The question is on everyone’s lips these days.  We ask and then flinch, waiting for the answer that’s probably coming. We ask, and sometimes we really don’t want to know the answer.  Other times we’re hoping to hear that we’re not the only one sliding down the slippery slope into a deep dark hole.  The last thing most of us want is to see one of our colleagues pack up shop and put their dream on a shelf, but somehow not having to navigate hard times seems easier if we don’t have to go it alone. And so we ask…   

I’ve lived and run a business in this valley for 12 years.  Most of my friends are independent business owners.  They own retail stores, restaurants and bakeries.  They’re plumbers, interior designers and network marketers.  Behind all of their businesses, they are people.  

As we’re all aware, the present economy is being less than kind to many of our local businesses.  It breaks my heart as each week at least one of my friends is either experiencing deep financial woes, or closing their doors for good.  

Let’s face it, my own ups and downs provide more drama than I care to be dealing with.  Add this to the fact that some of my associates are looking for a shoulder to lean on, and things can be quite stressful for all of us.  It’s a challenge to keep spirits up in the midst of broken dreams. But please hear me - it’s more important than ever to do so.  

We need each other.  An optimistic outlook will do wonders in the way of support. Someone who says, “Hang in there” along with a pat on the back or a warm hug provides comfort, even when life appears hopeless.  

Even if your business is thriving, you can be there for a struggling associate. It doesn’t matter what your own situation is. You don’t need to wallow in the trenches along with them to let your friends know that you care.  Just knowing one is not alone is often enough to sustain someone through the rough spots.  

Do you really want to make a difference?  Offer a gesture of kindness – either to someone you know or to a complete stranger.  

Serve breakfast in bed to your wife.  Give your husband a neck rub.  Visit the senior center at lunchtime and pass out friendship notes.  Every year at Valentine’s Day my creative writing class passes out 200 hand made valentines to people lunching in the senior center dining room.  They’re fun to make and even more fun to present to surprised recipients.  

If you have a little extra money, hand out quarters or $1 bills to a few people.  These days a dollar doesn’t buy much, but if someone hands you a buck out of the blue- it might reinforce your faith in the goodness of humanity, don’t you think?  Pick a secret pal and do nice things for a month.  

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to be kind.  Make a list of people you haven’t spoken with in awhile and get in touch with them. Invite someone over for a cup of tea.  There’s something about tea that warms the heart as well as the tummy.  

Bake cookies, pick up trash.  Forgive someone for something they did so long ago you can hardly remember what it was.  Offer to babysit for someone who doesn’t go out because they can’t afford a babysitter.  Listen to music with your teenager – his music. Call your mother, just because.  Say I love you at least once a day, and mean it.  

If you know of an associate with a struggling business, don’t avoid them!  They need your friendship now more than ever.  Collaborate!  Come up with a few things you can do together to ease the burden of doing business alone.   

There’s a flip side to a down economy.  We can discover there’s much to appreciate.  Look for these simple pleasures in every nook and cranny of your life.  Take the hand of someone you love and then dive in heart first. 

by Judith Cassis

Judith Cassis, C.Ht. is a clinical hypnotherapist and success coach.  Having worked in the field of personal development since 1983, Judith produces seminars and tele-seminars on this topic.  As a certified firewalk instructor, Judith teaches the elements of seeking and following inner guidance to achieve goals and make dreams a reality. As a Master Firewalk Instructor, she has taught other firewalk instructors over the years.  She is the author of many articles, as well as a book series and action guide titled Success Made Simple.  

Judith holds a position on the board of directors for Hands On Santa Clarita, a national organization supporting volunteerism with non-profit organizations.  She is also 2nd Vice President and director of membership of The Castaic Chamber of Commerce.  Since 2000, Judith has lead groups and taught creative writing at the SCV Senior Center, where 5 authors have self published books under her direction. Since 2003, Judith has been a member of the Advisory Council for AM1220 KHTS RADIO, and has guested on several shows to discuss personal development, hypnosis, and senior issues.  

In 2002, Judith was nominated by the Santa Clarita Valley Soroptimists for Advancing The Status of Women.  She co-founded the SCV Business Group, at the time one of the largest networking groups in the country.  In 2006, she founded SCV Professional Network, a networking group with an emphasis on professional education.  

Judith lives in Valencia, California with her family.  Together they publish Tidbits of Santa Clarita Valley, a non-political weekly paper focusing on positive editorial and current events.