treating your learning friends like express series

LEARNING EXPRESS SERIES

2019

INAUGURAL SESSION… LEADERSHIP

JULY 22

Senior Center of Greater Richmond, Inc.

(SCGR) is a 501 (c) corporation with a 60 year

history of providing services to seniors in the

Richmond Area. Currently, it focuses on the

population residing in East End Richmond and

located within the service region of the Peter Paul

Development Center (PPDC)..

SCGR is coordinated by Barbara S. Brown and the

chair of the Board of Directors is Marilyn H.

West. Its key partners are the City of Richmond,

Senior Connections, PPDC and Dominion Energy.

The Center helps Seniors to overcome negative

perceptions about aging and help them develop

positive thinking that they can irrespective of their

age and other factors that may be limiting their

mobility and independence

The Learning Express Series is supported by

Senior Connections and will include topics that

organizations working with seniors and their

constituents and clients can use to increase

awareness about programs and activities that are

available to promote healthy living and vibrancy.

This issue of the Learning Express focuses on TREATING YOUR FRIENDS LIKE CUSTOMERS. Please feel free to contact Marilyn West for more details on this topic at 804.337.7575 (c).or [email protected].

WHAT DOES CUSTOMER SERVICE LOOK LIKE?

Senior Center of Greater Richmond Inc. at the Peter Paul Development Center 1708 North 22nd Street, Richmond, VA 23223 (804) 780-1195

TREATING YOUR FRIENDS LIKE CUSTOMER

SERVICE

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INTERACT WITH VALUES

24/7

WHAT DOES CUSTOMER SERVICE HAVE 2 DO WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND AGE?

2

Customers and sound customer service are key to sustaining a business.

Friendship is built on the same principles. There are many sides of customer

service and so there are with friendship. Customer service like friendship begins

when there is interaction between at least one or more individuals for a

product, service or another asset of another. Additionally, customer service and

friendship can change through factors that exceed the capabilities of the

business and friend. Included for example are natural disasters such as

hurricanes, pandemics such as the coronavirus, the economy and availability of

resources that respond to needs and wants. A few fundamental similar

principles for customer service and friendship are below; and they substantiate

that you can provide customer service to your friends when you are aging for a

number of reasons such as you may have more time, your thinking is not

cluttered with matters that you can’t impact and you have ranked high the

importance of staying connected with friends:

A FEW CORNERSTONES OF CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FRIENDSHIP

AVAILABILE

RELIABLE

ETHICAL

LOYAL

ACCESSIBLE

COMMUNICATIVE THROUGH A MENU OF MODALITIES (Cell, Email, Text, Voice Messaging, Live Chat, In-Person)

EMPOWERING

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A CHECKLIST TO HELP YOU DEVELOP ENVIABLE CUSTOMER SERVICE WITH YOUR FRIENDS

TRY THIS REGULARLY

1. Be a Good Listener: Take the time to identify your friend’s needs and respond accordingly

2. Identify and Anticipate Needs: Communicate regularly and learn as much as you can about your friend needs may be in advance of any request

3. Make Friends Feel Important and Appreciated: Respond to them in a manner that makes them feel they are the only person in the world and that you welcome their friendship

4. Body Language Is Key: Use words, actions and body language that demonstrate your interest in them

5. Work Diligently on Promoting Understanding: Help your friends understand your capabilities and limitations and how they help to nurture these

6. Appreciate the Power of "Yes": Consistently find ways to help your friend when a request is made taking into account that they may be hesitant to ask for help

7. Know How to Apologize: When something goes wrong with your friendship, apologize and find ways to demonstrate your sincerity.

8. Give More Than Expected: Exceed you own expectations in building and reinforcing your friendship. Treat your friends the way that you want to be treated and how important it is to exercise values.

9. Get Regular Feedback: Encourage and welcome suggestions you’re your friend about how you can improve your relationship.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU WHEN YOU HAVE TREATED FRIENDS LIKE CUSTOMERS?

SEE BELOW… You don’t waste time unnecessarily hunting down a resource that can provide assistance You are able to reach a care giver or another resource without hesitation as you have correct information about resources There is a single source that you can go to that responds to your needs You share with others how to develop a resource, especially the Quick Reference Your close family members know who to contact in case of an emergency You have created a resource that aligns with your needs as opposed to others You eliminate anxiety because you can’t find resources and stress you need

WHAT IS THE RETURN ON AN INVESTMENT FOR TREATING FRIENDS LIKE CUSTOMERS?

A SUSTAINING FRIENDSHIP THAT IS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL

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QUOTES ON CUSTOMER SERVICE AND FRIENDSHIP (Substitute the word “friend” for “customer”)

“It’s not always what is said, but what is left on the plate, that tells the true

story.” Sarah Pullen,

“Leave Your Customers in a Better Spot then they found you, so they get in a habit

of finding you.” Saurabh Gusain

“Understanding who isn’t your ideal customer sometimes helps you better clarify

who is.” Amber Hurdle

“The 'U' goes before 'ME' in Customer.” Janna Cachola

“A customer is never right if there is no respect. In fact, no one is right if there is

no respect.” Janna Cachola

“The first step in exceeding your customer’s expectations is to know those

expectations.” Roy H. Williams

Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” Bill Gates

Every contact we have with a customer influences whether or not they’ll come

back. We have to be great every time or we’ll lose them.” Kevin Stirtz

“Customers don’t expect you to be perfect. They do expect you to fix things when

they go wrong.” Donald Porter

“Focusing on the customer makes a company (YOU) more resilient.” Jeff Bezos

“When the customer comes first, the customer will last.” Robert Half

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COMING SOON!!!

THE NEXT ISSUE WILL SOON BE

RELEASED. THE TOPIC WILL BE…

STAYING ALONE ONLY WHEN

YOU WANT TO

CREATED BY MARILYN H. WEST AT NO CHARGE

IN SUPPORT OF A SENIOR CONNECTIONS GRANT To The Senior Center Of Greater Richmond Inc.

6


2019


JULY 22























This issue of the Learning Express focuses on STAYING ALONE WHEN YOU WANT TO. Please feel free to contact Marilyn West for more details on this topic at 804.337.7575 (c).or [email protected].

WHAT DOES STAYING ALONE WHEN YOU WANT TO BE LOOK LIKE?


STAYING ALONE WHEN YOU WANT TO

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BEING ALONE IS AN ATTITUDE

WHAT DOES STAYING ALONE WHEN YOU WANT TO HAVE TO DO WITH AGE?

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Many of us find ourselves alone because we want to be or because circumstances

for which we have little or no control place us in this space. The COVID-19

pandemic is an example where we are forced to be alone and social distancing is

recommended highly as an intervention to stay well. While somewhat anxiety laden

for some, exercising this option could provide many opportunities for self-reflection,

assessment, growth and more as described on the next few pages.

For those who have resorted to being alone and actually have used it as a strategy

for growth, they are in a high state of readiness to cope with the isolation that the

pandemic is bringing. Whether alone at any age, embracing it as a temporary stop

on life’s journey is helpful.

There are many advantages of being alone and they help to protect your

uniqueness. Journaling your experience of being alone is instructive and helps you

to determine how long you want to be in this state and when you want to emerge

and be part of a group, crowd and more.

While being alone translates more often than not to isolation in the elderly, all of us

have a role that we can play by equipping them with the tools for this journey when

they request it or fall into this category through no fault of their own. Help them

understand that being alone can be a happy place and inspiration to keep

“movin” with your body and mind.

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GUIDANCE THAT SUPPORTS BEING ALONE WHEN YOU WANT TO BE

TRY THIS REGULARLY

1. It is a perfect time to take a look at your strengths, weaknesses, desires, motivations, behavioral patterns and more and how we will use these when we are not alone

2. Bathe in the freedom to wind down and relax and use the time to engage in activities that are tailored to meet your needs alone

3. Discover talents and skills and be a judge of how you could

use them to benefit yourself and others

4. Create a pathway to balance your physical and mental health that will promote healthy living alone or with others

5. Relish in the opportunity to be in full control of your journey within the rules and laws that guide every person

6. Enjoy complete privacy in tending to matters that you believe

to be confidential

7. Time to think about crafting a plan to interact with others

when you decide to re-engage with people

Once There Is

An Opportunity

To Escape And

Be Alone,

Pausing The

Thinking To Do

So May Not Be

Warranted

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU WHEN YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY

STAYED ALONE? WHEN YOU ALLOW…

1. Solitude to reboot your brain and unwind. Constantly being "on" doesn't give your brain a chance to rest and replenish itself. Being by yourself with no distractions gives you the chance to clear your mind, focus, and think more clearly. It's an opportunity to revitalize your mind and body at the same time.

2. Solitude to improve concentration and increase productivity. When you remove as many distractions and interruptions as you can from your day, you are better able to concentrate, which will help you get more work done in a shorter amount of time.

3. Solitude to help you discover yourself and find your own voice. When you're part of a group, you're more likely to go along with what the group is doing or thinking, which aren't always the actions you would take or the decisions you would make if you were on your own.

4. Solitude to free up time for you to think deeply. Day-to-day responsibilities and commitments can make your to-do list seem as if it has no end. This constant motion prevents you from engaging in deep thought, which inhibits creativity and lessens productivity.

5. Solitude to assist you to work through problems more effectively. It's hard to think of effective solutions to problems when you're distracted by incoming information, regardless of whether the source is electronic or human.

6. Solitude to enhance the quality of your relationships with others. By spending time with yourself and gaining a better understanding of who you are and what you desire in life, you're more likely to make better choices about who you want to be around. You also may come to appreciate your relationships more after you've spent some time alone.

WHAT IS THE RETURN ON AN INVESTMENT FOR STAYING ALONE WHEN YOU WANT TO BE?

RECOGNITION THAT BEING ALONE IS A STRENGTH

4

SOURCE: PSYCHOLOGY TODAY

QUOTES ON BEING ALONE

I used to think the worst thing in life was to end up all alone. It's not. The worst thing in

life is to end up with people who make you feel all alone. Robin Williams

Loneliness adds beauty to life. It puts a special burn on sunsets and makes night air

smell better. Henry Rollins

I live in that solitude which is painful in youth, but delicious in the years of maturity.

Albert Einstein

You only grow when you are alone. Paul Newman

I am alone again and I want to be so; alone with the pure sky and open sea. UNKNOWN

Every man must do two things alone; he must do his own believing and his own dying.

Martin Luther

I never found a companion that was so companionable as solitude. Henry David

Thoreau

The soul that sees beauty may sometimes walk alone. Jonathan Wolfgang von Goethe Sometimes, you need to be alone. Not to be lonely, but to enjoy your free time being yourself. UNKNOWN

It’s easy to stand with the crowd it takes courage to stand alone. UNKNOWN

I actually like being alone. I spend most evenings reading and taking long baths. Shonda Rhimes

If you learn to really sit with loneliness and embrace it for the gift that it is…an opportunity to get to know YOU, to learn how strong you really are, to depend on no one but YOU for your happiness…you will realize that a little loneliness goes a LONG way in creating a richer, deeper, more vibrant and colorful YOU. Mandy Hale

If you are never alone, you cannot know yourself. Paulo Coelho

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https://www.azquotes.com/quote/547720?ref=being-alone









COMING SOON!!!

THE NEXT AND FNAL ISSUE FOR THIS

LEARNING SERIES, VOLUME i WILL SOON BE RELEASED. THE TOPIC WILL BE…

STAYING ON TRACK WITH

YOUR FINANCES



6


2019


JULY 22























This issue of the Learning Express focuses on BUILDING A RESOURCES DIRECTORY TO RESPOND TO NEEDS AND WANTS. Please feel free to contact Marilyn West for more details on this topic at 804.337.7575 (c).or [email protected].

WHAT DOES A RESOURCE DIRECTORY LOOK LIKE?


BUILDING A RESOURCE

DIRECTORY TO SUPPORT NEEDS

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WHAT DOES A RESOURCES DIRECTORY HAVE 2 DO WITH YOUR AGE?

2

A resource directory is a must for any one and especially for “olders.” The range and amount of resources needed soar every year. While ideally one directory that contains it all that seldom works. Whether you have one or many, it is essential that they be located in a place that you can easily access, is current and in a useable format. It also helps if the directory is in large print.

There are several types of resources directories as captured in the following descriptions:

1. Community resources generally refer to social or community services that help patients manage their activities of daily living, such as transportation, personal care, nutrition, support groups, etc. Many community resources are provided by local governmental agencies or charitable organizations.

2. Provider resources are those that have licensed professional providers and other clinicians who provide diagnostic and treatment services. These include hospitals, clinics, specialty physicians, mental health care providers, nursing homes, home health agencies, durable medical equipment suppliers, etc.

3. Family resources are those that your family has historically relied upon for generations… What to do and not do in times of challenge, recipes, traditions for various holidays, important dates for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions, pictures of family members and activities and more. have licensed professional providers and other clinicians

For FUN, you may wish to name your directory such as Catfish, Mable, the Beacon, the Retriever, the Post etc. It could represent a conversation piece. Can you imagine how would respond when you indicate you just lean on Catfish for help!

3

A CHECKLIST TO HELP YOU DEVELOP A QUICK REFERENCE DIRECTORY…

SUSTAIN POSITIVE THINKING?

TRY

1. Treat the development of the quick

Reference Directory as a hobby

2. Determine what is most important to you

and identify local resources and also

resources that you can access if you travel

3. Prioritize those most important to you such

as the telephone number, email and location

of our primary care physician

4. Select a format that you can use; for

example, a laminated book mark; a

refrigerator magnet

5. Identify a color of your Quick Reference so

that it stands out from other similar material

6. Have a backup location for your Quick

Reference

7. Share your Quick Reference with a close

family member or care taker

NAVIGATING THE ROAD OF RESOURCES

MY

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU HAVE A DIRECTORY THAT WORKS FOR YOU ?

SEE BELOW… You don’t waste time unnecessarily hunting down a resource that can provide assistance You are able to reach a care giver or another resource without hesitation as you have correct information about resources There is a single source that you can go to that responds to your needs You share with others how to develop a resource, especially the Quick Reference Your close family members know who to contact in case of an emergency You have created a resource that aligns with your needs as opposed to others You eliminate anxiety because you can’t find resources and stress you need

WHAT IS THE RETURN ON AN INVESTMENT

FOR HAVING A RESOURCE DIRECTORY?

YOU PREVENT FEELINGS OF ISOLATION BECAUSE YOU ARE CONNECTED

4

QUOTES ON BEING RESOURCES READY

“The first wealth is health. “ – Emerson

“He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.” – Arabian Proverb

“It doesn’t matter how many resources you have, if you don’t know how to use them, they will never be enough.” Albert Einstein “Time is the single most important resource that we have. Every single minute we lose is never coming back.” ― Tarun Sharma

“When you don’t have resources, you become resourceful.” KR Sridhar

“A resourceful person will always make opportunity fit his or her needs.” Napoleon Hill “Make the most out of what you have.” Anonymous “Now is no time to think of what you do not have. Think of what you can do with what there is.” Ernest Hemingway

“Ready? It doesn’t matter. The world is changed by people who aren’t ready.”

Richie Norton

“Great emergencies and crises show us how much greater are vital resources are than we had supposed .” William James “Humor is a serious thing. I like to think of it as one of our greatest earliest natural resources which must be preserved at all costs.” James Thurber “As you have more resources in life it’s your obligation to deploy those for the benefit of others.” Stephen A. Schwarzman

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COMING SOON!!!



STAYING ALONE ONLY WHEN

YOU WANT TO



6


2019


JULY 22


(SCGR) is a 501 ( c) corporation with a 60 year





















This issue of the Learning Express focuses on

leadership and its value in daily living. Please

contact Marilyn West for more details on this topic

at 804.337.7575 (c).

What does LEADERSHIP look like and what LEADERSHIP feels like?

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WHAT DOES AGE HAVE 2 DO WITH LEADERSHIP?

*Advocate for Seniors

WHAT DOES AGE HAVE 2 DO WITH LEADERSHIP?

2

WHAT QUALITIES MATTER 2 BECOME A LEADER? JUST A FEW !!!

ACT (MAKE DECISIONS) CAN DO ATTITUDE CARE FOR OTHERS

DEMONSTRATE APPRECIATION ETHICAL

FORWARD THINKING GOAL-ORIENTED

HABITS TO MAINTAIN HEALTHY LIVING HAVE A BIG PICTURE (VISION)

INCLUSIVE LEAN ON YOUR NETWORK OF SUPPORTERS

RESULTS DRIVEN SHOWCASE YOUR TALENTS AND SKILLS

TAKE RISKS THINK OUT OF THE BOX

TRUSTWORTHY USE A SENSE OF HUMOR

WILLING TO LISTEN AND LEARN

3

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM LEADER READY?

SEE BELOW

I have many of the qualities listed on the previous page through various positions I have held in my personal, civic or employment life

I know my strengths and weaknesses

I have role models who are leaders

I know of an individual (s) who can mentor/coach me

I am energetic and enthusiastic

I have looked in the mirror and have an image of my leadership

I have transformed lemons into lemonade

I am able to show others how to make things happen

I keep current with happenings around the world

I am willing to shadow another leader to learn more or to volunteer to complete a project in my community, church or employment that aligns with my skills

I will contact the Senior Center of Greater Richmond, Inc. to learn more about leadership

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QUOTES TO INSPIRE LEADERS

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” John C. Maxwell “I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” Jimmy Dean “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” Vince Lombardi “There is little success where there is little laughter.” Andrew Carnegie Life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent of how I react to it.” Charles Swindoll “Don’t find fault, find a remedy.” Henry Ford “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” Albert Einstein “The greatest discovery of all time is that a person can change his future by merely changing his attitude. “ Oprah Winfrey “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou “Leadership is like the sign on the door of opportunity…PUSH IT.” Marilyn H. West “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson “Always do your best, somebody is watching you.” General Collin Powell

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COMING SOON!!!

The August 2019 Issue on

Volunteerism

CREATED BY MARILYN H. WEST AT NO CHARGE IN SUPPORT OF A SENIOR CONNECTIONS GRANT To The Senior Center Of Greater Richmond Inc.

6


2019


JULY 22


(SCGR) is a 501 ( c) corporation with a 60 year






















volunteerism. It is a prescription for helping

others and rewards the volunteer as well. Please


at 804.337.7575 (c).

What does VOLUNTEERISM look like?

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VOLUNTEERISM It Helps Others and

the Volunteer !

September 2019

IS BEE ING

THERE

BEING THERE TO

WRAPPING YOUR ARMS

AROUND OTHERS

The practice of Volunteerism is donating time and energy for the benefit of others in the community as a social responsibility rather

than for any financial reward. Volunteers are diverse and dedicated and they look like people who occupy the universe…they come in all colors, shapes, sizes, cultures, religion, credentials and AGES. Some

of the most valued volunteers are SENIORS.

*Advocate for Seniors

WHAT DOES AGE HAVE 2 DO

WITH VOLUNTEERISM?

Volunteers deliver critical services—from serving as volunteer fire fighters or participating in search and rescue, to delivering meals to homebound seniors or homeless youth, to manning the phone lines at domestic violence and sexual assault centers.

Volunteers help to keep our neighborhoods, streets, parks, rivers, green spaces, and water clean and safe for everyone.

Volunteers tutor, teach, mentor, coach, and support young people with everything from math homework to dealing with personal crises to football and soccer tourneys.

Volunteers walk dogs, pet cats, clean cages, help with adoptions and feedings, and contribute veterinary expertise to organizations like animal shelters and wildlife rehabilitation centers.

Volunteers educate the public on health and safety; doctors and nurses donate time and medical knowledge to free clinics and natural/civil disaster areas worldwide.

Volunteers take tickets at film centers and performing arts events, lead tours at museums and historical societies, and ensure that arts and cultural festivals—from small-scale gatherings to massive multi-stage concerts—run smoothly.

Volunteers build houses and schools, dig wells, and repair infrastructure around the globe.

THE ESTIMATED $$$ VALUE OF EACH VOLUNTEER HOUR IS $25.43. THERE ARE 63 MILLION VOLUNTEERS IN THE UNITED STATES ALONE.

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A FEW QUALITIES THAT MATTER 2 BECOME A VOLUNTEER?

A SENSE OF HUMOR CAN DO ATTITUDE

CARING COLLABORATIVE

COMMITTED COMMUNICATOR

ENERGIZING ENGAGING

EMBRACE HEALTHY LIVING ETHICAL FLEXIBLE

INCLUSIVE INNOVATIVE PASSIONATE

POSITIVE RELIABILE

RESULTS DRIVEN SELFLESS

TEAM PLAYER TRUSTWORTHY

WILLING TO LISTEN AND LEARN

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BRING SMILES… Whenever Possible

HOW DO I KNOW IF YOU ARE VOLUNTEER READY?

SEE BELOW

I have many of the qualities listed on the previous page through various positions I have held in my personal, civic or employment life

I know my strengths and weaknesses

I have role models who are volunteers

I know of an individual (s) who can mentor/coach me

I have transformed lemons into lemonade

I am willing to shadow another volunteer to learn more about volunteering to complete a project in my community, church, health care facility, school etc. that aligns with my skills

Volunteering aligns with my schedule

I have a cause that I want to support

Matches with my personality and interests

I will contact the Senior Center of Greater Richmond, Inc. to learn more about volunteerism

WHAT IS THE RETURN ON AN INVESTMENT IN VOLUNTEERING?

Volunteering can help you make friends, learn new and sharpen existing skills, advance your career, serve as a factor to help you feel happier and healthier and build and reinforce your self-confidence that you can.

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QUOTES ON VOLUNTEERISM “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” Muhammad Ali

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” Elizabeth Andrew

“If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.” Kofi Annan

“What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.” Aristotle

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill

“Only a life lived for others is worth living.” Albert Einstein

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” Oscar Wilde

“I believe that every human mind feels pleasure in doing good to another.” Thomas Jefferson

“The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” Helen Keller

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can.” Arthur Ashe

“Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people are always asking what’s in it for me?” Brian Tracy

“At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

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COMING SOON!!!

A 2nd Issue for September will soon be released. The topic will be Maintaining

Positive Thinking!

CREATED BY MARILYN H. WEST AT NO CHARGE IN SUPPORT OF A SENIOR CONNECTIONS GRANT To The Senior Center Of Greater Richmond Inc.

6


2019


JULY 22
























Maintaining Positive Thinking. It is a

prescription to promote good health. Please


at 804.337.7575 (c).

WHAT DOES POSITIVE THINKING LOOK LIKE?


MAINTAINING POSITIVE THINKING

IS GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

OCTOBER 2019

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The practice of positive thinking can be described as the practice of embracing the

affirmative in our thoughts, our feelings, our actions, our reactions and our speech at any

age. Positive thinking is a mental attitude that admits into the mind thoughts, words and images that are conductive to growth, expansion and success. It is a mental attitude that expects good and favorable results. It is strategy that can be used to make you feel good about yourself.

Thinking positive is one of the most important things you need to practice throughout your life. It is a way of living and a technique that you need to incorporate into your daily life if you have any intentions of changing things or accomplishing your goals. It is also a way to use your mind to reverse the damaging effects of negative thinking.

WHAT DOES POSITIVE THINKING HAVE 2 DO WITH AGE?

WITH VOLUNTEERISM?

The Following Poem Helps To Substantiate That Positive Thinking Takes Place at Any Age

Garden of Your Mind

What are you growing in the garden of your mind –

what do you water nourish, feed?

Do you plant seeds of forgiveness, of love,

or do you fertilize weeds of anger resentment, fear?

What are you growing in the garden of your heart?

Do you allow sunshine to reach dark pain in the corners of your heart –

Do you allow tears to wash it clean and nourish it –

Or do you put up fences to keep out the feelings?

Get on your knees grow your own food

decide what it is you want in your soil. Know what you are cultivating

what you are growing – a lot can grow in the garden of your body

if you let it seed nourish it

allow it watch it grow.

Yogiapproved.com

SOURCE; Yogiapproved.com

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CELEBRATES STRENGTHS

CREATIVE

ENGAGING

EMBRACES HEALTHY LIVING

IDENTIFIES THE SILVER LINING IN NEGATIVE CIRCUMSTANCES

INNOVATIVE

IS OPTIMISTIC AND EXPECTS GOOD THINGS WILL HAPPEN

LOOKS FOR THE BEST IN OTHERS

LEANS ON A SENSE OF HUMOR

OBJECTIVE

PASSIONATE

POSITIVE

PROGRESSIVE

RESILIENCE

SELF-MOTIVATED

VALUES DRIVEN

IS A VISIONARY

WISE

WILLING TO LEARN

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A FEW QUALITIES THAT MATTER 2 SUSTAIN POSITIVE THINKING?

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE MAINTAINING POSITIVE THINKING?

SEE BELOW…YOU 1. Surround yourself with positive people. 2. Fill your mind with positive input. 3. Control your language. 4. Create a routine for the day. 5. Are nice to other people. 6. Don’t rely on an outside source of positivity. 7. Create high points in each day and week. 8. Assume responsibility, and choose your response. 9. Decide your reaction to known problems ahead of time. 10. Breathe deeply. 11. Have a vision. 12. Have personal goals. 13. Remember that no one owes you anything. 14. Seldom if at all complain 15. Embrace laughing. 16. Are curious and are empowered by learning. 17. Look to long-term instead of short-term. 18. Run from negative thinking

WHAT IS THE RETURN ON AN INVESTMENT FOR MAINTAINING POSITIVE THINKING?

Better Health More Confident Better Equipped to Manage Stress Better

More Focused Improved Relationships Happier

4

QUOTES ON POSITIVE THINKING

“The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes.” ~ Frank Lloyd Wright “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.” ~ Henry Ford “Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, But beautiful old people are works of art.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt “Age is whatever you think it is. You are as old as you think you are.” ~ Muhammad Ali “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” ~ C.S. Lewis “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” ~ Abraham Lincoln “Aging seems to be the only available way to live a long life.” ~ Daniel Francois Esprit Auber “Grow old with me the best is yet to come.” ~ Robert Browning “Age is a matter of feeling, not of years.” ~ George William Curtis “People are always asking me when I’m going to retire. Why should I? I’ve got it two ways – I’m still making movies, and I’m a senior citizen, so I can see myself at half price.” ~ George F.Burns “To be seventy years young is sometimes far more cheerful and hopeful than to be forty years old.” ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” ~ Mark Twain

” The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any.” –Alice Walker

5

COMING SOON!!!



Boosting Your Energy

through Good Nutrition

CREATED BY MARILYN H. WEST AT NO CHARGE IN SUPPORT OF A SENIOR CONNECTIONS GRANT To

The Senior Center Of Greater Richmond Inc.

6


2019


JULY 22























This issue of the Learning Express focuses on CREATING A PORTFOLIO OF FAMILY FUN AND TRADITIONS. Please feel free to contact Marilyn West for more details on this topic at 804.337.7575 (c).or [email protected].

WHAT DOES FAMILY FUN AND TRADITIONS LOOK LIKE?

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CREATING A PORTFOLIO OF

FAMILY FUN AND TRADITIONS

DECEMBER 2019 Part 1

Creating Fun Recipes

IMA

GE

2

WHAT DOES FAMILY FUN AND TRADITIONS HAVE WITH GOOD HEALTH AND

POSITIVE ATTITUDES?

2

Lifestyle includes the behavior and activities that make up your daily life. Among the factors is the interaction with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers and strangers. People make decisions based on beliefs, attitudes, and values. Our life experience and interaction with others such as family and friends also shapes our thoughts and actions. Personal behavior is affected by the information you learn at home and school, and from the radio, newspapers, and television as well as family members and friends. Because family and friends play such an important role in our daily living, talk with them, learn more about traditions and find additional ways to improve the quality of life for you and others for whom you care. Remember that family traditions are the rituals, practices and beliefs of a family that are handed down from one generation to the next. They can enrich families, promote a feeling of closeness and strengthen family bonds. They create emotional safety, security and fond memories. Traditions allow families to spend time together having fun, promote a feeling of closeness, and strengthen the family unit. Happy families stay together by intentionally spending meaningful time together. Below are a few practical ideas for creating meaningful family traditions: 1. Aim for a moderate number of traditions 2. Establish new traditions 3. Make sure you have spiritual traditions 4. From time to time, evaluate your traditions

Fun family rituals can happen daily, weekly or monthly. They can be centered around seasons or holidays. Any time period or event that occurs on a regular basis can be the catalyst for a noteworthy family ritual.

Keep in mind that Sometimes the best family traditions are the simplest ones.

Reference: https://www.family-reunion-success.com/

?

https://www.family-reunion-success.com/family-memories.html

https://www.family-reunion-success.com/

1. Secret Handshake and use it when greeting family members

2. Family Time Capsule and open it in ten years after placed in a capsule

3. Family Happiness Jar that fills with happy moments of you and your family

4. Favorite meal one time every week and invite a different family member (s) or friend (s) one time every week

5. Ornaments/decorations to celebrate your favorite holiday or that of a family member/friend

6. Day of the Month where you take photos of yourself or family member/friend and send to a family member/ friend who you have not interacted with in a long time

7. Time monthly to work on a community project. If you can reach the destination yourself, contact a family member or friend to transport you

8. Board Game Evening where those participating win a prize of an unused item that you no longer have interest in keeping

9. Breathe fresh air daily if only for a few minutes whenever possible

10. Dress up day every six months to look like your favorite movie star, family member or friend

3

A FEW BOOSTERS 2 PROMOTE FAMILY FUN AND TRADITIONS

CREATE/ESTABLISH A SUSTAIN POSITIVE THINKING?

TRY

Writing a short story about your family or the most enjoyable day

or week of your life!

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE CREATED A PORTFOLIO OF

FAMILY FUN AND TRADITIONS? SEE BELOW…

1. You Observe the increased number of visitors to your residence

2. Others seek your guidance on shaping family fun activities and traditions

3. You experience more happy days than sad days

4. Eat nutritious meals daily and even on the weekends and holidays

5. You are included in more activities of family and friends

6. You are using skills that you didn’t know you had or had not used in a long time to create and participate in family fun and traditions

7. Your attitude and thinking are more positive

8. You feel needed and valued

9. You help others understand the meaning of working together to enjoy

more their journey through life

WHAT IS THE RETURN ON AN INVESTMENT IN FAMILY FUN AND TRADITIONS? A LOT OF HAPPY FACES

4

QUOTES ON FAMILY FUN & TRADITIONS

Take life on life's terms - one day at a time. And have fun while you're doing it. Joe Perry I make our family traditions a priority. Martina McBride Preserving tradition has become a nice hobby, like stamp collecting. Mason Cooley Family is not an important thing. It's everything. Michael J. Fox Families are like branches on a tree, we grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one. Unknown Being a parent is the greatest trust that has been given to human beings. David O. McKay You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you. Frederick Buechner Cherish your human connections: your relationships with friends and family. Barbara Bush Family and friendships are two of the greatest facilitators of happiness. John C. Maxwell Enjoy the time you have with your friends & family. That doesn't mean spend money you don't have on them. It means enjoy your time with them. Robert Kiyosaki Where there are friends there is wealth. Plautus

5

https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/joe-perry-quotes

https://www.azquotes.com/quote/191677?ref=family-tradition

https://www.azquotes.com/author/9691-Martina_McBride

https://www.azquotes.com/quote/742705?ref=family-and-friends


https://www.azquotes.com/author/9852-David_O_McKay




https://www.azquotes.com/author/2133-Frederick_Buechner


https://www.azquotes.com/author/2242-Barbara_Bush


https://www.azquotes.com/author/9639-John_C_Maxwell

https://www.azquotes.com/author/9639-John_C_Maxwell



https://www.azquotes.com/author/8111-Robert_Kiyosaki

https://www.azquotes.com/author/8111-Robert_Kiyosaki


https://www.azquotes.com/author/11723-Plautus

COMING SOON!!!



Running from Depression in Your Life Especially During

the December Holidays



6


2019


JULY 22























This issue of the Learning Express focuses on BOOST YOUR ENERGY THROUGH GOOD NUTRITION. Please feel free to contact Marilyn West for more details on this topic at 804.337.7575 (c).or [email protected].

WHAT DOES GOOD NUTRITION LOOK LIKE?


BOOST YOUR ENERGY THROUGH GOOD NUTRITION

OCTOBER 2019

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WHAT DOES GOOD NUTRITION HAVE 2 DO WITH ENERGY AND

YOUR AGE?

2

SOURCES: Harvard Medical School & Dr. Lindsey Jones

Healthful eating helps to keep your energy level high: eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of unrefined carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, with an emphasis on vegetables, whole grains, and healthy oils. Taking a daily multivitamin will ensure that you get the vitamins and minerals you need, but taking extra amounts of individual nutrients won't give you more energy. In addition, eating certain types of foods in particular amounts can help prevent fatigue. Because different kinds of foods are converted to energy at different rates, some — such as candy and other simple sugars — can give you a quick lift, while others — such as whole grains and healthy unsaturated fats — supply the reserves you'll need to draw on throughout the day. But limit the refined sugar and white starches to only occasional treats. While you may get a quick boost, that feeling fades quickly and can leave you depleted and craving more sweets.

Trying the following guidance (after checking with your physician) could make a positive difference in your energy levels:

Smaller is better, especially at lunch

Avoid crash diets

Use caffeine to your advantage

Limit alcohol

Drink water

Do power bars or energy bars

Adhere to the extent possible to USDA suggested portions as shown below:

Fruits — 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 cups Vegetables — 2 to 3-1/2 cups Grains — 5 to 10 ounces Protein foods — 5 to 7 ounces Dairy foods — 3 cups of fat-free or low-fat milk Oils — 5 to 8 teaspoons Solid fats and added sugars (SoFAS)

(keep the amount of SoFAS small)

1. Get More Sleep If you often feel tired throughout the day, you may need more quality sleep. Try going to bed earlier and reducing screen time before bed.) 2. Reduce Stress High levels of stress can make you feel tired and drained. Finding ways to minimize lifestyle-related stress can help keep up your energy levels.) 3. Move More If you live a sedentary lifestyle and feel low on energy, participating in regular exercises like brisk walking or cycling can boost your energy levels. 4. Avoid Smoking Smoking can reduce the efficiency of your lungs and make you feel tired. Quitting smoking is great for both your energy levels and your health. 5. Limit Alcohol Alcohol can make you feel drowsy, but it can also interfere with the quality of your sleep. If you drink regularly, limiting the amount of alcohol you consume could help improve your energy levels.

6. Eat a Nutritious Diet A diet based on whole, healthy foods benefits your health and your energy levels. In contrast, a diet high in processed foods can negatively affect your energy levels. 7. Avoid Added Sugar Eating foods high in sugar can give you a short-term energy boost followed by a slump. To avoid this, minimize your intake and focus on eating whole foods instead. 8. Stay Hydrated Dehydration can make you feel tired. Make sure to drink enough water throughout the day and respond to your thirst, especially during exercise. 9. Be Social Getting out of the house and mingling with other people is beneficial for both your energy levels and your health. Try organizing social activities with your friends or starting a new activity by joining a social club.

Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-boost-energy#section6

3

A FEW BOOSTERS 2 PROMOTE ENERGY THRU NUTRITION AND OTHER GOOD HEALTH PRACTICES

SUSTAIN POSITIVE THINKING?

TRY

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-boost-energy#section6

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU ARE MAINTAINING GOOD NUTRITION TO BOOST YOUR

ENERGY LEVELS?

SEE BELOW… You eat nutritious meals daily and even on the weekends and holidays Your cravings for high caloric and salty foods/snacks are very short-lived or non-existing Doctors’ appointments are for wellness checks and not ailments such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease A positive attitude and positive thinking are drivers for actions and efforts Your lifestyle is scaled to coincide with your level of functional independence You are involved more in matters that impact others as opposed to yourself You share information about nutritious meals with family and friends

WHAT IS THE RETURN ON AN INVESTMENT IN GOOD NUTRITION?

YOU ARE MORE ENERGIZED, ENGAGED AND ENTHUSIATIC

4

QUOTES ON GOOD NUTRITION

“The first wealth is health. “ – Emerson

“Our food should be our medicine and our medicine should be our food. “ – Hippocrates

“He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.” – Arabian Proverb

“Man is What He Eats” – Lucretius

“The doctors of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition.” – Thomas Edison

“Diet is the essential key to all successful healing. Without a proper balanced diet, the effectiveness of herbal treatment is very limited.” – Michael Tierra

“Water is the most neglected nutrient in your diet, but one of the most vital.” – Julia Child

“Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.” – G.K. Chesterton

“Those who think they have no time for healthy eating, will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” – Edward Stanley

“Today more than 95% of all chronic disease is caused by food choice, toxic food ingredients, nutritional deficiencies, and lack of physical exercise.” – Mike Adams

“If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have the safest way to health.” – Hippocrates

5

COMING SOON!!!



Treating Your Friends

Like Customers



6


2019


JULY 22























This issue of the Learning Express focuses on STAYING ON TRACK WITH YOUR FINANCES. Please feel free to contact Marilyn West for more details on this topic at 804.337.7575 (c).or [email protected].

WHAT DOES STAYING ON TRACK WITH YOUR FINANCES LOOK LIKE?


STAYING ON TRACK WITH YOUR FINANCES

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SPEND

BU

DG

ET

SAVE

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WHAT DOES STAYING ON TRACK WITH YOUR FINANCES HAVE TO DO WITH AGE?

2

There is no age exempt from staying in touch with their finances. One is never too

young or too old to learn about financial literacy and how money and other

resources matter to their well being. Strong finances just don’t happen and it is a

race without a finish line to keep pace.

There are factors that impact our financial state and many are not easily offset by

interventions. Today, the world’s economy is challenged by COVID-19 and those

who are most prepared no matter the level of their income will be able to travel

more smoothly through the adversity. Hopefully, all experiencing hardships will

soon recover and put lessons learned into practice for the next chapter.

There are many parallels relative to taking care of one’s health and one’s finances.

Terms like prevent, treatment, stabilization and recovery apply to both. The cure

for both is similar as well: goal formation aligning objectives and strategies;

implementation and evaluation.

Without question it is essential to elevate your focus on creating and instituting

practices that promote the health of your finances. While it is never too late to

adjust behaviors and actions that adversely impact your financial status, beginning

as early as possible in life’s journey is important.

While we seldom have problems in stockpiling goods, we should transfer this

attitude in stockpiling financial resources. This does not mean that you suddenly

shut down your spending, but it does mean that the spending must more often than

not exceed your income and take instructions from your budget. Budgeting allows

for monies to be set aside. It may not be substantial but over time it accumulates.

WE MUST HANG ON TO THE THOUGHT THAT WE CAN, FEEL COMFORTABLE THAT

THERE IS AN ABUNDANCE OF RESOURCES TO SUPPORT WELLNESS WITH OUR FINANCES AND JUST MOVE ON IT!

3

GUIDANCE THAT SUPPORTS STAYING ON TRACK WITH FINANCES

TRY THIS REGULARLY

Delay making purchases that are not essential to your well being

Find creative ways to increase income by leaning on your skills

Analyze your spending

Prioritize use of income

Create and Use a budget

Make value-based purchases

Reject denials that you are financially challenged

Seek assistance from nonprofit and governmental agencies to augment needed

services when income is limited

Hold on to confidential information about your finances. Share it with only

individuals who you trust

Give up bad habits that are income consuming

Take advantage of discounts

Establish an emergency fund

Have fun for free

Avoid adding new debt

Refrain from or limit loans of money or other resources to friends and family

STAY HEALTHY, PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY, AND ADOPT MONEY WISE

PRACTICES TO HELP INSURE FINANCIAL SUCCESS

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU WHEN YOU ARE ON

TRACK WITH YOUR FINANCES? WHEN YOU …

1. Focus on the Positives And Strengths of Your Financial

Practices

2. Celebrate when You Stay within Your Budget

3. Have an Emergency Fund for Unanticipated Hardships

4. Shop for Values

5. Blaming Yourself for Money Spent Unwisely Yesterday

6. Seek Financial Assistance when You Don’t Need It

7. Base Your Financial Practices on Your Capacity and Capability as Opposed to Others

8. Educate Yourself about Ways to Support a Path

Forward to Align Your Finances with Your Lifestyle

9. Assign More Weight to the Bottom Line Over a Longer Verses a Shorter Period of Time

TAKE CARE OF YOUR FINANCES LIKE YOU DO

YOUR HEALTH AND SHARE HOW YOU ARE TO DO

MORE WITH LESS

4

QUOTES ON STAYING ON TRACK WITH FINANCES

“Every time you borrow money, you’re robbing your future self.” Nathan Morris

“Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.” Warren Buffet “Money is only a tool. It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver.” Ayn Rand “You’ve got to tell your money what to do or it will leave.” Dave Ramsey

“The secret to getting ahead is getting started.” Mark Twain

“I am prepared for the worst, but hope for the best.” Benjamin Disraeli

“Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.” Benjamin Franklin

“Financial peace of mind is not determined by how much we make, but is dependent upon how much we spend!” Marvin J. Ashton

“Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” Tony Robbins

“You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream.” C.S. Lewis

“The art is not in making money, but in keeping it.” Proverb

“Never spend your money before you have earned it.” Thomas Jefferson

“A penny saved is a penny earned.” Ben Franklin

“If you can, you will quickly find that the greatest rate of return you will earn is on your own personal spending. Being a smart shopper is the first step to getting rich.” Mark Cuban “Financial literacy is just as important in life as the other basics.” John W. Rogers, Jr

“Every day is a bank account, and time is our currency. No one is rich, no one is poor, we’ve got 24 hours each.” Christopher Rice “Money isn’t everything, but it’s right up there with oxygen.” Zig Ziglar

5

THIS IS THE FINAL ISSUE OF VOLUME I OF

THE LEARNING EXPRESS SERIES



6

treating your learning friends like express series

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