• I REFUSE!

These are the best of times, aaannnddd these are the worst of times!

I expect we can say that about any given time period in our lives. Some things are always good - friends, food, fellowship, favor, and an innumerable variety of other things which please us. Some things are never good, like the effects, of a smaller or non-existent cash flow, on our lives……….;

Right about now, most of us are staring, doe-eyed, into the moon wondering what just happened, and how could this happen in modern day America. Every economic analyst who has an audience is trying to explain the problem and give advice on how to cope with the problem. Most of them are out of touch with the average laid-off worker with no savings and a family to support. Their advice only works for the HAVES! They are increasing the great divide and not being helpful to most Americans, especially those of us who live on a fixed income, or who may have just lost everything to someone else’s greed.

I pondered this dilemma as I watched and listened to the financial reports. I then made some personal decisions which allowed me to pick myself up and brush myself off and to go on living a GREAT life. I resolved not to fall into their economics trap as they HANDLE the thinking of the masses. I am not a political person, I am not an active member of any political party. I vote for what works for me…….RIGHT NOW! What works for me, right now, is REFUSING! Let me explain:

• Refusing to feel poor! I’ve been broke a number of times, but I’ve never been poor.

• Refusing to give up my personal power! I am in charge of ME and I am in charge of CELEBRATIONS. I am expanding my economy.

• Refusing to put responsibility for my physical condition in someone else’s hands (even though I daily suffer the symptoms of a chronic dis-ease, and am aging faster than I would like).

• Refusing to listen to “nay-sayers”, who would belittle my faith.

• Refusing to become angry, over things that don’t matter AND things which do. Anger is not a solution. It prohibits a brain from solving the problem.

• Refusing to eat poorly, because of the budget. It is actually cheaper AND healthier to shop around the outside rows of a supermarket. It takes a little more effort to prepare meals, but your body will thank you for it.

• Refusing to allow my body to RUST. I will go outdoors and move around and absorb all the (vitamin D) “rays” I can.

• Refusing to succumb to the mindset of defeat! If I can’t control it, I will not worry about it.

As a New Years Resolution, this may be a bit late; however, this is the 1^st day of the rest of MY LIFE, so here goes:

I RESOLVE to be happy and healthy and use my full potential in every matter. I will continue to practice my singing and musical instruments and perform my dog and horse training regularly. I will love my life and my garden into full bloom. I will read and study a new language and NEVER be bored. I will celebrate whenever I feel like it and share the JOY with everyone I meet. I will Breathe Deeply, Love Fully, Laugh Heartily and always walk BETWEEN other peoples raindrops.

I WISH Love, Hugs and Laughter to all who read this! “JOARLINE” www.joarline.com

Joarline is a semi-retired music teacher and Global Wellness Facilitator, who lives and loves in Skull Valley. ~

www.joarline.com