dr nina's notes

Christmas Cactus

2011-12-28T16:39:00.001-08:00

I have a beautiful Christmas Cactus that sits in a turquoise clay pot. In the summer, it adorns my front porch, adding a splash of green and blue to my everyday comings and goings. Once the frost comes, the plant gets transferred inside to my living room, to take its place with the other plants.

For those of you not familiar with the Christmas Cactus, it is a green succulent plant that doesn't look much like a cactus. For approximately 350 days a year, it is a generic green plant. I don't mean that in a bad way; I love the green-ness of it, and it adds a fresh alive energy to the room, as all healthy plants do.

But in December, something happens to my Christmas Cactus. As if it had a smartphone or some sort of cosmic calendar to alert it of this specific time, the plant begins to develop pink buds on the ends of its leaves. By mid-month, those buds have bloomed into the most exquisite magenta-pink flowers. They are like little explosions of color, exploding from the green leaves. It never ceases to amaze me - year after year!  I love this constant source of surprise and joy. In my office, I am always spouting on about the body's 'Innate Intelligence'; "the power that made the body has the power to heal the body." I talk about the intricacies of physiology, the subtleties of the human being, life force. And then I look at my Christmas Cactus. Now there is an example of Innate Intelligence at its finest. Nature's gift to us. My cactus is an excellent reminder of the beauty of this time of year- the beauty of giving and of coming together with friends and family to share the surprises and joys (and explosions) of life.

Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway

2011-12-01T06:12:00.001-08:00

To say my son is a sports fan would be a huge understatement. He loves watching, playing, talking about and thinking about sports. He does not get this trait from me, but from his father, who is also a huge sports fan. My husband's favorite sports to play are soccer and basketball. In fact, he was the captain of his varsity basketball team.

Partially because of this, when my son was 4 years old I signed him up for his first basketball class at the local rec center. I figured that, genetically, he was programmed to pick up a basketball and start dribbling. That was not the case, and for that first hour, he repeatedly slammed the ball down onto his foot, causing the ball to careen forward across the gym. My son's first experience with the game of basketball was an hour of pure humiliation; running helplessly across a gym floor chasing runaway basketballs. Needless to say, it was brutal. I think it was hard for my son, too.

When we got home, I took my husband aside and strongly suggested that he do some training with Abe. We had big expectations of that boy, and he was not going in a good direction. At four, he had not yet found sports. He was thoroughly obsessed with superheroes, and had only recently discovered the Jedi warriors. At this rate, he would not make varsity captain. My husband moved quickly into action; he got his basketball out of the storage shed, and there, on my Mexican tile kitchen floor, the tot started learning how to dribble. This made way for a new direction for Abe, away from his beloved Star Wars, and thus a new chapter had begun.

He practiced obsessively in the kitchen, much to my chagrin (but careful what you wish for) and eventually moved to the front walkway. For his 5th birthday we bought him a hoop. Since we didn't have a driveway, we set it up in the back yard on the grass. It was there that he started to learn to shoot. In fact, for his fifth birthday, we had about 20 kids in the back yard doing drills. Girls, too.

He continued to get better and better, partly because of his innate sports talent and partly because of his obsessive personality. The year he turned 5, he couldn't take his eyes off the NCAA players in March Madness. He started to really understand the game and its nuances. Even at the young age of 6 or 7, he would watch the NBA players and study their moves. A few years later, after we had moved to Acton, he started playing basketball in the winter in the community league. He excelled in the league and often felt good about his performance. You could see his little self-esteem developing, and the challenges that he overcame also contributed to that developing person inside his small frame. Big fish in a little pond.

Last year, when he was 9, we discovered that if I adjusted him before a game, especially while he was visualizing success in the game, his performance improved. We got into the habit of doing an adjustment before he left the house for the game. He would visualize himself putting the ball in the basket, going for a layup, making his free throws, and I would adjust him while he was thinking. It was remarkable; for me it was validation of the power of an adjustment. A subluxation can affect our thought patterns and behavior; getting rid of it can produce clarity and turn a whole attitude around! For Abe, this was a tool he could use to focus his good energy and to feel like he was being proactive instead of having jitters about the game.

This year, at age 10, Abe tried out for the travel basketball team. We weren't surprised that he made it, given his performance in the last few years. I was so proud of him, and proud for him - happy for this boost to his self-confidence. What I didn't realize, that so many parents already know, is that being on a travel team is a huge deal. The kids who make them team are all the big fish. This means that a child who has been at the top of his game is now playing with kids who might be better, or much better.

Today, Abe had his very first game with the travel team. He went to bed last night with the jitters. He woke earlier than usual and told my husband he didn't want to play. It's such a human emotion, fear. It can sometimes take us over. It's hard to explain to a 10 year old boy that you can "feel the fear and do it anyway," a very adult concept. So I told him the story of the TV show. Then I adjusted him visualizing confidence and visualizing making his shots. When we got to the game, I felt nervous for him. He seemed unsure and unlike his usual competent self out there on the court. Then, as if a switch flipped, I saw him snap into action - one move, one open shot, he took it, and SCORE! The crowd yelled. I watched his demeanor change in that moment, saw his swagger return. He ended up playing very well, making some very impressive shots and passes, and when he came out each time, everyone applauded.

I know he learned a great lesson today about fear and moving through it. I also know that this 10 year old is definitely not interested in talking about it with his mom. But I will keep adjusting those good positive thoughts into him. and I will watch him learning and climbing and jumping and quietly feel proud for him and of him, and be there when he falls off the pole early. I will repel him back to safety. That's my job.

The Four Agreements

2011-03-29T04:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, in my chiropractic office, I found myself quoting repeatedly from the book "The Four Agreements", by Don Miguel Ruiz. If you have never read The Four Agreements, go get it! It is a short but life-changing book; it simplifies the instructions of life by giving us four rules to follow:

1. Be impeccable with your word.
Always tell YOUR truth. Say what you mean. Don't use words to speak against yourself or others. Use words to spread love, not gossip.

2. Don't take it personally. (my personal favorite)
What other people say and do is not about YOU. Others' actions are a projection of their reality. It's up to you to decide how it will affect you.

3. Don't make assumptions.
This agreement encourages communication and clarity. Find the courage to ask questions and express yourself and your needs clearly.

4. Always do your best.
"Your best" will change from moment to moment. Under the circumstances of the moment, if you know you are doing your best for that moment you will not have room for regret and judgement by your harshest critic - yourself.

As simple as these "commandments" are to understand, if you put them into play they can literally transform your life!

Thank You Life, by Gary Van Warmerdam

2011-03-29T04:39:00.000-07:00

Thank you Life

Thank you for this breath
Thank you for this inhale
Thank you for this exhale
Thank you for this Life

Thank you Heart
Thank you for this pounding
Thank you for this pulsing
Thank you for this Love

Thank you feet
Thank you for this walk
Thank you for this run
Thank you for the Dancing

Thank you Eyes
Thank you for the Sunrise
Thank you for the Sunset
Thank you for all the Colors

Thank you Ears
Thank you for The Music
Thank you for the Rhythm
And Thank you for the Stillness

Thank you Hands
Thank you for the Caressing
Thank you for the Clapping
And Thank you for the Holding

Thank you Mouth
Thank you for the nourishment
Thank you for the Wine
Thank you for the Kisses

Thank you Nose
Thank you for the Flowers
Thank you for the Pines
Thank you for the Sniffles

Thank you Arms and Shoulders
Thank you for the Carrying
Thank you for the Burdening
And Thank you for the Hugging

Thank you Voice
Thank you for the Expression
Thank you for the Word
Thank you for the Gift of Creation

Thank you for this Day
Thank you for the Light
Thank you for the Stars
Thank you for the Night

Thank you Self
Thank you for the Laughter
Thank you for the Play
Thank you for You

Thank you for the Emotions
Thank you for the Joys
Thank you for the Tears and Sorrows
Thank you for the Richness

Thank you for the Abundance that is.
Thank you for the Abundance that is given.
Thank you for the so many experiences and so many things
Thank you for this Dance.

Thank you Life

Gary van Warmerdam

Bright Sider

2011-03-22T19:22:00.000-07:00

Dr. Nina Englander's notes from Englander Chiropractic Center

Last year, one of my neighbors was interviewing for a big job promotion; CEO of a large organization. It was an inside move and everyone thought he was perfect for the job. In fact, he had been acting CEO of the organization for the prior 4 months while they did an outside CEO search.

After the interview, I saw him at the bus-stop and asked how it went. He replied, “Well, the interview went great and I didn’t get the job.” I was surprised and disappointed for him. My first question was, “Is there a bright side?”

He looked at me sideways. Then he replied, “There actually is a huge bright side. I know now that I can be the CEO of a large organization and succeed. Now I am hugely marketable AND I have a lot of confidence in myself!” When the bus pulled away, he added, “That’s really cool that the first question you asked me was about the bright side. You’re a ‘bright sider’, huh?”

I walked home thinking about the bright side. I believe that things happen for a reason. I try to find either a bright side or a lesson learned, and many times I find both.

In 2007, my husband and I put our house on the market. It took about nine months to sell our house. It was pretty hard to see the bright side of selling a house in a tanking real estate market. But I have to say, it was a lesson learned in many things; perseverance, letting go, and looking at money differently. We ended up selling to a lovely family, a bright side indeed, especially for our former neighbors. (And we ended up just fine, another lesson learned after all of our stressing!)

This winter, I had a patient come in with neck pain. She was sledding with her children and crashed into a tree. She could hardly move her neck. She had been a patient in my office in the past, but she had not been in for an adjustment in quite some time. She lay in pain on my table and told me that she had been trying to get back in for regular adjustments, but hadn’t been able to find the time. The injury got her back into the office!

I believe that sometimes the bright side of an injury is that it gets you back to chiropractic care. We sometimes have trouble getting motivated (or finding the time) to do good things for ourselves. We know we want to get our weekly or bi-weekly adjustments, our chiropractic tune-ups, but haven’t found the time. That injury can be just the ticket for us to not only get out of pain, but also get more serious about our health and do something about it. There’s the bright side!

This Blog brought to you by Englander Chiropractic Center - Wellness for children and adults made simple.

Homeland Security?

2011-01-10T04:26:00.000-08:00

Coming home from a chiropractic conference in San Diego last year, I was going through security and my carry-on bag was on the conveyor belt in the x-ray machine. The belt stopped and I stood, shoeless, watching an inspector look quizzically at the screen. He called over another inspector and the two of them stood there, shrugging their shoulders and pointing at the image.

“I don’t know, it looks like some kind of medical device,” one said. “Yeah, like an injection-thing,” the other replied. At this point, I realized they were talking about my activator adjusting instrument! I always bring it along - you never know who you’re going to meet with a subluxation - and I wanted to be prepared!

“I’m a chiropractor!!”, I shouted over the x-ray machine. “That’s an activator, an adjusting instrument!” One of the guys gave me the thumbs up and said to me, “So it’s like a back injection-thing?” “Oh no,” I replied with a smile. “It’s just the opposite. Adjustments keep your body healthy so you don’t need injections!”

Most people see chiropractic as a “back thing” or a “medical treatment thing”. In some chiropractic offices it may be. In my office, chiropractic is a “Life-thing.” The back is part of the body where we can easily access the nerve system (the spinal cord goes through the vertebral column). Our life runs on energy that flows through us, from the brain to the spinal cord to our cells and tissues and then back to the brain. When that energy is flowing well, we are growing and changing and healing. When that energy is blocked, we are stagnated and healing is slower or goes in the opposite direction! Clearing the connection from the brain to the cells of the body is the very essence of chiropractic and the essence of being healthy.

Chiropractic, when seen from this perspective, is totally different from conventional medicine. Medicine looks to fix what’s broken. Medicine looks to take away things: disease, pain, dysfunction. Chiropractic is about freeing up blocked energy in the body, adding life! When you have the right amount of energy flow, the body can take care of itself in the way it was designed to. This is healing from the INSIDE OUT!

...and I promise you, you don’t get that from any injection.

Reflections on the Flu Shot

2010-12-13T05:13:00.000-08:00

The flu shot is given every year to many Americans. It is a big deal. They push it in schools, they push it at the mall, they talk about it on the nightly news. Last year, they were recommending two flu shots: the regular one and the H1N1 (which I still affectionately refer to as the Swine Flu, even though you're not supposed to call it that anymore). I am ambivalent about vaccines, and always urge my patients to inform themselves about immunizations and make educated decisions. However, I am not ambivalent about the flu shot.

Each year, 5-20% of Americans get the flu. Estimates are that about 175,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, such as pneumonia (or other respiratory problems), ear and sinus infections, or problems related to chronic illnesses such as COPD, asthma, lupus, etc. Although the media reports 36,000 flu-related deaths per year, this is thought by many to be an extremely high estimate. In addition, most of the deaths presumably due to pneumonia and other serious illnesses are assumed to be in connection with the flu, even if the person was never officially diagnosed with the flu. More reasonable estimates are 257-1765 annually. A much, much lower number.

Here's an interesting fact. Ontario, Canada, is the most highly vaccinated region in North America. In 2000, Canadians expanded a publicly funded flu immunization program which included all 12 million Ontario residents, including low risk adults and children. Statistics showed that there was no significant reduction in the incidence of flu (between 2000 and 2003), and no difference in the number of cases of flu when compared to other provinces of Canada, where they didn't vaccinate as widely. There was also little difference in complication rates (hospitalizations due to pneumonia and other flu complications due to underlying chronic illness) between vaccinated and un-vaccinated groups.

In light of this study, why are we taught that the only way to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated? Why, in all the talk last year about Swine Flu in the media did NO ONE talk about how to keep yourself healthy through flu season so that you aren't as vulnerable to the flu? (or so if you get the flu you will handle it better?)(chiropractic adjustments, good nutrition, exercise, vitamins and herbs, good sleep and strategies to deal with stress)

Here's another question for you: Do you know the ingredients of the flu vaccine? I do.
Although ingredients vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, flu vaccines are generally made with chicken embryos. Vaccines for flu include many of the following ingredients in different combinations. Formaldehyde, also known as embalming fluid, has been classified as a probable human carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by the EPA. Octoxynol-9 is a spermicide. Triton X-100 is a detergent, emulsifier and defoaming agent. It can alter metabolic activity and negatively affect cell function. It is considered harmful if swallowed and can cause severe eye irritation. Some flu vaccines contain polyethylene glycol (antifreeze), carbolic acid (used as a disinfectant), and MSG (used as a stabilizer to keep the virus alive and stabilize the mixture). Antibiotics, such as gentamycin, are often added, as well as thimerosol (a preservative to give the vaccine a longer shelf life). Thimerosol contains mercury, which is highly toxic to the body in any amount.

I'm sure that proponents of the flu vaccine have many reasons to vaccinate. and there those who are genuinely at higher risk for the flu who should consider vaccination. But did you know that, for the majority of people, having the flu actually makes your cells stronger against the flu? Because of the way your immune system works, getting an immunization against the flu only protects you for a short time (and only for certain strains of flu), whereas actually getting the flu protects you for several years, often 5 to 10. Of course, there is more to your immune system than how well-vaccinated you are! You need to make sure your nervous system is running well; immunity is controlled by the nervous system, specifically the spinal cord! Getting regular adjustments is vital in keeping the immune system humming along. Your lifestyle is also a huge factor in how your immune system is going to work during flu season. Eat well, cut way down on sugar, fried fatty foods and heavy carbs and make sure you have plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Exercise, sleep and staying hydrated are also important. and watch that stress! Deep Breaths...ommmmm.

Vaccines are a complicated issue, and a very personal one, especially for parents. I do not judge other people's decisions and I know there are many variables to consider. The best thing one can do is be informed. Don't rely on vaccinations to make you healthy, because they don't! Take control of your own health. Get yourself into balance and then decide if you want to get that flu shot.

Adjusting Newborn Twins

2010-12-12T19:02:00.000-08:00

(reprinted from an article originally written on 12-11-06. Last week, the babies in this story turned 4!!!!Happy Birthday, B and L!)
Last Monday I had the blessing of adjusting newborn twins! Their mom has gotten adjusted for her entire pregnancy twice per week, sometimes three times. She understands, as I do, that the body is a beautiful piece of work, and when you put energy into the system to encourage balance and flow, you get a body that does what it’s supposed to, and beautifully! Her pregnancy was gorgeous: her body flowed to each next step as it was designed to do. She fed it well, gave it lots of water and rest, lots of friends around and a supportive mate, lots of laughter and peaceful moments, and kept her nerve system beautifully clear by getting adjusted regularly! (As well as regular acupuncture and massages!)

The babies are beautiful. Think of the essence of a newborn; these are beings that have been so recently plucked from God that they emanate goodness and purity in a magnificent way. It is a very sacred task, adjusting a newborn. I am providing connection on such a deep level to one who was, so recently, totally connected. (or two, as the case may be!)

Some people can’t understand why I would want to adjust babies and children. “Their backs don’t go out!” they say. And here’s what I say. Chiropractic is about clearing the way for the nervous system to work beautifully. When a child is born, there is a certain amount of stress placed on the spine, whether that child is born vaginally or c-section. There is pulling and tugging, after nine months of progressively smaller quarters and increasing squished-ness. And I say: if I can help a child’s nervous system to work better on the first day out, will this contribute to a lifetime of better health? You Bet!

Adjusting newborn infants is a delicate art. Obviously, a chiropractor does not use the same kind of technique with a baby as with an adult! It is done with the tips of the fingers, a slight pulsation over the spine, like you are pressing on a soap bubble and trying not to break it.

From my short session with the babies in their hospital room, I learned quite a bit about their positions in the womb. I could tell from the boy’s spine that he had been pretty comfortable in there. The girl had more tension in her lower back than I expected and I could tell that there was a twisting that had occurred in the womb which was affecting her spine. I later learned that throughout the pregnancy, she was positioned like a pretzel, whereas her brother was straight. When the girl was born (two minutes exactly after the boy) there was a literal KNOT in her umbilical cord, indicating some serious flips and flops during her stay. My fingers already knew that offering the baby girl a chance to start life without imbalance is a great gift.

Adjusting an infant is magical. They take deep breaths, stick their tongue out at me, roll their eyes and make big sighs. I feel so connected to even hold a little one who’s so new, but to have the honor to give them their first adjustment, to know that I am really affecting the rest of their life in a positive way, is truly the best part of my otherwise fantastic job.

You Don't Say! New Ideas Taking Hold

2010-12-01T09:36:00.000-08:00

Recently, my friend’s dad (a physician) was having lunch with two pediatric specialists in his hospital. One of the pediatricians was discussing how children are developing secondary sex characteristics much earlier than ever before. The other pediatrician said she thought it had to do with all the hormones in our food supply, especially the meat and milk. She had recently seen a little boy who's parents thought he was developing breasts. She suggested they switch to buying only organic food. Once the child was no longer eating hormonally injected animal products and pesticides, the breasts receded. My friend’s father called her right after this conversation to pass on the information; in his mind the latest in medical news. She said, “Thanks, Dad, but I’ve been buying organic food for a decade waiting for everyone else to catch up!”

Like my friend, I’ve been buying organic food and non-hormone meat, milk and eggs for many years. It’s always made sense to me that my children should not be eating someone else’s hormones or toxic chemicals.

It has also made sense to me to not eat foods that contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (trans-fats). These fats are responsible for all kinds of health problems! I have been a stickler for that one since the 1980’s and, believe me, people have made fun of me for it! I have also had to put up with much whining, as I do not allow foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHO) into my house. The list of these foods is vast and historically included “Goldfish”, a snack very popular with the little ones. Thankfully, the public started listening to people like me and, in late 2006, Nabisco began making non-PHO snacks (yippee! Including Goldfish!!!) The next year, New York City declared it illegal to use PHOs in restaurants. Well, what do you know? I wasn’t crazy after all.

It isn’t easy to have ideas that go against public perception. It’s never crowded on the leading edge!

I know that chiropractic adjustments remove subluxations, which can have devastating effects on your health. I know that a clear nerve system is the key to a healthy body and mind. I have seen it over and over again in my practice; when you choose to add chiropractic to your life, you are choosing to take responsibility for your health and you are rewarded with a healthier body, a happier, calmer mind and a stronger sense of who you are.

I know that when you get adjusted regularly, pay attention to your lifestyle choices and focus on your well-being (instead of pain and problems), your life takes on a new balance and a new vibrance. Chiropractors have known this for over 100 years!

Maybe if my friend had told her father about organic food 10 years earlier, he would have been eating healthier and suggesting organics to his patients, who would have been eating healthier. Who can you tell about the healthy choices you make? Who can you tell about the miracle of a chiropractic adjustment?

The Best Kept Secret

2010-11-30T20:28:00.000-08:00

I have been a chiropractor for 16 years. In that time, I have had many new patients whose story is similar to this: She came in initially because of pain in the lower back. She had been suffering for some time and was fed up. She had been to the doctor and, after a brief appointment, which included no hands-on examination of the back, was given a prescription for muscle relaxants and sent on her way.

She hadn’t wanted to go to a chiropractor, feeling that the problem was bound to go away on its own. Instead it got worse and worse and started affecting her activities of daily life. The pain interfered with walking or sitting, sleeping, driving, sports, exercising, playing with or carrying children. It started affecting her mood, making her unhappy, stressed, impatient and grumpy. She started to notice other problems starting as well - digestive trouble, more cramps during periods, just overall feeling junky.

Then, one day while out with a friend, she starts complaining of her pain. Her friend, a patient at my office, says “You really should go see Dr. Nina,” and then describes how chiropractic helped her to not only get out of pain but also began improving her health! She has heard my name before and decides to give it a try.

After a few weeks of her initial phase of care, this person feels like a new woman. Not only is her pain starting to go away, but her other symptoms are resolving and she feels younger and more energetic than she has in a long time. She says something like, “Why don’t other people know about this?” or, “I can’t believe I was hesitant to come in.” She says to me, “Why doesn’t everyone go to a chiropractor…chiropractic makes so much sense and I feel better than I have in years!” (OK, they don’t all say those exact words, but I’ve heard things like this repeatedly in my office.)

Chiropractic is the best kept secret in town! And it shouldn’t be a secret! If everyone in Lexington knew what I know about health and chiropractic adjustments, people would be lining up around the block to get in. If everyone in Lexington knew what I know about children’s health, we would have a chiropractor in every school to adjust all of the children. If everyone in Lexington knew what I know about pregnancy, and how the developing baby and the mother need a properly functioning nervous system, every OB-Gyn would have a resident chiropractor in the office. If everyone in Lexington knew what I know about the nervous system and how it runs the entire body; all organs, all muscles, all thoughts, we would probably need far fewer hospital beds, because our community would be so much healthier.

If chiropractic has affected your life, don’t keep it a secret! (Even if people do someday line up around the block, I will always have room for you!!) and if you're too shy to say it yourself, have them come to my biweekly workshop "How to Be a Well-Being". Call for more information! 781 274-6462 or email doctornina@msn.com.

Please help us improve the health and well-being of our fellow Lexingtonians. Spread the word about chiropractic to your friends, your family, your children and together let’s leak it to the community; chiropractic makes so much sense and it works!

My New Years Resolution 2009

2009-01-07T10:37:00.000-08:00

New Year’s Resolution 2009

Happy New Year! This was a unique holiday season in that there was so much bad news coming from so many different directions; the economy, the war, so many in need and so much turbulence around the world. It really made me sit back and take stock in what I do have. It sounds cliché, but I found it a refreshing opportunity to look at my family, my community, my practice, my friends…and revel in all of it. How blessed we can be without the addiction to material things!

In early 2008, I had made a practice of NOT listening to the news or reading the newspaper. It had become a huge burden, driving to work and hearing about what suicide bomber blew up what outdoor market, or how the dollar was plummeting out of control, or how the ice caps were melting. Things that were seemingly out of my control were eating me up inside, and that’s all before I got to work at 7:30 am!

These days I have been listening to the news again. Why? Because I was obsessed with the presidential election (and I wasn't alone...) I had to know, know, know. And I got back into the habit of listening, reading and watching the news. Now that the election is over, I am left with the nasty news addiction. (This morning I literally heard that our galaxy is headed toward Andromeda much faster than expected and we are sure to collide with them much sooner than previously thought*. What am I supposed to do with that information?)

*Just so you know, “much sooner” is in about 2.5 billion years, so don’t start worrying yet.

Here is the Great News. Great news is 1,000,000 times more powerful than bad news. As awful as the news on NPR makes me feel, watching 40 people come to my office on a Saturday morning in December to donate food to Rosie’s Place makes me feel 1,000,000 times better. My New Year’s Resolution is to commit to spreading Great News wherever I can. Do you think there are thousands of organizations out there doing good work in the world? You Betcha’! Do we hear about them on a daily basis? No. We’re too busy watching the doom and gloom on CNN or reading the Globe for local doom and gloom.

Here's an example. I donate regularly to an organization called Kiva. Kiva takes money and lends it to small businesspeople in developing countries. I choose the people I wish to receive the money and they are contracted to pay me back within 3 months. The money goes back into my account to reinvest in other businesspeople. It’s an incredible concept called microlending, and just knowing that it's taking place lifts my spirits. People helping people; very organic, very good news. Help is the Great News. When politicians are honest and seek solutions to people’s everyday problems, it is Great News. When people are working hard for peace, it is Great News. When children smile, when we can laugh –even with the existence of hardship- it is Great News. When people come together in community, it is Great News.

The Law of Attraction says what you focus on expands. Imagine how much terrible stuff is expanding right now because of how focused we are upon it! In 2009, help me spread the Great News. I know in my heart if we could all take a few moments out of our day to focus on the Great News, we’d have more of it! And then that would expand. That’s my hope for 2009.