May 1, 2007

It's Not Just About the Numbers   What is the difference between a 1220 sq. foot house and a 4100 sq. foot house? 2880 square feet.   But, it's not just about the numbers.   It's about what goes on inside that house, behind closed doors.  What makes your house a home?    Are respect, trust, love, friendship, kindness, appreciation, comfort, sharing, and fun present?  A home is a place of togetherness, a place of contentment for family members.  A mansion can be lacking in all of the above qualities.  On the flip side, these values can be abundant in a tiny apartment.  The numbers alone do not make a house a home.   What number of "toys" do you have? How much is enough?  "Research shows that materialistic values undermine health and well-being.  People who are more materialistic are more likely to be depressed and anxious and to get stomachaches, less likely to have friends - and energy.  When parents are materialistic, their children become materialistic."  (Juliet Schor, sociologist at Boston College)  He with the most "toys" doesn't necessarily win.  When you realize you have enough and are not constantly chasing after MORE, you are able to lead a fulfilling, meaningful life.  Wealth is so much more than having the most toys.   What is the number on your paycheck?  It's not just about the number.  Do you work long hours to fatten your paycheck to BUY and HAVE MORE?   Do you have a life outside of the office?   Do you bring job stress home with you to your family?  Having a job, career, or profession that you love is more satisfying than a job you hate with greater income.  When you are fulfilled in both your personal life and your chosen profession and maintain balance between the two, your life will be rewarding.    What is the number on your birthday cake?  C'mon, you can tell me.  You're as young as you feel.  Your age is just a number.  We all know eighty year olds who run marathons, continue to work (some on a part-time basis), volunteer, and live life to the fullest.  On the other hand, we all know thirty year olds who find it difficult to get up off the couch, and sixty year olds who retire to a life of boredom.  Go to www.realage.com and Take the Real Age Test to discover your "real" age.  Don't be shy about signing in because there is a wealth of information on this site.   What are the numbers from your medical/dental physical? Weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, blood sugar, periodontal pockets, and bleeding sites are all numbers.  Do you know yours?  You must know these numbers so that you have a fighting chance to improve your health.  Ignoring them will take you down a path you don't want to go.  These numbers will affect your quality of life.  "It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver," said Mahatma Gandhi.   What is the number on your bottom line?  Income - Expenses = ?????  Does your money run out before the month?  How much is in your piggy bank, retirement fund, rainy day fund, emergency fund, credit card balance, fun fund, etc?  These are numbers you must know on your path to financial security.    Is life just about the numbers?  Some people make the wrong numbers so important that they sacrifice a balanced life to maintain the "high life".  Some ignore their health numbers and their wellbeing is compromised.  Others are able to keep their numbers in perspective. They know the numbers it takes to live their fulfilling life.    What do your numbers tell you?            "There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love.  When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age."             Sophia Loren   "We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing."             George Bernard Shaw   "The home is the bottom line of life, the anvil upon which attitudes and convictions are hammered out. [It is]... the single most influential force in our earthly existence. No price tag can adequately reflect its value. No gauge can measure its ultimate influence ... for good or ill. It is at home, among family members that we come to terms with circumstances. It is here life makes up its mind." Chuck Swindoll   "It's good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's good, too, to check up once in a while and make sure that you haven't lost the things that money can't buy."              George Horace Lorimer        I was at the fitness club last week for another three month re-evaluation.  I don't like the scale!  But I was thrilled with more decrease in body fat, the gain of muscle, and some improvement in my inches lost.  I admit I was focused on those numbers, though.  It has been a year since I have been working out faithfully and eating to fuel my body (at least 70% of the time - I cheat) and I have seen huge improvements with my overall wellbeing.  That's where I need to place my focus.  Throw that scale away!   My experience pulled me into the "numbers" frame of mind I so often have.  After all, numbers are one of my strengths.  I loved math and yes, even word problems and calculus, in school and even now I still enjoy "working" the numbers.  This analytical side does balance my creative side.    What is my "real age"?  44.9. My calendar age is 54.63.    Have a fantastic week and play with the numbers.   Stephanie   P.S.  Is your study club, organization, or local society looking for a speaker?  I bring my warmth, authenticity, and passion to the stage as I share what it takes to overcome your obstacles to living a more rewarding life.  Learn more about speaking at my website.          We grow by "word-of-email" so please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone whom you think might benefit from and enjoy it. Thanks so much! Contact Us: stephanie@7steps2abalancedlife.com