George Wassell

Terms considered thus far:<br />
<br />
Acceptance - Boundaries - Compassion - Discretion - Empathy -<br />
Forgiveness - Gratitude - Honesty - Integrity - Joy - Kindness - Leisure<br />
<br />
MARVEL - swept up and filled with wonder, unbridled, child-like<br />
fascination, awestruck in the presence of something or someone far<br />
beyond the scope of what one would normally expect to experience. Such<br />
open, unedited thoughts and feelings open the mind and refresh the<br />
spirit. <br />
<br />
NOBLE - of the highest moral quality, honest and balanced, pure and<br />
above reproach. No selfishness, shortcuts or cutting of corners in<br />
one's actions or private intentions.<br />
<br />
OFFING - that part of the sea visible from shore but beyond anchorage.<br />
In terms of living fully and well the expression "in the offing" refers<br />
to something that is nearly ready, or soon to happen. Taking note of<br />
optimism in even small things often generates positive energy that can<br />
be re-invested once recognized.<br />
<br />
PASSION - (No, not that kind...!) the ability to feel strongly about an<br />
issue, an activity or a cause, such that one's deep convictions become<br />
crystal clear and one is moved to be actively engaged - intellectually,<br />
physically, spiritually - in its pursuit. Most useful when applied<br />
positively with due respect for others' rights and perspectives as well.<br />
<br />
QUIET - no need to try to expand on Funk and Wagnall's many references<br />
to peacefulness and well being. "1. Making little or no noise. 2.<br />
Having little or no motion; still; calm. 3. Characterized by silence;<br />
retired or secluded: a quiet nook. 4. Free from excessive activity,<br />
turmoil or vexation. (Can you imagine dawn's bird songs or distant surf<br />
rolling right about now?) 5. Gentle, mild. 6. Restful to the eye;<br />
reposeful. 7. Not showy or pretentious; modest. 8 Not loud or brash;<br />
reserved."<br />
<br />
(Funk & Wagnall's Standard Desk Dictionary, Lippincott & Crowell 1980)<br />
<br />
Not that we could, or should, always be quiet, but understanding the<br />
demeanor and being able to pursue it when appropriate can de-escalate<br />
rising internal stress and even dissipate potential conflict situations.<br />
<br />
REVERIE - abstract musing, daydreaming - all too often considered in the<br />
context of wasted time or energy. Actually, quite the opposite is<br />
true. As a brief stretch or coffee break in the work day actually<br />
improves productivity, moments of time (within reasonable limits) spent<br />
in open-ended pondering frees up one's mind, excites the spirit and<br />
awakens the thinking process.<br />
<br />
SLEEP - no special nuance or connation here, but simply a requirement<br />
for health, wellness and happiness. So far as we know there are no<br />
legitimate, long term ways to cheat or shortchange our need for an<br />
adequate quality and quantity of sleep. Deprivation here has been<br />
linked to problems ranging from blood pressure to body weight,<br />
depression to dementia. Getting enough can elevate moods, improve<br />
cognitive functioning and even help with weight management.<br />
<br />
Call Solutions EAP at 1-800-526-3485 for assistance for all of life's<br />
challenges.It's free, confidential and open to your family members.<br />
Check us out on-line at http://www.solutions-eap.com/<br />