Thursday, July 31, 2008

Helpful Hints - Clints list


I recently read Clint stonebraker's blog " The Fearless and Joyful Life" @
http://thefearlessandjoyfullife.com/ I liked what he wrote. I thought I would pass it along, while taking no credit. He's always cool and helpful.

"If There’s Trouble, You Can Resolve It " July 30, 2008
Most relationships that go sour are usually sabotaged by poor communication. Whether it is due to someone’s inability (or unwillingness) to be openly expressive or a misinterpretation of emotions, with better tools we can not only salvage certain relationships but enhance all of them.

In my book, Relationships for the Intimately Challenged I provide an overview of how people’s faulty belief systems and scripting lead to the repetition of useless and negative habits. I also point out the value of having a personal definition of success and happiness based on your individual experiences and beliefs rather than on scripts or other limiting codes of behavior.

In the series of workshops that I am facilitating right now, I provide some insight into ten techniques that I believe can help resolve most conflicts that come up in any relationship.

· 1 Pause before speaking
· 2 Listen to the other person…….no, seriously listen to the other person
· 3 Avoid accusatory statements based on assumptions
· 4 Avoid ”should” statements
· 5 Discuss rules/guidelines rather than impose rules/guidelines
· 6 Communicate concerns rather than attempt to arbitrarily control behavior
· 7 Understand the other person’s perspective (kind of an extension of #2)
· 8 Be willing to walk away to allow emotions to calm
· 9 NEVER speak out of anger
· 10 Own your behavior first

If you are experiencing conflict in any of your relationships, try one or more of these techniques. If you are willing to take action and make the necessary changes in your life you can find the joy you seek in any significant relationship. Never limit yourself with beliefs that no longer serve you.

One Response to “If There’s Trouble, You Can Resolve It”
Tim Harper Says: July 30, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Thank You. I think I’ll print this post and use these hints. My mouth gets me in so much trouble. I’ve got to remember ,PAUSE BEFORE SPEAKING !…..Peace,Love,and respect.....Tim H

Sometimes, something just clicks, and even though I known these helpful hints, having learned them growing up as a kid. It's nice to have someone take the trouble to remind you of them and point you in the right direction on how to apply them in your daily life, for more joy and less fear in life....
In gratitude and service, I am trying to keep it simple....
........Peace,Love,and Respect...Tim H
P.S. Please comment on blogs,Thank You

Monday, July 21, 2008

Thresher Fair


Well, I think I am an official Country Boy,now. This past weekend I went to a fiddle & banjo contest at the annual Thresher Fair. I didn't know what a thresher was,( it's a machine that separates the wheat and straw). The fair was located in Rosebud Missouri ( which if you go to nowhere and make a left and drive for about 50 miles you'll pass it, I mean pass it, turn around and this time don't blink).

The fiddle and banjo contest started at 5 pm, it was so hot , heat index over 100, the musicians had a hard time keeping there instruments tuned because of the heat, there was a 95 year old man playing fiddle ( for you city folk that's a violin). Afterwards they had the hay bale throwing contest,which I thought they were really heavy, but I tried it, and they weren't that heavy. I'll post a picture of me throwing a bale of hay ( I am getting to be such a country boy).

After that, the dance started, my wife's family were there, and there was a big dance, and Brenda's sister insisted on teaching me the two step. I really enjoyed myself,we stayed till midnight dancing, eating corn on the cob & barbecue and eating homemade ice cream.We had so much fun. My right hip was sore the next day from dancing.

Sunday, I went to church in the morning, and went to my groups "Area Service Monthly Meeting" ( and got to hear, the latest area politics, and saw a lot of friends).
I hope everyone is well out there , keep in touch, enjoy the dog days of summer, get out and do something , swimming, barbecue, hang with friends, dance, eat corn on the cob, homemade ice cream...........Peace,Love and Respect........Tim H.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Boston and Jan's Birthday

Well, the trip to Boston is now history. I helped drive the moving truck. Two of my sons are going to college there. Eric at Tufts, his girl Jenni at Northeastern, and Chris is checking out colleges this summer in Boston.

We also were there for the big 50 th birthday party, for my cousin Janet. There were family there from all over the country. I can't remember the last time I laughed and had so much fun, my family is cool. I had the opportunity to connect with family members I hadn't seen in years. That was Saturday. Sunday we went back to Janet's house and hung out for the day. Check out the video on YouTube" Boston and Jan's Birthday " my profile "bwaytim"

Sunday, late afternoon/evening I took the " T " to the North Station and went and saw the Old North Church. Then I walked all through the north side, down along the harbor, and than up through the market place, (saw cheers), over to the Old Corner Book Store, all along the Freedom Trail. Then I took the " T " back to the South Street stop on the B train, on the green line, right in front of my son's new apartment.

Monday,I took all my dirty laundry to the post office and mailed them back to St Louis , because I anticipated trouble at the airport. My son Eric booked the flight online and when they asked for any dietary needs, Eric tells them Hindu non-vegetarian. So here I am flying out of Logan airport(were the 911 terrorists flew out of), I am on a one way ticket. no luggage(I mailed my luggage home), and I have a long pony-tail. I anticipated at the very least a strip search, if not a down right body cavity search, but it turned out pretty uneventful.

We took the train from my sons apartment to the airport, I just love the mass transit system. So, I am home safely. I am dealing with things here. I have my guitar lesson tonight and I go back to work tomorrow. I hope everyone is fine and has a safe & fun 4 th of July.
God Bless America.....Peace,Love, and Respect..Tim Harper