June 24, 2008

The Paradox of Our Time   The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways but narrower viewpoints.  We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy less.  We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense, more and more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.   We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.   We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.  We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.  We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years.   We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbors.  We've conquered outer space, but not inner space.  We've done larger things, but not better things.  We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.  We've split the atom, but not our prejudice.  We write more, but learn less.  We plan more, but accomplish less.  We've learned to rush, but not to wait.  We build more computers to hold more information to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication.   These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.  These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes.  These are the days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.   It is a time when there is much in the show window and nothing in the stockroom; a time technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or just hit delete.   Words of George Carlin (1937-2008)         "Some people see things that are and ask, Why?  Some people dream of things that never were and ask, Why not?  Some people have to go to work and don't have time for all that."             "When someone is impatient and says, "I haven't got all day," I always wonder, How can that be?  How can you not have all day?"   "People who say they don't care what people think are usually desperate to have people think they don't care what people think."   "When someone asks you, a penny for your thoughts, and you put your two cents in, what happens to the other penny?"   George Carlin favorites     George Carlin was a controversial entertainer; however he did have some good comedy and some wise words.  I was saddened to hear of his death upon my return fromChicago.   The AAWD meeting was a success and received rave reviews from the dentists, team members, sponsors, and exhibitors, who attended.  The weekend was all about camaraderie, networking, mentoring, learning, sharing, and fun.  Our speakers were fantastic, engaging, and energizing.  One of the highlights was a trip to the theatre to see Jersey Boys.  It was incredible.  Next year, we'll be in Hilton Head, and dates will be forthcoming.   Please mark your calendars for Friday October 17.  If you will be inSan Antoniofor theADAmeeting, plan on joining the women dentists for our annual banquet.  I will be installed as the 2009 President and would love to have you share the evening with us. Details will follow.   Have a fantastic week and add life to your years.   Stephanie   P.S.  Today marks my 32nd anniversary of dental school graduation.  How time flies!       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