As I write this, we are almost at the end of 2009 and moving into 2010. Are you prepared? Are you prepared for even more changes than 2009? Have you created in your mind the year you want to experience in 2010? Perhaps it is time for each of us to take a reality check.
A case in point is the situation of the truck drivers who worked for Arrow Trucking Co. whose headquarters has been in Tulsa, Oklahoma with a fleet of 1400 trucks. What would you do if you were driving one of their trucks and happened to be out-of-state when you noticed you need to refuel? Bam! Reality check! The fuel card had been pulled and you were now stranded at a truck stop in god-knows-where. Apparently, Arrow Trucking declared bankruptcy without notifying their employees 60 days in advance as required by law. Fortunately, the trucks were leased and the two leasing companies Daimler Trucks and Navistar bought bus tickets for the stranded truckers and each received $200. This happened only a few days before Christmas. The reports I read were dated December 22.
We can perhaps note a tip of the iceberg of what could grow into a large domino effect. How prepared are you? Do you carry a backpack in your vehicle with water, a change of underwear, toothbrush, extra cash and essentials you might need if you were stranded away from home? It is something to think about. One might also carry a gallon of fuel in the trunk of the vehicle.
One has only to look at the disasters around the world and remember Katrina in New Orleans. It was chaos with the highways choked with vehicles and thousands attempting to leave the flooding. Many did not return. Many lost everything.
Are you mentally prepared for drastic changes? Some will say that they pray. That is all well and good, however there is an old saying, "Treat (pray) and move your feet." God helps those who help themselves. An attitude of hope has sustained me over the years. When I observe the inequities in the world, I do not pretend they are not there. I carry within me an attitude of hope and I search within me opportunities to make changes in my life. Hope carries within it a frequency of action. It is an opportunity to look at one's abilities and talents and put them to use. These times are open and receptive to innovative ideas and actions.
Responsibility is one of the most important words we can live by and this is something that most Americans have avoided. The time is coming and, it could be 2010 when responsibility will be a big issue. We cannot rely on our government to take care of us. It is time for us to mature and take charge of our lives. It is a responsible thing to do. Whining and pointing fingers will not help. In many ways, each of us contributed to the mess we have now. For decades, we turned a deaf ear and chose to look the other way while corporate world and the industrial/military complex were having a heyday at our expense.
We in the United States have a history of pioneers who forged ahead, moving across this country seeking places to settle while enduring many hardships. It is a pioneer spirit that each of us must bring forth from the well of our being and become creators – our own saviors. Our pioneer spirit can give us strength and courage to face whatever this coming year 2010 holds.
In the meantime, one can prepare for tough times. It does no good to gnash our teeth and blame our political leaders or the President. These tough times have been in the making for decades. Our current national senators and representatives just happen to be in office when the crash came. It is time for each of us to take responsibility for our own welfare and that of our family.
A case in point is an article in Newsweek dated December 28, 2009 titled: The Rise of America's New Survivalists by Jessica Bennett. These new survivalists have been tagged with the title of 'Preppers,' indicating they are listening to their inner knowingness and are beginning to prepare for what will probably happen in 2010. I encourage the readers to read this article.
In the words of President John F. Kennedy, the following quote is quite appropriate for today. "And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country." Each of us has the opportunity to say no to control and oppression of our rights. As a suggestion, call, fax, email your legislators beginning at the local level, the county level, the state level, the national level and the President demanding integrity and honesty from them. If they do not comply, then we can vote them out of office. When enough demands are made, perhaps they will begin to listen instead of falling prey to the lobbyists who want to put them in the pockets of corporate world. No more 'back room' deals!
From all indications, we are in for a rough year and as an aid of taking care of yourself and your family, I have posted a list of "The First 100 Things to Disappear" on my blog and I invite you to check this list out and see how well prepared you are. Most grocery stores only stock enough for 24 to 36 hours. If trucking stops, what are you going to do? What are the fast food places going to do? Please visit http://feminine-point-of-view.blogspot.com.
"From adversity comes the jewel." – Mary Magdalene, Her Legacy by Bettye Johnson
