60 Minutes Tonight

I've heard that CBS' 60 Minutes will have a report on Three Cups of Tea and its authors tonight.  Apparently, there are some doubts about the veracity of the book and even about the management of the related charity, Central Asia Institute.

Because reading this book has been on my "to do" list for several years - and I finally read it late last year - the announcement of this upcoming program feels disturbing.  Have I been hoodwinked into reading a book that is a pack of lies?  Is the 60 Minutes segment going to attack someone who has been painted as a crusader for education, especially the education of girls, in central Asia?  Or, is it going to reveal a hoax that has greatly exaggerated and/or distorted the activities of Greg Mortenson and the Central Asia Institute?

The feelings and the questions that come up for me almost make me doubt my own ability to formulate meaningful goals.  Was I completely misled in making this book a priority read for myself?  Was I totally naive to believe most of what I read?

I remind myself that I believe in lifelong learning.  Most of what I've learned in the past holds true, but being open to new information and experience may change or even disprove what I think I "know." 

Stay tuned.

Let It Be

Sometimes I like to know things:  the ingredients to make something delicious, when a special event is happening, how the detective in the story solved the mystery.  Making a dish that tastes good, having the opportunity to participate in something I enjoy, understanding how someone moves from confusion to clarity -- for me, these are good.

Sometimes I need to know things:  how to keep my car running, how to fill out my tax forms, how to successfully pass through airport security.  I can't say I like stopping at gas stations, submitting government paperwork, or taking my shoes off at the airport -- however, these are still good for me to know.

Sometimes there are things I want to know, but I just don't take the trouble.  Sometimes there are things I don't want to know. 

And, sometimes there are things I will never know.  Last week, a friend took her own life.  I don't know why.  All I can do is be at peace with not knowing, accepting what is without explanation.  All I can do is let go and let it be.

Twelve Month Plan IV

In my last blog entry, I said I felt like I hadn't "done a whole lot" since October 8, 2010.  Maybe I should have given myself more credit.  Here is what I found as I reviewed:

I am glad I took the time to create a page for my "Twelve Month Plan."  Not only does it list some of the goals and intentions I have for my sixtieth year, I have noted some of the activities I've done in support of those goals and intentions.  This is in itself has been valuable - both to help me keep focused and to record my progress.

The big "aha!" moment for me was the realization that there are more words in the Plan describing what I DID do than what I DIDN'T do.  It is so easy to look at - and brood over - what I haven't done or where I think I've fallen short.  But, when I read my Plan, I can see the steps I've actually taken (with substantiating evidence!).

I can scold myself for what hasn't happened and feel discouraged or guilty.  Or, I can appreciate what has happened and feel pleased and thankful.  (And, I can use this information to update my Twelve Year Plan as I enter the second half of my sixtieth year.)

Stay tuned.

Halfway Through?

I started this blog with the idea of recording my sixtieth year, starting with my 59th birthday on October 8, 2010, and ending with my 60th birthday on October 8, 2011.  So, that would make April 8 (today!) my halfway point.

 Do I feel like I'm even close to doing half the things I wanted to do in my sixtieth year?  Well, no.  I feel I've accomplished a few things, tried a few things, researched a few things - and thought about a lot of things.  But, I don't feel like I've done a whole lot.

I think this is the weekend to pull out my Twelve Month Plan, along with all my other lists, and check off what I've done and add whatever I hadn't thought of before.  Then, to look at my Twelve Month Plan, and prioritize the items to be carried forward into the second six months of this project.

Stay tuned.

Look For The Good

With all of the healthcare debate, not to mention the people who are losing their jobs and their insurance coverage, I feel very fortunate to be covered by a good - although rather expensive - healthcare plan.

Last month, I received a notice that my premiums were rising $125/month.  This caused some concern (nobody had sent a notice that my income was rising $125/month!).

What is interesting is that my insurance company has expanded their coverage to include "alternative" healthcare providers such as naturopaths, chiropractors, and acupuncturists.  This will help pay for the acupuncture treatments that relieve my sore thumb joints and provide more options for other problems that "conventional" medicine has not been able to solve.

I'm still not thrilled that my insurance premiums are rising.  But, after some consideration, I can see that there may be some advantages to the broader coverage that is now in place.  I might even be able to find ways to save on my healthcare to help offset the increase.

In our nation's current healthcare crisis, it sometimes seems difficult for me to see anything good.  However, the more willing I am to look for it, the better my chances of finding it.

April Showers

March winds and April showers bring forth May flowers.  (Mother Goose)

I've enjoyed the cheery yellow daffodils over the month of March and the breaks in the weather when the sun peeks through.  However, the thought of a month of April showers is dampening (ooooh).

Sometimes I like to remember the realization I had on my first airline trip.  Once we rose above the layer of clouds, the sun shone radiantly.  There is always a bright spot - even if I can't see it.

Still Hibernating?

Well, here I am - five days into Spring.  Instead of pleasurably anticipating all the desirable things I alluded to in my last post, I feel more like a bear that doesn't want to wake up from hibernation.  After sleeping up to ten hours at night, I still find myself taking one or two naps every day.  Even when I'm awake and out of bed, I feel like I'm moving - both physically and mentally - at a slower speed. 

Sometimes this feels very frustrating.  It doesn't seem like I'm getting much done, and sometimes I don't feel like I have a good handle on what I should be doing.

But . . . there is another side to this.  Moving at a slower speed forces me to be more present in the now.  I have to be more focused on the person or the chore or the information in front of me.  Multi-tasking is less of an option, but being conscious of what I am doing is more crucial.  I think I may be noticing things I may have missed when operating at a more energetic pace.

Mmmmm.  Sounds like I'm back to enjoying the journey again.