have really known! Yes, we have lost significant money through investments because of the economy – but we’ve made the most of it and haven’t dwelt on it. We’ve still managed to buy a small business while the economy is down and making the same money through our new investment as what we would have on our investment that is currently loosing money. It really is about perspective. We could have focussed on our losses and adopted the “poor me” attitude but instead we capitalised on the here and now and know we will be in a better position in the future. Being willing to take active control over your life in the midst of negativity is certainly a liberating feeling! Thanks for sharing the story, Brenda.
hi 🙂
I have been in experiences extremely similar to this and have always came out with a positive great result. I totally agree that how you approach the situation will reflect your outcome. No such thing as can’t i’d say!!!
Hey, I just hopped over to your site via Stumbleupon. Not somthing I would normally read, but I liked your thoughts none the less. Thanks for making something worth reading.
I am delighted I found this blog. I am going to indeed bookmark it as well as sign-up to the rss feeds quickly to be updated on your new blogposts. Carry on the great job.
Great post.
I am kind of new to online but enjoying these posts. Thanks
Intriguing. It really is how you expect your life to be. When you expect failed relationships, money problems and poor health – that’s exactly what you get. I have learned this from experience. When I changed my expectations, my life changed. It’s hard to explain to people that you really do have control
Thanks for the inspiration. I enjoyed this a lot
Interesting thoughts on this subject. I think there may be a need very soon to revisit this topic.
I came here from a recommendation – glad I did. This is a good – keep up the good work.
Thanks so much for this information. Some of these suggestions I have heard, but there are many others that are new to me. It is interesting as my friend and I were discussing this subject last week about how we view things.
It is a great exercise to spend time being aware of the daily thoughts we have…..sometimes it can reveal many things we weren’t consciously aware of
I find myself coming to your blog more and more often to the point where my visits are almost daily now! Thoroughly enjoy your ideas and thoughts…also the comments people write here. A great forum for discussion
Welcome Blase. There is a great community here, and I also love reading the many and varied thoughts and ideas from people around the world.
Great site, great article. Looking forward to reading many more posts
Really awesome article!
Good to read some uplifting posts about this recession. Sick of all the doom and gloom
It was good to read this post at the moment. Still so much talk about Global Recessions. This gave me a different outlook
Great advice at this time for me also. With all this talk about the economic problems, it is easy to get caught up in the doom and gloom
I don’t usually reply to posts but I will in this case. Great info. Please keep up the good work!
Very good article – I will keep on coming by to read your new content.
Thank you everyone for your comments on this post. Although it was written a while ago, it obviously still is very relevant today.
I have been searching for something on the web with this sort of great information. Just writing to let you know how much I appreciate you posts….all i can say is fantastic 🙂
I really enjoyed this article. Thank you
Interesting thoughts on this topic. I enjoyed this refreshing point of view. Thanks.
Point received and well taken. Sometimes not always easy to do, but happy that your children were able to manage.
Outstanding piece of writing, thanks for sharing!
Great articles
Very informative post. Thanks for taking the time to share your view with us.
I’ve been visiting your blog for a while now and I always find a gem in your new posts, but I especially like this one – one that you posted a while ago, but I keep going back to read. Thanks for sharing.
Really awesome article!
I always visit your blog but I never commented but just wanted you to know what a fantastic article this is
All I can say is – love your work 🙂
I like your viewpoint – very good
Even though this is an old article you wrote a while ago, it is still relevant today – probably more so. I have read it just at the right time for me. Thanks
I definitely love reading your post. So refreshing
As someone who is just about to start traveling – thank you for this. It has put my mind (and also my parents minds) at rest
Your site was recommended it to me by a friend. Thanks for your insights
From what I’ve learned over the years about this, most of what you say is accurate for me.
Peace and light – Byree
Great article
Thanks for the feedback India