Grow as you Age

Leave a comment

Art is not a part of life, it is not an addition to life, it is the essence of those pieces of us that make us fulfilled. That give us hope.” ~ Hasan Davis

The most inspiring people that I have crossed paths with in my life time have been people who never stop growing emotionally, spiritually and educationally. I’ve been particularly impressed with the large base of very active retirees in this community of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Many, many seniors well into their eighties continue to do volunteer work, which they say “keeps them vital .”

The other day, I stopped by on business to Casey’s Pond, the new senior living facility in town. The first phase of the project is just days away from opening. In all the hubbub of activity, I ran into the developer Charles Gee. He was so kind to spend a little time talking with me.

Our conversation led to art, and Gee mentioned he is a big “proponent of the concept of art and healing.” The developer proceeded to show me a book of plans and pointed out wall nooks that have been designed throughout the building to showcase permanent installments. “Not all, but much of the art, “ Gee said, “will come from talented local artists.” The state-of-the-art facility is beautiful, by the way.

After I left the building and walked toward the car, I began to think how quality senior living facilities endorse bringing a diverse range of programs to the residents so they can continue to be actively involved and have the best quality of life possible. According to studies, all things that are culturally stimulating affect longevity positively.

If you wish to read more about using art to enhance the lives of seniors, here is a great blog. http://bit.ly/19xWHXC.

That’s the good news for today! It’s all I’ve got at this moment.

October 3 three

Casey’s Pond Senior Care Facility. Opening October 2013

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. See you on Friday on All Things Fulfilling.

Do the Words Fit?

Leave a comment

As names have power, words have power. Words can light fires in the minds of men. ~ Patrick Rothfuss, The Name of Wind

The other day I was doing some research on student’s involvement with National Novel Writing Month. I came across a good article. Unfortunately, I did not bookmark it and now I can’t find it. It shared some helpful information about involving children in the contest. But to my way of thinking, there was a concern with the title of the article. It read, “How to Make Your Child Write.”

“Hmmmm,” I thought, “there seems to be something not quite right about that approach.” Renaming the article to something like “Help your Child Find the Joy in Writing” sounds friendlier and more fun, doesn’t it?

My point is word choices matter! One of my biggest challenges as a blog writer is making sure I am using appropriate words  when I communicate my thoughts. I spend a lot of time working them over to make sure I state things just right.

I am taking a course in public speaking, and the professor has been communicating to the young college students that  language that might be appropriate among their peers may be inappropriate in other situations (such as in public or in a business or professional situation). She said to the young adults: “You want to make sure your words convey a true story about who you are as professionals.”

IMAG0778I say “Amen to that!” And as a person who uses social media extensively, these principles should apply to on-line communications as well. For some of the younger folk, learning to eliminate inappropriate language in their public speaking has been a challenge.

There is a book that ever so gently but effectively reinforces these and other viewpoints on professionalism and becoming the best person you are meant to be in life. I mentioned the publication a few weeks ago, but I want to repost the book because I highly recommend it.

For more information on this publication, please visit www.revrobertkirkley.com

This blog is brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. See you tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling!

Mother Nature Brings Mixed Messages

1 Comment

“Trust is built with consistency.” ~ Lincoln Chaffee

Hello…. Mother Nature, are you there? Can you hear me?

I think you are confused. This is not the winter season. It is only the 7th of October, yet on the 4th you sent us frigid messages. One day, it was nearly 70 and the next I looked out the window and saw your coat of winter white on the ground. It’s very nice of you to shield the earth so early but the leaves have not even fallen. It’s crazy. You are getting awful anxious and way ahead of yourself! Are you suffering from seasonal affective disorder?

Winter-Blues-1What ever happened to the golden aspens quaking on the trees, pumpkins in the fields waiting to be harvested and the amber waves of grain? Now, I can’t even see them. They’ve been hidden. Who ever told you I want to skip over the fulfilling harvest season?

People say that “I should trust that everything is as it should be” but, I am beginning to question your judgment. How can I have faith in you when you are so moody? I pine for a slow, long transition from summer into fall…but all I have gotten is a slap of snow in the face. People haven’t even had a chance to stack their woodpiles for winter. I am certainly not ready. I’ve yet to smell the rotting leaves on the ground, and you’ve already brought us your winter chill and white mess. I hope you get rid of it. I don’t want a foot of it hanging around already.

Mother Nature…I think you need an attitude adjustment. You ought to be a little more gentle with us so we can we transition from one season to another. After all, it was just summer!  Please don’t be angry….I’m just sayin’… I am not ready. Although Winter Blues is probably a very helpful book for those who need it, I’d much rather buy a new beach novel.

October 4 one

Do return tomorrow to All Things Fulfilling. This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Kids Join in NaNoWriMo

Leave a comment

Play is not only our creative drive; it’s a fundamental mode of learning.” ~ David Elkind

child writing. jpgAs a follow-up to last Thursday’s blog, I forgot to mention children are invited to participate in the National Novel Writing Month also. In November, many libraries will have special programs just for children which will promote writing fellowship and fun among the young participants.

Of course, children have a more limited attention span, so parents if you get your child involved in the contest, remember children are more easily distracted. However, there are children who have a natural affinity for writing, and will write with great abandon.

There are many homeschooled children who will participate in NaNoWriMo. Here is an excellent article about keeping children on task. http://bit.ly/1a0pZdS. 

The main thing is to relax, parents, and let your child be their own guide as to how much or how little they want to write. The month long contest is supposed to be fun and not grueling.

Suggestion: Why not make it a parent and child activity? Parents can set a good example by entering in the challenge also. Write till your child’s heart is content, then switch gears, do something fun and reward your child for their efforts.

This blog brought to you by www.cornerstonefulfillmentservice.com. Do return tomorrow to All Things Fulfilling.

Harvesting Fall Films

Leave a comment

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Harvest the movie0With fall upon us, we are entering into a season where nights are getting longer and colder, so we spend more reading and film viewing.

Harvest, a 2010 movie release, is about relationships, and coming to terms with the past, the immediate and the future as changes in family dynamics affect everyone involved. Issues of both aging and coming of age will be relatable to many viewers. The challenges, with both, put focus on the meaning of  family  making the story “undeniably heartfelt,” according to Newsday. The lovely seaside setting adds to the overall beauty of the movie.

Harvest has gathered many awards in it’s basket from some very prestigious film festivals. To read the full summary of the movie , go to http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1302001/.  The film can be ordered from the Internet Movie Database also.

Harvest_keyArtWant an educational alternative with an adult subject?  Check out this award-winning, independent documentary about harvesting grapes and winemaking in the Sonoma Valley. Harvest: The Blood, Sweat and Tears that Go into Every Bottle might better satisfy your tastes in movies. http://www.harvestmovie.com/

This weekend may be a good time to visit a local orchard to harvest the fruit of the season. Come home and heat up some mulled cider, bake a fresh apple pie, then relax and enjoy one of these movies with your family or your friends – because they are family also!

No matter how you decide to spend your weekend, make it fulfilling!  And do return on Monday. This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

Motivate for Writing Success

Leave a comment

endless possibilities

You are cordially invited to infinite possibilities in publishing. The Universe is open and waiting, all you have to do is take action and seize the moment. Isn’t it true that only thing that stops us in life is our own fears, self-doubt and hesitations?

If you have ever thought “I’ve got a book inside of me” November is National Novel Writing Month (NANOWRIMO). It is an excellent time to get fired up and motivate yourself to start fulfilling what you have always dreamed of doing.

This month begin preparing yourself psychologically. Pull out all the stops and begin visualizing success. You’ve got thirty days in November to write with pure abandon. That doesn’t mean you have to finish your novel within a month’s time, but participation in the event is a great way begin to build momentum for your publishing project.

A writing partner or group who will help you stay accountable and on task is a good idea for those who need the support. Check with your local library, they may have an organized plan for those who are participating in this event.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. See you tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling.

Motivational Adages

Leave a comment

decide-that-you-want-it-more-than-you-are-afraid-of-itThe theme of today’s blog is this powerful adage that I use for motivation when I take on a challenge. It can apply to many different situations in life. I’ve decided to post it on my refrigerator where I can readily see it, so it will remain at the forefront of my thoughts.

If you have ever taken on a challenge, you know how important faith and hope are to success. You also probably understand that every time we allow ourselves to let go of either, those nagging thoughts of self-doubt enter into our brains and mess with us.

Hope and faith are what keeps us moving ahead in life, and without a certain degree of both, it is hard to get out of bed in the morning. Believing that good things are in store for us each day brings positive thoughts and actions.

Is there someway you can use this adage in your life to help motivate you and bring personal fulfillment to yourself? If so, you will find astounding results.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. See you tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling.

Support Along the Path of Life

2 Comments

“No one ever stumbles into success. It is found only in the fulfillment of a certain image, as a certain goal.” ~ Rev. Robert Kirkley

Has anyone ever told you “I’ve got your back” and you wholeheartedly believe it? Doesn’t it feel good? That doesn’t mean that someone will do everything for you. You have to do your part too. But knowing that the person who made the promise will be there for you if you trip and fall, that means a lot.

IMAG0775Today on All Things Fulfilling, I am introducing you to THE publication that I’ve been promising I would reveal.  The book focuses on the idea that someone else has your best interest at heart. No matter what your challenges and struggles might be in a career, business and personal relationships or because of your character flaws, this book reinforces the idea that By God, You Can Do It, if you believe.

This publication came out of Rev. Robert “Bob” Kirkley’s desire to reach more people and share the news that “faith works miracles.” He has seen it happen. Things that people thought they couldn’t accomplish, they overcame and successfully changed their own life.

Rev. Kirkley says although the concepts in his book “may look like extravagant promises” of enjoying fulfillment, the principles “are based on a clear-sighted understanding of the basic laws of life.”  Some people may be surprised to learn it is Rev. Kirkley’s belief that “people should be spiritual and not religious.”

To read more about the author, the book and how to order it, please visit www.revrobertkirkley.com .

All Things Fulfilling is brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. The space were independent thoughts, words and views are all part of the business. Come on back tomorrow.

Changing Your World, As You Know It

Leave a comment

Minds are like flowers, they only open when the time is right.”
~Stephen Richards

Your world, as you know it, could end on Monday! You think I am kidding? Well, I am not!  

JoyOver the past few months, on All Things Fulfilling , I have hinted at a book that I feel is very valuable yet, I have not revealed the title of it. By now,  you are probably wondering if it will ever be exposed. Come back on Monday it will finally be posted. Consider this your “heads up!”

You might be asking,  “So, why is my world as I know it going to end on Monday?”

The answer:  With the release of the title of this book you are given an opportunity to change your life for the better. But, it is your choice. The inspirational tools inside the book, if followed, will help you remove self-doubt and start you down the path to living a more fulfilling life.

Since starting the business http://www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com in 1998 I have followed the principles in this book (and others like it) and positive results have followed. It has led me to “doing what I love and love what I am doing”. That includes networking with like minds and authoring over 1200 articles on All Things Fulfilling!

I look forward to the next step – it’s coming!  For starters, this site will finally soon have it’s new look and some other new things to follow, in the not too distant future.  Have patience and we will keep our promise.

Do return to this site on Monday! THE BOOK I’ve been hinting about will be announced.

joy2

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com.

e-Book Extravaganza

Leave a comment

Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family. ~ Kofi Annan

cipa logoOn Saturday I made the very worthwhile three hour trek into Denver from Steamboat Springs, Colorado to attend Colorado Independent Publishers Association (CIPA) monthly meeting. The September agenda was an e-Book Extravaganza. Here are just a few things that were discussed throughout the day:

  • The e-book industry now represents 33% of book sales. How about that?
  • People like having a choice of formats, so offering books in print, as well as an e-book version is wise marketing.
  • There is still a viable market for books-in-print but there is a certain part of the reading population who are clamoring for e-books due to their convenience.
  • Surprisingly, people who are 55 years of age and over ARE BUYING e-books, contrary to what was expected. It is not just the young generation that are interested in the digital format.
  • We discussed pricing of e-books and how you can leverage your intellectual property.
  • E-books make it easy to offer samples, providing potential book buyers the  opportunity to see if they like an author they’ve never read before.
  • A big advantage to e-books – there is no printing involved, thus it removes the need for physical space of inventory.

If you are a writer who wants to get on The Fast Track to Independent Publishing, here is a short webinar that will introduce you to the basics. http://bit.ly/10cCp1Y. 

Do return tomorrow to All Things Fulfilling, we will be discussing the next best step if you are a person who is considering independent publishing and you are in need of knowledge. I will tell you a quick but valuable story from this weekend.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com .