I recently went to Atlanta to attend the Author 101 University. The highlight as always was meeting amazing people. Also lots of very valuable content and an “AHA” moment that even in the down economy some people are making a lot of money!

Talking about the down economy, I have to admit that everywhere I go people seem to be a lot more preoccupied, stressed, and fearful – understandingly so!

On the other hand feelings such as fear, panic, anxiety, being overwhelm, resentful or hurt are only adding to the problem.

So what to do?

Remember it is not what happens to us that determines how we feel; it is our interpretation of those events. Nothing and no one can make you feel anything you do not chose or allow yourself to feel.

Saying that, it is perfectly OK to feel the feelings described above as long as you stay in control. You decide how long you want to feel down and when it is time for you to refocus and to start recreating your life as you want it to be.

When my muscles hurt after doing exercise I am happy because I know that this pain means I am getting physically stronger. When I go through emotional pain I learned to appreciate it in the same way because I know that it is making me stronger and wiser.

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” Eleanor Roosevelt

ACTION

• Be grateful and remind yourself that everything happens for the better (even if you are not aware of it yet).
• Don’t be too proud to ask for help.
• Surround yourself with positive and uplifting people; read motivational books; listen to inspirational presentations. Yes, there is a lot of negativity in the world now but there is just as much positivity out there. It is up to you what you focus on.
• Believe in yourself, you are stronger than you think!

To your success!

Masha Malka

Click HERE to listen to Masha being interviewed by Sharmen Lane for her popular Success Made Simple Radio Program.

Click HERE to watch the video of Masha and David Hancock in Atlanta

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I have to admit that these are quite difficult times for so many of us. What has been secure, familiar, and comfortable is being replaced by unfamiliar and uncomfortable otherwise referred to as changes. When you are in the midst of it all, it is difficult to remember that everything happens for the better and as it should. It is easy however to feel frustrated, disappointed, and all alone.

Let me remind you, with the following parable, that you are never alone and that the best way to feel better about something is to help someone else through it.

… A man died and went to Heaven. As he entered the gates of Heaven, God asked him, “Do you have any final wishes before you spend the rest of eternity in Heaven?” The man replied, “Yes, I’d like to see what Hell is like, so that I can fully appreciate Heaven.”

Instantaneously God granted his wish, and they found themselves in Hell. The man witnessed the most unusual scene. There was a long banquet table with an abundance of delicious looking food; yet, the people who were sitting on both sides of the table seemed grumpy, miserable, and very hungry.

“Why do these people look so hungry and unhappy, with all this food around them?” asked the man. God replied, “Because they can only use ten-foot chopsticks to eat from the table.” The man felt sorry for the people and was ready to go back to Heaven.

Upon entering Heaven, the man noticed a very similar scene, with a long table piled high with delicious food; however, the people around that table seemed completely satisfied and happy!

“Wow, what a difference!” said the man. “I guess in Heaven people are allowed to use knives and forks?” “No” replied God. “In Heaven, we also use ten-foot chopsticks”. Completely confused, the man asked, “So, why are these people so happy and content?”

“Because in Heaven we feed each other!” replied God.

ACTION:

I find that when I feel down, the best way to feel better is to find someone who is going through a similar crisis and cheer him or her up.

At the same time if you feel you need help do not feel uncomfortable asking for it. Unconditional receiving is just as important as unconditional giving.

Be kind to yourself and others. As Mother Teresa points out, “Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.”

In many parts of the world the economy is not doing that great and many people are fearful about the uncertainty of their future and the state of current affairs. Many people expressed to me how difficult it is nowadays to find clients, to pay their bills, and to stay level-headed…

At the same time for every 8 people who complain about the bad economy, there are 2 people who are excited about it! They see it as an opportunity – they attract more clients than ever, make more money and enjoy more time off.

What is the difference?

The difference is in the mindset! Remember, it is not what happens to us that affects us – it is our reaction to it – the way WE interpret and explain it to ourselves!

If you say to yourself, “It is impossible to charge that much money for my services in this bad economy and expect people to pay it”; or “Everyone is loosing money these days”; or “If I lose my job now, how will I pay my bills and what will happen to my family?”; and so on…

These kinds of thoughts surface from our fears. When we operate from the state of FEAR we feel insecure, unhappy, angry, frustrated, and unfortunately much more likely to fulfill our own prophecy!

What if instead you told yourself what the 20% of people who are thriving no matter what, say to themselves? Statements such as

• “I know that no matter what happens to me, I will come up on top!”
• “This is a perfect time to invest”
• “This is the time when people more than ever need my services”
• “I am lucky to do what I do and I bring great value to my customers”
• “I feel valued”
• “I am grateful for all that is good in my life”
• “I am grateful for all the opportunities that are coming my way”

“Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told, “I am with you kid. Let’s go.” Maya Angelou

ACTION:

1. Ask yourself, “What am I feeling right now?”

The way you feel right now and on a regular basis has to do with what YOU say to yourself not with what actually happens to you.

1. Remind yourself that positive expectations followed by consistent focused action give you a lot more chances to create the life that you want than living in fear and negativity (even when you have good reasons for it).

“People who live happy and fulfilling lives are those who know what they want and do not settle for anything less than that!” Masha Malka