Economy Is A State Of Mind May 6, 2008

I’ll be the first to admit that I have trouble with some of the Law of Attraction concepts and of course, typically when “bad” things happen. It really has been a rough year. I have named it “The Year of Car-tastrophes” ~ or “Lemons Squirt A Lot Of Gas.” Not very long ago, I allowed myself to get into such a paranoid state that I was literally living in fear and anxiety all the time.

Just when I needed them, the Divas at Divapreneur showed up in my life. The group energy and support helped me pull myself out of what was becoming a very dark place into the sunshine again. They lifted me up, and I soon realized that this was no way to live. I literally became sick to my stomach after a trip to the grocery store one evening and it had to stop. I became determined to be positive no matter what and to let go of those feelings of doom. I remembered the message of Hummingbird – that which seems impossible can be achieved. Around the time that I made this decision, I read a very inspiring blog by Diva Michelle Pippin She has given me permission to post an excerpt from her blog at Divapreneur:

…SO, although I do not profess to be any sort of economist … I did a bit of research and will report to you just the cold, hard facts!! (Information taken directly from the following sources : ‘A Marketers Guide to Discretionary Income’, Consumer Research Center and Dan Kennedy’s No BS newsletter)
** In November 2007, retailers posted their greatest gains in 6 months.
** For the entire year of 2007, both retail and wholesale revenues of US Businesses were up vs. 2006.
** Black Friday shoppers in 2007 turned out in bigger numbers and spent MORE than in previous year.
** the number of households with discretionary income (not required for essentials) increased from 57 – million in 2002 to 73-million in 2007.

Her point is that the media has led us to believe that the economy is much worse than it actually is. The Law of Attraction would translate this as the population creating a failing economy because we believe that’s what is happening.

Immediately after I made a commitment to my decision, my son called to say that he’d gotten his tax refund and I could get my car out of the shop. A neighbor got a fancy new digital camera and gave me his old one – which is fairly new and a good brand name. I received an e-mail this morning that one of my Cafe Press shops, which I’ve had for about five years now, made a sale – and I’ve found quite a bit of change and a pair of safety glasses (which I need for wire cutting and rock hammering) in my “new” car.

I am crystal clear about my desire to leave my day job and build my business to live the life of my dreams. Michelle also said:

Bottom line: While I recognize (and have felt) the changes in our “slowing” economy, your business can still be successful and ride out the tide. Research shows that, contrary to the media’s portrayal of consumer debt and everyone being broke, consumer spending continues climbing and money will continue to move from place to place, industry to industry, just as it always does. So, let’s stop complaining about the “pinch at the pump” and see where we can ADD value while creating a living that makes us say “WOW”!! =)

I completely agree, and reflected upon whether this was a good time to start a business in another post, Blooming Where You Are Planted.

I grew up in the working class and did not know of a single family member who had ever had their own business. No one ever told me that I could have my own business. I didn’t become acquainted with that idea until I was around 30, and it just wasn’t part of my belief system. I didn’t have a dream for my life and didn’t know how to create one. It’s taken a long time, but I know what my dream is and I finally believe that I can and will achieve it.

It’s not about the money anymore. It’s about loving what I do and sharing ideas and supporting other women in business. We often work hard and long hours before seeing any financial return and it’s hard to hang in there until it comes. And it will come, but so many of us give up just a few minutes before it happens. I’m already seeing a return in the new friends I’ve made and even some material things that are flowing my way. I have literally “made up my mind” that I will not get in the way of that flow with my thoughts and attitudes ever again.

In addition to my art and jewelry, I’ve chosen companies that offer the opportunity for success to other women – Jafra and Barefoot Parties. I’ve also had a lot of fun posting Zazzle products around the site as an associate. I may not make much money from that, but I enjoy helping the artists who created the products and having something beautiful to show my visitors. If people never buy a thing from me but learn how to sculpt, build a business, saved or made some money through one of the affiliate links or are inspired from something I’ve shared, I consider myself well rewarded.

This is a lot longer than I had intended it to be, so I’ll stop now. Michelle also placed a wonderful inspirational audio on the site today, Don’t Ring The Bell, Divas!

I’m not sure if you can listen to it if you’re not a member at Divapreneur. If you need an invitation, please send me an e-mail through the contact link on the website.

Have a beautiful day,

Parthena

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