Forgetting about Fearing Tuesday, May 05, 2009 By Caleb Cole - Advertising I have my doubts anyone will view me saying our country is in a recession as a bit of new or shocking news. It is every where you go. The media has given us step-by-step coverage of our downward spiral and posted story after story about what financial experts say we should be doing to pull out of this crisis. Every time president Obama makes any kind of statement concerning the economy, it is published in headlines across the world as soon as the words leave his mouth. It really is at the forefront of the country's mind and rightfully so. By no means is this a small problem or something which should be taken lightly. I can't help but notice though the power the media has had on the outlooks of many Americans. It seems at times we are living in a constant state of fear. This is owed partially to the reality we are, in fact, in a recession, which is just a scary thing. We owe a large part of this fear to the media as well. Most headlines are negative simply because fear sells papers. I am not saying they aren't publishing true stories at all, but they choose to focus so much on the negative side of our economy because while we want it to do well we are more concerned about keeping up with it when it isn't. But the headlines aren't the focus of this column; instead it is the state of fear we are letting ourselves live in I would like to talk about.   I do think people should be responsible with their money, especially at a time such as this one. You hear day after day about people cutting back not only their living costs, but doing things like canceling their family vacations or skimping on things you should have like health insurance. I don't expect people to spend money like crazy by any means, but should we really fear this recession so much that we become afraid to enjoy some of the simple yet truly enjoyable things life has to offer? I for one don't think we should.   I do think we should be watching our pennies closely and make sure we are stretching them for all they are worth, but don't stop spending them all together on the things you enjoy. I have heard it said several times before, the best way to pull out of this recession is to continue spending money, so why not spend it on the things that make you happy and make the fear we have of this whole recession vanish for just a little bit? Don't be afraid to go see a movie or eat at your favorite restaurant just because of what the media has to say. Just make sure you watch your money and don't go crazy about spending it. Enjoy the little things in life, even if they cost a little bit of green. It is worth it to make sure you aren't living in constant fear.  So be sensible and watch where your pennies are being spent, and make sure you spoil yourself now and then in the process.

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