Introduction
Cats have no problem with making themselves relaxed and comfortable (nor with sleeping up to eighteen hours a day!). Yet cats revert to feral state quickly and easily if they find themselves without human "staff" to attend to their needs.
So we can learn from cats about self-sufficiency.
The most successful person in today's economy and culture may well be the most PORTABLE person. Flexibility seems to be a key to taking advantage of opportunities that come and go at a moment's notice. Just as with cats. Drop a cat, and it lands on its feet. How about you?
So anyone who has a laptop computer, access to high-speed Internet, and the ability to hop a plane, train, or rental car at a moment's notice may be "dressed for success," in a specific and very functional way.
As you ponder these three questions, you may wish to make some notes on your answers.
Question 1
How can I prepare now to take care of myself, just in case my current situation falls apart without warning?
Some Ideas: Pay off debts; reduce expenses; save money for a rainy day; say no to new and unwanted responsibility, etc.
Lesson: You can cut back without compromising your quality of life, but you may have to look at your situation differently than you have been.
Question 2
Where can I go if I find myself in trouble?
Some Ideas: Stay with long-time friends; find a quiet place to think; keep up a car to drive.
Lesson: Be sure you have someplace to go, so that you are never stranded for long.
Question 3
What are my hidden resources?
(HINT: This is the big question.)
Some Ideas: Inner strength (such as bravery or persistence); trustworthiness (such as reliability, punctuality, or loyalty). ALSO: stuff you can trade QUICKLY AND EASILY for things you need.
So think of your character traits as hidden wealth, as well as your material goods.
Resources that are small and lightweight -- and truly valuable to a large range of people -- are one time-tested way to go. What could you use as your bargaining chip if you had to fend for yourself with little or no warning?
The reverse is true as well. Look at each thing you own and ask yourself, "Is this item an asset or a liability?" Think about how much time, energy, or money it takes for you to maintain it.
-- Honestly, now, are you willing to do without it, if push comes to shove?
-- And if you ditch it, will it create a problem for someone else?
Lesson: Know what your resources are, in every sense of the word.
Conclusion
These are not happy situations to think about, for sure, but just ask yourself, "What if?"
What would slow you down the most? Too much stuff? No way to get to a safe place?
And what can you do about that?
MORAL OF THE STORY: Thinking ahead is one way to keep from freaking out.
Keywords for this post: assets and liabilities, contingency planning, emergency preparedness, empowerment, feral cats, flexible, flexibility, 4 a.m. friends, freak out, freaking out, go lean, opportunity costs, overhead, pare down, paring back, personal crisis management, personal power, personal responsibility, self-management, self-sufficient, self-sufficiency, think ahead, thinking ahead, 3 questions, 2 cats, time energy and money as three basic life resources, trusted support, uncomplicate my life, uncomplicate your life, What if?
Wishing you a beautiful day,
Bill Brent
[this page last updated: 2009.08.17, 11:00 a.m. Hawaii time]
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