Continuing the Inspiration Despite the Weather!

We are soon entering into our first fifty days of the New Year. As the political climate changes so does the social climate. The social atmosphere is often a reflection of the political and economic state that we are experiencing. Every period of history goes through the various visible seasons of summer, spring, fall and winter. It is safe to say that we have been immersed in a very cold winter. Political strategists and economic analysts seem to believe that what we perceived as a treacherous snow storm was a mere opening act of flurries giving us a glimpse of an avalanche of difficulty that is still on its way.

According to the government, the U.S economy has shed 598,000 jobs in January. Writer, Stephen Foley of The Independent Journal states that, "this makes January the worst month for the labor market since 1974." He goes on to say that these new figures are, "much worse than economists had been predicting."

CNBC is reporting that, "stocks tumbled to late November levels Thursday, led by banks, as investors worried the stimulus plan wouldn't be enough to help the economy. The market got a mild bounce Wednesday from news that the Senate had agreed on a stimulus plan but Wall Street wasn't convinced of the plan's ability to jump-start the economy."

Numerically speaking it is rather unrealistic to believe that an economy that has been deteriorating over a period of eight years with horrific damages incurred could quickly be overturned as if we live in a world officiated by instant replay. President Obama's Stimulus Plan to help the middle and working class and not just increase the astronomical bonuses that the big wigs on Wall Street distribute to one another will not be visible overnight. We do have to accept that the recession might streamline into a depression. It is critical to understand the problems that we are faced with but more importantly- how we handle our problems will be a greater showcase of what our future will be.

Sure enough we are still in the mist of two wars and experiencing weather that seems to be unusually bizarre and extreme with no consistency. From snowstorms to droughts to wildfires there are some things that are just beyond our control. Nevertheless, even with all these projections of what the future holds we are still in control of our own destiny and despite any conditions we can still live our best lives ever!

Many people have chosen to use the predictions of supposed rainy days to find solace, meaning and appreciation of the present and past. As we live through our second month of the new year-{the month of love and history} it is evident that a large majority of people are turning to formats, mediums and books that are more inspirational and motivational as there is an immense need of restoration and inner reconciliation of the mind, body and soul. This way of thinking is present in the continual movement of optimism in various forms.

Adding to the 2009 "live your best life ever" motto that many of us have embraced are three wonderful books. I believe that these books can assist us in our present state and inspire us to aggressively take on any challenges with the knowledge that we are powerful enough to do so. These books beautifully reawaken us every day and serve as a reminder that the best is yet to come and also highlight the fact that we are in control of our own state of being based on our choices, behavior and what we allow ourselves to be influenced by. Regardless of the state of our union, we can achieve a personal state of utopia by our own actions with the after thought that spirituality isn't always based on pure religion but also a connection to our spirit and senses.

"The Secret," is a book of self discovery and universal law written by Rhonda Byrne. Byrne writes that "The Secret" explains with simplicity the law that is governing all lives, and offers the knowledge of how to create - intentionally and effortlessly - a joyful life. This is the secret to everything - the secret to unlimited happiness, love, health and prosperity."

"Left To Tell" by Immaculee Llibagiza is a very personal autobiography about "discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust." Immaculee is an absolutely phenomenal woman and force of nature who discovered hope, faith and forgiveness after being sequestered in a bathroom for ninety-one days during the genocide that took place in Rwanda. During the time period, she lost her family and the life she once knew. On her website, author and speaker Dr. Wayne Dyer stated that, "Immaculee is a living example of what we can accomplish when we go within and choose to truly live in perfect harmony with our originating spirit."

"Love Your Life" by Victoria Osteen gives an insight on her perspective of living a fulfilling and enjoyable life despite any obstacles and maintaining ourselves in a busy fast-paced world. Osteen writes the following: "When most people reach the twilight of their lives, they will tell you it's not about having a bigger house or a better job, or about the car they drove or the clothes they wore. They will tell you it was all about investing in themselves and their relationships with other people. How many times have we heard people say with regret, "If only I would have taken better care of myself . . . if only I would have spent more time with my family and the people I love?" Osteen offers her own revelations and advice of "finding a healthy balance in our career faith, family and friendship all while loving our life to a maximum level."

Our current climate is a precipitation of events in the sense that with precipitation all things do eventually settle producing a solid outcome. That in itself is something to look forward to. So perhaps it is better to be less pessimistic and more understanding that the instability and crisis that we are experiencing is temporary and that there is a great solution that will be more apparent as time passes. This is what hope is about. Life is what we make it out to be. It is only us who can decide what we are affected by. As we read and learn about what others have endured while still remaining triumphant, we will come to appreciate our own lives more- with every lesson shared. No matter what the temperature is we don't have to be affected by its' extremes. We can also control our happiness by existing in an environment in which we are able to find remnants of beauty in rain, sleet, snow or droughts. No matter what the conditions are we can continue to live our best lives ever and enjoy our existance remaining at one with our spirit, self and the Universe.

peace and light