EDITORIAL:

A staggered economy. A brewing Swine Flu crisis that could become a global pandemic and imperil our already suffering economy. You’re not even sure you’ll be able to hang on to your job or house in a year’s time.

Yes, times are tough and it’s easy to grow disconsolate.

But if you’re looking for inspiration, try some “Nattitude.”

That’s what they call the spirit that drove Huntington Beach’s Natalie Buchoz from a paralyzing spinal cord injury to taking her first steps one year and four months after the skiing accident. And, this is an amusing coincidence, the teenager did it on April 15 — tax day.

“She’s really changed a lot of lives, and she’s such an inspiration to everybody,” the 17-year-old’s grandmother Lorry Higgins said.

That’s for sure. Since news of her injury and her family’s struggle to pay for her rehab spread the community pitched in several times with fundraisers. So her first steps were a great payoff and inspiration that we can overcome anything if we’re determined enough.

Try to remember that when the day’s problems seem about to overwhelm you.