THE CARAVAN Volume 6, Issue 10, October 2007

STOP THE BEHAVIOUR

The most difficult aspect of human nature is the ability to take responsibility for our own actions. Generally when we are approached by someone about something that we did, we jump to defend ourselves. We are not perfect and from time to time we do screw up. Hopefully, every time we err, we learn and do our best not to repeat that action.

Those of us who are living The Model will not only learn, but we will come to a place where we won’t consciously do anything that will harm another person. Therefore, we will not cheat, we will not steal, we will not ridicule and so on. When we are one with The Model we cannot knowingly harm.

If you don’t want it done to you, then why do it to others? What flaw do we have that causes us to lose all sense of decency and harm another soul?

The next time that someone says that you are late with a report or are making excuses, they ask you to stop stick handling, stop blaming others, stop passing the buck etc. Stop and think! You are knowingly affecting others. STOP the behaviour!!!

While learning The Model, you may adversely affect another person but we understand that you may not have known how that behaviour would affect that other person. Once it has been pointed out, then the behaviour should stop. That is how you learn.

I will concede that you may not remember and do it a second time, but I must be clear, the incident should not occur a third time. A 2% incident occurs when you do not live The Model, when you do not listen to others, when you are not direct and honest while being respectful to others.

In some native traditions, before a tribe makes a major decision, they will consider how that decision will affect the next seven generations. So, the next time you make a decision, stop and consider if anyone will be adversely affected and if the answer is yes, you may want to reconsider your actions.

The Model is clear; don’t knowingly do anything that will adversely affect others. Stop the behaviour and we can all live in peace.

Ted

SIDEBAR

By Pierre R. Ouellette Hon.B.A., LL.B.

If you die without a will then your estate will be distributed according to rules set by the government. Ontario law states that the estate of an intestate deceased person is distributed as follows:

1. To the spouse, if living, the first $200,000;
2. The excess over $200,000 shared by the spouse and children according to specific rules;
3. If no spouse, to the children and descendants of the deceased, if any;
4. To the parents of the deceased if no spouse or descendants;
5. If no surviving parents, to brothers and sisters, and children of the deceased brothers and sisters;
6. If no brothers and sisters, then to living nieces and nephews;
7. When more remote relatives are involved, special instructions may apply.

The law calls for so-called half-blood relatives to share equally with whole-blood relatives. The definition of children includes those born outside marriage and those who were adopted.

The scheme is not unfair in itself, but there may be some difficulties in particular circumstances. For example, the term ‘spouse’ does not include the so-called ‘common law’ spouse. So without a Will a life partner could be entirely cut out of your estate!

For most of us a Will is a relatively simple document to prepare or have prepared. You then get to draft it to fit your specific circumstances so that you decide who benefits from your estate. That can not only include the important people in your life but also the causes and charities you have supported during your lifetime. So make it a priority to get that Will drafted!

MOM'S TWO CENTS

By Jordin Williamson

XOXO

Thanksgiving dinner was over and we were all full of turkey. Everyone was sitting around the table enjoying some friendly conversation when my 5 ½ year old daughter began to clear the dishes. She wasn’t asked to do it. She just did. She first came to me and asked me if I was finished, I said yes and she cleared my plate. I was amazed and said “Thank you”. Then she came back with a big smile on her face and continued to clear everyone else’s plates. (We had 12 people for dinner.) The dishwasher was full before I knew it. I was very impressed and very proud of her.

I have always had a rule that everyone clears their own dishes. Even my 2 year old clears his dishes after dinner. As soon as they can carry a plate they help with the dishes at every meal. I consider that a sign of respect and ‘thank you’ for the meal.

I thanked Emily and gave her a big hug. Later at bedtime I told her again how proud I was of her and how much I love her. She went to sleep with a big smile. Even though they can drive you crazy and end up in time-outs and you think they have cotton in their ears some days, they do something one day that makes you realize that they do listen. You are a good parent. You are setting them up to be great people, and you beam with pride.

XOXO


QUOTE OF THE MONTH

Submitted by Brodi Mouradian

The individual is celebrated as the foundation of all relationships.

- Tenet 1 of The Mouradian Model for Cooperative Action© 

To find out how we can help you or your organization please browse our website:

www.CooperativeAction.com or contact us at 905-682-7380/1-877-393-3433.

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