Mignon Hooper

After what is now called "bloody Monday" (what a horrible name) even more tragic than the name is the actual is the loss of over 70,000 jobs yesterday. The media sure makes it hard to feel good about being an American.

I would like to challenge the Media (TV, print, radio...etc) for one day, a consecutive 24 hours, to get the word out about ONLY GOOD NEWS! I know that scandals and misery love company, and tragedy sells air time, but this economy needs is positive affirmations and reinforcement...NOT more bad news. I'm really bothered by the loss of the jobs and the downturn in the economy, but we have to remain positive. We Americans live in the best place in the world.

Seriously...Come on! Let's pass on what is great about being an American. We have selection to choose what foods we buy at the grocery store, what clothes we wear, we have more cool gadgets in our homes than we deserve, we have freedom of religion, freedom to an education, freedom to love one another, freedom to walk our dog, freedom to confide and be intimate with our families and friends, freedom to thank those that have helped us, freedom to help others in need.

I'm thankful I can write my thoughts on this economy without being penalized. I'm thankful that I have collegues, clients, friends, and family that send me business.

There is actually more good news than bad news...people are helping each other, people are in great relationships, people are cutting back on the unnecessary spending and getting back to basics. Have you let that special someone (spouse, child, friend, client...etc) know you are thankful for them and that life wouldn't be the same without them?

Take the time to lift someones spirits today...let them know that the world is not coming to an end, but if it is...you really care about them. If someone has done what they were suppose to do or more...give them the affirmation that they have done a "good job". Even if it is only that your child picked up his/her socks off the floor without you asking them...we all need affirmation.

I challenge you to let me know how your affirming someone else has brought affirmation to you for doing a "good job" at spreading good news and thankfulness.

People ask me all the time are we at the bottom? The tough part about that questions is we won't know until we've hit the bottom and are on our way back up. Then we'll look back and say "Oh, the bottom was 6 months ago", which is too late to hit "the bottom".

At any rate, the longest recession since 1937 we have seen recessions has been 16 months. According to NAR, our recession started in December of 2007. Sixteen months would bring us to April of 2009. If we actually see a trend that is as long as 16 months the light at the end of the tunnel is just ahead. Yes, the nation is on the edge, companies are makeing HUGE cut backs, and change is happening today in the White House, but I'm looking forward to see what this clensing does for our economy. We, including myself, need to get back to basics. First God, then Family, then Work, then everyone else...should be our priorities.

Don't wait on legislatures to stimulate the economy! If you are on the fence to buy a house, now is the time. Prices are low, interest rates are at record lows, and the market will come back. Remember rules of buying stocks? Buy LOW, Sell HIGH. Well....we are having a SALE in Real Estate and LOW prices for homes and the stock market are now available.

Millionaires are made in this type of economy...is it going to be you?