Happy New Year!

It is the beginning of the year, and most of us are feeling uneasy about the economy. We may have had to cut back on some of the things we like to do, such as visiting restaurants regularly or hitting the cinema a couple of times a week. We might be experiencing some heavy-duty budgeting in order to make ends meet. However, while the economic downturn over the last year has created hard times for many of us, there are actually some positives that have come out of it.

First and foremost, having to give up our expensive daily latte and other frivolous purchases can instill within us a greater appreciation for other more substantial things like family, friends and good health. When we are pushed out of our comfort zone, interesting and even amazing things can happen.

Job losses, for example, even though they are very upsetting at the time, often push us into looking in new directions for our income. This can result in searching for new goals and more satisfying employment. After all, most people don't easily let go of old jobs and old habits, even though they may want to, until they are forced to make a change.

A sad fact that we cannot deny is that the unprecedented wealth of the last few decades has also been accompanied by unprecedented levels of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Plus, when the economy is flourishing, people tend to work harder and stress more, which has a negative effect on health. When we are forced to live on less, and sometimes even on one income, we tend to focus on the things that are more meaningful to us, to spend more time with our families and to focus on what we can do to take care of our bodies.

Unless financial stress is extremely severe, children also benefit from harder times. You may not be able to give them everything they want or take them everywhere they want to go, but you are likely to be in a position to give them something far more important – your time and attention.

During these tough times it is important to keep in mind that being faced with living on less and spending more time at home is balanced by increased opportunities to develop ourselves as well as spend precious time with those who are close to us.

Finally, How else would you know happy from sad? Sooner or later, youre gonna have to finally look back. And you'll look back and see, what happened in between. And you'll appreciate each and every single day. The pop of the cork, and the clink of the glasses, We toast to the future, and we drink to the past. It might not be easy, But nevertheless These are the best days of our lives. HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!