Article by Mary Bea Sullivan

Let’s face it, fear, doom and gloom still seems to pervade our societal consciousness.  Yes … we hear from the news pundits and Washington that the recession is over … but how can that be while we continue to lose jobs, unemployment is sky high, and Wall Street is rewards companies for “economizing” by further workforce reductions?  Enough of my soapbox!

With the current state of things, what can we do to combat a case of the “Economic Blues”?  As one who can be susceptible to this insidious disease, here are four incredible remedies that have helped …

Give Back

Find someone, or an organization we care about and offer our talents in a meaningful way.  It’s amazing how healing it can be to “get outside ourselves.”  Besides, we need to do something with all of that time we used to spend shopping.

Be Grateful

Count your blessings.  Mom knew what she was talking about.  Keep a gratitude journal by starting or ending your day making a list of people/places … anything for which you are grateful.  Just last week I heard the story of a woman who found her way back from a deep depression, and one of the tools that helped her was grabbing a journal and writing about what was good in her life, before her feet even hit the floor.

Prayer

You can use Anne Lamott’s favorite prayer, “HELP ME! HELP ME!” … or perhaps a version of the Julian of Norwich prayer: “All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”  I have found ranting cathartic at times, and I hope I am right in my belief that God can take it.  Make it your own prayer, the important part is to take time to be still with God and remember that no matter what happens, we are not alone.

Laugh

Call a friend who is sure to make you smile.  Add comedies to your Netflix cue.  Check out a funny book at the library. (I just finished Lamb: the Gospel according to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal.  This book is hysterical, but for those who like a sanitized Jesus I must warn you, this book is highly irreverent.  I also hope I am right in believing Jesus has a sense of humor!)

The economy is unsettling and downright frightening for many people.  I wonder if we can draw any strength from courageous friends who have inspired us by the way they faced a serious medical diagnosis.  What is it about their responses that inspire us?  For me, it is their ability to find meaning in the muck, laugh in spite of fear and pain, and their laser-sharp clarity about what is truly valuable.

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.  For I am the Lord, your God.”

-Isaiah 43:2-3 (NLT)

Mary Bea Sullivan is the author of Dancing Naked Under the Moon - Uncovering the Wisdom Within, a compelling story about her pilgrimage toward wholeness.  She facilitates spiritual retreats and workshops for women’s groups and faith communities.  Mary Bea lives with her husband, Malcolm Marler, and their yellow (white really) lab, Daisy on Smith Lake in Alabama. For more information about Mary Bea Sullivan and her work, please visit www.MaryBeaSullivan.com.

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