Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty proudly stands in New York Harbor as a beacon of hope. Even the title of the statue, “Liberty Enlightening the World” depicts freedom. Look at her carefully. We pay so much attention to the way we dress and the way we wear our hair, yet this symbol of inspiration barely affords a second glance by Americans.

Why should you care? What does a statue mean to your current life and economic situation? Regardless of your political views, we live in the greatest nation in the world. We have more opportunity, more freedom and more income per citizen than any other nation in the world.

If your heart is heavy and your bank account is light, it is time to reverse the weight. There is hope and there is help. Read these words and think about your blessings and potential instead of your possible lack.

Madame Liberty wears a stola, a radiant crown and sandals. She tramples a broken chain under her feet. She stretches her right arm high in the air as she hoists her torch high in the air. Madame Liberty's welcome to visitors and immigrants symbolizes freedom and hope for a better future in a new country. America’s forefathers founded our very nation on the principles of liberty and freedom; they stepped up to this mission at the very peril of their own lives and fortunes.

Read the inscription,

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

When we see the starvation, lack of clean water, and lack of medical attention in most third world countries, we cringe. When we turn on the faucet and see the gush of abundant clean water, do we feel grateful or take it for granted?

Not enough money right now? We can get a second job, start a home based business, and find a way to be more valuable at our current job to earn a raise.

Get a second job. No one said it had to be a glamour job. Look at your options. Your second job may be on a grounds crew at a golf course, landscaping or construction crew. Yes, it is physical work but it may also be on weekends when you are not working your current job. Food service places frequently need additional help. This does not have to be a long term solution but it may ease your short term financial crunch.

Home Based Businesses. Home based businesses abound and can be started for an extremely small investment. Maybe you produce crafts or bake something wonderful which could be sold at a farmers market or roadside stand. Perhaps you are talented at woodworking or as a handyman. Home based opportunities are everywhere when you look openly for them and are willing to work.

Improve your current job. Where do you have abilities which would benefit the company? Help organize the storeroom, improve efficiency on a paperwork task, or assist co-workers to improve the overall function of your department. Talk to your supervisor. Ask where you could contribute extra effort to improve your department or even another department in the company.

The key to any of these actions is to not only instigate new ideas and effort but also follow through. Starting something and not following through is worse than not starting.

Be thankful that we have the freedom to take action to make our lives better. Our forefathers paid a dear price for our freedom. Immigrants suffered horrid conditions in order to experience the freedom so openly available to us.

I know first hand what it feels like to be so broke that I had to look up to see the financial basement floor. Swallowing pride and working hard to achieve is worth the effort. Come join me at www.Elaine4Success.com. Let me help you brainstorm ideas to improve your life.