I heard today they expect this year to be another bad year!!!

Well you have a choice whether you buy into it or not. People have bad years all the time. Just look at what the weather has been doing - and this has nothing to do with the economic climate.

I know it is difficult for people who have and are suffering hardship. Many people are affected by floods,earthquake and disasters of many different types. I am sure even if you are not affected by nature at the moment all of you at sometime will have experienced loss, hardship, pain and suffering.

It is really hard while in the midst of these trauma's but one thing for certain is that the pain and suffering doesn't last forever.
While you never forget these times, life has a habit of showing us how to get through and that good times, fun and laughter can result.

So how does all this relate to my first sentence?

The way in which we make it through the tough times is dependent on your attitude. If you think you can't, then you are right. If you think you can, then you are also right.

So if you think it is going to be a hard financial year, then you are right if you choose to buy into it. On the other hand if your attitude is one that you will always get through, there will always be enough to go round and have some left over, that you can still provide great care on a limited buget then you will be able to do all of this and more.

On the other hand if you say that you can't manage on the budget and pay for the extras that are so important, like training, then you are also right. It is called a self perpetuated prophercy.

Try this year to change the way you think and believe it is going to be a great year, that you can afford training (even if you think your budget can't), believe you have full occupancy in your facility, believe that your staff are very trainable - the list goes on. You choose your destiny.

I have worked on this philosophy for years. Yes it can get hairy at times but when you truely believe in what you are doing then a way will be found. Your prayers, wishes and desires can and will be fullfilled.