| Sierra Dreams Press Auburn, CA |
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| About Stuart Rawlings Background Education Work Travel Publications |
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Dear friends,
In so many ways, these are troubled times. The economic downturn has affected
not only people’s budgets, but also our moods, relationships and lifestyles. In my job
as a full-time screener for Placer County residents seeking Food Stamps, General
Assistance and Cash Aid for families, I have seen more than my share of anger,
anguish and depression brought on by the loss of jobs, homes and money.
In the middle of this predicament, I have some thoughts for anyone who is having
trouble coping with these and other pressures of the modern world. These are rules I
try to live by whenever I start to feel down.
1. Call three people in need and tell them that you love them. This may be an
elderly aunt with health problems, a friend in a hospital, in prison, in rehab or in
some other predicament. Depending on the person’s age and lifestyle, an email or
letter may serve a similar purpose.
2. Write down two lists. The first is of your ten greatest problems, and the second
is of your ten greatest blessings. Share these with a friend. Then throw away the list
of problems, and post the list of blessings in a place where you will see them daily.
3. Make another list of five things you would love to do sometime in the next year.
Examples might be learning to play the piano, going rafting, reading three favorite
books, going to three movies, making a CD of favorite music, spending a
full weekend watching Tiger Woods play golf, taking a cruise, etc. Then make serious
plans to do each of these things.
4. Do something very special for each of those who are closest to you in life (a
spouse, child, parent, etc.). Take them out to dinner, buy them an Unbirthday
present, bring them roses, etc.
5. Take some time to be alone in nature. Lie on your back and look up at the
clouds, or the stars. Go for a beautiful walk. Or close your eyes as you sit near a
river or waterfall. Meditate, relax, sleep –whatever makes you feel good. Try to make
time for this every day.
After you’ve done these things, call me at the SDP number (530) 878-0487), and
let me know how it went.
Love to you!
--Stuart
In so many ways, these are troubled times. The economic downturn has affected
not only people’s budgets, but also our moods, relationships and lifestyles. In my job
as a full-time screener for Placer County residents seeking Food Stamps, General
Assistance and Cash Aid for families, I have seen more than my share of anger,
anguish and depression brought on by the loss of jobs, homes and money.
In the middle of this predicament, I have some thoughts for anyone who is having
trouble coping with these and other pressures of the modern world. These are rules I
try to live by whenever I start to feel down.
1. Call three people in need and tell them that you love them. This may be an
elderly aunt with health problems, a friend in a hospital, in prison, in rehab or in
some other predicament. Depending on the person’s age and lifestyle, an email or
letter may serve a similar purpose.
2. Write down two lists. The first is of your ten greatest problems, and the second
is of your ten greatest blessings. Share these with a friend. Then throw away the list
of problems, and post the list of blessings in a place where you will see them daily.
3. Make another list of five things you would love to do sometime in the next year.
Examples might be learning to play the piano, going rafting, reading three favorite
books, going to three movies, making a CD of favorite music, spending a
full weekend watching Tiger Woods play golf, taking a cruise, etc. Then make serious
plans to do each of these things.
4. Do something very special for each of those who are closest to you in life (a
spouse, child, parent, etc.). Take them out to dinner, buy them an Unbirthday
present, bring them roses, etc.
5. Take some time to be alone in nature. Lie on your back and look up at the
clouds, or the stars. Go for a beautiful walk. Or close your eyes as you sit near a
river or waterfall. Meditate, relax, sleep –whatever makes you feel good. Try to make
time for this every day.
After you’ve done these things, call me at the SDP number (530) 878-0487), and
let me know how it went.
Love to you!
--Stuart
