“When I’m worried and I can’t sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings.”
– “Count your Blessings,” Bing Crosby

Over the last three months, we have covered many of your concerns – escalating energy costs, the international financial crisis, increasing mortgage rates and foreclosures, and fear of the financial future – and presented practical solutions to help you deal with these realities.

With the global economy apparently deteriorating before it gets any better, threats of recession and redundancy, and the shrinking net worth positions of the rich and not-so-rich alike, it might be easy to feel a sense of despair as the year draws to a close. For most people, 2008 will definitely not be remembered for bringing financial blessings.

We can’t turn back the hand of time and change the negative occurrences of 2008. However, we can adopt a different attitude to help us to cope with and conquer our challenges. The perfect antidote to worrying about your financial position is to be thankful for all the positive things in your life.

Remember the law of attraction – what you focus on multiplies. If you focus on your problems, you’ll only get more of them; if you focus on the good things you want in your life, then they will materialize over time.

Let’s choose to have an attitude of gratitude. Here are some things that we can be thankful for:

Health: The ability to read this column gives you several reasons to be thankful. First, you are alive and breathing, and able to comprehend written ideas. Don’t take your physical and mental well-being for granted. Think of those who are visually impaired, intellectually deficient or chronically ill, who cannot enjoy the pleasure of reading in the way you do; and give thanks for what you have.

Freedom: The fact that you’re reading this column also indicates that you’re able to access a newspaper or the internet to gain information, a luxury that many people around the world do not share. Freedom of information and expression is one that we take lightly here in Jamaica. Imagine what it would be like to be persecuted for speaking your mind; and give thanks for our independence.

Family & Friends: If you have supportive relatives and acquaintances that have helped you weather the tough times, give thanks. There’s nothing like a challenge to show you who your real friends are. On the flip side, if you have had enough resources to help someone else get through their difficulties, give thanks. Your ability to share your abundance will lead to future financial rewards.

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Money: Although you may think you don’t have enough of it, be grateful for what ever amount you have. Don’t focus on your lack of money; focus on the fact that you have been blessed with some. If you have a job, give thanks that you are not among the many that are facing the New Year without a steady income. If you have lost your job, give thanks that you have an opportunity to chart a new path for yourself by creating a fulfilling career.

Relief: There’s a popular saying, “God doesn’t give us more than we can bear.” Let’s be grateful for the recently announced economic measures to help struggling persons and businesses. The Government has introduced some welcome proposals such as reduced property transfer tax, lower-interest small business loan facilities, higher sales thresholds for GCT collection, and temporary mortgage assistance. Give thanks that our prayers for relief have been answered.

Opportunity: As we discussed in previous columns, whenever problems abound, opportunities for profit appear right behind. Investments that were previously out of the reach of many budgets, are now available at rock-bottom prices. It’s a great time to build a stock portfolio or purchase long term bonds that pay above-average interest rates. Items such as luxury vacations, new cars, upscale homes, even fine art, can be had for reasonable prices from desperate sellers. Give thanks if you can take advantage of all the available opportunities.

If you have a roof over your head, enough food to take away your hunger, someone who loves you or someone to love, then you have several great reasons to give thanks. In this season let’s put aside our worries and fears, and focus instead on the Christmas message of hope; hope for a better tomorrow, hope for a brighter future.

Copyright © 2008 Cherryl Hanson Simpson. No reproduction without written consent.

Originally published in The Daily Observer, December 25, 2008

Cherryl is a financial consultant and coach, founder of Financially S.M.A.R.T. Services. See more of her work at www.financiallyfreenetwork.com and www.financiallysmartonline.com. Contact Cherryl