There is no question that these are trying times—not only for our nation, but also for the entire world. The most important thing to realize is you are not alone in your struggles.

Whether you suffer financially from poor decisions on your behalf, or for reasons out of your control, like job layoffs, know that yours is not an isolated case. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, shame, or anger, know that you, too, can be happy where you are and with what you have at this exact moment.

These five steps along with a positive attitude will get you started.

1. Stop spending money you don’t have. CNBC's Dylan Ratigan recently explained on the Oprah show that the current economic crisis is due largely in part to Americans “being unrealistic about finances.”

So cut up those credit cards and take charge of your finances. Living within your means will remove the burden of stress you’ve been feeling over your finances, making you a more accessible and positive member of your family. It’s a lot easier to enjoy the present when you’re not stressed over past mistakes, or future bills.

2. Make three lists: One for what you’re grateful for, one for your needs, and one for your wants. Sometimes we get so caught up in the rat race, we forget what we have already accomplished. So what if your neighbor just bought that new 5-series BMer you had your eye on. Be thankful for your kids’ health, your spouse’s love, the roof over your head, your car that runs—there’s a lot to be thankful for that we too often take for granted.

Making a list of your needs will make you realize that you don’t need a lot. In fact, if you think about it, you might even need less than what you have! It will also turn up more things you have to be grateful for.

Making a list of your wants will help you take control of your life. If you truly want something, make a plan to get it, and follow through. Either you’ll become more grateful for what you finally achieve, or you’ll realize that it’s unnecessary along the way to obtaining it.

3. Keep your family and friends close—and don’t be afraid to add to your social circle! You must be healthy and keep your stress levels in check to enjoy your life to the fullest. Having a good social circle of people you trust and can depend upon is not only fun, it’ll help you live longer!

According to blogger Marc Tyrell, a “massive study of 4,725 randomly selected residents of Alameda County in California found that those with the fewest close friends, relatives and social connections had mortality rates that were two to three times higher than those with high levels of social connectedness. Also, life expectancy tables show a difference of nine years between people with very poor social connections and those with very good ones.”

So get out there and make some friends! Job opportunities, fun parties, stimulating conversation, and enjoyment of your live at this very moment await you.

4. Scout your local resources. Does a local restaurant have a kids-eat-free night? What free activities are going on in your neighborhood? Can you rent DVDs at your local library for a fraction of the price of renting from Blockbuster? Try riding your bike to the local park instead of driving. Use Google to find what’s going on in your neighborhood.

You’ll soon find your quality of life improving without spending a cent, because you’ll be more engaged in your community. Moreover, by taking the time to get somewhere by bicycle, you’ll loose the stress of the commute while noticing the beauty of your immediate neighborhood. You’ll get the most out of what you have available to you in your community, and regain appreciation for where you live. How’s that for loving where you are right now? (Literally!)

5. Volunteer. Nothing will make you realize what you have more quickly than meeting someone who has far less. Your daily struggles will be put in perspective, while you help someone else with theirs. Take your family to feed the homeless, or to build a home with Habitat for Humanity. You’ll realize that you’re blessed just to have food and shelter and each other.

America has long fostered a culture of one-upmanship. But it’s clear that not everyone in the US could afford to play this ridiculous game, and now the entire nation is paying for it. If we can all begin to live within our means, and be happy with what we have while continuing to set goals for the future, we will live much more fulfilling lives.