THE CARAVAN Volume 7, Issue 1, January 2008


A NEW BEGINNING

At the beginning of each New Year we look back and reflect on the past year and we even say things like, “I’m glad 2007 is over and I hope 2008 will be a better year. Then some of us make those elusive New Years Resolutions that rarely become reality. It seems that we are always looking at the faults in our lives and the bad that has happened to us. Even the New Years Resolutions are about improving the negative in our lives.

This year I decided to try something different. I am not going to look at the bad stuff and what I need to “correct” in my life, but I am going to focus on the good stuff and all the blessings that I have.

2007

• I had open heart surgery. That is a good thing. I am still here!
• My family (immediate family) became closer to me than ever before.
• I love where I live.
• I got a parking spot exactly where I need it.
• Business has doubled from the year before.
• We now have 8 people working at The Mouradian Group Inc and they are just the best. We all truly live The Model and consider each other family.
• My daughters Jordin and Brodi have become my best friends. We share everything together.
• I golfed this summer carrying my clubs while walking 18 holes.
• I have some amazing friends that I know I can count on.

All and all when I look back on 2007, I had a very good year. A few 2% blips, but the 98% was fantastic.

In Ted’s World, I came to understand that nothing is wrong. There are only issues that need to be dealt with and decisions that have to be made. It follows that if nothing is wrong then there would be no stress and no conflict. The more I live this philosophy, the more balanced and centered I become and the more enjoyable this journey is.

So, here is what I see for Ted in 2008

• Nothing is wrong; there are only issues to be dealt with.
• I will celebrate every one and everything in my life, from a close relationship to a simple walk in the park.
• I will let go of all of the small “stuff” that used to bother me from politics to other people’s choices. As long as it doesn’t directly adversely affect me, then I will let it go.
• I will communicate all of my boundaries and not be put in a position to do anything that will not be in the best interest of Ted while making sure I do not knowingly harm others in the process.
• I will enjoy every moment of the day as I am the only one that can create my day.
• I will strive to be loved and not judge anyone for who they are or what they do.
• I will smile with my eyes as that will bring out the happiness and love that is deep within my being.
• I will see each day as if it is my first and my last, that way I will not take anything or anyone for granted.
• I will not beat myself up for a decision I make as I will make those decisions with all the best intentions.

I wish you all a happy and healthy New Year and remember this for 2008…

There is nothing wrong. This journey is simple, we complicate it.

Hugs…



Ted



MOM’S TWO CENTS
By Jordin Williamson

MY 2008 RESOLUTIONS

Another year has come to an end and 2008 is here, (my how time goes by fast). It feels like it was just yesterday when my first child was born. Oh how young I was, how naive, how rested.

My daughter is now six years old going on sixteen. She is bright and witty and can do a very funny British accent. She has a temper that she apparently gets from me. Or so I’m told. I love everything about her from the colour of her hair and the little freckles on her cheeks to the way she some how ends up in our bed at night (side ways with all the covers of course). I love the way she loves me and looks up to me and tries to copy everything that I do. Yes, annoying at times and very frustrating but thank goodness she is here, healthy and happy.

My resolution to Emily this year is to have more patience with her. To tell her more often how much I love her and how proud I am of her. And to play the “princess dress up game” even when I don’t really want to.

My son is 2 ½ and a spitting image of his father. He is very smart and sweet and loves to give hugs. There is a sparkle in his soul that makes you want to get to know him better. I am drawn to him. I can sit for hours and just watch him play and learn and grow. At the same time I want him to stop growing and stay that innocent little baby I love.

My little boy told me the other day that he is not my baby any more, he’s a big boy. Pride beamed through my broken heart. It’s funny because with your first child, all you want is for them to do something new. To move to the next stage so you can brag about them. You can’t wait for them to talk and walk and count. With the second child, all I want is for him to stay just as he is. I want him to be my little baby forever.

However, I am being put in my place as the phrase “Help me!” gets replaced with “Me do!” The inevitable is here. My resolution to Zachary this year is to let him grow. I will welcome his new stages with open arms and love him for the boy he is becoming and the man he will one day be.

He is my little man and she is my princess. So I will brag about them and try to keep the time-outs to a minimum. I will play with them and teach them and be the best parent that I can be for 2008 and forever.



Quote of the Month
Submitted by Brodi Mouradian

Each day of our lives opens up an opportunity for new relationships, new experiences and new ways to grow and learn.
Ted Mouradian, The Caravan (Volume 3, Issue 1, January 2004)


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.