What do you support?

I've been reading a lot of local blogs and I find many of them compelling.

I've enjoyed reading the sociological discussions. Some have been over my head,and hence, a wonderful learning opportunity. I've been very grateful for that.

A lot of blogs I've read have been ranting and raving about what's bad, what will never work, what we're against...is anybody FOR anything? If things aren't working, does anyone have a possible solution to the problem? Or is everybody an idiot, a d-bag, a moron, a failure, an obstacle to your happiness or convenience?

www.acomplaintfreeworld.com

I am going to try to go about my business, all week, without complaining. If something needs to be handled, I will bring it up in the most positive light possible and try to come up with a solution or two before I begin talking about it.

Developing.

Personal Responsibility.

If you're over 18, use some. If you're a minor, parents--teach some.

Seem simple? It is.

Appearances

I'm middle aged. I look like a middle aged woman. I'm shaped like a middle aged woman. That is what I am here to experience at this stage in my life. The middle part.

I've heard people say "40 is the new 30". I don't want to be 30. I've already done that. I want to experience 45. Just the way I am.

Why do we argue with reality? Why do we chase every experience except the one that is before us?

I celebrate being a woman. I celebrate my hard earned wisdom. I wear a bindi jewel on my forehead. It's there among the wrinkles and laugh lines.

I celebrate being middle aged.

Debt Free

I'm working on a debt management plan that will have me completely debt free in four years. I recommend it.

I have been carrying a credit card balance for several years, hoping for a miracle to get ahead on the payments. Just before the new legislation passed (and it became illegal), the credit card company upped my rate to 29.99%. I would never have gotten out of debt with all that interest.

It was a difficult thing to look at because I had a lot of shame attached to the fact that I got into debt in the first place. But it's done and there's actually a beginning and an end to it. The company I used, Money Management International, also helped me create a budget I can live with while I'm in the program.

And it doesn't affect my credit rating. I can finish the program and start looking at owning a house.

Credit counseling has come a long way.

Ganesha

So...my wonderful, dear friend gives me a carved ruby pendant of the Hindu elephant-headed god, Ganesha. Remover of obstacles. Among other characteristics. Very kind and loving to his devotees.

Since I've received this pendant, my tarot reading business, mentoring practice, and Reiki practice have taken OFF! It is truly remarkable!

My entire weekend is booked solid and I just received another call for a tarot reading!

Of course, since receiving this wonderful ruby gift, I have been chanting his mantra: OM GUM GANAPATAYAY NAMAHA. Just a few times. OK, quite a few times.

But, WOW! All of a sudden, I have a weekend devoted to and jam-packed with everything I love to do!

13 Indigenous Grandmothers

www.grandmotherscouncil.com

I support the 13 International Indigenous Grandmothers Council.

In our society, the elderly are medicated and shut away. Out of sight, out of mind. I feel we rob them of their productivity and we often take away meaning from their lives.

On purpose? I don't think so. Certainly not in all cases.

It's culturally accepted here that when we reach a certain age, we become a burden to our family. Useless. Without purpose. Sick. Old.

A dear friend of mine has reminded me of how precious this resource of older people really is. They've been everywhere we're going and know the way. They've learned the hard lessons. They should be honored. Venerated. We should sit at their feet and allow them to impart to us all that they've experienced.

This applies to all of our older people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

I can think of times I've dismissed someone's opinion because they were old. I'm not proud of that.

I've changed my mind.

Charity

I can't think of anything better to help others and to help me get out of my own drama than performing acts of charity.

Whether it's donating clothes or "extras" around the house, adopting a soldier who doesn't receive mail overseas, or calling a friend and offering a free tarot reading just "because", the practice of charity has enriched my life incredibly.

It is a gift for me every bit as much as it may be a gift for someone else.