I am noticing it everywhere. On the people in my office. in business partners. Clientele. Early morning television presenters.
The neighbors.
The shock has worn off and reality has set in: we are now in a new place.
At first, some of us were on the verge of panic. Total shock and disbelief at what had happened to our economy. And then other countries. Incredulous at the collapse of Bear Stearns and then Lehman, the news of failing corporations and banks asking for money, we now drop nicknames like TARP off our tongues as easily as we drop iPods or Blackberries (there haven’t been many). years since these two came off the shelves you know); and understand how derivatives and credit default swaps work almost as much as we understand how furnaces heat our homes or oil lubricates our engines. Bernie Madoff? A family name. The same goes for John Thain, Ken Lewis and Jeffrey Immelt.
Incredible.
So this is our new normal. And some parts are absolutely wonderful (OK. Not the Madoff part. But he’s in jail now).
I think it’s wonderful that people are taking more responsibility for their personal finances. They are questioning the way their money is handled. They are beginning to understand what they own and why they own it.
I think it’s wonderful that the age of selfish indulgence is at least temporarily suspended. A fun story on NPR this morning chronicled the lessons a young woman is learning about coping with these new times. And she lamented giving up her daily five-word, multi-dollar Starbucks for a generic brand she makes at home. poor thing I’m serious. What have we come to? My own mother in her late eighties has never enjoyed a cup of Starbucks on her own nickel. And she didn’t know what to do with the corrugated cardboard sleeve when I gave her one!
I think it’s wonderful that we’re finally starting to look at price tags when we buy clothes. That it’s suddenly back in style to wear “gently used” suits or carry leather bags bought at your local thrift store.
That we are questioning the need for gadgets when we know full well that simple tools and appliances usually work. That flashy, expensive cars don’t really get us where we need to go any more reliably than standard models. That dinners at home are usually more nutritious than dinners out.
I think it’s wonderful for families to help family members who have been temporarily displaced out of work and homeless. Take the adult children and their children. Contributing as families have always collaborated.
2009 is going to be one of recalibration. Whether you realize you’re doing it or not, you’re changing something in the way you do things. You are doing one of the above. Or you are rethinking your line of work. Or your spring break travel plans. Or your summer vacation. Or the colleges on your family’s wish list. Or your eating patterns and entertainment habits. Your driving routines. Dry cleaning needs. I have realized in my many daily conversations with clients and friends: we are coming to accept this new reality as that. It is our new reality. So we better smile and make the most of it.
Recalibrate. In order to better serve you and your family’s needs. Or your clients or clients. Your professional integrity or the likelihood of ensuring longevity in your line of work. Recalibrate to preserve your physical and mental health. To save yourself. Recalibrate to regain your spiritual orientation. To become centered.
Recalibration. That is what awaits us in 2009. For all of us. Whether we want it or realize it. But not.
Recalibration holds tremendous opportunities for blessings and growth! I hope you start looking for them, reach out to other people who can help you find them, and discover something new about life. About yourself.
