It's Your Life – Val's Tips & Ponderings Wise Words In a recent article in a weekend supplement to my local newspaper, the Hampshire Gazette, therapist Pam Peterson wrote an insightful article called, "When a Mid-life Crisis Isn't a Crisis At All. In it Peterson offered this simple but deeply wise advice: "Expect the emotional fluctuations that come with change. Along with feelings of doubt, fear, grief and anger, you will experience excitement, anticipation, and renewal. Expect to feel vulnerable and incompetent. These are normal reactions to change. Be sure to get enough sleep, eat well and get plenty of exercise." Make someone else's dream come true. Fellow dreamer Soni Pitts wrote in to say she'd run across an article about the Make-a-Wish foundation. It uses donated frequent flyer miles to send terminally ill children to Disney World, Fenway Park, and many other wish destinations. Soni thought since many people will be flying in to our recent Making Dreams Happen conference, that participants might want to donate some or all of their airline miles to the foundation. Good idea, Soni. I know I will. If anyone else would like to donate some airline miles you can learn more at http://www.wish.org/home/giving shopping/giving_airmiles.htm Internships, Extraordinary Experiences, Seasonal Jobs, Volunteer Vacations, Work Abroad When I read the site description at the top of the www.backdoorjobs.com home page I knew I was going to like this site: "If you are baffled as to a future career and are ready to explore the many doors of opportunity that short-term jobs have to offer, you've come to the right place. Backdoorjobs.com is simply about discovering life's options and finding your place in the world (and that's real exciting stuff). So explore, dream and discover - and turn your dreams into reality!" From here you can link into all sorts of interesting work options under categories like: Here are two of the listings you'll find under Adventure Jobs: Alaska. From eagles and caribou to the midnight sun and northern lights. Yes, now is the time to share your spirit of adventure and the outdoors this summer with Alaska Wildland Adventures. Whether you'll lead a small group of adults on natural history safaris or on a rafting or fishing adventure, this is ecotourism-based travel at its best (and a summer you will never forget!). In addition to the more adventurous seasonal employment opportunities available, don't overlook all their other unique positions, which range from cooks to safari drivers! Are you ready to be challenged physically, mentally and emotionally? A summer with VISIONS Service Adventures will definitely change the way you look at life! Trip leaders and specialists will serve as mentors for groups of teens, while combining construction-based community service, outdoor exploration and adventure, and intercultural living. With Adventure not your thing? Well what about health and wellness. This is one of the options you'll find under Artistic Pursuits: A season at the Omega Institute offers a unique opportunity for hard work, personal growth, spiritual exploration and community building. Positions are available from April through October (for the entire season or for a minimum of seven weeks). "The pay is modest. The work is important. The satisfaction is incredible. Whether working in soup kitchens or family shelters, teaching and inspiring at-risk youth, ministering to the abused or mentally ill, building houses for the poor, empowering people through ministry work, assisting the elderly, helping the fight against hunger, or working to keep the world's population in check, you'll find your options in this channel. Your efforts may not immediately change the world or solve deep-rooted problems, but will serve as an ongoing commitment to helping others in need while promoting the integrity of creation. If you have a passion for service and are willing to go the extra mile to help a good cause, it's time to start making a difference - the world needs you!" One of the organizations offering short or long term jobs under the Heart category is an organization called Sprout. Here's their posting: Are you ready for a personal challenge? With Sprout, you'll travel, have fun, and contribute to the lives of others by co-leading vacations throughout the U.S. for small groups of adults with developmental disabilities. Taking to the road in Sprout's 15-passenger van (with 10 participants and 3 leaders), leader responsibilities include safety monitoring, providing physical and emotional support, activity planning, budgeting and, of course, enhancing fun! Training and all trip-related expenses (food, accommodations, activities, and transportation) are covered - so virtually, you'll travel for free. With opportunities available year-round, you can commit for one trip (3-10 days), for months at a time, or anything in between (provided you show dedication and responsibility). Applicants must be at least 18 (most are between the ages of 20 and 30), fun-loving, responsible, enthusiastic about care for people with special needs, and love to travel. ( If you are drawn to the travel Sprout offers and like the idea of making some extra money while you travel you may want to look into International Living's outstanding - and highly affordable - course on how to make a living as a professional travel writer. Click here to learn more about travel writing: Sometimes you need to shake up your life. If you can why not take a few weeks, a summer, or even a year to throw yourself into something very different from what you've been doing? If you are ready to take the plunge, or just need an inspiring reminder of how many fascinating work-life options there are out there, I encourage you to stop by http://backdoorjobs.com/heartwork.html today. The University for the Study of Human Goodness Given the barrage of bad news about terrorism, war, AIDS, world hunger, and the like I was encouraged to find in the The Heart Jobs section of Backdoorjobs.com, the University for the Study of Human Goodness. This Winston-Salem, North Carolina-based organization offers a range of experiential learning opportunities for service-minded individuals of all ages, faiths, and backgrounds. These include the full-time, one-year Soul-Centered Education for a Lifetime Program, short workshops and classes, volunteer service-learning opportunities, publications, videotapes, and interactive long-distance education by electronic communications. The University is not a religious organization. The University also offers training and consultation to volunteer-based service organizations in the areas of volunteer and organizational development, group and teamwork, resource development, and the transforming effects of assuming personal responsibility via "Becoming the Totally Responsible Person." Over 70,000 people have attended workshops created at the University. California Fresh Buffet, a popular, Winston-Salem-based restaurant, is the University's primary laboratory and living demonstration for effective and creative group work. It is staffed by students – including the board of directors - who apply the principles taught at UHG. These include: living each day with self-confidence, joy, personal productivity, and clarity of purpose; leaving personal agendas at the door; creative and cooperative group work; letting go of victim mentality; selfless service; and social entrepreneurism. To learn more about the University for the Study of Human Goodness go to http://www.ufhg.org/
by Valerie Young
programs running in July and August, these unique opportunities will take you to places all over the world (from Alaska to Australia).
Each year 400 staff members (from all ages and backgrounds!) join Omega to work and grow alongside "like-minded" people. The work itself is basic and rudimentary (from food service to housekeeping); however, the real draw is participation in a stimulating collection of classes with topics including bodywork, yoga, taiji, alternative health, psychological studies, performing and visual arts, sports and play, as well as esoteric studies. Benefits also include a small stipend, housing in the dorms or tents, wholesome meals, and use of the facilities.
Heart Work category, I have to share the heartwarming description of how Backdoorjobs described heart work itself:
http://www.agora-inc.com/reports/twcr/changingcourse/ )