October 2005

Here's a Halloween Idea!

Why don't we collect for the less fortunate in additional to going from house to house tomorrow and collecting candy (resulting in upset stomachs and large dental bills)? Especially this year, with many people still suffering from the after effects of the various hurricanes, we need more than ever to reach out and help others.

This would also teach our children that Halloween is not just about getting candy and costumes, but also it's a time of giving to others. It's a wonderful way to teach our children they can have fun and make a difference in life. The high school is our community is collecting food on Halloween for the needy. Our neighborhood board passed out flyers asking homeowners to leave food for the hungry so the children can collect it (one bag for candy, one bag for food) and bring it to the local school to distribute to the needy.

Just an idea. Happy Halloween!

Adversity: Your Seed of Greatness (Three Secrets to Using Adversity to Become Great)

From our first day on earth until our last, we face different levels of adversity. Adversity may be sickness, a property loss, or the loss of a family member. It may be a lost career promotion or a business setback. How we handle these adversities defines how we achieve greatness in our lives.

Let me share the story of James Blake, who overcame multiple adversities, more than most of us would ever experience in a lifetime and yet achieved greatness. James Blake is a world class professional tennis player enjoying fame and making a six-figure income. However, in his childhood, he developed a rare disease that required him to wear a body brace for years. Other kids teased him, calling him "Iron Man" from the Marvel Comic Books, and he felt left out. During this time, he concentrated on his academics, read a wide variety of books, and developed himself as a well-rounded person. He also developed a heightened awareness for others who are going through difficult times. Read more...

It's International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction (Mother Nature Can You Give Us a Break?)

Oct 12th is International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction. I think Mother Nature misunderstood what this day was all about. She is suppose to reduce or stop these natural disasters. After Katrina, Rita, recent floods, California fires, and the earthquake in Pakistan and India, all I ask is, "Mother Nature, can you give us a little break?" Just for a few days, weeks, or months while we catch our breath.

Today is United Nations Mental Health Day!

Take time to make enhance your mental health today! You owe it to yourself and others. Here are five quick tips you can use now to have a better mental health day.

1. Look at the Big Picture
   Whenever you are in a stressful situation mentally step back and ask yourself, "Is this situation that important?" or "Will this situation be that important a hour, a day, a week from now?" By asking this question you will gain overall perspective and have less stress.

2. Prioritize
   No matter what the commercials tell you...you can't have it all or do it all. Sit down and prioritize, in order of importance, what tasks you will do today and let go of the remaining items until the next day.

3. Take a Deep Breath
   Take five minutes and find a quiet place, relax, and practice slowing down your breathing. Learn Yoga so that you can exhale the "bad" air and inhale the "good" air. Excuse yourself from the "rat race" for five minute. The "rat race" will be waiting for you when you come back. (Read "Set Yourself Free.")

4. Eliminate Sugar and Caffeine
   Jack La Lanne, the legendary ninety some year old fitness expert, once said, "I love my dog and I wouldn't feed my dog sugar and caffeine everyday. So why should you have sugar and caffeine in your diet everyday. It kills you both mentally and physically. Take it out of your diet." I know it taste so good but challenge yourself to take it out of your diet today and going forward.

5. Take Time to Appreciate
   Take time to appreciate yourself, the good things in life, and others. This will enhance your mental picture and give you a more positive outlook on life. (Read the article, "Appreciate to Motivate" and "Have You Appreciated Someone Today?" for additional tips.}

Apply these five quick tips today and have a great Mental Health Day!