Staying up in a down economy

Wow! We got a ton of emails from the last post. We’re alll affected in some way by this strange economy. It made me think. There are some things we can control and some we can’t. Maybe we can’t control the economy, but we can control our attitude and the things we do to take care of ourselves and make ourselves feel more optimistic. I know I feel more productive and empowered when I’m taking positive actions and doing things that are good for me and keep me healthy emotionally, spiritually and physically.

Here are a few of my tricks for staying up in a down economy:

Starting my pole-dancing class again. I’d kind of burnt out on it after a couple of years, but I’m ready to go back, to reconnect with other sexy, empowered women. Talk about brave! We may not get naked in the class but we do bare our souls. Pole dancing is emotional, powerful and raw. If you’re doing it right If you don’t have a pole dancing class nearby or if you want something less formal and less expensive, have your own sensual dance party! Invite a few girlfriends. Pass out flyers at work. Buy one of the DVD’s. I like the Chair Dancing and Developing Your Routine DVD’s the best, but for someone who’s NEVER done anything like this The Art of Exotic Dancing I is a good start. Whichever friend has the biggest living room gets to host the party. Move the furniture to the side, cover all the mirrors (so people can really let loose and not worry how they look – it’s totally about feeling!) and toss red or orange scarves over the lamps for a warm sensual glow and low light. Pop in the DVD and follow the instructions. After a month or so, when you’ve seen the DVD a few times, you you may want to watch it just for warm-ups, but bring your own music and dance for each other. Remember the cat calls! Yell, whistle, encourage and support each other. Now, that’s empowering!!

Reconnecting with my spirituality. I listen to positive motivational messages when I’m driving to work and at night when I’m drifting off to sleep. Not motivational, pump me up hype, but things that go deeper and help me reconnect with what’s true – something deeper than appearances of a world in panic. If you’re religious listen to podcasts or DVDs of your particular religion – anything that counteracts the fear-based messages we get throughout the day. Try to take in as much positive information as you do negative. If you watch 1/2 hour of news a day, listen to 1/2 hour of something inspirational. I want to be aware of what’s going on, I just want to balance out the information I get. I’m into Reverend Michael Beckwith these days. I don’t agree with everything he says, but listening to him or someone like him, zaps me right out of fear and into faith and possibilities. This is an incredible time to be creative. Remember that.

Sex is good too. As many of your know I’m a freak for sexy lingerie. An hour glass corset is a scrumptious treat (and a good investment) but you’re probably not going to get a new one every weekend. For some cheap thrills and to keep things new and exciting, try bodystockings. I love the contrast of dark lace or fishnet on light skin so I always get black. White lace on darker skin tones is gorgeous and red is good for just about any holiday Pick whichever style and color suits your mood and surprise your sweetheart at the door one evening. And let him rip it off you – it’s cheap! And fishnet looks so good when it’s torn. Downright raunchy. Sex is great for producing endorphins too. Personally, my favorite form of exercise.

Spend time with friends. I’m a workaholic. Lucky for me I love what I do. But I have to take a break from the job now and then to stay creative, productive and maintain a sense of balance. It’s easy to get busy and forget how important relationships are. Lately I’ve been making time to get together with friends. Sometimes all we do is sit and talk. Remember how wonderful “girl talk” feels? Last weekend my girlfriend and I explored “Little India“. We saw some of the most exquisite saris, ran our hands over luscious fabrics with incredible beadwork and ate yummy sweets. I have no idea what they were. The smell of the spices and incense stayed in my hair and that night when I put my head on pillow it I had this incredible sense memory of the Little India. It was so sensual and vivid! I have to go back and get some of that incense.

Movie rentals and condom sales are up. More lovin’ and staying in. My sweetheart and I have practically given up going out to the movies. Instead of going to a gigantic theatre and fighting for parking, waiting in line and spending over $40.00 on tickets, popcorn and a couple of drinks – we rent a movie and stay home. We rented two movies the other day, got under the covers and cuddled, ate microwave popcorn (not bad!) and drank hot chocolate. You can also invite a bunch of friends over for a movie night. Have a potluck. There’s something about “nesting” that feels very comforting. Board games are fun too – remember those?

I love baking. The kitchen gets warm and toasty, I’m out of my tech-head, away from the computer and I’m using my hands to create something tactile and tangible and sensual. What smells better than warm cookies coming right out of the oven? I admit, I have to give some of them away or I’d probably eat the whole batch myself. Luckily my guy devours about half of them, and my neighbor gets a few treats every time I bake. When you bake, be sure to share! Spread the love!

I haven’t done this yet, but I’ve always wanted to start a book club and meet once a month at a different house each time. I loved the Secret Life of Bees and the Time Travelers Wife. And anything by James Van Praagh. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, you gotta admit, he’s fascinating. I love reading, but at the end of a good book I want to talk to about it. I want to rehash it with my friends, find out how they felt, what they thought and how they experienced the book.

What are your ideas? How do you stay up in a (temporarily) down economy? Let us know!