Today’s post is from a guest blogger J. Bradbury from www.preparePDX.com. We are very fortunate to have so many conscious folks living right here in Portland that care about your survival. Take a moment to visit his blog when you are done reading his guest post which will get you thinking this weekend!

I am presenting a challenge. This challenge is not only for the preparedness folks, but also for their family and friends. Often we are fed an oversimplified and somewhat skewed point of view painting a picture that everything will be ok.  I welcome you to open your mind, eyes, and ears and spend some time learning the truth.  I request you to spend, one hour, everyday for one week following my exercise on understanding the reality of what we are in store for.  Please find the courage and the time to listen.

Day 1: We don’t have much time, but I will be gentle with you.  Read the article, William Black: Why Nobody went to Jail for the Credit Crisis. This is solid, easy to understand information.

Day 2:  You good? Wakening up a little bit? Excellent! Today is another article. Don’t worry, there is a video tomorrow.  Today’s article is: SHEARED BY THE SHORTS: HOW SPECULATORS FLEECE INVESTORS, written by Ellen Brown.  This shows you the reality of a how messed up our stock market is and some simple solutions to protect yourself.  This won’t take you an hour, so class dismissed early today.

Day 3: Hang in there, Buddy. Today is a history class.  You may not be hip to history, but this documentary is vital to help you understand what is going on right now.  Remember, history repeats itself.  The documentary is called: The Secret of Oz. The video is one hour and fifty-six minutes long.  Part one is watching the first hour.

Day 4:  By now if your mind is not blown away, I can’t help you.  Stop now, before going down this rabbit hole any longer.  Those brave souls that are left can watch the rest of the documentary.   Now if you could not help yourself and you watched the whole thing. Stop brown-nosing and move on to the next day.

Day 5: Most of you are ending another exciting week of work.  Be warned, you’re going to need a beer for this next lesson. This one will be a podcast.  The Survival Podcast #756, “Karl Denninger on the Coming Market Meltdown”.   Remember you made this far, you’re in the home stretch.

Day 6: OMG, was that not depressing? If luck has it, it might be a beautiful autumn day. Spend an hour talking with a friend or family member about what you have learned or spend the time grilling, whatever floats your boat.

Day 7:  Hot damn, you made it.  You stuck it out and your eyes are open. Amen brother or sister!  One more hour and the race is run.  Head back to The Survival Podcast #760, “What Have You Done With my Country”.  There is not a lot of research information, but I love the podcast for his emotions.  He is really passionate about what he is talking about, and it ends with a patriotic song.

Maybe you’re left a little confused, scared or bewildered. Thoughts might be going through your head like, “What now, man?” The reality of the importance of self-reliance should be kicking in.  You start to understand the need for community, either in your neighborhood, online or with an organization. There is no easy answer, we are all trying to figure out the environment we are living in right now, and the one that is coming. This will involve research, action, and dedication on your part. Take care, and remember you are NOT ALONE.

Thank you again to J. Bradbury for his guest blog post.