Article by Kevin L. DeWitt

Most likely, everyone knows how destructive viruses can be to our computer.  Virus protection is important to keep our computer healthy and working as intended.

Yet many times, we’re not so careful when it comes to protecting our own ourselves … our own minds.  Destructive, negative thinking can have effects that are every bit as devastating as a virus is to a computer.

The more serious of these thoughts can lead to mental health problems such as loss of confidence, mild or moderate depression, self esteem issues, and a distorted perception of ourselves.  Science has shown that there is a link between physical and mental well being and positive attitudes in life.  When we are happy and content with life and our thought processes are working correctly our brain releases endorphins, which is our brains’ way of dealing with pain and making us feel happier.  Our brain also releases Gamma Globulin to strengthen our immune system and another chemical called Interferon which combats viruses, infections and even cancer.

So how then do we fight destructive thoughts and protect ourselves in order to stay mentally and physically healthy?

One answer is to simply make ourselves aware of our own thoughts, and recognize when action is needed so that our own destructive thoughts won’t lead to a downward spiral of negative emotion resulting in mental and physical problems.  Here are four ways to control the viruses in our mind: Read More »

Article by Marie Monroe

The Latin words humilis and humus have caught my attention in this season of introspection.  Low to the ground, of the ground, of the dirt …

I consider them in my meditations about what it means to be human, to be part of humanity and what type of human I want to be in this New Year of 2010 that fast approaches.

Old school exercises of finding root words echo around as I try on more words that fit:  humiliation, humble, humility …

Personal Revolution

I find myself reviewing recovery literature from 12 Step programs and growing in my understanding that true humility can not only be a saving grace, but a personal revolution.  True humility, I am reminded as I read, brings a sense of clarity about one’s self, deflating false pride and fantasy.  It brings us back home to who and what we truly are … and there we can celebrate our own humanity.

These are large and abstract ponderings, but important ones as I search for what growth I want to cultivate in this coming year. Read More »

Article By Kevin L. DeWitt

Generally speaking, I believe the tendency for most of us is to say “yes” to most of the things coming into our lives.  I know that’s the case for me.

Sometimes we’re too nice to say no.  Sometimes we’re afraid that if we say “no” others won’t like us.  Many times, we are overly optimistic about how much we can get done.  We don’t want to look bad by saying we can’t do something. Or we’re afraid to miss out on opportunities by saying no.

So we say “yes” to more than we can actually handle.  And we become overwhelmed, stressed … and in the process … exhausted.  This seems to be especially the case over the holidays. Read More »

Article By Kevin L. DeWitt

Are You Average?  Is your company average?  Are you an average person doing an above-average job for an average company selling an average product to the average consumer?

Average made America great. Average was the mass market, the sweet spot, the high-volume, high-profit, churn-’em-out-and-move-on middle.

Unfortunately … average does not exist anymore in America.  America’s best-selling beer isn’t Budweiser or Miller. It’s “other.”  Salsa now outsells ketchup.  There are so many alternatives, so many distribution channels, so many choices and so many different kinds of consumers that average just isn’t interesting anymore.

Change is our new normal … our new “average.” Read More »

Article By Kevin L. DeWitt

Many times, we get stuck in inaction … myself included.  We have doubts, worry about being perfect, and become distracted through too much planning.  And the result: we’re stopped from moving forward.

I don’t propose that we should all be a buzz of activity every day, week in and week out.  However … I do believe it’s easy get lost in the distractions of the world and lose sight of what’s important, and how to actually accomplish our goals and dreams.

With this in mind, here are some rules of action — just some small reminders, things I’ve found useful but by no means invented, common-sense stuff that is often not common enough: Read More »