THE BEST YEAR EVER

I am looking forward to 2008. The past year was full of many challenges. There were times when I thought it was too much to handle. My spirit has since been re-awakened, it has a lot to do with helping others. I had many reasons to feel self-pity and doubt in myself. However, I know that the challenges I face have been met by many others.

I feel blessed in the fact that I was able to recover and have been able to assist in bring resources to the aid of others, who are facing similar and more distressful challenges than I have. I believe my optimism comes from the deep abiding faith I have in my creator. I know that I have a lot of maturing to do in many areas. and know that my spiritual growth continues. However, I know that the future will hold whatever I will desire it to be.

I know that 2008 will be great! When I reflect on the society we live in, and how many problems we face as a people. I realize that we each must try to make a difference in making this better. We really don't have much time to sulk, gloat, worry, or stress. We all must be in the business of making repairs. The miracle most of us are waiting for has its seed firmly planted within our grasp. We must be about the process of making the ground (us) a good place for it to grow.

I am learning that I must spend my time again as I have in the past, helping others. We seem to minimize our impact on events in our society, and don't realize the implications of,' what would have happened if I didn't get involved'? We all have to see the greater vision of what will happen if we do? Together, I believe we can make 2008 "the best year ever".

The universe is seeking your attention may it greet you with wealth, happiness, health and a sense of purpose that will spill over into the life of all you encounter, bringing blessing to them as well as you!

Be Blessed. Brad

2008: SOLUTIONS, PLANS & A NEW LOOK ON LIFE

Goals for 2008 ...

The New Year is coming and people are making their New Years resolutions for 2008. We all seem to have the same ones. I am going to lose weight. I will call this person and try to mend fences. I will make an effort to get along better with coworkers. I will spend more time doing things with love ones. The list goes on. However, we never seem to accomplish all the goals, we set out to achieve. This year has got to be better! So here is my plan.

The first part has to be self examination. Do I make a conscious effort to follow my goals? Do I really apply my self to accomplishing the goals I have set? What are the best strategies? In order to even give myself a fighting chance this year, I realize that my strategy must be in place. Having to face, the realization that we are living in an instant gratification society; where, We want our burger now! We want our tickets now! We want a taxi now! A change in mind set is the first piece of the puzzle. Goals are just those goals. The more meaningful ones don’t occur overnight. The ones that do should serve as proof that, we can accomplish them.

We need to write down our goals and leave them in conspicuous places, so that when we get dressed for work, or to take the children to school, we come across a note reminding us to complete that project, we keep putting off. We must take stock of ourselves and ask; is it really the other person that is causing me not to call, or has my ego gotten so big that I can’t say, I am sorry, even when I am right. Is the person worth it? We know, many times we feel worst, not having reconciled our differences. Schedule a time to have that conversion. The beginning of the Fix IT process begins with valuing you.

Start your day by treating yourself well. After having spent time shopping for everyone else this holiday, take time to buy yourself something special for your office or home. List the things you do well, and keep the list in a place where you come cross it often. Find ways to improve on the things in your list. You will find that over time you will gradually accomplish every goal you have listed. Time heals all wounds. You just have to remember to apply the proper treatments. So give yourself a 2008 assessment, make your list, and don’t bury it until 2009. Good Luck!

HOLIDAY CHEER LETTING YOUR GUARD DOWN

The holiday season is here. It is time for crowed malls, seasonal scams and the buyer should beware. During this season many of us are more on guard then ever. Are the malls safe? Are the toys safe? Are we getting what we are paying for? It is easy for one to go about this holiday season with their guard on code red and never stopping to smell the pine cones.With a skittish economy and questionable manufacturing practices many have come down with some serious holiday blues this season. However, we must remember the reason for the season. This should be the time when we remember those, who have not been as fortunate, as those who can afford to make their traditional holiday travels, to Macy's and elsewhere. We must remember to stop and encourage people when we can.Hold the door open or buy someone a cup of hot chocolate. This is a time when we must not forget our spirit. It has never really been the snow or ribbons and bows that made the holiday. It is truly the spirit of giving which causes us to become the beings we aspired to be, as we toiled all year long. May you find true peace and happiness this holiday, and remember to let your guard down a little. You may make someone’s season a joyful and memorable one, without even knowing it. It just may be you. Enjoy the holiday season. And have a prosperous new year...

MAKING THE RETURN EASY: Welcome Them Home With Pride!

How will the American veterans be welcomed home? Everybody seemed to have an opinion about whether America should be fighting a war in Iraq. It is surely unnerving to be a solider at this time, while doing a job that 70 percent of Americans feel you should not be doing. It was not long ago in this country that soldiers were protested when returning home from war.A recent statistic indicated that 200,000 former soldiers were homeless in America. Mostly, from the Vietnam era, some were serving recently in Iraq.

Whether, for or against it, one thing is clear, most Americans feel like our young soldiers, have been placed in a circumstance that was not of their own choosing. The question is will they receive the type of services they will require once they return home?It was a shame when it was discovered, that their medical convalescence was not up to acceptable standards in some Washington based medical facilities. Many Americans believe we should do better.

When the decisions are made regarding funding the war during the next session of congress. Congress should make sure we invest as much resources in preparing for their return, as we do in funding the war effort. They will deserve the education, health care and housing that all Americans do, we should have that opportunity available for them, when they return.

MAKING A PERSONAL CHOICE: OPRAH'S

TODAY OPRAH MADE A CHOICE! The presidential race is in full swing and people are making their feelings known. On a cold December day in Iowa, Oprah made her decision. Mr. Obama was her choice. The question is will many of her fans, (many of whom fit the profile of Hillary's base voters) follow. For Oprah it seems like the choice could not be clearer Mr. Obama is her man.

It seems surprising to many that Mrs. Clinton was not her choice since she is the quintessential woman's leader in America, on many issues. However, to summarize her quote as best as possible, when you strip us down, removing gender, race, and all that comes with it. We are Americans. This ideal is refreshing to hear. We are Americans! For all those who look forward to our country being the respected world leader it was, not so long ago. This statement has resonance for many. Somewhere along the way, many Americans have felt like, America is on the decline. It is going to take strong leadership going forward. Like many voters, Oprah had to decide; who she feel is best for the job, as we will all do in 2008. It is stated by many that this decision may be the most important selection in a generation. By the looks of it, it will be the most complex.

Today, we have a very diverse field of candidates, (at least in the democratic race) that holds a real possibility of giving us our first women or minority president ever. Maybe, this is why you saw Oprah make her first presidential endorsement. The time for leadership has come and America has to be able to make very real choices about her future.
It looks like many are saying; we have to get this one right! We are facing many social and financial turning points in the coming years that will impact many American families and will dramatically affect their way of living. The gap between the have and have nots has been increasing sharply over the years.

This season’s debates will be very important in determining how these issues will be addressed by the candidates. Politics as usual just won't do. We need a change in direction that includes everyone.This seems to be what was missing. We need all interested parties sitting around the table together this year. America's health, education, safety, soldiers and children need to be cared for. Most Americans already believe everybody but the little guy has been feasting at the table. The 2008 presidential race seems to be getting more interesting everyday. Let’s see how the congress responds to all these issues after the Holiday recess.

BLOG TALK

Well the New Year is almost upon us. There will be much to consider. Which direction is the country going? Who will be our leader? Will I be able to afford my mortgage payment? Will I be able to afford my health care needs? These are just a few of the questions; people will be looking for the answer to. There is great trepidation in the current outlook for these answers at present. However, we cannot discount the resolve of the American people.

We have faced hard times before. The important thing is that during these tough times, we must not forget to keep our hearts. We have always been a compassionate people. The talk nowadays seems to be we must hold on to what we got. We should not trust our neighbors. Hopefully, in this Christmas season we keep our spirit alive. We must approach these coming years with the same innovative spirit that has kept us leaders in good will towards humanity. It is my wish that, 2008 brings in a time of good will and prosperity, for all of us facing times of uncertainty.

May 2008 bring you health, prosperity and a year of spiritual blessing too numerous to measure.

PARENTS CORNER:

I have recently learned something new. There are many times when we as parents intercede in our children’s affairs when we should just let them work out their differences amongst themselves. Although, we may like to think so, we will not be able to work out our children’s problems for them, for the rest of their lives.

Most times, the mediation we provide is short lived. The concept of 'less is more' is sometimes very helpful, when dealing with issues, around sibling rivalries. I have noticed that, when the compromise is initiated amongst the warring parties, the peace last substantially longer. This may actually give you the peace you need, for the hour before the next treaty needs to be negotiated.

Holiday Precautions

Although, we don't want to lose our holiday spirit, we must be careful out there this season.

▪ Be aware of your surroundings.

▪ Know where your love ones are, and how they are doing.

▪ Make that extra call or visit, it may really be appreciated.

▪ Don't drink and drive.

A PEACEFUL THOUGHT

May the season bring peace and love to all that seek it, May the gift of love find its way to your heart, Let the joy of laughter invade your peace, And may the smiles thereafter never depart...Give someone a call you never planned to speak to, Give someone some praise you think they don't deserve, Let your ego be humbled and your tone be meek, So that voices unheard can be encouraged to speak...
Have your memory be short of problems unresolved, a place your faith in higher powers that they will be solved, Give yourself a chance to let your emotions free, So that love can find you where ever you may be...

LAUGHING AWAY THE HOLIDAY BLUES

Sometimes laughing is the best medicine, when trying to unwind. After a long day in the office, or being driven to your wits end by your children, spouse, bills or extrinsic holiday expenses. It never pays to end the day, with built up anxieties, which will cause you to grey earlier than expected. When the stress starts to build, I start to smile. I have noticed how much better I feel and others, (not always right away); when I begin to get calmer and sedated, when hearing information related to their personal anxieties. I always try and look for a moment when I can smile or laugh; it really has a calming effect on the person you are in dialog with, most times.

I never want to give anyone the impression that I do not have genuine concern regarding the issues they are raising. However, sometimes I have to gage the validity of the present drama. To say that some people are overly dramatic nowadays can go without saying. People always find it hardest to laugh at themselves. We all at times take ourselves too seriously. Most of us have no problem laughing, at the expense of others. Let someone make light our dilemmas, and were ready to fight.

A friend recently sent me an email which stated many truisms. Amongst them was a statement saying worry is a wasted emotion (to paraphrase). Worry never softens the blow or removes the burdens. The bills still seem to come either way. I always feel better after hearing how much I owe, how little time, I have to complete something, or seeing the kid’s complete Christmas list portfolio, when I laugh. The blues seem to fade away.

So this holiday, don’t be so blue. Dust off that old Jerry Lewis or Martin Lawrence DVD and laugh. Go see a show that will make you smile. Filter all your responses with an occasional smile, it just may be contagious. If nothing else, you will feel better for it.

Smile and the world smiles back at you. I hope (smile).