February 21, 2003 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

   How have you challenged yourself today?  Have you challenged yourself today?

   Each and everyone of us should be doing at least one thing every day that challenges our brain and helps us grow and develop. 

   This challenge could be as simple as learning a new vocabulary word.  For instance, do you know what the word ineluctable means?  If you don’t, you are going to have to look it up yourself because I’m not giving you the answer!

   You could challenge yourself to read and research a topic of which you have no prior knowledge.  Everyday we read or hear about a topic that we’ve never even heard of before...take the time to find out more information.

   You could challenge yourself to take a class and learn a new skill.  The new skill you develop could become a treasured hobby or even become a stepping stone in your career development.

   You could challenge yourself to discover a better, or more efficient, method for completing your routine tasks, the tasks that you don’t like doing so you might as well find a way to make them fun.

   You could challenge yourself to replace one habit that is not beneficial to your life with one that is more beneficial.

   You could challenge yourself to be kind to that annoying person who grates on your nerves whom you have to work with every day.

   You could challenge yourself to find something good within everyone you deal with every day.

   You could challenge yourself to look at the world around you from a different perspective.

   Each day provides us with endless opportunities to challenge ourselves, to learn something new, and to grow as individuals.

   How have you challenged yourself today?

Beth

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February 7, 2003 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer 

  A pebble tossed into a body of water affects the whole body of water, with ripples reaching the furthest edges.  So too, a little grain of sand dropping into a body of water affects the whole body of water, with hidden ripples spreading ever wider until reaching the edge.

   Our thoughts, actions and words are grains of sand that we are dropping into the body of water of our world around us.  Our moods influence and impact everyone we meet and interact with throughout the day.

   What ripples are you sending out into your world?  Are you sending out a good mood or a bad mood?  Are you adding to the negative ripples undulating around our world, or are you sending out positive ripples?

   By the same token, what negative moods are you (un)consciously picking up and internalizing (harmful for you) or passing on (harmful for others)?  Do you collect negative moods from everyone you see around you?

   Just as throwing a pebble into the water will not erase the ripples caused by the piece of sand, its ripples will overpower the sand’s at some point.  We need to consciously make a choice to only collect and disperse positive ripples into our world.  By doing so, we can affect the whole emotional climate of our world.

   What ripples are you sending out?

 

Beth

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January 17, 2003 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

  This is the first anniversary of The Chautauqua.  It is hard to believe that I have edited this paper for a whole year.  Time certainly does fly when you are having fun.

   This past year has been an year of change in our world.  At the global level, changes in climate, world relations and economics took place.  There are also countless predictions for the state of global conditions in the coming months, and they are not very positive.

   At the national level there were also changes - within the federal government, federal programs and climatic conditions that affected our national economy.

   Closer to home, there were changes in our communities and farming districts.  The closure of the Cheese plant in Bashaw was one event that greatly impacted our area. 

   With all the changes we have lived through in the past year, and all the changes in our world that we will probably be faced with in this new year, it is very important that we prepare ourselves for the coming events.

   We need to make sure that our mental outlook is flexible and open to the changes.  Some of us do not like change, but it is the only certainty in this life.  Resisting, or fighting, change only makes the situation more difficult to deal with, and makes us hard to live with.

   The generosity of Eastern farmers this past year with the Hay West program was a wonderful example of being open to change.  May we all be as generous to our neighbours in need, whoever and wherever they may be as our changing future emerges in the coming months.

   As I begin another year as editor of The Chautauqua I wish you all a year of personal growth, positive experiences and happiness in all that you do.  Thank you for your support in this past year and I look forward to continuing to amuse, educate and entertain you with the paper!

Beth

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January 3, 2003 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

 The future lies before you,

Like a path of freshly fallen snow.

Be careful how you tread it,

For every mark will show.

(Author Unknown)

   Here we are at the beginning of a brand new year.  While some of us worry about what the coming days and months may bring, others of us are looking forward, in eager anticipation, to the adventures that await us.

   No matter how you greet this brand new year, not one of us really knows what the coming days and months will bring.  We can speculate, guess, and predict all we want, but it will not bring us any closer to knowing than we are now.

   There are already a host of predictions flying around - predictions of a coming war, further drought conditions, outbreaks of widespread disease, and the list goes on.

   Despite the uncertainty of the future we are about to embark into, there is one thing that we can be sure of.  The only thing that we have any control or influence over is our attitude.  The attitude in which we greet this new year is probably going to determine how we  will spend the year…

   So, if you want to make a New Year’s Resolution, resolve to look at your future in a positive light.  Look forward to coming events with anticipation, not dread.  Resolve to do your best to be a positive impact on your corner of the world.

   Happy New Year!  May 2003 be the best year of your life to date!

Beth

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December 20, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

   It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

   Christmas truly is a magical, mythical time of year.  We look forward to the Christmas season with much anticipation as we relive Christmases past and dust off our old traditions, while making new ones. 

   Christmas is a time of sharing and getting together with others to celebrate the warmth and goodwill of the season.  It is a time of baking, singing, shopping, decorating, as well as parties and gift exchanges.  It is a time when everyone tries to get along with their neighbour and everyone, especially children, is on their best behaviour.

   Unfortunately, for some people, Christmas is not a season of happiness and goodwill.  For some people, this will be a season of heart break and loneliness, despair and depression, sadness and grief.  Families who have lost loved ones will have to find some way of observing the holiday and its traditions without a complete family unit.  People struggling during these challenging financial times will have hard decisions to face and sacrifices to make.  Those who are struggling with illness, their own or that of a loved one, are going to find it challenging to celebrate during this time. 

   Take a moment this Christmas season to remember those who are experiencing less fortunate circumstances than yourself, and take a moment to say a prayer for them.

    Merry Christmas!

Beth

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December 6, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

   Some things I learnt from my computer:

• Computers have feelings too.  It does not pay to get angry or upset with your computer, as the computer will just throw a temper tantrum or pout if you do, and then nothing will get done.
• Computers need a lot of praise and encouragement.  Computers work best if they are continually praised for the work they do and receive lots of positive encouragement, especially when trying out new tasks.
• Computers do things on their own schedule.  A task that only took five minutes yesterday can take hours today.  This is most noticeable when you are in a rush, doing a rush job and the computer doesn’t feel like rushing, and they do it their way!
• Computers have a sense of humour and enjoy playing.  Just when you think you are at the end of your rope and you are about to give up, your computer comes through with a well-timed joke or two.  They are pranksters too.  I can’t count the number of times my computer has hid a file on me forcing me to play hide and seek with it.  In that respect, computers often act just like little children!

Beth

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November 15, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

   Generally, I wish the people with whom I speak or see to “have a good day.”  Generally, they, in turn, respond by wishing me the same, though I have been known to receive the odd distempered grunt in response.

   The other day, just for the heck of it, I decided to wish everyone I with whom I saw or spoke to “have a great day.”   The effect of that one small change was incredible.  By changing one little word, I received all positive responses and, while some people expressed surprise at my ‘unorthodox’ greeting, I did not receive one grumpy grunt at all that day.  It is amazing how by merely changing one little word, a person’s whole attitude or perspective can change. 

   We must never underestimate the powerful effect the words we use have on others around us.  Words have the capacity to harm, to separate, to destroy, to demoralize, or to belittle.  Conversely, and to put a more positive spin on the situation, words also have the capacity to heal, to join, to uplift, to encourage, and to praise.

   More than the particular words we use, the tone we use to convey our point has an impact on others around us, as well.  A combative, or accusatory, tone is not going to win you many friends in the long run, especially if you use that tone in your greeting as you inquire as to their health.  On the other hand, a sincere friendly greeting accompanied by a genuine smile has been known to work wonders on even the sourest sourpuss. 

   As humans our automatic reaction, which is not always the best choice, is to respond to others in a similar manner to the way they approach us.  If someone shouts at you, the automatic response is to raise your voice back.  Instead, we should be approaching others with a smile and kindness.  After all, smiles and kindness are free and do not hurt anyone.  So...

   Have a GREAT day! :)

Beth

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November 1, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

   Everything happens for a reason.  We don’t need to know what that reason is (though most of us would readily admit that we really would like to know!), or even how it fits into the general scheme of our lives.  Often, when looking back at past events, we discover patterns or explanations for why events happened as they did.  Sometimes, the purpose is still hidden from us.  While going through some of the old minutes at the Library, I discovered that there were three separate opportunities when I could have applied for the librarian position in Alix during the course of my career...and I never pursued them.  In fact, I purposely rejected those opportunities, and look at where I am now.  I never applied for this position, I was offered it.  I’m very glad that things turned out as they did, as I am very happy to be working in the Alix Library.

   The timing of events is perfect.  Though we rant and rave, grumble and fume, complain and groan, events happen to us in their own sweet time.  The other day I tried to look up information for our Library When in Oman evening on the Internet.  I sat down to complete my searches...no dial tone.  For over an hour I was unable to dial up to the Internet (one of the perils of rural communities)...then suddenly it connected as if there was never a problem.  The good news, I got over an hour’s worth of studying in that I probably wouldn’t have thought to do otherwise.

   What goes around comes around.  This is such a well-worn cliché that it doesn’t really need any explanation, but for some reason, too many people still don’t take it seriously.  Smile and the world smiles with you (another cliché).  Do a good turn for someone and the goodness you displayed is returned to you.  Extend your hand in friendship, and you will find friends everywhere you go.  We all are responsible for our actions.  Let’s make sure our actions are the type that we would want to boomerang back towards us.

Beth

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October 18, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

   If you have an older version of Internet Explorer on your computer, you may have noticed that in the top right hand corner of the screen is a little globe, or world, that spins around.   This little world turns when the computer is in ‘thinking’ or ‘processing’ mode.  As long as the world continues to turn, you know that the computer is doing its thing, no matter how slow the machine works. 

   Often I reassure library patrons using the computers that as long as their world is turning everything is still working.  Amazing how patient a person can be as long as that little globe is still spinning on its axis.  It is only when that little world on the computer stops spinning prematurely that we have a problem, and then have to find a solution.

   Real life is similar to that little computer generated image.  We can patiently (though we’ll still grumble as we are human) wait out any difficulty, problem, blip or hiccup in our plans as long as our world is still revolving around its axis and around the sun.  Delays are easier to handle if we know that our world is still turning. 

   Seasons come and go, and the cycle continues.  Winter follows autumn, and spring does follow winter.  The earth turns and our lives continue along.   The crop is planted and later, the harvest is gathered in, and so the cycle continues.  While this year was bleaker than some years of the past, generally everyone was able to harvest something.  The year was not a total loss.

   Good times come and bad times come and the cycle continues.  In this season, we need to work together to ensure that that good times will return.  Everyone has a responsibility to do their part for our families, communities, nation and world.

   We are thankful that our world is still turning.  Let us cooperate with each other so that our ride on this earth is exciting and enjoyable.  

Beth

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October 4, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

   As a early riser, I often get to watch the sunrise.  On one of my last days by the lake, I looked outside and noticed that the wind was blowing furiously, the waves were rolling across the lake, and the dark clouds were filling the sky.  Basically it was a dreary looking morning with no sign of a sunrise in sight.  Or so it appeared at first…

   While looking towards the south end of the lake I noticed that the field just beyond the lake has a slight dip.  In that small dip I could see a hint of red just below the cloud bank and just above the horizon.  A sign of hope!  The sun was still rising even though I could not see it, and the evidence was found in a rather unlikely direction (as far as I know the sun still rises in the east).

   Often that is the way our lives are.  Too often, when everything seems to be falling apart, all we can see are the dark clouds of despair, the rolling waves of bitterness and we are buffeted by the strong winds of adversity and calamity.  Plans that were falling into place suddenly fall by the wayside and we can only wonder why?  Dreams and goals appear to run into a brick wall and are stalled for no obvious reason.  Things go along great, and then, no matter what you do, nothing seems to go right.  The storms of our lives are raging.

  In dark dreary times, sometimes all we need to do is turn around to see the spark of hopeful anticipation peeking out from the darkness.  The sun will emerge again as those same rough winds blow the dark clouds away.  Better times are coming our way.  Are we ready to accept and enjoy them?

Beth

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September 20, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

   Following a brief hiatus across town, for the past two weeks I have once again been vacationing by the lake side. 

   One night I sat watching the sun set over the water.  The air was still, the water was barely rippling, and there was a hush in the atmosphere.  Nothing was moving or making a sound, with even water fowl just floating along calmly.  As I watched the reddish sun slowly sink to the horizon, I admired its reflection on the water and the lovely hues it painted on the clouds in the sky.  It was a perfect moment, a moment when time seemed to freeze, allowing me to really enjoy and appreciate the heavenly display.  We all need moments like that in our lives.  Moments in which time stands still and all our worries, cares, doubts, and fears are placed on hold and forgotten for a brief span of time.  Moments in which we just sit, not moving or fretting, and just absorb the beauty in the world around us.

   The next morning, I went for an early (7:00 am) walk around the lake - going one direction and then turning around and returning the other way.  There was a light mist rising above the water and the air had that clean, cool, misty feel to it.  The conditions were so perfect, I could easily imagine the skirl of the bagpipes accompanying me as I walked.  I noticed the fall colours are starting to emerge, and the vivid red rosehips and the vibrant lavender thistle blossoms provided a colourful display along the trail.  I even found some juicy (and still edible) saskatoons to nibble on along the way.  I listened to the early morning birds sing to me, until the crows came along and commandeered the platform.  Walking along under the canopy of the trees, I realized that I had really been missing a close contact with nature in my life.  I am someone who needs water around, either to just gaze at such as the lake, or as a fountain flowing in the background, and I need trees, or at the very least, living plants around me, to restore my sense of balance and rejuvenate my soul (must be the Celtic blood in my background!). 

   Is there something in your life that you need to restore your sense of balance and calmness?  Are you taking the time to experience it?  Or, are you running full out, not taking the time for a pit stop to refuel.  Taking the time to watch the sun set, or rise, can make a difference in how you end, or begin, your day.  Taking the time to connect to something that calms and revitalizes you will have a profound effect on your daily outlook and on your interpersonal relationships.  It doesn’t even have to be a big thing.  Little consistent efforts can pay off big dividends in the future.

Beth

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September 6, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

   Recently, I have had numerous folks come up to me and express their admiration, praise and support for my newspaper and my editorials.  I would like to say THANK YOU to everyone who reads the paper and Thanks for your support and well wishes.

   What amazes me, though, is the surprise that is expressed by some of these same folks as they compliment me.  I thought it was obvious that I could produce a quality paper and write thought-provoking editorials!  Now, on the other hand, if you’ve been chatting behind my back with my former English teachers I can see why you would have cause for concern!

   On a more serious note...many people in our world, as hard as they try not to be, are very strongly influenced by the expectations, realistic or not, of the people in their lives.  They suffer from guilt, insecurity, low self-esteem and fear.  If others expect you to be something you are not, it is hard to live the life they want you to live.  No one wants to be put on a pedestal, and when you fall off (and believe me, you will)...it can really hurt.

   What dreams, skills, and projects have you put on hold or forgotten about because someone else thought that it didn’t meet their expectations for you?  How have you let the expectations of others hold you back, or paralyse you, from pursuing certain dreams?

   The only person you have to answer to is yourself.  The only person’s approval you have to obtain is that of yourself. 

    Let no feeling of discouragement prey upon you, and in the end you are sure to succeed. (Abraham Lincoln)

   If you believe that you can do it, you will be able to, despite what others may think.

Beth

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August 16, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

   Ahhhhhh….those lazy days of summer…

   Vacations are wonderful!  I am currently enjoying a wonderful holiday at the perfect spot – a luxury cabin (the owner’s description!) by a lake.  I am enjoying the ‘break’ from routine – with my final exam but a distant memory, and the anticipation of my next course still in the future – I have had the opportunity to do something different. 

   For instance, I have gone for lakeside walks, caught up on some reading, sorted some personal files, and visited with various friends.

   I attended the Beach Days events, and I plan to watch the Pony Chucks & Chariots this weekend.  I attended Meibion Llywarch, a men’s choir from Wales, at Ponoka last weekend, as well as the Cowboy Sunday activities in Mirror.

  When I feel real ambitious, I just sit and watch the sun set over the lake in the evening.  Yes, I really am taking a break, even though I am still going to work each week, and I’m thoroughly loving every moment! 

   Too often, I put something aside ‘to do someday.’  Of course, how many days and weeks and months pass before someday arrives?  Well, I had planned to use this month to catch up on all my ‘someday’ projects, but it seems like something else has come up, or I have attended a fun event instead.   It has been said that life is what happens while we make other plans.  I know that I will still get a chance to tackle a few of those ‘someday’ projects before the end of the month, but even if I don’t, I will not let it interfere with my holiday.

   For the rest of the summer, try to take a moment and just enjoy the sun (when it shines) and the green grass and the lovely flowers.  Take a moment to look at the sky and identify shapes in the clouds overhead.  Or, just sit and let the peaceful laziness of the day flow over you.  Pause and watch the sun set.  Let this summer time be an opportunity to slow down and recharge your batteries.

Beth

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August 2, 2002 Chautauqua

From the Editor's Computer

   Socrates was sitting outside the gate at Athens watching the travellers passing by on the road.   One traveller stopped and asked Socrates, “What are the people like in this city?”  Socrates replied, “What were the people like where you came from?”  The traveller proceeded to tell Socrates, in great detail, how terrible the people were.  Socrates replied, “I’m afraid the people here are the same.”  Disappointed, the traveller continued on. 

   A while later, another traveller approached Socrates and asked him the same question.  Socrates asked this traveller too, “What were the people like where you came from?”  The traveller proceeded to expound on the good natures and the caring and compassion  displayed by the people from his previous place of residence.  Socrates smiled, “You will find the people the same here.  Welcome.”

   It is sad, but true, if you are grumpy don’t be surprised if the people you meet all seem to be grumpy and out of sorts.  Fortunately the reverse is also very true...when you smile the world smiles back.

   I frequently talk to people who say that we need to do more to help the poor, the exploited, the abused, and the oppressed peoples of this world, and they generally tell me they want to do all they can to help these distant souls.  It is true, we should do something to help the less fortunate, and desiring to do so is a very admirable pursuit, BUT...it is absolutely meaningless if you do not live out your convictions right here at home.  What I find tragic is that far too many of these people I talk to are at the same ones who ‘can’t be bothered’ to take an extra minute of their time to hold the door open for the person (with arms full of something, of course) following through behind them.  They are the same people who ‘can’t be bothered’ to take a couple seconds and say ‘Thank you’ to the person behind the counter who just performed a valuable service for them.  They are the same people who ‘can’t be bothered’ to even smile at someone they see on the street, because everyone knows that all the residents around here are merely  grumpy, gossipy, complainers.

   Did you know, provided you can afford to pay the extensive fees, that there are courses and workshops offered to teach people how to perform random acts of kindness!  I’m serious!  What is our world coming to when we have to teach adults how to smile and say ‘thank you’ to a bank teller, or to let someone with only 5 items go ahead of you in a check-out line? 

   Kindness can, and should, happen anywhere and everywhere.  We should all be ’bothered’ to do what we can, where we are, to make our small corner of the world a better, happier, kinder place.  I challenge you to smile at everyone you see today, tomorrow and the next day.  In doing our own little part, the ripples of our actions will then spread out to those around us, and will even be felt by others around the world.

Beth


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