Whole Hearted Parenting

Worry: The Real Enemy
by Steve Goodier

What does it mean to worry? The Latin concept of worry describes a turbulent force within a
person. Worry is a heart and mind in turmoil.

The ancient Greeks thought of worry as something that tears a person in two and drags that person
in opposite directions. It is like opposing forces in deadly conflict within the very being of the
individual.

The word "worry" itself comes from an old Anglo-Saxon term meaning to choke, or strangle, and
that is exactly what it does - it chokes the joy of living wage right out of its victim. And it chokes off
the energy to improve one's condition.

There is a place for healthy concern, but too often our concern turns into fearful worry. And worry,
more than the problem, becomes our real enemy.

Some people have worried for so long that they have become good at it. Just as we can become
good at any attitude or behavior if we practice it enough, we can also become good at worrying.
Worry is habit - a habitual response to life's problems.

I rather like the attitude of the late United Methodist Bishop Welch. When he reached the age of
101, he was asked if he didn't think a lot about dying. With a twinkle in his eye, he replied, "Not at
all! When was the last time you heard of a Methodist bishop dying at 101?" Maybe one reason for
his longevity is that he never developed the habit of worry.

Next time you feel yourself worrying, be like the frogs - they eat what bugs them. Decide to no
longer practice needless worry and instead practice peace. Replace your habit of fearful worry with
the habit of courageous action. As Harvey Mackey has said, "Good habits are as addictive as bad
habits and a lot more rewarding." Practice joy. Practice faith. And practice courage. Soon your life
will be too rich and full for worry.

Read more about Steve Goodier at http://www.lifesupportsystem.com

At Whole Hearted Parenting

Creating a Fun, Cooperative Summer! E-Book on Sale

I really loved your e-book, and I especially love the back section on redirecting. I

could always use those

tips! My daughters and I are already planning on taking a

piece of our backyard to create a reading/butterfly

area...It'll take a while to plan and

execute, but we are very excited about it."...Kathy C.

Bookstore has resources for parents and teachers,
including cookbooks for kids! Great way to cook together,
teach children about nutrition and create family meals.

2007 - 2008 Broward County School Calendar

The month of August is National Family Meal Month. One of the most unifying family rituals is the
family meal. On June 4th, Time Magazine reported that "studies show that the more often
families eat together, the less likely kids are to smoke, drink, do drugs, get depressed, develop
eating disorders and consider suicide, and the more likely they are to do well in school, delay
having sex, eat their vegetables, learn big words and know which fork to use." The more
connected we are with our children, the more effective we are as parents. The more connected a
child is with his family, the more solid is his foundation. Put family meal time on your schedule as
we begin the 2007-2008 school year.

Enjoy the remaining days of summer. Take time to relax, to connect, and to eat together as a
family. I am taking time off, too. Weekly Parenting News will begin again in September.

Wishing you well --

Maggie

Nick Deysher's positive energy and love of music are clear, and his
biography is impressive. In 2001, Nick released his first children's
album, One Man Band. By blending a variety of musical styles and
genres with themes that spark children's interest, One Man Band
became an instant success. Nick released In The Nick of Time in
2003 to rave reviews. In 2005 Nick moved to Coconut Grove,
Florida, to pursue his master's degree in Media Writing and Studio
Music Production at the University of Miami. As one of only two
people accepted into the program, Nick honed his skills as a composer
and producer. In the spring of 2006, Nick was honored by the
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences with the Fred Rogers
Memorial Scholarship. With their mentorship Nick plans to take his
music worldwide, and hopes to achieve his dream of writing for
children's television. You can catch Nick working on his upcoming
release Coconut Groove or teaching at the Arts Academy of
Hollywood. Read more at www.inthenickoftimemusic.com.

Live Teleseminars:
Dial in From Home
No Babysitters and No Driving
You Keep the Presentation
Time for Discussion

(1) Effectively Handling Whining
Would You Like a Little Cheese with that Whine?
August 23rd from 9:00 - 10:30 PM

(2) Making Life Smooth
Creating Family Rituals and Routines
August 28th from 9:00 - 10:30 PM

Cl ick Here for More!

Hello Parents and Teachers --
With teachers in Broward County going back to
school next week and students returning to school
the week after, summer is winding to a close. This
has been a busy and fun summer for us. Beginning
with the introduction of the Be Safe! program for A
Child is Missing into Volusia County in June to
completing my teacher training for the Loving
Yourself and Others course this month, we have
accomplished a lot. With trips to the beach,
matinees, visits with friends and an upcoming trip to
Texas, we will have had lots of fun, too. I hope
your summer has been one to remember.