Keep Calm and Carry On

By now, you've probably seen this poster in one form or another; reproductions of Britain's Ministry of Information posters during WWII. My favorite rendition is Maira Kalman's from her book, The Principles of Uncertainty. It's no wonder this image has become popular in recent months with the constant influx of economic information streaming to us 24/7. If only the media would take the meaning to heart.

I was listening to The Diane Rehm show on NPR and, yet again, they were discussing the economy. At one point, before a break, Diane said something to the effect of "More bad news to come. Of course, there are plenty of good things happening, too. Many people are still employed and going on with their normal routines." I commend her for actually stating that yes, for many, things are just as they were. I blame corporate media for creating a mass consciousness of negative thinking which only compounds the problem.

Yes, many have lost jobs and many businesses are failing--even a few of my friends have been RIFed. ( A year ago I didn't even know what RIF was--turns out it means Reduction in Force—it's also interesting that if you rearrange the letters in RIFed you get FIRED.)

However, despite all of this, I'd like to suggest an influx of positivity and hope. Many people are still carrying on just as before and even starting new businesses and growing current ones. (I'll be posting samples of some of our new clients' work this week.)
The crazy thing is that we don't get to hear many of these stories, and a lot of people are feeling guilty if they aren't experiencing economic trouble—how sadly ridiculous. Instead of using guilt to express your empathy, I suggest we all try being positive. I am a true believer that positive energy attracts positive energy and have been trying my best to infuse my own 'tonic' of goodness into the world . . .

I've found the best way to do this is:

• Take a break from all news . . . 24 hours, a week, a morning, whatever you can handle.
• Make a list of 10 things you are thankful for
• If someone mentions the economy, just nod, and quickly change the subject. Or counter with one of your 10 things you are thankful for.
• Smile—a simple, free and powerful tool.
• Keep Calm and Carry On.