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Don’t Roll Over And Play Dead: Be Your Own Money Hero
Welcome back!
By Kalinda Rose Stevenson, PhD.
One of the enduring beliefs in American society is that people can pull themselves up by their bootstraps and succeed if they work hard and persevere.
Today, the Associated Press published an article that claims that people are losing faith in this belief. It asks the question: “Is everything spinning out of control?”
“The can-do, bootstrap approach embedded in the American psyche is under assault. Eroding it is a dour powerlessness that is chipping away at the country’s sturdy conviction that destiny can be commanded with sheer courage and perseverance.” (Read the whole article at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25311529/ )
There are many reasons to feel powerless. The news is full of heart-wrenching stories about 500 year floods, massive earthquakes, and devastating typhoons.
The economic news consists of more bad news after bad news. Gas prices are over $4.00. The price of corn has reached $8 a bushel. A loaf of good bread will set you back another $4.00.
Meanwhile, the biggest banks are laying off employees. Foreclosed houses sit on the market. People lose equity in their homes.
At times like these, it is easy to be discouraged and to lose heart. And these are the times when it is especially important to choose the hero’s path rather than to sit on the couch and lament how bad it is.
These are the times when a hero takes on the challenge to act when acting requires courage and determination in the face of many obstacles.
In one of my favorite hero’s journey stories, the silly/profound movie, “Joe Versus The Volcano,” Joe makes the statement. “I am my only hope for a hero.”
Don’t let yourself be swamped by bad news. And don’t look outside yourself for a hero to rescue you. This is the time to be your own hero about money.
