Positive thinking for 2011

How is everyone doing during this economic downturn? If you are in the national average your business sales are down, you are cutting costs and you are wondering what does the future hold.

Well, don't look to the media or politicians for answers for they are only giving us doomsday reports and unrealistic projections. They are only spreading negativity and that is the last thing we need. We need to think positive thoughts in order for positive events to occur. Rehashing problems does not solve them. Turn off those news broadcasts and stop reading those dire newspaper accounts and surround yourself with good reading, meditate, take quiet walks, plan for positive events, take the opportunity to clean the shop and maybe give it a new coat of paint. Make sketches for a hypothetical project, keep your mind busy. All these activities are positive and will have a good impact on the negativity in the air.

New construction is down, organized religion as we have known it is in trouble. Religious attendance is at a low, parishioners are donating less as disposable incomes are reduced. But on the other hand, relgiious buildings are getting old and requiring much neglected maintenance, including those stained glass windows. Where do they get funds from outside? Local historic groups, State and National Foundations, are now cutting back on monies that used to be available. One way you can help these institutions is to locate funding agencies and assist them in grant writing. Most churches do not have the staff to process these lengthy, detailed forms. You can help them and maybe create a project for yourself.

The questions is, how can we give in order to receive? We all have received much over the years from the religious community in the form of projects and it is now time to ask, "what can we give back to them?" It may appear to be contrary to what our needs are now, but keeping in the spirit of the season, do not be surprised how that question will be answered.

Donald Samick
Lamb Studios