Life Transitions Resources. Coping With Divorce, Grief Support, Career Changes, Financial

OnTheAvenues SEO

2009-09-23T16:22:00.001-04:00

Great place for information related to SEO, search engine optimization as it relates to web sites, blogs, and using SEO techniques for social networking and more. Latest news, processes and answers to questions to help you perform better on the internet by knowing how to use the proper resources

in reference to: Facebook | OnTheAvenues (view on Google Sidewiki)

Best Forex Program Reviews. Top Forex Software Reviews.

2009-09-23T13:17:00.001-04:00

Unbiased Forex Software Reviews, Forex Program Reviews. Using the best Forex software will net you more in forex returns!

in reference to:

"Best Forex Program Reviews. Top Forex Software Reviews.Unbiased Forex Software Reviews, Forex Program Reviews. Using the best Forex software will net you more in forex returns!"
- Best Forex Program Reviews. Top Forex Software Reviews. (view on Google Sidewiki)

Trailer Life. RV Living

2009-09-23T13:15:00.003-04:00

For People On The Road! Resource Guide For Trailers, 5th Wheels, MotorCoach. Trailer Living honors those folks who enjoy the freedom of being able to pick up and go whenever they wish. From trailer humor, trailer park living tips to useful RV, 5th wheel, motorcoach info to trailer parks and National parks information, RV cooking and so much more. We make trailer living and RV-ing hip, cool and fun.

in reference to: Trailer Life. RV, 5th Wheel, Motorcoach Resources. (view on Google Sidewiki)

Trailer Life. RV Living

2009-09-23T13:15:00.001-04:00

in reference to: Trailer Life. RV, 5th Wheel, Motorcoach Resources. (view on Google Sidewiki)

Mashup Resources For Living Life

2009-09-23T12:31:00.001-04:00

Helpful blog on living life. Over 50 categories ranging from advice,useful techniques, humor, weird facts, travel,top 10 lists and more. The Good, The Bad, The Ugly...all is one place

in reference to: Tons Of Mashup Resources. Top 10 Lists Of Everything. (view on Google Sidewiki)

Don’t Leave Surprises!

2009-09-03T07:15:00.002-04:00

I wrote here a few weeks ago about my friend whose mother was nearing death. Not unexpectedly, that end came soon after I posted the blog entry. My friend was, and still is, feeling rather rough around the edges – that is expected. The grief remains strong and close to the surface – also expected. As another dear friend put it, grief never really goes away, it evolves, and we learn to deal with it in all of its guises. Time really is about the only solution. Loss of a parent is among the top five stressors of our life. In my friend’s case, probably it falls even closer to the top right now because his father had died several years ago. My friend has now assumed the role of “ancestor” – the one at the front of the line. A new and rather humbling role.

My friend has also had some time now to discuss his mother’s estate, with his brothers and with their counselor. His mother left a Will, but it was rather generic, and the unexpected came out during the conversations. Another brother had been assuming that certain concessions would be made for him because he was seen as the primary care-taker of his mother during the declining years. He had thought that certain debts would die with his mother. But those concessions were not spelled out in her Will. His brothers beg to differ on his expectations, and so, along with dealing with the death of their mother, they are now also dealing with an increasing animosity amongst themselves at just the moment when they really should be holding each other close and sharing their pain and loss. My friend’s new motto – Don’t Leave Any Surprises!

I am certain our own Springboard experts would agree wholeheartedly! A Will is an act of love. A clearly articulated Will is an act of supreme love. We all know we are going to die, and planning for that eventuality is the ultimate act of kindness to those we love the most.

Do you have your own end-of-life plan in place? Do your parents? It can be a difficult conversation, and Springboard’s team of compassionate professionals is aware of that and prepared to help you get it started and keep it going. Don’t leave surprises for your loved ones!

Springboard's™ programs and services are designed for you, regardless of where you are in life's journey. We invite you to explore and share our resources with employers, groups, organizations, professionals or anyone supporting others through a transition. Visit us today at http://www.launchingnewlives.com/

Hospital waiting rooms

2009-08-19T13:04:00.002-04:00

Heaven’s waiting room…
A dear close friend received the word today that we “children” always dread. Mom is in a coma, we’re terribly sorry, sir, there’s not much we can do but wait… and even though the end is a blessing – his mother has been lingering for a long while – the fact of the finality is still hard to accept. My heart goes out to my friend.
We spend so much of our lives thinking our parents are indomitable; with advances in medical care and general health, more often than not we reverse our roles and we children become the caretakers of our parents. That caretaking is fraught with hurdles and pitfalls. Are you ready to take on this role?

Please come by our Springboard website to see how we can help you find the best options, create positive opportunities, for you and your parents in the coming weeks, months and years.

Using Life's Lessons

2009-07-26T17:26:00.004-04:00

From Margaret Rush, The Springboard Group, Inc.

"Students learn what they care about...," Stanford Ericksen has said, but Goethe knew something else: "In all things we learn only from those we love."

Add to that Emerson's declaration: "the secret of education lies in respecting the pupil", and we have a formula something like this: "Students learn what they care about, from people they care about and who, they know, care about them . . ." Barbara Harrell Carson, 1996, Thirty Years of Stories

Life is a constant learning process, which makes each of us a student.

Lessons can be big, bold and neon-lit, or they can be small, shadowed and barely noticeable until sometime down the path. Transitions are big, bold, neon-lit crash courses in life lessons, and being open to those lessons can make the learning so much easier.

Springboard looks for ways to clear the path, and caring people to teach and guide the student to the most positive outcome.

Sometimes the lessons are easily absorbed, sometimes … not so much. But our valued customers (the students) approach us for lessons, and our added value is to provide the compassion and expertise of professionals. Come learn with us!

Lemons

2009-07-26T17:22:00.002-04:00

From Margaret Rush, The Springboard Group, Inc.

You know that old saw? When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!
Divorce certainly counts as lemons – large bags of them. It is a major life transition. A highly charged, emotional transition. Going from a we/us relationship to a me/I solo journey. It can be a souring experience. And in the midst of that emotional cloud, we are expected to make some of the most challenging, consequential decisions of our lives. Decisions about finances, now and into the future; decisions about how to care for our children, if we have any; decisions about working, or not…
Because I didn’t have Springboard™ at my disposal at the time of my divorce, my strategy was simply “patience”. Every time my husband submitted a proposal that was unacceptable, my lawyer and I just replaced the offending language with what I could tolerate and sent it back; literally, we cut and pasted the same paragraphs from our original draft into the most recent version submitted by my husband and his attorney. Because I was on a squeaky-tight budget and had spent 20 years in the paralegal field, my lawyer was lenient with me, allowing me to do most of my own drafting and simply reviewing the changes for enforceability. After two years of having exactly the same agreement put back in front of him, two years of paying his own lawyer to review exactly the same document, my husband finally realized that he was going to have to give a little. The Springboard Group would have helped me move the process along rather more expediently.
Visit us and let’s get started on your transition! Our dedicated team at Springboard has the tools, resources and expertise to help you make the best lemonade possible out of that bag of lemons!

Corolla

2009-06-27T10:33:00.002-04:00

Father's Day Reflections

2009-06-21T09:17:00.003-04:00

Each "Hallmark" Holiday creates opportunities to celebrate those we cherish as well as those we miss. These days can also bring to the surface emotions and the opportunity to heal. For me, Father's Day in particular is difficult. I was a child of divorce by age 2, and my father was absent for over 20 years. Even after re-connecting as an adult, I find I have to purposefully remember him for holidays. And, the standard messages of store-bought cards rarely "fit", as they often reflect on memories we do not share, or meaning that does not exist in our relationship no matter the passage of time. So each time I shop for a card for him, I grieve a little for that lost opportunity.

My Grandfather was my father-figure, and then I gained a step-father. Both of these unique men shaped the adult woman I have become. Each contributed uniquely to my self-esteem, confidence, and philosophy of service. My Grandfather died when I was 27, and my Stepfather two years ago. His absence is still palpable, especially on days like this.

Then, as I scan the rack, I see Grandfather cards I no longer buy. I remember buying husband cards and "to Dad from Daughter" cards for my husband. Even though this is the 6th year since his death, I find myself scanning those sections of the display wistfully.

As relationships and people come and go in our lives, the process of shopping for a card to acknowledge those that mean so much to me has become a point of forced acknowledgement of those changes. I miss the simple pleasure of picking out a card for someone I loved; and instead, take a moment to remember.

When I opened the paper this morning, the headline was "Dear Dad". My Mom, my daughter and I will go to church today, and the sermon will most likely address fathers. And all three of us will feel slightly out of place, and out of sync, missing ours. And remembering.

2009-04-25T10:10:00.002-04:00

Thought for today, found on Beliefnet:

You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head,
but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.
- Chinese Proverb

This brings to mind a conversation I had this week with a friend, whose sister had the combined losses last year of an unwanted divorce followed by the accidental death of her 19 year old son. My friend lives about 3 hours from her sister; her sister's grief has been tremendous and we were discussing how hard it is to know how to help someone. And that everyone's grief journey is their own to take, in their own way.

In respecting someone's mourning, and their individual ways to work through the process, how do you know when it is not working for them? I would love to hear what you think is the fine line between healthy mourning and realizing a friend or loved one may be in trouble?

Home For Easter

2009-04-14T18:27:00.005-04:00

When children lose a parent, no matter when, it is tremendously sad. At a holiday, especially one that we think of as a special time for children, one that by its very origin means new life, it seems especially cruel. We cannot help but think forward to future holidays that will be forever linked with a painful loss.

And yet, could there be a more meaningful or powerful time of year in the Christian faith for a loved one to die? Can the daily changing landscape of new life remind us of the continuity of life, our lives, our rebirth? Is there a measure of solace to be found in the Easter Story?

This Easter, we know of three small children who lost their Dad. Only forty-four, he had seemed to be healthy, until he died on Thursday. His wife had to plan a funeral for Easter Monday.

Upon reflection, this story is too frequently told in our newspapers and on the evening news; it just really hits home when it is someone you know personally. Such as...

my friend, who was a Dad out for an evening run at age 38; he was found by a neighbor, the week before Christmas. He left a wife with three small daughters.
my friend and former co-worker, a Dad in his forties, at home with his teenaged son, who started CPR to no avail. He left a wife with a teenaged daughter and son.

And now, another friend with whom I worked, who always glowed with stories of his two sons and then their young daughter. The soldier, Boy Scout Leader, active church volunteer, loving husband, responsible employee....and Dad. We hope that his family will find comfort and reassurance in the Easter Story, this year and every year.

We will miss you, Brian.

Getting A Fresh Start on Tax Year 2009!

2009-04-14T17:59:00.007-04:00

As we prepare our 2008 taxes to mail by April 15, we cannot ignore the impact of this investment year has had. Although a small minority prospered significantly, most have had sobering news to absorb. Those with positive and open relationships with financial advisors have been reviewing, reassessing, and revising financial plans in light of the last six months.

Here are some Springboard recommendations:

Take time to reflect on any gap you may have in your financial and legal "team". Did you have a coordinated strategy for your investments and tax preparation?
Do you have a system for maintaining key records for 2009, and have you shared that information with those who would need to step in for you in case of illness or emergency? Do not wait!
Review your estate plans, insurance products and investments. For instance, your family needs may warrant not only rebalancing your retirement and investment portfolio, but updating insurance coverage to offset changes in your total financial picture.
Remember to include a review of longterm care and disability insurance if your "cash cushion" is smaller now.

While it is easy to look backwards and wish you knew "then" what we all see plainly now, taking action with what you have learned may be a good remedy for remorse! Wayne Gretsky says it well:

" I skate where the puck is going to be, not where it has been".

Here's to a great start for next year's tax season.

Life Transitions. Practical Common Sense Wisdom

2009-02-23T19:17:00.005-05:00

We Plan, God Laughs, by Sherre Hirsch 2008

I am a self-professed book addict. Thank goodness now for BookSwim, so I do not have to actually put books up for adoption when I finish them...I can now just mail them back and trade them like a movie choice.

We Plan, God Laughs was a book I wanted to keep in my reference library, so I can read it again in a year or so. Here is an adapted book review, or you can read the whole review on our website @ http://www.launchingnewlives.com/articles.

Rabbi Hirsch combines Jewish custom and theology with practical, common- sense wisdom, and humorous personal experience. As one of very few female Rabbis in our country, she juggles being a Mom with young children, a new career as an author, and being a wife, so transitions and life balance challenges are very familiar to her.

She quickly explains that God is not laughing at us, but with us, in delight and joy. (That was quite a relief!) She believes God is a personal God, and we can access this higher power at all times. She invites us to use that connection as we work through adversity and seek our divine purpose that is unique and that only we can fill as part of a divine tapestry. Your divine purpose "theme" may remain constant, but she says to expect variations and shifts over our lifetime as we reinterpret and refine that mission.

Rabbi Hirsch has a gift for communication, and her role as a Rabbi was very fulfilling for the first eight years of her career. Then, she realized it no longer was her path; rather than leave her chosen “field” she realized that communication takes many forms, and that she was limiting herself to the pulpit. By re-interpreting her gift, she now shares her wisdom in a larger venue as a writer, and as a spiritual life consultant, on radio and television.

We Plan offers a fresh, encouraging perspective on authenticity, trusting yourself, forgiveness, taking action, and the human need for community.

“...we were born with divine sparks, and our task is to bring them to the world…these sparks have been with us all along. …pause and listen to what God has been telling us all our lives…we can fan our sparks into a flame.”

If you would like your own copy, you may use our Amazon link: We Plan, God Laughs.

Acceptance Empowers. How Not To Fear Change

2009-02-18T18:57:00.008-05:00

Acceptance Empowers. How Not To Fear Change

Acceptance can be the first step in recovering from a loss, and often is the hardest.

Have you ever felt like a victim, or that life is treating you unfairly? It is easy to, when we are conditioned to expect the best life has to offer. Before we even realize it, we resist change rather than accepting that cycles of change are a normal part of our lives. Often in hindsight, that unwanted change (anything we did not choose, plan, or control)brings an opportunity. And we will miss that opportunity if we expend all our energy in avoiding the change that is to come with or without our acceptance!

Our primitive emotional response is to view change as a threat. And denial is also a deeply programmed response that protects us when we face trauma or shock. But there are times when it does not serve us well at all. When we use denial to avoid facing a painful truth, we can harm ourselves or others. When denial becomes a pattern of coping, you may be left exposed and unprepared.

Amazingly, change occurs despite our ability to accept it. Wouldn't the energy spent masking truth be better channeled to deal with the circumstances you are facing?

Acceptance is not "giving up"; it is seeing things as they are, not as we wish they were or hope they will become. Sometimes the very act of recognizing a problem opens the way for you to create a different outcome! Your energy can be re-directed towards creating a solution, plan, or an alternative to the one you most fear.

Fear fuels denial; trust allows acceptance.

Trusting that you will be able handle whatever comes is a powerful piece of acceptance.

Acceptance allows you to take some form of action, and

Action is in itself therapeutic, empowering, and moves you forward, away from feeling like a powerless victim.

Even when you are tempted by denial, your body and subconscious mind are never fooled. Problems with appetite, sleep, relationships or stress may be clues you are avoiding the truth about something in your life. Denial never made real problems or unwanted changes disappear, but delayed action can have a tremendous impact on the outcome of that change. Health issues are one example.

Acceptance is empowering; denial gives your power away to whomever or whatever you are holding on to. For me, that is a great motivator for leting go! Acceptance moves your forward, denial holds you back. Do you choose to be a victim of your past, or a creator of your future? The change you fear may ultimately reveal a “silver lining”!

Dealing With Grief. 7 Stages Of Grief

2009-02-10T15:56:00.005-05:00

A Closer Look At The 7 Stages Of Grief

Unfortunately, many unplanned life transitions are not only unplanned, but emotionally traumatic, and resulting in secondary losses over a period of time. These secondary losses compound the grief, and may have similar financial consequences to the original event.

Losing your health, job, or marriage (through divorce or a death) can result in a prolonged period of grief, and at those times you do not have to try to go it alone. It is indeed wise to get help in order to most successfully move through the transition process, and rebuild and renew your life.

While grieving, you can be vulnerable to making unwise decisions with costly consequences; there is no reason to try to risk your assets and emotional well being when the Springboard Group is devoted entirely to helping people through difficult life transitions such as yours.

According to most experts, successfully coping with this type of loss involves going through seven different stages of grief. (Source: Recover-From-Grief.com, 2008)

These stages of grief include…

Shock and Denial: Characterized by the feeling of a numb disbelief or denial that the loss has even occurred; it is possible for this stage to last several weeks

Pain and Guilt: May be characterized by feeling as if you didn't do enough to prevent the loss; a very painful, yet necessary, stage

Anger and Bargaining: May involve lashing out at others in anger or trying to make deals to change the outcome, such as "I will go to church every day if you bring him back"
Depression and Reflection: Characterized by feelings of sadness and reflecting on the things you used to do with the person that was lost or the job that was lost
The Turning Point: Characterized by starting to calm down and get more organized

Problem Solving: Characterized by seeking out realistic solutions to the problems you are facing due to the loss

Acceptance: Characterized by accepting the loss, though that does not necessarily equate to happiness

Going through these stages of grief can be a long and painful process. In addition, it is important to note that everyone moves through this grieving process at his or her own pace. Therefore, you should never compare yourself to others who are in the grieving process.

Springboard's™ programs and services are designed for you, regardless of where you are in life's journey. We invite you to explore and share our resources with employers, groups, organizations, professionals or anyone supporting others through a transition. Visit us today at http://www.launchingnewlives.com/

Career Planning Transitions

2009-02-10T15:43:00.005-05:00

Take An Easier Path Toward Career Planning

When it comes to career planning, especially during midlife, the multiple options can be quite overwhelming. After all, the decisions you make regarding your career choices can affect every other aspect of your life: income, family, where you may eventually live, and retirement plans.

If there will be an investment in additional education and training, you may need guidance from a financial planner. Taking plans from a dream to a reality may be more successful with the support of career planning from a coach or counselor. How can you make sure your plan leaves little room for unanticipated surprises?

Not only will you need to make changes in order to achieve your career goals, your life will also be affected by the career you choose to pursue. If you are feeling a bit frightened or apprehensive about tackling a life plan by yourself, you can relax - because you have just found your life transition experts with The Springboard Group!

At The Springboard Group, we specialize in helping people with all of their life transitions – and career planning is also often a component of other life transitions such as divorce or the loss of a spouse. We are able to help you create an effective life plan in a number of different ways. By doing so, you can select the method that is best suited to your individual learning style.

Our self-study and teleclasses are among the many options you may choose to assist you in preparing for a career change. Many people enjoy this approach because it provides affordable, convenient access to the expertise of professionals actively practicing in their fields of specialization.

Some of these benefits include…

* The flexibility to download MP3 recorded classes, when most convenient for you
* The ability to learn at your own pace with our self study modules
* The opportunity to participate in discussions with others who are actively engaged in creating or renewing their own life plan

Remembering Valentine's Day

2009-02-01T08:26:00.001-05:00

I was buying Valentine's cards yesterday, and was reminded of how difficult those first few were for me after my divorce, and then the death of my husband soon after. We celebrate love on Valentine's Day, and typically it is romantic love. We all know someone who has lost a loved one this year, either through a relationship ending, a death or divorce. There is a hole in their heart that you can help fill. Just because you cannot replace the missing piece, does not mean you should not reach out with care and love. A card, box of chocolate, flowers, phone call or even an extra hug can make that person feel connected to a holiday that can tend to make them feel very alone. Unlike Christmas and Thanksgiving, where we "know" to remember our friends and family, Valentine's Day and wedding anniversaries may be especially difficult for people. Share some love this Valentine's Day, not just with those closest to you but with those who may need it even more.

Happy Valentine's Day! Janice

A Legacy, and "New" History

2009-01-19T16:41:00.005-05:00

Today is Martin Luther King's Birthday, and the day before we inaugurate our newest President. The first one of color. And he will inherit the most complex combination of challenges in at least half a century.

I have two quotes to offer to you that struck me as appropriate to honor both King's legacy, and O'bama's beginning in such uncertain times. It seems fitting that the second is offered as a quote from another famous American, Shirley Chisholm.

"There are some things you learn best in calm, and some in storm."

- Willa Cather

and

"Service is the rent we pay for the privelage of living on this earth."

- Shirley Chisholm

It may sometimes take great storms to cleanse, and reevaluate what really matters. We offer our very best wishes to our next President, his family, our new Vice President and cabinet, and to all the staff that contribute each day within the Executive Branch of our democracy.

We also off a heart felt thank you to those who have served in those same roles over the last 8 years. Some will be heading "home" soon, and we wish them the best as they resume life outside Washington. Travel safe.

What Matters at Year End

2009-01-04T10:20:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the New Year.

Most years, I have found it hard to remember to write the new correct year on my checks and documents. This year, it has been no problem. I am guessing we have all been living slightly ahead, in hope and anticipation that 2009 could possibly be a little better than 2008.

Living ahead is not something I propose, in fact I work hard to stay present-focused. I was able to do that over Christmas, partly because my Mom stayed with us for a month due to an illness and health-scare resulting in the need for evaluations at our university hospital system here.
Having lost several close relatives in the recent past, and reflecting how her grave marker is the only unoccupied spot left in our family cemetary, I purposefully put aside important work to be with her, and "with" the holiday.

This was a big decision; as a small company most of the operations depend upon me. I carefully prioritized client needs, and deferred any optional meetings and deadlines. We prioritized extra special outside lighting, thanks to my daughter and her friends. We watched tv and movies on days she did not feel well. And I erred on the side of extra gifts, things that I knew would make her smile as I did not want to awaken next Christmas wishing I had been more generous.

We were blessed with good reports on three different procedures, and a diagnosis that is manageable with (very expensive) medication. Almost immediately, Mom's color and appetite improved and we were able to attend Christmas Eve church services as always. We enjoyed our traditional dinner out before services, and had a greater appreciation that she could order anything she wanted to eat. The communion and candlelight service was more meaningful and memorable for me this year. We had been blessed not only with Mom's returning health, but especially blessed to have had the opportunity to be reminded of what really matters.

So I am "digging out" of Springboard work, and enjoying it very much. It is so fulfilling to be doing work that matters to my soul. I missed seeing some friends, and delivering some gifts that I normally do. My closet did not get cleaned out for donations to Goodwill, but then, there is 2009. Things that could wait, waited. Things that really matter did not.

Blessings to all of you in this New Year of hope and promise. Janice

Kids and Economic uncertainty

2008-11-20T09:55:00.004-05:00

We have added this link to our home page, and also here for your convenience.
It applies to adolescents and teens and encourages communication and reassurance.
Click here for Tips on Helping Kids Cope with Economic Uncertainty - November 13, 2008
Take a look, Janice

The Springboard Group - LaunchingNewLives.com

2008-11-02T10:26:00.000-05:00

The Springboard Group - LaunchingNewLives.com

2008-11-02T10:17:00.002-05:00

I found this new quote on courage last week:

"You can't test courage cautiously."Anne Dillard

Many times I have wished I could just stick a baby toe out into the unknown! So whether you need more courage, or more faith, this week it is time to trust your inner voice and make a choice. There are no crystal balls, unfortunately, and much at stake.

If your life is already in a transition period, it is not comforting to have the whole country joining in the uncertainty. Let's hope that with the completion of the campaigns, there will be some settling in the markets post-election, and some returning economic stability.

And may our next President find the proper balance of caution and boldness to rebuild our foundation for the future.

Dare to Dream ?

2008-10-28T18:31:00.004-04:00

My life events are not unique. Just listen to the passion of the 2008 campaign as people struggle within the greatest country of modern times. Many have lost homes, retirement savings, jobs, and health benefits. They may lose more if their marriages or health do not survive the stress.

I was blessed with a twenty year marriage, successful career, and a beautiful daughter. Then the next 5 years brought divorce, the suicide of my ex-spouse, single parenting, the death of my father, health issues for me and my Mom, job loss, and astronomical private health premiums. And now? I am a small business owner in the midst of an economic recession!

In reality, it is unusual to have a lifetime of challenge compressed into so few years, and it compounds the consequences. Similarly, had the current confluence of issues facing the United States arisen singularly and separated by sufficient time, we may have managed without the avalanche effect of the past few weeks. The combination triggered a loop of fear and uncertainty, destabilizing our economy. It was not a pebble, but a boulder that crashed into the global pond.

Through the lens of my life, I see lessons on a larger scale for us as a nation. Losses that could have overwhelmed in fact awakened me. Had each experience been spread over, say 20 years, I would not have been so compelled to found a company to help people grow through their own transitions. My passion was ignited, and became a catalyst for Springboard™, so named to describe the power of using life’s lowest points as a launching point for creating a new, often better life.

This election will set the course for the next four years. Many worry that our golden days are behind us, but what if this low point initiated a period of innovation and growth? The fact that we are in debt, at war, and in housing and financial market crises may very well be sufficient incentive to park fear and dare to solve problems we have ignored, such as energy innovation, restoring our environment and rehabilitating social programs. We were inspired and emboldened to meet Kennedy’s challenge to land on the moon. Belief is half the battle, so what if we dared to believe? Isn’t that what our founding fathers did?

Let’s make our current crisis a new beginning to fuel collaboration and exceed expectations. A crisis transforms; without challenge to the status quo, there is no compelling reason to risk change, make transcendent leaps or fully challenge beliefs. Our untapped potential includes involving all Americans in caring and contributing to a rebirth. We strayed from the fundamentals that built our economic and world leadership strength. By tapping our full capacity of innovation and ingenuity, we can channel current fear and anxiety into shaping a richer future than we would have otherwise achieved.

It is said that people change when their fear of not changing is greater than their fear of change. In this election, people understand each voice matters, and they are mandating a complete redirection in leadership. Our new President must guide and compel, and it may be years before we declare this “mission fully accomplished”.

I believe we will reflect on this critical point in our nation’s course as a time when we accepted and exceeded the challenge. Unlike the era surrounding our nation’s birth, we have a diverse cultural compilation of human experience in endurance, plus technology and innovation which strengthens our chance for success. Let’s not settle for merely surviving our current crises. My hope is that we mine this opportunity to secure a sound legacy for our children, and in unleashing our true potential, create a future that is uniquely American.

Vote November 4

2008-08-14T20:46:00.003-04:00

Quote for reflection
This week many of us are focused on the incredible human achievements of Olympic competition. It seems to be a good time to consider a quote by John Wayne, on Courage.

"Courage is being scared to death-and saddling up anyway"

Courage is not the absence of fear, but the mastery.

How are you showing courage in your life?
Have you been surprised by your capacity for courage?

2008-08-14T20:37:00.003-04:00

We are "launching" our blog with the creation of a new website design. You are invited to post questions, suggestions, observations, experiences, etc. about life transitions on our moderated site
We ask that all contributors be respectful of others' viewpoints, not use any profanity, and participate in a spirit of generosity of spirit, support and information sharing

To start discussions, we will post quotes, questions, and information, so check back frequently to enrich this community exchange Welcome to the Springboard blog janice@launchingnewlives.com