Happy Panic Day

Today is Grand-daddy's birthday (Ruth's Dad, Jack...he's in the
hospital, by the way, so thoughts and prayers are appreciated)
It's Pearl Harbor Day. It's Thursday.

But it's also what I call 'Panic Day'.

Today's the day when most people realize that Christmas is only
two weeks from Monday and start panicking about what, when
and how they're going to buy gifts for everyone.

A few years ago, a very thoughtful friend (also named Jack)
bought us a "Jacket Stew" ornament. You may have seen
them: one college mascot is cooking the rival college mascot
in a big pot. Well, this one had a big Hairy Dawg from UGA
stewing a Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket.

Jack bought the ornament as a joke, but it gave us a good idea:
whoever lost that year's game had to display the other team's
ornament on their tree. Sorry to say, that Jacket has been
stewed every year since (we don't display it prominently, but
it's there).

About 30 seconds before this year's game ended (and we had
expertly snatched Defeat from the jaws of Victory), Jack called
my cell phone. But not to gloat. He said, "Why don't you take
the money you were going to spend on that ornament and buy
something nice for Gracie?" OK, he was sort of gloating, but it
reminded me of something I want to pass along.

Back in the olden days, when I was still an engineer, I was
listening to a time management tape by Brian Tracy. He
recommends that you set aside at least 3% of your income
to spend on personal development--courses, CDs, books,
seminars, coaching, memberships, training, etc.

I can be in any area you choose, as long as it develops
your person. But you should take some of the money that you
would otherwise blow on mindless entertainment or junk
food that weakens your body, and spend it on things that
will strengthen your Mind and Body.

I know. "Setting aside" income, or having a 'budget' is not a
habit you've developed. Yet. But now's a great time to start.
Take your yearly income, multiply it by 3%, then divide that by 12.
That gives you a starting point of how much you should spend each
month on developing yourself, your Mind and Body, to experience
and express your life at a higher level. To give us your Best.

Here are two suggestions for your Personal Development
Christmas list:

For your Body, there's Uphill Fitness Training

Speed expert Coach K has put together a comprehensive
fitness program, including strength, flexibility and cardio,
with many variations, that you can get done only in 15 minutes
a day. I used Coach K's work in my driveway to reach my
October fitness goal, and will be graduating to the big hill around
the block in a few weeks. It'll zap your fat fast.

For your Mind, there's the Secret Power of Words and Music

Classical composer Tania French reveals the secret power
of music to rewire your brain to be more relaxed, confident
and creative. Her program also includes two of her original
compositions, as well as two visualization CDs that are amazing.
Her 'Renewal' CD lives up to its name, as I drive back
and forth each week to pick up Grace from school.

If you are indeed panicking, either one of these gifts will
help release your stress hormones and bring you back to
Center so you can enjoy your holidays. And your Life.

Have a great Thursday...I'm going to go call and wish Grand-
daddy a Happy Birthday.

Dr. Vince