Tiger says that he is aware of the hurt and damage that he has caused and that he is sorry; and, he is asking for forgiveness.  He appears to be aware that his actions have impacted his sponsors, his family, friends, fans and the public in general in a tremendously negative way.   At one point, in the last couple of weeks, he referred to his sins, and the fact that he wasn’t perfect.  The effects of these poor choices are long reaching and potentially explosive.

       His statement calls for the need for time, privacy and a safe haven that he and his family need for healing.  News reports claim that Elin, his wife, has purchased a home on an island in Stockholm, Sweden.  This after the New York Post has reported that Tiger is being accused of paying a large sum of money to former alleged madam Michelle Braun for the services of her escorts (and some say prostitutes).   Ms. Braun allegedly claims that the services she provided through her escorts included more than just dates and sometimes included multiple girls at the same time.  He could be in  legal trouble there because prostitution is illegal; if that actually happened and it can be proven.

        All of these allegations simply imply that Tiger was living a life that was wildly out of control on a personal level.  The fact that people are making these claims and he is not denying them is horribly disappointing to many.  Tiger had the public image of a stand up guy; a guy who became a positive inspiration to many.   He had the image of a perfect family, a successful career, a role model to young people around the world…and wealth, fame and status that many only dream of achieving.   However, most of us know that putting people on a pedestal is wrong, human beings can fail. 

        Tiger and his father set up his Tiger Wood’s Foundation to give back to society.  When they began the organization it was intented to help young people discover who they are and what their skill sets are.  There is the Tiger Woods Learning Center which has after school programs that help kids explore and prepare for careers that they are interested in pursuing.  The foundation even offers scholarships to some.  This is all worthwhile and admirable.  However, it is hoped that these recent developments in Tiger’s life do not negatively impact the giving to the foundation or those who benefit from the foundation and it’s services; that would only hurt those who have come to depend on the opportunities that the foundation provides young people who are trying to reach for their dreams by achieving their goals.

        Tiger’s father Earl was instrumental in inspiring him and helping Tiger to focus his attention on achieving his goals.   When he lost his father, his Pop, you have to wonder if he lost his moral rudder.  Some say that it is possible that Tigers recent car accident was caused by a possible addiction to pain medication.  Tiger’s alledged participation with Ms. Braun’s escorts supposedly happened between 2006 and 2007.  

        Tiger Woods lost his father Earl in the Spring of 2006 and the birth of his first child, daughter Sam, was in early summer of 2007.  Knee surgery combined with these other major life changes happening at the same time could have contributed to this situation; however, ultimately no one is responsible for Tiger’s choices but, he himself.  The sad thing is that others will suffer consequences through no cause of their own.  Tiger has recently said that, he needs to focus his attention on being a better husband, father and a person.  It could be that he comes out of this whole debacle stronger, healthier and with more moral integrity than he was perceived to have had before he fell from grace.

          By moving to this home on the island of Stockholm, Sweden, that is only accessible by boat, he increases his chances of doing exactly what he said he needs to do, to become a better husband, father and a person.  They will need help as a couple to repair their marriage and they will need privacy…this home on the island should be helpful; as long as, they look at it, in that way and not as a means of running away.  

         There is going to be no easy fix.  The thing is, if there was as much promiscuity as the newspapers claim, then there are health concerns as well for everyone involved.  Testing should be manditory for each person who was sexually active with Tiger.   This  healing time will require open communication and honesty.  It may include professional help.  It should definately include a spiritual awakening, because that will help facilitate healing  in all of the areas of his life.  Tiger Woods is on a course to self-improvement…let’s wish him and his family well in their attempts to recover and heal from these difficult challenges.

       Bloggers everywhere are taking up the battle cry and trying  to create an awareness of the issue.  For anyone who has loved someone who has had to face a premature birth…they understand the struggle.  There is fear, danger, health issues…financial issues and there is bonding issues because of hospitalizations after a premature delivery.  That is if you are lucky …and the baby survives the premature birth…many do not. 

        I had a nephew named Aaron who was born weighing in at one pound & four ounces during the eighties…he lived a very short time dying from complications from a premature birth.  I know the trauma of premature birth.  It leaves a whole in the lives of those it touches.  Since that time, I have had a couple of grandchildren who were also born prematurely who have survived and thrived thanks to the medical advances that we have made in this country.  We have learned alot since my nephew was born all of those years ago.

       For many children who are born prematurely; they struggle with immediate and long term health issues.  There can be breathing problems, internal organ damage, brain damage, learning disabilities…the list goes on.  Each week of pregnancy is important…the baby is constantly developing and being born too soon puts that development at risk.  In fact, the baby’s very life is at risk when born too soon.

        Families expecting a picture perfect delivery are often under extreme stress.  Often their dream of holding their infant and feeding their infant at home in a rocking chair with friends and family coming to visit is delayed because of the special needs of a premature birth.   Holding their baby might involve reaching through the isolette with gloves on their hands while they wear hospital gowns and protective face masks.  Feeding their child may involve a tube through the stomach.  

        Elimating as many threats to the health of children born early is important.   The March of Dimes is doing their part to help families who struggle with issues resulting from premature births.  

         Please wont you help them raise money and awareness about the Fight For Preemies .

         It is a little bit like the song my husband was taught as a child, “You can’t ride in my little red wagon, the backseat’s broke and the axel’s draggin, chug, chug, chug-a-luga-lug,Second verse, same as the first, a little bit louder and a whole lot worse, You can’t ride in my little red wagon, the backseat’s broke and the axel’s draggin, chug, chug, chug-a-luga-lug, Third verse same as the first, a little bit louder and a whole lot worse”…you get the idea!   Nothing changes…it just keeps on keeping on.   The sameness just takes on a life of it’s own.

          Or…the children’s song: 

         This is the song that never ends…it could go on and on my friend, some people starting singing it not knowing what to do, and they’ll continue singing it forever just because, This is the song that never ends…it could go on and on my friend, Some people starting singing it not knowing what to do, and they’ll continue singing it forever….just because…This is the song that NEVER ENDS…………..etc.

          Those examples might be catchy at first…exciting in fact when beginning but by the third time around…you get bored, you want to move on…and yet…you feel trapped into the rhythm of it all.   You can’t seem to get it out of your head.  It is the same in life…whatever you are doing seems great for a time…but, when you feel like moving on and nothing happens to break the rhythm…you feel trapped…you get bored and frustrated.   Nothing satisfys you anymore…everything feels like deja vu….been there before and done that.   Disappointments and broken dreams seem to pile up in the corner.   How do you break out of  these patterns?  How do you set the wheels of change into motion?  How do you restart the passion and the joy in your step…build excitement about what you are doing, where you are going, and how you are getting there during the process?

         I think you must start with some brainstorming.  Grab a piece of paper and your favorite writing utensil.  Open up your mind and your heart.  Start a Wish list or a List of Dreams…these are ideas without limits.  As soon as a negative thought pops into your head…squash it like a bug.  For example…if you have ever had a desire to be something like a window washer on a high rise building (but you immediately throw that idea out because you are afraid of heights…that right there is a negative thought…put the dream down in writing…a high rise window washer) …Whatever your dream or wish is…list it.   Maybe it is a desire to be a concert pianist (and you can’t even play chopsticks yet)…list the dream/or skill.   No matter how far fetched it may seem…no matter how problematic it could be to make it happen.  Put it on the list.

         Write down every desire you’ve ever had, or still have, for your life.  Then on another piece of paper, write all of the roles, jobs, responsibilities, or tasks that you would love to get rid of in your life.  Doesn’t matter whether you really think that you can get rid of those things or expectations…or how inconvienced someone else would be if you were to get rid of those particular items…Write it down.   Matter of a fact, write down whatever it is that you feel is holding you back from reaching out and grabbing those dream items from the starry heavens. 

           Next, put the two lists side- by- side.  Do you notice any connections?  Do you see any relatable ideas, themes or items?  Can you see any connections at all?  Is there patterns to the things that hold you back…do they all go back to one area of your life that brings you unhappiness, dissatifaction, anxiety, anger, resentment or fear? 

           Next you need to grab another sheet of paper and write down any kind of practical solutions that would resolve your inability to build upon your dreams or your wish list…laying a foundation for achieving your goals in those areas.  Find ways both big and small that will start removing the obstacles from your path to regaining joy in forward and productive movement again…to feeling excitement in getting out of bed and putting your hands, your heart and your mind to work on the things that make a difference in your life.   Can you hear a melody yet, feel the rhythm, or sense a tempo beginning to come together…when you hear the harmony…it all starts to sound beautiful again.  Maybe you want to sing along…sway to the music, grab ahold of the emotion of the music and enjoy it just because it makes you smile again.

         The biggest joy stealers in life are resentment and bitterness at giving up on your goals and dreams because you don’t feel like you have permission to have them in your life.  Give yourself permission.  You may just find out that the situations and the people in your life that you feel would not support you in your quest/journey could very well find your bravery, in the pursuit of happiness and joy, inspiring.  

          Finally, seek God’s guidance from the beginning to the end of your seeking.  Ask him to remove obstacles, clear your pathway…and hit you over the head about which direction you should go.  Sometimes, we don’t ask him the right questions about his plans for our lives; we are more concerned about our own wants and desires, than we are about fulfilling our assignments or purpose.  When we are the most frustrated about our lives it is when he is readying us for change.  He has allowed us to feel dissatisfied about where we are…so that we are motivated to go through the struggle in changing our circumstances.   When we are in alignment with his purpose for us we will achieve things more easily, they will practically reveal themselves to us in a way that seems almost magical or surreal.

         Think about it; when we are comfortable, content or accepting of our lot in life…what reason under the sun do we have to change our course?  There is none.  So he allows us to feel the discomfort, the prompting in our spirit for something more…something different…something challenging…so that we feel the need to make changes.  Look to his leading…listen with all of your mind, your heart and your soul.  Don’t just look for the answers you want to hear…listen to his answer, even if it seems farfetched.   He goes before us and clears the way when we are seeking his guidance.  Our human minds often see no sensible way to make things happen, but if it is his desire for us, he makes things happen in an awe inspiring way.  Your  true satisfaction could be right around the corner from where you are standing!

         If God gave us all of the answers to our questions immediately, and, answered them the way we wanted him to…we would be right back in the same boat that we find ourselves in, day in and day out.  We have to feel stimulated, challenged, excited about the future so that we are encouraged to move forward; sometimes against difficult situations.   So the next time you feel in limbo, out of sorts and boxed in…think about when you feel that way; what is happening at that time…what would you like to see happen in your life that would open doorways to your true purpose?   Now, is there something that you want or need changed in your life?  What are you going to chose to do about it?

       Your mother is drop dead gorgeous, talented and very feminine.  Your father a one time musician who ventured into politics and was known for his conservatism.  How do you “come out”?  If you are Chastity Bono…you are outed.  Over twenty years ago that was the exact scenerio that played out in Chastity’s life and in the media.

         If you are age 45 or older, you probably remember a dainty, blonde haired angel who made appearances on the Sonny and Cher entertainment television show.  America fell in love with their only child together.  When they divorced and Cher began a romance with Greg Allman and had another child…she became a big sister to her brother.  Her father later remarried also.   How does a parent reconcile their hopes, dreams and expectations for their only child when something this drastic happens in your family?

         It got complicated.  Her father apparently took the news of Chastity’s sexual orientation better than her mother did when they were both informed.  And yet, Sonny was into politics and didn’t support same sex rights.  Still, he loved his daughter.  Cher had a hard time accepting this part of her child’s life, according to old news stories…in her words…she freaked.  Time has gone a long way towards reconciling their relationships.  Sonny is gone now…having died in a freak skiing accident in 1998. 

          Chastity has become a gay activist over the years.  But she has not been in the media in an attention seeking way.  She has tried to live a quiet life; until now that is.

           Today, the news was inundated with the news that Chastity has decided to become transgendered.  She, from this point on, chooses to live her life as a man.  She will no longer go by the name of Chastity.  She will now be known as Chaz.  Whether she will actually have a surgery meant to change her physique…is not really being clarified.

            I am more interested in the emotional and spiritual transitioning that took place for her/him to arrive at this decision.  How unhappy and disoriented does a person have to be in the body they were born with, to decide to cause such upheaval in their life both publically and privately?  Chastity’s appearance has changed over the years; does this show her inability to accept herself as she was born?  If she/he goes through with this transgendered lifestyle…will the appearance match what he/she feels inside?     I mean surgery or no surgery, to go about making an announcement to the world, that you are for the rest of your life; the second half of your life (she is near 40 years old), that you are going to live  an identity, totally opposite from the  sexual identity with which you were born.

          Cher (if she chooses to support and accept it) will now have two sons…instead of a son and a daughter.   How does a parent flip the switch in their head when they consider all that this announcement will change?   Chastity/Chaz has asked for privacy during this transitioning time.  I don’t know if the media will allow it to happen that way.    I think that they will chew on this “story” for quite some time…wanting to wring every little detail out of it that they can.

            Whether there is surgery or not…trying to change such a major portion of your life is not going to be easy.  I am sure this has taken years to get to this place…this decision.  Some reports say that many who consider themselves transgendered dont actually have surgery…still they often feel trapped in a body that is in conflict with who they feel, they were meant to be. 

              I myself am conflicted about my thoughts and feelings.  I think that people need to be able to accept themselves to be happy; and yet, my faith says homosexuality is wrong.   I’ve been taught that God doesn’t make mistakes; some people in this situation would say that they were born with the wrong body.  I have to admit, I don’t know what to believe in this area.  I do know that no matter what…those who are in this situation, are created by God.  God loves them, just as he loves all of his children.   I know too, that many gay/lesbian people struggle in life with their identity and how they fit in our society.    Often they struggle with drug/alcohol/food addictions because they dont feel comfortable in their own skins.   It is hard to feel and live differently than most of the people around you.   I know that my faith says that God loves everyone; but, he  also says that homosexuality is wrong.  

            I think that gay bashing is wrong…and people who choose to harrass anyone for any reason is wrong.  People need love and support.  Hate crimes are illegal and immoral.   Some say that gay/lesbian people are born that way…others say that they have chosen that lifestyle; that they can change it.  Others will try to say that some traumatic experience “caused” the homosexual identification.  Some say it is a way of life and they do not have to act on those feelings.   Personally, I think having a compassionate heart is important in this situation.   What do you think?

           I would hope that Chastity/Chaz is in, or has been in, counseling to sort through all of the thoughts, feelings and circumstances that will find it’s way into their life.  In my heart, I guess that I would wish a path that was less of a variance from what is considered traditional male/female roles.  I understand that no matter what…there are those on both sides of the fence pro/con gay and lesbian lifestyle who will use this story to further their cause. 

         I would caution those who do, to remember that those who struggle with their sexual identity have emotions and feelings just like everyone else…they can be vulnerable to the reactions of those around them.  Morally, I leave it between them and God to work out.   God considers homosexuality a sin according to my Bible.  Yet, even so…he says love the sinner (we all are sinners) and hate the sin. 

            The first 40 years of her life Chastity lived as a woman; albeit an unconventional woman.  The second half of her life she plans to live it as a male.  Is this truly possible without self destructing?  Spiritually, anyone on this path must search their hearts and minds to try and make sense of their identity in the world and in their relationship with the creator of Heaven and Earth.    What are your thoughts on this subject?

          If you are a person who is self-disciplined, careful, wise and tends to lean towards making good decisions with relatively positive outcomes…Congratulations!  However, if you know yourself to, more often than not,  err on the side of poor choices and impulsive decision making, which results in a negative outcome; then beware…it will destroy you.   It will destroy you;  if, you do not heed the advice, guidance, discipline and boundaries set up for you by people  who  know what they are talking about; and, who love  you & genuinely care about what happens to you!

        I know we all want to be independent.  We all want to be free to choose the path that we find ourselves on, in life; that is just a given.  However, have you ever known someone who was their own worst enemy when it came to decision making?  They may have said all of the right things about their goals, their dreams and their intentions…but, when it came right down to it…their actions did not match up to their talk. 

          Oh I know…someone reading this is thinking that it is all about maturity levels…and yes, that may be true for some.  On the other hand, I know that all too often; people destroy themselves and their goals by their thought patterns or mindset.  Some just can’t seem to help it.  Their past experiences or relationships have set them up to fail; some of them with mindblowing bells and whistles mingled with breathtaking fireworks.  When they fail, they fail big…almost in comparison to their large hopes and dreams.  It is frustrating.  Maybe their intentions were good…but when it came right down to it…they didn’t have the discipline to make it happen, or, they were trying to achieve something that was outside of their ability. 

          Perhaps, their judgement was influenced by an addiction to drugs or alcohol, by negativity, or by a fear of success/failure.  In those cases, it is important to have someone by their side who is invested in them as a person…someone who believes in them and what they are trying to accomplish.  They need to have someone on their side of the fence who is successful, skilled, goal minded…someone who they can trust.   They need an attitude of I am willing to listen and learn; and a desire to practice what I’ve been taught.

           Trust is a big issue.  If the person who is giving advice is someone who has a good track record with decision making, with success, and with their best interest at heart…they are worth listening to.  You can retrain yourself to make good decisions and to have confidence with your choices; with the end goal of achieving success.  You may need to give up a little control for a time…allow yourself to mentor or learn from someone that you admire and respect, in the areas of your life that you are trying to be successful in. 

         It is important to realize that you need to focus on overcoming the obstacles that are in your way.  Rebellion, resistence to proper guidance or instruction is often at the root of failure; people want to do things their own way.  Laziness and a poor work ethic combined with all of those negative qualities that we have already talked about will surely destroy you and your goals.  But it doesn’t have to be that way.  You can do what you set out to do.  You can make great decision with wonderful results.  You can start setting new track records by allowing yourself the opportunity to learn and grow; no one is born knowing the right thing to do, all of the time.  It takes time and experience to recognize your strengths and weaknesses.  

           Part of personal development is learning what your strengths and weaknesses are.  Learning to find ways around your weaknesses by teaming up with others who have strengths in those areas where you are lacking…building up and growing your areas of strengths.  This most certainly can be done.  You can learn to trust your decisions once you examine your values, skills and talents and personality gifts and deficets.  This is a life long test of personal courage.  Those in authority above us have to be of the strongest morals and values; and trusted in the areas of leadership.   They must be able to communicate in an encouraging and educational way to inspire and make a positive impact on those around them.  Only put yourself in the hands of someone who you can look in the eye and respect.  Authority figures are not all bad;  be open to those around you who are willing to teach you and  have your best interest at heart!

     In years past, families lived in a multi-generational home or environment.  People at different stages of life who could teach and role model life experiences to the younger generation.  That doesn’t happen for many people growing up today.  Often, youth are left to raise themselves because of cultural changes that force both parents to work outside of the home during their children’s most formative years.  They dont get the nurturing or encouragement for positive emotional and educational growth that they need; when they need it.  Instead, they often grow up without much experience with success because there isn’t a go to person on a daily basis to follow up with their scholastic challenges or social interactions.

       Working with the youth of today, it never fails to amaze me at their low levels of expectations of success.  They have hopes and dreams like everyone else; and yet, they do not believe in their ability to make those hopes and dreams come true.  Many of them are failing their classes in school; others do not have the emotional, physical, or financial support of their families.  Some don’t expect more out of life than to get a minimum wage job and some place to live.  They are discouraged, distrustful, and frustrated; in other words, they are feeling defeated even before they attempt something new.

         Finding an attitude of overcoming obstacles appears to overwhelm or paralyze many youth.  When talking to a young person that is on track and appears to have set some goals, as well as having a plan to achieve their goals; it is exciting.  That is  because they appear to know how to channel opportunities, resources, experiences, and support, to help them reach their goals.

         People would do well to remember that the youth of today are our leaders tomorrow.  They are worth an investment of our time, our energy, and our resources.  Please, find someone who can use a little encouragement and support; and be a mentor, be a friend, or become a role model that they can look up to.  You won’t regret it, they will  benefit from a little focussed, positive energy coming their way.  You will also benefit from the experience, because it helps you to view life and experiences from a different point of view…one of a compassionate nature.  You can pay it forward from someone in your past who took the time to teach you how to build up your self esteem, your knowledge, and maybe even a career/educational pathway.   How can you help?

        Get involved with the youth in a local church, agency, charity, non-profit, or organization.   Offer up an opportunity to share some of your skills, education, or financial resources to those with a solid track record of community involvement.  You know you have something of value to offer…even if it is just your time…go ahead…what are you waiting for?

         Try some of these organizations on for size:  

http://www.bbbs.org/site/c.diJKKYPLJvH/b.1539751/k.BDB6/Home.htm,

 http://www.habitat.org/youthprograms/int/default.aspx   ,    

http://www.specialolympics.org/,

http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/state.asp,

http://www.littleleague.org/Little_League_Online.htm

         The temperatures have gone from single digits to the 50 degree mark in less than a week.  All this next week, it will be warmer than normal.  This does not bode well for getting some recovery snow to at least blanket the ground with a soft white appearance for the grandchildren.  The fates are against them seeing the kind of snow of a kids dreams. 

         On the other hand, as a person who pays, and pays dearly, to warm up a big old farm house during these wintry days…I can’t be truly sad about the snow loss.    I have a secret desire to feel a tropical heatwave…shhhhhh….don’t tell my grandbabies!!!!

         Tell them your idea…answer their questions and wait to load up the cannon of impact to explode some positivity on the universe.  There is a potential for $10 million dollars to be used to implement the ideas…but you have to hurry…go to: http://www.project10tothe100.com/index.html .  There is $10 million dollars allotted to making this happen…they can divide that amount between up to five different ideas…or they could choose to support one idea.  The funding would be divided accordingly if they went with multiple ideas.

          We live in a world that is filled with need; Google just wants to make the world a better place for as many people as possible.  Do you have an idea that can help make that happen?

          Submit your ideas before October 20th, 2008.  You don’t have to have the skills to implement your idea; whether it be a humanitarian, technological,environmental,agricultural, artistic,economic,medical or any other kind of idea.  Just post your idea…answer their questions and wait and see how it will take shape if your idea is accepted as an idea of promise.  The future impact is only limited by the quality of the ideas submitted.

           Put on your thinking cap and come up with something that will make the world a better place to live in…for the most people; from now, and into infinity!  Good luck…and many blessings to those who will be impacted by the thought, the guidance, and the money.  Thank you Google for shinning a light of opportunity for the recipients of this wonderful project.

           The call is a free tele-seminar that i was asked to join, by businessman Michael Penland.  This call is for small business owners and internet marketers who want to grow their business larger and aren’t quite sure how to go about it or want to discover what they are missing.  Learning how to make extra money is never a bad thing when you are willing to work towards your goals.

            I am not a business-person.  I am a wife,mother, daughter and blogger.  I sure do wish to grow my blog; i would love for it to be bigger and better.  Michael Penland knows how to attract people who are good at what they do.  I would like to learn as much as the next person.  Michael heard about my blog and asked me to join on the call.  I am a bit nervous, as I am not sure where he will go with the short interview…there are others on the call who will have much to say; and, are very accomplished in what they do.  Let the call be an encouragement to your future; commit to the call by registering for free.

             If you have a business or website that you would like to grow…you might want to join the call tonight at 9pm eastern time.  It is free after all; and, if it helps you to discover how to make your dreams come true…then, it is worth sacrificing a little time on a tele-seminar.  Here is a link to register…there are only 200 lines open so hurry.  http://tinyurl.com/6k3tpr   Is your dream worth a little time on a call?