5 lessons to learn in bad economy

There are times in life when you feel that life is spiraling downwards, and you don't know  when and where the fall will end or if it ever will. The key to remember is everything ends - bad times too. It is how you survive and what lessons you learn that matters. Life is funny that way, each time you think, that you have paid your dues and learned all that you need to know, it throws you another challenge.

But like someone said to me "Remember, everyday is a blessing". The key is to survive and overcome your challenges, without getting bitter and losing your innate goodness. It is so easy to wallow in self-pity or feel vengeful , all the negative emotions that  attach to you like boulders and sink you down.

I have been through days or weeks, fostering anger, vengeance and self-pity. Anyone who has been through these emotions ( and  I believe all of us have to some extent at some point of our life), knows that it is hell on earth. These days, people all over the world are suffering from the repercussions  of bad economy - yet there is something to be gained from it. Five lessons that bad economy has taught me are :

1. Simple Living : It is so easy to get used to luxury, that before you know it , you are the slave of  the indispensable comforts. Simple living is not just about good clothes, or shoes, it also extends to food. For some of us, it is not a choice, but a necessity. Yet the simple joys give you more pleasure than anything that you will own.

2. Thinking out of the box:  When you are in your comfort zone, there is no need to change things around. Tough times calls for tough actions and lots of brainstorming.

3. Reaffirmation of Faith: Nothing tests your faith more than hardships. Only when it is pitch dark, do we feel the need to hold to the fact that dawn is around the corner. Life changes - but faith is knowing that winter is always followed by spring and believing and waiting for it with patience and love.

4.Revaluation : Endings are new beginnings.It is life, and although there is always a tinge of sadness when a chapter is closed, look forward to new challenges. Looking back, learning  from your mistakes , accepting  that you can't change it and marching on ! Life is too short or long depending on the challenges we face. The key is not to let the challenges defeat you, let all the negativity slide off you back (Wish it was easy!)

5.Change your priority : The key to survival and living life to the fullest is to welcome all challenges and change with change in circumstances. The more flexible we are in our approach to receiving all that comes our way, the easier it will be to transition to new way of living. Yet, most of us are creatures of habit and only change our perspective when forcibly pushed out of our comfort zone.It is shocking how many unnecessary "habits" attach to us in good times. The cup of java, the cable, the weekly dinners and yearly vacations, all become part of our lifestyle. Hardships teaches us what is really important in life and that the enticement of "good life" comes with a price!