Before you embark on any journey, a roadmap is often used. It brings into vision the starting point and the destination, and usually a number of different options including which route to take to get from A to B. In normal economic times it may even have made perfect sense to drive without the map. When roads and weather are good and you have time on your side, there is sometimes nothing better than to relax and enjoy the ride…even taking a little detour for enjoyment. Today…financially…you need the map. The roads are getting a little slippery, the weather doesn’t look promising, and it looks as though travellers ought to perhaps change the original destination plan for a closer, safer one.

Taking the safe approach does not come naturally for those inclined to be reading this Wellness E-Zine. Adventurous, free-spirited, and driven to better ourselves in all areas of life, we naturally find times like the ones we find ourselves tough to swallow. Going forward in life, to individuals such as we are, means moving upward as well as forward. Today, this can still be the case. Now however, with the economic forecast being what it is from all corners of the globe, it is time to seek shelter for the night, readying ourselves for a brighter financial morning…and there will be a better morning.

How do we ready ourselves for uncertainty? The phrase itself seems an oxymoron. First and foremost, read everything you can, especially online and away from a mainstream media which has done a horrible disservice to millions around the globe as they continued (and some still continue) to insist along with the morally bankrupt we spoke of in the opening paragraph that, in essence, ‘everything’s fine’. For exceptional analysis of global economic events, I would recommend Mike Shedlock’s http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/, an excellent synopsis of daily events as they happen. Exceptional in that to date, he has been uncanny in his accurate prediction of the events we now see upon us. There are others as well that with some quick searching you can easily find…the point is, start gathering information from outside the mainstream.

Next, after looking at the information before you, begin to formulate a plan ‘A’, and a plan ‘B’, based on what you feel is likely forthcoming. You may not be correct in your first assumption…the reason for plan B. It is probably wise to formulate plan A with the hope that the economic uncertainty we are entering will be short-lived, and relatively mild. Having the second ‘just in case’ plan available gives you and your family additional peace of mind should the situation devolve into the dreaded ‘D’ word.

The first step in formulating any plan is to begin a series of family meetings. Discuss life priorities, values, and ‘must have’ budgetary items. Talk about those items and services that as a family or individually, you can do without. It is much better to discuss these things now, when times are at least relatively good. Having these discussions in the heat of a family budgetary crisis is not a good idea, and is easily avoided by holding discussions now. In these family meetings, be respectful of one another’s viewpoints. It may come as a surprise what your spouse or children may have written as ‘must have’ items, just as some of your ‘must haves’ will surprise them. It is always best to reach agreement by consensus, rather than issuing decrees based on what you feel is the right thing to do.

Hope is a powerful word. Especially for younger children, do not create an atmosphere of gloom and doom. If you and your family are healthy, that blessing ought to be acknowledged. It is also very important to recognize how valuable continuing a family wellness program is to both physical and emotional health. This is not the time to invest in the stock market…but it is the time to invest in a wellness program. The returns will not be measured in percentages, but rather in the ability to better manage the natural stresses that are the result of these times. If you are a member of a fitness club…stay a member. If you are not a member…think seriously about joining one. The results will be tangible on both a physical and emotional level, and will provide an outlet for you and your family that is inexpensive and fun...two words that will become music for your ears.

Lastly, keep life in balance. It is easy during these times to become a news ‘junkie’, but reading the news and fretting over it all day, every day will be no help, and it certainly won’t instill a sense of calm into your family. Get out and enjoy the sunshine, where the beauty isn’t dependent on where the stock market sits. Pack your bag and head to the gym, where you can blow off some steam in as little as 30 minutes. And most importantly, continue to spend time with family and friends, and your faith, recognizing that they are where your true wealth reside.