Often people participate in workshops for personal growth.  I attended a 3-Day seminar last weekend and was delighted to see that many of the speakers were concerned about the economy.  There were many opportunities social networking as well as for obtaining new information. 

As is common in American Society, I found myself facing the choice of choosing to purchase additional information and products or to be satisfied with applying the information I already have.  I chose the latter.  Actually, the social networking was of the greatest benefit to me.

One prevalent belief in Western societies has been that the more information, the more technology, and the more choice that we have, the happier we will be.  All to often, however, many have discovered that while initially attractive, it may not lead to the happiness that was anticipated.  Indeed, research shows that too much choice can even lead to indecision and depression. It is often based on the unconscious belief, "we are not enough."

Barry Schwartz, in his book, The Paradox of Choice: Why More is Less, cites research showing that when customers were given many choices, they were much less likely to take action.  For example, customers were more likely to pass a display of 30 items than a display of six. Add to this, the findings that once basic needs are met, material items are no longer the greatest source of happiness.  People are more likely to experience happiness from their bonding and close relationships.

From this point of view, the challenges facing our economy may actually be a benefit. We are all in this together, and by maximizing our our strengths, just as we are, may become happier.