Breaking the silence
So, after a long absence, I’m here once again. I do have a compelling reason to break my silence. I’m part of an accountability group and I stated I would post today. There’s something about saving face by keeping my word. I know it’s just a matter of getting in the groove, so I don’t begrudge this at all. As you will find out soon enough that I live with the perpetual struggle to focus and get things finished. That’s my plight and it may be yours. Maybe you have some tips?? The title of this site is such because there’s only so much planning you can do, then it’s time to get beyond that. It’s said by many coaches and inspirational gurus that action actually must follow the plan. It’s good that all these posts have dates. That alone can be motivation to be consistent. So…enough said. Mission accomplished. I also said I’d email a few folks that may be waiting on me. Sent some already, but maybe one or two before I close up...
Read MoreGetting past the hard part: Beginning
What’s in a name? Self prophecy? Beyond Planning…I’ve been impressed, inspired, hooked on and even stuck on the process of planning. I’ve kept the usual daily planners, the goal setting sheets, the envelopes with the daily to do challenges. I’ve pondered the second quadrant of Stephen Covey fame, lazing satisfied in the thought that I’d found the golden key to my success. So I critically weeded out many unimportant activities, both urgent and not so urgent, allowing me to be quite the ponderer. I once had a poster that summed it up: “Some times I sits and think, and sometimes I just sits.” Philosophy has always been my hidden...
Read MoreSafety Tips for Fall Semester
It’s just weeks into the fall semester here in University Town, USA. Football season has started and so have the traffic jams. It’s not necessarily the paying customer fans that heat up the highways and byways. We permanent residents, the locals, if you must put it that way, have two options that are popular: Go to the game and go with the flow (actually no flow, since the traffic is jammed), or run errands just between kick-off and the last minutes of play. During those few hours, the stores are quiet except for the game being broadcast. It’s probably the safest time ever to be on the roads during the fall semester. And after the game is the most deadly time, win or lose. After several years during this season, I’ve recognized that even experienced defensive drivers are at risk when young drivers are behind the wheel catching up on their “correspondence”. I am still appalled when I see anyone taking a turn through a busy intersection with their phone up to his ear, and now with texting, which can be done somewhat surreptisioulsy, we can be lulled into a false sense of safety. The need to be in touch with others all the time blocks out thinking that can bring one to their realities. The reality that there might need some changes made, the reminder to call someone who has been promised a call, revelation that there could be a marvelous purpose in life beyond what’s evident now, and a strategy to put that purpose into action. I’ve witnessed students and co-workers, usually young ones, who incessantlty talked on their cell phones during their breaks, often loudly arguing over the same topics each day, no doubt boring the other end to death, when right in front of them were people who had wisdom and experience that could enrich them if they just got into the conversations right in their midst. Being in University Town is a learning experience, as I guess it should be, and a challenge daily, but especially as the newcomers begin to navigate this new environment, on the roads and on technology. ...
Read MoreA Little Bit of Christmas in July
For me and mine, July seems to be the busiest month of the year, almost outweighing the November to January span of time. Natch, there’s the Fourth’s festivities, and on its heels is Baba’s birthday, followed by other anniversaries and birthdays galore, capping the month off with a info-ed-cation (information/education/vacation) in hot hot hot AZ. The highlight, however, is Baba’s birthday party. This year it was in hot hot hot Hotlanta, GA, so that friends and fam could easily land at Hartsfield International Airport and catch a cab to the hotel where we all lived, ate, and visited for several days. For those fam members living on the various US coasts, it was an easy commute compared to landing and then driving 2 hours to her place. Baba was turning 98. (That means she’s lived 98 years, I keep telling myself.) Baba, who just stopped driving about three years ago. Baba, who reupholstered a sofa and made lined drapes at the age of 92. There’s a whole lot to say about her. The best being that she’s a bright, sociable friend, a great listener, and a kind and patient mother and grandmother. (She’s had lots of opportunity to demonstrate that, having had nine children, 21 grandkids, and an every increasing number of great-grandkids.) She’s also a tenacious card player. With the ride from one of her younger friends, she goes to the senior center at least three times a week for canasta and other games I don’t understand. She’s as independent about living her life as anyone can be. Her card playing inspired her family to have a special cane made for her. It was beautifully hand carved with hearts, clubs, diamonds, and spades grooved in, as well as a exquisitely detailed Queen of Hearts etched into the handle. She’s proudly taken it to her card games ever since. We know she may not use it for long. We know she may be gone by next year. She’s so strong that she could live another 3 or 4 years, but then, we never know when any of us will go. Yet that would not concern anyone who’s made arrangements for their future, and I’m not talking about “final arrangements”, but rather Beyond Planning. Having known several people who lived past 100, I’ve learned that it’s not such an exciting experience. So many are limited by sight, hearing, and mobility issues. I guess that’s why Baba has always taken great care of herself, challenging her brain as well as her physical strength and wellness. She’s been doing prevention and maintenance for years, and it shows. Her birthday this year may be her last, but she experienced a joyful reunion with her grandkids and kids, as well as literally walked away with an emblem of her independence. The more I reflect on this season, the phrase “Christmas in July” pops up. There were quite a few similarities and some striking differences as well. This gives me an idea for a December note. Until then, celebrate today, celebrate the opportunity you have to do some “beyond planning” , and like Baba, play the hand you’re dealt while you can. ...
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