Think About....

Your only limitations are those you set up in your mind, or permit others to set up for you.

~Og Mandino 

I WILL BE HAPPY WHEN ... revisited

by Jared Yellin

Over the past couple of weeks, our already dismal economy has become far worse than any of the "experts" could have ever predicted. We are in the process of witnessing the "Pearl Harbor" of the financial world, as articulated by Warren Buffet.

Although this has been devastating for all Americans, it has also been a very humbling experience for our nation, one that has made us realize that we are not invincible when it comes to the fundamental problems in our country. It has been a wake up call and a lesson learned, but my fear is that many of us are processing this adverse occurrence in the totally wrong light.

We have seen our bank accounts, retirement funds, financial portfolios and any other type of investment drop significantly, but what I ask you to consider is that although our NET WORTH has been on the decline, does this have any lasting effect to your SELF WORTH? What is your identity and why have we become a nation of people whose identity is purely aligned with their finances?

I think the key to coping with these unfortunate circumstances is to really think about your definition of "success." In the past, this term has been associated with wealth, possessions, and luxuries. People gawk at the ultra wealthy and yearn to live just one day in their lives.

Although the old adage that "money does not buy happiness," is a commonplace expression to almost every single person in the world, these words have become a commodity whose value has been diminished. The new national anthem for our country unfortunately has become, "I will be happy when I make a million dollars, purchase a Mercedes, buy a mansion, own a new pair of designers jeans, take a vacation, etc."

We are constantly basing our fulfillment on the external, when we have all of the tools within our soul to appreciate who we are. When will we realize that it is not what we do not have that makes us unhappy, but rather what we have already achieved that should bring joy to our lives? The point that I am trying to make is that no one has escaped this financial debacle, but when we actually take the time to evaluate our self-inventory, we realize that the only change occurred within our bank accounts. Hopefully, we still have our health, our family, and most importantly ourselves.

Wealth can be lost within a fleeting moment as seen by our lack of control in the current economic decline, but we are the directors of our own self worth and well-being and we can create an incredible life if we so choose. This outcome, unlike a fluctuating economy, is within our control.

Rather than focusing on when we will hit the bottom of the stock market, I challenge all of you to focus your energies on ways to reach the pinnacle of your personal apex. Everything depends on the view of the beholder and whether you allow your circumstances to create your identity or if you allow your identity to create your circumstances.

I have my own personal definition of success, but prior to unveiling this for all of you to read, I think that it is important for you to realize I am driven to achieve a certain monetary status to enable me to spread my message throughout the world, but this drive for money will never consume my soul nor taint my identity. I will always focus on the who I am as opposed to the who I am not and in turn my definition looks like this; Success is measured by pursuing your unique mission in this world with a burning desire to make a difference and leave a legacy in order to be proud of the who I am and the what I stand for.

Charles F. Bunning, says it best: "If all the gold in the world were melted down into a solid cube, it would be about the size of an eight room house. If a man got possession of all that gold -- billions of dollars worth -- he could not buy a friend, character, peace of mind, clear conscience or a sense of eternity."

So I understand that this message may not be well received since most of the audience will have experienced incredibly adverse effects as a result of the deteriorating economy, but I do believe that this message possesses a substantial amount of value if read and re-read in order to make it your own. I also realize that some of my audience may not feel the aftermath of the current conditions because they are young, wealthy or a variety of other reasons, but what I do know is that you probably have experienced our new national anthem, "I will be happy when.," therefore, regardless of the way that you interpret this message, I want you to realize that everything that you ever need in life stares back at you from the mirror every single day.

All of the riches in the world will never truly provide you with the ability to sustain unconditional happiness because that comes from within. My challenge to all of my readers and anyone else who has the opportunity to digest this message is to take some time each day and remind yourself that the world around you may be falling apart, but the world within you is just beginning to take form. As always, I believe in all of you and will be by your side as we conquer these tumultuous times..Good luck!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My passion in life is igniting the self belief system of every individual that enters my world in order to assist them in reaching their full potential. I am a motivational speaker, writer, and in the process of publishing a book. I have been living the health/wellness lifestyle for as long as I can remember and found my calling as I work at a wellness start-up company that is in the process of changing millions of lives of people who we will never meet. If you would like to subscribe to my bi-monthly emails along with some additional motivation and wellness advice please email me atjared.yellin@gmail.com.

Think about.....

Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are your own fears.

~Rudyard Kipling 

Think about....

"You must understand the whole of life, not just one little part of it. That is why you must read, that is why you must look at the skies, that is why you must sing and dance, and write poems and suffer and understand, for all that is life."

~ Jiddu Krishnamurti

Breast Cancer

by Pam Robbins

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and as a 6 year breast cancer survivor, I know the importance of an annual mammogram.

My cancer was detected through my annual mammogram with surgery and chemotherapy following. I continue with check ups with my Oncologist.

I was grateful and blessed to have had good health going into this process and recognize that many prayers were with me then and continue today.

As a grateful survivor I personally feel a responsibility to others as they deal with the trauma of the disease. I have had many family members and friends that have passed due to cancer and have developed my own personal survivor philosophy of caring, helping and sharing. I feel it is my duty since I was given the gift of continued life.

First it is important to be positive and share that with others. Yes, I had some interesting moments during my treatment but I made it and people need to know that it is possible-as one person said, when I see you I know there is hope.

In the world of cancer treatment it is known that a positive attitude makes a difference so I look at my experience as a survivor rather than a victim. I communicate a message that my Oncologist gave to us on our first visit. As I lamented about family members and friends that had gone through this, she emphasized that cancer is unique to each person.

My cancer was not like my Aunt Betty's or friends Jane, Cheryl or Leanna. Treatment that didn't work for them might work for me. So, when I talk to people or send them information, I remind them of that and discourage them from comparing their diagnosis, treatment and care with others. I tried then and continue to have a sense of humor about my experience.

For example, I didn't enjoy losing my hair, but when my doctor told me I was going to have a new hairstyle, I told her I was always looking for a new one. Quite frankly it was the easiest one I ever had and it came in any color I wanted!

Also, I am younger after having this experience, as I don't count the year that I was sick! I am not naive about the possibility of a reoccurrence and so I have become my own best friend recognizing that I must be aware of changes in my body.

My Oncologist and I have an agreement called the two week rule. It is basically if something changes and symptoms continue for 2 weeks she wants to know about it. And it is my responsibility to follow up-not my spouse or daughters.

I try to be proactive and stay up to date on cancer research. It is easy to do with access to various web sites plus printed publications. This is important not only to me, but to my daughters, niece, granddaughter and friends.

There have been great strides in cancer treatment due to the work of many organizations. My dream of finding a cure is selfish-I don't want my most precious loved ones to experience what I did. I donate when asked to cancer research whether it is my time, talent, or treasure. If my small donation can benefit one person then I will be there.

This is something that can be contagious, as I have had many people tell me that they raised money because of something I said or did-taught me that you never know what kind of an affect you might have on someone. The last 6 years have been such a gift. I have tried to become more faithful and prayerful in the Lord trying to walk closer in his footsteps. In a nutshell, I intend to live each day as if it was my last.

Finally, if you haven't scheduled your annual mammogram do it today-not just for you but for your family and friends as well.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Pam Baker Robbins is an MDI subscriber and shared her story with us.  Pam was raised on Tater Road between Punkin Center and Leipsic (Indiana) by loving strong parents who taught her to fight obstacles regardless of what they might be.

 

After graduating from Oklahoma State University she and her husband Paul returned to Indiana where she worked for 30 plus years for Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service. Taking "early" retirement in 2003 she looked forward to new challenges and opportunities after starting an education and training company, PeopleWork Associates, with her colleague and friend.

 

However, the first challenge she faced was breast cancer diagnosed 5 months into retirement. Her philosophy of faith, family, friends and a wonderful medical team including traditional and non-traditional therapies carried Pam and her family through the "C Saga" which encompassed the next year of surgeries, chemotherapy and recuperation.

 

She celebrated her 6 year anniversary on October 3rd (2009) of this year.  You can reach her at probbins@wcrtc.net

LIFE'S INVENTORY

By William Lambert

So you have been living for 40 or 50 or 60 years. What do you have to show for it? What comes to your mind first? Your children? Your house? your car? Were your children an accomplishment or an accident? Should a spouse who loves you be listed in your inventory?

I did this inventory 10 years after I have been teaching school. I personally felt my inventory was not what it should be. I had a car and an apartment. I wanted a family and a house. I changed my behavior in an attempt to get those things.

Ten years later I felt that this was not enough. A wife and kids for me was not enough for my inventory. A new direction had to be derived. I spent much time in determining what truly makes me happy. I discovered that what really made me happy was helping other people.

My inventory includes letters from three people whose life I saved using my CPR skills. A distinguished teacher award. College Degrees, Letters from students that say without my influence they would never have attended college.

Action Step. Do your life's Inventory. Try to add things that cannot be taken away from you. Certificates, Degrees, and Marketable Skills that you enjoy. Do not focus on material things.

Action Step. Discover the joy of helping others. Share your skills, your knowledge, your understandings with others. Do this without seeking credit or anything in return.

Action Step. Look at your resume. Rewrite it as if you have accomplished more. Then work on making it happen. Never think the thought that "I am too old." There exist a list of people that were over 60 before they achieved their major accomplishments. The greatest joy in my life is when I received an E Mail stating that I helped someone change their behavior.

Action Step. Please note that you don't necessarily help someone if you give them material things. You really help when you teach them how to get their own and/or when you cause them to change behavior.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mr. Lambert has a Bachelor's degree from Lemoyne-Owen College in Biology and Chemistry, a Master's degree in Education, from Memphis State University, and he finished all the course work on a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction with a minor in Physics Education. He is a former teacher where he won the prestigious Distinguished Teacher Award. Mr. Lambert has made teaching his life. You can reach him at wlambert7@comcast.net

On strenght.....

Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.

~Arnold Schwarzenegger