Just a LITTLE more help please

Believe it or not I was always good with numbers ~ I guess it’s like that old adage about the shoemaker’s kid’s shoes always being in the worst shape!  I am fascinated with the likes of Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman.  Their messages are great but I never really heard them address the Season of BROKE.  We all agree that there are policies and programs out there to help the recently unemployed and sometimes even those who find themselves needing benefits in year two.  But what really happens when ALL the benefits run out?  Obviously Dave & Suze tell you how to stop spending or how to cut back BUT if you have nothing to spend in the first place or cut back as much as you can, then what?  I wonder if they “get it” do they REALLY understand that sometimes there is just no more?

If you believe as I do that we are not broken ONLY going through The Season of BROKE, then I recommend tuning in to their shows when possible.  Remember, we are only going through The Season of BROKE, and like all seasons this too shall pass.  Their guidance on where to place your money and who to pay once the funds start rolling in is a key element in today’s world.

Listening to their programs made me realize that in the grand scheme of things I am probably not that broke.  Now that was hard to say!  (you should see my roots!!)  My house was never in jeopardy of being lost and my monthly utility bills are always paid on time thanks to a hard working husband who took on three jobs to make that happen.  Often times I hear people call in to Dave or Suze about foreclosure or bankruptcy and hear the responses to their questions – again all good sound advice.  Still there seems to be a void in their message – what about people like me?..living paycheck to paycheck, praying that no major appliance breaks or worse yet the car.  What about all of us who no longer have a savings and look forward to the Sunday circulars hoping the groceries we need are on sale?  As long as the credit card companies and banks are allowed to continue to hammer us for every last cent we have, our Season of Abundance seems further and further away.  So, who is there to guide us?  A little help please would be nice…maybe we could get a “class action bailout” for all of us in this season…

Don’t confuse BROKE with broken…

It’s easy to be in denial when you are facing tough times.  A friend once told me that in order to be on the path to “making yourself right” you have to really be BROKE.  As hard as it sounds it was definitely true and a good lesson to learn.  I don’t wish this horrible Season of BROKE on anyone but if you find yourself in it, I hope you also find a way to see that it can make you a better person.  

During this season you may find yourself recognizing your “past faults” in others.  It will be easy to jump to criticize them but they may never understand why you are so persistent.  Be honest and explain (unless the are a NUITA type) that you used to take things for granted and are healing from the aftermath of a sudden loss.  If they are decent, they will understand.  If they are NUITA types they will never get it.  Either way know that sharing your story with them is a step out of denial and a step into a simpler (more appreciative) life.

Also note that admitting to your own past faults can be a huge accomplishment.  You may find yourself with a renewed sense of self-esteem and self-worth (no pun intended).  It will feel like you have wind beneath your wings and you will soon find yourself soaring.  When that happens you will know that you are on the road to abundance and that you are learning how to weather this storm!

…you are seeing that light at the end of the tunnel albeit dim…

Keep the FAITH

Having faith and keeping it in the forefront of your mind is KEY when you are going through rough seasons.  For me spending quiet time helps me make it through some days.  I rarely watch TV, other than Bravo of course (and I am even starting to watch that less and less – all that screaming and hollering makes my skin crawl anymore!) 

I find that, while quiet, I learn patience and trust in the Lord.  Knowing that I have HIM on my side is the only explanation I need.  Preparing for the Season of Abundance can be exhilarating and exciting.  I found that dreaming of happier times and replaying what my life will be like when my Season of Abundance merges makes my days so much easier.  It’s ok to have a plan as long as in the end we realize that God is in control of this situation.  I felt that truly believing THAT is what helped me to forgive so freely.  In the words of Joel Osteen, “God is fighting my battles…”  I wouldn’t want to be on the short end of that stick!!

Speaking of Joel, whether you like him or not, you can’t deny that his message of HOPE is very meaningful in today’s world.  Be it Joel, or others like him, if you are going to get out of the Season of BROKE, be humbled by it and learn a lesson from it, then it’s wise to begin to listen to what they have to say.  They will prepare you for Season of Abundance.  We don’t know when it’s going to arrive so I think it’s a good idea to stay prepared and hopeful for when it does.

Anybody can listen to negative stuff!  It’s all around us.  It’s easy, isn’t it, to fall right into the middle of that vortex?  Standing stern, holding your head up high and turning away from unconstructive dialogue can be the KEY ingredient to how you will weather this storm.

BROKE not stupid!

Looking for alternatives to get out of your current Season can be a task in and of itself.  I think of myself as a bright person but admit that I may not think clearly when looking for opportunities that will jump start my Season of Abundance.  Vowing never to work in an office again (btw did you see they just released a movie about me “Mean Bosses!!?”)  I researched many prospects for sources of income.  Did you know there is even a magazine out there about these “instant streams of money?”  Having been burnt a couple times over the last few years, I have become a bit of skeptic.  While making money from the comfort of my own home sounded appealing, I decided to put some of them to the test.

In my opinion:

I found most of those companies that will pay you to stuff, seal or make anything sound too good to be true because they are.  After researching them I found many complaints of non-payment and upfront costs that suddenly appeared a month or two into the business…not for me

While there may be many good MLM companies out there, it seems that because of the “poor” economy, “Season of Brokers” are signing on with these companies faster the company can keep up, causing a bit of chaos at the influx of business, causing the company to lose (or at least put on the back burner) their core values.  Compromise.  I believe that’s the word that would best describe this group!

Direct Selling has always been near and dear to my heart.  I grew up with my mom having her fair share of Tupperware Parties back in the day.  I experimented with a few companies over the years and came across one that boasted something I never heard before (despite this politically correct world we live in) – a Christian-based company.  I liked the stuff, my friends like the stuff and the prices were right so I gave it a try.  14 years later I still find them to be true to their word and better yet, true to their Mission Statement.  Their new plan helps the newbie reap rewards from the day she signs on the dotted line!  They have heart and they practice what they preach!

Not all direct selling companies are the same however.  While many of us are in the Season of BROKE, it seems companies are jumping on the “Christian” bandwagon to make their company look more appealing.  Let’s face it.  When you are in the Season of BROKE you tend to see things more through your Faith.  Corporate America is not stupid!  They capitalized on that notion and pulled at our heartstrings.  Amazed that there were so many Christian companies out there, I had to delve further.  The biggest shocker to me (not really) was that Christian did not always mean the same thing to each business owner.  Moreover claiming you are a Christian company did not always mean that the powers that be and staff even acted Christian-like. 

When combined – MLM with direct selling – a whole new animal surfaces.  They are not even sure what to call themselves yet but I can tell you, from experience that it is not “pretty!”  Competition is not a bad thing but GREED is something entirely different.  I felt there was more greed than competition and confusion about being generous vs. being giving.

Lessons learned.  Remember MONEY DOES NOT MAKE YOU WHO YOU ARE.  Do not jump at the first opportunity that sounds good.  Research it.  If you have to shell out a lot of money (over $50) in the beginning, is it really worth it?  Do they care at that point if you succeed or not?  They have your mini investment right? (honestly I heard of a couple companies that charge $500 or more to get started!)  Talk to people who do it.  Ask for information to be sent to you.  If it’s full of typos and the “recruiter” is calling you 10 times in one day, it is likely not the opportunity for you.  Have FAITH and above all remember THE SEASON OF BROKE is JUST a season.  Abundance is right around the corner...

BRAVO!

I admit it.  I’m addicted.  I used to be a “closet watcher” but now I find like-minded people wherever I go who are equally addicted!  The funny thing is when I was in a management position for years, years ago, it wasn’t appropriate to share with your staff that your favorite movies was “A Devil Wears Prada!”  So maybe I had a trait or two from time to time but WHAT THE HECK!!  Bravo has an entire network now with women flipping tables, gay guys flipping out and matriarchs knowing it all!!  As usual, I was way ahead of my time!! lol

I don’t know what the attraction is to the Bravo Network.  I find myself watching the same episodes over and over again just to make sure I didn’t accidentally miss one second.  Truth be told I don’t like the drama.  I think I like that fact that as bad as it seems here, things could be a lot worse.  Maybe being in the Season of BROKE isn’t so bad after all.  I may be broke (for now) but I still have my sanity and integrity.

Watching Bravo makes my husband crazy.  If he hears it, he immediately lectures on how these people are far from REAL and how this is NOT reality.  It made me think…I will be the first to say I don’t like to admit when he is right, but maybe just this time I have to give him the pass.  I watched as HOUSEWIVES battled it out over makeup lines, fashion shows, purse swatches and branding themselves on anything they could come in contact with. Then there were cook books, recipes and clothing.  I believe the line was totally crossed with the singing but I am half-deaf after all so what do I know (Candi from Atlanta excluded)! 

So in this world of REAL TV I wondered why no one has decided to address the Season of being BROKE.  Is it not sexy enough?  Maybe it won’t sell books or help ratings?  It does seem like the REAL just seem to be getting more and wealthier, doesn’t it?  You can’t turn on any channel anymore without seeing one of them endorsing something or on the cover of a magazine.  Wouldn’t it be interesting to see Vicky clip coupons or Phaedra to wait for the weekly grocery circulars, LuAnn to balance a checkbook or Mary to run out of gas (now you know I can’t pick on my NJ gals!).  Now that’s REAL!!  What’s REAL for some will never be REAL to others.  Don’t get me wrong.  I don’t know what I would do without Bravo.  Some days though I want to call it what it is - NOT REAL, just entertainment!  I can’t wait for the new episodes!!

Same BANK - new COURTESY (lol)

Did you know?  that banks (at least THIS one) mail you those bills to pay your mortgage
AS A COURTESY?  I can't make this stuff up!!!  That's what they said when I mistakenly missed my FIRST payment ever.  "You should know when it's due" they said, "we only mail you that bill as a reminder to pay it ~ you DO remember signing the paperwork all those years ago, right?  with the due date each month on it?"

Whether you find yourself in The Season of BROKE or not, everyone makes a mistake once in a lifetime!  Is this BANK serious????  I know a LOT of people who are unemployed.  I think I should be the new recruiter to replace all those morons who lack customer service skills with people who really NEED and appreciate a steady paycheck!

What say YOU??

INSPIRED

Just a few thoughts that helped me through this Season...

• If your mind does not SEE the future it will replay the past.  Why not take time today to reflect on your future.  Dare to dream about something that you have "always wanted to do" but never had the time or energy.  Then set the plans in motion to DO IT!!  Hey, if I can learn how to write a blog, YOU can do anything!  SHARE your story with me.  I would love to hear from you!!  I am often asked "what inspires me?"  My response "YOU."

You can't keep a good person down.  YOU are a good person just going through a tough time.  Some will "get it" some will not.  It doesn't matter.  YOU now know that this is just temporary, like all seasons...

ENJOY your day.