The Positive Thinking Diet

Positive Thinking Diet's New Site

2012-01-04T17:19:00.000-08:00

We've moved! The Positive Thinking Diet now has it's very own website!

Go to http://www.positivethinkingdiet.com to see our latest posts!

Thanks!

PTD

Discover Your Strengths

2011-10-28T09:41:00.000-07:00

Recently, I purchased the book, "Strengths Finder 2.0" by Tom Rath. It's been around since 2002, but was updated in 2007, and has been a #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller. "The Clifton StrengthsFinder measures the presence of talent in 34 categories called themes. These themes were determined by Gallup as those that most consistently predict outstanding performance. The greater the presence of a theme of talent within a person, the more likely that person is to spontaneously exhibit those talents in day-to-day behaviors. Focusing on naturally powerful talents helps people use them as the foundation of strengths and enjoy personal, academic, and career success through consistent, near-perfect performance."

And it's more than a book - buying the book (currently $12.99 on Amazon) gives you a unique "access code" so that you can go online and take the Strengths Finder Assessment test and find out about your Top 5 Themes (or talents). The Assessment test takes about 35 minutes, and is well worth the time. Unfortunately, you do have to buy the book (new, not used) in order to get an unused Access Code to take the online test. But if you want to do a similar but free Strengths Finder self-test, go to:
http://www.unsheeple.com/2008/11/free-strengths-finder-testkind-of-self-reporting/

The results show you where your natural strengths and talents are - whether or not you have nurtured them or developed them to the fullest. So, for instance, if you are a naturally creative person, but are stuck in a job doing mundane and repetitive tasks, your creative talents are not being fully utilized and you will be unhappy with your job. Or if you are good with numbers, but are not naturally empathetic to other people, and your job is in customer service, you may also be in the wrong job! The Strengths Finder is often used by organizations and companies to help figure out how to take advantage of their employees' natural strengths.

The Strenghts Finder Assessment can also help individuals like you and me figure out our strengths and talents so that we can make sure we are doing things to nurture and development them to our advantage. It's the oppositive of taking a look at your weaknesses and figuring out where you need to improve! Plus, the results are ALL GOOD! It will give you a boost to your self-confidence!

Here are my results:

How well do you think these themes describe me?

Strategic
People who are especially talented in the Strategic theme create alternative ways to proceed. Faced with any given scenario, they can quickly spot the relevant patterns and issues.

Positivity
People who are especially talented in the Positivity theme have an enthusiasm that is contagious. They are upbeat and can get others excited about what they are going to do.

Activator
People who are especially talented in the Activator theme can make things happen by turning thoughts into action. They are often impatient.

Futuristic
People who are especially talented in the Futuristic theme are inspired by the future and what could be. They inspire others with their visions of the future.

Woo
People who are especially talented in the Woo theme love the challenge of meeting new people and winning them over. They derive satisfaction from breaking the ice and making a connection with another person.

To learn more about the Clifton StrengthsFinder and how you can discover your top five themes, visit http://strengths.gallup.com

PTD

Prayers for My Uncle Chuck

2011-09-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

My uncle, Chuck Cozza, is an amazing and inspirational person. In February 2006, Chuck suffered a massive brain injury to his head while on the job for his garage door business in Colorado. After the blow to his head, Chuck got in his truck to get help. But he didn't get very far. A friend noticed Chuck's truck pulled over by the side of the road. Chuck was unconscious. They brought him to the Hospital where he was in a coma for a number of months. Nobody knew if he would survive. When he finally woke up, he couldn't talk. So no one really knows how the incident happened. Chuck has trouble communicating and nobody else witnessed the accident.

Over the last 5 years, however, Chuck has started a long and slow journey towards recovery. With the help and unwavering support of his wife, Kim, who never gave up on him, Chuck has made a lot of progress, even after medical professionals expressed doubt that he would ever get this far. Not to mention, that Chuck's medical insurance policy was not adequate to cover his care and long-term treatment, so the family has faced mounting financial problems. Despite these hardships, Chuck has learned to talk again, laugh and smile, and even make jokes. He remembers his friends and family, but nothing about the accident. He has been able to stand and take steps with assistance. He even recently had physical therapy at a swimming pool. He has been a joy to be around with his positive attitude and persistence. Things were looking pretty good. Until yesterday.

Yesterday, Chuck had a several big seizures and is once again struggling for his life. This is not the first time that Chuck has had setbacks and seizures, but we can never be sure if he'll recover - or if this will be the end. We're praying that he recovers!

What can you do? I just ask that you send out your positive energy and prayers towards my dear Uncle Chuck in Colorado. He can use all the positive energy we can send his way. That would be so great.

And if you'd like any more info about Chuck Cozza and his family and how to help, you can always go to http://www.chuckcozza.com. That's where the family often posts updates and photos.

We're all rooting for you Chuck!

PTD
(aka Ellen)

Remembering How Great You Really Are!

2011-08-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

We all feel down sometimes. Maybe nothing is really wrong. Or maybe a lot of things could be going a lot better. It doesn't matter who you are or where you are or what you are doing at the moment. When you are "feeling down", you are temporarily focusing on negative thoughts and letting them get to you.

Often, these negative thoughts and feelings are about yourself. You get down on yourself for anything and everything. You think you're too fat, too old, too tired, too powerless, "too something" and "not enough of something else." And really, all of this is just going on in your own head and is totally unproductive. But we all do get into these moods sometimes. We make up our own misery.

So what can you do to get out of a bad mood or out of a rut? Well, first you have to decide that it's possible for you to do things that will make you feel better. And then you have to start doing them. Or rather - thinking them. It all starts in your own head.

Whenever you catch yourself thinking something negative about yourself, you've got to make a note of it - catch that negative thought and put it aside. It's your cue that now it's time to think about something positive. Start appreciating everything that's good in your life, and in yourself. Be thankful that you are alive and breathing! That's a start! Look out the window and appreciate the snow or the rain or the sunshine or the clouds or the wind. Remember - things are always changing and you have the power to change too.

The most important thing is to remember how really great you are - to know your strengths and to really believe in yourself. Take some time every day to remember your successes and how you've made a positive impact to so many people and in so many situations - personally and professsionally. Be good to yourself. Enjoy each day. Do things that you love. Spend time with people you love or enjoy being around. Spend more time with positive people and less time with people who drag you or themselves down, whether they realize it or not.

When you make a daily habit of appreciating something or anything that is good in your world, in your life, and in yourself, your life will start to change for the better. Don't forget to appreciate what's good about YOU. You don't have to be boastful or selfish. Remembering your own strengths and talents and good qualities does not make you a narcissist. And it doesn't mean that you think you are "perfect". It doesn't mean that you do not acknowledge that there might be some things about yourself that you might like to change. But there is no reason why you should ignore all the things that are good about yourself. In fact, it's time you started remembering how great you really are!

Remember that you've made a positive difference in so many people's lives, and even the little things count. Just smiling at a stranger walking down the street can count. The truth is, you are not just a good person - you are a great person! Why not just accept it? Why put yourself down and think less of yourself? What good will that do anyone?

So if you notice that you are thinking something negative about yourself - take that moment of awareness as your cue. It's your cue to start thinking something positive about yourself right then and there. You've got to start somewhere. It doesn't have to be any sort of "wow" positive thought. It can be as simple as "I love my Mom" or "I am a nice person" or "I'm pretty smart" or "I make great Spaghetti" or "I taught my sister how to ride a bike" or whatever. Maybe it's something bigger like "I earned a Masters degree" or "I finished a marathon" or "I did CPR on a guy and save his life." Keep on going for as long as you want. The bottom line is - don't let any negative thoughts stick around in your head for more than a moment. Instead, turn them into cues for thinking something positive instead.

You may not realize today how great you really are, but the least you can do today is to start remembering that you are someone who possessess a lot of great qualities - and give yourself credit for them!

The Hummingbird Incident: Or When Accidents Happen

2011-08-05T19:31:00.000-07:00

Hummingbirds are beautiful small creatures. According to Wikipedia, "They are among the smallest of birds, most species measuring in the 7.5–13 cm (3–5 in) range. They can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings 12–90 times per second. They are also the only group of birds able to fly backwards." They also have one of the highest metabolisms of any living creature and need to feed constantly in order to have enough energy to keep on going and keep fluttering their wings at a very high velocity.

I happen to live in an area that has a lot of blooming flowers with nectar - and thus attracts a lot of Hummingbirds. Whenever I see a Hummingbird, I am struck with wonder and admiration. They work so hard to flutter their wings and dart around from flower to flower. Their wings flutter so fast that they are almost invisible! Hummingbirds are simply one of nature's coolest living things.

Because today was a beautiful sunny day, and the temperatures were in the mid-70's, of course I opened my windows to let in the beautiful summer breeze while I was working away on my computer. The windows were open all day and everything was fine. Suddenly, I heard a strange noise and felt a presence. A tiny Hummingbird had flown through a window and into the room. It was flying around the ceiling, thinking that the way to get out was to fly up! But the way to get out was to fly down and back out through the window! Poor little Hummingbird didn't know that. So he kept on flying around the room - always at the ceiling level. I don't think I have ever been this close to a Hummingbird for an extended time. He was beautiful. Impressive. And totally out of his element. It's so interesting to note that even though some creatures might be so strong and capable in their normal circumstances - that they can become so helpless when they face things that are unfamiliar.

Quite by accident, this little Hummingbird had entered into a new space that he didn't understand. He was confused and scared and didn't know what to do. Neither did I.

All I knew was that I wanted to help this little Hummingbird get back outside asap without getting hurt. So I opened all of the windows as much as I could. I closed the doors so the bird couldn't get into the rest of the house. Not that he even tried - he kept so close to the ceiling. I tried to make it dark in the room and light near the windows so that maybe he'd be attracted to the light by the windows and fly out. None of that worked. So then I called my neighbor. He came over and had an idea. Get a big bowl and a lid or something to slide over the bowl and try to get the bird into the bowl, and then bring him outside to let him go. So I found my largest salad mixing bowl and a lid, and my neighbor brought over a ladder so he could get closer to the ceiling. He tried to catch the bird in the salad bowl for a few minutes, but the little birdie didn't want to get near him. The bird just kept flying all over and around the room would always escape the salad bowl. So then I got a broom from the kitchen and tried to flap it around to persuade the Hummingbird to move closer to my neighbor. It certainly scared the bird. But after another few minutes with me fanning the bird towards my neighbor, we finally got him into the salad bowl. And less than a minute later, we released him back outside and he flew away rapidly! I also closed all the windows so he wouldn't get back in again!

So what does this have to do with anything? Why is this "Hummingbird Incident" being mentioned in the context of The Positive Thinking Diet?

Well, there are always lessons to learn in every thing we choose to observe and think about for a bit. So here are some of my observations and lessons learned from the "Hummingbird Incident."

1) Hummingbirds are really cool and wonderful little birds, and I am lucky enough to live where they live and observe them on a regular basis when they are in their element and being strong and impressive. I am grateful for the existence of Hummingbirds.

2) Most creatures on Earth, including humans, have developed certain skills and traits and habits that serve us well and help us to survive in our normal environments. And even though we are all very different from each other, we learn to use whatever we've got to best advantage. No matter how small or how large, or if you fly or if you walk or if you swim, or if you have a big brain or a small brain - everyone uses whatever they've got to the best of their abilities - to survive and hopefully prosper.

3) Occasionally, and usually accidentally, we end up facing unfamiliar circumstances that we are totally unprepared for. What do you do if you fall into the water and can't swim, or you trip and fall and hit your head and can't think straight, or you go to another country and your bus breaks down in a small town and you can't speak their language - what do you do?

4) Well, you do the best you can. You decide that you're going to figure out a way to get through it and to a better place. And you hope that others are around who might be sympathetic to your plight and want to help you. And you have trust the Universe that it will all be OK in the end.

5) It doesn't help to panic or think that there is no way out. You have to keep on trying. And even if you are doing the wrong thing some of the time, at least you are doing something. You try something, and if that doesn't work, you try something else. And in the case of the Hummingbird, who was doing the wrong thing by staying close to the ceiling instead of flyer lower to get out the window, at least the Hummingbird had me and my neighbor to guide him into a salad bowl so that he could be brought outside and released.

6) I might have given up too. I might have let the Hummingbird fly around until he was exhausted and died. But I kept on trying to help him. Some of the things we tried didn't work. But we tried new things. And in the end, we did help him. And he's fine. And we're all fine.

All is well that ends well, and we have to believe that in the end - everything is going to be fine.

PTD

Happy Birthday!

2011-07-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

Everyone has a birthday, and today is mine! And I have a lot to be grateful for. To begin with, I am grateful that because of the love of my parents and their desire for children, they brought me into this world. I am grateful for my entire family, including my brothers and their partners and their children. I am grateful for all of my friends, old and new. The flowers, cards and birthday wishes, the dinners that I had with friends this week, the kindness and generosity of my neighbors and coworkers.

On every birthday, we should always remember that we have a great deal to celebrate, and that it is not only about us, but everyone else around us who makes our lives so rich and wonderful. To everyone else out there, I wish you a Happy Birthday as well!

PTD

Where Are You Going?

2011-06-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

Today, someone asked me a good question. One year from now, what will be different?

I think it's important to break this question down into 2 parts:

1) Where (or how or what or who) do you want to be in one year?

2) Are you currently headed in that direction?

Of course, most things change somewhat in the course of the year. Hopefully for the better, but not always. There are some things that you cannot control, like the weather or the passage of time.

You're going to be a year older, chronologically, no matter what. But maybe you can become healthier, fitter and look and feel younger. If you are headed in that direction. You're not going to become more fit unless you make exercise a regular habit. Are you going there?

If you want to learn a new language or develop a new skill, you might have to take a class or read a book or hang out with people who know what it is that you want to learn. Are you doing that? Are you going there?

If you want more financial freedom, you have to earn more money, and/or reduce your expenses. Which means putting some focus on your income and expenses, and not just "expecting" things to get better. Are you doing anything to increase your income or reduce your expenses? Are you going there?

And what if you don't know where you want to be in a year? Are you going nowhere? Will everything stay exactly the same? Probably not! You're probably headed somewhere, whether or not you have a clear direction. If you're over-eating, you're headed towards a heavier body. If your job sucks, you're bored and just punching the time card, then you and your company might not be keeping up with the competition. And if your company fails, you are headed towards being out of a job. If you are headed to Starbucks to buy a $3 latte every morning, every day of the year, that's $1068 less that you'll have saved by the end of the year. Even without thinking (or especially without thinking), we are all going somewhere.

What are your habits? Where are you going?

PTD

The Existence of Rainbows

2011-05-29T08:47:00.000-07:00

Last night, as we were exiting a restaurant in Berkeley, we looked up into the sky and saw a beautiful rainbow. The sky was dark with clouds, but this beautiful bright rainbow was glimmering at us and it was just amazing to behold. I took a quick photo, because I know that rainbows don't always last very long. And sure enough, the rainbow was gone a few minutes later.

According to Wikipedia, a rainbow is "an optical and meteorological phenomenon that causes a spectrum of light to appear in the sky when the Sun shines on to droplets of moisture in the Earth's atmosphere."

A rainbow can be observed, but cannot be touched. If you try to move towards what appeaars to be the location of the rainbow, or try to find "the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow," the rainbow will disappear as soon as you get too close. This is because as you change your own location, you may move out of the optimal range from which to view the effect of the sunlight reflecting and refracting off of the droplets of mist.

To be able to see a rainbow, you must be in the right place at the right time, and you must be looking directly at it when it happens! If you are standing facing east when you see a rainbow that appears to be over a field, you can bet that the people on the other side of the field cannot look west towards you and see the rainbow that you see. The rainbow is observable to you, but not to everyone. And it might last for only a few minutes.

Seeing rainbows is all about your perpective. If you're in the right place, you can see them. If you are in another place or facing the wrong direction, they may be invisible. But rainbows do exist. So just because you cannot see something in a particular moment - doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. You might just need to adjust your perspective and where you are standing, and voila! There is the rainbow!

We live in a world where so many things are going on at the same time, that it's really easy to miss some of the beauty that exists around us - but that has been there all the time. If you are walking through a park, thinking about how you are late for work, and are not looking at the majesty of the trees or paying attention to the fragrance of the flowers, then you are missing out on a wonderful experience. If you are looking at the dark clouds to the west instead of the rainbow to the east, it's because you were looking in the wrong direction.

If you are thinking about something that makes you sad, instead of something that makes you happy, make note of it. Stop for a moment. Change your perspective. At the end of the storm, there may be a rainbow. Remind yourself about people and things in your life that make you happy. And think about being with those people and doing those things that make you happy. And every time a negative thought enters your mind. Stop again, and change your perspective again. It takes practice, but it's worth it.

Rainbows do exist - even if we cannot always see them. Keep looking out for them!

What a Way to Go!

2011-05-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, May 21st, 2011 was prophesied to be the day of the "Rapture," otherwise known as the "End of the World." Of course, we're all still here, so someone was thankfully very mistaken. But it did make me ask myself a few questions:

- What do I want to do before I die?
- Where do I want to be when the World ends?
- How do I want to go out?

So on the day of the supposed Rapture, I spent the day laying marks for a trail run in Marin County, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, for one of my running groups. The trail started at Muir Beach Overlook, and went through Slide Ranch, then into Frank's Valley, Green Gulch Farm and Muir Beach before winding its way back to start. About 18 people showed up, plus Nemo the dog, and everyone enjoyed the trail and the beautiful views. Afterwards, we hung around and had some beer and BBQ'd some hot dogs. Six o'clock came and went and the World was still here. And it felt great to be alive!

I spent what could have been my last day on Earth doing something I love (trail running) in a beautiful place with a great group of people. It's actually something I do almost every weekend. And if "that was it," it would have been a fine way to go out.

Several years ago, I was participating in a trail race in the hills above Palo Alto. Along the course, I saw a bunch of rangers redirecting the runners, and then a body on the ground covered with a blanket and feet with running shoes sticking out. Apparently, an elderly runner (in his 70's) had a heart attack on trail and died immediately. The rangers were coordinating a helicopter pickup to get the man out, since we were several miles away from any road. As sad as it was to know that this man died, I thought that even if he had a choice, this might have been the way he would want to go out. He died doing something he loved. He didn't get sick and linger around in a nursing home. Instead, he put on his trail shoes, kissed his wife goodbye, and went out for a trail run on a beautiful sunny day. And when his time came, that was it. I think that's a pretty good way to go.

So how would YOU like to go? Maybe you'd like to spend your last day with your family or close friends, having a backyard BBQ or walking along the beach or hiking at Yosemite or cooking a great meal and passing in your sleep. One thing is for sure - your last day will come one day, whether you like it or not. You might as well like it!

And for all the days before your last day, what will you be doing? Since you probably don't know in advance when your last day will be, you might as well enjoy every day that you are alive! Do things that matter to you. Do things that make you happy. Spend time with people you love and care about. Every day is a blessing, whether it's your last day or not.

So now, it's today! Make sure to take some time today to do something that makes you happy or makes you feel good. Today is your day - to live and to love. And if it's your last day, make it a good one!

PTD

Receiving Compliments, Giving Compliments

2011-05-10T08:48:00.000-07:00

Every Tuesday morning, I meet up with friends at Berkeley Marina for our ritual Tuesday morning run. Today, there were 8 of us, mostly from Berkeley, Albany and Oakland. And it was a beautiful sunny morning, with views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Mount Tam and the Bay. All of us look forward to Tuesday's runs, not only for the exercise, but for each other's company and conversation. We try to run as a group, or in clumps based on our pace, and always run slow enough to talk to each other.

So today, I received an unexpected compliment from one of my friends. He said, "you know what I really appreciate about you, is that you're someone who seems to have done about as much random shit as I have." And he meant that sincerely as a compliment. I guess he sees himself as somewhat of an "outlier" in the "having done a lot of random shit" category, so whenever he talks to me, he feels like he's talking to someone with a common "gene" or something. I didn't exactly thank him for the compliment at the time, as I should have. I just thought it was interesting.

Now that I think about it, I am very thankful for the compliment, however unusual, because it was heartfelt and generous. My friend is a pretty brilliant, well-traveled and accomplished person and a Professor at USF, so to be thought of as a compadre due to all the random shit I have done in my life, makes me feel good. What a great way to start my day!

This morning, I also gave a compliment to one of my other running friends. She's pushing 50, but is training for another triathlon and has the body of a 20-year-old. She is seriously in fantastic shape and I told her so. And she smiled and accepted the compliment and we moved on to other topics. But thinking back on it - giving her that compliment made me feel good - and it made her feel good. It wasn't a big deal, but it was a very positive exchange of energy.

Most of all, I am complimented that these friends of mine look forward to seeing me (and each other) every Tuesday morning. They appreciate me, and I appreciate them. They are such an interesting, warm and generous group of people. I am grateful to have them in my life.

Based on this morning's experiences, I can only conclude that we should all be giving and receiving more compliments. It doesn't have to be anything serious or important. Just say something honest and heartfelt about what you appreciate about another person. And even if nobody else gives you a direct compliment today, please realize that it's a compliment anytime someone looks forward to spending time with you. Knowing that other people like and appreciate you, can only make you feel good. So accept the compliment!

PTD

Get Your Instant Happy Fix Here!

2011-04-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

Many people don't realize it, but our happiness has very little to do with our current external circumstances. Happiness is an internal mindset, and each of us has the ability to instantly increase our level of happiness, simply by what we choose to think about and focus on.

You may be ill or in pain, but if you choose to think that it's possible for your pain or illness to subside, that a cure is coming, that there are things that you can do to improve your health, and that you will be well again, that thought is increasing your level of happiness in that moment, just by thinking it.

If you are sitting in a long meeting, feeling bored, you can decide to focus instead on thinking about what things might make for a more interesting and productive meeting in the future, then you are lifting yourself out of boredom by focusing on something positive. And the only thing you changed was what you were thinking about.

If you are approaching another birthday, and find yourself thinking that you have not yet accomplished as much as other people at this point - ho hum job, no relationship, unreliable car and you are 20 pounds overweight - instead, remember that this is a new starting point for you. You are alive, you have a job, and you have a car, and you have a body, and that you have the ability to start from this point and make small or large strides to move towards whatever makes you happy. Rather than looking backwards and see what you lack and what you haven't accomplished, instead, look forward and celebrate your potential! As they say "today is the first day of the rest of your life." Isn't that a happier thought?

Even if nothing is wrong in your life, and everything is just fine, you can become happier right now, just by what you are doing or thinking about. So for your Instant Happy Fix, here are a few ideas that might increase your current level of happiness:

- Think of your favorite living family members or children, or friends, and remember how happy you are to have them in your life.

- Think of a beautiful place that you've been on a beautiful day. Remember how inspired you were to be there in that moment. Make a decision to go back there someday or soon.

- Remember a time when you mastered something that had previously been difficult for you. When you learned how to ride a bike. When you got your high school diploma or college degree. When you saved enough money to be able to buy a car. When you got your mother or father to laugh. You did it! There are tons of examples of things that you actually accomplished that you may now take for granted. Stop taking them for granted. Be thankful that you are a capable person who has already successfully accomplished many things. There are more to experiences like that to come.

- Drink a glass of water. Experience the cool, refreshing taste in your mouth and the feeling as the water moves into your body. By drinking a glass of water, you are nourishing your body and bringing it more health. Like a day of rain nourishes the forest and brings wildflowers in the spring. You are doing something good for yourself. Just by drinking a glass of water.

- Listen to your breath. Breathe in. Breathe out. How many breaths do you take per minute? Take some deep, long breaths in and out. Maybe try to hold your breath for 30 seconds or as long as you want. Isn't it great that you can breathe? The air you breathe is very much like that glass of water. It nourishes your body. And you do it all the time without even thinking about it. But the fact that you are breathing, means that you are alive. And be grateful for your breath, and that you are alive.

All you have to do to get your Happy Fix, is to think of something - or anything at all - that makes you happy or reminds you of happiness. It will instantly make you a little happier, right now.

PTD

Happy Mothers Day, Earth

2011-04-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

Today is Earth Day. Earth Day is sort of like Mothers Day. It's a day when you are really nice to your Mom, let her sleep in, serve her breakfast in bed or take her out to brunch and a walk in the park. You might give her a gift like a new robe or a trip to a Spa, where she can be pampered for a day. But instead of doing nice things for your Mother, on Earth Day you are extra nice to the Earth. You turn off your lights and non-essential electrical appliances. You spend some time at the beach picking up trash. You donate some money to the National Parks. You ride the bus to work instead of driving your car. You plant a tree. You buy a cup of Free Trade sustainably grown coffee.

All of these are great things to do to celebrate Earth Day. And it's important that we remember how lucky we are to live on such a beautiful planet that supports us, feeds us, shelters us, and inspires us. For all of Earth's treasures, I am deeply grateful.

So my desire on this day, is not to just be nice to the Earth for one special day every year, but to be nicer to the Earth on every day of the year. Do all of the nice things today that you planned on doing. And then keep on doing more things like that, that continue to make a difference day after day, year after year. Here are some ideas:
- Energy-saving home improvements: Install low-flow toilets and water-saving showerheads. Let your lawn go brown during the dry season. Install better windows and home insulation to reduce your heating expenditures. Buy energy-conserving appliances (refigerators, microwaves, computers). Replace your regular light bulbs with the energy-conserving ones. Turn your lights off when you leave rooms.
- Transportation: Take the bus or public transit to work every day, or carpool. Read a book or catch up on work or correspondence when you are not driving. Or just enjoy the company of your fellow travelers and make it an enjoyable experience.
- If you are into fitness, maybe take your bike to work or run to work. Maybe there's a shower in your building or at a nearby gym. Combining taking care of yourself, with taking care of the Earth, and using your commute time for both is win-win-win!
- When you are at the store, buy items in bulk and/or in recyclable packaging. Some stores will now only carry concentrated laundry detergent - so you use less detergent, and you dispose of fewer bottles or boxes. Bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store instead of using their plastic or brown paper bags.
- Buy organic, free-range, locally-produced and sustainably-grown products. I like knowing that my chicken had a very happy life, and just one bad day. I like knowing that my strawberries and lettuce don't contain pesicides. I like knowing that *some* of my food was produced locally and didn't need to be transported from another state or another continent to reach me. And for the food that traveled to me from another place, I like knowing that the farmer who grew it is able to live a healthy, happy life.
- Recycle and reuse. I live in a city with a good recycling program. I separate my plastic and glass from my paper and carboard. We also have a Recycling center that will take oil and household chemicals, and a center that will take your old computers, cell phones and electronics. One of these places will take your old refrigerators and major appliances. Don't hire a junk man to take away your stuff without finding out first where he is going to dump it. Make sure he's taking it to a place that will recycle and reuse your unwanted stuff - or at least make sure that it's going to an actual legal dump, and not being tossed over a ravine at the side of a lonely road. I hate it when I'm hiking through the woods, and then I find a toilet or a refridgerator that was tossed over the side of the road where they thought nobody would see it. Ugh.
- Post your unwanted things for "FREE" on Craigslist. A lot of people want the stuff that you don't want and will take it away "as is". Maybe you can't figure out how to fix that coffeemaker or stabilize that bookshelf - but someone else will be handy and know what to do.
- Pick up trash and litter, even other people's trash and litter. Let's not turn a blind eye and become accustomed to ignoring litter. Of course, throw away your own trash. But also pick up other trash and throw it out too. If we all picked up more trash and litter, we'd set a good example to others and gradually, there would be less and less litter on the streets.

Lastly, "Share the Earth." It's like the signs that say "Share the Road." You and I are not the only people who are passing through this way, and using this water, or this trail, or breathing this air. We have a responsibility to the Earth and to each other to leave things in as good condition, or better condition than we found them. We should show our Mothers that we love them, not just on Mothers Day, but every day. We should show the Earth that we love it, not just on Earth Day, but every day.

PTD

A Funeral and a Wedding

2011-04-21T10:29:00.001-07:00

In my previous post, I talked about a dear friend of mine, Sue (Susie) Adams, who died in January after a long battle with Scleroderma, a degenerative disease that affects the connective tissue. She was just 53. Her death was foreseeable, but no less tragic and painful for her family and everyone who knew her. But that's not the end of the story. It never is.

Even though Susie's life came to an early end, her family and friends live on and we're so grateful to have known her and to have had her in our lives. Her Memorial Service in Fort Mill, SC was a celebration of her life. Most of her family and friends were there, with so many photos and great memories to share of our time together with Susie. I reconnected with Susie's Mom, Dad, Brother and Sisters, all of whom now have their own kids. I reconnected with Susie's husband, Tom, and her 3 children, Josh, Noah and Hannah. And I met a lot of new people, Susie's good friends, and members of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, friends who met often for brunches and family events over the course of over 20 years since Susie and Tom moved to South Carolina. We were all very happy to get together and celebrate Susie's life. There were tears, but there was also a lot of laughter, because Susie and her family were always a really fun bunch. That will never change.

A few month's later, Susie's son Noah married his beautiful fiance, Alex, in a wonderful ceremony in Temecula, California, which is one of Southern California's best wine-growing areas. It was a beautiful sunny day. All of the immediate family members were there, plus friends from South Carolina and Texas and other places. It was a time of love and joy. And a new beginning for Noah and Alex. Susie was there, too, and remembering her life and love for everyone was part of the event. I was so grateful to be there and to enjoy that special day with them all.

A life may end, but life goes on. And we must cherish every day we have on Earth and all of the wonderful friends and family we have in our lives. All life is a wonderful miracle. So let's enjoy it!

What Does Your Obituary Say?

2011-01-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

A very dear friend of mine died two days ago after a long struggle with Scleroderma, "a chronic connective tissue disease generally classified as one of the autoimmune rheumatic diseases." In recent years, her condition rapidly worsened and she had other health problems as well. In the last several weeks, she was in a lot of pain, so at least now the pain is gone and she can rest peacefully. But wow, she is gone way too soon.

Susie and I were childhood friends and playmates. As we grew up and I moved away, we stayed in touch, wrote each other letters and silly postcards, talked about boys and dating and much more. She was a devoted wife and mother of three, and even a grandmother. She was a gourmet cook and she loved to laugh. She was a very loving and generous person, and I consider myself very lucky to have had her in my life. Everyone who knew her feels that way.

When someone your own age dies young, it can shock you into remembering your own mortality. We're all going to die sometime. What if I didn't live to be a spry old woman? What if I was in an accident and died tomorrow? What is my legacy? What have I yet to do on this Earth before I return to dust?

As Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. said over a hundred years ago - "alas for those that never sing, but die with all their music in them." What contributions to the world have I yet to make? What stories have I yet to share? What songs have I yet to sing? I have so much more that I want to do and I "better get cracking" before it's too late. That's one of the things Susie's death makes me remember. I want to make sure that I have given out everything that I have to give to the world, before it's my turn to rest.

Have you thought about what your obituary will say? Are you ready for it to be written? How do you want to be remembered? Now is a good time to start thinking about that - and making sure that you're on your way to making it true.

If you're interested in reading Susie's online obituary, it's at http://www.wolfefuneralhome.com/index.cfm

In lieu of flowers, Susie's family has suggested that people make donations to the Scleroderma Foundation at http://www.scleroderma.org.

Go Confidently in the Direction of Your Dreams

2011-01-02T17:39:00.000-08:00

Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life
you've imagined.

- Henry David Thoreau

If you have dreams for 2011, now is the time to write them down.
Then start moving in the direction of your dreams.
Dreams do not usually come true overnight, but they do come true over time,
if you keep your dreams clearly in your vision.
Happy New Year to All and keep thinking POSITIVE!

PTD

How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie

2010-08-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of Google Books. This free service allows you to sample large excerpts from books - and you can then decide if you want to buy the book or not.

Here's a book from Dale Carnegie that I've sampled, a link to the Google Book page, and an excerpt on "How to Eliminate 50% of your Business Problems."

How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie

Google Book

Here is Leon Shimkin's experience in his own words:

"For fifteen years I spent almost half of every business day holding conferences, discussing problems. Should we do this or that-do nothing at all? We would get tense; twist in our chairs; walk the floor; argue and go around in circles. When night came, I would be utterly exhausted. I fully expected to go on doing this sort of thing for the rest of my life. I had been doing it for fifteen years, and it never occurred to me that there was a better way of doing it. If anyone had told me that I could eliminate three-fourths of all the time I spent in those worried conferences, and three-fourths of my nervous strain-I would have thought he was a wild-eyed, slap-happy, armchair optimist. Yet I devised a plan that did just that. I have been using this plan for eight years. It has performed wonders for my efficiency, my health, and my happiness.

"It sounds like magic-but like all magic tricks, it is extremely simple when you see how it is done.

"Here is the secret: First, I immediately stopped the procedure I had been using in my conferences for fifteen years-a procedure that began with my troubled associates reciting all the details of what had gone wrong, and ending up by asking: 'What shall we do?' Second, I made a new rule-a rule that everyone who wishes to present a problem to me must first prepare and submit a memorandum answering these four questions:

"Question 1: What is the problem?

("In the old days we used to spend an hour or two in a worried conference without anyone's knowing specifically and concretely what the real problem was. We used to work ourselves into a lather discussing our troubles without ever troubling to write out specifically what our problem was.)

"Question 2: What is the cause of the problem?

("As I look back over my career, I am appalled at the wasted hours I have spent in worried conferences without ever trying to find out clearly the conditions which lay at the root of the problem.)

"Question 3: What are all possible solutions of the problem?

("In the old days, one man in the conference would suggest one solution. Someone else would argue with him. Tempers would flare. We would often get clear off the subject, and at the end of the conference no one would have written down all the various things we could do to attack the problem.)

"Question 4: What solution do you suggest?

("I used to go into a conference with a man who had spent hours worrying about a situation and going around in circles without ever once thinking through all possible solutions and then writing down: 'This is the solution I recommend.')

"My associates rarely come to me now with their problems. Why? Because they have discovered that in order to answer these four questions they have to get all the facts and think their problems through. And after they have done that they find, in three-fourths of the cases, they don't have to consult me at all, because the proper solution has popped out like a piece of bread popping out from an electric toaster. Even in those cases where consultation is necessary, the discussion takes about one-third the time formerly required, because it proceeds along an orderly, logical path to a reasoned conclusion.

PTD

In Thanks to the French

2010-07-14T10:04:00.000-07:00

July 14 is Bastille Day - or French Independence Day - France's version of the Fourth of July. It celebrates the storming of the Bastille, a fortress-prison, and the citizens rising up against the Monarchy (Louis XIV) and the beginning of a new democracy. This all happened in 1789 - just 13 years after the American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence.

So in honor of Bastille Day, I'd like to thank the French for all of their great contributions to the world. Here are just a few:

- Marcel Marceau (1923-2007) Famous French Mime (pictured above) who could entertain and make us smile - without saying a word.

- Ballet - the beautiful dance form.

- Edith Piaf, the compelling French chanteuse.

- Julia Child and the Art of French Cooking. Julia was American, not French, but she studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and brought French cooking to the masses. Bon Apetit!

- Maurice Chevalier (1888 - 1972), Popular French Actor and Singer, best remembered for his role in the movie, "Gigi" where he sang "The Night They Invented Champagne", "Thank Heaven For Little Girls" and many other great songs. I loved his accent! For that matter - I love all French accents. So dreamy!

- French Wine. I particularly like the red wines from the Bordeaux region and the Rhone Valley, including Chateau Neuf Du Papes.

- Butter. Cooking with butter. Butter makes everything taste better. I'm not saying that the French invented butter, but they certainly know how to use it!

I'm sure there are many more wonderful people and things that came from France. This list is just a start.

Viva La France!

PTD

Embrace the New

2010-07-12T21:07:00.000-07:00

"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power."

- Alan Cohen, Author and Life Coach

Ultrarunner Catra Corbett brought this quote to my attention, and it resonates. Here's my take. We sometimes cling to familiar places, relationships, jobs and habits, not because they are what's good for us, but because we are afraid or hesitant to see what else is out there or possible for us. We slide into our day to day existence, and get comfortable with it. Most of us are not looking for change - and are not ready for change. But change happens. Change is the natural way of things. Resisting change is pointless. But it doesn't mean that we are powerless. We can influence the course of the change. We have the ability to move change in the direction of things that matter to us - towards things that make us happy. Accepting change does not mean that we are releasing any responsibility for the directions it takes us. We are constantly steering our way down the road of life, and have the ability to choose to turn down one road or another. What we cannot change is change itself. Change will happen. How and where we steer our way through the change is very much up to each of us. So let's enjoy where we are today, but look forward to the changes tomorrow will bring.

PTD

It is not the critic who counts....

2010-07-05T18:12:00.000-07:00

I recently came upon this quote from US President Teddy Roosevelt in 1910. I think it applies to many situations and efforts we may embark upon. I know many people who embark on journeys towards worthy goals. Some of them succeed, while others may fall short - this time. But they try, try again. And eventually, most of them succeed, but if they don't, I still admire them because they tried. If you reach for the stars - you may or may not succeed. But if you don't reach for the stars - you will certainly never get there.

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."

Theodore Roosevelt in 1910

And here is a first-hand account from Alan Geraldi, an ultra-runner who ran this year's Western States 100 mile Endurance Run - and got most of the way there - but had foot problems that slowed him down so much that the sweepers caught up with him. It was a magnificent effort though! A few of my friends - Jan Soderqvist and Mike Palmer - completed the race successfully, while many runners like Alan Geraldi and Catra Corbett had troubles that day. But they will no doubt try again!

http://endurazone.blogspot.com/2010/07/western-states-100-mile-endurance-run.html

PTD

When Bad Things Happen to Good People

2010-07-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

As we all know, sometimes bad things happen to good people.

An athlete gets cancer. A mother with 3 kids gets in a car accident. You trip while you are jogging and hit your head on the pavement. You pet a dog and it bites you. You miss your plane connection. A bully decides to make you the butt of his jokes. The list goes on.. Sometimes, it seems like so many bad things in a row are happening to you and you wonder, what else could possibly go wrong now?

Well, that's what this week has been like for me. Except that my cancer scare happened 10 years ago, and I have been cancer free ever since. And my past car accidents have been minor fender benders, with nobody getting hurt. Knock on wood. A dog didn't bite me this week - but I did a good deed and someone accused me of having evil motives. I did trip while running this week and hit my head on the pavement, and went to the Emergency Room just to make sure I didn't end up like Natasha Richardson. The bruises are small and I'm totally OK. But it was scary. And a bully did make fun of my accident and thinks he's being hilarious. The point is, a lot of bad things seemed to happen to me this week, and they totally took me off guard. I wasn't looking for trouble, but trouble found me. Did I attract these bad things? Or did these things all just happen by accident?

Well, since I was involved in all of these situations, they all have "me" in common. Did I attract bad luck? I think the answer is - I attracted all of these things - and it's up to me to "interpret" them as "good" or "bad."

- Yes, I had cancer 10 years ago, but I but I beat it!
- Yes, I've had minor car accidents. But they were minor. And I have good insurance.
- Yes, I once pet a dog, and it bit me. But I pet a lot of dogs, and most dogs love me! So what if one little pooch turned out to be paranoid and bit me. That's just 1 in 100 dogs. Most dogs give me a thumbs up!
- Yes, I tripped while running and hit my head. But I had the good sense to go to the Emergency Room to make sure I was OK, and now feel relieved that all is well.
- Yes, I tried to do a good deed, that a stranger has interpreted as quite the opposite. But that person doesn't know me, and what they think shouldn't matter to me. I have to choose to not focus on this person's reaction.
- Yes, there's a bully in one of my running groups, who likes to make me the butt of his jokes. My accident gave him more material. He had a ball making fun of me - he thinks he's just soooo funny. I've ignored him and other people are getting sick of him, too. He wants to get a reaction out of people, because it feeds him. So I ignore him, and he tries to make fun of something else to get a reaction from other people. It's tiresome. But I choose not to let him stop me from being part of this group and enjoying my interactions with other people. I am in charge of my reaction. This is a great opportunity to learn how to be more patient and less reactive.

So were these things really "bad" things? Or just things that I can choose to see as "good" or "bad" or "something inbetween" ? It's my interpretation of these events that matters, more than anything else.

What's in the past, is in the past. I cannot change what happened. All I can change is my attitude about what happened. Life goes on. Things keep on happening. I have to keep on focusing mostly on what "good" came out of each situation, even if the "good" was that I learned how to avoid the "bad" next time.

No matter what happens, it's all up to me how to interpret it - good, bad or other.

PTD

Is it Possible for a Human Being to Run 100 Miles? And Live?

2010-06-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

Is it possible for a human being to run 100 miles? And live?

Yes, it certainly is! I could not have imagined this 20 years ago, but thousands of people (called Ultra Runners) have completed numerous 100-mile runs and races. And I happen to know a lot of them as friends and occasional running partners.

Since 1977, the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run
has been held annually on the last weekend in June. This year's race is June 26 - 27, 2010. It starts in Squaw Valley, CA and ends in Auburn, CA, and is the oldest and most famous 100 mile race for humans in the USA. Approximately 450 "qualified" runners and over 1500 volunteers particpate in this event every year. Many of the runners have already completed a prior official 100 mile race, while others qualified by running a 50 mile race in under 11 hours, or three 50 mile races in under 12 hours within a certain number of months. The winners typically finish in 16-17 hours, and the runners must finish in under 30 hours. There are a whole lot of people who are finishing just under 30 hours. They have worked the hardest to be there, and are often the most thrilled by the accomplishment.

I have a few friends running in this year's Western States 100, incuding Mike Palmer from Berkeley, and Jan Soderqvist from Sweden, and a few others. All of them are accomplished ultra-runners, and have more than a few other hundreds (or even longer distances) under their belts. Good luck to all of you!

In 2005, I was a "pacer" at Western States for runner Joseph Maartens from South Africa, who was running his first 100-mile race. Pacers were allowed from mile 68 - Foresthill - to the finish. So I was responsible for helping Joseph complete the last 38 miles of the race. Starting @ 9 PM, we traversed wilderness and horse trails in California's Gold Country - with our headlamps and backpacks filled with water and supplies - through darkness initially - with aid stations about every 6-7 miles - emerging back into daylight eventually and finally civilization as we got near to Auburn. Joseph finished the 100 miles in just under 28 hours - which earned him huge props with his friends in South Africa. It was an amazing experience. I only ran 38 miles - but Joseph and 2 other friends from South Africa ran the full 100 miles! Yes, there were lots of blisters afterwards, but so many smiles!

It's just awesome when you break through barriers and accomplish something that most people think is impossible. Of course, Joseph and all of the other runners didn't just become ultra-runners overnight. It took years of training and running longer and longer distances with friends and support - nobody can do this alone. But it's completely possible, as all of these finishers prove! And I didn't become a Western States pacer overnight either. I had already completed many marathons and some very challenging 50K's. I was confident enough to take the next step up. I think it's important to keep on taking that next step up. It can be baby steps - it doesn't matter. Just keep on taking that next step forward. And if you temporarily end up going backward sometimes, just know that you can always change the direction again and move forward.

I wrote a race report for my 2005 Western States 100 experience, that my friend, fellow pacer and prior Western States Finisher - Steve Reagan - posted on his website. If you are interested in reading about my very awesome experience pacing a Western States runner, go to:

http://www.sertig.org/WS2005/EllenHolbrookWSPacingReport.html

And remember - if you can conceive it, and believe it, nothing is impossible.

PTD

In Appreciation of Fathers

2010-06-18T08:33:00.000-07:00

Fathers Day is this Sunday, June 20, 2010 in the USA. I'm very grateful for my own Father. He's always loved us and provided for us and tried to pass down any wisdom or lessons he could. And now, at 80, he's very content and happy with life. After my Mother's death after a long battle with Colon Cancer, Dad felt alone and depressed and was sort of resigned to being alone. But things change and Dad moved to Austin near my brother, and he met a wonderful woman his own age and they are having a great time together. It makes me so very happy to know that things are going well in his life. And I know that he feels very happy and grateful for his kids and grandchildren and his present life. Dad, I know you feel like a very lucky guy - but we're very lucky too - to have you. Thank you just for being you, Dad!

I also appreciate my brother, Jim, for becoming a father to my nephews, Alex and Andrew. Jim is the best Dad - a great listener, patient, helpful, funny and fun-loving. And I absolutely love my darling nephews - so thanks, Jim, for your part in bringing them into our lives and keeping them safe and happy.

Fathers everywhere - remember that you are special to everyone in your lives. Thanks for all that you do - and just for who you are!

PTD

Invictus, The Movie, and the Poem

2010-06-17T10:00:00.000-07:00

"I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul." Sound familiar?

I just finished watching the movie, "Invictus", starring Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon, which is based on the true story of how newly elected South African President Nelson Mandela used the 1995 World Cup Rugby playoffs to inspire and unite his country after the fall of Apartheid. Wow. What a story. And what a great leader! The story and life of Nelson Mandela is going to deserve many more posts in the future.

Nelson Mandela spent over 20 years in prison for his anti-Apartheid activism - while the rest of the world shunned South Africa for their systematic oppression of their black citizens. When Apartheid finally fell, and Nelson Mandela was released from prison, he was elected President of South Africa by all of the newly minted black voters, who made up 70% or more of the population. At the time, many white South Africans (20% of the population) were afraid of black retaliation or that they would be driven out of the country. Nelson Mandela knew that South Africa's economy, police and military were still controlled by the whites, and that South Africa could not afford to degenerate into racial violence and hatred. Instead, he chose to leave the past in the past, and start at that moment to unite the country no matter what your color - to create a new blended "rainbow" society. He knew he had to be President not only to the blacks who elected him - but to the whites who distrusted him.

The mostly white South African Rugby Team, Springbok, became one of Mandela's tools for reshaping how South Africans viewed themselves and their countrymen, and their standing in the world. Through his friendship and mentoring of Springbok's team captain, played by Matt Damon, Mandela inspired him and every other member of the team to not only play the best they can for themselves - but for their entire country. They were not just a Rugby team anymore. They had to think bigger.

The word "Invictus" is Latin for "unbeaten". It is also the name of a poem by British poet William Ernest Henley, which was written in 1875 while he was in hospital waiting to have his foot amputated. This poem helped inspire Nelson Mandela to remain strong while he was in prison. Later, he shared this poem with the captain of the Springbok team. "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul" was a line in the movie - and came directly from this poem.

I like to interpret this as meaning that only you have control over how you think about yourself, and the choices and actions you take. It is up to each one of us to accept that responsibility and become the best that we can possibly be. And if you want others to change - the change must first start with you. For the Rugby team to start winning, each member had to start thinking differently about their own role not only on their team, but in their country and in the world. For South Africa to succeed in creating a new and better society, Nelson Mandela had to rise to the challenge and set a good example through his own behavior. It all starts with YOU.

Here's the original poem:

Invictus, by William Ernest Henley. 1849–1903

OUT of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

PTD

What if I Fail? What if I do nothing? What if I succeed?

2010-06-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

I was recently introduced (online that is) to Author, Blogger and Entrepreneur Jonathon Fields, whose blog is called "Awake at the Wheel."

In April 2010, he participated in the TEDx Conference at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, and gave an 18 minute talk on the subject, "Turning Fear Into Fuel."

In a nutshell he talked about how many people afraid to pursue their dreams - for fear of failure. But when you take a closer look at the fears that are preventing you from pursuing your dreams - you may realize that it's much worse to "do nothing" than to actually take action. What's the worst thing that can happen if you fail? What will you do to recover? And if you do nothing - what will happen? Will your life be better or worse if you do nothing? And what if you succeed? What will that look like? How will that feel? Isn't that worth going for? If you take a look at the worst case scenario and know what you can do to recover if that happens, and compare it to the scenario of "doing nothing," you'll see that doing nothing is really much worse. Taking action and going after your dreams really is the only choice that makes your life worthwhile.

See a videotape of Jonathon's talk on his blog at:

http://www.jonathanfields.com/blog/turning-fear-into-fuel/

*********
And for those who are interested, one of my favorite bloggers and world traveler, Chris Guillebeau, is finally re-releasing his "Empire Building Kit" again today. It's a collection of case studies, videos, PDF's and interviews, including actual monetary figures by people running very small businesses who make at least $50K per year and some make millions - building a lifestyle business on a shoestring. In addition to that, you receive one email a day (that’s 365 tips!) that will help you build a business destined for world domination in at least one year. I'm really enjoying it and learning a lot in the process. It's something that has helped and inspire me to continue the Positive Thinking Diet. Check it out at:
Chris Guillebeau's Empire Building Kit.

Cheers!

PTD

Jack LaLanne | 'How To Live Forever'

2010-06-15T07:46:00.000-07:00

Jack LaLanne | 'How To Live Forever' from Mark S. Wexler on Vimeo.

As part of his new documentary, "How to Live Forever," Filmmaker Mark S. Wexler solicits advice on how to live forever from 94-year old fitness legend, Jack LaLanne.

What I love about this clip are some of the great quotes from Jack LaLanne:

"I can't afford to die. It would be bad for my image."

"The good old days are this second!"

"This is it! This moment controls the next moment!"

"As I said before - who makes it happen? You!"

For more info on the film, please go to liveforevermovie.com

If you have trouble viewing the clip above, go to http://vimeo.com/5500899

PTD