Any guesses as to how many of these skills she is using in her daily life? Sadly enough, ZERO. She tried one exercise I taught her in our first week together and had never repeated it. I thanked her for her honesty and gently explained that I was not attempting to shame her or beat her up. Instead I talked with her about vital difference she could make in her own depression recovery, if she would simply decide to make a whole-hearted commmitment to doing everything in her power towards that end. She re-committed herself. I'm excited to officially "partner" with her in her recovery from depression.

Unfortunately, one trend I see emerging out of this larger cultural movement to enhance life is a LACK OF ACTION. More people today sit back and expect "quick-fix" or "magic bullet." And for those that sit and wait there are at least as many who will prey on them. I receive no less than 500 emails a week promising me moon in a pill, or great riches for no work and so on. You know, you receive same ones I do.

Let me tell you a few of benefits that come when you decide to roll up your sleeves and dig into ol' fashioned hard work.

1. Self Mastery and Personal Competence

2. Empowerment or Personal Power

3. Heightened Level of Commitment

4. Deepening Values

5. Quality Use of Time

6. Greater Self-Respect

7. Increased Motivation

8. Personal Integrity or Honor

9. Pride In Personal Responsibility

10. Enhanced Self-Esteem

11. Stronger Sense of Purpose

12. Positive View of Future

13. Personal Success

14. Personal Recovery from Life's Challenges

Do these qualities sound good to you? Are you willing to work for them?

It's okay to pick low-lying fruit and even courageous to reach out for help when you need it. Stay open to life- enhancing ways that can make life easier for you. The question is, while you hope for a depression cure, a better business opportunity, a lucky scratch-off ticket or an improved partnership, are you also taking personal action to achieve that success today?

6. Jonathan Livingston Seagull pointed out that every negative thought becomes an energetic chain around our necks and part of who we are. To break chain, join a happy flock of seagulls at a church or spiritual study group with a clear focus on "reason for season." AA and NA groups also celebrate holidays with personal and spiritual clarity.

7. The bright red cardinal cheers everyone with his color and verve. Be a light unto world and you will attract light to yourself as well.

8. Love little chickadees running and shrieking with holiday abandon. This is easier to appreciate if you sit on Santa's lap and pull his/her beard. Empathy opens to love for these little birds, who are typically small, busy and cute.

9. Shy away like a tender sparrow from family gossip. Your quick, bright optimism will shift conversation to happier themes and teach your children well.

10. The four-and-twenty blackbirds sang when pie was opened--not when cook put them in it! Sweets and overeating are customary, but too much of a good thing is not a good thing. Be in your body, with every bite, and put down your fork when it's time to do so. Eat healthy and well!

11. When people are clucking like chickens about state of world, don't embroil yourself in barnyard pecking. Walk between positive and negative worlds of duality by being rooster crowing at dawn of awakening on our planet. It is as real as you make it.

12. The dove of peace is only a meditation away, especially as year comes to a close. Remember to spend quiet time reviewing events of 2003 and to set your intentions for 2004, in order to materialize what you want and need to feel happy, whole and free (which, technically, you already are). It's not just Nov. 8-23 Harmonic Concordance that brings us to light, it's also new birth celebrated at Christmastime and on December 31. May you soar on golden wings of light through this and every year!