Congress is cutting and slashing the budget and trashing the economy. Austerity has finally made its way to America and those of us of in the middle and lower economic classes will bear the brunt of the financial mess caused by American political and business kingpins whom I will not refer to as leaders because they have not earned the title. Leaders lead with positive values that influence followers in a constructive way. I’m all for reducing debt and reducing waste. My concern; however, is the method of the madness. My family income, as well as many others, has been adversely impacted by the changes over these past few years. I still have hope and I will make a change.
I want us to be a prosperous us. We can change our habits and improve our health outlook as well as financial future. The little adjustments in our day to day lives can make a big difference in how we handle cutbacks in services, income, and opportunities.
First, we should start with a change in attitude. Life does not suck. Life is sweet. Think positive, things will get better and it is up to us to make it so. Nobody can make you feel bad, unless you let them. Rise up, for we have overcome a heck of a lot more than temporary hardship. If you don’t believe me, pull out a picture of your Great Grandparent and think.
Second, we should get enough sleep. Proper rest helps you do what you need to do and to do it well. There is no reason to stay up late and watch the television; surf the web; play games or party all night long. Sleep can help you lose weight. Yes, it’s true. When we are tired, we eat more carbohydrates and sugars to help us stay awake and we tend to quickly binge eat in hopes of reducing the headache we believe to be the result of not eating. Change your bedtime so that you get a minimum of 7 hours of nighttime sleep.
Third, eat small healthy balanced meals and snacks spread throughout the day and drink plenty of fluids. Our bodies react to our intake. Eat poorly and feel bad. Huge meals make you sluggish. Sugar rushes trigger sudden drops in brain and organ function. Constant negative pressures on the organs and brain caused by poor eating habits will cause weight gain and ill health. Improving poor health costs extreme amounts of money. We are killing ourselves with a knife and fork. Proper nutrition leads to better brain and body functioning at optimal levels. You can save time and money by reducing your food intake and consuming life sustaining foods and fluids.
Fourth, we should take action. Get up and exercise. Walking and running is free. Climbing stairs is free. Dancing is free. If you are less mobile, move the body parts that you can. Wiggle in your chair; bop your head; and wave your arms. Just move! Being fit enables you to do more and be more productive. One day, you may have to run for your life. You will be unable to do so if you are out of shape. Fitness will allow you to be prepared to take advantage of opportunities.
Fifth, do it yourself. If you don’t know how, learn. Think about the things you have someone do for you on a regular basis. Body and hair treatments are expensive; make them a treat instead of a routine. Maintain your own lawn and wash your own dog. Commercial treatments often contain chemicals that harm our environment. Products for personal or residential use are much more eco-friendly than commercial applications. Creations you make at home are even ecologically healthier than their market counterparts. Do what you can within your abilities. Trying to do expert work may lead to greater costs if the expert has to come in and repair your damage. Try to keep things maintained and in good working order. Make do with what you have. There is no need to go out and buy the latest greatest gadget or vehicle when the one you have works just fine.
Last, take responsibility for your financial well-being. For every dime spent today, there will be less dimes for tomorrow. Reduce restaurant and entertainment costs. If you do not need it, don’t buy it. If you need it, buy the less expensive alternative. If you can buy the ingredients to make a product, you will save a boatload of dimes. A few basic items that you can mix to make a product will create more of that product than the pre-packaged item. Change your mindset towards what costs money. Leaving the lights on; washing clothes during peak electric use hours; unmaintained machines using more energy to operate; and leaving the water running costs money. A few small changes will lead to greater changes and soon enough change becomes easy. Then, you’ll have a lot of spare change.
We cannot become a prosperous people unless we take it upon ourselves to do it and share the news. Talk to your family, friends and community leaders. Encourage modification in our individual and collective behaviors. Nobody will do it for us. The financial elites are doing their best to put us further in the red and they don’t care as long as they can take the fruits of their policies for themselves. Don’t enable them!
Okay, I’m jumping off the soapbox now. Do your thing and do it well. Green… peace to you all.
Thanks: publicdomainpictures.net
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