COPING WITH FINANCIAL DISTRESS
Hello. My name is Susan Leigh and I am a counsellor and Hypnotherapist of some 20 years experience.
At times like the present time, with many businesses closing or staff being laid off and money becoming tighter, I find that many of my clients are feeling vulnerable about their future and the direction that their lives are now going to take.
This situation can provide an opportunity to evaluate what really matters in life.
I have many met many people who, at one time, felt their lives to be devastated by redundancy or losing their business, but who determined to take little steps, retrain in a trade, or got a grant to do teacher training, or maybe started a small project that fills a niche market in the service sector, and who have, a year or two later, been completely certain that that crisis forced a change of direction that would never have occurred otherwise. These people will frequently say that their lives have been changed for the better. They are thankful for the push that provided them with no choice but to pick themselves up and start again. However, courage and determination are necessary to see that bigger picture and see setbacks as opportunities in disguise !!! Working on self belief and being focussed on success are a crucial part of the winning formula. Just think of those Olympic athletes who tried and tried and failed countless times before picking up that winners medal.
And there are still many people in employment, but often bonuses are reduced or overtime has been cancelled.
It’s still important to have fun, and not necessary to spend a lot of money. A bit of creativity can go a long way. Why not have friends round for a meal, but instead of one person providing it all why not let each invitee bring a dish - one person brings a salad, another some cheese, another brings dessert, someone brings the vegetables or a casserole. Evenings like this can be a lot of fun and no one has to spend a lot of money. There could even be a theme to an evening, like Mexican food, or have a murder mystery night.
Instead of taking the children to the adventure park and the expensive burger bar afterwards, why not organise a treasure hunt at home and hide clues around the house and garden, or organise a afternoon clearing the leaves, followed by a picnic laid out on the floor of the kitchen or dining room. Al fresco afternoons like this are far more spontaneous and allow for a lot more conversation and real quality together time than more organised events. These are the times that are looked back on with affection in later years.
It’s a good time of the year to make Christmas cards on the kitchen table and not mind when everyone gets covered in glue and glitter. Even organising a game of football, rounders, or cricket and getting the neighbours involved can be a good way of cheering up a glum afternoon or evening and can help build long lasting, positive relationships.
Susan