Happiness in a Difficult Economy

Here is an op-ed piece I just completed, which is in the process of being published. I would love to get your feedback and thoughts!

The week of January 19th, 2009 was nothing short of exhilarating. I, like many, was inspired by the inaugural festivities and the optimism that was in the air during that unprecedented event. Everyone around me, it seemed, was happy for a couple of days, and felt that Obama was the answer to the financial turmoil our nation has been experiencing. It was amazing to me that in the midst of the most volatile economic environment our country has ever encountered we could generate such a collective, upbeat outlook.

As I pondered this further, I realized that if we could maintain this positive sentiment, many of the nation’s economic woes would diminish significantly. I say this because it is my belief that much of the downward trend in the economy is perception-driven. If we can improve our outlook, regardless of what is going on around us, together we can transform our nation.
We should not wait for the economy to get better. Rather, we need to make it better. Turning things around for this country starts with each individual. Yes, our nation is in economic chaos, but the ability to pursue life, liberty and happiness is still alive and well. As Abe Lincoln said many years ago, we are as happy as we make our minds up to be. Our nation’s well-being, I believe, is rooted in the American spirit. Our freedom of choice provides what we need to re-ignite that spirit. We can’t allow the Dow to quell our dreams.

The sooner we begin to take ownership for our own happiness, and stop relying on external conditions, the economy will get better and stay better. If we each do our part by practicing a new way of thinking, we can create a culture of sustained optimism.
Here are three things we can do to contribute individually to our own happiness, and collectively to the happiness of our nation:

1 – Take Ownership of Your Mind. Do you use your mind, or does it use you? One effective way to cultivate a positive outlook is by using positive affirmations. The affirmation “Today I choose to be happy,” for instance, if repeated silently to yourself for 10 minutes each day, will help you begin the process of replacing negative thoughts with positive ones.
2 – Practice Gratitude. Each morning spend a few minutes focusing on those things you are grateful for. No matter what your present situation, move your thoughts to the things you can appreciate, such as the freedom to pursue happiness, your health, your family, your friends, etc. As you begin to see the “glass half full,” you will feel better about your life, regardless of external conditions.
3 – Accept the Present Moment. Accept where you are, but know where you are going. Acceptance is not a copout, rather it is a very powerful way to reduce stress and relieve any burden you may be experiencing right now. As you accept the present moment and your current circumstances, whatever they may be, you eliminate resistance, and can then move toward creating the future you want.

We are responsible for our happiness, and being happy is an “inside job.” Internal prosperity leads to external prosperity. We are also responsible for doing our part to contribute to the prosperity of this great nation, and choosing to be happy is a great way to do just that.

David Cane resides in Washington, DC and has been involved in Human Resources management for several large, global corporations. He is also the author of The Short Book on Happiness-Transform Your Life in 10 Days and can be contacted at his website at www.davidcanebooks.com <http://www.davidcanebooks.com>