Memories

This is a special blog in memory of my nephew who passed away three years ago today from a blood clot at the age of 20. Klayton Baer was a special person who brought much sunshine into the lives of others. I helped my brother and sister-in-law create the Klayton Baer Sunshine Scholarship Fund to assist students from the Lenape VoTech School with their post high school education. Kathi, my sister-in-law, is in constant fund-raising mode.

I believe we should all get more exercise by reaching down and helping someone up. Kathi and my brother Ken do that. To date, they have reached out to four Lenape seniors, donating scholarships toward their college/trade school educations. What a wonderful way to honor Klayton’s memory. To learn more about this wonderful young man, visit his special memory page at www.klaytonbaer.memory-of.com.

See You in September

Ahh...September. The start of school and routines.

For many people September is also a time to renew old acquaintances that fell by the summer wayside. Students starting back to school see their former classmates. Parents reconnect with other parents they have not seen during the summer. Those starting new schools and jobs make new friendships while trying to balance the old ones.

In the next few months, find yourself a new acquaintance and offer a kind word or comment on something he/she is doing. For instance, tell the bagger at the grocery store you appreciate his attention to your fresh fruits and vegetables. Tell the teller at your bank you like her new hairdo. Tell another parent at your child's after school activity that you admire her enthusiasm.

Boosting someone else's spirits will in turn boost yours. Have a fun September spreading the happiness.

Winding Up

I noticed that it is darker now when I get up in the morning—signs of fall coming. As we wind up the fun-filled, hectic summer, we settle into a more structured routine. Find time to fit in the things that are important to you as well as those that are necessary. Attend to the part of you that likes to be nurtured by reading, writing, meditating, visiting friends or relatives, and so forth. Only when we have balance in our lives can we achieve our best. Balance is best attained by attending to our physical, mental, and spiritual selves. Incorporate something for each of those areas into every day.

A Little R & R

I am heading to Cape May for a few days of much needed R & R. Hopefully, everyone reading this has built in a few days (or weeks if lucky enough) to get some R & R. Everyone needs to take time to refresh and regenerate in order to avoid “burn out.”

During R & R leave the office responsibilities behind and focus on personal needs. Feed your mind with an exciting book, challenging crossword puzzle, or stimulating CD. Play games, walk, job, or “vege” out for awhile.

R & R is also a good time to re-evaluate and re-set the course if need be. Most of all, take the time to take some time.

Lifelong Learning

As children and adults head back to school, it may be a good time for all of us to evaluate our skills and knowledge. Ask yourself the following:

• What can I do to improve my skills?
• Is there new technology I can learn that will help me on my job?
• How can I learn more about the developments in my field?
• Will gaining more knowledge in my field or an additional skill help me receive a promotion?
• Where can I take a class or seminar to improve my skills?
• Will getting a degree or certification help me in my field?

In this age of technology and information, everyone can benefit from additional learning. It is a fact—learning is lifelong.

August Reaping

As summer winds down, it’s time to reap what has been sown for the season. Think of what you have been reaping with your goals, plans, ideas, and daily activities. Have they been moving you closer to your hopes, dreams, and aspirations?

Now is the time to take a look at your harvest and separate the good from the bad. Keep what is working and amend or get rid of what isn’t with an eye always on that future goal/dream.

As Summer Winds Down

As we move into August, it is a good time to look over our summer to-do lists and determine what we have completed.

• Are the summer maintenance projects completed?
• Did we “spruce up” the house and yard?
• Did we get to all the fun places we wanted to explore--the zoo, an amusement park, hiking trails, swimming pools--and do all the things we intended?
• Have we made memories that will last through winter and another year? If not, there is still time to do that and more.

Don’t let the great weather slip by without taking advantage of the splendor it has to offer.

It is also a good time to review those goals we have set and make sure we are on track for the rest of the year.