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Hello Gloria & Phill,
I am excited to send you the first issue of my
new newsletter. I hope that you find it of interest and look forward
to receiving more.
Please feel free to pass it along to friends, family, or co-workers.
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FALL: A Time of Transition |
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I believe that the beginning of fall is
marked by a holiday rather than a date on the calendar because
growing up in the South taught me that white shoes were not
to be worn after Labor Day. We live in a society that dictates
activity cycles beginning in September and ending in May. Are you
like the young woman who commented that it is difficult to believe
that September is here? Or are you like the father of three
teenage girls celebrating the opening of school? Labor Day is a
benchmark holiday that finalizes summer and brings us into a new
season. Fall is a transition time that is symbolized by the
changing of the leaves, cooler morning air, football games, an
increase in traffic, and the end of daylight savings time. Whether
you have a child entering school for the first time, someone
leaving for college, or are simply looking forward to the smell of
wood burning in the fire place, Labor Day has passed and Fall is
upon us.
Human nature creates dissonance and resistance
to change. Seasonal transitions, schedule changes and life's daily
challenges may leave you feeling out of sorts, discombobulated, if
you will. Adults and children alike are affected by seasonal
transitions. As activities and responsibilities increase we may
find ourselves feeling overwhelmed with more options of ways to
fill our time than hours in the day. Our emotional tanks, just
like the gas tanks in our cars, sputter when we do not refuel
them.
One way to enjoy life in the midst of change is
to acknowledge that transition and change deplete our physical,
emotional and spiritual resources. We feel excitement, fear,
grief, wonder, overwhelmed, exhaustion, happiness, and more. Use
these tips to help make a smooth transition into this exciting new
season:
Take care of the physical self of you and your family
 | Exercise daily |
| Limit TV and computer time |
| Get plenty of sleep |
| Eat a balanced, healthy diet |
Take care of the emotional self of you and your family
| Meditate |
| Read motivational literature |
| Journal |
| Make eye contact with your family members
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| Hug and kiss your children and your spouse as much as
possible |
| Give your children and spouse your undivided attention
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| Plan family activities that require relating with one
another |
Take care of the spiritual self of you and your family
| Pray |
| Read inspirational literature |
| Attend a church that expresses your beliefs
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| Let Go and Let God. |
Remember: "Times of transition can become times of
profound inner transformation if you open yourself fully to the
experience at hand, difficult as it may be. For in the process,
your spirit, your very soul will begin to expand, to stretch
forward and ultimately to soar, with utmost grace, into new
heights of insight, wisdom, compassion, immense tenderness and
gentlest, yet greatest strength."
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Scheduled Events |
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October 1, 2004 - Ecumenical Support Group for Women in
Ministry. For more information or an invitation
email me.
October 3, 2004 - Family Transitions: Sending Children to
College Wilshire Baptist Church.
October 13, 2004 -St. Paul Lutheran Church, Denton(WISP)
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Quote of the Month |
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"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces
toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate
is strength undefeatable."
Helen Keller
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