Nannette- Yes many times people have a tendency to isolate....sometimes thinking they are alone, and sometimes thinking they are somehow to blame for whatever problem they might be experiencing.  Glad you liked the Post :)

Sally-Funny, but yea I guess I do write this way. That digging yourself out of a rut is pretty darn hard sometimes, and some people give up.  Even when they know there are alternatives it is hard to get back on tract for so many of us.  Oh, and if  you want to scream go right ahead (works best in the shower) if your sore throat will allow it.... LOL :)

Kat- Those small tiny goals got me through some pretty rough winters in the Peace Corps.  Sometimes just going 5 blocks in the snow for 6 eggs was overwhelming, but manageable once I broke the day into 2 and divided up the Goals.  BTW true story on the eggs ;)

Sonia- Absolutely...sometimes though we get tired of trying.  It might just be for an hour, or a day, a week, or a month.  Everyone is different.  These things are just a few ways to help someone to keep trying when they're emotionally tired, and haven't seen any results for their efforts.

Tim-You are so right....no matter how hard we have it  someone else has it worse.  I worked with Abused Kids for along time, and they were used to getting Christmas Donations every year.  Well, keeping with what you said I taught the kids how to make marketable crafts, which they could sell at a Holiday Bizarre I organized. I explained to the kids that they were in fact lucky to have a roof over their head, food, clothes, and others that cared enough to give to them, but others weren't.  So I took them to the Bank where they had a gift tree, and had them pick a child that they would go buy a gift for with the money they made from selling their crafts.  Whatever money was left was theirs to keep.

Tim, this was the first time many of these kids had ever given to someone else.  The pride when they sold their stuff and went shopping for their "kids" was one I will never forget, and I don't think they will either.  We all have something to give, to share, with someone else  no matter what our circumstances. 

Margaret- Thank you very much :)

George- Ahh wants and needs. This is a difficult concept for some to understand but there is an important distinction between the 2.  Nice analogy, thanks for pointing that out.

Sally-Funny I didn't know what that word meant..:)  I laughed though as I could feel the positive, fun energy in your comment :)

Ryan- Oh yes, going down a dead end street is another Post altogether :)  For this one those small steps work...and sometimes the energy to even do a small step is huge.

Carole-I am excited thinking of what you will write.  I hope it is great news about your situation with the Homeowners Association.  Even if not that, anything good I'm ready to read :)

June- I am so glad to hear that :) 

Mark- Your point is well taken-it is not just us, it is people from all walks of life, and different industries.  Amazing how that R word "Recession" finally after all this time just barely became a word that was OK to use.  This time I think people should realize that it isn't "them" it is us, all of us.

Linda- I missed you too my friend.....I know from my Crisis Counseling Days that Alternatives is the hardest thing to see when we are overwhelmed...so I wrote this Post after 2 people were looking for "something". Just having permission to be upset can take the stigma off of a bad situation.  Anyway, I am glad to see you again...when are we going fishing :)

Hi Jason- Yes you do use the word "wonderful" I thought it was just because I kept asking you what a certain word meant so you decided to stick with just one word...LOL :)  Just kidding....and that book you mentioned, I haven't heard of it, but sounds like something that maybe you can pass on :)  Hope all is well with you.....

Rob- Some days are harder to get moving than others.....and thanks for the compliment :)

Ann- Yes mostly this Post was written about Financial Struggles, but not totally. I was so glad you went to the NAR Convention and met so many different people face to face. That had to have been difficult in some ways, and helpful in others.  Getting a physical hug from someone that understands is sometimes just the right medicine. Loss of Finances, a loved one, or loss of anything in our lives has a process that we must go through. 

Thank you Ann for sharing how some of your days are more difficult than others. There will be those days, and then there will be days where you can laugh, and wonder if this is OK.  We all grieve somewhat differently.  My heart is with you Ann everyday as you try to accept the unacceptable. I am very happy to hear that you are making that conscious effort not to isolate.....and that you have friends to share your overwhelming sadness with.  These small things will help you thought those days when nothing else seems to work.  And one day in the future, no one knows when, you will be able to function without even thinking about it, without effort.  That is the light at the end of the tunnel.

Teresa-Thanks for coming by to comment. Those small bills add up....$10 here, and $25 there.  I know, I had close to $600 a month in just small bills like that, and like you had to go and decide which ones I could do without.  Doing this every 6 months sounds like a good plan to see what's working, what's not, and make appropriate changes. 

One part of depression is the inability to get moving.  That goal of being ready for the day by a certain time can really help someone that needs a helping hand to get started for the day.

Sandy- Absolutely...one minute, one second...whatever it takes. And it can vary by day, or week.

Tami- You have touched on something very important....helping others gives us the motivation to leave our problems aside as you said.  Being a part of something bigger than ourselves is good for our mental health.  Also your point on exercise....absolutely.  This and extra Calcium and B Vitamins are helpful in reducing the effects of stress.

Lisa- Oh how I know how hard it is some days....and those are the days that we need to know that we'll be OK.  Staying Positive doesn't mean we don't have bad days, because we do.  Hang in there...

Marchel- Thanks :)

Sheila- Please accept my Condolences on your loss. You are the 2nd one today that has suffered the loss of a loved one recently.  It is hard, and depressing with your world turned upside down.  Scroll up and read Ann C's comment. She recently experienced a similar loss and as you will see she too has those difficult times where nothing helps. Or so it seems.

I hope you have a Good REALTOR so you can move sooner rather than later.  You're right we are a Nation of Survivors, and with those baby steps you will make it.  Thank you for taking the time to comment here, and hang in there...keep taking those baby steps, and don't isolate even if you feel you want to. 

Thanks Sheila for taking the time to write out your situation.

Maria- You're Welcome :)

Elizabeth- It's hard to know who needs what, but I am sure that this message has reached a few people that got something from it.

Russ- Thanks...yes it doesn't matter if we are in Real Estate or not, losing Hope can be devastating.

Ann- thanks for your comment....talking about your situation is one of the best therapies you can do. 

Elizabeth- I sure hope that things don't get much worse than they are, but if they do so be it.  We will just need to adjust.  Many of us will have to make some hard decisions, even harder than the ones we've already made, but we'll survive. The "things" we're losing aren't nearly as important as the people who have lost loved ones.  Those are the people that a fix in the economy won't help change their situation.

Petra- Thanks :)  I hope you have a good week..I'll be back again next Monday :)

Fran- Thanks...and I would love it if getting going early would get rid of depression, but it sure does help to get us in the right mind set for the day :)

Lola- Thanks...Mondays seem to be my Inspiration Day :)

Kim- Been there done that.  It is hard to know what to do today, as so much of what we know isn't working.....so we try something else.  I have tried so many Marketing Ideas and just shake my head that they didn't work, so try another one.  It's like a never ending bag of tricks, a Mary Poppins Bag-you just keep trying.  One day all the efforts will pay off, and the clients that you have kept in contact with will remember you. 

The things I have mentioned here are good for any crisis...and when we are in the middle of a crisis it is easy to lose hope.  So many of us have struggled over the past year and half that we have, or are running out of options.  I know I am at rock bottom, yet somehow it still keeps getting worse.  But I know, I know with all my being that it will work out.

If you make a personal time management and pencil the kids in, and pencil in time for networking, and everything else you did in a good market...it helps too. 

Carin- Yep here's to HOPE :) :)

Jon-Thanks...you too have a good day.

Teri- Thanks...we stopped right on the road when we saw that sight.  I was in the back seat when I leaned out the window for that shot...it's so perfect for "seeing the light at the end of the tunnel".

Cynthia- Well you know me friend when I have something to say I just say it :)  I already know that this Post reached a few people, probably because of the little Gold Star, but also because I believe that if someone was meant to read this they will.  Hope is a powerful thing for sure, and as long as each of us realizes we aren't alone it makes things a little easier.  Sure it won't pay the bills...but it does warm my heart that I know I am not alone.  It allows me to enjoy something without feeling guilty, and to keep trying even when all else has failed.  Hope is what so many of us want and need while we are struggling.  We need to know that there is light at the end for sure.

Todd-I hear you my friend.  I don't know how you all are managing.  Those dark days with so much rain coupled with the economic crisis is enough to make anyone lose Hope.  Depressing is the word that comes to mind.  So, planning for the good times that will be coming can help too :)  Oh, and yelling is just fine as long as it's not AT someone.....physical exercise works very well for me when I am angry...my house gets a great cleaning LOL :)

Steve-Absolutely....:)  And once the Market has changed we will remember the loyal people/vendors/friends/colleagues/neighbors.  I know I have a small list of people I would never do business with again just because of their attitude, and some I can't wait to be able to give back to by doing business with.  Time...it is a constant, and it will all work out in time.

Gail-You said it very well....sometimes people don't want to burden others, so we keep it to ourselves. You're also right about their being a backlash to that...and we have to find just the right person to listen, because the tendency is to think our individual situation is worse than someone Elise's.  I lost everything....savings, credit, retirement account, offices, etc.  Yep I understand.....it can be very overwhelming.  I think the only thing you didn't mention was loss of Health or the loss of a loved one either through death, divorce, separation, or the maturation of a child. 

No matter what the situation is it's nice to know that someone cares and we're not alone.  Active Rain, and so many many of our friends here are a support for each other for sure. I'm looking at some of the commenter's on here, and know in my heart that I could call them and they would listen, just as I would listen if they called me.  That is worth it's weight in gold.  Just knowing someone else cares, and we're not alone.

Norma- When I heard that word Recession actually spoken I thought what the hell took them so long to admit the mess we're in.  Of course we knew it we've been living it, but now that the cat's out of the proverbial bag....we will have a readjusting before we get to the upswing. 

Marie-Your comment came in just as I finished answering everyone, so you get your own spot :)  As I told Cynthia I really believe that we reach those we are meant to.  There are people on here I have not met, and many that I have spent the last year with, struggling....watching some leave and come back, and hearing of their trials and tribulations.  But always having an open heart, and a compassionate ear for my virtual friends (real ones too).

My daughter flew me up to Washington to spend Thanksgiving with my family.  When we were having our meal....we had to all say something we were grateful for...me it was that I live in America.  Because here even with everything so many have lost we still have it much better than they do in other countries.  While I was in the Peace Corps I saw and lived poverty.  I saw hopelessness, kids dying from lack of food and medical attention, having no shoes or shelter.  We are very lucky in America even with the current mess.  And if we lose our homes, there is usually somewhere with a roof over it for us to live.  Hope, Alternatives, and Acceptance these will get us to the next step in time.

I hope your friend finds even one thing that can help them through :)

Lauren- A Support System of any kind helps, but it has to be a support system.  People that tell others that if they just tried harder, worked more, or whatever is not a support system.  That just keeps someone from sharing if they feel belittled or judged.  Support in the form of Active Listening, and/or maybe just letting the other person vent can be helpful.  Thank you for sharing that :)

Gail- Thanks for the offer....I really am at peace with it now.  I only pull my hair out once a week instead of every day LOL :)  Seriously I thank you, and in my case I am ready for the next curve whatever that might be.  As I said I know things will get better, they might get worse first, but that just makes the climb back up even sweeter.

Regina- Yes, Hope, Action Plans, and Acceptance.  We have to know when to accept something, and when not to.  There are many ways to cut costs, and I know many creditors that will work with you.  People have to be willing to give up the credit cards, and think cash, and look for every option to make a dollar.  Lifestyles will change for many, but it's not the end of the world.  And the way all of can help each other is to accept, and not judge :)

Erica- If I kept smiling I think I would have such a loud scream building up, because I know many times I wanted to cry.  Sometimes I did, and do, but just for a short time as it doesn't do anything to earn a dollar :)  You are right in the sense that we will get through it.  Attitude, and Tenacity go a long way also.

Gary- Well this just goes to show people actually read the comments LOL....this wasn't supposed to be about me, but I thank you none the less :)  It is nice for all of us to know that people care.  I wrote this mainly because a couple people contacted me because of my Profile and said they were at the end of their rope and didn't know what to do anymore.  But as you see it fits many of us in different ways.......that's the power of communicating, being able to touch others in one way or another :)

Bill- You mean you didn't read the rules...only depressed people allowed..... LOL :)  Thanks my friend for the laugh....not at you of course, just that comment.....

Jenny- Reading your comment made me think of that Barbara Streishand song People "people who need people are the luckiest people in the world".  Yes many are suffering in one way or another, and I know of one member here who has 3 sons that went to Iraq, many others who have sons and daughters fighting, people who have had to deal with the loss of a loved one, sick children, job loss, all kinds of things. Active Rain is a micro system of the outside world, and as such we have the good and the bad.  Me, I find the good and put my efforts there :)  I am one of the lucky ones for sure ......

Missy- I'm glad you didn't miss it :)  I believe that those seeds you are planting will be bountiful later for sure.  And it's nice to hear the optimism, because I too believe this.  That doesn't make today easier but who ever said life was easy :)

I know Active Rain has helped many people...I see it every day just as you do :)

Ann- Why of course we're going to meet....either in San Diego next year for the NAR Conference or one day I am coming there to eat lobster and watch the Eagles :)   But if I come there I sure hope to meet Jay and Monika as well, oh and who is cooking that lobster....... LOL :)

Renae- I think all of us have been guilty of the "woe is me" at some point or another.  It's how long we allow ourselves this mentality that is key.  That's why I always allow 24 hours max on the "Pity Pot."  I liked how you described Action and  why it's so important ...thank YOU :)

Ann-I don't know whether to laugh or call out the Crisis Counselors :)  But if you are talking about it you are getting it out where it's manageable. That little devil sits on my shoulder sometimes, and I am just very thankful that he isn't the dominant personality LOL :)

Ann H- Yep those are the Crisis Counselors...the ones who are trained to listen :) :)  But just in case they aren't available feel free to put your comment on here, and will listen and try to help you get to a solution, and alternative, and action plan :)  Yep, that's what Crisis Counselors do.......

Ann C- I would absolutely love that....so maybe everything will get better before then, if not I will see you all in San Diego.  I think it's too cold for camping there right now :) 

Debbie- Thanks :)

Audrey- You can't be "late to the dance" as Hope is an eternal Dance :) Your comment was one that I enjoyed, and I too was affected by a few of the other comments.

Ann- Not a problem, and if we need the Crisis Counselors you just let me know....:)