| It's true. We've been talking.I was heading out for a | | | | go to the river?"You don't have to ask an old river rat |
| bike ride the other day and since you were busy | | | | like me twice. Heck yeah! Let's go!So, we went to the |
| watching TV, or maybe you were shopping or working | | | | river, sat on a log and started to wonder at the crazy |
| late, or waxing the Hummer, or programming your | | | | little paw prints along the bank. Next thing you know, a |
| Blackberry, we can't remember, your inner kid asked if | | | | mink came and sat down on the same log, not three |
| they could come out with me because they were | | | | feet from us! Now, he was a stinky little bugger, being |
| bored and, frankly, a little disgusted with you.I was | | | | related to skunks and all, but boy was he a cutey."Hey, |
| flattered to be asked and looked forward to the | | | | what's with the invisible kid?""Refugee. Body's over at |
| company since I had heard that you used to be a lot | | | | TJ Maxx or something.""Whoa. Bummer, dude." The |
| of fun, so we set off for an adventure. We rode...and | | | | mink said to your inner peewee."Tell me about it."And |
| rode...and rode. We rode past meadows, and streams, | | | | we just sat for a while, watching the sunlight play over |
| and a field full of cows, three coyote, two fox snakes, | | | | the water."Want to swim?" said the mink."Nah, maybe |
| a family of painted turtles sitting on a log and finally | | | | next time. Probably should head back. This kid is the |
| under the mulberry trees, where we stopped for a | | | | only chance left for that poor body. If we don't get |
| quick sample. We agreed that being tall enough to pick | | | | back, they are liable to die right at their desk over a pile |
| the berries right off the trees was so much better than | | | | of reports and e-mails and other Matters of |
| picking the mushy ones off the sidewalk like we did | | | | Consequence. That stuff happens. Happened right |
| when we were kids.That got us to reminiscing about | | | | where I used to work. Lady just died at her desk one |
| the alley by the trees and the way we would wait for | | | | day.""Okay. Good luck to ya, kid. Sounds like you've |
| kids to ride by on their bikes over the gravel. The "rich" | | | | got your work cut out for you."As I dropped your |
| kids on the block always had money and coins would | | | | spirited half off, I echoed the mink's sentiments. "Good |
| inevitably vibrate their way out of everyone's pockets | | | | luck. Take care of yourself. Don't give up.""Thanks. I'll |
| when they hit certain rough stretches in the alley. We'd | | | | need all the luck I can get. I don't even think they realize |
| busy ourselves catching lizards, pretending not to | | | | I checked out. Maybe if I can get them to notice the |
| notice, all the while listening for the telltale jingle. Oh, | | | | sunset tonight, or the fireflies. But I worry that it's too |
| yeah! We are heading to Ono's for some penny | | | | late. There was a quarter, a quarter, on the sidewalk |
| candy! There will be Zots and candy lipstick in the | | | | the other day and they didn't even see it! Heads up |
| clubhouse tonight!And we cracked up over the time I | | | | even! I mean that is like so totally lucky. And forget |
| got grounded for a MONTH when I was young | | | | even going up on the roof to look up at the stars like |
| because I went off to the sand dunes at the end of | | | | you do, Bugs. I mean, climbing up on the roof? No way |
| my street by myself and my mom didn't think that was | | | | would they even consider it."I walked away and |
| safe. A MONTH. And EVERY day stuck. And then, | | | | prayed the kid was wrong.Need help moving from |
| my FIRST day of freedom, I was busted again (can't | | | | insight to integration and implementation of these |
| remember why) and grounded for another week.And | | | | concepts? Laura Young, M.A. is a life and business |
| then there was the time that my dad (a heating and air | | | | coach and owner of Wellspring Coaching. |
| conditioning wholesaler) nailed my bedroom window | | | | Laura specializes in working with individuals negotiating |
| shut because I always opened my window just a | | | | midlife transitions (personal and career), self-employed |
| couple inches so I could have fresh air on me while I | | | | individuals on business development strategies and high |
| slept. Okay, sure it was January in the Lake Michigan | | | | level leaders on communication and leadership |
| snow belt and we were not exactly wealthy. I | | | | skills.With over 25 years of experience working in |
| understand the poor guy wanted to heat the place | | | | personal development, Laura has written extensively |
| and still be able to send us to college someday. I really | | | | on such topics as stress management, motivation, |
| did try to keep my window closed, but I couldn't. I just | | | | finding one's life purpose, achieving life balance, |
| couldn't.So, your inner Wise One said, "Yeah, and how | | | | cultivating a healthy lifestyle and improving |
| cool is it now that we can ride like 40 miles and not | | | | communication in personal and professional |
| get grounded! We can ride ANYWHERE we want! | | | | relationships. Please visit her blogs and website to tap |
| This completely rocks! Bummer they don't make those | | | | in to her extensive resource base. |
| cherry lipsticks anymore. Those were sweet! Want to | | | | |