December '06 Dr. Carole Altman

Walt Disney said: "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."

Do you think it would be fun to at least try? Actually, very little is impossible. A friend of mine became a model at the age of 60. She just made an infomercial. Another friend moved to Puerto Rico because she wanted to live on the beach. A 73 year old woman moved into a large home with four other seniors.

She told me: "Leaving my daughter's home was the best thing I ever did." An 80 year old man decided his purpose is to be generous. He left the bulk of his fortune to The Salvation Army and his Alma Mata. What is your purpose? What have you always longed for?

Follow this procedure, and watch how your life will explode with more joy, more love, and more excitement.

1. Write a mission statement for your life: Discover your goals; your purpose. I want to ............ - What? What do you want from life? Think about it and write it. Post it on your refrigerator. Look at it until it becomes the fuel, the driving force in your life.

2. DO IT. Once you find your purpose - DO IT. Is it to let go of all anger and grudges? DO IT! Make the calls, make the connections, let go.

Is it to play more and experience more? DO IT. Buy the airline tickets, take the drive to Sedona. Get a massage. Just remember your life is floating by and minute by minute - it's gone. It's impossible to catch a floating cloud or a moment which has flown past you, unused, unfulfilled, without pleasure.

Tomorrow DOES NOT have to repeat today. What differences will you make?

More exercise? Eat less? Be kind. Reach out. Smile. Stroke. Compliment. Walk with a brisker step. Walk to a different place. Meet new friends. Join new groups.

Repeat all the wonders of yesterday, and avoid the problems.

How you may ask? How can all of this happen for me? Just as it happens for millions of others who have found the secrets of happiness and joyful living.

Be generous. With yourself first. Give yourself all that you want and are able to give. Don't deny yourself. Don't make excuses. Don't rationalize. GIVE yourself every single day. Only YOU know what it is you want, but whatever it is. GIVE it to YOU and DO IT for YOU.

Generosity is the umbrella term, the centerpiece of aspects of happy living. The spokes of this umbrella are not material, they are amorphous, intangible, and limitless. With generosity at the center, you can begin to create many more spokes of this umbrella.

Create YOUR spoke of love, of course, love. Be loving.

Create YOUR spoke is kindness of course. Be kind.

Create a spoke which will block out all criticism and negativity. Every negative thought damages your immune system. Protect your health by being positive.

Create YOUR spoke of support. Be loyal and positive. Don't gossip. Don't negate. Use positive words. Recognize need and respond to it. Be supportive.

Create YOUR spoke of energy. Use every ounce of energy you have for the most positive and loving actions. Be energetic and vital. Be alive every moment.

Create YOUR spoke of forgiveness. Of course you MUST use this or suffer the pains of anger and resentment. Forgiveness is within your power and will create your own peace of mind.

Create YOUR spoke of selfishness. The word selfish means that you are towards yourself, not against others. If you are not for yourself, you cannot be towards others.

What spokes can you add to your umbrella of generosity? What will you do to fulfill your purpose in life? How will you bring more joy and love to yourself? This is a time for joy. Be joyous and create joy for others. Enjoy this Holiday month. Enjoy each and every moment.

Remember - LOVE IS THE ENERGY OF LIFE

Please email me with any questions or observations.

Carole Altman, Ph.D. drlove@anv.net www.drcarolealtman.com