Making Choices…

It started with a casual remark made in my husband’s dental office. 

A patient thought Joel might be interested in doing free dental work on poor children in Ecuador.  He was right.  Joel loves Spanish and doing service, and couldn’t resist.  After checking out Causes For Change International, (www.causesforchange.org), Joel decided this would be a wonderful opportunity for us to make a positive contribution in the world.  

So two years ago, we set off with our son, Andrew on a healthcare mission.   It was adventurous, exciting and challenging!  A true eye-opening experience.  Our work touched 2500 children in one week, who received free medical and dental help.  Left untreated, dental infections can not only cause blindness, but also cause death.  Joel was one of three dentists, and the rest of us helped in whatever way we could.  Andrew taught children how to brush their teeth, and I provided musical entertainment with a borrowed guitar.  With no electricity, the dental work involved check-ups and tooth extractions.

(We brought along shots and novocaine, of course!) 

Even though I adore children, I didn’t think I had it within me to return again.  Ecuador is right at the equator, and we work outside in the 90+ degree heat.  (Much like Chicago!) 

The bathroom conditions are primitive, and there is no hot water in our simple hotel.  It’s easy to focus on the minor inconveniences.  Still, the children and adults are SO grateful, loving and appreciative… 

This summer, at Joel’s urging, we returned to Ecuador again.  We fortified ourselves with protein bars, digestive supplements, packages of toilet paper and hand sanitizers.  I sent out emails and gave talks to raise money for the dental supplies.  Through the generosity of friends and colleagues, we raised $2000, to cover dental materials and prepared to go.  Since 1996, this small nonprofit has reached thousands of children, who otherwise would have no help at all.       

From June 27^th – July 3^rd, 2010, we immersed ourselves in a unique world – the remote villages of Ecuador.  What an amazing experience!  Imagine no computers, phones or flush toilets!  (Yes, such a place exists.)  Each day, our group of twelve volunteers board a bus, trekking through miles of banana plantations, and over dusty roads with no traffic lights.  In most places, even though the residents had been informed of our arrival, they don’t believe it.  Often, only a handful of people are waiting at the designated area for our work.  The natives looked surprised.  FREE healthcare?!!? 

Once we begin unloading our suitcases of supplies, word quickly spreads.  Within a short time, hundreds of children and their families stream in from every corner.  (Along with mangy dogs and roosters!)

These villages aren’t accustomed to visitors.  Children stare, a bit awestruck.  We scout the area to place our supplies, often within a school.  Volunteers then post signs outside each room on a brick wall:  Dentistry, Medical, Pharmacy, and Lunchroom. 

Dentistry involves sitting in a plastic seat and spitting on the ground.  Children have their teeth checked, and if infections are noticed, teeth are extracted.  Volunteers hold a flashlight over each mouth to provide necessary light.  The medical area was handled by one doctor from Ecuador, who did check-ups on each child.  The pharmacy was simply a table, where a volunteer handed out a small baggie with children’s vitamins or pain pills.  Our lunchroom consists of whatever food was packed ahead by the Ecuadorian cook.  Usually, it’s tasty.  Once, it was not.  (Unless you like a shrimp stew with fish eyes.)

The most fascinating place was the island of Santa Domingo.  We were probably the first Americans these natives had ever seen!  Bumping along on the bus for forty-five minutes, with huge banana lives brushing our windows, we then transferred onto a small motorboat.  It was an hour’s ride to Santa Domingo.  Traveling past shrimp farms in the river, we finally reached our destination.   The island was perched on a hill, and it was necessary to climb twelve rungs on a wooden ladder to reach ground level.  Children peered at us from the hill as our boat slowly edged into the dock.

For most of us, it’s no big deal to climb up twelve rungs on a ladder.  But for Zully Alvarado, Founder of Causes For Change, this takes tremendous courage.  You see, Zully works out of her wheelchair, and almost died as a poor child in Ecuador.  She is so committed to her mission because she doesn’t want other poor children here to suffer as she did.  Trusting in the muscular men at her side, Zully is lifted up the ladder, rung by rung.  One wrong step or slip-up, and she would be thrown in the water.  I marvel at her courage.  Other volunteers carry her wheelchair onto land.  Naturally, there is no sidewalk.  But that doesn’t stop Zully from pushing herself forward to oversee our work.

Zully tells me, “Children with disabilities in Ecuador are hidden away.  You can’t even buy a wheelchair in this country.”   That’s why Zully is so outspoken in serving children with disabilities.  Just as she overcame handicaps, she wants everyone to see the potential within each child.  Her leadership is inspirational.

There is no grass or shady spot for doing children’s activities.  Using a borrowed guitar, I teach songs, dances and games.  We do coloring and relay races.  Dripping with sweat, my brain goes blank.  I take a short break and start again.  At day’s end, we all gather together to listen to the leader of this village, who thanks us profusely in Spanish.  We’re invited to have dinner with the Mayor of Naranjal that evening, who has promised his support to Causes For Change.  We feel blessed to receive so much gratitude.

As I walk toward the dock, I hold hands with a new friend, Tatianna.  She looks about eight years old, and exudes a happy-go-lucky demeanor.  I don’t want to leave her, and I’m sure she feels the same way.  We pause, looking at each other one last time. 

 ”Hasta la vista,” I say, hugging her close.  “Hasta la vista,” she answers.

  This is the best reward.  This is the reason I brave the challenges.  Love does conquer all. 

Park Avenue Productions is off to a new adventure on Saturday!  We’ll be in Ecuador for the week.

Have you ever intentionally stepped outside your comfort zone?  I think that’s the best way we can grow. .. by pushing ourselves to our perceived limit and stepping off the edge. 

What happens?  Surprising events and experiences.

 This Saturday, my husband Joel, our son Andrew, myself and a few others will venture beyond my comfort zone.  We’re returning for our second time to do a healthcare mission for Causes For Change International, a local nonprofit that provide free healthcare to poor children in Ecuador.  The kids there literally have nothing.  We received donations to pay for the dental supplies, and then will spend time serving 1500 kids in six days.  My husband, a holistic dentist will be doing dental exams and extractions.  There is no equipment.  No electricity.  So it’s back to basics.  But the basics of pulling teeth can save lives.  Kids in Ecuador die of dental infections. 

Our son, Andrew assists Joel, often holding a flashlight over each child’s mouth.  (Remember - no electricity!)  He also teaches the children how to brush their teeth, and gives them their own toothbrush.  (The families can’t afford to provide a toothbrush for their children.  And — if they have a toothbrush, it’s just one for the whole family.)

I do whatever I can.  From putting small amounts of tylenol pills into a plastic baggie to providing musical entertainment for the hundreds of kids who wait outdoors in 90-degree heat for their dental exam.

For me, the “stretching” involves simple things — like no hot water, primitive bathroom conditions and the lack of fresh vegetables (or any vegetables) — due to concerns over parasites.  Being out of my comfort zone makes me appreciate the abundance of grace that we have here in the United States. 

Still, I also recognize how beautiful it is when we are the recipients of so much love and gratitude.  Ultimately, we too are being given a great gift when we go to Ecuador.  We feel truly uplifted being around such loving, caring people.  If more Americans could experience a week of service like this, I’m sure their perspective would be different… and there would be a lot more peace in this world.

 We are so connected with each other.  So, even though I’m a bit anxious about our upcoming trip, I look forward to the experience to serve the children.  I’m also so grateful for the loving support and donations by our friends.  Here’s to an amazing adventure!

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I had a most amazing night last night on my computer.

It was filled with insights after I watched clip after clip, of celebrities toasting the wonder of a great woman actress – Meryl Streep.  She was given a lifetime award for acting, and the clips onscreen showed the heartfelt expressions of love from other celebrities – Shirley MacLaine, Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Kurt Douglas, Goldie Hawn, Nora Ephron, Robert DeNiro – showering their gratitude on Meryl Streep.

As I watched the exchange of love going back and forth, between Meryl and each celebrity onstage, I got caught up in the feeling of being Meryl Streep.

What would it feel like to BE Meryl Streep?  I clicked on other video clips.  Meryl being totally natural with a bronchial infection, coughing, laughing and joking with David Letterman.  Meryl on the Ellen DeGeneres show, putting on a funny hat and improvising different accents with Ellen, just for fun.  And of course, there was Meryl being interviewed playing the part of Julia Child, with her candid comments that she isn’t really a dedicated cook.

So – what did I get from this feeling of BEING?  It felt totally wonderful, exhilarating and delightful.  Feeling the spirit of Meryl is to feel totally in the present, loving, giving and enjoying life. 

Goldie Hawn compared Meryl to a Stradivarius violin, with each string of her life resonating so beautifully… blending family and career harmoniously.  Jack Nicholson said she was “perfect.”  Kurt Douglas said that whoever had the privilege to work with Meryl would just have to fall in love with her. 

Why is that?  Because Meryl expresses love and gratitude so easily to those around her.  It’s natural.  Contagious.  You pick it up and you are uplifted.  You are more than you were before.  (And the celebrities mentioned that too!)  But I FELT it last night.

Naturally, there is only one Meryl Streep.  But we can all be the best US.  

Just think how it could be if we chose to act with love and gratitude in every situation.  Even the tough ones.  Each action we take has a reaction.  In Meryl’s case, I was watching the reactions of love coming back at Meryl.  It made me think – what actions have I taken in my life?  What steps can I take to create the outcomes that I desire?

What limiting core beliefs do I need to recognize to achieve my full potential?

It all started with a seemingly random google search to look up video clips on an actress I’ve always admired – Meryl Streep.  Thank you, Meryl.  You’ve taught me more by watching you as yourself than in all the great film roles you’ve created. 

As Mike Nichols said, “Meryl’s got to be one of those phenomena, like Garbo, that happens once in a generation.”

I join all the others in toasting you, Meryl…. With Love & Gratitude!

Do you have a website? 

Most people do.  But are you getting results from it? 
Do prospects reach you as a result of finding you on the web? 
If not, why not?

Here’s a BIG tip!  As I’ve learned the hard way,
if your company name, title or headline happens to be embedded in the design of the site, the search engines can’t find you. What’s even worse is if you have no words on your home page.
 
Why?  Because — (here’s the “GOLD”) — keywords
is the name of the game in getting attention. 

Keywords are the words and phrases that search engines
use to help match their customers to the information
they’re looking for.  One of the best Google ranking
tips is to find what people are looking for and
give it to them.

Search engines capture those keywords in your title
or headlines.  They keep track of who you are, and
notice how much traffic is going back and forth to
your website.  If you don’t have much traffic,
when someone searches for your type of business,
your website won’t come up on search engines. 

That’s why you’ll ultimately want to do as much as possible
to build traffic… from articles, blogs, and online videos
to using social media.  That traffic grows from your keywords. 

There is a LOT to learn about keywords.  Keywords can be very
profitable.  What do I mean by that?  Profitable keywords are
words or phrases that are in high demand while at the same time in low supply. 

There are legitimate ways to both guarantee search engine ranking improvement and provide valuable content.  All in all, your online reputation is on the line…

If all of this sounds like Greek, don’t despair.  It just takes
some time to understand what’s going on behind the scenes
on the internet.

To learn more, check out: www.google.com/adwords. 

In the meanwhile, I’m going to personally work with a few
new clients who’d like to double their online marketing revenue in the next 90 days.  If you’re interested, let me know.  We need
to have a conversation to see if it’s a good fit.

Hope this was helpful! 

To Your Success,
Lynn

Park Avenue Productions
“Multimedia That Makes A Difference”
www.parkaveproductions.com
lynn@parkaveproductions.com

P.S.  “We must have courage to bet on our ideas, on the calculated risk, and to act.  Everyday living requires courage if life is to be effective and bring happiness.”  Maxwell Maltz
 

Dear Friend,

The more I read — both inspirational books, “how-to” books and uplifting books,  (yes, those have been my mental “diet” for awhile), the more I realize the power of our own thoughts.

Today, I’d like to quote directly from Rebecca, at www.theScienceofGettingRich.net.  The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles is a classic in the world of wealth creation and inspiration.  If you want a free copy, I’ve attached it for you. 

Rebecca’s words are so powerful.  For some reason, it seems so easy to fall into patterns of lack… That’s why it’s extremely important to listen to our inner thoughts… and focus on being positive.  Rebecca is offering an online course through the Science of Getting Rich where YOU determine your own tuition.  Isn’t that great? 

Here she is… 

“I’m convinced that your commitment to transforming your own thinking and your own life will contribute to transforming our whole world. All the world’s great wisdom traditions, great religions, and our greatest philosophies acknowledge that our reality begins in our thinking.

• What if we actually BELIEVED that for a change?
• What if we actually decided to ACT on that?
• What if we really believed in and PRACTICED — in thought and action — what Mr. Wattles calls “the right motive, which is more life to ALL and less to NONE?”
• What if we individually and collectively put our minds and hearts and hands to the test Mr. Wattles invites us to prove?
• What if, in that process of bringing our own individual hearts’ desires into form in our own lives, we began to radiate “the impression of increase” out to all the world so that others all around us begin to “catch the vision,” too?

My friend, what do we have to lose by giving it a shot?

I’ll tell you: Nothing but poverty thinking and the overwhelming global belief in scarcity and lack, nothing but the physical manifestations of that thinking in our lives and in our world. Change has to start somewhere and it starts INSIDE — with me, with you.

What if we dared to create a vision that big? Are you willing?”

P.S.  Here’s what the Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles states:

“Guard your speech. Never speak of yourself, your affairs, or of anything else in a discouraged or discouraging way.

Never admit the possibility of failure or speak in a way that infers failure as a possibility.

“Never speak of the times as being hard or of business conditions as being doubtful. Times may be hard and business doubtful for those who are on the competitive plane, but they can never be so for you. You can create what you want, and you are above fear.

“When others are having hard times and poor business, YOU will find your greatest opportunities!” [Emphasis added by me — because it’s TRUE. And true about YOU!)

I love this quote by French author, Anais Nin…   “We don’t see things as they are, we see things as we are.” 

Perspective is everything, isn’t it?  

This past week, I hosted Dr. Steve Taubman, the “Master of Misperception.”  Steve is also an amazing speaker, best-selling author and results catalyst on my teleseminar that was entitled, “Dissolving The Invisible Barriers to Success.”  We had a fascinating conversation… which focused on how we all have invisible blockages that prevent us from reaching our highest potential.  But — when we create a state of awareness and learn how to recognize the voices within our head that are not our own — we can discover why we’re being blocked. .. and ultimately dissolve the blockages!

(I’d love to get Steve out here to the Chicago area.  If anyone is looking for a great speaker, I’d highly recommend Steve.  What he does onstage involving hypnosis is eye-opening.)

Steve is an outstanding example of someone who reinvented himself many times over.  Before becoming a keynote speaker, sales team trainer and author, he was one of the most sought after hypnotists by college and corporate markets, performing thoughout the U.S and the Caribbean.  Later, Steve graduated valedictorian from New York Chiropractic College and became a successful chiropractic physician.  He taught himself magic and then began performing at corporate events and resorts — while running his practice!!  When he realized that chiropractic wasn’t fulfilling anymore, Steve sold his practice and went on a spiritual quest for the answer.  You can find it in his book - “Unhypnosis:  How to Wake Up, Start Over and Create the Life You’re Meant To Live.”  (www.stevetaubman.com)

Having a teleseminar with Steve was a wonderful way for people to not only learn about Steve’s topic, but also a way to get to know Steve, the person.  We now have an audio clip of the program too. 

To listen to the replay, click this link: http://www.AttendThisEvent.com/?eventid=10934877.

As Steve reminded all of us, what is real?  Only the present.  That’s why it’s so important to live fully in the time we have.   Even when we’re faced with fear, Steve recommends embracing that emotion…. only by feeling the fear can we then learn to dissolve it.  As Steve says, “Everyone has a gift waiting to be discovered and unleashed.”

Dear Friends:

It’s hard to believe, but another year… a new decade has just rolled in front of our eyes — 2010.  Where did the time fly?

As part of my new year’s resolutions, I’ve been working on my inner growth.  Just as the bamboo plant must be watered for seven years before it finally sprouts up and becomes a glorious wonder, so too must I work on my inner self to grow.   It’s not always easy.  But consistency is the key. 

I’ve been re-listening to the wisdom of my esteemed teleseminarian teacher, Alex Mandossian (www.profitableteleseminars.com).  I admire Alex’s talent so much.  Alex reads and re-reads regularly, and even said that you need to re-read to get the most from each book.  Alex regularly quotes from the great sages, and I appreciate this quote by Aristotle…  ”We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence, the, is not an act, but a habit.” 

That quote has been ruminating inside my mind for awhile.   To attain excellence, I’ve also been doing a fair share of reading.  I’ve especially enjoyed learning from some of today’s great leaders — Loral Langemeier (”The Millionaire Maker”), Esther  & Jerry Hicks (”Ask and It Is Given”), Karim Ismail (”Keep Any Promise”) and Steve Taubman (”Unhypnosis”), along with many “classics” like Napolean Hill’s “Think & Grow Rich” and Wallace Wattles’, “The Science Of Getting Rich.”

Repeating daily affirmations is also a great tip to help implant a positive mindset every day.  Happiness, as I’ve learned, is a choice.  We choose our thoughts, and that’s what becomes our emotional state. 

So, I’m going to keep focused on choosing positive thoughts.  ”Every day, in every way, I’m growing stronger… My life is filled with abundance…. I’m grateful for the blessings that fill my life.”  

Happy 2010!

Dear Friends:

In the spirit of gift giving that has become a part of the ritual of the Hanukkah festival of lights celebration, I offer you eight gifts that do not cost a cent.  I hope you will share this freely with all who are privileged to be a part of your lives. This simple checklist can help measure how you are nurturing your relationships. The author of these thoughts is unknown but deeply appreciated. 

The Gift of Listening
But you must really listen. Don’t interrupt, don’t daydream, don’t plan your response. Just listen.

The Gift of Affection
Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds. Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.

The Gift of Laughter
Clip cartoons. Share articles and funny stories. Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”

The Gift of Solitude
There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone. Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.

The Gift of a Favor
Every day go out of your way to do something kind.

The Gift of a Written Note
It can be a simple “Thanks for the help” note or a full sonnet. A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime.

The Gift of a Compliment
A simple and sincere, “You look great in red,” “You did a super job,” or “That was a wonderful meal” can make someone’s day.

The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition
The easiest way to feel good is to extend a kind word to someone.

These are eight important ways we can contribute toward whole and healthy relationships. They cost nothing, yet they may well be the most valuable gifts we can ever offer another.

One more gift… if you’d like to get free marketing tips, feel free to add your name and email to the opt-in page on my website – www.parkaveproductions.com.

Wishing you a healthy, happy holiday season and new year!

Warmly,

Lynn Sanders,

Park Avenue Productions, Multimedia That Makes A Difference”

Thanksgiving is a special time of year.  A time to reflect on family, friends and all the blessings we have.   A time to freely express our gratitude. 

As I continue learning, we choose our thoughts.  Why not choose positive thoughts every day?

This time of year reminds me to choose to live consciously day…  remembering that we are all connected… and that G-d lives within each of us.  How can we reach out to someone in need and uplift someone else’s life?

In preparing for a presentation this week about Jewish holidays, I came across this story from the Chabad website.  I’d like to share it with you… it’s titled…

———————————————————–

“We Are All One”

In his latter years, the Rebbe would stand for hours every Sunday, as thousands of people, both Jew and non-Jew would stand in line to receive his blessing. The Rebbe would look each person intently straight in the eyes for an eternal moment, often smiling, sometimes answering a question or providing advice, always giving his blessing or answering “amen” to the person’s own request. Each person received from the Rebbe’s hand a dollar bill to be given to any worthy cause of his or her choice.

All agreed that the spectacle was entirely supernatural. As the line went on, the Rebbe became increasingly invigorated, as though he himself was receiving life from these people. When, after many hours, the line would finally dwindle away, the Rebbe would turn to his personal secretary and ask, “Is there no one else?”

It happened one day that an elderly woman waited in line, sitting upon a small chair which she moved ahead together with the line. When she finally arrived before the Rebbe, she could no longer contain herself. “Rebbe, I am younger than you!” she burst out. “And I only sat…and you stand here and greet each person… and just look at you!”

The Rebbe beamed and replied, “When you’re counting jewels you don’t get tired.”

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As November vanishes into December, let us recognize the jewels within each other.  Just as the glorious colors of autumn are so appreciated, we can also make time to appreciate those in our lives now… Thank you!