by Kristen M. Anderson

Created on: March 18, 2009   Last Updated: March 20, 2009

For many people, the state of the economy may have felt somewhat ethereal at first, something we talked about at the water cooler and heard on the news.

Then we started to feel the slow burn: in the grocery aisles, in our 401K statements, and in the pink slips received by family and friends. Suddenly, we feel the pressure of the economy slipping into our heart and our home.

When the state of the economy hits home, it affects our morale as well as our increasingly modest bank account. As our resources dwindle, worry starts to kick in. We become irritated with family members, friends, and ourselves, wondering how we could have prevented the state of affairs from affecting our family. We may become depressed and sick, which can tap resources even further.

While hindsight may be 20/20, blaming ourselves and others often does little good to build a more positive environment in our home. We may feel tempted to ask hard questions such as: Should we have bought that car last year? Could I have worked more hours to secure my employment? Why didn't we save more money during the first years of our marriage? These are valid questions; however, they can make us feel guilty rather than proactive, positive, and productive during tough times.

An African proverb states, "Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors." We would all like to be sailing in smoother seas right now; however, there is wisdom to be gained in navigating the storms.

For example, it is extremely beneficial for families, neighbors, and communities to draw together during hard times. Families who go experience a crisis either break or they bind. Those that bind together can gain strength when they endure future crises, remembering how they survived tough times in 2009. Learning to live within our means is another secondary result of a down economy.

When the state of the economy hits home, it's important to find respite at your house. Your family may be your only bright spot in a down economy, so it's extremely important to show respect and thoughtfulness to your loved ones. Look for inexpensive ways to bring levity into the home, such as game nights, storytelling, or scrapbook parties.

Once you and your family are united, branch out into your community and look for ways to help others less fortunate than you. Serving at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter can be a reality check with regard to the resources you actually have.

Change is the only constant. As we adapt to the changing economy, may we bind together in hope for stronger families and tighter knit communities.

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