July a Good Month for Reflection

Well, it's July. I was just getting used to June and with only 6 shopping months left until Christmas I better get a move on.

Half the year is gone and what do I have to prove for it? Hmmmm let me think, I know there is something but I can't put my finger on it. This month, as well as your birthday month, are perfect times to stop, reflect and pray that you have accomplished at least one thing that was on "the list".

You know the list...that mental inventory of all the snippets that you have accumulated that you would like to carry out, know that there are way too many to actually sort out, complete and are often amazed at the ones you do choose to pull off (oops, I mean achieve).

One positive thing when you appraise your situation in July is that you still have six legitimate months to do something about it. Try not to think that six months have flown by with nary a muscle moved or brain wave tested.

Look at it as a challenge - which by the way, should be on your list as you get points for a) the prospect of looking and b) taking up a challenge...you don't need to climb a mountain to cash in, although I do believe, if I read "the book" that came along with life correctly, you would get triple points for the mountain thing.

But let's not worry about "the book". Everyone should have received one with life. If you have lost yours, well, don't agonize. Just make it up as you go. Remember that you should get your points wherever, however, and whenever you can.

Go with the age-old theory of little victories. Small steps will show progress (as in, "one small step for man..."), albeit slowly, but will get you to where you want to go. Success breeds success. Use the buddy-system (this is especially nice if you fail; blame your friend...not great for the friendship but great for the 'ole ego).

Promise yourself a reward for nominal advancement. Remember gifting one's self is essential. It shows you embrace bettering the economy by endorsing the macro-economic forecast set forth by Mr. Greenspan and more importantly, you love to spoil yourself. (Please note, this leisure interest would also be applicable for points - treating yourself well should always be at the top of the list)

Making excuses at this point are futile. Pretext and justification will not only waste time but also take away valuable brain power that is necessary for the betterment of the upper screpulatory matter of the lower thrombocular region.

Go for it, enjoy these next six months knowing you are equipped for success. If that doesn't work, just add the "things not achieved" to next year's list and start all over...although I do suggest a bit earlier.

July is a good time to pause and reflect on our nation's independence, which translates into our own personal individualism and freedom and the ability to do the things we want and have the things we want - when we want them. Having been living in an emerging country for the last month, simple creature comforts such as dependable plumbing, air conditioning and pest control have been eclipsed by the graciousness, gentleness and pure happiness of the people who live here.

Maybe that is what it is really all about. That we should measure success not by how much we have but by who we are. Just something to think about...everyday.

Cynthia A. McClelland, curious observer of the obvious with interpretations of the oddities of daily life. Mother, wife and lover of the furry, resides in the north Lake Tahoe area.

Cynthia A. McClelland © 2003-