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Silver Linings
Identifying the Bright Spots in 2008        by Karen Koza

Challenge : In spite of the wars in the Middle East and dire economic news, it may be hard to believe but there are some remarkable accomplishments and developments that will stand out about 2008.

New Political Frontiers
This year, our nation hosted an historic and ground-breaking election. We voted to elect either our first female Vice President or our first African-American President. And that opportunity brought with it a renewed interest among voters young and old to participate in the democratic process.

Outstanding Athleticism
With a tough start to their 2007-2008 season, the New York Giants advanced to Super Bowl XXXXII and emerged victorious over the undefeated New England Patriots.

In spite a sore knee and fractured leg, Tiger Woods persevered through a sudden-death playoff to win the 2008 US Open. With this latest demonstration of athletic skill and mental endurance, the golf legend added a new “wow” to his impressive resume of accomplishments.

After seven years of retirement, swimmer Dana Torres won three Silver Medals for the United States at the Summer Olympics in Beijing. Becoming a mother at the age of 39 and a repeat Olympian at the age of 41, Torres redefined turning 40 for current and future generations facing this milestone.

And of course, Michael Phelps broke records of his own, earning 14 Gold Medals for the U.S. this year, more than any other Olympian in the history of the Games. Imagine what he could do with a daily diet that doesn’t include sugary drinks, whole pizzas and fast food!

Breaking with Debt
Credit markets are in a crisis, yet Americans still want to buy. An increasing number of retailers and consumers are embracing the idea of paying in full and in cash. The option? The long-ago layaway plan that allows shoppers the opportunity to make small payments over time.

“Layaway came about during the Great Depression so consumers could put purchases aside until they were able to pay for them in full. Store credit cards and financing have largely replaced layaway at great cost to consumers, some have argued,” writes Samantha Maziarz Christmann on Buffalo News’ blog, “MoneySmart”.

Layaway is even moving into the online environment.

“…….a few stores are still hanging on to the service and it is even being adopted by online retailers. Florida-based eLayaway.com offers virtual layaway services for more than 1,000 online stores, and is working to bring layaway to brick-and-mortar locations soon,” she continues.
Gone is our country’s habit of “buy now, pay later” and rather “pay now and later, buy later”.

Ultimate Sportsmanship
In an important game this past April, Sarah Tucholsky, a softball player on the Western Oregon University team, knocked out her first ever homerun. The even better news? There were two runners on bases, meaning Tucholsky was bringing in three runs. The bad news? In her victory lap, Tucholsky collapsed at first base with a leg injury and was unable to run or even crawl to the next base. The first base coach informed Tucholsky that if her team-mates helped her she would be called out. If a pinch runner was designated, the home run would only be recorded as a single and Tucholsky would be denied her first and only homerun.

One of Tucholsky’s opponents, Mallory Holtman of Central Washington University asked the umpire if she and her team could help the injured player and was informed that there was no specific rule against it.

Even though Tucholsky’s three run homer would mean their team’s elimination from the playoffs, Holtman and team-mate Liz Wallace put their arms under Tucholsky’s legs and carried her from base to base, stopping only to allow Tucholsky’s good leg to touch each base so her homerun would count.

According to Tucholsky, as the trio neared home plate, her entire team was in tears.

Western Oregon coach Pam Knox told the CBS Early Show, "It's a great story, something I'll never forget. The game's about character and integrity and sportsmanship, and it's not always about winning and losing."

Greener Acres
The good news in going green is that there are sustainable and eco-friendly options in nearly every product or service. From mercury-free vaccines to organic foods and drinks to eco-friendly cleaning products, there are options. There is also far greater awareness of earth-friendly and health-conscious living.

“To me, it all boils down to knowing the right questions to ask and the choices that are available to you,” writes Deirdre Imus, activist, mom and author, in “Growing Up Green”, her second volume in the best-selling “Green This!” series. “Awareness is the essential tool here. Only when we truly educate ourselves about the widespread threats to our children’s health can we take steps to avoid and ultimately eliminate those threats.”

A Greater Being
As times feel increasingly troubled, more and more people are turning to their houses of worship for comfort, peace and reassurance.

That makes complete sense as attending a religious service allows the worshipper the opportunity to put his or her problems into someone else’s hands while sharing in a sense of community and greater good. At the very least, it’s an easy way to think about something else for a short period of time.

These may be tough times for sure, but if we focus on the silver linings in the clouds above us, we can certainly persevere.

These are our gifts from 2008.