Human beings have an uncanny ability to under or overvalue just about everything. Rarely are things, on a general scale, looked at as fair value. Our own worth of ourselves too can fall victim to this scenario. In a world that sways back and forth in competition, is it any surprise why some of us underestimate our potential and fail to see our inner gifts?

We too can make mistakes and judge others incorrectly. It takes time and a little distance to see the full impact of what a person can contribute. Worth in our society can get real dicey. A person’s worth can be judged by their age, race, religion, finances, etc. When was the last time we heard that each life is priceless, and everyone can contribute to make this world a better place, in their own unique way? Some just give up and say, “To heck with this!” A sorry state indeed, which leads many to corrupt themselves and commit crimes. Self-esteem is one of the vital building blocks of life, yet many fall into the trap, over time, of feeling worthless.

I would like to share a little story with you that the owner of my local coffee shop told me: “Jennifer,” he said, “I have this guy who comes in everyday before he heads off to the race track, to put his money on the horse of the day. It’s easy for him to lose two hundred dollars a week, yet he argues with me over every penny he has to pay for a cup of coffee, buttered roll, or doughnut. He’s never short of money for the race track, but it’s quite often that he asks me if he can pay me tomorrow.” This is an example of how worth plays a roll in our lives. The brand new car, that costs forty-thousand dollars…..we can plop down, go in debt, not bat an eyelash. But, it’s easy to forget to telephone a person who’s a relative or a friend to tell them we love them. These are the trappings we must keep in perspective.

There is worth in life………and it is up to each one of us to assign the correct value. Not what we see on television…….but, what deep down inside we know in our hearts. The more true value we have in our lives, the more we can appreciate living.

Find the value,

Jennifer Avalon
© 2001 Jennifer Avalon

We breathe in air thousands of times a day….each breath unto itself is a miracle. Every time we breathe in and exhale, we reaffirm the existence of the Force of Life. Isn’t it strange that after a while these breaths are taken for granted? As if there are endless more to be taken…..
The length of each breath determines the amount of oxygen we allow into our lungs. I know for me it’s easy to take short breaths automatically….but boy, when I sit back and take in a large extended breath, wow! Exercise forces us to take in more air then we normally would. For me, the more air I take in, the more alive I feel.

The air we breathe has value…..how many daily fight for each breath, just to stay alive because of illness? Yet when we sit back and relax, and let ourselves take the time, we understand this vital connection to Life. Oxygen is priceless. It is free, and so many of us take it for granted. There are many governments, that if they could, they would surely impose a tax upon it!!! That’s the beauty…..air is for everyone. A right of birth.

What would happen if a group of friends, or a family, sat down together for one hour a week and just took long breaths of air? Would it relax them? Would it let them feel more peaceful? Would it give them time to stop and reflect? Can you see it now…..the front page of the daily newspaper announcing “The Breathing Session Phenomenon!” Hey, things could be worse!!!

It’s easy to forget to sit back and just breathe instead of running around at the speed of sound. To breathe is to live…..the more we breathe, the more we live.

Take a deep breath,

love, Jennifer Avalon
© 2001 Jennifer Avalon

We all are a speck on the face of God. Inside each one of us is the possibility for a miracle. The tools are there, and all it takes is for us to pick them up and help change not only our own world, but of others too.

On a starry night if one looks up at the sky and sees the wonder of the Universe, the depth and the distance between the stars is enormous. Yes, they too hold a place on the face of God. Everything is interconnected, like a huge chain that stretches to the end of time. The past, the present and the future all have a place on that chain. The face of God has room for everyone and everything, each part unique and special unto itself, while one thing remains the core of it all……Love.

Each day if we allow ourselves to see, we get a glimpse of the face of God. It could be an unexpected gesture, a family celebration, a gathering around the morning cup of coffee, or, a blessed event. The enjoyment and hope that life is cherished is present each day, if we allow ourselves to see. Each one of us is just as important as the next person and all are equal in the face of God.
Now, if only we could convey to more people around the world that perhaps we all are part of the face of God, maybe we could solve more problems and decrease our differences. For if all we do is look at what separates us, we are doomed for one outcome. Many groups worldwide lay claim to exclusive rights to the face of God, when in reality the face is owned by no single man or woman.
There are many thing to learn in life…..but maybe one of the most important is that we leave this world a little better for having been here. That would truly bring a smile to the face of God.

love,
Jennifer Avalon
© 2001 Jennifer Avalon

The time of life between birth and death is simply known as “The Struggle.” The space of time where we make our contributions to the Book of Life. Joy and pain, ups and downs, successes and failures……these are terms we get to know all too well through The Struggle.

I truly believe that Life is a learning process….the more we learn the better we become at handling the next steps ahead. If we don’t take time to look at our mistakes, we are destined to repeat them over and over again. As each year rolls by we become more and more responsible for what the future may deliver. A ten year old child cannot be expected to have the same insight and life experience of a fifty year old. Life should be looked upon as a fine wine…..with age, the taste gets better.

In a society that caters too much to the first twenty-five years of life, far too little is focused upon the experience gained through age. Hopefully, through The Struggle, we acquire the knowledge that is needed to make sense and give purpose to our own individual lives. Many of us feel alone in The Struggle, while really we journey through it together. A human family that shares life daily….far too many times seeing the differences while ignoring the bonds that we have in common.

The baker, the homemaker, the craftsman, the teacher, etc……all are roles that we assume to provide the means that are necessary on the stage of life. The newborn child and the dying person can see the purpose to life. During The Struggle we must fight to hold on to the purpose of our existence. When we forget, is when we run into trouble and veer off course. Hopefully, we can reestablish the direction we were originally heading toward. I don’t believe we are accidents……The Struggle provides the evidence to prove that we are not.

Struggle On,

Jennifer Avalon
© 2001 Jennifer Avalon

Near where I live is a family that runs a farm. Jack and Laurie have two children and together they maintain a five acre spread of land. I recently had dinner at their house and was greatly surprised to learn what they do during their day. Many times when I drive past their place I have often wondered how they keep a farm going and never seem short of anything.

During dinner Jack mentioned that they rise at about 5:30 each morning and right away the coffee is turned on and the television satellite is activated to find out how the stock market is behaving that morning. “The stock market?” I asked Jack. “Yes indeed,” he replied, “I never took any courses in learning about the stock market, only my own readings and a little common sense.” Jack and Laurie used to live in New York City…..it was their dream to one day surround themselves with nature. Their house is beautiful and a nicer family you could not meet. Throughout the day they milk cows, and make cheese, which they sell to local markets. The most important aspect of their lives is the time that they donate to helping others. It is not uncommon to see Jack and Laurie at a local hospital or senior citizen center, on a Friday evening. Why do they do this? Laurie mentioned that the money they have made in the stock market over the past twenty years, they look upon as a blessing, and an opportunity to give back to those less fortunate.

So why is this a Renaissance Family? In a 24 hour period it is not unusual to find these people wearing many hats that include stockbroker, farmer, parent, mechanic, volunteer, and teacher. They believe that in order to have a healthy and successful life, one must learn many trades and foster many talents. To them, the days of just having to do one or two things in life are past.

So has your family also become a Renaissance Family? Many today are, without realizing it. Do you find yourself wearing many hats also, to accomplish the tasks of the day? We always seem to be so busy at looking at our shortcomings, while not acknowledging the gifts we offer to ourselves and our families. Within a Renaissance Family, everybody chips in. There is always somebody who knows something different. It could be screwing in a light bulb, painting a wall, or even knowing how to activate and use the VCR!!! In the Renaissance Family there is room for all to express their talents. Let’s dedicate the year 2001 to the Renaissance Family, and may it prosper and grow for many many years to come……………..

Live long and prosper,
love, Jennifer Avalon
© 2001 Jennifer Avalon