GM is closing it’s doors in my hometown of Mansfield, Ohio,

The tone all over town is very somber.  People are in shock and disbelief.  Why? When? Why Mansfield?

As of today, August 3rd, more than half the GM employees in Mansfield have either retired, or taken the early buyout with this past Saturday, August 1st being their final day.   Read more in our local paper, if you like,  The Mansfield News Journal

If you had over 20 years of service, you were eligible for a nice settlement of 115k.  Less than 10 years service, 20k-45k. Not too shabby.

(Hey, they could’ve just posted a closed sign and locked the doors – other companies have done that ‘ya know)

So, now what?

It’ll be interesting to see what people do with the money:

• Move to another city and hope for the best.
• Invest it.
• Wallow in self-pity.
• Become a home-based business owner.
• Go back to school.
• Blow it.

Twenty years ago, this closure would have affected our community like the black plague.

But, today – I feel very differently.

Remember, we live in a GLOBAL economy.   It’s time to get creative.

Like my neighbor Chris who’s converting gas or diesel powered cars into efficient hybrids.  It’s time to notice our surroundings and take action.  Chris Nelson’s website is here if you’d like to know more http://easy2hybrid.com

This is YOUR wake up call for those standing at the cross-roads:  This is your second chance to do what you love!

Ask yourself:

• what excites you?
• what hobbies do you enjoy that could earn you money?
• what skills do you have?  How could they benefit or serve others and bring in an income?

We shouldn’t allow ourselves to get too comfortable in our ways – the only thing certain is change. Everything is temporary.  (Didn’t Dad tell me that once or a hundred times? Yes, he did.)

Yes, change is scary… but you must BELIEVE IN YOURSELF and MOVE FORWARD.

And, be ready to see life through your rose-colored-God-glasses.  It’ll be ok.