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A symphony of tools for creating peace, order and connectedness in daily life...

Issue#1 by Viveca Monahan

Dedicated to kindred spirits in the creative ADD/HD community

IN THIS ISSUE: Enrich Your Connections with Others

• IDEA: Connect right now. Don't wait.
• TOOL: Foster rich connections using this fun 3-step process.
• RESOURCES: 3 books that create abundance through connection and community with others.

IDEA:
Connect right now. Don't wait.

I awoke this morning thinking about an old friend. In my memory I saw his gentle face, and recalled his quiet and distinguished energy. He made a huge impact on my life, and I never let him know this. I then got out of bed, went to my computer and sent him an e-mail. Writing that brief letter felt so good to me. Why didn't I think of doing this before?

It has been over a year since I conceived the idea of writing a newsletter called "Harmonious Chaos". I've spent countless hours thinking and talking about it. I've created elaborate schedules, commitments and plans for publishing the first issue. Issues 2, 10 and 29 have basically been completed, yet I have been unable to write the first one. A familiar paralysis had set in and no matter how many times I tried to write a first issue, the words would not come. Today I am writing.

What is different about today?

Today, seeing my friend's face in my memory and recalling his deed of long ago, pulled him close to me, reminding me how valuable his friendship was and continues to be. It reminded me of how highly I value friendship, community and connection to others. And so today I sit here writing my first issue of Harmonious Chaos to you, my wonderful friends. When I think of each one of you, I smile and even laugh. You are a gift to this world, and to me. Thank you for being my friend.

There was nothing hard about writing this. Why have I been making such a big fuss?

TOOL:

Foster rich connections using this fun 3-step process.

1. Get yourself a Smile Book. A Smile book is a simple blank book into which you enter the names of every individual person who, when you see their face or hear their name, brings a smile to your face. Write big. let some names take up a lot of room. Use colors, if you like. And stickers, pictures, poems...This is your secret book. Tell your Gremlin to get his own book. Keep the book in a handy spot where you can add to it as you remember someone else.

2. On a regular basis, say once a day or weekly, read your Smile Book. Choose someone from the book with whom you want to connect. If you can't decide, close your eyes and point to someone. Or number all the names in the book and place corresponding numbers in a special bowl from which you randomly pull one. You will be pleasantly surprised. I promise.

3. Make the connection: Send a note, leave a message, invite someone to a movie or to dinner. Plan a party, plant something in memory, buy a gift, offer to help. Share your ideas, collaborate, motivate, scintillate! Connect!

RESOURCES:

Books that create abundance through connection and community with others.

• Gift of a Letter, by Alexandra Stoddard. Add richness and grace to your life through the art of letter-writing
• Human Moments, by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. Find meaning and love in your everyday life
• The Spiritual Activist, by Claudia Horwitz. Practices to transform your life, your work, and your world.

We welcome your thoughts and ideas. Please write to harmony@coachviv.com