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Saturday, 23 August 2008 17:00 |
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Maturing from a teen into a young adult is a period of intense
exploration of your individual beliefs and goals in life. For
many teens, it is a time of excitement yet turmoil; everything
is rapidly changing around you and you struggle to keep your
feet on the ground. Surviving your teen years is possible with
perseverance and a positive outlook on life.
High school is a critical period in which you are establishing
patterns now that will dictate how you will deal with life
planning. It is very important to the success of your future
goals to set up habits such as, effective time management and
organizational skills, that will keep you from losing sight of
your goals.
Even if you haven"t identified any goals yet, cultivating great
habits early on will assist you when you finally have decided
upon your aspirations.
High school should be viewed as a training ground for real life.
Treat assignments and obligations as an actual job (even though
you won"t be getting paid!) by meeting deadlines and keeping
your promises. You will find yourself experiencing great
satisfaction from completing tasks that are required and you
will also be viewed as dependable and responsible by adults in
your life - future employers love these qualities.
Keep in mind that everything you do while in high school affects
your future. If you fail to maintain satisfactory grades, you
probably won"t be accepted into that top-notch training program
you were eyeing. Or, if you neglected to learn some of the
material from high school, you risk having to relearn that
information further down the line when you need it to maintain a
job.
Your actions have consequences; however, you can determine if
the consequences will have a negative or positive effect on the
quality of your life by being conscious of the decisions you
make. Find an adult that you admire and use that person as a
mentor for valuable advice and positive feedback.
No one is advocating a boring life that is void of fun and
games. You should certainly be enjoying the opportunities to
experience life with peers because these experiences can also
teach you important lessons about yourself and life. The most
critical thing to remember is that you must aim for a balance
between getting the most out of your education while making time
to have a little fun. Isn"t your future worth it?
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Thursday, 26 June 2008 01:01 |
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Most of us go through life always wanting more and better. Being
in this state of constant desire does not coexist with peace of
mind.
It is normal to want better lives for ourselves and our
families, but we have to balance our goals with the cost. How
much does this promotion, vacation, new purchase, cost in terms
of real life? How many extra hours of stress and anxiety, now
and later, go into getting it? With the fast paced living that
surrounds us it"s difficult to avoid being swept in. Too many of
us are rushing through our daily lives to do more and to acquire
more. We are becoming less interested in our fellow humans as
friends and more as competitors as we try to keep up or to
possess more material goods.
There is a big push in this social direction by corporations and
their marketers. They are in business to make money for their
managements and shareholders, so this will likely continue if
there is not much resistance. Advertising is a powerful
persuasion to buy things we may not need or maybe not even
really want. The overall success of marketing has created a want
addiction for many consumers.
As more and more we come to falsely regard material gains as
success we are missing out on the true values of life. Money
really is quite necessary in our lives, but its value should not
be worshiped. The good things in life are free, life itself,
friendship, nature. Whatever we do possess, in the end we must
leave it all behind.
"The cost of a thing is the amount of what I call life, which
is required to be exchanged for it immediately or in the long
run." - Henry Thoreau (1817-1862)
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Thursday, 19 June 2008 22:01 |
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When we say "Simple Living" we mean enjoying and relishing the
pleasures and wonder of all that nature has to offer, whether
you live in a rustic setting, in a bustling city, or high on a
mountaintop overlooking the hills and valleys of a remote
destination. Simple Living is the way you feel, not exactly
where you live or the location you call home.
When you decide to enjoy the wonders of a simple living
lifestyle, you see the wonders of a garden, with its bountiful
and breathtaking beauty, not to mention the great fruits,
vegetables, and herbs, as well as flowers, shrubs and assorted
foliage. It is letting the brightness of a sunny day warm your
face, and also letting the stars, moon, and planets whet your
imagination of far off life and possibilities. Wildlife, whether
it be animals, birds, insects, fish, etc. bring their own
"special" appeal, but also a responsibility. It is allowing the
land to be used safely by both humans and animal life. Thinking
twice about harmful chemicals, or pollution, using the benefit
of the environment, but replacing it with care and concern,
becomes habit and a way of life.
Simple Living is seeing the best in people and those you love.
Sincere compliments abound but criticism is carefully weighed.
It is overlooking imperfections and mistakes in judgment and
chalking it up as a part of being human. The realization that we
all have our "quirks" is a free-breathing feeling that sets
toleration exactly where it belongs-allowing others to live in
the style and mindset they prefer, even if we disagree. It does
not, however, quietly accept injustice or brutality in any shape
or form. The respect for all living creatures is also the demand
for competent government and accountability. It is speaking up
when the need arises to protest inequality and protect freedom.
Simple living - simple pleasures - using what we have and
re-using, if possible. Not being fooled by fancy packaging and
glitzy advertising-but being able to appreciate value and
usefulness. Imagination and creativity are gifts to be used,
less they wither and die. It is the realization that two hands
can produce needed items that make life easier and more
enjoyable. Our minds are untapped resources of great abilities
and possibilities. Simple living is trying to develope and
strengthen talents and opportunities.
To treasure each day and all it brings, as well as utilizing our
god-given gifts and uniqueness is a high priority on our to-do
lists. Using our time and money wisely so that what inspires,
and brings enjoyment can be achieved. Being frugal in daily life
only brings abundance in the important areas of who we are and
what we are all about.
Education is paramount to both children and adults. There is
never a ceiling over learning and new ways and innovations are
always possible. It is taking the time - slowing down instead of
rushing through - really seeing and hearing, tasting and
touching. Stopping to "smell the roses" and being grateful for
the immense beauty and intricate patterns of life and our
surroundings. There is beauty found in both the sunrise and
sunset. There is an intriguing perfection to the seasons, as
well as a higher power sustaining and providing for nature.
Thunderstorms and sunlit days have their purpose, as do the
rhythm and ages of life.
Simple living - encompassing all that is life and a whole lot
more. To open the door wide to opportunities to learn and grow,
and sharing knowledge and expertise with others to assist them
in reaching their goals and dreams. It is these goals and dreams
that hold life together and give it the strength to endure and
overcome.
Simple - yes, but painted with hard work and enver-ending
exploration of all we now have, but protecting it so it will be
there in the future. It is taking advantage of life instead of
letting life get the better of you. It is living the lifestyle
you choose, without envying what others have chosen. It is being
where you want to be, placing your priorities exactly where you
want them, and being respectful of the choices of others. Simple
living is living - so ENJOY! ©Arleen M. Kaptur 2002 August
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