Turn hard times into opportunities

By Colleen O'Callaghan-Miele

Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009 | midnight

Welcoming the New Year was bittersweet.

With the aftermath of last year's financial downturn of the real estate, construction and banking industry came a distinct sullenness for those in our valley who found themselves financially inverted, unemployed or homeless. The sweetness is it's a time of awareness, a newness and rejuvenation to look at each day of this year as the "Last Day of Forever."

Each year, I embrace the new year with a vigorous, dynamic and effective mind set to be all that I can be to my God, self, family, close friends, partners and those in need because they are who keep me strong when facing life's challenges.

This year, with so many in our community being without jobs or homes, I am optimistic and encourage you to trust that life is good and we all can have a fruitful new year. There is one catch, and that is this new year will require some minor changes to our mind set.

This year for some may require embracing and incorporating past years' philosophical lifestyles.

Recently I had lunch with a partner and reflected on the 60s, where less was more. It was a time when we all lived in the moment. Peace, love and happiness wasn't purchased or a tangible item but a state of mind. Spending time with your family (especially the grandchildren) and friends was the ultimate source of happiness. It was a time when volunteering was not only valued but a part of life, and volunteers were acknowledged for their talents and contribution to the betterment of oneself and his or her commitment to their community as a whole.

For those who have their job and home, I encourage you to volunteer your time just a couple of hours here and there to those who are in need of your time and energy. Trust me, you will reap great rewards.

For those who are in need, what appears to be a misfortune finding themselves out of work or struggling this year could very well be a wondrous opportunity.

Think about this: Not everyone will be given the opportunity to make new decisions, change direction or launch a new venture. Use this time to take stock and inventory and use it to your advantage.

At a time when one could feel at a loss or disadvantage, research recommends that you maintain a regular schedule and daily routine.

Keeping "office hours" will help maintain a feeling of control and can be personally empowering. Get up at a time as you would if you worked. Check e-mail, job sites and read the paper. Dress and leave your house as you would if you were working.

Distribute your resumes at places or agencies you would like to be employed. Look at temporary jobs until you get the job you want. Return home at the same time each day. In order to find a job, you must treat the day as if you had one.

Be opened-minded to all options. You might find that you like a job that you might have never otherwise considered.

A perfect example is our beloved Ronald Reagan. Being turned down for a job at Montgomery Ward was one of many setbacks that moved him onto a path that eventually led to his becoming president of the United States. In the book "American Life: The Autobiography," he wrote, "I've often wondered at how lives are shaped by what seem like small and inconsequential events, how an apparently random turn in the road can lead you a long way from where you intended to go — and a long way from wherever you expected to go."

Decide how and what you want to do at this point and perhaps for the rest of your life. When you reach this juncture in your life, work will no longer be just a job or a way to earn a paycheck. It is at this point that work becomes an exciting part of your daily living that will overflow into every aspect of your world.

Colleen O’Callaghan-Miele, co-publisher of the Home News, can be reached at 990-2653 or [email protected]. She writes a regular blog online at mcommv.blogspot.com.