Everywhere we turn there is more recent news about the economic woes facing Alberta, Canada and the whole world.
If we believed everything we heard or read about we’d never get out of bed from all the depression! But how do you sort through what is real, accurate or just media hype to sell news?
A good place to begin is to read more than the headlines.
Headlines are meant to sell news and the public loves a good catchy one, but if you read the whole article you may find more accuracy and a glimmer of hope between the lines.
In Canada we have been through many recessions and always come out OK.
This one is particularly worse and the media is having a frenzy with it, but it also the year of the ‘W’, where there will be bad news and then there will be some good news.
It would be nice if the media would report something good!
No economist has a crystal ball and can accurately predict when the recession will be over, but I challenge you to think outside the gloom and doom box, and find those positive things that are happening due to the recession.
If you want to do renovations or build a house, you can actually find laborers.
The high quality and committed workers are the ones with the jobs, so often the quality of workmanship is going up.
It is the best time to buy a home, with the real estate market down and interest rates at an all time low.
Not every occupation is affected by the economic downturn, in fact some are busier than ever!
The dismal reports of Alberta having such a rise in its unemployment rate is leaving out the fact that we are still lower than the Canadian average and have been for many years.
When the oil industry picks up again, they will bragging about how Alberta recovered the quickest from the recession.
Which province holds the largest oil supply and which country has the safest oil?
That would be Alberta, Canada.
Where do you think the US is going to be looking for ‘safe oil’? Be patient and look for the good, as it is beginning to come.
In the meantime, if you have less work hours, enjoy the summer time with your family and friends – albeit in a cheaper fashion.
Camping, hiking, cycling all offer fun family activities for a low cost.
With gas prices low, you may be able to afford that extra drive to get out of town for the well-deserved break you need.
Your kids will love the time you spend with them and have wonderful summer memories that nothing can replace.
Most of us work too many hours anyway, so enjoy this economic slow down to really be there for your family and to reframe your thinking.
By taking some alone time for yourself and evaluating your goals you are distracting those negative thoughts from creeping back to what may be a current depressive situation.
Think about your future goals, make a plan to achieve them, and live with less stress in the moment with those you love.
Lacombe freelance columnist Judy Holt is a wellness consultant author of 1 Potato, 2 Potato, Couch Potato to You.