New Year's Resolutions

It's that time of year again - the time when most of us make a commitment to do things better (or different) in the coming year. This year, I'm writing my list on paper and putting it on the wall next to my desk as a constant reminder. I hope that, by doing so, I'll do a better job of creating the habits required to actually keep my resolutions.

Here's my list of resolutions for this year:

1. To eat healthier.
2. To exercise more.
3. To practice more, both on bass and baritone guitar.
4. To begin reording for a new CD.
5. To complete my book proposal and get it to an agent.
6. To continute to focus on reducing my debt load.
7. To be better organized.

This year, I plan to drink fewer sodas and more water. I plan to eat more salads. I intend to exercise every day, rotating between two or three different types of exercise.

This past year, I haven't spent as much time on my instruments as I'd like, and intend to change that. I've also worked toward recording a new CD for the past two years, and intend to complete the project this year.

When I began this blog a few months ago, I wrote that I had returned to a book idea, and I intend to work on that and send the proposal to an agent before the end of the year.

While my move to my new hometown slowed my debt reduction plan, it didn't kill it completely, and I will continue to focus on that this year.

I've always been what a close friend calls "organizationally challenged". It's something I have to really concentrate on to avoid being ineffective. Over the past several months I've made good strides in this area, and will continue to focus on doing better at this.

There's one other resolution, but it's rather personal. I'm only mentioning it to keep it as part of the list, albeit a hidden part.

I look forward to a happy, healthy and productive 2006. I hope the same is true for you.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah

For those celebrating today, I'd like to extend my best wishes for a wonderful - and meaningful - day. In between the opening of presents and the feast, I hope you'll take the time to think about the true meaning of the day.

I also hope you'll take the time to say a prayer for those less fortunate. There are many who will not eat today, who will not open a present, who live in shelters or cardboard boxes down by the river. Remember them, for they are your brothers and sisters.

"I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!"

Peace on earth...good will toward all...

My Letter to Santa

Dear Santa,

I did the best I could. Obviously, I haven't been perfect; if I were, I wouldn't need to be here. But I have done my level best to be as good as possible. I hope you'll agree that I've been good enough. . . good enough to deserve a present or two. So, here's my list for this year:

Give every man woman and child a home and enough to eat.

That's really all I want, because I have everything else I need - a nice home, a great job, people to love who care for me in return. And, as far as stuff goes, I've got more than enough.

I'll leave the cookies and thermos of coffee in the usual place. And some carrots for the reindeer.

The Journeys of Socrates

Dan Millman is one of my favorite Personal Growth authors. I've been reading his books for more than a decade, and think I've read just about everything except his children's books. His latest is The Journeys of Socrates, which is a prequel of sorts to his best-selling (and perhaps best-known) Way of the Peaceful Warrior and Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior.

All three of the above titles are fictionalized accounts of Dan's life and that of his most important Mentor. Unlike many of his other books, which are "guidebooks" to living a more spiritual, more fulfilling life, these are written in story form. Dan's a fine writer, and tells an excellent tale. In addition to being entertaining reads, each of them contains some excellent wisdom.

If you haven't read the Peaceful Warrior series, I recommend you start at the beginning with Way of the Peaceful Warrior, continue with Sacred Journey, and leave the book on Socrates for dessert. I highly recommend all three. In fact, I recommend you read everything the man has written. Regardless of your faith, you'll find tons of helpful advice on living a good life.

Reading Dan's Peaceful Warrior books is what gave me courage to write about my own life. As I've said before, it's not like I'm some shining example of saintly living. I've made share of mistakes, and then some. I do hope, however, that I've learned from them and used those lessons to do better moving forward. I also hope that, by being open about my own experiences, I can help others avoid some of things I've done or, perhaps, to see their own choices in a new way that will help them rise above them in a more positive way.

By the way, Dan was also an Associate Editor on Chicken Soup to Inspire the Body and Soul®, which includes my essay, A Gift of Spirit. This is the story of how an accident, which almost took my left eye, helped me better understand the spiritual essence of playing music. For information on how to order a signed copy, visit my main web site.

An Excellent Holiday Gift

Here's a gift you can give that really does keep on giving. And it's a gift that can change lives.

I just read an article about Kiva, a non-profit organization that connects givers to needy businesses in Africa. Through this organization, you can make a micro-loan - as little as $25 - to an entrepreneur in Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania. Once the loan is paid back, you can turn around and loan it to another business. This means your initial gift can help someone again and again.

The UN has been trying to promote microcredit for some time, going so far as to name 2005 the International Year of Microcredit. Unfortunately, however, most companies involved want to make a profit. And microcredit so far has been an unprofitable business, at least in Africa. Enter Kiva.

Kiva is a non-profit organization that is funded by a group of well-to-do philanthropists in the San Francisco Bay Area and neighboring Silicon Valley. Because of this, Kiva is able to let every dollar loaned through them pass directly through to the entrepreneurs. Now, how cool is that?

I hope you'll take a moment to take a look at Kiva's website. Even more, I hope you'll contribute to their efforts. What a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays.

Holidays: It's More Than Just Christmas

OK, here we are, smack dab in the middle of the holiday season. And, once again, I find myself wondering about those who attempt to force their holiday on others. Yes, Christmas is coming. And for many, it's an extremely important religious holiday, more than just a chance to get presents.

The thing is, there are other major religious celebrations going on during this time as well. And there are those who, for one reason or another, don't celebrate a "holiday" during this part of the year. So why do some feel the need to try to force others into acting as if Christmas is the only holiday and that everyone should be celebrating it?

Now, for many, if not most, it is a celebration of Christmas. But not for all. Some celebrate Hanukkah. Others celebrate Kwanzaa. Still others have already celebrated Ramadan...for an entire month! Let's not forget Solstice. Or those who have no specific winter celebration as part of their spiritual or religious path.

Here in America, we're supposed to have freedom of religion. We are not supposed to be forced into any particular religious mold. And I support this completely. It is not my right or obligation to force others to believe as I do. Neither is it the right of anyone else to tell others how to worship or what to believe. Or celebrate.

Many of our worst wars have been fought in the name of religion when, in fact, virtually every religion has a prohibition against killing. Most religions also preach tolerance of the beliefs of others.

I believe that we all need to be tolerant of other's choices in terms of spirituality and religion, as long as they're not preaching death and destruction to "non-believers". And, as you've probably already figured out (at least, if you've visited my web site), I believe that we can all live in greater harmony if we practice tolerance and respect.

Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. He was the ultimate pacifist. He taught that we should all show respect and compassion to others. Wouldn't it be wonderful if all who claim to follow him were to at least attempt to follow his teachings?

If you celebrate Christmas, I hope it is a joyful - and meaningful - day for you. But I sure won't force you to celebrate it if it isn't part of your spirituality.

Happy Holidays!