Fear

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 2:46 am

Congratulations to those of you that have jobs. I was terminated last week due the downturn in the housing market. My wife, who has a Master's, is in jail because she is mentally ill and we live in VA. We live in the poorset county in VA, Northampton. There are no jobs here except for laborers and gov't, which all go to cousins of our leaders. There is no movie theater and no bowling alley in the entire county to give you an idea of the wasteland we live in. When we were both employed that didn't matter. I have house full of cats, so I can't just pack up and look for work.
So, the economy fear is all relative. While I spend away what's left of my meager savings, those of you who have jobs should evaluate whether or not YOUR JOB is in jeopardy. Teaching seems good, except that tax breaks for the mega-wealthy have resulted in relative cuts to all social programs including school systems.

I'm an educated white guy in my 50's with bad knees and back. I'm an office worker in a place with no offices. Nobody, at least not us, can influence the greater econony, so worry9ng about that is irrational, to me. Remember though, we are all in this together and even if we eat gov't cheese, we will eat.I've always said that I have slept in a car before and I can do it again. Never could afford kids, so I don't have that burden, but maybe they could have been there for me.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 3:10 am

Pete,
I'm sorry about your current situation, but I am really glad that you are in this program. It sounds like you could use a little support and a more positive environment to spend some of your time in.

You were right when you said that we are all in this together...in more ways than one.

Best,
Dawn

Mello Nello · Post by **Mello Nello** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 3:37 am

Pete I will definitely keep you in prayer. I do have children and yes they are an expense. Time to time I do have to neglect myself for them....But I'm blessed not to call them a burden.....just a gift from God. Many very special to me have always said, "When one door closes there is another one waiting for you....even better." I have yet to see that proven wrong.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 3:40 am

Dear NavyP-3. I read your post regarding fear and wanted to let you know you are not alone. From a Program standpoint, we understand there are different levels of everything we're dealing with. The economy is a real problem - to deny the current situation is just silly. The problem is when it becomes a powerful negative force in our lives. Fear is real and it can be destructive or constructive. I know that you are doing everying you can to provide for yourself and your families future. Now more than ever we need to build outselves up, knowing that no matter what happens, we are making positive choices which will lead to positive outcomes. The saying is true - this too shall pass! Please don't let it hamper the work you're doing to have a truly happy, anxiety free future. Laura

Carolyn Dickman · Post by **Carolyn Dickman** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 4:39 am

Funny but I was just talking about this with some friends this morning. Yes the economy stinks. Many people are feeling it including myself. Prices are going up, salaries remain the same or worse, are cut all together for some. While the situation is real, fear plays no constructive part in it. When I was faced with the problem, my first thoughts didn't include fear. I thought about what I could do to make things better, where to make spending cuts, etc. No, I don't feel this will last forever. Just yesterday my husband was saying "remember the gas crisis? that didn't last forever either." This too shall pass (soon after we get a new president, har har, couldn't resist!

) I may still worry a little but it will be in perspective. Fear won't get me anywhere.

Heatherbythesea · Post by **Heatherbythesea** » Mon Mar 17, 2008 4:43 am

Originally posted by Steve74:
Hi Steve...read your post and also saw Malikye's response as well as yours. Malikye's position on the economy was a little doom and gloom. Your fears are just that...fear, nothing more. Some fears are irrational, and some are not. Your fear about the economy in itself is not irrational, but the degree to which you take it is. For instance, I would guess that your fear is that the economy will break down, come to screaching halt, you will lose your job, you won't be able to take care of and provide for your family, and so on. That kind of thinking takes a general concern of the economy (legitimate) to a irrational level. You get yourself worked up to the point that you are likely catastrophising. This is point where you have to realize that it is your anxiety talking.
I have concerns about the economy as well....I have a wife and three young children, and I, just like you, want to ensure that I am providing for them. Are we going into a recession? Perhaps, but we have had recessions before, and we've always come through them. There is and always will be an ebb and flow with the economy. If economy does go into a recession, the world is not going to end. You have to remember that you are a strong and capable person. The odds of our economy going into recession now are pretty good...the odds that the economy will "crash"...pretty unlikely. I think the key here is your self talk....how are you talking to yourself? Is it constantly negative, not only about the economy itself, but also your ability to deal with what ramifications may come your way as a result?
I am in the early weeks of the program right now, but one of the most striking things I have learned is what a negative person I am, and how I am responsible for all of my negative thinking, especially about myself and my capabilities. I am the cause of my anxiety, not only because of how I think negatively, but also because of my self talk in how I constantly put myself down, and doubt my own abilities. Believe me, I know it's easier to say this to someone else than believe it about yourself, but each one of us (and this includes you)has wonderful talents and abilities, and that includes functioning in our economy, taking care of and providing for our families, and so on. Life sometimes throws a curveball, and the key to dealing successfully with it is the belief in yourself. Something to rememeber from Swindle's "Attitude", "....Life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it."

STEVE!!

Great POST!!

Now this is what I need on this board!! I don't just think, "Wow, my mutual fund might not provide for a comfy retirement." I think, "If the Market crashes and the food distribution system collapses, will I be able to catch enough fish to feed my family and will I be able to defend them from roving gangs of looters." When my wife thinks of investment, she thinks foreign stocks; I think dried food, tangible gold and more ammunition.

When I calm down and ask God what he would have me do, I don't necessarily hear his voice but I am pretty sure that stocking a bunker in Montana is not what He had in mind when he said,"Fear Not!"

Thanks for everybody's help.

BTW Caffeine is the Devil.

Regards

STeve