VOTE NOTE

As I write this, we still do not know who the next President of the United States will be.  Clearly, we are a nation divided.  Regardless of how you voted, it is essential to maintain the integrity of our democracy. No matter
who wins the race, it must be fair. We do not need a "Constitutional Crisis," as I heard it described in the news!  Yikes. If you have an opinion about how the events in Florida have been handled, I urge you to let officials know.
You can do so online at http://www.workingforchange.com/activism.  There is
a link to send a note to Florida's Division of Election Director Clay Roberts.  The site may be overloaded so you may have to try more than once.  
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The Legend of Bagger Vance

As it pertains to coaching and life, I have been giving this gem of a book by Steven Pressfield as a gift for the past few years.  I never expected that the movie would be so beautiful, but it was awesome!  Please give yourself a
fabulous present and go see this film. I was more moved than I have been in some time.

The character of Bagger Vance is a mere caddy in the game of golf.  In reality, he is a coach in the game of life.  He teaches that "we all have in us one true, authentic swing."  The truth is that we all do have in us one true authentic self.

Who is and where is your authentic self?

"Tell me what it is you plan to do with your one wild and precious life."  ~
Mary Oliver.
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In the Name of Giving

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself".  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ahhh.  Words of wisdom.  I recently had the privilege to lead a group of walkers to raise money for Juvenile Diabetes, a cause very dear to my heart as my 12 year old son battles it daily.  Our team was made of mostly of people I did not even know.

Over the course of two months, our team grew and raised money.  We got publicity and we made an impact. I began to receive donations in the mail to further our cause.  There were some from people I have never met and probably
never will.  There were checks that were generous beyond my wildest expectations from people I did know. The momentum we gained was substantial and what began as 'something good to do' (a SHOULD -- 'I should do this,')
ended up becoming a powerful mission for me.  

There is an explosive leap of growth that occurs when one gives -- whether it be in time, energy or money.

My daughter's 5th grade class has begun to share their time once a month with some elderly folks at a nearby assisted living home.  They load up on the bus and go spend time with their 'buddy' -- each resident there is paired with a
child.  My daughter interviews Ruby each time and learns about her life -- her favorite food being chocolate, how she has no children, where she grew up, what she believes, etc.  A really beautiful bond is forming and both parties are blessed from this small gift of kindness.  I am grateful my
daughter is learning to freely give at an early age.

Recently, the minister at the church where I am a member, challenged the congregation to tithe for at least one month. He asked us to do this on faith.  Just give. He gave us (with permission from his board) a 'money-back guarantee' if we did not see more of God's blessings in our life by the end
of the month.

It was pretty bold. Pretty unheard of, actually.  I was definitely impressed and, of course, had to take the challenge. It was scary, believe me, but I did have faith.  I am pleased to tell you that the exact dollar amount I gave
for THAT month is the same amount of money I will now receive EACH month from a new income stream.  The giver is blessed.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend says that, "The essence of volunteerism is not in giving part of a surplus one doesn't need, but giving part of one's self. Such giving is more than a duty of the heart, but a way people help themselves by satisfying the deeper spiritual needs that represent the best
in us."

What can you do to give?  Can you share your time?  Resources?  Expertise? Compassion? Prayers?  Money?  Past experiences?  Think about it.  You have gifts and talents. How can you bless the lives of others?

I encourage you to find a way, especially with the Holidays approaching, to share yourself. NOW is the perfect time.  Don't wait.  You will bless the lives of others. And, it is in the giving that the gift is gained for all.
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SOUL RESTORATION TIP

"The only thing that stands between a man and what he wants in life is often merely the will to try it and the faith to believe it is possible".  ~
Richard M. DeVos
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RESOURCES YOU CAN USE