MARK YOUR CALENDARS! THE NATURAL HOMEBUILDING WORKSHOP RETURNS!
BUG Release
Saturday, January 28,
2006, at the Community Center in Ridgway, the Business as Unusual Group (BUG)
will host the second Natural Home Building Workshop. Dan Chiras, a leading authority on green building and renewable
energy, will start the day with a talk about “Superbia! 31 Ways to Create Sustainable
Neighborhoods”. He will outline the
problems with urban/suburban neighborhoods and how these problems relate to
design. He presents a set of ideas for
creating greater interdependence in neighborhoods while living saner, less
stressful, less expensive and less environmentally damaging lives.
On Sunday January 29,
Dan will give another presentation on “Eco-Kids”, how to inspire environmental
consciousness in youth. This will be
held in the Kiva at the Chipeta Sun Lodge in the morning.
Dan has played a leading
role in promoting: critical thinking; an understanding of the root causes of
environmental issues; systemic solutions to environmental problems and
sustainable development. He has
published 21 books to date, including college and high school texts as well as
the popular The Natural House and The New Ecological Home. He has been a full-time college professor,
an adjunct professor, and a visiting professor at many colleges and
universities. He has built a rammed
earth, tire, and straw bale home with solar panels and a small wind generator
in Evergreen Colorado. In his free time
Dan mountain bikes, canoes, plays music and gardens.
The afternoon of the
workshop will begin with a presentation, “The Future of Green Building” by
David Holubetz. He will cover new
trends in design, methods of construction, and use of materials from a whole
project perspective. He will include slides from the 2005 Solar Decathlon in
Washington D.C., an annual competition to build the most advanced solar/green
homes, showcasing cutting edge design and new building technologies. David is the owner of Blue Sky Builders, and
a local building contractor specializing in high-quality environmentally
conscious building.
A panel presentation,
with questions and answers, will follow.
The fee for the workshop will be $10, lunch not included. We hope you will join us again for an
inspiring, informative and interesting day.
Questions? Call 626-9885 or
626-5560.
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Whole Life Fair in February
Whole Life Network Release
The 12th
annual Whole Life Fair will be earlier than usual in 2006. Over the years the fair sponsored by The
Whole Life network has gone through several name changes and different venues,
but the basic format remains unchanged.
For the 12th straight year, this will still be the best place
to check out the latest and best in our holistic community. The date this year will be Saturday February
18th at the Montrose Pavilion.
Mark your calendar and when you attend, be prepared to see with your
eyes and feel with your heart the very best in alternative healing and goods
and services for mind, body and spirit connection on the Western Slope. If you
are experiencing a physical ailment or an emotional issue, we are confident you
will find your source of relief at the Fair. There will be opportunities to
collect a wealth of information, resources, products and services. You'll find nutritional supplements, skin
care products, books, essential oils, herbs, jewelry and homeopathics as well.
Space does not permit us
to describe all of the resources and providers who have already reserved booth
space at the Fair, but here are some early highlights. For the second year in a
row, the first one to register for booth space was Noaloni Terry , Whole
Life Indexing and Energy Works. Noaloni will be discussing and
demonstrating her knowledge of Polarity. Kim Davis, owner and manager
of, Wind Spirit Gifts, 525 E. Main St. in Montrose, invites you to come
to the Fair to see her latest assortment of candles, crystals, bamboo and
fountains. For the second year in a row we will be blessed to have Whole Life
Network business member, Fire of Truth Satsanga at the Fair. Stop by their booth to hear more about their
fellowship and the group meditations that they sponsor.
David and Tamara Hauze
will provide a wonderful environment of live music again. We are indebted to
these musicians for their loyal support of Whole Life Network events. Hungry?
No need to fret, as food and beverages will be sold in the Pavilion by our
local eatery, The Daily Bread. And
you can listen to the great live music of David and Tamara as you dine. To top
it off, you will have opportunities to win numerous door prizes provided by our
vendors. You won't want to miss a single moment of this year’s Fair.
Vendors and
practitioners, not registered yet? Booth space is still available, but going
fast. Fill out the registration form on Page 2 and return it as soon as
possible. For more information contact Sylvia Conda at 970 249-9718 or Sylvia.l@bresnan.net.
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Remembering Aztlán
a Column of Poetry, Culture & Spirit by Art Goodtimes
GIVE PEACE A CHANCE
… As many of you know, a small group of us regularly walk the length of main
street in Telluride on the 11th of every month. We’ve been doing so
ever since the tragedy of 911. Some 51 times to date. Not only for those
innocent souls killed in that horrific event, but for all those killed and
injured since – not only in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but in wars and
conflicts around the world … One reason a handful of us feel it’s important to
walk for peace is because we are a nation at war. Although Congress has not
declared war, as our Constitution says it must to engage in foreign conflicts,
nevertheless this nation is at war. That’s a fact that’s easy to forget. Unless
you are the family or friend of a loved one serving in our armed forces
overseas … And so for those of us who observe this one day a month by taking
local action, we feel a strong need to call attention to the fact that our tax
dollars are being used to mount overseas military operations in our name. And
that people are dying every day, on both sides of these foreign conflicts … But
not everyone thinks this walking for peace is useful or wise. One local sent me
a note the other day, with an article detailing the alleged statement of the
new Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that “Israel must be wiped off the map”,
and the U.S. too. Terrible and reprehensible statements in my mind (akin to the
terrible and reprehensible statement of the so-called “Reverend” Pat Robertson
calling for the assassination of the democratically-elected Venezuelan head of
state) … The note accompanying that article was brief: “Do you think this guy
will respond positively to a peace march by anyone?” … This was a kinder
version of the dismissive sentiments of a “Christian” local who rolled down his
window and taunted the peacewalkers this month, “So, you want to bring Hussein
back, right? Bring back Hussein!” … For me, the answer to the local who wrote
questioning if the Iranian leader will ever listen to those marching for peace
is both yes and no … No. The kind of alleged war-mongering rhetoric quoted
leads only to more and more horrific acts. And Mr. Ahmadinejad is unlikely to
give a hoot about a handful of people in Telluride marching for peace. He
deserves U.N. sanction, and our nation certainly needs to be alert to defend
ourselves and our allies against demagogues like this, if this is indeed what
was said … But yes, marching for peace can play a part in stopping the cycle of
violence that our nation, and the world as a whole, is caught up in. Power
resides in the people in any country, not in its leaders – although our leaders
attempt to represent the people (for better or worse) and do wield power on
behalf of the people … A handful of marchers give witness to a desire for
peace. A hundred marchers stop traffic. A thousand marchers stop commerce. A
million marchers can change the direction of a nation. Gandhi taught us that.
Martin Luther King, Jr., taught us that. And Rosa Parks taught us that those
great movements for peace and justice start with individuals giving witness …
Consider joining us on Jan. 11th at noon at the County Courthouse.
And Feb. 11th. And every 11th until our nation stops waging
foreign wars. Let’s give peace a chance here on the Western Slope.
WEB MISCHIEF …
Do a Google on the world “failure” and check on the first item listed. You
might be surprised … And then again you might entertain the same smirk as the
webpage photo that comes up when that first item is double-clicked.
JEANNINE PARVATI BAKER
… Although we never met, I corresponded with this good woman. Wanted to bring
her to mushfest, though it never
happened. Many of my friends utilized her herbs. Learned from her wealth of
herbal and midwifery knowledge. Here’s what former partner Lindamarie Luna had
to say about Jeannine … “I remember her as a very clever wordsmith, astrologer,
herbalist and passionate and kind midwife, doing much to smooth the rough spots
of the profession. She was my first midwifery mentor almost 20 years ago, when
I took her correspondence course on Spiritual Midwifery, in which she answered
each and every students' work with long, insightful personal letters! All while
homesteading, catching babies, nurturing her own, and publishing books like the
great herbal HYGAEA” … Blessed be!
WEELY QUOTA
… "The purpose of the press is to stampede the mammoths of power off the
cliff of their own making." –the legendary Jack Mueller, Budada of Log
Hill Village
©
2004 Art Goodtimes
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Rock Soup - Recipes for Sustainable Living
by Dea Jacobson
I begin the New Year
with a new title for this column. It’s
broader theme will allow me to write about my experiences living in our
off-the-grid house, and the lifestyle that has evolved as we adjust to the
changes we have made in our day-to-day routines. I hope to describe a way of living that is common to many who
have chosen to live light on the environment and to inspire you, dear reader,
in trying new ways to connect with the rhythms of the earth, and bring balance
into your life. My kitchen has been a
laboratory of experimentation where I connect to the world. In an effort to live in a way that sustains
my household and the community we live in, many questions arise. Some are: “where does my food come
from? How was it produced? Who produced it? How did it get here? How
is it best prepared? What is my
attitude, as I plan, shop, cook, serve, share and consume it? My past columns have attempted to address
some of these issues, but the main theme of cooking limited me from getting
more in depth with the philosophy behind my choices.
My new title, “Rock
Soup”, comes from a fable. As I
remember it, a wandering stranger comes upon a poor village, looking for a
meal. Going door to door, he is refused food by each impoverished
resident. Entering the town square, he
finds a large kettle, starts a fire, puts water in the kettle, and drops a
large rock in. As he begins to stir
with a big wooden pole, residents curiously come into the square, one at a
time. An old woman asks “what’s
cooking?” To which he replies “rock soup!”
Pulling a wooden spoon from her apron pocket, she takes a taste. “Hmmm, she says, it could use an
onion”. She goes to her kitchen and
gets a big one she’s kept stashed for a rainy day. The next villager offers a carrot, then potatoes, parsnips, a
soup bone, you get the idea. Each takes a turn putting something in the soup, stirring
the soup, seasoning the soup. Bowls are brought out, bread is broken, and the
poor village has the best feast it has had in a long time. So, in the end, it takes a village to make a
pot of soup to nourish itself.
I hope to inspire you to
become more involved in this global village we all share, to create your own
rock soup, and to help me and others make theirs. I will share books, websites, politics, and, yes, recipes. I ask you to make this column an interactive
one, by writing to me at deayoga@hotmail.com with ideas, feedback and questions. Let’s use this newsletter to forward the
concepts of sustainability throughout Western Colorado. If you know of inspiring groups, individuals
or ongoing projects, share them with me and I’ll put them in the next “Rock
Soup”.
Now for our recipe this
month. I am a fan of hot cereal for
breakfast, and my favorite is steel cut oats. Allow about 20
minutes for preparation. One cup of
oats provides 2 large or 3 smaller servings, depending on what else you put in
the pot. Heat a medium heavy saucepan
and brown the oats by stirring until they are a nice light brown color. As you roast the oats, add some cinnamon and
nutmeg, being careful not to burn the spices.
Add ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Add
2 cups of cold water and heat till it is bubbling. Throw in raisins, walnuts, or any other combination of dried
fruits or nuts. Stir, turn the heat
down real low and let steam for 10-15 minutes, depending on your altitude. You can check it from time to time, making
sure it is not sticking to the bottom of the pan. If you can’t get the flame down low enough, use a flame
tamer. Add maple syrup and a little
ghee or butter, and the milk of your choice in your favorite bowl, and dig in. Should last you all morning! Enjoy, and have a blessed 2006!
Dea Jacobson lives with
her husband, Roy in an earthship north of Cedaredge. She is a registered Yoga instructor and owner of Blue Heron
Yoga. She conducts classes in Grand
Junction, Cedaredge and Delta, private at home yoga therapy is a licensed
Religious Science Practitioner and is a graduate of Naturally Grand Cooking
School. Contact her at 970 856 4905, at
www.blueheronyoga.com or at Box 95 in Cedaredge, Co 81413.
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The Ancient Lore on Stones
by Susan Palmer
In ancient lore, in
Burma, to bury a ruby in a wound would protect against swords, spears, and
guns, making one invulnerable in war.
In Sanscrit literature, the ruby is named the king of gems, conferring
health, wealth, wisdom, and love, and attracting all the other gems. Ruby
affects all the chakras in a positive way.
Rubies should be mounted in gold and should never be worn with
moonstone.
The ruby is composed of
corundum and is associated with Capricorn, thus a birthstone for both December
and January in addition to July. Cape ruby is composed of pyrope. Balas ruby is spinel, and Brazilian ruby is
actually tourmaline. The color of true corundum rubies ranges from almost clear
to deep blood red. The darkest rubies
are twice as valuable as diamonds.
Those whose astrological
Saturn is afflicted, should not wear rubies. Ruby heightens the effects of
Mars, Pluto and the Sun. Pale rubies are assigned to Jupiter, and pink amplify
Venus aspects. A deep red or pigeon blood ruby
brings great spiritual growth to Leos and Sagittarians. Aquarius and
Cancer are the only signs that may not benefit from wearing rubies.
According to ancient
lore, ruby strengthens and cleans the blood vessel walls, heightens passion and
imagination, and connects one with the astral world. Water in which a ruby has been soaking was used to treat pain,
boils, ulcers, eye diseases, constipation, sour stomach, and bring peaceful
dreams. Ayurveda teaches ruby aggravates pitta conditions.
Rubies work powerfully
on the human aura and when used as a focus to send energy outward, the ruby
will amplify that intent in the aura of the sender. For this reason, persons
suffering from anger should choose to wear not ruby, but a more soothing stone
such as emerald, moonstone, green jade, or agates, jaspers, rhyolite or onyx.
For more information on
rubies and other stones, read The Gemstone Healing Amulet….., a research text
by Susan Palmer. 240-3605
Susan Palmer is a new
resident of Montrose, most recently from Oregon. Previously she has lived in
Colorado Springs and on Maui. She is the author of several volumes of poetry
and a research text The Gemstone Healing Amulet, Making One That Works For You.
She offers private and public sessions for groking stones. 240-3605.
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Peaceful Contributions for the Soul
by Kathy Gates
Happy
New Year!
What is a New Year? I
asked myself this question. What came through for me was the New Year is a time
of cleansing, like the snows that cleanse our air and keep our earth warm
during winter; to start the New Year with gratitude. Appreciating my own experience
of this last year, being thankful for lessons I have learned, letting go of old
ideas that no longer serve my life and accepting the knowledge I have gained to
experience life more fully.
I can begin anew by
being thankful. Thankful for my life, my family, my friends, coworkers, people
in my community and for the people I have still yet to meet. I can have
gratitude for the Earth and all its beauty, for all it provides in my life, my
food and water my home, clothing, medicine, for the pretty trees, year round
flowers, plants, grasses, for all the drops of rain, streams, rivers, lakes and
oceans. I can be grateful for the valleys, canyons, mountains and forests. They
are always there for me. I can enjoy the animals the gifts Creator gave to me,
the Eagles that soar across the sky, for a tiny bee that buzzes by, to learn
from, to make me laugh, to feed and entertain my soul.
I let gratitude fill my
senses, I am happy with the joy of my sight, the colors of life, the shadows
and the light. For the ability to hear Creator in every sound a happy whistle,
a laugh, a cry, a song of love, or a little bird that sings, even when the
telephone rings. Listening I might hear
a plane overhead, a turkey gobble a dog barking, a baby cooing, the sound of a
snore.
I experience gratitude
every time I feel. When I receive a hug, kiss or handshake, a smile, to feel
warm water over my body when I shower, or the warm and comfort of a fire, a
blanket, a pair of slippers on a cold winter day, a letter or card in the
mailbox I feel the words on the page. I
am thankful for the wonderful taste of my life, for the buttered popcorn,
chocolate, homemade soup, and fresh baked bread all my favorite foods, salty,
sour, tangy or sweet.
As I continue to let
this thankfulness well up in me I am thankful for the smell after a fresh rain
or snow, the sweetness of a rose, the smell of fresh pine trees, chocolate chip
cookies baking in the oven.
Then even more
gratefulness flows through me I am grateful for this new day, the sun as it
rises, sending me its glorious rays of light, for the clouds that float across
blue skies. For the sunsets with all its colors, for the moon that shines so
bright, even for the little stars that twinkle in the night just for me. For my
own free will, to be able to see. That my life is perfect and made just for me.
Yes, I will start my New
Year with gratitude, and expect the best to come. I will let go of anything I
thought was wrong and find within it what is right and surely as all that's
been given me Ill experience this new year with pure delight. I thank God, the
Great Spirit of All that Is for this new opportunity a New Year in my life.
Happy New Year Everyone
May Great Spirit Bless
YOU
Women's Spirit Retreat
will be offering Unlimited Potential Creativity Workshops beginning in
February, for private sessions during the week, call for availability.
Workshops to support your Unique Creativity and Life. Spend some quality time surrounded by nature, enjoy the beauty of
all that is. We offer private retreats and workshops. Call Kathy 970-856-7665
or email WSRetreat@aol.com for information.
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Nutritional Astrology
© Anne Calzada Herbalist
Astrology is the science
of the action of celestial bodies upon animate and inanimate objects, and their
reactions to such influences. It has its place among the earliest of human
recordings. It is the parent of Astronomy. I am not an Astrologer, but an
Herbalist. I am interested in the signs and their governing over health
purposes. Each sign governs a system and or part of the physical body. I find
interest in these systems as per strengthening any imbalances that may or may
not occur. This is not to say that just because you are a "Leo" that
you will have heart difficulties, as Leo rules the heart. I am offering that
each sign has its own dominion and there are plants and remedies that can
strengthen each system. Furthermore, the planets have their own energies
associated with them. Each sign is ruled by a planet. They bring their
properties with them. It is said that herbs are ruled by planets and elements,
that you can attribute botanical traits to planetary and elementary influence.
I recognize this as truth. I will take this further and say that the Earth and
her beautiful gifts are ruled by the Creator.
Aries
- Ruled by Mars, Element of Fire. The head, brain, face, sinuses, blood.
Aries may be prone to
headaches, migraines, sinusitis, high blood pressure, blood issues, anemia,
minor injuries to the face and the head. Iron is needed for strong healthy
blood. Vitamin B Complex and EFA's are needed for brain health. Potassium is
needed for balanced blood pressure.
Allies: Garlic,
peppermint, flax seed oil.
Taurus
- Ruled by Venus, Element of Earth. The neck, throat and thyroid.
Taureans may experience
issues with their thyroid. Hypo or hyper thyroid. Issues of metabolism
imbalances, tonsillitis, sore throats, colds. Many have great singing or
speaking voices. Venus is the planet of beauty. Vitamin E is required for
growth, fertility and beauty. Sulphur is known as the beauty mineral, as is
Silica. Iodine is needed for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.
Allies: Kelp,
slippery elm, msm.
Gemini
- Ruled by Mercury, Element of Air. Hands, arms, shoulders, respiratory system,
nervous system.
Gemini may be prone to
respiratory difficulties such as asthma or bronchitis. They may have strains or
accidents involving the hands and arms. Shoulders can carry weight of burdens
on them thus experiencing anxiety and tension held in the shoulders.
B Complex is very
helpful for their nervous system, feeding it. Calcium and magnesium are
required for a healthy nervous system. Sulphur feeds the lungs.
Allies:
Lavender, mullein, garlic.
Cancer
- Ruled by the Moon, Element of Water. Breasts, chest, stomach, digestion,
fluid balance.
Cancer may experience
edema, breast issues, healthy tissue/lymph flow, digestive disorders, worry,
emotions tied with stress, nausea. Cancers are nurturing in nature, and can be
prone to emotional tension thus affecting digestion. Vitamin A is helpful in the
functioning, growth and maintenance of mucus membranes including the GI tract.
Enzymes support proper digestive functioning. Vitamin E is used for circulation
of healthy tissues. Potassium is needed for balancing Cancer's water element.
Allies: Cleavers,
peppermint, aloe.
Leo
- Ruled by the Sun, Element of Fire. The heart, the spine, the back, the eyes.
Leos may be prone to
cardiovascular challenges, spinal occurrences, eyesight difficulties, insomnia,
emotional and physical strain can lead to back pain. Calcium and magnesium is
needed for cardiovascular functioning, as is potassium. Vitamin A supports the
eyes. EFA"s are nourishing to all the systems.
Allies: Hawthorne,
blueberries, cayenne.
Virgo
- Ruled by Mercury, Element of Earth. The Intestinal system, spleen, nervous
system.
Virgos may experience
intestinal difficulties such as constipation, diarrhea, sluggish bowel and
ulcers. Nervous tension and worry. Virgos need B Complex to nourish their
intestinal health and nervous system. Vitamin E helps to feed the nerves. EFA's
feed the myelin sheath's lining of the nerves.
Allies: Chamomile,
oats, acidophilus.
Libra
- Ruled by Venus, Element of Air. The kidneys, adrenals and lower back, fluid
balance, gall bladder.
Libra may experience
imbalances of kidneys, such as stones, infection, lower back pain, adrenal
exhaustion. They will find B Complex strongly nourishes adrenal glands.
Potassium is needed for kidney functioning.
Allies: Nettles,
dandelion, cranberries.
Scorpio
- Ruled by Pluto, Element of Water. Reproductive systems, genitals, bladder,
urinary tract
Scorpios may encounter
urinary ailments, sexual issues such as frigidity, impotency, reproduction,
hormonal balancing. Vitamin A required for healthy bladder, smooth muscle,
mucus membrane lining. Zinc is needed for reproductive health and functioning.
Men need zinc for
healthy prostate. Vitamin E needed for growth, fertility. EFA's support
hormonal balance.
Allies: Pumpkin
seeds, corn silk, saw palmetto for men and chaste tree berry for women.
Sagittarius
- Ruled by Jupiter, Element of Fire. Liver, hips, thighs, blood.
Sagittarius may be prone
to hepatic disturbances, such as hepatitis, alcohol, liver congestion, toxin
accumulation, cellulite, blood issues. Vitamin E for prevention of clots and is
an antioxidant for the liver. EFA's to strengthen and protect the liver,
lowering cholesterol and fat.
Allies: Milk
thistle, dandelion and flax seed oil.
Capricorn
- Ruled by Saturn, Element of Jupiter. Knees, bones, teeth, joints.
Capricorns may
experience orthopedic ailments, such as rheumatism, stiff joints, and
flexibility. Calcium and magnesium needed for bone health. Vitamin A and D for
bones and teeth. Silica and sulphur for connective tissue. EFA's for
flexibility in joints and tendons.
Allies: Horsetail,
cherries and msm.
Aquarius
- Ruled by Uranus, Element of Air. Ankles, circulation, electrical system of
the body.
Aquarius may be prone to
ankle sprains, breaks, and vascular issues such as varicosity, hardening of the
arteries. Magnesium is needed for the electrical system, allowing nutrients to
move in and out of the cells. Vitamin E needed for proper circulation.
Allies: Alfalfa,
rosemary and ginger.
Pisces
- Ruled by Neptune, Element of Water. Feet, glandular system, immune system.
Pisces may experience
calluses, bunions and corns. Congested lymphatic flow, Glandular disturbances.
Vitamin C and zinc support the immune system. B Complex for lymph/immunity and
stress. Iodine, high minerals needed for glands.
Allies: Seaweed,
rosehips and cleavers.
Anne Calzada is a
Certified Herbalist and founder of Healing Heart Herbs. Her products can be
found at Food For Thought in Ridgway and at other fine natural health outlets.
For consultations or classes she may be reached at 626-5663 or by email
annecalzada@aol.com.
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Yes, It’s That Time Again
by Dr. Jerry Overton
It's hard to believe, but yes, it’s that
time again—when folks (perhaps like you) get out the old yellow legal pad and
make those New Year's resolutions! Have you done yours yet?
I sincerely hope not! Why? Read on.
New year's resolutions,
at least for the most part, and for most folks, are nothing more than a set-up
for failure, bringing with them much disappointment and lots of guilt.They
usually read something like this:
1. Lose (you fill in the blank) pounds by
April 1st
2. Exercise (you want to set the number?) times per week
3. Spend (you name it) hours with my
(children, spouse, parents) each day
4. Eat healthy food
5. Make (what the heck, let's say ten!)
new friends this month
6. Increase my income by (oh, let's say
75%) by June 1st
7. Get more rest
8. Read great books
9. Take some courses (like Sanskrit) at
the community college
10. Get a more satisfying job
11. Work on my relationships
12. Read my Bible (or whatever you think is
going to do it for you) daily
13. Make amends with (my in-laws, siblings,
parents, or whoever you really don't like!)
14. Become a great person (at least by
Thanksgiving)
That’s only 14 things,
and you have a whole new year to get them done. On the surface, these look
great! And perhaps they would be if you would actually do them! But if you're
like most folks, you won't—not now, not ever! And that’s why you'll be
disappointed, feel like a failure, slip into guilt, then get depressed.
Now darlin’, is that
going to be fun for you? Is it going to be helpful—even useful? I’ll bet not.
Perhaps the problem
stems from the notion of "resolutions." My handy little Webster’s
defines a resolution as "a thing determined upon; a decision as to future
action."
Aha! Perhaps we've hit
upon the reason for our failures—our "decision as to future action."
As we sit there on the sofa, all warm and cozy, still stuffed with holiday
treats, writing away on our yellow legal pads, listing all the things upon
which we're going to take "future action", it's all so simple—and at
that moment, we're really serious about those "future actions."
But then we get busy
with our life—our ongoing routines—the flow of things. And we find, just like
always, that we're simply too busy doing what we’ve always done to get around
to that list.
And then it's April
already before we look at our list again. And it dawns on us that it's tax
time! We both panic and feel guilty at the same time. And yet, the IRS is
breathing down our necks, and, of course, now our priority is to do our taxes
and hope to stay out of jail!
And the list gets
shelved again—along with the guilt. Until, oh, long about July, when we're
cleaning off our desk (getting all that tax stuff put away!), and we discover
that dreaded list again. More guilt with an added dose of depression this
time—for now the year is more than half over and we know we're really up
against the wall to get any of our list accomplished.
We can feel whatever
motivation there is left slipping quickly away. Not to be deterred however, we
remember that first item on our list, to shed those pounds. We dash off to the
gym, pump iron for about twenty minutes, until we think we're going to throw
up, and then retreat to the locker room where we realize that we're just not
going to make it. Those tight bodies in that weight room didn't get that way
over night. In fact, they were probably born that way. And then we know for
sure that we'll never lose those (whatever you set) pounds, and besides that,
we've put on a few more since then!
We go home, not only
depressed, but now angry, too. We search out that list, and in one quick burst
of energy (perhaps the most we've exerted to date!) we tear it to shreds. And
now, we’re even more depressed.
So what do we do? How
can we get where we want to be with our life?
Here’s what you do. Take
out that infamous yellow pad, and across the top, write these words: “This year
I will not lie to myself!” And than go on to make your list, listing only those
things that you actually will do, now!
Then find someone who
will stand with you and give support as you meet your challenges and pursue the
results you want—a friend, colleague, or coach—someone who will celebrate with
you as you meet your goals. And if you are serious about having the life you
want, and are willing to work to get it, then I can all but guarantee your
success.
So, go for it—with
Godspeed my friend! And if you need some help, give me a call.
Copyright 2006. Jerry D.
Overton
Jerry is a Coach who
loves to help people live the life they want. He can be reached at
jerry@jerryoverton.com or at 970-252-9311, and he would delight in hearing from
you!
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IS GOD
SPEAKING?
The man whispered, “God, speak to me.”
And a child laughed next door.
But it was just a child.
So the man yelled, “God, speak to me!”
And utter silence lay upon the snowy world.
But the man did not hear any words.
The man looked around and said,
“God, let me see you.”
And an icicle winked brightly
Among a hundred like it on the eaves.
So the man did not notice.
And the man shouted, “Show me a miracle!”
And the neighbor’s car stopped backing up
Just before it would have hit the sled holding the two year old.
But such things happen every day.
So the man cried out in despair,
“Touch me, God, and let me know you are here!”
Whereupon God reached out and touched the man.
But the man brushed the falling snow off his jacket
And walked away, weeping.
Susan Palmer
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