Mind over Money

Survey said...

Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey I sent out last month. Here are a few highlights:

86% are very satisfied overall

71% are interested in contributing

50% want more articles on travel

50% are most interested in personal growth & health

Someone commented on the fact that the content isn't always relevant to them and cited adventure racing as an example. Perhaps it wasn't clear that I was using adventure racing as an example of something I longed to do for many years and finally achieved. I hope my experiences serve as a catalyst for you to revisit your dreams and take steps to bring them about. Because while you might not dream of competing in an adventure race, you do dream of something.

Dreaming as far as we know is a quality that makes us unique amongst the animal kingdom. There are certain dreams that are nearly universal. We've touched upon a few of these already in previous issues: overcoming physical challenges (Siege on Fort Yargo), travel and adventure (Where in the World?), and educational pursuits (Endings). In this issue I will be highlighting the universal dream of financial independence.


"Follow your dreams, for as you dream you shall become."

Follow is an important word in that sentence because without it your dream is merely a wish. A wish is a desire without the commitment to see it through and you might as well save that for the tooth fairy!

Dreams are your ultimate destination and goals are the well-defined targets that can lead to the fulfillment of your dreams. Without goals, dreams can seem overwhelming in their enormity and without dreams, goals are nothing more than an elaborate To-Do list.

Take financial independence as an example. Sounds great, doesn't it? But what is it exactly? If you don't know what it is, how are you going to get there? Does it mean never having to work again? Never having to work for someone else again? Being completely debt-free? Or, sitting on that beach in the above photo sipping mojitos? There is no wrong answer, only a right answer for you.

Press PAUSE and take a few minutes to think about what financial independence means to you.

I like this definition of financial independence:

"Enough money to meet your needs whether you work or not."

Before we go any further I should offer a disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor or monetary master. I am merely sharing with you some of the reading and research I have done on this topic. Please treat it as food for thought rather than as a prescription for financial health. I encourage anyone who has tips, strategies, or an elderly aunt in need of an heir to contact me (immediately!) so I can (selectively) share the information with our other readers. In the meantime, press PLAY to hear more.

I've read books, listened to audio tapes, subscribed to financial newsletters, and talked to advisers. One of the programs I want to share with you is Transforming Debt into Wealth (TDIW) by John Cumatta. It's a good place to start because it applies to 96% of the population and it's simple to understand and follow. It emphasizes changing the thoughts and behaviors that got us into our current financial mess.

The TDIW program consists of 6 CDs and a 200+ page workbook so consider this the "Readers Digest" version. Hopefully, it will be enough to get you motivated to start paying closer attention to your financial health because like it or not, our finances have a huge effect on our physical health, our relationships, and our feelings about our self.

Here's the program in a nutshell: Be completely out of debt - including your car and home - in as little time as possible, usually between 5-8 years, and then put the money you would be giving to creditors each month, in low-risk investments that will allow you to retire early on the money you earn today.

Principle #1 - Credit is your financial enemy.

Buying things on credit makes you a slave to your creditors. You can't be a slave and financially independent at the same time; the two are mutually exclusive. Advertisers, credit card companies, and banks are in business to do one thing - keep you working for them your entire life. The first step towards financial independence is to stop creating more debt.

Question: What if I am a very disciplined person and pay off my credit cards in full each month?

Answer: Congratulations! You are the exception, but you should still get rid of your credit cards because just having credit cards causes the average consumer to spend 30 percent more than if they were paying with cash. It's just too tempting when you go to the store to replace an iron and see a great deal on candles not to pick up a couple.

Question: My interest rate is 0%. Why should I give up my credit cards?

Answer: 0% interest rates are promotional rates that usually last only a few months. For most of these cards if you are late by even ONE day the rate jumps up 13.99 to 19.99%! They are counting on you being late and if most people weren't, they wouldn't offer it.

Action Step #1 - Cut up your credit cards.

If you were trying to quit smoking would you carry a pack of cigarettes around with you in your pocket? Not likely. So, don't carry your credit cards around with you either. There are things that require the use of plastic - renting cars, reserving hotel rooms, etc. For these, use a debit card. If you feel you need to keep a credit card for emergencies, try this clever solution: fill up a metal can with water, put your card in the water, and then put the can in the freezer. By the time the water thaws your desire to incur more debt may have thawed as well.

You can't become financially independent spending more than you make and making more money won't get you out of debt unless you change your spending habits.

Here are some small purchases that add up to big money drains. Plug these drains and put that extra money to work paying off your debt.

1. Bottled water. If you don't trust your public water supply, buy a filter and a durable water bottle instead of buying bottled water - it's way better for the environment too! In fact, before you buy that next bottle of water, you may want to read this National Geographic article.



Here's the math:

$365 = 1 bottle/day/year ($1/bottle is a conservative estimate)
vs.
$55 = filter (each lasts ~6 months)
$26 = 1 replacement filter
$5 = water bottle
$86 = total

That's a savings of $279/year!

2. Coffee. If you're like me and love a good cup of coffee, buy a coffee maker and some decent coffee and make your own at home.

Here's the math:

$730 = 1 cup of coffee /day/year ($2/cup is a conservative estimate)
vs.
$100 = combo coffee maker (makes espresso and drip coffee)
$208 = coffee ($8/lb every 2 weeks/year)
$122 = creamer and sugar
$430 = total

That's a savings of $300/year!

In a future issue, I will be telling you about the Cascading Debt-Elimination System and your Accelerator Margin. I will also share with you more ways to plug some of those money drains. So, stay tuned!

In the meantime, if you just cant take your eyes away from the screen, read this gentleman's 10 Tips for Financial Independence.


Health & Wellness

I made a realization this week. It's a simple idea, but it hit home so I thought I'd share it with you.

As our interests shift as we move from our 20's (college, playing sports, partying with friends) to our 30's (working, buying a home, possibly raising a family), and into our 40's (advancing in our careers, maintaining our home) so does our metabolism, but our eating habits often remain the same. This is why the average person puts on 10 lbs for every decade older they become.

This has been true for me. As active as I am, I'm less active than I was as a teenager when I was competing in gymnastics, diving, and water polo. Or, when I was in my 20's and played club soccer and rode my bike in the Southern California hills after class. Or in my 30's, when I played softball and still rode a fair bit. Now, in my 40's, while I'm still active, my work- outs have become less intense and regular, and my eating habits have remained more or less the same while my metabolism has slowed.

My weight has reflected these shifts. Through high school and most of my 20's I weighed 117 lbs. In my 30's, I weighed 127 lbs and now comfortably in my 40's, I seem to have settled on a new plateau of 137 lbs.

Now I know there are some of you who can eat ice cream for breakfast and not gain weight, but for the rest of us, we simply can't consume the same number of calories and not gain weight. So, unless you're going to become significantly more active as you age, you're going to need to change your eating habits. To get you started on the path to healthier eating, check out Harvest Eating. They promote seasonal, organic, local healthy foods that are better for you and the environment.

Travel & Adventure

You'll find some delightful international fare on Sharon's blog, Where in the World. Sharon is the young Filipino who was preparing to travel around the world. So far, she's served up tales of biking in Ireland, taxiing with goats in Morocco, and other tasty tidbits from Turkey that I'm sure you'll want to sink your teeth into. Bon appetite!

Here's an excerpt from one of her posts, "Top 10".

Here are some things I've learned about public transportation while travelling through Morocco:

1. If your taxi gets in a wreck it is OK to leave the scene of the accident.


2. If you're riding in the bus and the AXLE falls off while in motion, simply exit the bus and catch the next one to come along.


3. When in a grand taxi (normal size taxi that squeezes 6 passengers - 4 in the back and 2 in the front - instead of the normal 4) whomever is in the front should be prepared to either pay for the price of two people or be EXTREMELY squashed between the stick shift and the large man sitting next to you.


4. If travelling via local bus between cities know that it doesn't come to a complete stop. Therefore, if disembarking be prepared for a possible tuck-n-roll landing, military style. If boarding, get a running start when you see the bus so you can jump into the open doors...I kid you not.


5. When taking the train it is extremely important that when moving between cars that the doors between the train and the outside environment are closed. We had an unfortunate fatality aboard our train.


6. When travelling in a taxi with 11 goats and 1 sheep on the roof, make certain that ALL the widows are UP. You will smell better once you reach your destination and will thank me later. (Goat excrement is a hard smell to get out of your clothes, believe me! Although it is entertaining to watch the windshield wipers try to remove dingleberries from the windshield.)

Survey Says...

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Siege on Fort Yargo

I recently competed in my second adventure race, the Siege on Fort Yargo. This race was quite different from the first one I did back in February in a number of ways. For one thing, it was about a sixth the duration (5 hours vs. 32 hours) and distance (20 total miles vs. 120 total miles). For another, I was the only one with experience on this team and the only one without experience last time. My teammates for this race were both women I've worked or lived with for a few years; in the first race I'd never laid eyes on any of my teammates until the race itself. Finally, this race was in North Georgia with temps approaching 90F while the other was in South Florida with below freezing temperatures. (Slightly ironic, wouldn't you say?)

There were many differences but the ending was the same - disappointing.

I recruited two friends for this three-person race. My main criteria for selecting them was their enthusiasm and availability. One of my friends, who I’ll call Fuchsia (her current hair color), is a co-worker and someone I’ve worked out with many times. We’ve done yoga, Pilates, circuit training, swimming, and running together. I was very familiar with her fitness level. Being 28 didn’t hurt either. My other friend, Ponytail (the only one with hair long enough for one), I’ve known for several years and although we’ve not worked out together, I knew she was an avid runner, former college softball player, "gym rat", and someone with an incredible work-ethic.

With my vast experience of one race, I was by default the Team Captain. As such, I was responsible for navigating, deciding who would do what and in what order, and handling problems should they arise. I also had to remind my teammates to stay hydrated, fueled, and as much as possible, have a good time. Early in the race it became obvious that the latter wasn't very likely for one of us.

The beginning was my least favorite part. There were over 100 teams and in relay fashion, each team member had to sprint downhill where all our team numbers (3 per team) were written on pieces of paper nailed to the ground. It was chaotic and completely random, but as soon as all three numbers were found, teams took off on the trail running.

I was concerned about the running because my teammates are avid runners and I’m not – at all. Fuchsia set the pace and having recently come in second in her age group in a local 5K, it was fairly swift. I fell in behind her and Ponytail behind me. Trouble was soon afoot. We had 5 running Check Points (CP) out of 18 total CPs and Ponytail seemed to be struggling and falling behind after the first one.

On the way to the course that morning I mentioned that just because someone was leading the way or seemed to know where they were going, none of us could afford to mentally “check out”; we all needed to stay alert. (When you're behind someone, it's easy to assume that they are going in the right direction and blindly follow their lead.) So, when I heard someone in front of us say, “Two down and 3 to go.” I realized we’d missed CP 2. I asked Fuchsia if she’d seen it and she said, “Oh yeah, we passed that awhile ago. I thought you saw it.” Fortunately, we hadn’t gone far.

Meanwhile, Ponytail kept dropping further and further behind. I was getting concerned and asked how she was doing. She said our pace was too fast for her. I told her to pace herself and to keep drinking fluids. We tried to find an intermediate pace, but we couldn't stop to rest or go much slower since we were already near the end. After CP4 we swam a short distance across the lake, a welcome relief from the heat, and then we ran back to the starting area to pick up our canoes.

There were still 8 or 10 boats at the launch area which meant we weren’t in last place although we weren’t far from it. I hoped we’d be able to make up some time on the paddling section, but that didn’t happen either. This was attributable more to our equipment than our performance. Our paddles were borrowed from a friend except for the bent one I already had any my canoe was bought years ago at a yard sale for $150. Combined, our equipment was worth less than a single paddle used by many of the other teams. Fortunately, there were only 3 CPs on the water and we found them easily, if slowly.

We had to complete a special test before beginning the biking leg. We were given a small board and a piece of PVC pipe and you had to use them as a catapult to launch a hacky sack into a circle 20 feet away. We all took several turns and I eventually got it after about 5 minutes into a 20-minute time limit.

Next was biking. I was hoping we could make up some time here. The trail was a blast from beginning to end. It was probably the most fun I’ve had off-road biking. It was all single track and had just the right amount of climbs, tight turns, whoop-de-dos, fast down hills, and nothing that was highly technical or scary. After picking up a couple CPs, I asked Ponytail how she was doing; her response was bleak. “I’m not going to lie. I’m miserable. This is way harder than I thought. I’ll never do this again.” I knew she'd been struggling, but I didn't think she was miserable. At this point, we still had a couple hours and a third of the CPs to go.

I was reminded of the time I climbed the Grand Teton in Wyoming. I was completely new to mountain climbing and I was with people who were very experienced. I was lagging behind all day the first day and they kept having to stop to let me catch up and as soon as I did they'd take off again. It was pure torture. I knew Ponytail was feeling many of the same things. Her body was begging her to stop, but we needed her to keep moving.

At the start of the race we were optimistic and wanted to try to get all the optional orienteering points but by now it was obvious we wouldn’t be attempting any. We had to downgrade our goal from 'doing well' to 'finishing' and the more we had to stop and wait, even this goal moved out of reach. With 4 CPs and 30 minutes to go, we still had hope but Ponytail was seriously struggling; she was on the verge of getting sick and passing out. Still, I have to give her credit because as much as she wanted to quit, she kept going.

With only 5 minutes to go we arrived at CP 17, another special test. Fuchsia was blindfolded and went down into a gully while I verbally directed her from above. She did great except for a small tumble over a big rock and a little bump on her head from a bridge beam... oops.. good thing she had on her bike helmet!

We had a couple minutes to get back for the final CP but it wasn’t enough. We missed the 5-hour cutoff by about 10 minutes and ended up with a “DNF” – “Did Not Finish”.

We may not have officially finished, but we didn't fail. We learned a lot about racing and our individual strengths and weaknesses and no one gave up. Hey, it took Benjamin Franklin over 1,000 attempts before he invented the light bulb and I doubt anyone would call him a failure! He learned something each time and built upon that until he acheived his goal. This race was one more step for each of us ...

Have you taken your first step?

Where in the World?

The Intrepid Traveler

She's five feet tall, weighs 100 pounds and carries a bunny named "Murphy" around in her bag everywhere she goes. Not the first image that comes to mind when one thinks of a world traveler, but that's Sharon; a Filipino-American I met through work about 5 years ago.

When we met, I was immediately impressed by how comfortable she was with herself and her older, more experienced co-workers. There wasn't a hint of inhibition or intimidation in her dealings with us; a rare quality in such a young woman. She was 22 at the time. I was intrigued to learn the circumstances that enabled her to develop such confidence. And while I don't know many details of her upbringing, I did learn that her father was a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Philippines where he met her mother and that as a family they did a good deal of traveling and exploring. Perhaps equally important in developing her ease with others is her own love for travel. Sharon is one of the most widely traveled Americans I know.

I asked her how she managed to travel so much. She said she doesn't drink or party and shares an apartment with a few friends. Traveling is a priority for her and she finds ways to make it happen. This week Sharon quit her job in order to travel around the world for the next 16 months. Here's how she did it .. in her own words.

Where in the World?

Sharon - front row, far left.

28 years old, no mortgage, no children, and no relationship. What's a girl to do? Easy, take an adventure around the world, of course! And this, is exactly what I'm about to do. For the next 16 months, I will be visiting 5 continents, catching 31 flights, seeing 30 countries, living out of 1 backpack, and having the adventure of a lifetime!

How did this evolve from a dream into a reality? The first few months involved playing Devil's Advocate with myself. Asking questions like,

Am I really going to quit my job?

How am I going to afford this?

Who'd be crazy enough to go with me?

The first part was easy. After all, it's just a job, right? It shouldn't limit or define me and I have no doubts that I will be able to find a job when I return. Some may say I'm naive but I like to think it's confidence.

As for the financial aspect, not owning a home or being in debt is a huge plus. In order to meet my goal of having $1,000/month for travel, I had to work multiple jobs (sometimes 3 at a time), in addition to giving up my social life.

As for the third question, I am fortunate enough to have a friend who is as "free-spirited" as I am. She's willing to travel until her funds are depleted, about 6 months, which means the other 10 months I will be flying solo. To some that would be awkward, dull or even intimidating, but I love it! I've met the most amazing people and had the most incredible experiences traveling by myself. Not only is it a good way to meet others, especially locals - but more importantly, it's a great way to meet and find yourself.

When I finally decided to go through with it (which took many months of going back and forth) it was time to figure out the logistics. I decided on an around- the-world ticket with American Airlines and its affiliates. I chose them because their program is based on continents visited vs. miles traveled. And, since I would be traveling back and forth between southern and northern hemispheres, I would exceed the maximum amount of mileage allotted in the mileage- based programs. So instead, I purchased a 5- continent ticket. The drawback is I had to select all of my arrival/departure points for the next 12 months in advance. Still, just because I fly into a city, doesn't mean I can't travel to adjacent countries by other modes of transportation. And trust me, local transportation is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and sometimes experience a hair-raising thrill! Although my locations are pre-selected, I do have the flexibility of changing my dates, which allows me to come and go as I please. All in all, it's a great deal and works out to about $150 per flight!

As for the journey, we're making it up as we go. Although we know the major airports we'll be flying into, the destinations and adventures that await us are unknown. It's all dependent on the people we meet and the stories they tell. Inspiration comes in many forms as long as we're open to them.

Perhaps some of my adventures will inspire you to take your own journey, check out my travel blog.

Bon Voyage!

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." Robert Frost

Ochlockonee River Multi-use Trail

OK, enough of the goals talk. It's important, but there's no need to flog a flailing filly. Let's turn our attention instead to my latest project, the Ochlockonee River Greenway. I've lived in Gadsden County, Florida for nearly 10 years and if you know anything about Gadsden County, you know it's economically and recreationally challenged. Here's a letter and proposal that I sent to my local officials asking for their support.

Wish me luck!

Dear Gadsden County Representatives:

I am a longtime resident of Gadsden County and many of my friends and other local residents I’ve spoken to over the years would love to see Gadsden County take a more active role in providing nature-based outdoor recreational opportunities – especially in the northern part of the County. We believe the Ochlockonee River is an underutilized resource and feel strongly that a trail system along the river would encourage local residents and visitors to take a more active role in its use, management, and enjoyment.

Florida Communities Trust opened the 2007 Florida Forever grant application cycle on February 23. Approximately $66 million are available this funding cycle for grants to local governments and environmental non-profit organizations to acquire land for conservation, open space and outdoor recreation purposes. The application deadline is 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on May 9 and FCT is holding a series of application workshops across the state. A copy of the FCT-4 grant application and additional information about the FCT program is available on their website at www.floridacommunitydevelopment.org/fct.

We put together the attached proposal and ask for your support and input on this project.

Sincerely,
Joy Jackson

Ochlockonee River Greenway and Multi-use Trail

INTRODUCTION

Residents of Gadsden County and the surrounding area are interested in developing a multi-use trail in Gadsden County along the Ochlockonee River from the Florida - Georgia border south to the confluence with Lake Talquin, a stretch of roughly 25 river-miles. Currently, there are very few recreational opportunities in this part
of Gadsden County and the greenway would enhance the county and state’s environmental and economic resources, by providing opportunities for bicycling, horse back riding, hiking, wildlife viewing, canoeing and kayaking and will connect other parks, cultural features, and historic sites where possible.

This section of the Ochlockonee River is already designated as the Ochlockonee River (Upper) Canoe Trail (see map this page) and is part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails, a greenway corridor along the river would increase the interest in this valuable natural resource.

In addition to serving as a recreational resource, the Ochlockonee River Greenway would be an important educational resource promoting water quality, natural resource conservation, historic restoration, and the preservation of wildlife habitat. The greenway will also be a catalyst for economic revitalization of local communities.

The Ochlockonee River runs north to south along the eastern edge of Gadsden County and serves as the dividing line between Gadsden and Leon counties. Predominantly rural in nature, Gadsden County is interspersed with small towns and a few sizeable population centers. The northern portion of the Ochlockonee River Greenway would be near the historic city of Havana which is the cultural hub of the county with many beautiful homes and gardens and an eclectic assortment of shops and restaurants. Incorporating this and other cultural resources along the trail will make it more attractive to a wide array of visitors. The southern portion of the trail would connect up to existing natural areas in the Lake Talquin State Forest, Lake Talquin State Park, and the Joe Budd Wildlife Management Area.

Most greenways incorporate a multi-purpose trail as a central spine. The trails are usually off-road, although some routes take advantage of rural roadways or downtown streets. Existing commercial zones or public use facilities with restrooms and parking areas dispersed throughout the system will serve as trail heads and rest areas.

The planning phase will include establishing funding sources, garnering greater community involvement, identifying potential trail routes, and designing use guidelines.

GOAL

The overall goal of the Ochlockonee River Greenway is to improve the quality of life for citizens and visitors of Gadsden County by:

• becoming a local environmental education resource
• expanding nature-based recreational opportunities
• stimulating renewable economic opportunities
• improving the water quality of the Ochlockonee River
• celebrating the area's historical and natural resources

OVERALL CONCEPT

The overall concept for the Ochlockonee River Greenway is to provide nature-based outdoor recreational activities along the Ochlockonee River, an Outstanding Florida Waterbody. The trail would be mostly off road, but may incorporate the existing road system when feasible in order to connect the trial to nearby communities. Ideally, when an existing road is utilized, the recreational lanes will be separated from the traffic lanes unless the road is a rural, low-volume route. The trails are designed as multi-purpose, usable for hiking, biking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. The trail has the potential to become a regional attraction.

Sections may be improved to serve as neighborhood connectors, providing access to the greenway from the population centers. Trail heads and activity centers can be dispersed throughout the system to take advantage of existing public use facilities and commercial districts. Special attention may be given to areas with unique character or historical or ecological significance.

The proposed greenway traverses lands publicly and privately owned. When in private ownership, the individual owner will determine the nature of participation. If cooperative agreements can be reached with private landowners, many of the trails will remain off-road. If this is not possible, alternative routes will be pursued. It is recommended that local communities establish protection mechanisms and incentives for the establishment of the greenways.

IMPLEMENTATION

The Ochlockonee River Greenway requires partnerships between local communities, private landowners, and governmental agencies. The Office of Greenway and Trails in concert with local residents will work to obtain funding and community support and involvement.

Priority will be given to land already owned by the Department of Environmental Protection, followed by land that is near communities that demonstrate an interest in developing this resource. Local communities will be encouraged to construct trails within their communities, such as neighborhood loops and downtown walking tours.

Initial efforts will focus on obtaining cooperative land use agreements, increasing public awareness, and trail design and development. Later, activities may focus on event programming, volunteer projects, and increased watershed protection.

Community meetings, local news articles, public education and discussion will all be needed throughout the process to obtain public support. A committee may be formed to spearhead outreach activities and focus community interests and would incorporate a cross section of community interests.

Local Support and Commitment

Implementation of this plan will require a solid base of community support that understands the benefits of greenways and trails. Tours of proposed routes, maps published in local papers, displays at local events, school activities, speaking engagements, meetings with business and political leaders, and public opinion surveys and are all ways of gaining public support.

Priorities

Thorough property research is needed for each proposed parcel of land along the 25-mile stretch of the trail. Owners need to be identified and approached to determine their interest in the project. Historic and natural features along the trail need to be documented. This research can also be used as a basis for school activities or community group outings. Finally, the proposed trail must be compatible with ecological, recreational, and historical resources in the area.

Priorities will likely be based on ownership of land and trail connectivity. Sections of the greenway in public ownership are the easiest to implement and can be used as pilot projects to demonstrate the benefits of greenways. Pilot projects also are an effective public awareness tool. Specific developments to enhance the usability of the trail such as trailhead parking or a commercial establishment to sell refreshments or fishing bait may also be strategic priorities. The plan to establish a multi-use trail is ambitious yet achievable. Its realization will depend upon a collaborative effort between private landowners, citizens and officials.

Together, we can make it happen!

For more information or to volunteer for this project, contact:

Joy Jackson
Email: thegreenglobe@mail2world.com

Robin Turner, Regional Coordinator
FDEP, Office of Greenways and Trails
Phone (850) 245-2052, Toll Free 877-822-5208, Fax (850) 245-2082
Email: robin.turner@dep.state.fl.us
Visit the web: FDEP, Office of Greenways and Trails

Further reading:

Ochlockonee River. Collaboration between Tall Timbers Research, Inc, The Georgia Conservancy and The Conservation Fund. This publication is a stunning portrait of the river, its history, natural resources, and the need for its conservation.

Economic Impacts of Protecting Rivers, Trails and Greenway Corridors: A Resource Book. Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance Program, National Park Service, Washington, D.C. 1990. Outlines the many economic benefits of greenway creation, from increased property values, recreational opportunities, tourism, and quality of life, to reduced public spending on infrastructure, hazard mitigation, and pollution control.

First Quarter Earnings

First Quarter Earnings

April 1 is the beginning of the second quarter of 2007. If you have a retirement account or some other investment, you will soon be receiving your Quarterly Statement telling you how your investment performed during the first three months of the year. If we valued our time as much as our money, we might track our personal performance as meticulously as investors track our financial performance.

With that in mind, I encourage you to take a few minutes to review the goals you outlined for yourself at the beginning or 2007. How would you rate your personal performance? Have you had a 'four star' quarter? Has your net income increased? Has your BMI (Body Mass Index) decreased? Are you on track for improved relationship performance? Is there an increased demand for your goods and services? If you did your homework at the beginning of the year, your goals would be clear and measurable and you'd be able to readily answer these questions. If on the other hand, you vaguely thought about what you'd like to do, you may not know whether you're headed for a banner year or a mediocre one.

This is a great time to reassess 'your portfolio' and if you're not happy with last quarter's performance, recapture your motivation and outline the specific steps you need to take to get you moving in the right direction.

A Winning Team

I don't know about you, but I hate asking for directions. I've asked myself what this is about... Is it that I relish the challenge of using a map and my wits to get me where I need to go? Is it a pioneering spirit? Or, do I simply not want to appear incompetent? It's probably some mix of all of these. And while asking for directions may not give you heartburn, you may have difficulty asking for help in some other way - and if we're not careful, our desire to be completely self-reliant, can hinder more than it helps us.

After all, athletes at the top of their game get help from others. Tiger Woods has a coach, Lance Armstrong had teammates, and NBA and NFL teams have cheerleaders. If these incredible athletes rely on others for their success, what makes us think it's better if we do it on our own?

A coach can be a friend, mentor, or professional life coach - anyone who keeps us focused on our goals and the bigger picture. If your goal is fitness, consider hiring a personal trainer. Even if you've worked out for years, the greater level of accountability is worth the investment.

Teammates are those who bring a particular interest to the achievement of a goal. Using the fitness example, seek out co-workers and others who enjoy working-out. Ask about their progress and their routine or invite them to be your work-out partner. Not only will the accountability help keep you both motivated, you may find it's more fun. Just make sure you stay focused on your goal; if they lose interest, you need to be ready to fly solo until you can find another partner.

Cheerleaders are those who are always positive and encouraging. They believe in us even when we doubt ourselves and can be especially valuable when we've suffered a set- back.

Call to Action! Invite your biggest cheerleader to lunch this week (preferably somewhere healthy if fitness is your goal!). It should be someone who energizes you and makes you feel as though anything is possible.

In the next issue where you'll hear from an incredible young woman who is about to embark on an incredible journey.

"Sports do not build character. They reveal it." John Wooden, American Basketball Coach

Endings

Three of my friends are graduating this semester and I asked them to write about their experiences. All of them are women who, after working for many years, decided to return to school. In spite of their initial trepidation - whether it was the financial uncertainty or doubts about their determination and abilities - they faced their fears, plunged ahead, and have done exceedingly well. Perhaps you'll find inspiration or a little of yourself in each of their stories.

I admire these women for their courage and tenacity and appreciate them taking the time out of their insane schedules to share their experiences. I wish them many exciting beginnings as this chapter nears a close.

Language of Love

Susan Jackson, B.A. Honors Linguistics, Concordia University

I am a return-student to university. Every time I think of this, it stirs up a mixed bag of excitement and trepidation in my gut. We label ourselves, or we are coerced into doing so, and this one is mine for the time being. I have decided to don it with the pride of a Girl Guide. A 39 year old Girl Guide, without the cookies.

I threw myself into this endeavor when my corporate job and I began developing a mutual dislike for one another and I found myself wondering what I would have done if I could go back and start again. Several interests came to mind, so I literally just chose one, enrolled in an introductory class and bit my nails through the next few courses. I feared that by taking on a whole degree in linguistics, I was being capricious about my future and wasting my time. I am now a few weeks away from finishing a degree and I can't imagine what I was so afraid of.

Receiving the piece of paper at the end will be exhilarating however I have discovered many other side benefits. I have discovered a braver and more tenacious side of myself that I'd forgotten I had. I have also discovered that the widening of the world has an exponential effect on the widening of one's drive to dig deeper. I have found a fertile curiosity in myself to uncover as much of this world as I can, however small; through chance, initiative, deliberation and passion. Knowledge is power and gives you leverage. But it is also pure delight.

Helping Hands

Shawn McGee, B.S. Nursing, University of New Mexico

Anyone remember that old Talking Heads song, where Thomas Dolby asks, "How did I get here? This is not my life!" About 5 years ago I sat in an old Lower Manhattan office where I was regularly putting in 60-70 hours weekly feeling like I could have written that song. When I finished school the first time, I couldn't find my dream job in journalism so I settled for a decent paying corporate job until the right one arrived or I returned to school. Somehow 5 years later, nothing much had changed except my increasingly demanding work that did little for me besides build my bank account and leave me feeling a little hollow. How could this happen to the person who always planned to make the world a better place? I figured I had two choices: I could head into a deep, self-pitying state of depression or I could pursue my wildest dreams. Tough decision, I know. So I bought a plane ticket to the nearest tropical island, took a week off, and meditated and planned until I was completely clear on what I wanted to do and how to do it. I knew 2 things for certain: I wanted to be a nurse and I wanted to live in New Mexico near the mountains so I could go running in them each day. After that trip I saved every penny for about 2 years and packed my bags.

Interestingly, things were a little different than I imagined. I harbored fears that I may be in over my head. I mean, I gave up a very stable job and I was not exactly a wiz in math or science. The only thing I had was determination. Turned out, that was all I needed. While there were a few classes during my 3 year academic journey that I had to really put effort into, most were just a matter of applying the right amount of time to my studies. The things I have learned have been fascinating and rewarding on so many levels beyond what I could have ever imagined. As a side note, it was also interesting to find that all of the returning students did better than the younger students in every class.

Next month I will complete the program. It's so funny to think that I have been studying the last 3 years; it seems to have slipped by too quickly for that. My next goal is to work a few years before returning for my Master's degree. Sometimes I smile when I look back on my youth remembering when I wanted to do nursing then. I didn't because I lacked the determination and confidence. At this point, I realize those are some of the essential keys to happiness in my life.

Protector of the Planet

Cynthia Brown, M.S. Environmental Management, University of Maryland

After being urged, for at least 10 years, by colleagues and friends to go back to school, it has been one of the best things I've ever done. My only wish is that I'd done it sooner! My only real concern was the high cost. In spite of this, I took the "plunge" and never looked back!

I never had any doubt that I would be successful since learning has always been, and continues to be, an arena in which I excel. Along the way, I received a couple of President's Awards for outstanding scholarship and it's always a pleasant surprise when the professor holds up one's work as an example to the class.

The main reasons why this has been one of the best things I've done is:

* It is an area in which I excel.
* I have met people from all over the world.
* I LOVE LEARNING SO MUCH!

Although writing thesis-type papers every semester (some times 2 at a time) has gotten me very weary of that particular task, I know I will miss the wonderful, challenging learning experience once I graduate. I only hope I can find work that is as stimulating and interesting!

Adventure Racing

I have many goals for myself this year; one of them is to compete in an Adventure Race. This is something I’ve wanted to do for years, but part of the problem (or at least one of my excuses) has been the fact that adventure races are team events. And while I have friends who are interested, finding ones who will actually train and follow through is another matter altogether. So, a few weeks ago, I began searching the Internet for races and race organizations in my area.

Swamp Stomp

That’s where I found the West Central Florida Adventure Racing Club (WeCeFAR) – the same group that’s sponsoring the Adventure Camp I mentioned in the last issue. I logged onto their message board and was reading about their activities when I came across a guy who was looking for a teammate for an upcoming race, the Swamp Stomp. His message said that he was just interested in participating, not winning. I thought that sounded perfect, so without knowing a thing more about it, I replied that I was interested. I got a message from one of the race organizers saying that particular person already found a teammate, but there was a three-woman team that needed another woman and asked if I would I be interested. I wrote back, “Absolutely!”

The leader of the team, No Mans Land, wrote me and asked about my adventure race experience. Rather than telling her, "Um.. well.. actually.. none." I emphasized my positive qualities, "I’m a good team player, I’m calm under pressure, I’m comfortable in the outdoors, I’m active and in decent shape." She wrote that while those qualities are important, you need more than that to get through a 30-hour adventure race.

30 HOURS!!??

Let me clarify, 30 hours is the cut-off time. That’s the time in which competitive teams should be able to complete the race. Others, if they finish at all, may take longer, much longer. Gulp. I’m pretty sure I can do any one of those things for 10 hours, but all three, back to back, through the night, without any sleep, through a swamp, with three people I've never laid eyes on, and with only the items I’m able to carry on my back??

Now, any sane person would’ve stopped right there. Can you guess what I did? Uh huh. I went on to convince her that even though I’d never even done a 2-hour sprint race, I could handle 10 hours of trekking, followed by 10 hours of canoeing, followed immediately by 10 hours of off-road biking or some combination thereof. I’ve since read that you start training up to four months in advance for a race of this length. This one is less than three weeks away.

I’ve been trying to rationalize my decision. I’ve tried convincing myself that if I get through this race, shorter races will be a piece of cake. Or that doing this one takes all the pressure off “winning” and puts it firmly into the “let’s pray I can get through this” category. I’ve even tried measuring it against the absolute worse things I’ve been through. It doesn't matter now, I’m committed (or certainly should be).

Unsuspecting Training Partner

A friend and I went hiking this past weekend. Until just a few minutes ago when she read the preceding article, she didn’t know about the Swamp Stomp or that I was using our hike as “training”. As far as she knew, we were just out for a leisurely 6-mile hike to Shepherd Spring in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge -- and it started out that way. But, as often happens with this particular friend, we went astray. Either we’re both directionally challenged or we talk so much that we fail to notice where we’re going. This time, we were hiking at a brisk pace when I noticed a bench with an arrow pointing to the right indicating “Trail”. What I failed to notice was the arrow pointing in the opposite direction that said “Spring”. At the time I found it odd that the bench read "Trail Spring" rather than "Spring Trail", but I ignored my instinct and apparently so did my friend because she told me later she thought all along it was the other direction.

It worked out fine for me because it meant more time on my feet. I'd read that the number one reason people have to drop out of adventure races is not from a serious injury or exhaustion, but from their feet staying wet for long periods and eventually becoming blistered and infected. It just so happened, the trail had lots of shallow pools with very chilly water in which to get and keep our feet wet. I had on my Salomon amphibious shoes that worked so well for me while trekking in Thailand a few years ago and thinking that my shoes would drain faster without socks, I removed them. Big mistake. I ended up with more than a half dozen blisters. Always looking for the silver lining, I told myself it was better to find out now than during the race.

After hiking for a few hours, my friend insisted we turn around. We made it back to the bench, saw the arrow pointing toward the spring, and went in that direction. We relaxed for a few minutes at the spring and made it back to our vehicle just as it was getting dark. It turns out we hiked/trained about 10 miles that day .. wet shoes, blisters, and all.

"If you're never scared or embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take any chances." - Julia Sorel

Welcome 2007!

I hope your year is off to a fantastic start. If you made resolutions, I hope you are making progress toward acheiving each and every one of them. If you're having trouble getting or staying motivated, it might be because resolutions tend to be negative statements: I will quit..., I will lose..., I will not... rather than positive affirmations: I can..., I have..., I do...

This may seem obvious, but our thoughts are powerful little buggers and our subconscious mind doesn't have the good sense to discern between the junk we tell ourselves - "I can't do that", "I'm not smart enough", That's way too hard" and the juicy bits - "I'm completely capable of doing anything I set out to do", "I am happy with who I am", I am getting better every day and in every way".

To be honest, only in the past month have I made a "conscious" effort to practice positive affirmations. I have, however, always tried to keep from giving myself negative messages. I try not to put myself down, even in jest. Just like a small stream that over time erodes a valley through a mountain range, negative self-talk erodes our self-confidence and sense of self-worth.

I encourage you to pause for a few minutes while you're reading this and think about areas in your life where you're struggling. Try to focus on the three areas (there must be some reason why we always pick three...) that are currently giving you the most trouble. It might be your finances, your appearance, your health, your self-confidence or whatever, but take 5 or 10 minutes to think about the areas you most want to improve. An example of a powerful affirmation might sound something like this, "I feel great now that I am at my ideal weight of 120 lbs."

Then, take some sticky notes, index cards, or gum wrappers and write out an affirmation for each area. Just one for each area. You might even want to make two copies, especially if you chew a lot of gum. Keep one in your car and the other on your nightstand or in the bathroom - somewhere where you have a few minutes each day of quiet time to yourself. Read the cards over several times and if you can, say them out loud. Try to do this at least twice a day - preferably more. If you can only manage twice a day, then try to do it first thing in the morning and last thing at night. Be consistent and don't worry about whether it's working or not. Even if it doesn't, what've you got to lose?

Looking for a Few Good...

Q: What makes you sweat and moan, keeps you up at night, makes you sigh with exhaustion and cry with relief and typically involves other people? (Uh huh, I thought so. Shame on you!)

A: Adventure racing, of course!

Q: What exactly is an adventure race?

A: It is a multi-sport, outdoor challenge that typically incorporates running/trekking, off-road biking, paddling, orienteering, and ropes work.

Q: Is it the same as an eco-challenge?

A: The “Eco-challenge” race you may have heard about or watched on television is just one example of an adventure race.

While most adventure races incorporate running/trekking, off-road biking, paddling, and orienteering (without the aid of GPS), ropes work and/or climbing, no two adventure races are exactly the same. You never know what to expect and this can be one of the most interesting aspects of the sport. Past races have included everything from horses to hang-gliding, rafts to rollerblades.

Typically and traditionally, they are team events and may require you to remain within a few hundred feet of all your teammates at all times; otherwise, you risk loosing points. The team dynamic can be the most challenging and rewarding aspect of the race – especially for athletes who are used to winning or losing based solely on their own efforts. You may have heard the expression that you're only a strong as your weakest link and this is certainly true for adventure racing. Races can range in length from 2 hours to 11 days although most are somewhere in between; generally, the longer the event the more skills required.

Adventure races are also an opportunity for self- discovery. They take you out of your comfort zone and into a state of physical and mental exhaustion. In unfamiliar surroundings and situations, racers often uncover strengths and weaknesses never before encountered.

If you want to get your feet wet (and probably much more), the West Central Florida Adventure Racing Club (WeCeFAR) is hosting an Adventure Racing Camp February 3 & 4, 2007, in the Withlacoochee State Forest outside of Brooksville, Florida. Not only will you learn about canoeing/kayaking, mountain biking, trail running, map and compass navigation, teamwork and crisis management, race nutrition and equipment, but you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a “mini” adventure race where the emphasis will be on learning rather than competing. (I'm planning to attend, so if anyone is interested in car-pooling, get in touch and we'll work out the details.)

If you enjoy mountain biking (or off-road riding as it should be called in Florida since we have no mountains), hiking, kayaking and/or canoeing, you would probably enjoy adventure racing. Even if you are not in it to win (and many aren't), the challenge and camaraderie is worth the sweaty brows, the moans of exhaustion, the sleepless nights, the sighs of relief, and the tears of joy.