Recently, I turned sixty, and saw retirement approaching. This meant the time constraints and financial responsibilities of raising a family were behind me, my children now grown and busy with their own lives. I realized that this was now a time to give back to myself some of the things I had put on hold all these years....The big question was, what would I change now that I was approaching this new phase in life?
It was now time for me to look to the future as a time to do something personally satisfying — a time for self expression you might say. This was not part of my present job. Although my present job offered many things, it was not a place where self expression was valued. Contrary to that, an operating room nurse is valued for following policies and procedures, the ability to juggle a hectic day’s work and put in the long hours when needed.
To help me decide what I might like to do, I spent a considerable amount of time thinking about those things I valued most about my present work as an operating room nurse. There are many things...friendships, challenges, being part of a community, and of course a comfortable income. Those types of things would have to remain a piece of my future plan. Then I thought about what brings me happiness…
]]>According to the BIS, complex credit instruments, a strong appetite for risk, rising levels of household debt and long-term imbalances in the world currency system, all form part of the loose monetarist policy that could result in another Great Depression.
The report points out that between March and May of this year, interbank lending continued to show signs of extreme stress and that this could be set to continue well into the future.
It also raises concerns about the Chinese economy and questions whether China may be repeating mistakes made by Japan, with its so-called bubble economy of the late 1980s.
EDITORS NOTE: Quite a few comments have been made that there is no direct reference to the Great Depression in this month’s BIS report.
While this is strictly true, BIS warned in June 2007 - just before the Credit Crunch really hit - that the global economy was vulnerable to a major economic set-back because of extraordinary exposure to collateralized credit.
BIS directly made references to the 1930’s as an example of a similarly serious credit bubble, and this month’s BIS report describes the conditions of this being lived out.
So, to be pedantic, the warning 1.)“BIS warns of Great Depression” is actually a year old already. What BIS discusses now is the fragility of existing conditions of the fall-out from a massive credit bubble bursting - which has already been made clear across their reports historically can be similarly referenced to the 1930’s, though stated in a typically conservative and non-alarmist language.
Even what optimism BIS had about a weak recovery to the end of May 2008 have been dashed by extreme shorting of financial stocks across the US and UK - Lehman Brothers, HBOS, and property developers such as Barratts, have all taken extreme beatings in June 2008.
So back to the headline - BIS have indeed already warned of repeat of conditions that could be as extreme as the Great Depression, and are now describing that process as we move through it.
In the meantime, unemployment is already on the rise on both sides of the pond, and the analogy some people have concerns about I’m afraid is still salient.
by Gill Montia
Change always happens. In the center is the paradox of carrying hope and crying. Grieving is real. We just aren’t use to paradoxes. Words like, both are true, and this is also how I feel, aren’t communicated very often.
We weren’t taught to have a range of feelings and to honor all of them as value. All of the feelings build our heart muscles and add wonderment to life.
Each experience, if you look back in your life, has added something for you to toss, re-evaluate, honor, and forgive.
Oh how human we are! But we long for the peace and good times as a constant. But when have the world, weather, and people, ever been constant?
]]>We know that, but when we are hurting we isolate. We don’t pick up the phone and ask a friend for help. We want to be the strong one.
So I suggest you make a list of who you feel uplifted around? Who are you yourself with? Who is cheering for your happiness?
Most of us play the role of supporter. We feel vulnerable when we reveal ourselves. Surprise is, we become closer to the friend who we speak our pain to. Being vulnerable and even sharing a “secret,” bonds us.
Here’s my take. We are already feeling horrible so what is there to lose if we say everything that is crowding our head and heart? A friend is just like you…a person who listens and honestly wants the best for you, neither jealous nor self centered, a person who is able to be present and not putting their agenda on you. They know you are not them. You have shown them you can be trusted.
]]>A fabulous recipe that I tried for dinner this month is what I like to call “Garlicky-Gingered Wild Grouper, topped with Fresh Corn, Mango, Capsicum & Cilantro”. It is the perfect recipe for a hot day’s work and is incredibly easy. It is a clean cut filet of Wild Grouper touched off with a bit of Honey, Olive Oil, Fresh Ginger, Garlic, Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper. Broil it on high to crisp the top and serve it over a bed of sautéed Kale or Baby Spinach. Sounds yummy?! Just wait until you read the next recipe for the Fresh Corn, Mango & Capsicum topper! Try it out and enjoy this succulent summer recipe. And as always I appreciate careful criticism and fun-filled feedback!
]]>