An interesting article about raising young leaders of tomorrow spoke to the issue of constant and easy rewards hindering instead of stimulating the development of a student’s leadership abilities. According to the study mentioned in the article, a child’s intrinsic motivation is fundamental to developing leadership skills. Encouragement and a passion for learning instilled by parents and educators helps students find and develop the leader within them.

Many educators today are proponents of service learning models that engage students to become problem-solving critical thinkers. Many organizations are invested in developing leadership skills beyond classroom walls like Worldstrides, the largest educational travel organization in the U.S. Another tool, mentoring, can be an invaluable means to encourage higher goal setting and achievement levels in our future leaders.

As Laura L. Carstensen, Ph.D. of Stanford has said in her book A Long Bright Future, a new script needs to be written that should “diffuse work across the life span.” She challenges the boomer generation’s leaders and educators to “set the cultural stage for entitlements, contributions, and family roles.”

Leadership isn’t a static endeavor. Now more than ever, leaders must embrace change because so much of today’s world is uncharted territory. These young and future leaders are being called Generation Flux, because they thrive in this fluid and fast-paced environment.  Bold vision and bold moves that articulate this new script, along with principled values, are required.

It doesn’t hurt to turn to history and to study great leaders’ lives like Lincoln and Washington for inspiration.

There are many kinds of love – unconditional, familial, platonic, sexual, and unrequited– but for our purposes here, we’re concerned with the romantic kind. We believe that part of living large includes expanding your romantic horizons. No one needs to give in to romantic regret.

Need help to escape the humdrum and to spark romance? Take an intimate break from the daily grind with a sweet interlude at one of our favorite escapes. We’ve also got suggestions for our top romantic spots to fan those amorous flames.

To recharge tired baby boomer batteries, consider heading to hot spots of vitality to ignite sluggish emotions. Getaways can be about getting in touch with your senses in places with volcanoes, high mountains, hot springs and deep gorges. Machu Pichu, the Himalayas, Grand Canyon, Mount Shasta and countries like Australia and India are dynamic places with spiritual energy you can tap into to name a few.

Why should the Greek god, Eros, or his Roman counterpart, Cupid, be relegated to a single day of celebration. Love isn’t a seasonal occupation. Certainly, the world could use a little more of it. As Emily Dickinson said, “Till I loved I never lived.”

Now that never gets old.

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Save paper, ink and postage by sending a Valentine’s Day card from your mobile phone from Sincerely, the maker of mobile apps that lets you send your photos as print postcards.

Naturally, our favorite place to shop is Bette’s Boutique. Create a Valentine’s Day basket with any of the goodies there. Don’t forget that expression of rapture and taste – chocolate. Ancient Mayans thought it the nectar of the gods, while other cultures revered it as a symbol of wealth and power. We all know it’s aphrodisiacal! Chocolate is always the quickest way to our heart and our sweet teeth love Lake Champlain’s organic truffles. They’re certified Kosher, as well. Other Fair Trade chocolatiers are Sweet Earth, Dagoba and Green & Blacks Organic.

Splurge on a few bottles of Roederer Cristal 2004 champagne. Roederer has dedicated 12 hectares (1 hectare = 2.5 acres) of their fields to biodynamically grown grapes and another 12 hectares to organic methods. Add our favorite sustainably farmed caviar and you’ve got a love gift hit on your hands!

For those intimate moments in the bedroom give her (or you) something from Blue Canoe’s organic lingerie.  Blue Canoe follows the natural path and was one of the very first natural organic clothing lines to be made in America. Another website we like is Eberjey’s Eco Collection which is beyond dreamy!

Why not think Fair Trade flowers when gifting the one you love on this day and throughout the year. Flowers always delight and who says girls can’t give their guys flowers to express love too.

So put your money where your heart beats. Give love away to fill yourself up with it. Happy Valentine’s Day!

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You remember when you learned as a teen that if you socked away $100 a year for 60 years at 6% interest you would end up with over $53,000+. On the other hand, if you started that same savings plan at 40, you would only end up with $5,400+ by 65…what a difference. You may have thought, I will save more and at a faster rate when I am older. You may have been right, but you still lost the power of that compound interest.

So, talk with kids and grandkids about this. Help them understand the difference between what they need and what they want. Encourage them to set some money aside for things they need, help them plan for a purchase that means something to them.

When our kids were small, we insisted that all money they were gifted be used three ways: 1/3 for what they need (or want at that age), 1/3 to savings, 1/3 for someone else – could be to a charity or saved for a loved one’s birthday. We also grappled with “allowances” as we thought (think) chores should be done as a share in the family efforts and not something one gets paid for. Since the parents don’t get paid to keep the house and pets in order it seems unrealistic to establish that expectation for them. We have created extra jobs for earning cash.

None of  us know if we have done this “money education” well. Here are some additional resources: Schwab Money Wise,ThnkQuest, Money Sense (which includes games), and ING’s Planet Orange (an animated, geared towards kids education site). We would love to hear your thoughts on what has worked for you and your children or grandchildren.

A cleaner, healthier environment- one baby at a time!

Founded by Janice Masoud in 1998, Under the Nile is a leader in the organic industry producing organic clothing, toys, and accessories for babies, infants and toddlers – all made from silky soft, durable, and chemical-free handpicked 100%  organic Egyptian cotton. Masoud’s story began when her baby was getting rashes from cotton clothing that was full of insecticides. Bound and determined to fix this problem, she decided to start her own organic baby clothing company. She spoke to her husband, who is from Egypt, and he told her about Egyptian cotton. Off she went to Egypt where she found a manufacturer with her same philosophy, “Care for the Environment, Care for People, and Produce a Quality Product.” Under the Nile was born.

Environment loving baby boomers and their families will love this beautiful website chock-full of marvelous, luxurious organic collections of clothing and toys. Fabulous fashions to consider are the durable and lightly stonewashed Unisex Jeans, the Kimono in a natural white with side snaps for easy changing and the classic closet staple Cardigan in navy or red. When paired with the matching loose fit Trouser with soft elastic waistband, happy kids will delight. Both feature nautical striped interiors and all clothing is 100% Egyptian cotton. How sweet it is!

Some of or favorite toys are the Blanket Friend Toy which is 12” with knotted hands and feet, safe and easy for babies to hold and teethe on. Choose from soothing pastel shades of blue, pink, or green. These are so cute! Pick up an endangered species like the Polar Bear that young boys and girls are sure to snuggle tightly to. It is 9” and white with black facial features and paws. The Frog Toy W/ Bathrobe, a sage green terry frog with white bathrobe, is a great bath time companion! Winner of the 2009 England BACRA (Baby and Child Recognition Awards) for best playtime toy, Crate W/ Veggies is complete with tomato, carrot, bean, mushroom and wooden crate. Have we found a way to get kids to eat their veggies! Expand this collection with additional fruits and veggies. All toys are 100% Egyptian cotton.

Follow them on Facebook and Twitter for updates, and after a long day of taking care of the little ones, fall asleep in luxury under your own cashmere soft, brushed organic Queen & King Blanket.

www.italiaoutdoorsfoodandwine.com

Active lifestyle experiences planned by incredibly knowledgeable hosts.

Italiaoutdoors is an owner-operated private guide service which blends top-notch, high-quality recreational biking, hiking, climbing, and skiing experiences with culinary programs that explore the history, culture, and food and wine of Northern Italy. Italiaoutdoors is co-owned by certified culinary expert Kathy Bechtel and certified recreational expert Vernon McClure. Kathy attended Boston College and has an MBA in Strategic Management. She retired from her position as a Bell Lab telecommunications engineer to attend culinary school where she graduated first in her class. She leads cooking classes in Italian cuisine, researches Northern Italian food history and wines, and develops food recipes. Vernon is an ex-army ranger and four-time ironman and since 1993 he has been leading active adventures in Northern Italy including climbing, biking, skiing, snowboarding, scuba diving and sailing. He has a master’s degree in European literature.

Kathy and Vernon impart their wealth of experience and knowledge as they lead small groups of 6-8 people on custom-designed guided tours which are personally tailored to meet individual interests and fitness levels. Adventures are ideal for baby boomer families who share a passion for healthy lifestyles, culture, and culinary delights. Tours are designed to exceed your expectations and provide you with a signature experience ranging from classic ventures at world-renowned sites to unique explorations of less familiar hidden gems. Responsible travelling for the environments visited, local people, their culture and customs include accommodations at hotels that respect energy-efficiency standards. Dining at quality restaurants recognized by the Slow Food movement for their commitment to sustainable farming and agriculture is also part of the experience.

Baby boomer families can partake in memorable adventures that include road biking, mountain biking, hiking, climbing, and skiing regions with distinct characteristics that include Veneto, Trentino, Friuli Venezia, and Emilia Romagna. A great pair of boots or walking shoes will allow for fantastic hiking/walking adventures throughout the Dolomiti, Alps, Prealpi, and Colli.  Rock climbers experience thrills climbing stiff grades of the numerous cliffs of the Lumignano, Vicenza Climbing Site. Mountain bikers pedal their way around the Trento region, Lake Garda and its valley, Val di Gresta, and soak up beautiful vineyards, apple groves, monasteries, and the spectacular Alpine/Dolomite mountain range. Ski, snowboard, cross-country ski, snowshoe, or winter hike Trentino Alto-Adige and end each day exploring sumptuous food and wine. Visit this awesome website to start designing your perfect combination of adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventure with a delectable culinary and wine experience. Magnifico!

Simply designed, organically effortless sense of style—all made in the USA!

In a small redwood grove in Northern California, a small cottage industry was born. Laurie Dunlap, Founder/Owner moved the business to a building beside Benbow Lake and, inspired by a hand-made wooden blue canoe, named her company Blue Canoe. Sixteen years later, Blue Canoe maintains not only a commitment to organic cotton and manufacturing in the USA, but also to providing stylish, beautifully fitting and functional clothing. The line has expanded from a few bras and panties to a full line of European-quality lingerie and loungewear, active apparel and fluid bamboo travel/casual wear. Their main office still sits under the redwood trees, beside the lake, but Blue Canoe’s cotton clothing is just as home in sophisticated San Francisco where all their clothes are made. Our personal favorites are the bamboo and the active collections which can take us anywhere in the world.

Every step in the manufacturing process is sustainable. One of the first natural organic clothing lines made in America, Blue Canoe continues to walk that path. Their organic fibers preserve the softness of nature (particularly with their special ring spun combing). They use dyes specially formulated to soak into natural fibers, using less dye, less water, and leaving less waste. Both growing and processing cotton is safer for the workers without the presence of chemicals and contaminates. They guarantee not to employ sweatshops, that their workers are given fair wages and a safe working environment. “Made in the USA” is the best way to practice fair and local trade.

Watch them in this YouTube video. Flattering designs, pure fabrics, fair practices – that’s the sophistication of Blue Canoe organic cotton clothes.

As people arrive, ask them to choose one of the commercials as the “top” commercial. Keep a master list with everyone’s name next to the one they choose on the list (some may have several people’s names).

Ask each person to rate the commercials listed (there may be more that air, but these are the top ones) on a scale of 1-10. 10=truly the bomb…the funniest, most creative, definitely memorable one.

At the end, total the scores on the master sheet. The person who chose the “winningest” (highest scoring) one WINS! Of course you will need some prizes. We like, “gets to take the extra beer home,” but actual prizes are fun too!

Since everyone loves the commercials it is great fun to play a game around them. It inspires a sideline competition and appeals to even those who showed up without knowing what “fourth and goal” is.

We also hope your celebrations are green and at least involve recycling. Here is some last minute greening of the Superbowl information to share with our home team. This Superbowl will be the “greenest” one ever and no, that does not refer to the most money made. It refers to the efforts of the host committee taking planning and game day to the highest level of green efforts ever. This list of environmental impact solutions is much more interesting than how many chicken wings we will all consume.

Bottoms up…and go TEAM!

Self-improvement is always on my agenda. I enrolled in a weekend self-awareness workshop, the goal of which was to help people “expand their horizons” and “learn about themselves.” One of the exercises was to sit across from your arbitrarily-chosen partner, a total stranger, and to take turns sharing your “fears,” a word I inherently object to but used specifically by the instructor. The partner was not to react. At that time, I thought it was a rather meaningless exercise and, after having had the opportunity to reflect for a few years, I still think it was a meaningless exercise.

It was my turn. The first round was easy. “My real fear is being financially dependent in my old age.” My partner then reciprocated and rolled out a long list of her fears which included snakes and spiders.

My turn again. “Great,” I thought, ‘This lady lists her fears in quintuplets and I can’t come up with a second. She is either really in touch with her feelings or needs to restrict her living space to a closet.”

I squeezed my brain for more output. Then, lamely, I said, “I’ve given up trying to hang glide.  Does that count?”

My partner looked at me with great empathy. This probably meant she thought I was either woefully unaware in general or I was unwilling to play the game correctly. She was definitely not empathizing with my reluctance to hang glide. Was I now risking being branded unconscious or co-dependent, the latest in all-encompassing clichés? Self-doubt nagged. Perhaps I was afraid of acknowledging my fears. (Oh good, I can use that!) As I ran through this scenario in my head, while simultaneously making an effort to adjust my attitude, my partner rattled off ten more of her fears.

About this time, my confidence reasserted itself and I began to engage my partner in a philosophical dance around the word “fear.”  “Fear” is defined as “a distressing emotion aroused by an impending pain, danger, evil, and so forth, or by the illusion of such,” so says the dictionary. To me that defines a situation that might arise if one were wandering about in the African bush and came face-to-face with a rhino, in which case paralysis or flight, both generated by fear, might be an appropriate response even though neither response would probably do much good – depending on the mood of the rhino.

What we really were discussing in this supposedly mind-expanding exercise were things that might cause a person some concern. “Concern” is a much more benign concept than “fear.” Like most other people, I get tingling sensations in my groin when I look over the edge of a 500-foot cliff, but that response messages caution. If it was fear, I would not have looked over the edge in the first place.

Fear and survival are intertwined. We feel fear for the same reason we have nerve endings. My psyche was not going to allow me to participate in an exercise that defined “fear” as a normal response to the more mundane experiences in life, snakes and spiders included. Fear of snakes and spiders is a phobia which is an unreasonable fear, hence, in my opinion, not within the scope of the exercise.

Words have power and to banter the word “fear” about intimidates the spirit. Fear that interferes with tasting life is more deadly than the cobra.

Recently, a friend of mine called me to inquire about the helicopter ride on Kauai, Hawaii. She was on her way there and I had just returned. She said she was frightened of heights and afraid to take the ride. I could feel my exasperation rising with her comments but I had no right to impose it on her. “You will miss seeing some of the most beautiful scenery in the world,” I quietly implored. ‘Go! If it crashes, it crashes!’ (That probably didn’t help her much.) “Special moments are not always available to us and this will be special,” I promised.

One of my favorite poems expresses this philosophy in a delightful way. It is from “The Lives and Times of Archy and Mehitabel” by Don Marquis. Archy is a cockroach who takes over the Chicago Sun newsroom at night and writes about his trials and tribulations with his good friend, Mehitabel, the cat, who thinks she is the reincarnation of Cleopatra. Because of Archy’s size, he cannot push two keys on the typewriter down at the same time so you have to excuse the fact that there are no capital letters, or, for that matter, any punctuation. To wit:

Somewhere between Archy and the moth is reasonable caution and common sense. I doubt that Archy would take the helicopter ride, but then, cockroaches, by their very nature, are probably easily intimidated.

Allison  Quattrocchi’s Bio:

Allison is an attorney, mediator, author, photographer and world traveler. Among the books Allison has authored and co-authored on divorce topics (order on DivorceinaNutshell and azfamilymediationcenter) is bestseller “How to Talk to Your Children About Divorce, which is available on Amazon. Allison and a couple who were her clients were featured on an ABC TV PrimeTime Live Family Secrets documentary (click here to see short video). Allison is available to groups as a speaker and to individuals and businesses as a conflict coach.

Allison has raised three children, indulges four grandchildren and has a high sense of adventure and making her life count. You can learn more about Allison’s rich life at www.dancewitheagles.com.

By all means, hit the gym. Don’t just think about it – do it. The LiveStrong website has some great tools for enhancing your health even if you’re not a cyclist. Their Fitness Directory is useful for tracking calories burned with your favorite exercise and teasing you to try some other physical activities. Fun with Flamenco is now part of my fitness regimen, although my partner resists my olé!

Besides a physical life, optimum wellness includes among other things, brain fitness. Similar to the way muscles grow stronger and more adept with use, the brain’s structure strengthens every time it is engaged in a significant way. Consequently, mind exercise can drive neurogenesis and improve cognitive fitness. This mind-body link or mind-powered focus is what separates the gold medal caliber from the rest of us. Even something as simple as putting one foot in front of the other is beneficial and can increase the size of the hippocampus, which is a part of the brain that’s key to memory.

Another part of this living well equation is preventive care like annual flu shots and an annual physical. Don’t forget your teeth. Dentists play a great role in overall health. Better yet, if you’re lucky enough to have a dentist in your town that cares about your teeth and your environment, go there. Don’t forget to have your eyes checked, as well.

Manage stress with an engaged lifestyle that includes an inner life to avoid a “long decline” to old age. Emotional well-­being revitalizes and helps to reap the rich rewards of the final third of life. Don’t miss our next blog post by guest contributor Allison Quattrocchi who personifies that living well never gets old! As a “super senior/upper phenomenal” making waves and living large, she actively is staying in the mainstream and never retiring from life.