Lafayette, Indiana

Getting small is the new black!

The economic crisis may have started out with Wall Street and spread to the banks and then the auto industry, but it is now causing widespread angst all throughout the country. And of course the vast majority of us fall into the category of hapless, helpless victim. My speaking career is in a recession to be sure. Companies are obviously having fewer meetings outside the office and hiring fewer outside speakers. So I am doing what many others are doing to cope: hunkering down, staying close to home and focusing on other aspects of my career. And to my delight I am living smaller and spending less. Sally and I are delighted to be eating at home and hanging out with our neighbors. La Dolce Vita!

The question I have for myself and the rest of us has to do with the time when this recession is over and the economy starts rolling again (ah…I assume it will). Will I revert to my former, more grandiose habits of travel and spending? I plan to use this interim time of smaller living to practice it with joy and cultivate it as a lifelong habit. In the meantime, I hope you are able to survive the mess.