Attitude Versus Age

Attitude Versus Age

By Linda Hancock

Most people know Dick Van Dyke because of his movie and television roles. He is likely best known for his roles in Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang movies where he delighted audiences with his singing and dancing.

From his 1940s beginnings as a DJ. Mr. Van Dyke has won the hearts of others, never missing a step in a long career that has spanned eight decades.. He has charmed audiences on radio, stage television, and film winning awards and honours at the Grammys, Emmys, Screen Actors Guild and Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is also recognized as a Disney Legend.

Besides this he has also written several books, the most recent of which is, "Keep Moving and Other Tips and Truths About Aging" which was published in 2015. In it, Mr. Van Dyke uses insights from his own life and of his brother Jerry Van Dyke to help the reader adopt positive and healthy self-care practices.

Even though he is now nine-one years of age, this man continues to embrace his inner child. In 2012 he married his 40 year old make-up artist and despite the forty-five year age difference he claims it is one of the best decisions he ever made.

Each morning, Mr. Van Dyke goes to the gym. He has been doing this for so long that he was given his own set of keys in case he arrives before the staff. After hanging upside down, using the treadmill and lifting weights he heads to the grocery store. As he pushes his cart down the aisle he connects with the piped-in music that is being played. Staff in the store expect him to sing along and dance to the tunes as he does his shopping. This may seem strange for someone who is in his nineties but it brings smiles to observers. In his book Mr. Van Dyke challenges his readers with a good question "If you are not singing and dancing, why not?"

The next activities is the crossword puzzle. His day progresses with fun, food and frolic until his nightly ritual of ice cream and chocolate sauce.

Mr. Van Dyke continues to work, travel, exercise and laugh. But he is not na�ve or secretive. During interviews he is realistic and talks about problems that he experienced especially in his younger years. He is open about how his addictions had threatened his career and family life. He admits that he wasn't always famous and, in fact, would take some gigs as a struggling artist just to feed his children and pay the bills.

Few enjoy the fame and wealth of Dick Van Dyke but all of us have things in common with him. We start out in families that face daily challenges and then launch into a world that can feel overwhelming. In our youth many of us take jobs instead of building careers just to pay the bills. We might enter relationships that are not positive or satisfying. Illness and death attack loved ones. Unforeseen problems arise. But mixed with the troubles are blessings that give us hope and keep us going.

Through it all, we grow older. But how we age has a lot to do with our attitudes and choices. I know many people who appear to have everything one could wish for but they are miserable. I know others who appear to have nothing but are extremely happy.

Each of us is at a different place in life but, like Dick Van Dyke, I challenge you to keep moving.

Oh, and think about what you how you would answer the question "If you aren't singing and dancing, why not?"

And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to a complimentary list of 10 Steps to Making Your Life an Adventure when you visit http://lindahancock.com

From Dr. Linda Hancock, Registered Psychologist and Registered Social Worker

Article Source: Attitude Versus Age

Preparing for Life

Preparing for Life

By Linda Hancock

My eighteen year old grandson graduated from high school this year and was fortunate to be hired by a large cement company. His hitch is fifteen days in Kindersley followed by seven days off. This is the first time that Andrew has been far from home for several days at a time. He states that he likes the job but gets lonely. Salary and benefits are amazing. His daily food allowance, for example, is almost as much as his wage was when he previously worked part-time in the grocery store.

My daughter has committed to helping her son. She is training him to prepare his meals in advance so that he can save money while enjoying the taste of home-cooked favourites. Andrew is learning about shopping for groceries and supplies, following recipes and ensuring that food storage is safe. He is not only gaining practical skills but is also developing awareness of the effort required to prepare two weeks of food at a time. His reward is Shepherd's Pie, Chicken Casseroles, Sloppy Joes, Egg burritos, Meatballs and other delicacies while his co-workers go through drive-throughs every night.

Autumn is an important time of preparation. Gardens are reaped and produce is canned or processed for freezing. Vehicles are winterized and heavier clothing pulled out of storage. Some get ready for Halloween while others begin Christmas baking and shopping.

But there are many other ways of preparing so you can enjoy organization, peace and fun in your life:
1. Get a handle on your financial situation. Do you have a written budget that outlines all your income and expenses for a year? Have you made efforts to reduce your monthly bills? Is your Income Tax filed? Do you have a retirement plan?
2. Right a wrong. Perhaps you owe someone an apology. Have you done something that keeps you awake at night? What are your regrets and how can you eliminate them?
3. Begin a program. Do you need to improve your education? Maybe you want to deal with an addiction that has been causing problems. Weaknesses can be improved or eliminated with some support and commitment.
4. Help someone in need. Invest in causes that will improve the lives of others. Share.
5. Simplify. We all start out in a crib and end up in a crib. In between we tend to surround ourselves with "stuff". What can you get rid of to make your life easier?
6. Write your will. When you haven't made a written plan, those who are left will have problems. Delaying only raises the risk.
7. Set some SMART goals. Make sure you have objectives that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely.
8. Learn a new skill. Perhaps being able to speak a little Spanish will enhance your vacation in Mexico. You can fill what might be lonely hours and create gifts by learning a craft. Skills make life easier and more fulfilling. What would you love to master?
9. Focus on health. Are you eating nutritiously, engaging in exercise and managing stress well? Do you laugh every day? If not, why not?
10. Build your legacy. What do you want others to remember you for? Is there a value or trait that you hold dear? What can you do to inspire and motivate others?

Every day can be a day of preparation!

And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to a complimentary list of 10 Steps to Making Your Life an Adventure when you visit http://lindahancock.com

From Dr. Linda Hancock, Registered Psychologist and Registered Social Worker

Article Source: Preparing for Life

Focus So You Save Time and Money

Focus So You Save Time and Money

By Linda Hancock

I remember a few years ago when a client told me that his garage was a huge mess. When he needed a screwdriver it was easier to just go to the store and buy a new one! His dream was to travel more but he didn't feel that he had the time or money to do so.

I challenged this man to set up a plastic tote with a label that said "Travel". The goal was to get the garage organized with things that he really needed. Every time he came across a duplicate tool or item while cleaning up, he was to throw it into the tote. The task became "fun" for him and the job didn't take nearly as long as he had expected.

The tote filled quickly. Some of the items he found were still in packages and could be returned to the store. Others were sold privately and used to finance trips. The client stated that he gained so many benefits from this exercise. He was more organized, had extra funds and most importantly felt like he was in control of a life that had previously felt overwhelming for him.

The other night I was thinking about this when I looked at my in-basket. We have spent several weeks completing renovations and moving into our new office so things had piled up. I had been losing time during the workday while trying to find certain documents and frankly was just tired of it. So, I made up my mind to stay at the office until everything in the basket was addressed.

I started by sorting everything into piles. I shredded as much as possible during the task and was rewarded by the feeling that I was making progress!

Things that had been dealt with but needed filing also emptied the basket significantly.

Training and upcoming events were put in a pile of their own so that I could enter them on the calendar.

Bills and financial documents that needed attention were put together. There were lots of things that I need to talk with my son about and some that I needed advice or help with. A sticky note for each outlined the topic of concern.

It took almost four hours to get to the bottom of the basket but, by the time I arrived there, I was feeling really good. Seldom do I ever get to a place where I have such an administrative marathon. But as I left the office I was already looking forward to the next business day.

Are there things in your life that need your attention? I think that you would be very surprised about how much you could get rid of if you just invested some time and effort.

What does your office look like? Do you have a closet that is needing organization? What about your car, garage or garden shed?

I remember once hearing someone say that if you have a box in storage and you can't name what is in the box, you probably do need what is inside. If you haven't worn an item for over a year, you likely won't wear it again.

People often keep things because they think that they might need it "someday". Perhaps you could give or sell them to someone who needs them today.

This week think about ways that you can save time and money by simplifying your life.

And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to a complimentary list of 10 Steps to Making Your Life an Adventure when you visit http://lindahancock.com

From Dr. Linda Hancock, Registered Psychologist and Registered Social Worker

Article Source: Focus So You Save Time and Money

I Learnt The Importance Of Self-Discipline

I Learnt The Importance Of Self-Discipline

By Oliver JR Cooper

I grew up in a guest house, and this meant that I had to help my family by doing different jobs. However, it wasn't uncommon for me to stop doing a job and then to go to my room or somewhere else.

This was partly due to me not being given much time to do what I wanted and partly due to me having a short attention span. As a result of this, my father or mother would usually come and tell me off.

Kept In Line

It would then only be a matter of time before I would be back to finish what I had started. A lot of the time I was working outside, and this was something that was far more appealing than working inside.

One of the things my father used to say was that if I didn't know how to do something, I should ask him. And if I did this, he wouldn't make out that I was stupid or unless; he would take his time to show me how to do something in a kind and gentle manner.

Guidance

Along with this side, there was another side that that was fiery, a side that I didn't want to see. My father had a very practical side; he was an expert when it came to building or creating things, both inside and outside

He also had another side, a side that meant he had a very fast brain; he was like a walking calculator, for one thing. There was then what he taught me directly and what he taught me indirectly.

One Question

On a number of occasions, my father said "who don't you just finish a job!?" And at the time, this was something that would go right over my head - I just wanted to be free.

But as time passed, I came to see that in order me to be free, I needed to be disciplined. For example, it was only through my family and I working that we were able to have the freedom to go on holiday; whereas if we hadn't worked hard, we wouldn't have had the money to do so.

A Different Reality

If a friend from school had been over to our house, they would often say that they would love to live there or that I was 'lucky'. This was primarily because they saw the fruits of our labor, so to speak, and not what we all had to do to live in that way.

My parents would work practically every hour under the sun, and my sister and I would also play our part. The people who had the outlook above would often go home and sit on the sofa or go out playing games, this wasn't something I was familiar with.

A Blessing in Disguise

I came to see that certain compromises had to be made and how important it was to work hard. As the years have gone by, what my father said to me on those occasions has come to my mind on a number of occasions, and it inspires me to this day.

Instead of being focused on the short-term and what I could get out of something straight away, I came to look at the big picture and to focus on what might happen in the long-term. Ultimately, I was brought up to delay gratification and to put my need for instant gratification to one side.

Prolific writer, author, and coach, Oliver JR Cooper, hails from England. His insightful commentary and analysis covers all aspects of human transformation, including love, partnership, self-love, and inner awareness. With over one thousand six hundred in-depth articles highlighting human psychology and behaviour, Oliver offers hope along with his sound advice.

To find out more go to - http://www.oliverjrcooper.co.uk/

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Article Source: I Learnt The Importance Of Self-Discipline

Passion Over a Lifetime

Passion Over a Lifetime

By Linda Hancock

When I heard that Ian Tyson was coming to the city, I thought it would be fun to buy an extra ticket so my daughter could attend the concert with me. Her first word after I issued the invitation was "Who?" I explained that when I grew up we would look forward to the "Ian and Sylvia" show. That didn't shed much light on the situation but Kristal stated that I should go ahead and buy the tickets and she would turn to Google in preparation for the event.

Sometimes I kind of forgot my own age and the fact that not everyone has had the same experiences - especially my children. Ian Tyson debuted in a rock and roll band way back in 1956. He is now 84 years old and still singing!

Attending the concert and thinking about Ian's life has helped me to recognize several things:
1. We need to take advantage of opportunities - Many people have dreams that are never fulfilled as well as times when life isn't going the way that they planned. If you really want to do something you will make time for it and learn from others who are skilled in that specific area. Ian learned to play guitar when he was recovering from a fall!
2. If you want to get good at something, you need to practice. Ian told the audience that he plays his guitar every day! Throughout his career he has recorded almost twenty albums and dozens of singles. He performed for Queen Elizabeth II, was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, and received the Order of Canada, Alberta Order of Excellence as well as a Governor General's Performing Arts award.
3. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Throughout his life, Ian had several careers including rodeo rider, commercial artist, television personality, writer and rancher. He told me after the concert that he still runs his neighbour's cattle for them!
4. Honesty draws people closer. After his first song Ian confessed that he remembers how to play and sing the songs but can't remember the key to play them in so has to ask his bass guitarist. Once during the show he started a song and then stopped saying "That isn't it". When a request was shouted out from the crowd he told about how his mare had recently knocked him down and as a result he was having cramping in his left hand so probably couldn't perform the request well enough.
5. It's okay to ask for help when you need it. Besides asking his bass player for the right key, Ian often would wait for the younger musician to choose and attach the right capo or clamp to his guitar before beginning the next song. I admired the patience and kindness shown in this way while we quietly waited. We all need help at times as well as ways to give.
6. Keep things simple. You don't have to be sophisticated to connect with people. The stage had three simple stools, one for each guitarist. Tyson's well-known tune "Four Strong Winds" was written in twenty minutes. Many of his songs are about animals, the weather and relationships - the things that all of us can relate to.
7. People like to hear stories. Ian talked about the reasons why he had written each song and told about the characters that were described in the lyrics. Giving us insight into the origins of the music provided context and better understanding. People around us need the same things.
8. Troubles can be overcome. Tyson has faced physical challenges that have changed his sound and threatened his career but he just kept on going. The most recent was when he had open heart surgery in 2015. He states that now his heart is good but his voice gives out.
9. Loyalty is a virtue. After the concert fans waiting in line for almost an hour to greet Ian. He sat at a table and signed every single one of the CDs that had been purchased. My daughter remarked that this was way above and beyond what she would have expected. After a long concert he was likely very tired but still fulfilled the wishes of his fans.
10. Age is just a number. How many people do you know who can fill an auditorium at over $50.00 a seat at the age of 84 years? Or run cattle for the neighbours? Or commit to a schedule of shows for 2018?

I believe that one of the keys to Ian's longevity and popularity is that he found something that he was passionate about and just kept doing it over and over again.

What about you? What will you be doing at the age of 84?

And now I would like to invite you to claim your Free Instant Access to a complimentary list of 10 Steps to Making Your Life an Adventure when you visit http://lindahancock.com

From Dr. Linda Hancock, Registered Psychologist and Registered Social Worker

Article Source:  Passion Over a Lifetime