Chana Weisberg on Chabad.org Life's Falls

I just found something on Chabad.org that I'd like to recommend to you.You can view it by visiting:www.chabad.org/blogs/blog.asp?s=1&showFeedback=true&aid=721091&jewish=Lifes-Fall-outs.htm&lang=en&1=1.
This is a beautiful reminder of the preciousness and sanctity of life. Enjoy! Paula

Be Calm

DAILY LIFT
TODAY IN JEWISH HISTORY
GROWING EACH DAY

#414 Query Calm People Would you like to become an expert on how to be calm in all sorts of challenging situations? Do not just rely on your own ingenuity. Keep asking people who appear to be calm, "Would you mind if I ask you how you are able to be so calm?" Most people will happily share their thoughts on the subject with you.

(From Rabbi Pliskin's book, Serenity, p.72)

Perspectives on the New Year

I survived Rosh Hashana, or in reframe parlance, I had a unique Rosh Hashana experience this year. The first night and following day provided two excellent "drashes," or sermons by the Rabbi at the first shul (Temple). He is an Orthodox-raised and trained Rabbi serving a Conservative congregation. His speaking was so deep and beautiful -- and most of all, memorable. He spoke of why certain words were used in the Torah (Old Testament) to mean "remember." The word "remember" occurs many times, and, the Hebrew uses different words for different meanings. But the one the Rabbi stressed was when God uses the word remember which means he is going to keep a promise to the Jewish people. So, remember can mean commitment, promise, result, outcome. The second day we went to another shul. This one featured a choir, a pianist, a guitarist and a lot of rousing singing and participation. I got to experience the coming of the New Year from two very different perspectives. But, for me, it was about what I am going to commit to for the coming year. Who am I going to be this year? Better, more giving, more loving, more committed. I will remember.

From Taking Action by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin

#407 Allow Yourself to Experience Happiness Now ListYou have a right to experience happiness right now, in the present. This is a very important concept to keep in mind. You don't need to wait until you accomplish your goals before you are happy. Many people think, "Only after I accomplish my goals will I be able to be happy." These individuals mistakenly think that they need to wait in order to be happy. They feel that they can't be happy right now. They tell themselves that they first need to achieve what they would like to achieve before they can be happy. But happiness is a birthright. You were born. You are now alive. You are breathing now. Right now you have a right to be happy. You can choose to be happy now.
[From Rabbi Zelig Pliskin's new book: "Taking Action" - page 79] (Artscroll.com)

A Day Brightener -- Blessing of the Animals

Good morning. Thought you would enjoy this! A day brightener!

Personal message:
Blessing of the animals
May God bless your dog
http://gmy.news.yahoo.com/v/10047788/abc/20081006/av_abc_wnt/_goodmorningyahoo_abc081005_wn_church

What Now?

Life is a question. And your task is to find the answers that make it work for you. More later, and have a great weekend. Coach Paula

From Pearlin Siow, Author, Boss of Me!

From Pearlin Siow, Author, Boss of Me!
I have a strange problem-solving ritual…Whenever I come across a challenge and can’t think of a solution, I’ll take out a piece of paper and write this:
1. Challenge - list out the issue as clearly as you can.
2. Action 1 - leave blank
3. Action 2 - leave blank
4. Action 3 - leave blank
5. Timeline - usually a week

Then I will tuck the paper away and trust my mind to give me some ideas by the dateline stipulated. Letting my unconscious mind (before sleeping) run with the problem usually gives me pretty good ideas and somehow, even though the paper is hidden, my mind remains totally alert to it - drawing people, circumstances and events to provide solutions.
You’ll be surprised at what you can come up with.