These days of uncertainty in the economic and political world require that each of us return to a time honored practice - focusing on the blessings of our lives and expressing gratitude for all that we have. This extends to the air we breathe, the food we are able to buy and grow, and the companionship of people for whom we have love and affection.
It is very easy to be swayed by fear when all the news we are bombarded with gives us little or no comfort, and that is why as we gather together in appreciation for what is, rather than what is not, we draw greater peace of mind and circumstances that provide opportunity - even in times such as these.
This is a good time to take stock of our own abilities, gifts, talents, and what we find as really important rather than what advertisers and mass media tells us we should think is important. It's time to develop appreciation for the simple things in life, and get back to the basics that provide meaningful livelihood. We have been living in a bubble of inflated expectations and a mentality of greed that has been upping the bar to such an extent that many, many good people have fallen into hard times because they could not achieve the level of income or success demanded in order to share in the wealth of our nation. Now we see how much of that wealth was based on paper profits rather than solid foundations.
In looking within ourselves to find our own inner gold and inner fortitude, we can build our lives in such a way that we inherit the finer meaning of life - expressing joy and sharing the love we hold for others in more meaningful ways that do not require extravagances in order to make our lives and time together special.
As we focus on the good that we have, share, and are...more comes. If we allow ourselves to be steeped in fear based on the news of the day, we miss major opportunities to see the beauty of life that persists in spite of the state of our economy or world.