Making Lemonade

From great tragedy can come great success.  My heart and soul goes out to all those who are suffering as a result of Mother Nature rearing her powerful head.  Much like the image of a phoenix rising from the ashes, each of us can make the choice to rise out of tragedy in our own lives, whenever it strikes.

When one loses a corporate job, it can seem devastating, and that the world will crash down around us.  But nothing feels quite the same as when our homes are destroyed, our families separated, and mementos of our happiest moments are lost forever.  That's what  happens in a flood - I know it personally.

But open our eyes, and we will see the angels who arrive in our lives to help lift us up; the news headlines may talk about the devastation, but turn the page and you'll see on page 2 and 3 the stories of those whose hearts open; of those that take action and start coming to offer help from all around the globe.

If the loss of a corporate job has occurred as a result of a natural disaster, our government sometimes reaches into its pockets and finds money to help.  In this instance, that's to the tune of $15.25 billion in emergency funding, including $450 million for the Small Business Administration.  That usually funnels down in the way of low- or no-interest loans for start-ups and those rebuilding.  So if you have thought about starting up a business, now may be the time to do that.  Please see the Hurricane Harvey tab here on my website.

But one doesn't have to wait until Mother Nature takes everything from you.  Smaller changes in one's life can also thrust you forward - perhaps it's retirement.  Perhaps it's time to start generating an additional source of income, or replacing one that's diminished in some way.  Maybe it's just that gnawing feeling that you want to take control of your own life, generate "mailbox money," have something to do now that the kids are back in school, or whatever driving force has brought you to this moment.

Having spent some time in the south, I can remember hearing "There is always a good time to make lemonade."  Perhaps now is your time.  What does that look like?