The approval of Tooele County’s budget two weeks ago was another clear sign of things to come. The 2010 budget was down almost 15 percent, following several years of budget increases, including a slight rise in the 2009 budget approved last December while the recession was, we now know, at its height.

And the county is only the latest government entity to tighten its purse strings. Grantsville City is, by its own leaders’ admissions, flat broke. Tooele City is dipping into its rainy day fund to help cover budgetary shortfalls. Layoffs, business closures, an unemployment rate that has exceeded the state average, and increasing demand for social services and charity all go to show that, despite past economic advantages we have enjoyed over the rest of the nation, tough times have finally come home to roost in Tooele County.

The consensus among economists seems to be that we are entering a period of slow, protracted recovery. For Tooele County, that means we aren’t likely to see a return to, say, 2006 levels in areas from unemployment to home prices for quite some time. We’re on the mend, but our convalescence is going to take awhile.

This final week of 2009, however, gives us an opportunity to rest before plunging headlong into a difficult year. Sandwiched between the long weekends of Christmas and New Year’s, this abbreviated week is likely to see less productivity than any other week of the year. Calls and e-mails won’t be returned, new projects won’t be launched, and many folks who are working will find themselves manning their station rather than pushing forward any serious work.

That’s OK, though, since the respite is welcome and provides a lull in which to reflect on where we’ve come from and where we’re going. Yes, we have some tough challenges ahead of us, but we shouldn’t forget we’ve already come through the worst of the storm. We did that by tightening our collective belts and staying optimistic. Those are virtues that will serve us well in the year ahead.

So as you formulate New Year’s resolutions this year, remember to pause for a moment to be grateful for all that you have — and for the fact that 2009 is behind us. Then set your face towards 2010 with a spirit of cheerful resolve. Whatever comes at us, we’ll make it through.