It's Not My Job to Free Tibet
I hate saying that. It feels so very wrong. It's not that I wouldn't like to help them. It's not that I am not appalled at what is happening over there. I have been wrestling with my guilty feelings lately. What have I done to make the world a better place? I started by taking inventory of the areas that I'd love to 'fix'. My to-do list looks like this:
Free Tibet
Heal the hole in the ozone layer
Cure Cancer
Save the endangered species
Overhaul the public school system
Raise my own kids
Defend the gays and lesbians
Teach people how to be happy
Solve world hunger
Find loving homes for the orphans
Save the rainforest
Rid the planet of pollution
Implement a clean economical fuel system
Design a quality inexpensive health care system
End divorces and broken homes
Clean out the political system
Create world peace
Find Atlantis and solve the mystery of the pyramids
Scientifically prove somebody's religion is true
Psychologically heal the inmates who want it
End all superficial fakeness
Save the children
Stop racism
Bring an end to lethargy
Stop terrorism
Save the coral reefs
Change America's focus from being 'politically correct' to becoming 'spiritually correct' and I'm not talking about religion
It all gets a bit overwhelming. How can I ever accomplish all of these things in my lifetime? Even if I delegate certain areas to my kids, and make them take a blood oath that they will force my grandkids to carry on with the work on this list until it is finished, I cannot possible hope to solve all of the world's problems. Then I got to thinking about getting up on my soapbox and preaching to everyone that they need to come help me. There is just so much that needs done and you and I both know that my list is not even complete. I would be lucky if I can do one of those things really well during my lifetime,You can keep moving toward your dream several ways - here are a few.
I had to sit and really think about my own resources, the natural gifts I was born with, and what amount of time I want to commit to doing good deeds. I had to analyze the list and what it would really take to accomplish each of those things. What I came to realize is that there are some that I am called to do, some that I just want to do, and still others that I secretly wish someone else would do. That's not a bad thing,1984 Ugg Fox Fur Tall Chestnut Boots, it is what it is. I may really want to cure cancer and other diseases, but I know that deep down I don't have any resources, skills, training, or education to apply to the problem. It's really not my job. All I can do is to support those who are meant to do that work. If I had the money, I'd dump a fortune into their pockets to make sure they had all of the tools they needed. But I don't have it to give, not yet anyway.
What if I do a little bit for each and every one? They say, "Every little bit counts!" You know if all I was giving was my money, then I'd say yes. Donate money to all of those causes. But, that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about actually rolling up my sleeves and getting to work helping make the world a better place. I personally cannot fly all over the planet adding just a touch of my energy here and there. To truly create the huge changes needed to fix those problems, I would have to really give my undivided attention and focus. One hundred people giving a moment of their time is not as effective and powerful as just two or three people giving it all of their time and focus. If I am going to make a difference,The Awareness of Metaphysical Laws and Principles Part 3 by Leonard Lee, then I will have to narrow the list down.
One by one, I had to scratch off the list those things that I personally could not do. That's not to say that I won't someday be able to help finance them,excel in sales when well prepared. For now, I have to look at what I can actually roll my sleeves up and do with my own two hands. What are my talents best used for? What is my job? I picked from the list those things that were truly deeply mine. They are all areas that I also happen to feel a personal calling to be involved in. Everything else, I have to let go and trust that someone else will recognize that they have the talents and resources to become part of the solutions. I have to trust that whoever is meant to take on those jobs will feel a calling deep in their soul and that they'll heed that calling.
Another hard part for me is not knowing the divine plan. When bad things happen, we can sort of take comfort in knowing that there must be some divine reason. Somehow the challenges and dramas of life always lead to enlightenment, joy, new self esteem, or some other cosmic gift. Some things are meant to be. Some things are not meant to be. So, when I take that deep breath and trust that someone else is going to pick up that particular problem and give their life to solving it, I have to also make peace with the idea that it may not happen the way I would like to see it happen, or along the timeline that I'd like to see it happen. Who will free Tibet while I'm busy working on fixing these other things? Will they be saved in a timely manner? Will our government dive in to save them the way that they felt called to save other people? I can only pray that someone else picks up the baton because I cannot. Is it your job? Will you free Tibet?
Copyright 2004, Skye Thomas, Tomorrow's Edge
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
you can. If you want to get rid of most of your life and live on a shoestring
What's Simple?
If you walk up to a stranger in the grocery store and ask them to define "simple," as in "simple life," they'll probably say something like "having less stuff." Or they might hit you with a frozen turkey. But probably they'll associate simple with stuff.
The thing is that simple is not about how much or how little you have. You can have all the stuff you want and have a simple life. That's the key, though—the stuff you want. Simple is about having more of what you want and less of the things that get in your way and trip you up,1984 Ugg Fox Fur Tall Chestnut Boots.
If you continue questioning the guy with the turkey, he may hit you with it again,but I'll do it later after I sleep in a couple more hours." No, or he may spit out some more associations with the word "simple." Those words might include "nature," "inexpensive," "boring," "organized," "miserly." Those are words we think of when we think of simple living, but none of them has to be associated with simplicity—certainly not boring and miserly. Sure, if you want to live your simple life with nature, you can. If you want to get rid of most of your life and live on a shoestring, you can.
The key to simple living is to have,Does it seem like there is never enough time in the day, as much as possible, only what you want. Naturally you have to have things in your life that you don't want, like traffic and Monday mornings. But your goal in reaching simplicity is to have more of the things you do want,the bear, like good books and doughnuts on Sunday morning, and maybe a good CD to listen to in the car while you're in traffic on Monday morning.
Simple is really simple. It's what you want, not what you don't.
If you walk up to a stranger in the grocery store and ask them to define "simple," as in "simple life," they'll probably say something like "having less stuff." Or they might hit you with a frozen turkey. But probably they'll associate simple with stuff.
The thing is that simple is not about how much or how little you have. You can have all the stuff you want and have a simple life. That's the key, though—the stuff you want. Simple is about having more of what you want and less of the things that get in your way and trip you up,1984 Ugg Fox Fur Tall Chestnut Boots.
If you continue questioning the guy with the turkey, he may hit you with it again,but I'll do it later after I sleep in a couple more hours." No, or he may spit out some more associations with the word "simple." Those words might include "nature," "inexpensive," "boring," "organized," "miserly." Those are words we think of when we think of simple living, but none of them has to be associated with simplicity—certainly not boring and miserly. Sure, if you want to live your simple life with nature, you can. If you want to get rid of most of your life and live on a shoestring, you can.
The key to simple living is to have,Does it seem like there is never enough time in the day, as much as possible, only what you want. Naturally you have to have things in your life that you don't want, like traffic and Monday mornings. But your goal in reaching simplicity is to have more of the things you do want,the bear, like good books and doughnuts on Sunday morning, and maybe a good CD to listen to in the car while you're in traffic on Monday morning.
Simple is really simple. It's what you want, not what you don't.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
403 Americans who have been interviewed at intervals since 1979. The study
Strange but True! You Don't Have To Be Smart To Be Rich! by Mike Jennings
Did you always think that you had to have brains to get rich? Well, the great news is that you don't!
"Your IQ has really no relationship to your wealth. And being very smart does not protect you from getting into financial difficulty," says Jay Zagorsky. Zagorsky is the author of a recent study in the journal "Intelligence" and a research scientist at Ohio State University. The study confirms previous research which has shown that smarter people tend to earn more money,1984 Ugg Fox Fur Tall Chestnut Boots, but points out there is a difference between high pay and overall wealth.
This study, done through the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, surveyed 7,403 Americans who have been interviewed at intervals since 1979. The study, based on their 2004 answers, found that, "the average income difference between a person with an IQ score in the normal range (100) and someone in the top two percent of society (130) is currently between 6,000 and 18,500 dollars per year." In other words: in the normal workplace higher intelligence may mean higher salaries but when you look at the intelligence of those who have become seriously wealthy, there is no correlation between intelligence and wealth! That is excellent news for all of us who want to be wealthy.
The study also showed that intelligent people stated that they also got themselves into financial difficulties but the data is unable to explain why. My belief is that intelligent people are still motivated to the same degree as everyone else by the emotions of fear and greed which can often cloud a person's good judgment leading to financial difficulties.
But the most interesting point that Zagorsky makes is, "When it came to total wealth . . . , people of below average and average intelligence did just fine when compared to the super-intelligent." But why aren't very intelligent people always wealthy? Zagorsky points out that you only have to look in the parking lots of universities to see that intelligence and wealth are not necessarily linked. He says, "Professors tend to be very smart people, but if you look at university parking lots,3. When a goal is achieved and deserves to be rewarded, you don't see a lot of Rolls Royces, Porsches or other very expensive cars. Instead you see a lot of old, low-value vehicles."
So, there is obviously a lot more to being wealthy than having a high intelligence level. You will be familiar with Napoleon Hill's classic book "Think and Grow Rich" written in the 1950's and based on his research into very wealthy men. You are probably also familiar with Wallace D Wattles' book "The Science of Getting Rich" written in the 1910s. You might even have read both books but still can't make the connection between how you, personally, can get rich by following the principles in the books.
One of the underlying principles is to begin today to replace what you don't want by attracting what you do want,comfort and possibly closure then I've done my job." - AMIRAH. But how do you do that? How exactly does this law of attraction work? Napoleon Hill said, "What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve." And that encapsulates the whole principle of the law of attraction.
There are many organizations offering courses on how to get the law of attraction working in your life, but whatever course you may choose, you must remember that your results ultimately depend on you and the effort you put in to making the law of attraction work,and typically responds to treatment quickly. Early diagnosis is important to a successful recovery.. However, remember that your achieving success in life is not based on how intelligent you are, but on how you use that intelligence to mimic the people who are already very successful. Learn the secrets from the masters and prosper!
Did you always think that you had to have brains to get rich? Well, the great news is that you don't!
"Your IQ has really no relationship to your wealth. And being very smart does not protect you from getting into financial difficulty," says Jay Zagorsky. Zagorsky is the author of a recent study in the journal "Intelligence" and a research scientist at Ohio State University. The study confirms previous research which has shown that smarter people tend to earn more money,1984 Ugg Fox Fur Tall Chestnut Boots, but points out there is a difference between high pay and overall wealth.
This study, done through the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, surveyed 7,403 Americans who have been interviewed at intervals since 1979. The study, based on their 2004 answers, found that, "the average income difference between a person with an IQ score in the normal range (100) and someone in the top two percent of society (130) is currently between 6,000 and 18,500 dollars per year." In other words: in the normal workplace higher intelligence may mean higher salaries but when you look at the intelligence of those who have become seriously wealthy, there is no correlation between intelligence and wealth! That is excellent news for all of us who want to be wealthy.
The study also showed that intelligent people stated that they also got themselves into financial difficulties but the data is unable to explain why. My belief is that intelligent people are still motivated to the same degree as everyone else by the emotions of fear and greed which can often cloud a person's good judgment leading to financial difficulties.
But the most interesting point that Zagorsky makes is, "When it came to total wealth . . . , people of below average and average intelligence did just fine when compared to the super-intelligent." But why aren't very intelligent people always wealthy? Zagorsky points out that you only have to look in the parking lots of universities to see that intelligence and wealth are not necessarily linked. He says, "Professors tend to be very smart people, but if you look at university parking lots,3. When a goal is achieved and deserves to be rewarded, you don't see a lot of Rolls Royces, Porsches or other very expensive cars. Instead you see a lot of old, low-value vehicles."
So, there is obviously a lot more to being wealthy than having a high intelligence level. You will be familiar with Napoleon Hill's classic book "Think and Grow Rich" written in the 1950's and based on his research into very wealthy men. You are probably also familiar with Wallace D Wattles' book "The Science of Getting Rich" written in the 1910s. You might even have read both books but still can't make the connection between how you, personally, can get rich by following the principles in the books.
One of the underlying principles is to begin today to replace what you don't want by attracting what you do want,comfort and possibly closure then I've done my job." - AMIRAH. But how do you do that? How exactly does this law of attraction work? Napoleon Hill said, "What the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve." And that encapsulates the whole principle of the law of attraction.
There are many organizations offering courses on how to get the law of attraction working in your life, but whatever course you may choose, you must remember that your results ultimately depend on you and the effort you put in to making the law of attraction work,and typically responds to treatment quickly. Early diagnosis is important to a successful recovery.. However, remember that your achieving success in life is not based on how intelligent you are, but on how you use that intelligence to mimic the people who are already very successful. Learn the secrets from the masters and prosper!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
or our products and services. All we can do is control the manner in which we react. Yet
What Is ATTITUDE And Why Is It Important To You? by Bob Urichuck
You can't build anything without a solid foundation. The "A" is for Attitude - the foundation sustaining all successful people,1984 Ugg Fox Fur Tall Chestnut Boots. Attitude is the "advance man" of our true selves,7. Serve others.
The roots spread inward and are anchored in past experiences, and the fruit branch outward exposed for all to see. Attitude is both our best friend and our worst enemy. It is more honest and more consistent than our words.
It is a manner which draws people to us, or repels them. It is never content unless it is expressed. It is the librarian of our past, the speaker of our present, and the prophet of our future,If you will just realize that through deep Psychic - Concentration you. Yet, who controls our attitude?
Your attitude is 100% within your control! There are plenty of things in life that we have no control over. For example,otherwise known as bribing., there is absolutely nothing we could do about how people react to us, or our products and services. All we can do is control the manner in which we react. Yet, so many people let the reactions of others determine their outlook for the day. Think about it; are you as positive, upbeat and driven on a day full of rejection or criticism as you would be on a highly successful day?
How do you react to failure? Do you walk away discouraged and complain about it or do you take control, stay focused, accept a lesson learned, and go on with your life? Success is based on good judgment and good judgment is founded on experience. The only way one can gain experience is through failure. We have to fail often to succeed once. This, and the way you react, is a reflection of attitude.
How you react, how you think, what you say to yourself or what you believe about yourself are all within your control and are portrayed by your attitude. You must first realize that your attitude is 100% within your control and then, learn to reflect, confirm and take hold of that attitude.
You must improve the attitude you hold towards yourself. Learn to overcome fear and to deal with rejection and failure in order to increase your productivity while saving time and money.
What is your attitude towards your organization, the team players and the products and services? Do you have an owner's mentality? If so, what would you do differently? Why are you not doing it?
You must address these issues and possess a strong belief before you can move forward. Otherwise, the negativity is reflected in your attitude and is portrayed in your body language.
If you don't believe in yourself and the organization that you represent including the team, the products and the services; then, it is time to find something you do believe in.
It is impossible to engage others to believe in your product or service, if your attitude projects the opposite. Are you ready to improve?
You can't build anything without a solid foundation. The "A" is for Attitude - the foundation sustaining all successful people,1984 Ugg Fox Fur Tall Chestnut Boots. Attitude is the "advance man" of our true selves,7. Serve others.
The roots spread inward and are anchored in past experiences, and the fruit branch outward exposed for all to see. Attitude is both our best friend and our worst enemy. It is more honest and more consistent than our words.
It is a manner which draws people to us, or repels them. It is never content unless it is expressed. It is the librarian of our past, the speaker of our present, and the prophet of our future,If you will just realize that through deep Psychic - Concentration you. Yet, who controls our attitude?
Your attitude is 100% within your control! There are plenty of things in life that we have no control over. For example,otherwise known as bribing., there is absolutely nothing we could do about how people react to us, or our products and services. All we can do is control the manner in which we react. Yet, so many people let the reactions of others determine their outlook for the day. Think about it; are you as positive, upbeat and driven on a day full of rejection or criticism as you would be on a highly successful day?
How do you react to failure? Do you walk away discouraged and complain about it or do you take control, stay focused, accept a lesson learned, and go on with your life? Success is based on good judgment and good judgment is founded on experience. The only way one can gain experience is through failure. We have to fail often to succeed once. This, and the way you react, is a reflection of attitude.
How you react, how you think, what you say to yourself or what you believe about yourself are all within your control and are portrayed by your attitude. You must first realize that your attitude is 100% within your control and then, learn to reflect, confirm and take hold of that attitude.
You must improve the attitude you hold towards yourself. Learn to overcome fear and to deal with rejection and failure in order to increase your productivity while saving time and money.
What is your attitude towards your organization, the team players and the products and services? Do you have an owner's mentality? If so, what would you do differently? Why are you not doing it?
You must address these issues and possess a strong belief before you can move forward. Otherwise, the negativity is reflected in your attitude and is portrayed in your body language.
If you don't believe in yourself and the organization that you represent including the team, the products and the services; then, it is time to find something you do believe in.
It is impossible to engage others to believe in your product or service, if your attitude projects the opposite. Are you ready to improve?
Monday, November 5, 2012
and you start serving as some sort of example.
Getting To Good: Your Spontaneous Woo Quotient
As I was driving to a friend's house, I passed the Dublin Pub, a local watering hole known for its live music. On the reader board, one band's name caught my eye: Spontaneous Woo.
I did a little digging and learned that the band hails from Bay City, Michigan and offers a funk/jazz blend. The term "spontaneous woo" refers to an audience response often seen during concerts in which a rising tide of enthusiasm culminates in a distinctive eruption of happy exclamations.
Now, there's a universal human experience. There is nothing quite like letting out a joyous, spontaneous "Woo!" when things are going our way. We might personalize our woo, making it come out as "Yesss!" or "Sweeeeeet" or even "Woo-HOO!"
There's an appropriate word for this in every language. No matter what elicits this response, we know it means something good has happened. We recognize these woos, whether inspired by simple pleasures or major milestones, as a celebration of goodness. What makes us woo tells us a whole lot about what we value, and what we value is all that is "good".
What is "good"? How do we define it?
The British poet, W.H. Auden, said: "Goodness is easier to recognize than to define." Isn't that the truth,is any kind of solution based dialogue from the other person!
We know "good" when we see it, just like we know when something is woo-worthy. Putting this into words in a consistent way is tough. This is where your personal philosophy comes in. Realize that your ideas of what makes a life "good" come from the people you know, the books you've read, the movies you've seen, and a host of influences you can't remember right now.
We use "good" to describe everything from a haircut to a mathematical theory. Essentially, something is "good" if it satisfies a certain expectation we have of it--it hits the target. A "good" cup of coffee could be strong, weak, bitter, sweet, milky, steaming hot, black, organic, shade-grown, or free, depending on what you value.
"Good" may be a moving target, but Aristotle happened to like the whole idea of targets,Email---If you are spending more than 30 minutes per day on email. He used the Greek word "telos" which was the term used to describe an archery bulls-eye. It's a simple mental image--a big circle with a dot in the middle.
Teleology refers to the study of the purpose of things. Aristotle believed that everything in nature has a purpose, or target. A thing is good if it serves its purpose, fulfills its mission, or hits its target. The whole world is made up of these interrelated purposes.
According to Aristotle, our purpose is to think in order to live a good life. We're supposed to use our brains to contemplate, to appreciate the complexity of the universe, to attain greater understanding of our role as humans, and to be happy. By fulfilling our role as thinkers, we are living to purpose-we are living a good life.
What does that mean exactly? What do we use as guidelines or markers to help us determine if we are getting close to good?
If, as Aristotle says, our purpose is to live a good life and be happy, why isn't there some simple formula we can apply to everyone? What's the minimum woo-quotient of a good life? Can we be happy if we're not living a good life? Can we live a good life if we're not happy?
How much do we need to be happy? We all know plenty of people who never seem to be happy no matter how much they have. One of our greatest challenges as humans is figuring out how much is enough.
Aristotle believed that we need to use courage, honesty and moderation in pursuing pleasure. He considered moral goodness and enjoyment in life as the same thing. He believed it was okay to pursue anything you want, as long as you don't go overboard. This concept of moderation became known as the "golden mean".
Not surprisingly, this golden mean became a popular idea, especially among the rich. It was just what they wanted to hear! Remember that the majority of Aristotle's students were wealthy--who else had the time to study philosophy all day? Aristotle himself ended up being handsomely paid--especially for a philosopher!
Aristotle had his work cut out for him trying to remain moral while becoming wealthy. His most famous student, the classic overachiever Alexander the Great, clearly never got the point about moderation,1984 Ugg Fox Fur Tall Chestnut Boots. Aristotle's emphasis on the golden mean got lost in all the excitement about pursuing whatever you like.
Hmmmm. Sounds a lot like modern life, doesn't it?
What kind of life would Aristotle suggest we live in the midst of all the stuff of the 21st century? What does moderation mean now?
Wealthy people are not necessarily more or less moral than anyone else, but they ARE tested more than the rest of us. They have the means to live an excessive lifestyle if they choose to do so. If you live large, your morality--or lack thereof--is magnified for the world to see. Add a dash of celebrity and a stint on TV, and you start serving as some sort of example.
This is where we get confused between "a good life" and "the good life".
We're fascinated by the choices people make when they have the ability to live any way they choose. We read magazines featuring photographs of celebrities in their homes. We watch television shows that give us tours of the properties owned by billionaires. We're both fascinated and repelled by reality shows that offer riches to those who manipulate others.
Why? It's because we're curious about the choices made, and we wonder what we would do given the same set of circumstances.
Seeing the homes, the furnishings, and the cars gives us an idea of what is valued by the individual. We watch because we wonder what choices we would make if we had the same bank account. Would we be extravagant? Would we live simply? Would we be tacky or tasteful,perhaps the goals you have set for yourself aren't the correct goals for you? Would we horrify the neighbors or build a better community? Would our children be kind, compassionate, and generous, or would they be self-centered brats with a huge sense of entitlement?
Would we be like Sting--or Ozzy Osbourne? Would we have daughters like Sofia Coppola--or Paris Hilton?
Most of us have the, uh, good fortune of not being tempted to live without limits. Without being fully tested, we don't really know how we'd fare in a world of big money and bigger visibility.
The wonderful thing about living a good life is that it is possible to do it at any economic level. You can live a good life in poverty or wealth. Though we tend to think it's a lot easier to be an excellent human when we have sufficient funds in the bank, both versions--rich and poor--come with plenty of challenges.
It's tempting to put off becoming your best self until you believe you have the financial support to do it. "I'll be generous once I get to the top," you think. "I'll be kinder when I'm not so stressed." "I'll give back to the community when I retire."
There's no dollar amount that precludes or guarantees a good life, and there's no reason to postpone your own greatness. You may win the lottery tomorrow, or you may lose everything. Despite any dramatic shifts in your personal fortune, you can live a good life today.
Note and relish your own spontaneous woos on a daily basis, and look for ways to increase and deepen them. Think, be happy, and share that wealth in words, wit, and warmth.
The good life never felt so good.
As I was driving to a friend's house, I passed the Dublin Pub, a local watering hole known for its live music. On the reader board, one band's name caught my eye: Spontaneous Woo.
I did a little digging and learned that the band hails from Bay City, Michigan and offers a funk/jazz blend. The term "spontaneous woo" refers to an audience response often seen during concerts in which a rising tide of enthusiasm culminates in a distinctive eruption of happy exclamations.
Now, there's a universal human experience. There is nothing quite like letting out a joyous, spontaneous "Woo!" when things are going our way. We might personalize our woo, making it come out as "Yesss!" or "Sweeeeeet" or even "Woo-HOO!"
There's an appropriate word for this in every language. No matter what elicits this response, we know it means something good has happened. We recognize these woos, whether inspired by simple pleasures or major milestones, as a celebration of goodness. What makes us woo tells us a whole lot about what we value, and what we value is all that is "good".
What is "good"? How do we define it?
The British poet, W.H. Auden, said: "Goodness is easier to recognize than to define." Isn't that the truth,is any kind of solution based dialogue from the other person!
We know "good" when we see it, just like we know when something is woo-worthy. Putting this into words in a consistent way is tough. This is where your personal philosophy comes in. Realize that your ideas of what makes a life "good" come from the people you know, the books you've read, the movies you've seen, and a host of influences you can't remember right now.
We use "good" to describe everything from a haircut to a mathematical theory. Essentially, something is "good" if it satisfies a certain expectation we have of it--it hits the target. A "good" cup of coffee could be strong, weak, bitter, sweet, milky, steaming hot, black, organic, shade-grown, or free, depending on what you value.
"Good" may be a moving target, but Aristotle happened to like the whole idea of targets,Email---If you are spending more than 30 minutes per day on email. He used the Greek word "telos" which was the term used to describe an archery bulls-eye. It's a simple mental image--a big circle with a dot in the middle.
Teleology refers to the study of the purpose of things. Aristotle believed that everything in nature has a purpose, or target. A thing is good if it serves its purpose, fulfills its mission, or hits its target. The whole world is made up of these interrelated purposes.
According to Aristotle, our purpose is to think in order to live a good life. We're supposed to use our brains to contemplate, to appreciate the complexity of the universe, to attain greater understanding of our role as humans, and to be happy. By fulfilling our role as thinkers, we are living to purpose-we are living a good life.
What does that mean exactly? What do we use as guidelines or markers to help us determine if we are getting close to good?
If, as Aristotle says, our purpose is to live a good life and be happy, why isn't there some simple formula we can apply to everyone? What's the minimum woo-quotient of a good life? Can we be happy if we're not living a good life? Can we live a good life if we're not happy?
How much do we need to be happy? We all know plenty of people who never seem to be happy no matter how much they have. One of our greatest challenges as humans is figuring out how much is enough.
Aristotle believed that we need to use courage, honesty and moderation in pursuing pleasure. He considered moral goodness and enjoyment in life as the same thing. He believed it was okay to pursue anything you want, as long as you don't go overboard. This concept of moderation became known as the "golden mean".
Not surprisingly, this golden mean became a popular idea, especially among the rich. It was just what they wanted to hear! Remember that the majority of Aristotle's students were wealthy--who else had the time to study philosophy all day? Aristotle himself ended up being handsomely paid--especially for a philosopher!
Aristotle had his work cut out for him trying to remain moral while becoming wealthy. His most famous student, the classic overachiever Alexander the Great, clearly never got the point about moderation,1984 Ugg Fox Fur Tall Chestnut Boots. Aristotle's emphasis on the golden mean got lost in all the excitement about pursuing whatever you like.
Hmmmm. Sounds a lot like modern life, doesn't it?
What kind of life would Aristotle suggest we live in the midst of all the stuff of the 21st century? What does moderation mean now?
Wealthy people are not necessarily more or less moral than anyone else, but they ARE tested more than the rest of us. They have the means to live an excessive lifestyle if they choose to do so. If you live large, your morality--or lack thereof--is magnified for the world to see. Add a dash of celebrity and a stint on TV, and you start serving as some sort of example.
This is where we get confused between "a good life" and "the good life".
We're fascinated by the choices people make when they have the ability to live any way they choose. We read magazines featuring photographs of celebrities in their homes. We watch television shows that give us tours of the properties owned by billionaires. We're both fascinated and repelled by reality shows that offer riches to those who manipulate others.
Why? It's because we're curious about the choices made, and we wonder what we would do given the same set of circumstances.
Seeing the homes, the furnishings, and the cars gives us an idea of what is valued by the individual. We watch because we wonder what choices we would make if we had the same bank account. Would we be extravagant? Would we live simply? Would we be tacky or tasteful,perhaps the goals you have set for yourself aren't the correct goals for you? Would we horrify the neighbors or build a better community? Would our children be kind, compassionate, and generous, or would they be self-centered brats with a huge sense of entitlement?
Would we be like Sting--or Ozzy Osbourne? Would we have daughters like Sofia Coppola--or Paris Hilton?
Most of us have the, uh, good fortune of not being tempted to live without limits. Without being fully tested, we don't really know how we'd fare in a world of big money and bigger visibility.
The wonderful thing about living a good life is that it is possible to do it at any economic level. You can live a good life in poverty or wealth. Though we tend to think it's a lot easier to be an excellent human when we have sufficient funds in the bank, both versions--rich and poor--come with plenty of challenges.
It's tempting to put off becoming your best self until you believe you have the financial support to do it. "I'll be generous once I get to the top," you think. "I'll be kinder when I'm not so stressed." "I'll give back to the community when I retire."
There's no dollar amount that precludes or guarantees a good life, and there's no reason to postpone your own greatness. You may win the lottery tomorrow, or you may lose everything. Despite any dramatic shifts in your personal fortune, you can live a good life today.
Note and relish your own spontaneous woos on a daily basis, and look for ways to increase and deepen them. Think, be happy, and share that wealth in words, wit, and warmth.
The good life never felt so good.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Signs/Symptoms
Separation Anxiety Disorder
Between the ages of 8 months and 2 years,That is why we have this other beautiful, it's normal for a child to cry when its mother leaves the room or a stranger enters it. Neither overprotection nor constant punishment will change the situation. It's a natural stage that usually passes on its own. If, however, an older child continues to react to potential separations with unreasonable fear, professional help may be needed. If the problem isn't resolved, it can damage the child's self image, leading to teenage and adult emotional problems.
Causes
Separation anxiety disorder may run in families. It is most likely to affect shy, nervous children. The disorder is often triggered by a major change in the child's life, such as a death or hospitalization, the parents' separation or divorce, a new school, or a move.
Signs/Symptoms
Children with this disorder express their anxiety in a variety of ways:
Screaming or temper tantrums when left with others
Insistence on sleeping with parents in their room
Difficulty going to sleep
Fear of the dark
Nightmares
Fear of sleeping away from home
Difficulty settling down
Fear of meeting new people
Clinging to parents at home
Following parents from room to room
Worrying about the family's safety in the home
Fear of going to school
Headaches, bellyaches, or body aches when a separation approaches
Sadness
Quietness
Lack of concentration
Care
This disorder poses the threat of a vicious circle in which the child's dependence and the parents' protectiveness reinforce and amplify each other. For that reason, both the parents and the child may need to see a counselor. If the youngster refuses to go to school,1984 Ugg Fox Fur Tall Chestnut Boots, an immediate priority is to arrange a return as quickly as possible.
Risks
If this problem isn't successfully resolved, it can lead to greater emotional problems, such as depression, as the child grows older.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Try to prepare the child for a change such as a divorce or a move. Talk openly about such changes and encourage him to voice his worries. Give reassurance that everyone will be safe.
Discuss the problem with the child's teachers. They may be able to give you tips for dealing with this disorder both at home and at school.
Praise and reward the child for overcoming his fears.
Call Your Doctor If...
The child can't sleep.
You fear you will lose patience with the child,we will have a tendency to project that judgment onto others.
-------------------------------------------
Conditions and Treatments:
AIDS/HIV
Allergies
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Breast Cancer
Cardiac Disease
Cancer
Cosmetic Surgery
Depression
Diabetes
Digestive Problems
Headaches
Hepatitis
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Impotence
Infections
Infertility
Kidney Disease
Liver Disease
Migraines
Respiratory
Problems
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Urological Conditions
Separation Anxiety Disorder
SYMPTOMS
Developmentally inappropriate and excessive anxiety concerning separation from home or from those to whom the individual is attached, as evidenced by three (or more) of the following:
recurrent excessive distress when separation from home or major attachment figures occurs or is anticipated
persistent and excessive worry about losing, or about possible harm befalling, major attachment figures
persistent and excessive worry that an untoward event will lead to separation from a major attachment figure (e.g., getting lost or being kidnapped)
persistent reluctance or refusal to go to school or elsewhere because of fear of separation
persistently and excessively fearful or reluctant to be alone or without major attachment figures at home or without significant adults in other settings
persistent reluctance or refusal to go to sleep without being near a near a major attachment figure or to sleep away from home
repeated nightmares involving the theme of separation
repeated complaints of physical symptoms (such as headaches, stomachaches, nausea, or vomiting) when separation from major attachment figures occurs or is anticipated
The duration of the disturbance is at least 4 weeks.
The onset is before age 18 years.
The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social,Remember, academic (occupational), or other important areas of functioning.
The disturbance does not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and, in adolescents and adults, is not better accounted for by Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia.
Between the ages of 8 months and 2 years,That is why we have this other beautiful, it's normal for a child to cry when its mother leaves the room or a stranger enters it. Neither overprotection nor constant punishment will change the situation. It's a natural stage that usually passes on its own. If, however, an older child continues to react to potential separations with unreasonable fear, professional help may be needed. If the problem isn't resolved, it can damage the child's self image, leading to teenage and adult emotional problems.
Causes
Separation anxiety disorder may run in families. It is most likely to affect shy, nervous children. The disorder is often triggered by a major change in the child's life, such as a death or hospitalization, the parents' separation or divorce, a new school, or a move.
Signs/Symptoms
Children with this disorder express their anxiety in a variety of ways:
Screaming or temper tantrums when left with others
Insistence on sleeping with parents in their room
Difficulty going to sleep
Fear of the dark
Nightmares
Fear of sleeping away from home
Difficulty settling down
Fear of meeting new people
Clinging to parents at home
Following parents from room to room
Worrying about the family's safety in the home
Fear of going to school
Headaches, bellyaches, or body aches when a separation approaches
Sadness
Quietness
Lack of concentration
Care
This disorder poses the threat of a vicious circle in which the child's dependence and the parents' protectiveness reinforce and amplify each other. For that reason, both the parents and the child may need to see a counselor. If the youngster refuses to go to school,1984 Ugg Fox Fur Tall Chestnut Boots, an immediate priority is to arrange a return as quickly as possible.
Risks
If this problem isn't successfully resolved, it can lead to greater emotional problems, such as depression, as the child grows older.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Try to prepare the child for a change such as a divorce or a move. Talk openly about such changes and encourage him to voice his worries. Give reassurance that everyone will be safe.
Discuss the problem with the child's teachers. They may be able to give you tips for dealing with this disorder both at home and at school.
Praise and reward the child for overcoming his fears.
Call Your Doctor If...
The child can't sleep.
You fear you will lose patience with the child,we will have a tendency to project that judgment onto others.
-------------------------------------------
Conditions and Treatments:
AIDS/HIV
Allergies
Anxiety
Arthritis
Asthma
Breast Cancer
Cardiac Disease
Cancer
Cosmetic Surgery
Depression
Diabetes
Digestive Problems
Headaches
Hepatitis
High Blood Pressure
High Cholesterol
Impotence
Infections
Infertility
Kidney Disease
Liver Disease
Migraines
Respiratory
Problems
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Urological Conditions
Separation Anxiety Disorder
SYMPTOMS
Developmentally inappropriate and excessive anxiety concerning separation from home or from those to whom the individual is attached, as evidenced by three (or more) of the following:
recurrent excessive distress when separation from home or major attachment figures occurs or is anticipated
persistent and excessive worry about losing, or about possible harm befalling, major attachment figures
persistent and excessive worry that an untoward event will lead to separation from a major attachment figure (e.g., getting lost or being kidnapped)
persistent reluctance or refusal to go to school or elsewhere because of fear of separation
persistently and excessively fearful or reluctant to be alone or without major attachment figures at home or without significant adults in other settings
persistent reluctance or refusal to go to sleep without being near a near a major attachment figure or to sleep away from home
repeated nightmares involving the theme of separation
repeated complaints of physical symptoms (such as headaches, stomachaches, nausea, or vomiting) when separation from major attachment figures occurs or is anticipated
The duration of the disturbance is at least 4 weeks.
The onset is before age 18 years.
The disturbance causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social,Remember, academic (occupational), or other important areas of functioning.
The disturbance does not occur exclusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder and, in adolescents and adults, is not better accounted for by Panic Disorder With Agoraphobia.
Friday, November 2, 2012
When you walk down the street or in the office building
Keep Your Mind Sharp
Just as you need physical exercise to keep your body performing well, you need mental exercise to keep your mind sharp!
Sure, we'll have those days when we just feel "out of it." This could be for any number of reasons such as working longer than normal hours or not getting enough sleep the night before. But, within a day or two you are usually snap back to your bright, attentive, and witty self.
Then, there may be weeks when you feel like you're really in a rut. You tend to be forgetful, you're slow to respond in conversation,it would not bee worth the effort,1984 Ugg Fox Fur Tall Chestnut Boots, or your comprehensive skills may slack. In extreme cases, you should visit your doctor to make sure it's not something more serious. However, in most cases you probably just need a mental tune-up!
As they say, "use it or lose it." That is certainly true with physical exercise. If you don't walk on the treadmill or lift weights, you'll lose your shape in no time! There are also exercises you can do to keep your mind alert and alive, too.
4 ways to keep your mind sharp:
1. Play games.
Yes, mental exercise can be fun! Games such as tic-tac-toe, chess, and checkers are great games to test your strategy skills. Ping pong, tennis, and racquetball are good to test your reflex skills,Conscience Vs Mind. Hangman, Scrabble, word searches, and cross-word puzzles are excellent for word recognition skills. Don't just play the same games over and over again. Play a variety of games regularly to exercise different skills.
2. Revive your senses.
When you walk down the street or in the office building, it's easy to "space off" or to think about the million things you have going on. Instead, use this opportunity to put your senses to work! Pay attention to what you see, the smells that you whiff, and the sounds that you hear. When you get to your home or desk, recall all those senses, write them down,while others are unorthodox. However, and be descriptive. Do this everyday. The more you perform this exercise, the more interesting your descriptions will be. You'll naturally train yourself to look, smell, and listen with more concentration and detail.
3. Watch your diet.
You know the importance of a healthy, low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to maintain your overall health. But, there are foods that can help maintain your mental processes, too. Fish, flax seed, and walnuts are high in omage-3 fatty acids which protect the brain from inflammation. Tea, sage, and rosemary are known to stimulate your memory. Blueberries, strawberries, and spinach are high in antioxidants which can slow the process of your mind declining.
4. Work out.
Engaging in regular exercise keeps your body—and your mind on the move. Work out and you'll feel energized, alert, and clear-headed.
The tips above will help you increase your brain capacity and will help you feel better, too. You'll increase your memory and you'll be more attentive. So give your brain regular, healthy workouts. Feed it healthy foods. Challenge yourself and have fun!
Just as you need physical exercise to keep your body performing well, you need mental exercise to keep your mind sharp!
Sure, we'll have those days when we just feel "out of it." This could be for any number of reasons such as working longer than normal hours or not getting enough sleep the night before. But, within a day or two you are usually snap back to your bright, attentive, and witty self.
Then, there may be weeks when you feel like you're really in a rut. You tend to be forgetful, you're slow to respond in conversation,it would not bee worth the effort,1984 Ugg Fox Fur Tall Chestnut Boots, or your comprehensive skills may slack. In extreme cases, you should visit your doctor to make sure it's not something more serious. However, in most cases you probably just need a mental tune-up!
As they say, "use it or lose it." That is certainly true with physical exercise. If you don't walk on the treadmill or lift weights, you'll lose your shape in no time! There are also exercises you can do to keep your mind alert and alive, too.
4 ways to keep your mind sharp:
1. Play games.
Yes, mental exercise can be fun! Games such as tic-tac-toe, chess, and checkers are great games to test your strategy skills. Ping pong, tennis, and racquetball are good to test your reflex skills,Conscience Vs Mind. Hangman, Scrabble, word searches, and cross-word puzzles are excellent for word recognition skills. Don't just play the same games over and over again. Play a variety of games regularly to exercise different skills.
2. Revive your senses.
When you walk down the street or in the office building, it's easy to "space off" or to think about the million things you have going on. Instead, use this opportunity to put your senses to work! Pay attention to what you see, the smells that you whiff, and the sounds that you hear. When you get to your home or desk, recall all those senses, write them down,while others are unorthodox. However, and be descriptive. Do this everyday. The more you perform this exercise, the more interesting your descriptions will be. You'll naturally train yourself to look, smell, and listen with more concentration and detail.
3. Watch your diet.
You know the importance of a healthy, low-cholesterol and low-fat diet to maintain your overall health. But, there are foods that can help maintain your mental processes, too. Fish, flax seed, and walnuts are high in omage-3 fatty acids which protect the brain from inflammation. Tea, sage, and rosemary are known to stimulate your memory. Blueberries, strawberries, and spinach are high in antioxidants which can slow the process of your mind declining.
4. Work out.
Engaging in regular exercise keeps your body—and your mind on the move. Work out and you'll feel energized, alert, and clear-headed.
The tips above will help you increase your brain capacity and will help you feel better, too. You'll increase your memory and you'll be more attentive. So give your brain regular, healthy workouts. Feed it healthy foods. Challenge yourself and have fun!
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