Financial expert encourages shoppers to get creative

It is official. America is in an all-out recession causing many to scramble to survive financially and emotionally. How you deal with it will determine your ultimate success.A crisis can put everything in perspective, but why wait to be proactive? Act now so you will never have to experience that regret. There is no excuse for not living every day as if it were your last. It's time for you to become the da Vinci of your life circumstances moving forward.

The "Reallionaire Journey Journal" is designed to share the steps, methods and eternal truths that empowered me to discover my values, goals, purpose, and ability to achieve results and experience profound fulfillment. There are steps to the exercise. Do them at your own pace. There is no time limit. They deserve your undivided attention.

What is a 'Reallionaire?' A Reallionaire is a person who pursues their purpose and passion with authenticity, sincerity and honesty, whether they have a million dollars in the bank or a nickel in their pocket.

First, what does being rich from the inside out mean to you?

For me, being rich from the inside out means being aware of the great wealth and value that you possess naturally - with or without material gain. It means recognizing your talents and putting them to work to attain what your heart desires. That doesn't mean it has to be yours, but remember: We often mix up the dream with what it takes to achieve the dream and that can sometime throw off the definition of success.

The thought of living a dream life seems like a fairy tale to many people, but the reality is that you can live the life you have always wanted just by knowing your real purpose. Once you change your mind about what's possible, you'll change your life.

How well do you know yourself? Are you on the right path? What are your values? Your values are what you deem worthwhile or desirable.

That includes the people in your life; where you live, the things you do, the things you have; what you know. This is the key to your value system. These are the factors that will drive you to your purpose in life.

Now, let's talk about the less positive things. Let's ask: What do you want to change in your life and why? There's nothing wrong with wanting more. And there's nothing wrong with admitting that your life hasn't been a bed of roses. Everybody's got baggage. But how much of that are you still carrying with you? How big is your luggage? Can it be seen from a mile away? Is it a high-end, matching set?

A little bit of baggage is reasonable. By a little bit, I mean the size that can be stowed underneath the seat in front of you, not the size that takes over the whole overhead bin.

Whether you are aware of it or not, this baggage is like an emotional vampire, sucking you of energy and success. Until you empty your luggage, you will never find that true prosperity, genuine happiness and a lifetime of success will never be within your grasp. Imagine a positive outcome while using affirmations.

Reallionaire Affirmation:

I was put on Earth to fulfill a specific purpose. I only have to name it to achieve it.

Reallionaire Affirmation:

Opportunities are everywhere. I can rise above any circumstance with hard work, integrity, faith and especially persistence.

Reallionaire Affirmation:

When things are at their worst, I am at my strongest.

Reallionaire Affirmation:

I am honest with myself about what is working, what is failing, where I am and where I need to go. I have the courage to make decisions based on the facts instead of fighting the tide.

Reallionaire Affirmation:

Inside every seed is the potential for an incredible harvest.

Reallionaire Affirmation:

Only what's real will last. I will last.

Farrah Gray is the author of "Get Real, Get Rich: Conquer the 7 Lies Blocking You from Success" and the international best-seller "Reallionaire: Nine Steps to Becoming Rich from the Inside Out." He is chairman of the Farrah Gray Foundation. Dr. Gray can be reached via email at fg@drfarrahgray.com or his web site at www.drfarrahgray.com