In my life I have seen times that were very positive and uplifting and other times when I never thought things would get better. The one thing I have learned is to never give up. Persevere and you will overcome whatever desperate situation you may be in at the moment. Your perspective on the situation will need to be changed to make the most of the situation at the time. Take a step back and reevaluate your situation to make the most of the resources at your disposal. All does not have to be lost. It may be time to adjust your approach or completely change the focus of your business or life for that matter.

In these times of adversity you need to allow others to help. You will have friends and family offer to help. Do not turn down these offers of help because most people wouldn't offer the help if there weren't concerned for you. When you are down and out, family and friends are all you have left so do them the honor of letting them help you. I have been on both sides of this particular coin and I know it is difficult to admit that you are not able to take care of your own self but trust me you give a truly great gift to others by allowing them to help.

When you offer to help someone out of concern for their well being it is so much more than the money you are offering. You are showing them that you are willing to sacrifice for their happiness. This is why when offered help, graciously accept it. Yes, you will pay it back because they may have had to pay that car payment a little late to help you but also pay it forward by remembering to help someone else when you are back on your feet.

Going through bad times can also be a needed adjustment. You see sometimes we get a little too careless with ourselves when everything is going well. Bad times tend to allow us to adjust our priorities and realize that nothing is forever. Making sure we have not over extended ourselves is a lesson we can all learn no matter our current situation. My dad always told us to live under your means. Meaning if you don't have it, don't spend it. Loans are great but is it always necessary? For big ticket items, yes. Sometimes it is unavoidable. I don't know many people who can walk into a dealership and pay for a new car with cash. Just as I don't know many people who can bankroll a house without incurring a long term mortgage commitment. But, do you really need to go that cruise if you are going to have to secure a loan to pay for it? Maybe that can wait until you have the money which won't incur interest. I know I appreciate those things I have had to sacrifice to acquire.

For instance, I play guitar, more specifically electric guitars. I have a few with the odd amplifier and accessories. In every case, we saved the money or used money from heaven (you know, money you didn't expect but received out of the blue). We never went into debt for any of these items or the sewing machines my wife enjoyed. First, you learn that those things worth having or worth waiting for and second that getting things without sacrifice degrades their importance.

Remember bad times will fade away into better times. Most importantly we must learn how we ended up in these times of adversity. Was it avoidable, could we have managed ourselves to lessen the impact or was it out of our control? Losing a loved one is a tragedy that no one escapes unscathed. You are forever affected by a loss of this magnitude. Losing your home in a natural disaster is just as tragic and is unavoidable but with the support of family and friends you can overcome and rebuild your life. Financial hardships are difficult to manage but with time can be overcome as well. Be vigilant and always remember that even though what you are going through is difficult, others have experienced the same and survived.