Going Forward

Researching and learning new things takes time. Often it is two steps forward and one step back. We learn in little bits and pieces.

Being willing to learn is the first step. Being willing to fail is also an important piece of learning new things.

Remember a journey of a thousand miles begins with just one step.

This is a best of post from 2009

Sunshine Ahead

Summer is here. The sun is shining and everything is growing. Do you look at your life in terms of seasons or weather?

Sometimes we are growing and other times resting. Hotter weather might bring out your desires to relax, where as cold may make you want to busy about getting stuff done. The same concept can be applied to summer and winter. Are you a summer "rester" or summer "doer"?

Winds of Change

Does the upcoming change of season get you excited or anxious? Seasonal change can be viewed as a happy event or one of dread. Seasonal change means preparation for new weather, events and activities. For me Autumn is my time of learning and creativity. Summer to me is my time of rest and rejuvenation.  Winter is my celebration and reflection time. Spring brings me energy and excitement. 

How do you view the seasonal changes? 

What's your Transition Theme Song

The blog Small Notebook recently had an interesting post about needing a new theme song to get out of a slump. The readers of the post left many comments with their favorites. Here is a compilation.




Firework  sung by  Katy Perry's

Ain't No Mountain High Enough,  sung by Marvin Gaye & Tammi
Jump by Van Halen


Eye of the Tiger by Survivor  - Theme - song for Rocky

Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles

New Shoes by Paolo Nutini

Shine by Rosi Golan

Beautiful Day by U2

Don't Stop Believing by Journey

I can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash

Brand New Day by Joshua Radin

And The Birds Sing by Tyrone Wells

Why Worry by Dire Straits

What are some of your favorites?

Change sometimes Crashes In

It has been very hectic here, hence the lack of postings. In the last few weeks, we have moved from the flatlands to the foothills, experienced the loss of two relatives and a very close family friend, had another relative experience a life threatening illness and hospitalization, assisted our son with his dental dilemmas, and had a car repair and a computer crash. There may be more, but I think this 4 week period will remain a blur of change in our lives for a long time.  

I certainly believe that Murphy's Law is true.  Anything that can go wrong will. On the bright side things seem to be getting better. Attitude is everything.

Beyond the Goal

What happens when you reach your goal? While many Transition Your Life readers may not see the end or their destination at hand, I think discussing how one faces or handles this is of some importance.

When you reach your goal,  this is definitely when we need to first celebrate and savor in the moment of glory. This is something we should not miss.

Secondly, we need to appreciate what we or others did to help make the goal achievable. Very few journeys are journeys of one.  Sometimes upon reflection we realize others helped shape us and made contributions in ways we could not imagine. This might be the high school teacher, the motivational speaker, the neighbor down the road who always gave you a smile.

Thirdly , once the momentum of arrival and completion has slowed, I believe we need to ask ourselves some questions relating to the accomplishment of the goal. Making an immediate evaluation of what we have done has some value, but when the goal or achievement is monumental, I think taking a few weeks to ponder this might be the best choice.

Reaching your goal is a achievement which takes lots of effort and stamina. Give yourself some congratulations and savor your success.


This is a slightly revised best of post from 2010.

Being Your Own Best Friend

This is a post repeated from last September 27, 2007 - but is well worth rereading any time your life gets hectic.


You can be your own best friend by:

Taking care of your mental, emotional and basic physical needs

Taking time out for yourself when you need it

Removing and extracting yourself from stress and overload

Being able to say no when you have had enough

Treating yourself as well as you treat others

Work on improving who you are on a daily basis

Asking for help and support from other friends when you need it

Being patient with yourself