We go through life with one regular thought in mind; "right now, I am willing to sacrifice my time and my focus on what is before me, because I know that when I finish this task, life won't be so crazy and I will then have the time to sit and focus on purpose and meaning."

The problem is, that day generally never comes. On purpose, we sacrifice our lives to the things that matter least. Most of us never wake up until it is too late.

I say most of us, because there are some fortunate individuals who face a crisis early. What? Did I just say they were fortunate enough to face a crisis? Yes I did. These are people who early in their adult lives either watched a loved one pass on, suffered their own health crisis, experienced a divorce, lost a job or faced significant financial difficulties. As a result they found a desire within them to focus on purpose. They saw that the things we all think are so important are really not that important, and they grew.

Most Of Us Never Face a Major Crisis

Sadly, this doesn't happen for most of us. We may experience part of the pains mentioned above, but they don't filter deep enough into our souls for us to stop and consider them a crisis. We think it is just the way life is. Even more sad is the life that some individuals live without facing any crisis at all. They just go through life with very few challenges to stretch or try them. Truth be told, these are generally very successful people. Their successes make it even easier for them to avoid the work needed to identify purpose and create meaning. 

As a result, the thought of thinking about purpose or meaning is inconsequential. Why would they do that when everything is going well. There is enough light to see, so they can't see that it would be better if it were brighter. The lack of crisis often prevents them from really living a life on purpose until it is too late.

That Nagging Feeling

This does prevent them from feeling the pains that come from growing old. As they age, they begin to see that the trade-offs are not really giving them the ROI that they imagined receiving. They feel the pain, but they also feel unable to do something about it. I mean, what does a 50 year old man do in an economy like this, if he is unsatisfied and unfulfilled with his current circumstances. Most just turn away and from the big questions and say, "I am too old for that!"

Some questions can only be answered by you. These are questions that no one else, not even God can answer. You have to spend the time answering them for yourself. Living in these questions helps you create purpose and meaning. It helps you to see what steps you can take to be happier and what the cost will be of taking those steps. 

I am speaking about some pretty big questions. Questions like; "What do you want?" and "Why are you afraid?" These questions scare us so we ignore them, hoping they will go away. They never go away until we face them. Avoiding them feeds them and they stay with us and haunt us. They are difficult questions to answer, but they must be answered if we are to live a life of purpose and meaning. 

Where Are You?

Are you afraid of these questions, or are you asking them regularly? If you are asking them, what are you doing with your answers? 

A happy life requires you to not only ask these questions, but to also do something about them. These two activities combined represent the beginning of the pathway to purpose. When you activate your efforts in the pursuit of your promptings, you begin the path to becoming your best. That is a path that I want to always be on.

Live Today! Love Today!

Dr. Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Why Can't Every Day Be Like Christmas?

This year I decided to start the season early. I broke out the Christmas music and movies on November 1st. I was determined to really enjoy the spirit of the season and spent my time in the car listening to Christmas music and my time in front of the television watching Christmas movies. I was amazed at how connected I felt to the spirt of Christmas. I went through each day with a smile on my face and felt very little of the normal pressures you would think a father of seven children would feel.

I am a fan of both aspects of the season. I love the sacred opportunity to celebrate Jesus' birth and I love the visions of the gifts Santa Claus will bring. To me, Jesus gave us all a great gift. It is wonderful for me to be the "real" Santa and to emulate His great gift to mankind by giving great gifts to "my kind". The commercialization of Christmas actually provides me an opportunity to be "Christ like" with my giving. 

I stand all amaze at the love Jesus offers me and I love to see the wonder in the faces of my small children as they consider the magic that Santa offers on Christmas morn. Because my focus is on the birth of a Savior the giving of gifts seem like part of the story. 

I Want A Magic Carpet

As Christmas approaches, I love to ask my children what they want for Christmas. Each year, we receive some marvelous requests. It is fun for Stacy and me to make it all happen. We love the time together in the stores looking for just the right thing.

This year, Leah, our youngest child (4), held fast to a fantastic request. Each time we asked her what she wanted, she resolutely replied "a magic carpet". My first inner response was – "I am sorry, you won't be getting one of those". The more she requested it, the more I realized that she really wanted it. I had to find a way to make it happen.

During one of our shopping excursions, we wandered into the rug section. There, in front of us was a magic carpet. It was a beautiful gold and silver rug. There is no other way to describe it than to say that it looked magical. We knew we had our rug.

The Spirit of Christmas is Here For All

Finding the rug was the easy part, making it fly would be another story. Several days before Christmas I began talking about imagination and how important it is in our lives. I wanted the children to think about creating the impossible in their own lives. I wanted them to wonder how imagination works. It was my hope that they would all make the connection that a magic carpet is powered by imagination. I hoped even Leah would get the message and be content to imagine flying on her beautiful rug. 

Christmas morning finally arrived and the first gift Leah opened was her magic carpet. She let out a scream letting us know that she had received her magic carpet and immediately began to lay it out on the floor. As she sat down on her rug, our other children spontaneously, without prompting from us, gathered around Leah, each taking a hold of the carpet. They lifted her up and began to fly her around the room. The magic of imagination filled the air and the smile on Leah's face is one that I will never forget.

We Lift Each Other Up

It was a wonderful display of love and I was reminded of the story in the New Testament of the paralyzed man. He wanted to see Jesus so He could heal him, but he was too sick and feeble to move through the line. The sick man's friends arrived and lifted him up. They tore the roof off of the house where Jesus was at, and lowered him down to be healed. Jesus, touched by the display of love from the man's friends said, "your sins are forgiven you." He gave him the greatest gift, but the people were appalled and wondered how it was that Jesus could forgive sins. Jesus, perceiving their concern looked at the man and said "arise, take up thy bed and walk", and the man walked. He wanted to show the people that it was just as easy to heal spiritual problems as it was to heal physical problems. He could do both and so He did.

Leah's magic carpet ride reminded me of this story because her siblings lifted her up and gave her the transportation she needed to receive a great gift. I have often wondered who would lower me down when I need it and now I know. 

How are you regarding the great gifts you receive?

The thoughts expressed in this column are allowing me the opportunity to share with you what I value most.

How connected are you what you value most? 

Are you willing to share it with others without requiring conversion?

Each of us live a life of value. Sometimes what we value is different than what others value. This does not mean that we should forget those values. Instead we should remember them and share them. I feel most connected with you when I can be who I am without worrying if you will still like me. I am a Christian man and I believe in Christ.

Merry Christmas!

Dr. Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Life Is Busy

We were a busy family and I know our friends and family members were busy too. Sometimes they would travel great distances just to be together for a couple of hours. To them, visiting was a priority.

Now, I often wonder how they found the time to visit so often. My life is full. Every moment seems scheduled and so I tell myself that I rarely have time to sit and visit. Lately, I have noticed, that no one else seems to have time to visit either. Our lives are consumed by the demands of work and life. 

We are blessed to live in a time that enjoys so many wonderful technological advancements. All of these tools of technology were designed to give us more time, yet they seem to suck the time away from us. Many of us now connect with our friends through only a few brief lines of text. The advances in social media certainly make it possible to stay in touch, but they do not compare to the enjoyment that comes from a face-to-face meeting.

What Stands In The Way?

I recently spent some time examining my use of technology. I discovered that television shows and website browsing are activities in which I regularly engage during the times in which I could be visiting. I realized that my parents and their friends did not have access to these distractions and so, despite their busy schedules, they had time to visit. 

Their visits filled them up and created enduring relationships. The visits I have online seem to bother me. They don't fill me up, they just serve as creative distractions that allow me to avoid authentic communication. They give me the sense of open communication but leave me without the ability to grow relationships of lasting trust. At best, online communication is a shallow form of checking in. I think the majority of us long for something much deeper.

When was the last time you evaluated how you spend your time?

Do you take time to visit in your living room or on the front porch with your family and friends?

Are you forming relationships that are more than just bits of text on the screen?

I met a man the other day who cautiously admitted that he does not use a computer. I could tell that he was embarrassed by this admission and that he was worried I might think he was out of touch with the times. I actually found myself admiring his commitment.

I do not suggest that we should follow his example and eliminate the use of computers, but I do believe we need to spend a bit more of our time social networking the old fashion way;  face-to-face in a comfortable chair with all electronic distractions set into silent mode. This is how trust is fostered and relationships are built. I hope to join you in a quiet place soon.

Live Today! Love Today!

Dr. Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Good Times

As I sat in my chair and attempted to take it all in, I thought about the many things that are going on in each life. None are immune to the challenges of the day. Each one is facing some test that is different than anything they have ever faced before. We are all running to stay ahead of the challenges that life is throwing our way.

As I looked around, I did not see worry and despair on any of the faces. I saw the face of hope. That made me realize how good life is. The problems we meet make our sweet moments even sweeter because they give us perspective. We know what true joy is, because along the trail we have felt sorrow.

It's Your Choice

I am convinced that the way we experience life is a product of our own imagination. We invent it. We may not choose everything that happens to us, but we are certainly free to choose how we respond. We can be miserable if we want, or we can be happy. I choose to live after the manner of happiness. This means that I will be happy during the good times and the bad times. I choose to live that way.

Living in this way does not make the bad times go away, it just makes them bearable. No matter how successful, or happy we become, adversity will always raise its developing head. If we greet it with a smile, then it becomes one of our greatest sources of growth. If we kick at it, it can potentially consume every ounce of energy we have. 

What Do You See?

As we drove home from the graduation, we noticed the beautiful rock formations that mark the entrance to our little town. The sun was shining just right and its rays defined the rugged beauty of the rocks in a way that I don't recall ever seeing before. Stacy and I noticed it at the same moment and said, "look at that". 

I immediately thought of the numerous times I have driven through that beautiful entry without seeing its beauty. It is always there. I simply must look to see it. Sometimes, I am too busy to look and so I miss the show.

The same is true of life. The beauty is always there, we just have to look at it. When we do, a flood of happiness rolls over our life. 

Which way are you looking?

Do you see the beauty in your life, or are you being consumed by its trials?

Do you know how to be happy in the midst of adversity?

Happiness is a simple goal. It is waiting for you to take hold of it. I dare you to see things differently. Look around and see the shine that happiness puts on life. You will be surprised at how bright it is, when we live in that light.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

It feels good to voluntarily get the most out of what we have, but when it is constantly forced upon us, we can begin to feel taxed beyond our individual abilities. Sometimes that feeling of fatigue leads to doubt and fear, and those emotions can cause us to wonder if we will ever see a return to prosperity.

Life Is Good!

I believe that we will, so I live with that expectation. I refuse to give in to the shadows that these challenging times evoke. Instead, I walk in faith. I admit, that it is not always easy to do, but I just keep believing that things are going to be better soon, and act as if they will. Consequently, I am often surrounded with lots of movement in the positive direction.

Whenever I begin to feel discouraged, I pause and take inventory of the things that encourage me. All I really need to do, is to ask myself one simple question, "What encourages me?"

When I know what encourages me, I can use those experiences to bring me back to a positive outlook, even when I am faced with a discouraging situation. It is easy to get sucked in to those circumstances,  so I do not face the day without arming myself with this mindset.

I may not ever be able to eliminate everything that discourages me, but I can choose the way I will respond to the dark moments I face. A second question prepares me to shine. I simply ask, – "What will I do when I am faced with discouragement?" Knowing the answer to that question keeps me acting instead of just reacting in the moment. 

We Are In This Together

We don't always understand the fact that everyone, at one point or another, faces a discouraging moment. Sometimes we think that we are the only ones, and that we are doomed for failure. We must always remember that successful people are not people without problems; they are simply people who have learned to see beyond their problems. You and I can do the same thing.

Please take some time to ponder these two questions:

What encourages me?

What will I do when I am faced with discouragement?

Go ahead, allow yourself a few moments to consider all of the things that light up your world, then focus the rest of your day on walking in that light.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Certainty

I think the worry that we might be crazy is actually quite normal. Most of us go through life making it up as we go. None of us were really given an instruction manual and so we are largely left to ourselves to figure things out. We are constantly facing new situations that challenge and test us. Is it any wonder that we face these experiences with varying levels of uncertainty?

The more uncertain we feel, the more our sanity is tested. Somewhere along the line, we must learn how to step into the uncertain moments with certainty. The big question that comes to mind, is "how do we do become certain about things?"

The answer is not as difficult as it may seem. If we want to become more certain, then we must learn to bring with us the best parts of our past. Let me explain.

The Journey To Excellence

Imagine that you are preparing to go on a trip. You know that the airlines are now requiring a premium for each bag, so you have decided to pack light. In fact, you will only be bringing one carry-on bag.

As you examine the bag, you see that it is pretty small, and you know that you are going to have to leave a lot of things behind. You will only be able to take the best that you have with you. What would you take? I am sure as you think about this question, a vision of your favorite clothes will come into your mind. You will certainly not be bringing any of your unfavorite outfits. 

When we go on a journey, we feel most comfortable when we take with us the best that we have. The same is true when we travel along the road to excellence. Each step into excellence will require a little more from us. That requirement will often cause us to feel uncertain, but if we take a moment to pack our bag, we can load it with the best that we have. When we step forward with our best, we begin to feel certain. Our positive experiences from the past help us gain the perspective, that we can and will succeed. It really is this simple: If we fill our thoughts with the negative experiences from our past, we will feel uncertain, but if we fill them with the positive experiences from our past we will feel certain. 

This is true no matter what challenges we are facing. The more successes we enjoy, the less uncertain we feel. More often than not, success comes from stepping forward and moving our feet. It certainly doesn't come to those who sit and wait for it.

Becoming Our Best

If you are still reading this, then you are probably a lot like me. By that I mean that you are constantly striving to raise your own bar. I am sure that you possess very high levels of certainty in your life. I am also pretty sure that you still run into a wall of uncertainty every once in a while. The next time you do, I want you to get your suitcase out and ask yourselves the following questions:

What are the best parts of my past that I must bring with me?

What experiences prepared me to succeed in this new experience?

How can I become more certain?

I am sure that if you examine these questions, you will begin to see how you can make this happen. The uncertainty will only go away when you begin to step forward. The first step is always the toughest, but if you have packed your bag right, you will walk with purpose.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Tom is involved in some pretty exciting things right now and I believe in his vision. As I listened to him speak, I immediately thought of ways in which I could help him accomplish his goals. More specifically, I thought about the people I know that he could possibly leverage to move his vision forward. 

Flood of Ideas

As we discussed his project, he shared many of the different ideas that he is considering. An interesting thing happened to me while I was listening to him and sharing my thoughts around his ideas. My own ideas, related to other projects began to pop into my mind and take on different shapes. The things that I was thinking about on his behalf, were really not related to my projects, at least I would have never considered it that way, but as we spoke, I began to see how the thoughts I was having could form around the things I am working on.

This new vantage point of thinking about something completely different, began to shed light on some of the walls that I am facing in other areas. I saw things that I had not seen before. The view was amazing, and it really energized me.

What Are You Attracting

Some might see Tom and I as competitors. We see each other as virtual board members. We trust each other enough to know that our interest in helping each other is greater than our interest in profiting off of each other.

Both of us are very creative, innovative, motivative and supportive. We like to help. We spent the majority of the call talking about Tom's project, but the call did not end without him asking me – "how can I help you?" I never had to push that, and he did not push for my help. It is just something that we both do naturally, and so we enjoy spending time together.

Some of us spend a lot of time thinking about the Law of Attraction. We think that if we want something bad enough, we can think about it, and then we will manifest it. I propose a new twist on that thought. I don't think we attract what we want, I think we attract who we are, and that is much more powerful.

What kind of people are you associating with?

Do they support and inspire you?

What are you doing to help them?

You get to choose every day how you show up. You can be an energy booster, or an energy drain. I believe that the more you work at being your best, the more you will attract others who are working to be their best. The kind of people you hang around with will seriously determine the joy you feel in life. If you want great people in your life, be a great person.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

I am doing my best to stay tuned in, but I am finding it very difficult to see the positive and appreciative approach that I would like to see. It seems that no matter which way you slice it, this debate on heath care is destined to be a win-lose or a lose-lose situation. There is talk about a win-win, but it is all talk. Nobody from any of the camps is truly acting that way.

Social Justice

There is a term being thrown around right now, and quite honestly, I don't understand it. Nevertheless, I am going to do my best to explain from my own frame of reference what it means to me. I am specifically going to tie it into what is going on in my life right now. The term to which I refer is "Social Justice".

If you are a regular reader, then you are aware that I am in the middle of performing the role of Jesus in Steven Schwartz' musical production Godspell. I am finding this to be a very challenging role for many different reasons, the greatest of which is teaching the beautiful teachings of Jesus and facing the truth about my own inability to follow them. I find it especially difficult to deliver the lines about bothering with a speck in the other's eye when I have a great big plank in my own. The words are convicting me to a better life, but right now, the gap is great.

The Sheep and The Goats

One of His stories that I share, references what it will be like when He returns. He states that he will divide the people into two groups, in much the same way that a shepherd divides the sheep from the goats. The sheep represent those who kept and obeyed His teachings and the goats represent those who did not.

I am sure His followers, wanting to be sheep, wondered how they would know which side they were on. So he said to them:

"When I was hungry, you gave me food. When I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was naked and with out a home, you took me to your house and clothed me in your clothes. When I was sick and in prison, you came and gave me aid." 

Then they asked him, "when did we do all of this", and that is when he taught them the real lesson. He said:

"Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me."

He then taught that the goats would not feed the hungry, quench the thirst of those who thirsted, clothe and house the naked and homeless, or give aid to the sick or the jailed. He said that when we did not do these things for those in need, then we could not, and did not do them for Him.

Meeting The Need

Whether you follow the teachings of Jesus or not, these words are powerful. Their meaning applies in all religions, in all faiths, and in all walks of life.

Those who gave assistance did it because they willingly wanted to contribute to the greater good. They were not forced or compelled to do so. They simply had a desire to lift another. They understood that because they were given much, they too must give. They did not wait for the government to tax them or to force them to do it, they exercised their moral agency to comfort the weary and to strengthen the weak.

Those who are forced into contributing to the greater good never do it with pure intent. In fact, they are the ones who go about trying to find the loopholes and the outs. They sit around saying things like, I was given nothing, why should I give to others. They believe that their successes are strictly the result of their own personal brilliance and have nothing to do with good fortune or circumstances. In a sense, they are their own god, believing that they have the "secret" of wealth and that those who do not are lazy and unintelligent.

Sometimes, this same crowd is responsible for creating the laws that would force others to contribute to the greater good. They think that if they make everyone do it, their contribution will somehow be the fact that they got everyone to go in on it. They continually go about placing heavy burdens on the backs of others without ever lifting the load themselves. They see themselves as being above the law and not subject to it.

Where Do You Stand?

I am aligned with the belief that we must be constantly looking for ways in which we can lift the load of others. In fact, I believe that one of the greatest things we can ever do is to lift somebody to a new level. It is much more meaningful than lifting ourselves to a new level.

But we must not be ordered or commanded to do these things, because when we are, we lose the joy that comes from giving. It is wasted away by the burden we feel by being forced to do it.

We must decide to become anxiously engaged in good causes, and to do many good things from our own free will. For that is how we truly demonstrate which side we are on.

When was the last time you volunteered to help someone in need?

If you saw someone who was out of gas on the side of the road, would you stop and help or just pass by?

Are you willing to look around today and meet the needs that only you can meet?

If we were all willing to do these things, then we would not need our government to tell us how to do it. I admit that something must be done, but I would rather choose to be a part of the solution, then to be told that I am the problem. Where do you stand?

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Before we knew it, two hours had passed and we were in the middle of some serious plans for the future. The creative energy we were feeling filled us up with so many new ideas. A new vision was born and we began to discuss how we will make it happen. The combination of strengths made this project seem so fulfilling for both of us.

If You Want To Reach Your Dreams You Must Have Support

This was not a new experience for either one of us. During our 22 years of marriage, we have dreamed many things together. To be honest, we haven't just dreamed them, we have actually brought them into reality.

I love how we work so well together. There is no spirit of competition between us. We simply see the future together and then engage in making it happen. We are careful to utilize the best, that each of us has to offer. This means that we often take turns leading. 

The support we give each other is the secret to our success. There is a vetting process that we use to make sure that we are both willing to do what it will take to pursue the goal, but once we have decided, we stand together and support each other. I am so thankful to live this way. It is what makes life so good for me. 

Setting The Stage

To make sure we are aligned, we often conduct a cost / benefit analysis. This helps us make sure that we are both willing to support the dream. This process has nothing to do with money, and everything to do with the way we will be spending our time.

We want to see the potential pitfalls and risks. Once we see them, we seek to discover the worst possible scenarios. We want to know what can go wrong and if we would be ok if that actually happened. An amazing thing happens when we look at the worst possible scenario, we no longer fear it and we are able to move forward with out worrying about what could possibly go wrong. Since we know what the worst looks like we are able to avoid it. Rarely, if ever, has the worst actually happened to us.

This perspective frees our entire energy to focus on creating the results we want and living the dream we envisioned. I promise you, this really works, and it works every time.

Who breathes life into your dreams?

Are you willing to include them in all the facets of planning, even the process of imagining the worst?

What can you do today to free yourself of all negative energy and move forward?

Our aspirations are more easily attained when we align them with those who will support our efforts. To do this, we must be willing to clearly define what we want. We can't expect people to support us blindly. Shine the light on it today. You will be surprised how much light you receive back.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

I felt stunned when I received the news. My mind turned to our many interactions over the years. I thought of the good times and the bad times, the happy times and the sad times. These memories flooded my mind as I attempted to make sense of this senseless accident. It was very difficult for me to believe that this news was true. I did not want to accept it.

This Is Our Moment

My friend is gone. His time in this world is over, but you and I are still here. We cannot guarantee that we will be here beyond this moment, so we must make every moment matter.

He did not know when he left work that it would be his last moment. I am not sure if he called to tell his wife and children that he was on his way home and that he loved them. I am not sure if he lived his last day in alignment with the things that mattered most to him, or if he spent it doing the dumb things that he thought he had to do. I am sure, that like the rest of us, he thought he had a lot of time to do these things. He was wrong.

This is our moment. We cannot waste it with thoughts that another time will come. We must act now. We must learn to be the person that we dream of being. We cannot wait for someday, because it may never come.

The Meaning of Life

Life is about loving and living in the moment. We create our own individual experiences. The choices we make, shape our reality. They birth our meaningful moments. We must be anxiously engaged in becoming our very best. We can do that by standing a little taller each and every day. We must not be afraid of becoming better. We must not waste our moments engaged in non-productive activities. Even our moments of rest, can be purposefully focused on building our legacy.

Are you giving the least, to those who matter most?

Who do you love? How do they know?

What can you do to create more purpose in your life?

How can you honor the real you?

This is our moment. No matter how long we live on this planet, it will only be a moment when compared to the span of its life giving existence. Your moments will only matter to those you love. Don't ignore them, cheat them, abuse them, or deny them. Don't get caught in the thick of thin things. 

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

On Groundhog Day, we created two very special moments. One was a time honored tradition, and the other was a LOST moment.

Tag Your "IT"

For the past 12 years, we have gathered on the front lawn as a family to play Groundhog Tag on Groundhog Day. Some of you may know it as Freeze Tag. One person is "IT" and they run around and try to tag everyone else. If you are tagged, you must freeze. The only way you can become unfrozen is to have one of the other players crawl through the space between your legs and the ground. 

We have a lot of fun playing this game together. I don't know of many 17, 15 and 13 year old boys who are willing to play tag on the front lawn with their Mom and Dad and their 9, 5, and 3 year old sisters. They played and had fun. The older the boys get, the harder it is for them to make it through the legs, and it is very hard for anybody to fit through the little one's legs. 

I am thankful for this tradition and for the time we spend together doing it. Before long they will all be gone, but we will always be able to look out the front window at the lawn and remember being "IT".

Final Season of Lost

Later in the evening we all gathered around the TV to watch the Season Premiere of Lost. The start time was well after bed time for half of the family and the end time was far beyond the bed time of all of the rest of us. We stayed together for the whole show, even though we knew we could watch it on the internet the next day. 

The suspense nearly killed us, but we stuck with it. The girls fell asleep and the boys complained about the many commercial breaks. I enjoyed the breaks, because they gave us time to talk about what we were watching and what we thought would happen next.  We definitely got lost in the moment.

Taking Time Out For Family

Life is hectic, I know and feel that personally. I have come to understand that the most meaningful moments come from taking time out to be with the family. The concerns of the day will wait, and they will always be there. Our children will not wait, and they will not always be there. We must remember to pause and be with them, learn from them and love them.

I am aware that many of you reading do not have kids, but you do have a family. Family relationships are very important and you must do your best to nurture the intimate relationships that you do enjoy.

What are you doing to develop your family relationships?

How can you make the moments more memorable?

How do you want your family to remember you?

From my office, I am watching the sun go down. As it slips behind the rocky slopes of our desert hills, I get a visual reminder of how quickly the moments pass. Be present. You will never look back and say, "I wish I was gone more."

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness; it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity; it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness; it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair; we had everything before us, we had nothing before us; we were all going directly to Heaven, we were all going the other way- in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."

So begins Charles Dickens' book the Tale of Two Cities. It literally describes our day. Some right now are finding new feasts and others are suffering in old famines. Where do you find yourself?

Opportunity Of A Lifetime

I find myself seeing opportunity. I see that there are risks, but I am willing to take them. Playing safe, never inspires me. I know that living a full life requires the stomach to take risks. I cannot, no, I will not live in fear. I will not believe that it is a time to search for security or to hunker down. That is what is causing our economy to remain stagnant.

There is too much fear going around right now and prosperity is not a game for the faint of heart. Abundance only comes to those who spend their days passionately creating success. Stepping into uncertainty is the leading requirement. The openings that lead to greatness are created by taking that step. No one ever did it without taking a risk.

Of course this means that we will live through some very uncomfortable experiences, but only those who learn how to lean into the discomfort finally discover the secrets of abundance. Does anybody ever look back on life and say, "I wish I played it safe"? I don't think so. In fact, I think the risks we take, whether successful or unsuccessful, create our most memorable experiences. They are the moments that define and enlighten us. 

Safe Risk

Before taking that step, we must learn to count the cost. It is true, that no matter how prepared we are, some risks will just not pay off, and that is why we must consider the options before us. Risk is only made safe when we make wise choices. We must know what is at stake, and if we are able to stand losing it. If we cannot afford to lose the required investment, then we must never make it.

Some people decide that they can't lose anything, so they never take a risk. The never seek to push their own boundaries. I may not be able to make a million dollar investment right now, but perhaps I can make a $5,000.00 one. Risk means that we are stretching ourselves beyond our current limits. That means that we must be willing to take chances. 

Now Is The Time

Right now, I am in the middle of taking some major risks. I see the opportunities before me that will lead me to the next level. I am afraid. Simply put, thinking about what it will take for me to do what I must do, frightens me. I feel nervous and worried, but those feelings are calling me to greatness. They are the feelings that inspire me to move forward.

For the first time in a few years, I am asking myself one of my favorite questions; "what is the worst thing I could lose?" That is the question I ask before I move forward. I go over the worst case scenario and once I have a chance to stare it in the face, I am no longer afraid of it. Seeing the worst, makes me realize that it wouldn't be that bad, so I take the leap of faith required to create the opening I need.

What risks are before you?

What will happen if you take them? What will happen if you choose not to take them?

What is the worst thing you would lose if you took the chance before you? Would that really be that bad?

There is an opening. You may not be able to see it right now, but it is there. Trust yourself, and let your mind ponder your next move. The older I become, the more I believe that life is an illusion that we create. Our willingness to step forward, creates freedom, greatness and success. Our fear suppresses our very best. Don't just sit there saying it can't be done, create your opening.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548 

He is not alone. There are many who find themselves in a similar situation. Sadly, our standards a such that many of his friends are saying, "you didn't do anything wrong" and "what you said really wasn't that bad". Thankfully he is not listening and he is moving to higher ground and accepting responsibility for his individual actions. I am glad to be his friend and happy to be a part of his rehabilitation. 

Moral Discipline

All of his pain could have been avoided, if he just would have checked himself. We all value the freedom of expression, but we must never fail to exercise moral discipline.

I am fully aware, that the concept of moral discipline – self-discipline based on moral standards – is considered by many to be an archaic practice.

We live in a society that continuously embraces the thought that truth is relevant and that everyone must decide for himself or herself what is right. This prevalent posture condemns concepts such as sin and wrong as "value judgements". Consequently, self-discipline continues to erode and our society is increasingly being left to maintain order and civility by compulsion. The lack of internal control is fostering more and more opportunities for the government to gain control over us, and they are not afraid to take it. 

Legal Means

In the past, we relied on moral discipline to keep us safe from inappropriate and hurtful people and situations. Now, we are increasingly relying on a tangled set of laws to regulate behavior. Our legal system should be the last, not the first line of defense for maintaining a civilized society. The fact that we have more laws than ever, is actually a measure of how uncivilized we are becoming. Sadly the laws are failing to live up to their purpose. Does anybody really think that these new laws can replace self-discipline as a compelling means for doing what's right? 

Consider the extended and devastating worldwide economic recession. There were many sparks that contributed to this out of control flame, but the most prevalent cause was the widespread dishonest and unethical conduct in the housing and financial markets. We attempted to bail those industries out by giving them money, and we establishing stronger regulations. Is that working out the way anybody hoped it would?

Our freedoms are being diminished on a daily basis and our answer continues to be to create more regulations. That is not going to work, because as soon as we create the new regulations, new industries are born to find the loop holes and work arounds. Simply put, we cannot enforce the laws we have now. What makes us think more laws will help us overcome this blithe.

What's The Answer?

I do not believe in complaining for the sake of complaining, nor do I believe it is fair to post a rant without proposing at least one suggestion for a resolution. So here you go.

We need to recalibrate our internal compasses. We must turn our focus toward the rediscovery of self-discipline and the reestablishment of higher standards. We cannot allow ourselves to continue to believe that there is no such thing as sin.

Sin is real. I say that from a moral point of view and not a religious point of view. Editorial writers at the Wall Street Journal once observed:

“Sin isn’t something that many people, including most churches, have spent much time talking about or worrying about through the years of the [sexual] revolution. But we will say this for sin: it at least offered a frame of reference for personal behavior. When the frame was dismantled, guilt wasn’t the only thing that fell away; we also lost the guidewire of personal responsibility.

“The United States has a drug problem and a high-school-sex problem and a welfare problem and an AIDS problem and a rape problem. None of this will go away until more people in positions of responsibility are willing to come forward and explain, in frankly moral terms, that some of the things that people do nowadays are wrong” (“The Joy of What?” Wall Street Journal, Dec. 12, 1991, A14).

Standing Up

This is what I stand for. I am willing to stick my neck out and say that we must begin to seek a more virtuous way of living. We need to deny ourselves those activities that provide us with momentary feelings of pleasure so that we may model the way and enjoy the lasting feelings of peace and joy. We must reject the trash that is being pressed upon as entertainment. We must refuse to believe that "if if feels good we should do it" and realize that true happiness can only be found through principle centered living. 

I promise to raise the bar on my own individual behavior. I promise to speak appropriately at all times. I promise to be honest in my dealings with others. I promise to monitor the content that I personally see and that I allow into my home. I promise to do this without judging others. I promise to continue to believe that the world can be a better place. I hope you will join me.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Sometimes, I ask questions to which I already know the answer. I do this, because I want to see what other people know without influencing them. I don't want my thoughts to limit their thinking. I just want to know what they think. It helps me understand them better. It helps them become accountable for the work we are doing together.

I Am Not Looking For Theories

When I ask questions of you, I am not looking for theories. I have studied the theories, now I am learning how to apply them to my life. My questions an invitation for you to think with me. I want to know what you are thinking. I want to know how your thoughts might differ from mine. Your thoughts help me to grow. I find it very valuable when you tell me what you are seeing, and how you are applying your learnings to your life. 

The Most Powerful Question

I consider the single most important question I have discovered in all of my academic and applied learning opportunities to be: "What is my contribution to the problem? I deem it especially empowering because its answer, is the only thing I can change. I cannot change the contributions others are making. I can only change what I am doing. 

The answer to this question helps me clarify what I need to do to grow, and it helps me create an agenda for my own success. Because I am examining myself, I can make things happen. In other words, I am empowered to do what must be done, and to be who I must become. 

That question is much more powerful than asking, "why is this happening to me?" I call this question the "victim question", because it does not require me to take responsibility for my own actions or feelings. It really prevents me from acting, and renders me to a state, where I am constantly being acted upon. As a result, I feel helpless and unable to grow.

What Are Your Questions?

I really enjoy the reflective opportunities I create by posting to blog every day. The daily questions that I ask, remind me that this is not my opportunity to preach to you, or to tell you what to do. I simply seek to share my questions with you, believing that because I am asking them, I will discover my own answers. I realize that my answers will not always be meaningful to you, but that doesn't stop me from thinking that the questions will be. I like the thought of that.

How do questions help you when you find yourself up against a road block?

What questions do you use to inspire your individual growth?

The conundrums that puzzle my puzzler continue to offer me the greatest potential for individual growth. I cannot imagine going through life with asking these amazing questions of self-discovery. They continue to focus me on the discovery of meaning and purpose in my life. That is why I ask so many of them. They have a way of making life better. What do you think about questions?

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

I happily agreed, but I was a bit concerned. The team is struggling and was still looking for its first victory, which is something new for both John and the coach. This is their third season together, and they were undefeated in the previous two. The team is made up of some very talented players, but they are still learning how to play together as a team.

What Are You Good At?

I had attended all of the games, so I had formed some opinions about the players. Despite that fact, I had never met any of them. I didn't even know many of their names.

I wanted to get to know them, so before the game, I took each young man aside and I asked him to tell me about his strengths on the court. It was fun to watch their faces as they told me where and how they like to play. These were magic moments. I pushed my opinions aside, and decided to agree with each one and to reinforce their belief by saying something like, "Yes, I can see that, this is where and how I want you to play today, and I am going to make sure that we get you the ball."

Then, I brought the whole team together and I voiced the strengths of each individual. I told them that we were going to play to the strengths of the team. I told them how each player would contribute and what I wanted them to do while they were on the court.

A Different Team

They looked like a different team. They played with purpose and they began to mesh their talents together. In our huddles we talked about what was going on and what they were seeing. We also talked about how each one was doing in their role and made the needed adjustments. It was fun to hear them talk about the experience. They were having fun and we were staying even.

With 1.3 seconds to go, we were down by one point.  One of the boys was fouled and put on the Free Throw line. Here was our chance to win the game. This was a very nerve wracking situation. The young man missed the first shot. Instead of being upset or dejected, his team members, both on and off the court, rallied to encourage him. He stepped to line and made the tying shot. They then went on to win the game in overtime. It was an exciting and dramatic day.

Your Team

I really don't know much about basketball, but I do know a little bit about coaching and building teams. I relied on this knowledge to help me in this experience. When the game was over, I reflected on the steps that led to this victory. They are the same steps that lead to victory in the work teams I help.

1. Give everyone an opportunity to do what they do best.
2. Communicate roles clearly to each individual.
3. Empower each individual by communicating his or her role to the team.
4. In the huddles hold each member accountable by asking if they living up to their role.
5. Give positive feedback as often as possible and critical feedback only when it is absolutely necessary.
6. Model the way, by encouraging others.

These steps, do not guarantee victory. Nothing can really do that, but they do guarantee an engaged and productive team. Under these guidelines, teams learn to trust each other. As as result, they also learn to work together and to play together. This always produces better outcomes for the team and for the organization.

What steps generate the success in your team? 

What are you doing to make sure you do that more often?

It is interesting to note, that I didn't teach a single basketball related strategy or fundamental. I didn't draw up any plays or break down what the other team was doing. Instead, I focused on encouraging the team and letting them do what they do best. They responded and did their best. That made all the difference. Give it a shot. 

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

The Power of Choice

I am not sure I have it all figured out yet, but I am certain that a part of what we are watching on Lost is the power of choice, and the impact those choices have on the lives of the characters. Each episode features a decision point in the life of one of the players, and we see through their eyes the current decision and the history of their life and how it led them to make the decisions that they are making now.

I can't escape very far in the show without thinking about the impact of choices in my own life. I value the ability to choose more than any other freedom. To me it is the only real right we possess.

I find it interesting, that given the freedom to choose, I sometimes, make bad choices, wrong choices and even hurtful choices. I guess this surprises me, because, in the moment of making those choices, I do not feel like I am betraying myself or others. It just seems like I am making an appropriate choice. It is only later, when I experience the actual consequences of the choices, that I can judge their value and impact.

Proving Points

I read somewhere that good decisions come from experience, and experience comes from bad decisions. I have come to accept this as a half truth. I am aware that these moments of trial and error serve as a great wealth of wisdom, but I don't think that we must make bad decisions in order to learn how to make good ones. I think we are capable of escaping many of the blunders we voluntarily commit.

Sometimes I think we fail to recognize the impact of the good decisions we make. I believe that we learn more from the good decisions we make than we do from our poor choices. The negative ones hurt, so they stand out, but the more we strive to do right, the more capable we are of doing it. 

It is easier to make bad choices, because they don't take as much courage or integrity. Simply stated, I don't believe that poor decisions ever produced greatness. It is true that integrity, loyalty, and strength are virtues that are developed through the inner struggles each of us faces, but they are a result of the good decisions we make, and not the bad ones. They are bred by self-discipline.

Free To Choose

Our future is constantly being shaped by the choices we make. The trick is to decide how we will choose, before we are faced with the defining moment. It will not happen by chance. The power to make good choices is attained by deliberate effort.

What choices are you currently struggling with?

How can you develop greater self-discipline?

What are the choices that will lead you to greatness?

We are our greatest selves when we make our best choices. The consequences of our best choices result in an abundant, peaceful and satisfied life. I recognize that this is no easy matter, but nothing meaningful ever is.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548 

The table was delivered to the office last year. It is an impressive work of art, even when nobody is sitting around it. I am fortunate enough to see it every day that I work in the office. I marvel at the fact that not a single power tool was used to create its beauty. 

A Symbol of Love

The table is inscribed with a giant banyan tree. In the Hindu culture, the banyan tree is a symbol of unity and wish fulfillment. It certainly lives up to its symbolic nature, but to me it stands for something even greater.

Every day, when I walk into my office, I am reminded of my beautiful wife and her never ending support for my efforts. She believes in me and that great blessing inspires me to believe in myself. The work that I do is continuously stretching me and creating new opportunities to step up. Sometimes, the seeds of doubt creep in and frustrate my self-belief for a moment. When I find myself wondering if I am up to the task, I take a moment to regard this beautiful table. Every time I do so, I remember the trust and confidence Stacy places in me and I receive the energy I need to act with poise and purpose.

Seeds of Gratitude and Generosity

Remembrance prompts a sense of gratitude. The expression of a grateful heart is usually manifested through some generous act. A thankful heart is more than willing to speak a kind comment or perform an act of service. When we allow ourselves to live in the moments of gratitude, we are reminded that because we have been given much, we too must give. 

Service to others is the natural desire of an enlightened being, and these selfless acts increase our ability to love the other. They create a comfort within us that removes the fear of being passed over and the anguish of living in scarcity.

The abundant life is the result of our conscious choice to live abundantly. Yes, it it a choice we make and we must make it before it can ever be bestowed upon us. Growth is a positive function and it cannot occur when we act defensively. To truly grow, we must be open to the whisperings of the spirit. Those whisperings only come to us when we are willing to do something more than seek after our own agenda. 

What moves you to remembrance?

What evokes gratitude in your heart?

When was the last time you expanded the reaches of your generosity?

I know these are difficult times. Each day, there is bad news. We can fight against that by abandoning our selfish pursuits and meeting the needs of others. We live in abundance. There is a seat for you at our table.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Because I travel regularly, my routines need to be something I can take with me. For this reason, I became an avid runner. I can run anywhere and in every climate. Most hotels I stay in have treadmills, so in the times when safety is an issue, I can run indoors. All I need is my running shoes and I am set. 

P90X and Me

About three years ago, I decided that I wanted to become stronger. I wanted to build core and upper body strength and I knew running was not going to do that for me. I was watching TV one Saturday afternoon with my children and we came across an informercial selling P90X an exercise routine touted as the most extreme home fitness training system ever developed. 

I am always up for a good challenge, so I purchased the whole system right on the spot. It looked like I could find everything I would need in the standard hotel gym, which made it even more desirable. I ordered every thing they had to offer and committed myself to getting ripped.

By the time the materials arrived, just a week later, I had lost my enthusiasm and excitement. The box sat unopened for a month or so. Every time I saw it, "I said, I am going to do that someday". 

I Can Do Anything For 30 Seconds

The package arrived two or three months ahead of the new year and when I got serious about setting my goals, I decided again that I was going to do P90X. 

I will never forget January 2007. The magnitude of my sore muscles is very difficult to describe. I had trouble combing my hair, putting on my clothes and simply walking up and down the stairs. I couldn't do the routines. For some I was not coordinated enough, but for others I was simply not strong enough. i wanted to give up and declare defeat, but that crazy Tony Horton told me to just keep pushing the play button, so I did.

One of the routines commonly known as "the mother of all workouts" is a difficult series of jumping, leaping, squatting and lunging. Most movements are practiced for 30 seconds. At the beginning of the workout Tony welcomes you and loudly states that he can do anything for 30 seconds. 

That didn't sound too hard, so I followed the routine. I quickly discovered that 30 seconds is much longer than I previously believed. I stuck with it though, and I soon I was able to finish it with no problem. About a month into the 90 day program, I realized that I was actually stringing several 30 second blasts together and turning them into a very intense one hour workout.

How Are You Spending Your Time?

That is when it hit me. It all started with a commitment to exert myself for just 30 seconds. That 30 seconds turned into an hour. That hour turned into a week, and then into 90 days. Those 90 days turned into 3 years. Now I am fit, and I am strong. Rome wasn't built overnight, and neither was my body. I worked hard to get it this way and I realize that I need to continue to work hard to keep it this way. I can decide every day to use my 30 seconds any way I want to use them. When I engage I grow, when I vegetate I atrophy.

This doesn't just work for physical fitness, it works for everything we want to do. With growth comes a nominal amount of pain. Sometimes more than others. That is why we have what we call growing pains. It is OK to start slow. The pain does not need to injure us. It just needs to awaken our senses, helping us to see that we need to work to get back into shape. It all comes down on what we value and how we spend our time. When those two factors are aligned we feel less pain overall. 

How are you spending your time?

What can you start doing today that will eventually get you to where you want to go?

Are you willing to start with 30 seconds and then build on it?

Are you ready to grow?

30 seconds. That is all it takes to begin. What are you waiting for?

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

I was fortunate enough to be flying business class, which meant that my seat would fully recline into the flat position. it also meant that I would be one of the first passengers to board. Time seemed to be at a standstill and I wanted to get on that plane pretty bad.

Overzealous Behavior

Finally, they announced that it was OK to board. Because I of my fatigue, I failed to notice a couple of people who were clearly in front of me. I did not run them over, but I definitely behaved in a way that would have made my mother angry with me. I was rude and inconsiderate.

It would be easy to say that I was not aware, and that I just was moving as quickly as I could to get on the plane, but in reality, I purposefully moved in a way that said, "get out of my way", and everybody in my way knew it.

Most of the passengers got out of my way without saying anything, but one man stopped me and said, "why don't you go on ahead. I am sure I will have plenty of time to board and I don't think they will leave without me." He actually said it in one of most loving and caring voices that I have ever heard. There was not a hint of sarcasm or anger in his voice. 

His tone actually woke me up from the "sleep deprived, get-out-of-my-way charge" that I was inflicting upon my fellow passengers. I immediately recognized what I was doing and asked for his forgiveness. He was more than willing to offer it and we boarded the plane together. As we went our separate ways, I thanked him again for sending me a polite wake-up. He was even more polite and said not to worry about it.

Awareness

He was sitting just a couple of seats away from me and as we were preparing to take off, I am overheard a conversation he was having with his seat mate. My new friend was talking about the day he had had. He said that his earlier flight had also been delayed and that he had spent most of the day in the airport trying to get home to his country. The flight we were on was a substitute flight and would not take him home. He was going to have to take another flight before he could get there and this one would make his total delay in getting home about 13 hours.

I knew that if anybody had a right to be uptight, upset and angry, it was this man, yet for some reason he seemed to be the calmest man on board. As I sat in my seat, I thought about what made this possible. Why was it, that this man was able to demonstrate so much patience? What made him so delightful?

As I pondered this experience I actually dug a little deeper and turned my thoughts inward. I am happy person. Like many of you, I have a good life. I like life. So why did I find myself on that day possessing so little patience? Why was I so easily upset by a nominal delay? What was causing me to behave this way.

As I asked myself these questions, I realized that the answer was because I was behaving in a selfish way. Instead of looking around and seeing how I could help others, i was looking around and seeing how I could increase my own advantage. It was then that the real impact of my travel companion's words hit me. Once again, I heard him say in my mind, "why don't you go on ahead. I am sure I will have plenty of time to board and I don't think they will leave without me." That was the key. No matter how fast I boarded, I was not going to get to my destination any quicker. His patience and kindness lifted my spirits and inspired me with a desire to behave the same way. I cringe as I think about what my behavior inspired in others.

Looking Through Selfless Eyes

An observer, would have seen two travelers that day. Both would arrive at their destination at the same time, but one would arrive with a smile and the other with a grimace. After that day, I decided to be the traveller with a smile. It is amazing what a smile and a kind word can do.

What would our world be like if we all behaved in a kind and gentle way?

What is the risk of being kind to others? Are you willing to let it begin with you?

Are you willing to be thoughtful enough to consider your own behavior and how it impacts those around you?

I invite you to behave in a delightful way. The next time somebody cuts you off, smile and let them in. You will deeply appreciate the peace and energy that will come to you from doing such a simple thing. I am not afraid to use myself as an example of what not to do in this post, because through this experience I learned to be a better me. That is why I can authentically promise that when we behave this way, it is worth it.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Each one of these projects is so intense that if I get even one day behind I am toast. They all bring with them significant trials that I have not faced before. The only option I have is to keep moving forward.

The Dream

There is a recurring dream that I have of hope. It goes something like this; in a few weeks, I will be done with these projects. Then I will take a break from all this madness and I will get some rest. I won't have any new commitments so I will be free to do what I want.  I will finally be free from this stress.

This dream is pleasant, but false. I say this, because I know this is not the first time I have had this dream and it has never come true before. Every time I finish a project or pass through a trial, the next one begins and it is always harder and more difficult than anything I have ever experienced before in my life.

Action Filled Days

I am actually thankful for this reality. I can't imagine how boring life would be for me if the rest, I always dream about really did exist. I love rest, but I can only take so much of it. What I love more, is the challenge that comes from raising the bar.

The trials and triumphs that we face, are meant to be soul stretching experiences. They could not fulfill their purpose if we experienced the same ones over and over again. In order to grow, we experience new challenges. 

Sticking With It

The school of life rarely adjourns and when it does, it is only for a brief recess. Sometimes, a new semester begins, before the old one has ended. The degree of difficulty in the course work increases, without a stated willingness that we are ready to progress. Each lesson teaches us that we are capable of so much more than we previously thought possible. 

Passing grades are only passed out to those who are persistent. Our willingness to stick with it, demonstrates a willingness to progress, even in the face of failure. When we step back and look at our history, we see that what looked like a failure in the moment, actually contributed to our biggest and brightest successes. Somehow, we actually carry with us a perfect record. We have passed every test, and the knowledge we gained is always the resource we rely upon most when we are faced with the next level.

Life Is Good!

I am glad life is this way. It makes me happy to reach a new height, set a new standard and raise the bar. Sometimes it does feel overwhelming and I am ok with that. The older I get, the more clearly I see that it is all invented any way. I get what I want, every single time, even when I don't like what I get. 

How do the challenges you faced ten years ago, compare with the ones you are facing now?

Do they seem the same, smaller or bigger?

What do you rely upon most when you are faced with a new project or trial?

How do keep yourself committed in the face of life?

I find myself thinking about this topic because we are now 11 days into the new year. That doesn't seem like a lot of time, but it is enough time to realize that the challenges of life will always be with us. This is true whether it is the the beginning of the year, or the end of the year. Whether we want it or not, life is purposefully designed to take us through loops of continuous improvement.

Welcome to life. Hang on – now let go!

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548