As we search for a silver lining in this turbulent economic environment, one thing is for sure change is a comin’!  And right now, at this critical moment in time, we all have a choice.  We can choose to be victims of the storm and whine about how we’ve been done so wrong. Or, we can take the attitude to hang-10 and ride the wave (are you picturing the kid on the surfboard?) in order to get yourself to a better place.

When this economic storm passes (and it will!) why not be a better YOU on the other side.  Here are my thoughts on ways to ignite some change for the better.

1)      Sleep on the other side of your bed. 

2)      As you approach the other side of your bed, make a commitment to hit the floor for 10 good old- fashion push-ups and 10 sit-ups before calling it a night. It may become habit forming.

3)      Tantalize your taste buds – go to a foreign market and prepare something that looks interesting.  

4)      Laugh more. Go to comedy clubs or rent comedy from your favorite movie rental hub.

5)      Locate adult education courses in your area and sign-up for something – - anything that you’ve never done before.

6)      Commit to stopping bad language habits.  Saying ‘yeh,” “ya know,” “huh” for example. Recruit someone to catch you in the act when you retreat to the bad habit.

7)      Go to a state park and walk along a nature trail.  It’s an amazing opportunity to experience life when you unplug and leave the electronic gadgets at home (at least in the car.) You may even allow yourself to hear all of those creative ideas you have in your head.

      Go to a bookstore on a Friday or Saturday night.  You are sure to find something of interest that will remind you that reading is a good thing.

9)      Contact your local literacy agency to volunteer your time and share the eternal gift of reading.