The last several days I’ve gotten into discussions with friends, strangers (no, I don’t typically talk to strangers, but when you’re stuck on a plane and within kissing distance of someone, you might as well talk), and family about the economy…and I’ve noticed that there is a LOT of negativity out there.

About real estate, the stock market, gas prices, food prices…you know, everything.

I get it, people. Times are tough.

But am I the only one who doesn’t think we’re headed for major devastation? While I think we’re in the midst of some tough times, I see it as some sort of economic shift. Just as in the 70s (okay, so I was a baby/toddler…but I heard all about it) with the gas shortages and then onto inflation and whatnot into the 80s…this seems to be another step, like we hit a plateau for a few years (and even dipped a bit with those lovely low interest rates) but now it’s time for that next step.

Is it going to be painful? Hell yeah. I don’t negate that there are people who are having tough times. A lot of us are. But I think some positivity and some out of the box thinking is in order.

The world is not coming to an end. It’s just a changing world in which we need to adjust. Adjust our ways of thinking. Adjust our spending habits. Adjust our driving habits.

I’m not an expert. Just an average person. Hard-working and determined. And optimistic. Too bad optimism doesn’t spread as fast as negativity.