August 30, 2004 Issue #8

IN THIS ISSUE...

1) Welcome!
2) My Playground
3) Check it Out
4) Giggles & Guffaws
5) Ways to Play Today!
6) Random Musings
7) Something to ponder
8) Shameless Promotional Plug

A playful welcome to my new subscribers!
This *free* monthly newsletter is written with the intention to help you live life with more fun and joy and less stress and worry. With informative articles, humorous insights and great resources, "Lighten Up!" is guaranteed to provide you a motivational kick in the butt while giving you a giggle or two along the way.

Where in the world did the summer go? Apparently I've been keeping a holiday schedule when it comes to writing my newsletter. The last issue was published just before the 4th of July and now this one is out just prior to Labor Day. My intention when I first began writing Lighten Up last September was to produce a well-written, inspirational and fun newsletter once a month. It's been a mystery to me (and perhaps to you as well) why I haven't been able to do that. Publication has been random and sporadic at best. I've found myself quite distracted lately and even though the reasons are good ones, they're absolutely no excuse for not staying committed to my word, my passion and my subscribers.

You curious to know what those good excuses are? Yeah, me too. I know that falling in love earlier this year has had my head spinning and my heart all aflutter for the past few months. I know that the Landmark Education courses I've been involved in since April have been like riding a roller-coaster of emotions at times. But here's the REAL reason you haven't received Lighten Up since the beginning of July. I had convinced myself I wasn't a writer. I know that isn't true, but instead of just sitting down and writing myself out of my silly and stupid funk, I chose to let my fears get the best of me and did nothing. I HATE WHEN I DO THAT!

When I first began writing this newsletter, I deliberately did not choose a day of the month when it would be published so that I wouldn't have to let my readers or myself down. It has not served me as a writer to not have a deadline so-to-speak. If I'm to write magazine articles and books that get published and out into the world, it's about time I step up and create commitment around this thing. So...having said that, here's my promise to you (and to myself): Lighten Up will be delivered every third Monday of the month. I know that you're about to read THIS issue, but the NEXT one will be published September 20th. Look for it and definitely call me on it if it's not in your In Box THAT day. Read on...

My Playground
The article, the message, the thing to make you go hmmm...

~The Wizard Within~

Every July for the past four years, I've taken a week off work and have been a counselor at a leadership camp for teenagers in Oregon. I attended this same camp when I was in high school and have been thrilled to give back to an organization that meant so much to me in my youth. Without a doubt, I can say that if it hadn't had been for the week I spent at camp oh-so-many years ago, I would not be the confident, generous and enthusiastic person I am today. It's been amazing to experience camp the past few years from an adult perspective. Even though I play and have just as much fun as the kids do during the week, my role as a counselor is to coach and teach life and leadership skills. Not so surprisingly though, these incredibly talented young adults teach me every year things I've forgotten. The truth is...our children can teach and remind us of important life lessons. Somewhere along the line as adults, we forget to really listen at times.

The camp's theme this summer was "The Adventure Begins" and we used "The Lord of the Rings" movie as a way in which to express this theme. Each council (a group of 14-16 students plus two counselors) represented a type of character from the movie. In case you haven't already guessed, our council was the Wizards. It's likely you were one of the millions of people who plunked down their $30 over the past few years to see all three films and you're familiar with the character, Gandalf the Wizard. If you didn't happen to see "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, then you probably saw the other small blockbuster called "Harry Potter" and you have some idea what a wizard is. If you happened to be on a very long vacation and you didn't see either of these films, I suspect you'll still understand all this talk about Wizards.

Although imagination and creativity may seem to appear more readily during a week of camp, each of us has our very own Wizard within that we can tap into its magic at any time. We all have incredible gifts and talents to offer the world, but so often we talk ourselves out of expressing and sharing them with others. Why we do this is truly a mystery to me, but I think it has something to do with that other character we tend to listen to far too often. Perhaps you're familiar with his name? He's known as fear and he's got a few cousins as well named stress, regret and worry. Even with your incredible powers as a Wizard, these guys are going to be around no matter what. So...it's not about getting rid of them. It's about remembering how to listen to your own inner wisdom anytime you forget you have it.

5 Ways To Make Your Magic Appear

1) Ask someone about the impact you have on his/her life.
We are often quick to dismiss compliments from others even when we're feeling really good about ourselves. However, when your magical mojo is at a low, make it a point to seek out compliments. Ask others what you contribute to them and when they tell you, listen whole-heartedly and bask in its powerful glow.

2) Engage in activities that make you feel good.
It just makes sense that if you're doing things that make you feel good, there will be less likely space inside for you to feel anything else but yummy. Yummyness (see Ways to Play further on in newsletter) has a direct correlation with bringing on your magic.

3) Remember there is no one else that has magic like yours.
You were not created to forget who you are. You were created to live and express how powerful you can be when you remember who you are. .

4) Encourage others to share their magic with you and the world.
Use that magic of yours to bring out the Wizard in everyone. Magic tends to multiply in the company of like-minded folk.

5) Have a Magician's Gathering.
You know how musicians like to get together and have a jam session? Why not gather up a group of your most favorite people, have them dress up in their best Wizard attire and spend an evening casting magical spells of abundance, love and joy.

If movies can inspire us to believe in magic, we should be fully capable to believe in our own. Even when camp hasn't been about Wizards, Dwarves and Elves, every summer for the past 30 years, approximately 250 students and adult leaders create a magical world for a week where anything is possible. I try to live my life and inspire others to live every day as though anything is possible. The truth is...even Wizards need to be reminded sometimes of how powerful they are.

Check it Out
Personal Recommendations for books, music, websites and all resources fun!

Wordshop I first discovered Mary Anne Radmacher-Hershey's cards when I was in college. I was browsing through the University of Oregon's bookstore and came across a lovely, hand-written card and immediately fell in love with this artist who calls herself a "Weaver of Words". I've had the opportunity to meet her a couple times and she is as lovely as the words she writes. Over the years I've bought countless cards, journals and other inspirational goodies from her, but the one thing I purchased quite a while ago that remains in my home and close to my heart is a simple scroll that says, "I come to the sea to breathe." Ahh...you'll find her website and her creative works both inspirational and refreshing.

"Everyone is Here" by The Finn Brothers
If you enjoyed either the band Split Enz or Crowded House, you'll be familiar with the voices and music of Tim and Neil Finn. The two brothers did their solo gigs for awhile before getting back together to produce this c.d. that just came out last week. A couple months ago their tour came through Portland and I had the opportunity to see them live. It was a treat to be amongst many who were well over 21 years of age. I don't know about you, but I've found the older I've gotten, the younger the concert crowds seem to get. The c.d. has a smattering of upbeat songs, but most are nice, mellow tunes that showcase the sweet harmonies between the brothers and their guitars. It's the kind of c.d. to you can kick back and listen to while you're in a hammock sipping a light, wine-spritzer on a relaxing weekend day.

Giggles & Guffaws
An amusing story, joke, anecdote or picture to tickle your funnybone

A true story...Walking up the sidewalk on her way to investigate a family disturbance, San Francisco police officer Adelle Roberts saw a television set crash through the window of the disputant's house. Knocking at the door, officer Roberts heard the sounds of a heated argument. When a gruff voice demanded, "Who is it?" Rather than saying, "police officer" which might have exacerbated the situation she said, "TV repair man." Laughter came from inside that house and it set the scene for the resolution of this dispute. It's nice to hear stories where resolution has been achieved by means other than violence.

Ways to Play Today!

Why not...create a new word and introduce it to everyone you know?
Every year new words are introduced into the English language primarily through the changing of the times, today's youth and slick marketing campaigns from advertisers. A few years back a couple of guys wrote a book entitled, "Sniglets "which was a collection of words and descriptions they made up and said should have been included in the English language. Other than being outrageously funny, the book demonstrated the importance of creating a new word if there isn't one available that effectively conveys the meaning or feeling of what you want. I'll give you an example of a new word I've been using frequently that was created by my friend, Pete Rodway. He created it last summer during the talent show at camp and this year he had everyone at camp saying it and knowing exactly what the word meant. A derivative of supercalifragiliciousexpealidocious, the new word is simply, "DOCIOUS". It's the new way to describe something that was formerly known as "cool" or "rad". Try it out the next time you're inclined to use "awesome" and see for yourself why a big grin appears on your face and others. Maybe your new word won't be accepted by Webster's in next year's edition, but you'll take extreme pride in knowing your creation caused either confusion, amusement or enlightenment in others.

Why not...do something you used to do as a kid?
There are no rules on this one except for the obvious. DON'T do something that either got you in trouble with the law or your parents. I'm thinking the sillier the better. Whether it's inviting a group of your friends over for a game of Twister, Monopoly or Truth or Dare, the point is to give up all your responsible adult-like thinking, let go of your inhibitions and have some tremendous fun. If it's been a long while since you rode a bike, flew a kite, swung in a tree or painted with your fingers, make today the day you become kid-like again. If you can't recall what you used to do as a kid or it's been so long since your childhood you can't remember how to play, this activity will be sure to stimulate some fun. Get a shovel, a bucket, some water and some dirt. Now dig. It'll only take a few seconds to remember how much fun getting dirty was as a kid. Then ponder this...isn't it funny that as we grow up, this wonderful yet simple activity becomes more of a chore. We call it gardening.

Random Musings
Miscellaneous thoughts of mine with hints of truth and wisdom

Climbing the ladder to pick an apple from my neighbor's tree was grand. Even though the apple didn't taste good, it was fun climbing to get it.

Don't question why there isn't peace in this world right now. Go create it.

Love continues to grow whether it's new or old.

Something to Ponder
Questions designed to stimulate your thinking AND encourage you to take action towards what you want.

What magic of yours have you been unwilling to share with the world lately?
What impact would it have on your life and on others if you allowed your magic to appear?

Care to share what these questions stir up in you? Need some support around unleashing your magic into the world? Send me an e-mail. I welcome your thoughts and will respond to all e-mails received.

Shameless Promotional Plug
Well...sort of.

I'll be adding a resource and favorite links page in the next couple months and right now I'm in the process of deciding what kinds of things to include. Even though I've already compiled several playful and fun websites I'll be sharing with you soon, I want to know what your favorites are. If they happen to include YOUR website, grand! One of the ideas I have is to create a community of like-minded folk who appreciate and want to connect with others who know how important it is to live with passion, laughter and play. As my own website takes shape and evolves, I want to include YOU in its growth and development. So...send me your favorite links, send me your suggestions. Bring them on, I say. Bring them on!

If you want to find out more about the work I do as a coach, facilitator and writer check out Playful Spirit Make sure you come back and visit again as more resources and fun stuff will be added to the website every month.

Thanks for reading this issue of Lighten Up! If you enjoyed it, please pass it along to your friends, your family, your co-workers...You get the idea. See you next month! Until that time, be well, be happy and play more.