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January 2006
Traditionally, I spend January thinking about the New Year and
the chance it gives me for new beginnings: to change some old bad habits and
start some new healthier ones, to replenish some old relationships, nurture
some new ones and dump some ‘poisonous’ ones. By now, I have already
gotten lazy and preoccupied and thrown those good intentions and resolutions
right down the tank. 82% of you have done the exact same thing.
So this year, I plan to start off a little differently.
My new attitude started with a startling announcement that one
of my most admired high school friends, Gordy Adams, was facing major medical
problems and life threatening surgery. In the wake of these hard times for his
whole family, has come an amazing surge of support from people not heard about,
or from, in the 43 years since we all graduated from high school. We are all
connected now, as never before, by a common sense of loyalty and concern.
All of this has made me think of my own life a little differently.
The diet and new work- out program just doesn’t seem like enough. This
year I would like to think of the New Year as a chance to ‘follow through’,
get closer to ‘finishing up’ by doing some of the things I just
haven’t gotten done, to live large and give my life meaning - before it’s
too late.
Perhaps this is what we all should be doing:
* Remembering how precious life is.
* Looking at each minute as a call to action to live fully while we can.
* Doing the things we’ve always thought about doing or at least making
arrangements to do them.
*Connecting and reconnecting, because relationships are more important and more
special than ever before
*Trying to ‘give back’ in this ‘sage stage’ of our lives,
with so many lessons under our belt.
Think about these questions and ask yourself what you
can do to make your life richer in the coming year:
-Do you have some things you always wanted to do - but didn’t
have the time for?
-Do you have a special trip you want to go on to a special place?
-Do you have some books on your ‘must read’ list that you haven’t
had the time to read?
-Have you made the proper arrangements to take care of your family: informed
them of your personal affairs, taught them what they need to know?
-Have you bought yourself a new outfit, or a special gift lately?
-Have you written your family history for your heirs: shared pictures, stories
about how you grew up, or stories about your grandparents?
-Have you made amends with people you have neglected or wronged?
-Have you contacted all of those people you have lost contact with?
-Have you watched the movies you wanted to watch?
-Have you learned a new sport, or taken the time to practice?
-Have you told all those you love that you love them?
-Are you staying as healthy as you can - with proper diet and exercise - so
that you can feel good physically and mentally?
-Are you in touch spiritually?
-Have you made something special for your children/ grandchildren?
- Have you taken the steps to rejuvenate your social life - find a life partner
or a social pal?
-Are you doing what you can to help others? To give your own life richer meaning
and purpose?
I send you all my best wishes and hopes that you have a wonderful
year.
Please feel free to contact me with any ideas
you have to make your life better in the coming year.
Cheryl
Cheryl Perlitz is the author of the inspirational
book "Soaring Through Setbacks - Rise above adversity - Reclaim
your life" and “Soaring through Setbacks….Survival
Tips Handbook’ As a dynamic speaker and facilitator, her inspiring,
fun and motivational stories help listeners and readers to "TRANSFORM
THEIR MOUNTAINS INTO OPPORTUNITIES FOR ADVENTURE AND POSITIVE CHANGE."
Cheryl is not a therapist, or medical doctor. She
does not have a PHD or an advanced degree in psychological theory.
She is a regular person, like most of us. She is a sought after
talk show guest because of her easy casual style, her ability to
tell wonderful stories that the listeners and readers can relate
to, and her understanding and compassion for others.
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