Secrets of the Not So Rich
by Denny Durbin
If there’s anything that Baby Boomers can learn from the bad times, it’s this: remember the good times, make more of them, and try to leave money out of the picture.
Should you keep chasing the American dream, or is it time to face the cold, hard facts?
First of all, let’s point out that it might not be as bad as you think. I know that’s hard to believe, but the biggest problem today is that most of us had this vision that we would be better off than we are by now. That somehow, some way, our ship would come in.
If you represent the majority of the American public, you are finding it harder to just get by, let alone get ahead. Everyone is looking for that sigh of relief, but it appears to be nowhere in sight. It doesn’t take a CPA to do the math. If your monthly household income is $3600 and your expenses just to survive are $3900, it won’t be long before you’re joining millions of other Americans who can’t make ends meet.
If you’re one of the lucky ones who still have a job, there are only so many hours in a day, even if you’re working overtime. You may still be barely surviving. It certainly leaves very little time for family recreation, entertainment, and what you began working for in the first place.
No one seems to have the answer, but it appears that it could get worse before it gets better. And it will get better… because if history repeats itself as it generally does, this economic crisis, like previous downturns, will eventually come to an end… But before it does, there is still joy to be found and good times to be had. You don’t have to wait for an economic upturn to find happiness.
Now comes the good stuff. In these trying times, you’ll quickly find out what true family and friends are made of. This is the time to do the things you used to love before the quest for the American dream sucked everybody in. That’s right. Have you ever been as happy as you were back in the “good old days”? The days of cheap dates, barbecues, pool parties, picnics, potlucks, watching the sunset, and spending quality time with family.
Remember the last time you had everyone over to your house? This is the chance to enjoy the small things that used to be what you lived for. Ask everyone to bring a dish. It doesn’t have to cost much.
If there’s one thing that can come from this grim economy, it’s the love we share with friends and family. These are trying times for everyone, and sometimes we lose focus of the most important things in our lives. If there’s anything we can learn from the bad times, it’s this: remember the good times, make more of them, and try to leave money out of the picture. 
About the Author: Denny Durbin is the author of Lazy Enchiladas: Redefining Success. A true, adventurous, love story, Lazy Enchiladas explains from first-hand experience the trials and tribulations of losing everything and how the smallest things can get you through an economic crisis. Durbin has created, built, and owned more than a dozen diversified and lucrative businesses. His new definition of success sheds light on many valuable yet overlooked subjects. For speaking engagements, consulting, and special events, call 602-795-2210, send e-mail to dennydurbin@cox.net, or visit www.Lazyenchiladas.com.
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