We're all paying more for gas and food.
Some of us have lost our jobs to corporate belt tightening or lost our homes to foreclosures.
Consumer confidence--the degree of optimism we express through spending and saving--is at its lowest level in 16 years.
Times are tough and may get tougher.
Now more than ever, we must develop a high prosperity consciousness to keep our spirits up and maintain a positive attitude.
One of the best ways to do this is through using universal principles.
Here are three strategies to help us thrive during these challenging economic times.
1) Raise Your Vibrations.
Looking for a job or stretching your paycheck can be frustrating and often creates fear and doubt.
That leads to vibrating at a low, negative level.
We are all vibrational energy beings and we vibrate at different levels at different times.
Vibrations is just another word for feelings and emotions.
The universal law states that energy attracts like energy--just like a magnet.
When we operate from a place of love, peace and trust, we vibrate at a high level and we attract people and circumstances that vibrate at that same positive, constructive level.
That can lead to new opportunities for success.
Increase and maintain a high vibration by taking good care of yourself.
Eat healthy, exercise, spend time with positive people, limit how much TV news you watch, enjoy nature, find reasons to laugh, sing, volunteer and practice random and not-so-random acts of kindness.
2) Affirm Success.
Studies show we talk to ourselves about 10,000 times a day and 80% of that talk is negative.
Be aware of what you're saying to yourself when you wake each morning, before making phone calls, at networking events and as you prepare for interviews.
Keep it positive, in the present and brief.
Consider using affirmations like these: "I am prosperous.
" "I am open to receive.
" "I make wise choices with my money.
" "I attract ideal job opportunities today.
" "I have more than enough money for a long and joyful life.
" Write your affirmations down, post them, say them with a smile, and share them with others.
3) Give Thanks Often.
What you focus on expands.
Though your main focus may be that you don't have a job or your own home, there are many things you do have for which to be grateful.
A few nights a week, write in a gratitude journal.
Include the typical list of your good health, family, friends, skills and experience.
Commit to include at least one original entry each time, like you scheduled two promising job interviews or saved money by negotiating a better deal with a vendor.
Show your appreciation to others with a handwritten note or phone call.
By being aware of what's going right in your life, you increase your confidence and the flow of more good things.
Cultivating that attitude of gratitude will also help you get a good night's sleep so you can be at your best the next day.