I was at a conference for women business leaders a couple of weeks ago listening to some very successful and respected women business owners talking about how to weather this economic storm.  It must have been about a third of the way into the day when that little voice inside my head suddenly woke up and said “You mean this isn’t just happening to me?!”  Now I consider myself to be an intelligent woman with a relatively global perspective on life but for some reason I was taking the sudden economic downturn personally.  As if the forces conspired when they saw I was starting a business and said “Ah, let’s see how much she can really take!”   

It makes me wonder what else I do that is wrapped up in that “it’s all about me” thinking.  Not that I’m asking for those who know me well to suddenly rush forward with substantiating evidence!  And unfortunately I don’t think I’m alone in this phenomenon.   In speaking of the economy, I have witnessed it on a regional basis over the past two years, where friends of mine in Michigan have been suffering for at least that long with what we here on the East Coast are just now experiencing.  I know people here that would look at news reports of economic struggles quizzically, as if it were happening on another continent, not within our own country.  Look at the issues of poverty or homelessness:  unless it is happening directly to you, it is difficult to grasp the global effect.    

On the other side of that coin, whatever happens to one affects the whole, even when it is good.  We tend to focus on the negative, but what about the positive trends?  The Olympics are a great example.  One person works very hard and achieves a goal and the country celebrates and shares in the pride and achievement.  There are millions of little “wins” happening all over the world daily and we can be a part of that celebration as well.  Or we can choose to focus on the losses and revel in our victimhood.   

I have seen these times become increasingly stressful and difficult for substantial numbers of people.  I feel the fear that is oozing around us, eager to gain a foothold.  And I have found myself sliding down that slippery slope into despair and gloom.   

But I have also seen that there is a reawakening of the creative spirit.  From the ashes I have seen amazing strength and ingenious solutions arise.  I am feeling an energy that is gaining momentum, a shift from self-reliance to holding out your hand and pulling each other up.  I have been infused with hope again and the prospect that although the road may be rocky, we’re still walking in the right direction.   

At this time of year when we reflect on all that we have and that for which we are grateful, the realization that it is not all about me is one to rank high on my list.  To realize I am part of something much bigger and that together we have incredible resources to pull us through is indeed a blessing.  I am grateful to all of you who in your own way have pulled me up.  May your path be full of extended hands as well.