Recession Discoveries

We've all heard the word "recession" at least a million times in the last few years. It has been tough for many including myself. Money slowed up drastically. People lost their job and homes. Majority of us had to change our lifestyle to fit the times. It got so bad that white people saw a black man as some sort of Saviour to this country, Obama. None of us saw that coming and I still think I am dreaming sometimes when I realize we have a black President.

I have discovered so many things about myself and others in these low economic times. I was one of those people who was living far above my means. I needed everything designer, (although I have always went to sample sales as well) then I realized the clothes and things didn't make me, I made them. I can put on a $10 shirt instead of a $100 one and you wouldn't know because of the way I carry myself. I take care of "myself" more. Meaning, instead of getting those pedicures, manicures and waxes weekly, I get them monthly and maintain it myself. I polish my own nails! Wow! Who knew? I hadn't polished my own nails in 10 years and I love to do it :) I wax my own self! No way! I actually use coupons when grocery shopping and catch sales! Incredible! Before, I would just frivolously buy what ever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I have saved thousands on just these items alone. So now that money is flowing normally again for me, I am a new person, more grateful. More smart. Knowing the difference between need and want. Don't get me wrong, If I see something expensive I just "can't live without", I'll buy it. But that is rare.

One thing I have learned from one my super rich friends, not a thousandaire lol but a billionaire, is home and travel is everything. You wouldn't even know he has money if it wasn't for his houses in Malibu and Brentwood. He drives an old beat up 1992 Range Rover. lol But he drives it to his mansion. He could have any car he chooses! You would never know he was filthy rich if you saw him. He is very frugal and I admire that. Why spend a lot of money on stupid stuff when you can use it to travel the world vacationing when time permits? I'm turned off by men who walk around with diamonds like Liberace. It's a clown suit for chicken heads. All a man needs is a nice watch and be clean cut.

Also what I have learned is who my real friends are. Hard times show peoples true colors. Being my friend when it's popular to be, is so predictable. But when the shit hits the fan, who really has your back? Not those tag along, plus 1's, coat tail riding, fair weather, users, bullshyters, so called BFF's that claimed ya'll were ride or die. They expose themselves and quickly. Family too. On to the next person they can benefit from they go! They are like rats trying to get cheese. I thank the recession for revealing who those people were in my life. Now I have a clean slate with nothing but people whom have my best interest because they have shown me, when I had nothing to offer them but my friendship, that they love me. You can only see that when the smoke clears. It separated the real from the fake and I thank God for it. Never judge by actions, but by intentions.

So I see the recession as a BLESSING. I was forced to come up with new solutions versus waiting to get booked for a job. I'm not a good waiter. I would be waiting tables if I liked to wait. I have always had a leader, entrepreneur spirit. With that said, I have taken what I have learned over the years, and a applied it with some great resources/like-minds and 2010 will be the best year of my life! Hopefully you too will see the true benefits of this so-called recession and take the bull by it's horns.

ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE.