Calling all optimists -- help us to know how you think about the economy

Alysia, we would not be humans if we did not experience "Self pity" but once I read the latest book by Eckart Tolle: "The New Earth" I became aware that my feeling of self-pitty was more an expression of my EGO. Eckart talks about Pain Body as a concept most humans experienced, but becoming aware of that is the first step to healing emotional and spiritually. It is an ongoing journey but the awareness gets stronger and you find yourself observing your own behaviors, emotions and reactions. The whole experience is wonderful and belongs to each individual path to awakening which will help appreciate deeply our purpose on this earth.

Alysia, our husbands could be twins, and you and I sound very similar. I yearn for security, and feel quite vulnerable right now after the beating our 401Ks and jobs have taken lately. My husband is a natural optimist and while he worries, he always sees the ways that say things will be ok. I have an anxiety disorder, and feel like I'm always focused on what could go wrong. I hate feeling that way and am working hard to change it.

Virginia, your words are wonderful. You are an example of grace in action. I think that knowing one's purpose on the earth is such a powerful thing. You mention that you learned to change your thought patterns -- was self-pity something you did feel in the beginning? Was this growth over time for you?

DianeP, what a great topic you bring up. From my perspective and personal life experience I have learned to identify what really matters in life. But it wasn't until the recent news of my hubby's terminal illness that every experience pleasant or not began come together as if the universe had been waiting for me to get that "aha" moment, an awakening to the real purpose of my journey on this earth. For starters, my life's priorities shifted, suddenly career, job, social status, shopping for expensive things, physical looks were no longer important, at least not at the level I had them in earlier years. But I also learned to know who I was, how well-equipped I was to handle the challenges ahead and what level of strength I could offer to hold the family together. I have learned to love better, to be grateful at the end of each day and to change my thought patterns from "self-pitty" thoughts to supporting my hubby's journey and my children's development. I also accepted that I needed to accept help from those who offered it, to reach out to my own spiritual growth and stay focus and take one day at a time with a total surrender and trust in the Creator.

My hubby and I have been through every downturn since the 70's oil crisis. Each time seems to hit just when we're feeling as though we're finally getting ahead. This time, we're painfully too close to retirement age and have no hope of rebuilding as quickly as we've lost everything. But, my DH manages to take things in stride. Our portfolio manager called to make an appointment and we just laughed that we haven't much left to manage.

But, DH and I handle things much differently. He has a great sense of humor. I crave stability and security, so I'm more likely to feel the stress. I run. DH trades on eBay - LOL!

We just fixed all the faucets in our house. :))