Opportunity 2009 words of wisdom

Yesterday I received a letter from a client, friend and financial consultant with words of wisdom about the current economic environment. What follows is an excerpt of his letter with some minor edits for clarity by this chief executive blogger.

"We are graced with an opportunity in 2009. The constructive attitude I personally implement and recommend during challenging times includes perspectives as follows:

Perspective #1 - there are more ups than downs
All aspects of life have inevitable up and down cycles, including the economy and our investments. In respect to our investment experience, please note the upward trend line of the stock and bond market over the last 80 years.

Perspective #2 - negative recreates the positive
Lessons are always available as a result of the attitude we maintain during the negative cycles. While past performance is not indicative of future results and market conditions of the past differ than those of today, historically growth often follows, and we can look back and see how the negative has been instrumental to recreating the positive.

Perspective #3 - faith and trust creates vision
It is our faith and trust in the opportunity of life that moves us to get up every day, regardless of the challenge of yesterday. So too, the United States and international community are applying the same faith, trust and action to create solutions for an ever evolving economic and investment process.

Perspective #4 - maintain a long-term perspective
It is always darkest before dawn; however, the dawn always unfolds. Market bottoms often emerge when investors are most pessimistic. The marketplace seems to be incapable of finding its way in a sustainable manner, and expectations are extremely low for business earnings and market growth. We are most likely still in a "cleaning and rebuilding the house" mode. Now is the time, more than ever, to keep a cool head and maintain a long-term perspective.

Perspective #5 - we are not alone
We are not alone as we experience the travails of life and finances. We have the opportunity to be supported and to support others. Creativity unfolds in personal and government action to meet these challenges and life goes on.

Perspective #6 - affirm success
Hold the vision for what is important to you, commit to action, and affirm success in reaching your objectives, goals and aspirations. This same attitude is critical to manifesting a successful lifetime financial picture."

Thank you very much my client, friend and financial consultant for your opportunity 2009 words of wisdom.

Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum