Life always presents challenges.  But you don’t need to read that from me to know it’s true.  Without a doubt, we’ve all had our moments of feeling like we’re on the brink of total doom and permanent darkness.  But even in an economic climate like this, where we all grow weary of frequent news of companies slashing jobs, there are some positive benefits for all of us.

Once again, it’s worth noting that I am a die-hard optimist.  I’m not sure how that came about, but I think it’s just my nature – I can’t remember a time in my life where I didn’t think that at some point things would turn a corner and get better.  It seems to me that the problem with being perpetually negative is that you end up relishing the bad times – you enjoy when things go as badly as you thought because it means you were right.  I’m sure my optimism probably annoys people who prescribe to the the doom-and-gloom prophecies of the future.  But even despite my continually, and admittedly perhaps frustratingly positive outlook on the future, I think there are at least three extremely positive things about this economic downturn that are worth reflecting on:

1. We’re no longer on a path unsustainable consumption to the point of both environmental and societal collapse.  Most people, even the extremely wealthy, are taking a moment to think a little more than they used to about their purchase and their needs, as well as their own personal responsibilities.  Hopefully this will snap us out of the narcissistic self-entitlement complex that seems to have a strong grip on society, especially American society amongst those of us who fall into the Gen X and Gen Y category.  Having a strong economy, strong country, etc. is all very important.  And I do believe that the principles of capitalism are truly the only way to have a free and just society.  But we’re all humans, and we all deserve to be treated like humans.  There is no question that we all should be entitled to our own pursuit of happiness, but we also all deserve to be treated with full dignity and respect.  That means that none of us ought to feel more entitled than the other, regardless of current or potential economic status, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, gender or race.
2. Almost everyone in the world is feeling and seeing the effects of this economic downturn.  It takes global situations like these to help remind us that we’re all a part of the same fabric.  Many of us have lived our entire adult lives in times of relative prosperity and wealth.  It’s hard for those of us with that perspective to empathize with those in less fortunate circumstances.  In both existential and economic terms, we’re inextricably linked to one another, and this worldwide environment helps remind us all of that.  Being reminded of this every so often helps put everything in perspective.
3. The downturn can’t and won’t last forever.  There have been times in both American and world history where we have faced these kinds of challenges and overcome them.  Once the economy begins to recover, there will be an open opportunity for everyone to find their own path to prosperity.  Our careers, our daily work, even our perspective on what makes life a worthwhile experience may change, but there will be new opportunities.  It’s a good reason for us all to pay close attention to how things unfold over the next few months, perhaps even years: it’s not clear when or how the economy might recover, but when it does there will be exciting and lucrative possibilities for many of us.

Here’s to a better future for the world and humanity as a whole.  May it benefit us all.

Filed under: General