What's important to you during these recessionary times? I have been thinking about it in light of friends being laid off of work, home foreclosures rising to record numbers, businesses large and small folding, new cars stacking up on docks. So here are my top 3 most important things that I try to focus on and remember during these tough times:

1. Relationships.

Relationships are one of the few things I can control. My relationships with my friends, co-workers, relatives, partner, even strangers is something powerful and important to me. So, online sites like LinkedIn and Facebook have become a lifeline. I have reconnected with probably 25 friends over the past 4 weeks. All online. And I love being able to go online to send an e-card to a friend to help lift their spirits or go online to LinkedIn and write a recommendation for a former co-worker. And the LGBT market has such a wealth of websites and blogs (like this one) that can lift my spirits. I like to cruise through 365gay.com and gayagenda.com to catch the latest news in our world.

2. Style and Fashion.

I love this one. Shopping on a budget is possible! Even in these difficult times you can find great sales to stay stylish. Some of the sales in retail stores are incredible. And what you can find online is equally as enticing. And that includes some high end brands. I bought a new yoga mat the other day and added a yoga bag and yoga pants to my order from Gaiam because of the great pricing they were offering. I noticed in the March issue of OUT magazine the first 6 full pages are fashion advertising……..someone must still be buying Gucci and Prada. I check out gay.com/style to stay up to date on all kinds of style tips for my home and my life.

3. Entertainment.
               
The LGBT market loves to be entertained. Whether we are actually traveling to an exotic beach or watching a movie like Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire, we can be entertained. I find the vicarious experience of watching movies a great way to experience a foreign country, especially when I am not going to be able to travel there any time soon. Even having friends over for a little grilled food and glass of wine has become more fun than going out to eat nowadays. Planetout.com has a great entertainment section for the latest on celebs, movies, books, etc. Right up my alley!

I'd like to hear from you. Please share with me what's important to you in these times?