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Alan D. Willsey, PhD CEO & Publisher
My theme for this month is BALANCE. I picked it because it is critical to maintain balance in life and February has always been one of the most difficult months for me. Balance can relate to various aspects of life, including health, exercise, family, intimacy, work, and spirituality (maybe not in this order). Since moving here I have included farm and animals. My life revolves around balancing these eight items.
February has always been tough because it generally includes snow, and being from upstate New York, even more snow. Last year was a typical year from my past. This year is not. Writing this in late January, the lawns and trees are bare. I did not realize what the woods looked like in late winter without snow. Even without the snow, balance in life during the winter is difficult for me.
Since we do not have the snow, it’s easier for me to find a little more balance this year. I can get out and run with the dogs, help the chickens get some free range, and even do some repair work. Snow or no snow, catalogs are one of the guilty pleasures of winter. Seeds, bees, chickens, and trees are all outlined with descriptions, cost, and growing/planting instructions. The question of the hour, of the winter: “How many or how much of each?” Who knew that if you buy one Queen Bee, she brings 3,000 to 5,000 of her friends with her! And who has that many Facebook friends.!
I have been Publisher for almost 5 months, and this issue has had more personal impact than any previous. Almost all the articles say something to me, something that would help me balance my life.
“A Brain-Building Blueprint” had the biggest impact. Since I am in that group that may be in brain shrink mode up to 1% each year, it was very heartening to learn that I can do something about it. Eating healthy, watching weight, exercising body and brain covers most of the things I’m trying to balance in my life, and probably yours as well. In other words, do a different crossword puzzle and “Use it or lose it.”
“How can we all GET ALONG?” also had significant impact. Probably mine is not the only family that finds itself conflicted. The temptation is to make copies of the article to send to “certain people.” I won’t do that, but I will read it again carefully to help me learn how to cope better.
The article that brought about the most reflection was ‘WABI SABI LOVE.” On the one hand, if I followed the principles laid out in this article some years ago, I might not be here in New Jersey on this farmette by myself. On other hand I would not have the spiritual experience I had over the past year. It is not easy to think this one through, particularly with my shrinking brain.
“Exercise to Beat the Blues” is easy. “The Benefits of Burnout” is another appeal to eat better and exercise more.
I am ready to work on balance, eat better, exercise more, and have some walnuts to help me sleep. But first I have to find two black Labs that may be visiting my neighbor, one half mile away.
Peace and Love…
May God Bless
alan
