Managing our lives

Stress being a code word for fear, it's little wonder these days we hear so many people talking about how stressed they are.

Will I lose my savings?

What about the investments I have made?

Will I lose my house if things don't turn around?

What if...?

And it continues from there.

During 2008 there were many what-ifs to worry about ... live in fear of.

For instance, there has been the protracted rollercoaster ride where

investments are concerned.

We heard of pensioners being walloped, and hard, mainly, because up to the past 12 months there was nothing wrong with being a little adventurous in the market place.

For many, the pages of that chapter have closed ... and quite decisively.

For others, especially families, this past year has proved to be a pretty steep climb, as members have wrestled with everything from the lack of employment to jobs that have meant parents having to spend a considerable amount of their time outside the province and away from their families.

Then there were/ are the almost nightly news accounts of escalating problems for communities with respect to alcohol, drugs, and violence.

And what more can be said about what has come out at the Cameron

Inquiry? A sad state of affairs.

That people feel put upon, live in fear of where things will be tomorrow is understandable.

Regardless of the assurances given, they seek an immediate fix; yet, where some problems are concerned and the concomitant fears quick fixes just won't happen.

Understanding, patience and resiliency are the best cards to hold as the nuances of strife/ fear/ stress play out.

As we head into the new year, there should be the intent on the part of everyone to check past habits, and try and hold a little in reserve for the new dawn.

For instance, where the economy is concerned, translation of what we are hearing is that the sun will eventually shine although, according to economists, current conditions aren't about to change all that soon.

Therefore, one would be wise to be strategic in the way we do things and how we commit ourselves.

For the most part, problems are the consequence of the ebb and flow of daily habits.

In checking what we do, spending a little more time understanding and underscoring the disciplines of life, the end result may be a little more manageable.

Of course, this applies across the board not only for individuals but for small and large institutions and all levels of government.

Process is a changeable, and much depends on individual and group intent.

As society is made up of individuals and groups, the extent of the impact can be immediate, long term ... much depending on how we see things happening, the very choices we make.

Worried about your investments?

Seek advice, make decisions, and move on.

Stressed out in the work place?

Be determined to make a difference, if only for your own life.

Concerned about crime?

As a very minimum, support your local police detachment.

On and on it goes

If stress is actually fear, do something about it. At the very least call it for what it is.

Basically, it boils down to managing your own life, not allowing others to do it for you.

Otherwise, what you fear you could inherit.

It's called self-fulfilling prophecy.

Ron Ennis, Managing Editor