Every December, our thoughts begin to turn to a new year of renewed purpose, promise, and prosperity. For as long as any of us can remember, the gifts of January have been optimism and opportunity.
This year, however, we are bombarded by endless media images and sound bites, all of which proclaim only recession and depression. In this season of hope and goodwill, as I ponder our collective circumstance, I offer to you - and to myself - another perspective for consideration.
So what do we make of the current state of the world economy? Is it simple doom and gloom? Or is something more profound going on? The stock market has plummeted. The North American auto industry has stalled. Home foreclosures are at record high levels. What are the messages here? Has the western world become so accustomed to comfort and excess that we are unaware of our good fortune? Are we suffering from our own sense of entitlement? Are we being reminded that the value of our investments, our gas-guzzling cars, and our overpriced homes have nothing to do with who we are and who we need to be?
Perhaps each of us needs to listen to the clues that The Universe is offering. Our financial and manufacturing infrastructures are failing. Our governments are being challenged to repair the damage. Are we not being called to a different approach, a more realistic vision, and a simpler life that is not determined by what we are supposed to do and supposed to have?
By now, some of you may be thinking: What a cheerful Christmas sentiment! But, is this not the most appropriate season to contemplate our lives, our values, and the way we wish to walk on this earth? I believe that it is.
So my suggestion is that we all turn off the TV and stop reading our financial statements and the newspapers. The media may be hell bent on presenting the doom and the gloom, but we can choose to navigate differently through this storm before the calm. And there will be calm. In fact, there already is: Most of you reading this are healthy and/or have access to exceptional medical care and treatment. Most of you have a safe and secure roof over your head. Most of you have access to ridiculous quantities and varieties of food. Most of you live in a peaceful country and most of you can speak freely and express any opinion you have.
As a new year approaches, the value of my financial portfolio – like everyone else’s – has declined. Yet, the stock of my awareness has been heightened by the madness of the world we have somehow created.
I am grateful for the perspective of December and trusting in the promise of January. I hope you are too. How rich we all are.
Happy New Year!
Peter Turcic
Peter Turcic is a freelance writer based in Vancouver
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