My mom said something that struck me as hilarious, and I couldn't stop
laughing! But before I tell you what it was, I want you to know that she
gave me permission to share our conversation. We were driving through
the Texas Hill Country's winding roads and having a nice conversation.
It was one of those moments when suddenly and unrelated to anything
we were discussing, a zinger one liner came out. Ok, so here it is. She
said, "I think I'm becoming a psychic...I know things that aren't going
to happen!" Well I almost broke a rib and wrecked the vehicle I laughed
so hard. But mom couldn't understand why I was laughing. I said psychics
usually predict things that are going to happen, so what do you mean that
you can predict things that aren't going to happen? (I could tell she was
serious about this.) "Well, for example," she said, "When Kathy (my sister)
was planning to take me to New Jersey this year...I knew it was never
going to happen. And it didn't." Of course, I had to agree with that one.
Quite a few other things got in the way of that trip. And it really didn't
happen. And then she said, "You know Patricia was supposed to move
this weekend and she didn't...well, I knew it wasn't going to happen!"
Oddly enough, the more we talked, I started to move closer to
understanding what she meant. What's interesting is that I can't seem to
get that line out of my head..."I think I'm becoming psychic, I know things
that aren't going to happen". It's such a rich and compelling statement.
What if we all had the ability to know with absolute certainty that
"something wasn't going to happen"? Well, it would save us a lot of hardship,
suffering, and wasted time. We could redirect our energies appropriately.
Instead of saying affirmations, setting intentions, and taking action towards
something that will never come to fruition, we could focus on other areas.
For example, you may be interested in pursuing a particular job, a trip, a
new business venture, or a new love. You start dreaming, wishing, planning,
and then acting on this thing you want so badly but...bam! A psychic prediction
suddenly flashes into your brain! NO this is not for you! This will definitely
not happen. Now, it may be disappointing and even painful for a little while,
but then the possibilities of what you can have become clearer, more real,
more defined, and more in focus. In other words, knowing what we can't
have makes what we can have clearer!
Remember being a child? There were all kinds of things you couldn't have
or allowed to do. It's like being in a toy store. You're hooked on wanting
one toy, maybe a new train, but your parents say "Nope, no way! It's not
going to happen; you are not getting a new train!" At first you're upset, but
guess what, we just eliminated one toy you can't have, yet there are still
endless satisfactory alternatives. There are electric guitars, drum sets, video
games, and on and on. Some may be even better than what you originally
wanted. Knowing what you're not going to get is very powerful. It allows
you to choose other things that you can have!
By process of elimination, you become very clear in what you want and
can have because you've removed the things you can't have from your
visual field.
I'm a huge believer in possibilities. Mind over matter, believing in yourself,
overcoming the odds, having high expectations, miracles, eradicating limiting
beliefs...well, you get the point. But I also know that there are some things
that won't ever happen and I don't have to have psychic abilities. A 90 year
old will never have the body of an Olympic athlete. This doesn't mean he/she
shouldn't exercise, lift weights and strive to improve their muscles and health.
An apple tree will never produce bananas no matter how intensely we
believe, pray or try and will it to happen.
One should strive to accomplish their dreams but clean up the things that
are cluttering up their lives, and impeding success. Stop focusing on what
we can't have...it wastes time, energy and limits growth and possibilities in
other areas.
Why generate a lot of strife and bemoan a lost job, opportunity or love?
Forge on. Create something else that you can be assured of having success
with.
Much like gardening--clean up the weeds to unveil the beautiful flower
that lay hidden. Care for it, nurture it and allow it to blossom. Get rid of the
weeds in your garden that are stifling the beauty and magnificence in you
that is waiting to be set free.
Clearly define what you don't want, but put your attention on what it is you
really do desire. Maintain enthusiasm, stay grateful for what you do have
and take specific action towards what you desire. As we have all heard
many times before--you create your reality. What are you creating today?
I'm not sure I'll ever become psychic and know things that aren't going
to happen, but with an endlessly abundant Universe, the things that are
possible are astronomical!
Have a blessed, prosperous and healthy New Year!!
Dr. Rick Barrett
Buy my new book, Give to Live, The Secret to Manifesting Life's Rewards
with the star of The Secret, Joe Vitale at http://www.lulu.com/content/5434310
Visit our websites:
www.givetolivebook.com
www.barrettchiroclinic.com
www.missionsofhope.com
Visit our blogs:www.barrettchiroclinic.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Remembering to Give...Thanks and More!
This Thursday as Americans, we celebrate and hold dear a special day that provides us an opportunity to give thanks; a day to unite with friends and family… a day of peace.
Thanksgiving is uniquely American but the ideals that it embodies are something that all countries and all peoples can embrace.
Our Thanksgiving started humbly in the early 1600’s by English settlers who endured many hardships, having fled from religious persecution.
Not the least of which was an extremely harsh New England winter that killed nearly half the colonists.
The survivors gave thanks to God for their new home, freedom, bountiful harvests and their new Indian friends that embraced them and aided their survival.
Though many Thanksgiving days were celebrated over the years, it wasn’t nationalized until President Abraham Lincoln made it so.
This glorious tradition continues to be held the last Thursday of November.
For many the history has been forgotten. For others it is simply a day to rest from hard work. For others it is an opportunity to see family that they otherwise may not see due to distance or time constraints. For others it is a day of true spiritual connectedness and gratitude to a loving God. And to others it is a day of peace and tranquility as all pause for a moment in time. Still others use it as a day to serve and give to those less fortunate and in need of help.
Those of us who “have” … can share… can give… can serve and… can pray for those who have not.
My sincerest wish is for all of the inhabitants of this planet to experience an abundance of love, health and wealth.
While this day is uniquely American, I hope that its message can be adopted and embraced by the world. A planetary day of Thanksgiving!
And yes, I know there are countless people who would find it extremely hard to be thankful or grateful even for one day.
I pray that even the poorest of people can locate one thing to be thankful for. To be able to say…thank God, I have this shelter, or my family, or my body, my eyesight, my hand or whatever it may be. To acknowledge this to their friends, family, God or just to their inner self is powerful.
Without even one thing to be thankful for, there is no hope. But if there is just one thing to be thankful for, a person’s spirit can be elevated!
A new attitude is adopted energy creates more energy and then self worth and inspiration dispel despair. Suddenly, magically, the doors are flung open for goodness of all kinds to enter into their life.
As their attraction increases, life becomes more fulfilling.
While I firmly believe thanksgiving and gratitude should be practiced daily, especially remember it this Thursday.
This Thanksgiving holiday see who you can give to. Challenge yourself to do a little extra even if you think you’ve done enough.
You will find that you open yourself to receive more by being and doing more for others. The giver is always blessed with reward.
For the last fifteen years at my office we have collected food for the needy families in East Fort Bend County. It’s been a huge success thanks to the generosity of my patients and it’s been a blessing to my patients, community and myself. We love every minute of it. This is just one example.
Do your own thing. Be inspired! Inspire others!
Count your blessings. I’m definitely counting mine!
Every one of you helps me to grow and challenges me to be better.
I am thankful for each and every person in my life.
With sincerest gratitude—thank you!
Dr. Rick Barrett
P.S. Joe Vitale and I are still giving away Give to Live e-books for free at www.givetolivebook.com. For those who purchase books, we are also giving away partial proceeds to our charities like Rudy and the stoves www.missionsofhope.com and Joe’s homeless project—Operation YES www.operationyes.com
I love when people call, e-mail or write to me that Give to Live has changed their life and that they are buying books for family and friends.
One of my patients humbled me the other day by buying books for his seven children. But not only that, he has committed himself to do more for our community and the world. Soon, he will be going on a medical mission with me as part of his commitment. This is from a man who is already very giving. I am grateful to him and others who do their little piece to benefit mankind. It helps us all.
Thanks again to all of you!
P.P.S. For a fun and simple way of opening your life up for more abundance and prosperity to flow Give Away A Dollar A Day! It's just like it sounds - you give away one dollar, every day. The best way to do this is anonymously, and in a public place. But what really makes this practice so genuine and empowering is that you decide where and how to give away your dollar to whomever and however you want. Check out Todd Silva’s website at http://giveawayadollaraday.com
Thanksgiving is uniquely American but the ideals that it embodies are something that all countries and all peoples can embrace.
Our Thanksgiving started humbly in the early 1600’s by English settlers who endured many hardships, having fled from religious persecution.
Not the least of which was an extremely harsh New England winter that killed nearly half the colonists.
The survivors gave thanks to God for their new home, freedom, bountiful harvests and their new Indian friends that embraced them and aided their survival.
Though many Thanksgiving days were celebrated over the years, it wasn’t nationalized until President Abraham Lincoln made it so.
This glorious tradition continues to be held the last Thursday of November.
For many the history has been forgotten. For others it is simply a day to rest from hard work. For others it is an opportunity to see family that they otherwise may not see due to distance or time constraints. For others it is a day of true spiritual connectedness and gratitude to a loving God. And to others it is a day of peace and tranquility as all pause for a moment in time. Still others use it as a day to serve and give to those less fortunate and in need of help.
Those of us who “have” … can share… can give… can serve and… can pray for those who have not.
My sincerest wish is for all of the inhabitants of this planet to experience an abundance of love, health and wealth.
While this day is uniquely American, I hope that its message can be adopted and embraced by the world. A planetary day of Thanksgiving!
And yes, I know there are countless people who would find it extremely hard to be thankful or grateful even for one day.
I pray that even the poorest of people can locate one thing to be thankful for. To be able to say…thank God, I have this shelter, or my family, or my body, my eyesight, my hand or whatever it may be. To acknowledge this to their friends, family, God or just to their inner self is powerful.
Without even one thing to be thankful for, there is no hope. But if there is just one thing to be thankful for, a person’s spirit can be elevated!
A new attitude is adopted energy creates more energy and then self worth and inspiration dispel despair. Suddenly, magically, the doors are flung open for goodness of all kinds to enter into their life.
As their attraction increases, life becomes more fulfilling.
While I firmly believe thanksgiving and gratitude should be practiced daily, especially remember it this Thursday.
This Thanksgiving holiday see who you can give to. Challenge yourself to do a little extra even if you think you’ve done enough.
You will find that you open yourself to receive more by being and doing more for others. The giver is always blessed with reward.
For the last fifteen years at my office we have collected food for the needy families in East Fort Bend County. It’s been a huge success thanks to the generosity of my patients and it’s been a blessing to my patients, community and myself. We love every minute of it. This is just one example.
Do your own thing. Be inspired! Inspire others!
Count your blessings. I’m definitely counting mine!
Every one of you helps me to grow and challenges me to be better.
I am thankful for each and every person in my life.
With sincerest gratitude—thank you!
Dr. Rick Barrett
P.S. Joe Vitale and I are still giving away Give to Live e-books for free at www.givetolivebook.com. For those who purchase books, we are also giving away partial proceeds to our charities like Rudy and the stoves www.missionsofhope.com and Joe’s homeless project—Operation YES www.operationyes.com
I love when people call, e-mail or write to me that Give to Live has changed their life and that they are buying books for family and friends.
One of my patients humbled me the other day by buying books for his seven children. But not only that, he has committed himself to do more for our community and the world. Soon, he will be going on a medical mission with me as part of his commitment. This is from a man who is already very giving. I am grateful to him and others who do their little piece to benefit mankind. It helps us all.
Thanks again to all of you!
P.P.S. For a fun and simple way of opening your life up for more abundance and prosperity to flow Give Away A Dollar A Day! It's just like it sounds - you give away one dollar, every day. The best way to do this is anonymously, and in a public place. But what really makes this practice so genuine and empowering is that you decide where and how to give away your dollar to whomever and however you want. Check out Todd Silva’s website at http://giveawayadollaraday.com
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
T.V. Interview
Joy In Our Town is a segment hosted by Genet Chenier of KETH-TV 14 in Houston, Texas. I spent a few very enjoyable hours at the station being interviewed by Genet. The topic was "back pain". Genet is very gracious and the interview went great.
In fact, they've invited me back in January with the intention of doing a longer segment on our book, Give to Live and the mission work I participate in. I'll let you know when that takes place. In the meantime, watch the Back Pain program. The air dates and time for Joy In Our Time are:
December 7, 2009 10:30 a.m.CST
December 8, 2009 2:30 a.m.CST
December 10, 2009 2:30 a.m.CST
December 11, 2009 12:00 p.m.CST
December 12, 2009 2:30 a.m.CST
http://www.communityedtv.org/KETH_houston.htm
Serving You,
Dr. Rick Barrett
P.S. I've also attached a couple of photos from the River Oaks Bookstore book signing!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Pleasing Pacaya
Who or what is Pacaya? Pacaya is one of three active volcanoes in the Antigua area of Guatemala and gives a beautiful display of lava for all who get close enough to see.
I was privileged to have hiked Pacaya one night last week and I'm sure I could see Pacaya smiling at us.
Indeed if there is a Pacaya god, she must be very pleased with the group of people who visited her and provided medical care to her people.
At least I hope so.
I and a group of fellow medical missionaries just returned from spending one week amongst the beautiful people of Guatemala.
We provided chiropractic, acupuncture, dental and medical care to over 600 people a day in the towns of San Andres Ozuna, Guanagazapa, and Escuintla.
The region has over twenty different Indian groups all with their own language.
Two that I can remember are Cakchiquel and Mam. Many of the people only spoke their native tongue so English to Spanish to Indio translation was often needed. But it all worked well.
In San Andres Ozuna, I treated a very colorfully dressed Mam Indio husband and wife. Pedro Jeronimo Lorezo was his name. They both wore the traditional garments of their people.
Pedro translated for me as his wife only spoke Mam.
May you ch (spelled phonetically) is the Mam word for relax. Pedro taught me this to help his wife be at ease as I treated her.
Chinkotano and Oosh te neek are a few other words in different Indio languages that I was able to put to good use that week.
It was a beautiful experience and they had fun listening to me attempt to speak their language. Just a slight change in emphasis or inflection apparently is important.
After a dozen or so times repeating the words, they figured I was as good as I was going to be.
While we laughed and had fun with it, I could also tell that their was a genuine appreciation for attempting to connect to them in their own language.
This appreciation can be felt in words, gestures and actions amongst all the people.
We and they know we have limited resources and ability to provide all the medical care they need.
But I believe that we do change lives forever. Theirs and ours.
It's questionable who receives the greatest rewards. I would suggest, likely, it's us--the caregivers.
As our lives intertwine for a mere moment in time a genuine and lasting connection is formed. I suppose only God can judge the extent of benefit to those involved.
In any case, as always, I wouldn't trade the experience.
Though each mission trip has an overall sameness to it, there still is a newness, and uniqueness to each trip.
It's hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced it. But there is a richness that comes from the ingredients of a different area, the spirit and personality of the individuals, the environment, the weather, new medical team members, these and other elements that all combine to make beautifully rich and rewarding mission experiences.
In Spanish, the term, "Que Rico" comes to mind. They say this when a food or an experience is fully enjoyed. What richness it brings!
To our team, I am always indebted. The friendships and commaradie are priceless.
To the people of Guatemala, the Mams, the Cakchiquels and others, I am thankful, grateful and honored to have been allowed to be a part of their lives.
I invite you to view our photos from Guatemala Mission 2009.
Go to http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d5449794e444d784e44453d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_instructions_directurl_makeyourown
If you have an interest in joining or supporting our mission work please visit www.missionsofhope.com
Thank You!
Dr. Rick Barrett
I was privileged to have hiked Pacaya one night last week and I'm sure I could see Pacaya smiling at us.
Indeed if there is a Pacaya god, she must be very pleased with the group of people who visited her and provided medical care to her people.
At least I hope so.
I and a group of fellow medical missionaries just returned from spending one week amongst the beautiful people of Guatemala.
We provided chiropractic, acupuncture, dental and medical care to over 600 people a day in the towns of San Andres Ozuna, Guanagazapa, and Escuintla.
The region has over twenty different Indian groups all with their own language.
Two that I can remember are Cakchiquel and Mam. Many of the people only spoke their native tongue so English to Spanish to Indio translation was often needed. But it all worked well.
In San Andres Ozuna, I treated a very colorfully dressed Mam Indio husband and wife. Pedro Jeronimo Lorezo was his name. They both wore the traditional garments of their people.
Pedro translated for me as his wife only spoke Mam.
May you ch (spelled phonetically) is the Mam word for relax. Pedro taught me this to help his wife be at ease as I treated her.
Chinkotano and Oosh te neek are a few other words in different Indio languages that I was able to put to good use that week.
It was a beautiful experience and they had fun listening to me attempt to speak their language. Just a slight change in emphasis or inflection apparently is important.
After a dozen or so times repeating the words, they figured I was as good as I was going to be.
While we laughed and had fun with it, I could also tell that their was a genuine appreciation for attempting to connect to them in their own language.
This appreciation can be felt in words, gestures and actions amongst all the people.
We and they know we have limited resources and ability to provide all the medical care they need.
But I believe that we do change lives forever. Theirs and ours.
It's questionable who receives the greatest rewards. I would suggest, likely, it's us--the caregivers.
As our lives intertwine for a mere moment in time a genuine and lasting connection is formed. I suppose only God can judge the extent of benefit to those involved.
In any case, as always, I wouldn't trade the experience.
Though each mission trip has an overall sameness to it, there still is a newness, and uniqueness to each trip.
It's hard to explain to someone who hasn't experienced it. But there is a richness that comes from the ingredients of a different area, the spirit and personality of the individuals, the environment, the weather, new medical team members, these and other elements that all combine to make beautifully rich and rewarding mission experiences.
In Spanish, the term, "Que Rico" comes to mind. They say this when a food or an experience is fully enjoyed. What richness it brings!
To our team, I am always indebted. The friendships and commaradie are priceless.
To the people of Guatemala, the Mams, the Cakchiquels and others, I am thankful, grateful and honored to have been allowed to be a part of their lives.
I invite you to view our photos from Guatemala Mission 2009.
Go to http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d5449794e444d784e44453d0d0a&blogview=true&campaign=blog_instructions_directurl_makeyourown
If you have an interest in joining or supporting our mission work please visit www.missionsofhope.com
Thank You!
Dr. Rick Barrett
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Do I Smell Like Smoke
This question was asked of me one day by a patient before we began treatment. So I know her fairly well. She has participated in our medical missions and I consider her a friend, I’ll call her “L”.
When “L” asked the question, “Do I smell like smoke?”
I was confused because I knew she didn’t smoke. I just replied, “What do you mean?” with a puzzled tone to my voice.
She asked again, “Do I smell like smoke?”
All I could say was “No, what are you talking about?”
“Good”, she said, “Because I just came here right from a fire.”
I didn’t see that one coming!
Now I was shocked. “What happened?” I asked.
She was reluctant to speak to me about what she did and was really only interested in knowing whether she reeked of smoke. But because she asked such a strange question, I was compelled to find out why she asked it.
My persistence paid off and she gave up her story.
In fact, she was very humble and almost self-conscious while telling me the story. She said, “The morning news reported on an apartment fire and requested Spanish speaking volunteers to lend assistance. So I went down there to help out.”
She began to tell me that before leaving the house, she gathered up some supplies like water, clothing and other basics to take to the victims of the fire. She was sure that they would need those things since the news reported many families were displaced from their apartments.
Arriving at the scene, “L” put her Spanish speaking skills to use. She told the authorities about all the items she brought to aid the fire victims. Unbelievable as it may seem, she was told they couldn’t accept what she had brought. They had no one in charge to handle donations. Unwillingly to accept that answer, “L” found one of the victims and put her in charge of organizing the people and distributing the needed items to them. This turned out to be very successful.
“L’s” selfless act of giving comprised of two components—the giving of material goods and giving of herself through service.
“L” really didn’t see the enormity of her action; she down played it quite a bit. Not wanting to be recognized for her good deed.
She even said, “Anyone would do the same thing.” I pointed out to her that not just anyone would do that. Most people, the great majority, in fact, would watch the news, hear the request and go about their business. I illustrated my point by asking if any other translators showed up.
Her answer—“No”.
I said, “There are four million people in the city, so a large percentage of the population had to be watching the same news broadcast. Yet out of perhaps hundreds of thousands of people, maybe even a million or so, you were the only one to show up. And you took action beyond what was asked because you brought some very necessary supplies!”
“This is no small thing,” I said. “Don’t minimize its value and your worth! Not everyone would do it. Only one did it. But that one made quite an impact.”
Then she told me she felt that a good deed should be unpublicized.
I didn’t agree with her, citing these reasons. While I agree that shouting from the roof tops, “Look at me, look at what I just did!” is in bad taste, boastful and perhaps self-serving. Humbly talking about a need and filling it is quite different.
The intention is the difference.
“Do you think it takes away from giving if you tell some one about it?” she asked. I said, “I believe it helps to inspire others.”
Every giving action doesn’t have to be revealed. But some should. I also felt that by telling others it sheds light on a particular problem. It also nudges others to take action. Perhaps next time someone else will remember what she did and feel encouraged and strengthened to take action themselves.
Sometimes we need to read a story or hear how someone else participated in giving and serving which could enable us to believe that we, too, can do that! Perhaps it will inspire someone to look around their own family or neighborhood and spot a need that they can act on.
This is how relationships are built, goodwill is fostered, barriers fall and love is spread. The essence of our existence is to love one another.
To love a stranger can sometimes be difficult, to do this unconditionally, all the time takes effort, to do this only when it is convenient and under ideal circumstances takes little courage.
I told “L” that our work with the medical missions and helping Rudy build stoves for the Nahuatl people wouldn’t be possible if we kept it a secret. Throughout my office are photo albums, and pictures on the walls from each medical mission I’ve participated in.
Photos of beautiful children, the elderly, toothless people, people carrying bundles of wood, colonias and churches made of wooden shipping pallets and other discarded materials, photos of all our mission participants—dentists, nurses, medical doctors, translators, clergy, chiropractors, vision care, acupuncturists, massage, occupational and physical therapists and support people.
You can’t walk anywhere in my office without coming in contact with some reminder of a mission trip. I have pottery, blankets, walking sticks, and a host of different gifts given to me by people who I’ve served. I even have an extremely old wooden crutch hanging on the wall that a woman in Mexico gave to me after I treated her.
Why do I have all this? To be boastful? No! To draw attention to me? No! It serves several purposes.
For one, I enjoy the mission work totally. It is a passion for me. Some people like golf vacations or lying on the beach and then displaying photos of their trips.
The mission trips are my vacation. I love them. I enjoy looking at the photos. I enjoy the feelings they bring and the memories. Even the feelings of pain and discomfort about the hardships these people endure are important and welcomed.
It is also an “in my face” reminder of how fortunate, blessed, lucky—you pick the word, I and most people are. It is a reminder that at any moment, a tragedy could occur in my life and I could be one of those people. There really aren’t that many steps from having to not having.
These photos of wonderful people captured in their environment keep me humble, and keep me grounded in reality.
I also told “L” that because of the pictures, and the writing and speaking I do about the missions, people continually donate money. And many have been inspired to participate in the mission trips. In fact, our mission team in Sugar Land started because one of my patients inquired about the photos, and we created The Medical Missionaries of Divine Mercy.
(You can see more photos at http://www.missionsofhope.com)
My patients routinely deliver clothing, shoes, crutches, wheelchairs and toys to my office for me to bring on the mission trips. Soon I’ll have to build a bigger garage just to store it all! The photos, also, encourage people to do more and afford them an opportunity to be blessed by giving.
It allows them to “be” more. I have seen my patients find and fill a variety of needs in our own community because they were inspired by our photos and stories.
If we don’t see or hear—we don’t know. It’s important not to boast. But I believe it’s vital to tell the stories! It calls our attention to a need and screams to the universe—“Now who’s going to step up and help?”
I reminded “L” of the section in scripture which teaches; just as you wouldn’t hide a light under a bushel basket, you must allow your light to shine out for others to see your good deeds which glorifies God!
This is not ego talking, but simply showing by example. Being a good role model for others to follow even at the risk of making ourselves feel uncomfortable with the attention it may garnish.
This is why Joe and I wrote Give to Live, The Real Secret to Manifesting Life’s Rewards. And will continue to promote the timeless message of Give to Live—to stand for something more, to inspire and to motivate others. To fortify those that are “doing” and encourage others to join and revel in the experience!
“L” and I had a great conversation. She then opened up and told me about some other selfless acts she was performing quietly within the poorest areas of our community. Though I won’t tell you what those things are, I will say, she absolutely inspired me!! She truly has a giving heart.
I know “L” is making a huge difference in our world by spreading hope and love. She really lives the giving message and exemplifies the ideals set forth in my Affirmation of Service.
I choose to carry out my day as if it is my last.
I will give freely and unconditionally that which I can.
I will provide service to one or more persons
With or without their knowledge.
Thought coupled with action equals change, therefore,
As I think and act, I can and will create positive changes in my community and world.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve humanity today.
“L” is an inspiration to me and I believe I am to her as well as many others in my life. We inspire one another to reach within ourselves to find ways to improve the human condition and in the process, force our own growth.
A tool to help monitor one’s daily life of giving is the Acts of Service Journal.
It’s described in Give to Live, The Real Secret to Manifesting Life’s Rewards. Use it to keep a personal accounting of the goodwill services you provide. It is a nice way to stay grounded and periodically reflect on your daily life. I encourage you to get one and utilize it.
You can download a free Acts of Service journal at http://www.lulu.com/content/5526047)
Get a free digital Give to Live book at www.givetolivebook.com or purchase books at www.amazon.com or at http://www.lulu.com/content/5434310
With Love and Gratitude For All You Do, Known and Unknown,
Dr. Rick Barrett
P.S. Who you are, makes a huge difference…Thank you!
When “L” asked the question, “Do I smell like smoke?”
I was confused because I knew she didn’t smoke. I just replied, “What do you mean?” with a puzzled tone to my voice.
She asked again, “Do I smell like smoke?”
All I could say was “No, what are you talking about?”
“Good”, she said, “Because I just came here right from a fire.”
I didn’t see that one coming!
Now I was shocked. “What happened?” I asked.
She was reluctant to speak to me about what she did and was really only interested in knowing whether she reeked of smoke. But because she asked such a strange question, I was compelled to find out why she asked it.
My persistence paid off and she gave up her story.
In fact, she was very humble and almost self-conscious while telling me the story. She said, “The morning news reported on an apartment fire and requested Spanish speaking volunteers to lend assistance. So I went down there to help out.”
She began to tell me that before leaving the house, she gathered up some supplies like water, clothing and other basics to take to the victims of the fire. She was sure that they would need those things since the news reported many families were displaced from their apartments.
Arriving at the scene, “L” put her Spanish speaking skills to use. She told the authorities about all the items she brought to aid the fire victims. Unbelievable as it may seem, she was told they couldn’t accept what she had brought. They had no one in charge to handle donations. Unwillingly to accept that answer, “L” found one of the victims and put her in charge of organizing the people and distributing the needed items to them. This turned out to be very successful.
“L’s” selfless act of giving comprised of two components—the giving of material goods and giving of herself through service.
“L” really didn’t see the enormity of her action; she down played it quite a bit. Not wanting to be recognized for her good deed.
She even said, “Anyone would do the same thing.” I pointed out to her that not just anyone would do that. Most people, the great majority, in fact, would watch the news, hear the request and go about their business. I illustrated my point by asking if any other translators showed up.
Her answer—“No”.
I said, “There are four million people in the city, so a large percentage of the population had to be watching the same news broadcast. Yet out of perhaps hundreds of thousands of people, maybe even a million or so, you were the only one to show up. And you took action beyond what was asked because you brought some very necessary supplies!”
“This is no small thing,” I said. “Don’t minimize its value and your worth! Not everyone would do it. Only one did it. But that one made quite an impact.”
Then she told me she felt that a good deed should be unpublicized.
I didn’t agree with her, citing these reasons. While I agree that shouting from the roof tops, “Look at me, look at what I just did!” is in bad taste, boastful and perhaps self-serving. Humbly talking about a need and filling it is quite different.
The intention is the difference.
“Do you think it takes away from giving if you tell some one about it?” she asked. I said, “I believe it helps to inspire others.”
Every giving action doesn’t have to be revealed. But some should. I also felt that by telling others it sheds light on a particular problem. It also nudges others to take action. Perhaps next time someone else will remember what she did and feel encouraged and strengthened to take action themselves.
Sometimes we need to read a story or hear how someone else participated in giving and serving which could enable us to believe that we, too, can do that! Perhaps it will inspire someone to look around their own family or neighborhood and spot a need that they can act on.
This is how relationships are built, goodwill is fostered, barriers fall and love is spread. The essence of our existence is to love one another.
To love a stranger can sometimes be difficult, to do this unconditionally, all the time takes effort, to do this only when it is convenient and under ideal circumstances takes little courage.
I told “L” that our work with the medical missions and helping Rudy build stoves for the Nahuatl people wouldn’t be possible if we kept it a secret. Throughout my office are photo albums, and pictures on the walls from each medical mission I’ve participated in.
Photos of beautiful children, the elderly, toothless people, people carrying bundles of wood, colonias and churches made of wooden shipping pallets and other discarded materials, photos of all our mission participants—dentists, nurses, medical doctors, translators, clergy, chiropractors, vision care, acupuncturists, massage, occupational and physical therapists and support people.
You can’t walk anywhere in my office without coming in contact with some reminder of a mission trip. I have pottery, blankets, walking sticks, and a host of different gifts given to me by people who I’ve served. I even have an extremely old wooden crutch hanging on the wall that a woman in Mexico gave to me after I treated her.
Why do I have all this? To be boastful? No! To draw attention to me? No! It serves several purposes.
For one, I enjoy the mission work totally. It is a passion for me. Some people like golf vacations or lying on the beach and then displaying photos of their trips.
The mission trips are my vacation. I love them. I enjoy looking at the photos. I enjoy the feelings they bring and the memories. Even the feelings of pain and discomfort about the hardships these people endure are important and welcomed.
It is also an “in my face” reminder of how fortunate, blessed, lucky—you pick the word, I and most people are. It is a reminder that at any moment, a tragedy could occur in my life and I could be one of those people. There really aren’t that many steps from having to not having.
These photos of wonderful people captured in their environment keep me humble, and keep me grounded in reality.
I also told “L” that because of the pictures, and the writing and speaking I do about the missions, people continually donate money. And many have been inspired to participate in the mission trips. In fact, our mission team in Sugar Land started because one of my patients inquired about the photos, and we created The Medical Missionaries of Divine Mercy.
(You can see more photos at http://www.missionsofhope.com)
My patients routinely deliver clothing, shoes, crutches, wheelchairs and toys to my office for me to bring on the mission trips. Soon I’ll have to build a bigger garage just to store it all! The photos, also, encourage people to do more and afford them an opportunity to be blessed by giving.
It allows them to “be” more. I have seen my patients find and fill a variety of needs in our own community because they were inspired by our photos and stories.
If we don’t see or hear—we don’t know. It’s important not to boast. But I believe it’s vital to tell the stories! It calls our attention to a need and screams to the universe—“Now who’s going to step up and help?”
I reminded “L” of the section in scripture which teaches; just as you wouldn’t hide a light under a bushel basket, you must allow your light to shine out for others to see your good deeds which glorifies God!
This is not ego talking, but simply showing by example. Being a good role model for others to follow even at the risk of making ourselves feel uncomfortable with the attention it may garnish.
This is why Joe and I wrote Give to Live, The Real Secret to Manifesting Life’s Rewards. And will continue to promote the timeless message of Give to Live—to stand for something more, to inspire and to motivate others. To fortify those that are “doing” and encourage others to join and revel in the experience!
“L” and I had a great conversation. She then opened up and told me about some other selfless acts she was performing quietly within the poorest areas of our community. Though I won’t tell you what those things are, I will say, she absolutely inspired me!! She truly has a giving heart.
I know “L” is making a huge difference in our world by spreading hope and love. She really lives the giving message and exemplifies the ideals set forth in my Affirmation of Service.
I choose to carry out my day as if it is my last.
I will give freely and unconditionally that which I can.
I will provide service to one or more persons
With or without their knowledge.
Thought coupled with action equals change, therefore,
As I think and act, I can and will create positive changes in my community and world.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve humanity today.
“L” is an inspiration to me and I believe I am to her as well as many others in my life. We inspire one another to reach within ourselves to find ways to improve the human condition and in the process, force our own growth.
A tool to help monitor one’s daily life of giving is the Acts of Service Journal.
It’s described in Give to Live, The Real Secret to Manifesting Life’s Rewards. Use it to keep a personal accounting of the goodwill services you provide. It is a nice way to stay grounded and periodically reflect on your daily life. I encourage you to get one and utilize it.
You can download a free Acts of Service journal at http://www.lulu.com/content/5526047)
Get a free digital Give to Live book at www.givetolivebook.com or purchase books at www.amazon.com or at http://www.lulu.com/content/5434310
With Love and Gratitude For All You Do, Known and Unknown,
Dr. Rick Barrett
P.S. Who you are, makes a huge difference…Thank you!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Blood Drive
Your blood is needed! Someone always wants something...right?
Please join us in saving some lives.
On Wednesday, September 30th, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will have a donor coach in the parking lot in front of my office.
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
330,000 to 340,0000--that's how many units of blood is needed to meet the demands of community per year.
1,000--that's the units of blood needed per day!
Help if you can.
To schedule an appointment, visit www.giveblood.org and login in to Digital Donor. Enter sponsor code S784 or contact Dafney Alvarez at(281) 499-4810.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, September 30th!
Barrett Chiropractic Clinic
2853 Dulles Avenue
Missouri City, Texas 77459
Please join us in saving some lives.
On Wednesday, September 30th, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will have a donor coach in the parking lot in front of my office.
Time: 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
330,000 to 340,0000--that's how many units of blood is needed to meet the demands of community per year.
1,000--that's the units of blood needed per day!
Help if you can.
To schedule an appointment, visit www.giveblood.org and login in to Digital Donor. Enter sponsor code S784 or contact Dafney Alvarez at(281) 499-4810.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, September 30th!
Barrett Chiropractic Clinic
2853 Dulles Avenue
Missouri City, Texas 77459
Sunday, September 13, 2009
A Huge Blessing From Rudy
<
Recently I was able to deliver $1000 more to Rudy to build ecological
stoves for the Nahuatl families. These funds are from donations by
people who have read about Rudy's work in our book,
Give to Live; The Real Secret to Manifesting Life's Rewards.
Those of you who have donated are making a huge impact on the lives
of the Nahuatl people.
One blessing of the internet is that we can stay in touch with Rudy on a
regular basis and continually update you on his work.
He sent me the following e-mail specifically to give his thanks to you.
I know you'll enjoy it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Friends,
Yes, the money got here. I went to the ATM this morning and withdrew
half of it. I shall do the rest tomorrow. I have already gone to the
hardware store and have paid for tin pipes, elbows and four bags of
cement.
Thank you very much for this help. Like I said yesterday, I will do four
stoves per village to start with, and later do the rest. I hope I can stretch this money and do 40 or 44 stoves. I will take pictures as it makes progress, and send you some so that you can show them to the people there. I know they want to know where their money goes and what is done with it.
The NAHUATL natives and I thank you very much for this great support. Without your aid, we would not be doing so well in stoves or anything else. It all takes pesos, and we do not have any.
Your help is much appreciated.
On behalf of all the NAHUATL families who have been benefitted with an ecological stove, through these years, I want to thank you so much for all your help and support.
You and your people have made a big difference in the lives of many
women and children.
Thanks to the generous contributions, you have made a pleasant change in our lives. I mention women and children because it is they who spend much time in the cooking area of their houses/huts. It is they who have to inhale the black smoke from the firewood.
It is they who get ear, nose, eyes, and throat infections.
They also get asthma and lung cancer.
Thank God there are still nice people in the USA and throughout the world who care and help those who are less fortunate. We hope (and pray) that all of you will continue helping us. We need you.
We pray to God to reward you plenty.
We need your helping hand, always.We have no other source of support.
Only you.
It is my pride to say that, as of this date, I have made over 1,400 stoves in four counties, for the last eight years. This means counties in our State, and also in our neighbor State of Hidalgo.
There are many NAHUATL families awaiting their turn to have stoves made. As you may remember, I have the will, the time and the vehicle to continue doing my work with the natives. But I do not have the money.
Please help me so that I can help them.
Right now, I have requests for about 600 stoves, in many villages. Word got out that I am making a stove that uses very little wood and the smoke is no longer in the cooking area. And now, many more people want one.
The NAHUATL love their women and their children very much, and if there is something that will improve their lives, they are willing to try it.
But they do not have the money to buy the material with. Neither do I. So, we all turn to you and to your good-will and generosity. And to your warm hearts.
Dear amigos, Tamazunchale alone has about 62,000 NAHUATL natives in 158 villages. The severe drought that we had this year made things much worse for all of us.
The natives just barely have enough pesos for black beans and corn. Minimum wages in this area is 80 pesos per day. That is about seven US dollars.
Thank God it has begun to rain now, but it is going to take a long timeto get back to normal.
Thanks again, for spreading the Give to Live message around the world.
Through this book, people who never knew about us and our great needs, have been graciously and generously sending money through my dear amigo, Dr. Richard Barrett to assist us all. Some of the money from the book sales also comes our way, and this is very helpful.
PEOPLE FROM THE WORLD, PLEASE HELP US BY BUYING THE BOOK.
(available at http://www.lulu.com/content/5434310)
We need all the help we can get.
I cannot thank everyone enough. All the faceless people throughout the world, are easing our suffering that we have had to carry on our backs for so many years.
We thought we would never find somebody who would look down upon us, analyze our needs and lend a helping hand. Such as Dr. Barrett.
Thank you, all of you.
Here is a NAHUATL thought for all of you to share:
TLASKAMATI MIAK. TU TOTIOTSI MU MITZ TIOCHIHUA.
Which means "Thank you very much. God bless you".
Greetings and best wishes to all of you, dear amigos.
Bye now,
Rudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Rudy said, help is continually needed. By telling everyone you know via e-mail or regular mail or even phone calls about Give to Live, not only will the Nahuatl people benefit but the entire world.
We don't say this casually. Give to Live is making significant changes in the world. But we must keep sending out the message. Please get your friends and families on board to create the movement that will change them and others.
Tell them they, too, can have their own Give to Live e-book by signing up at www.givetolivebook.com. Once they sign up, they will receive a confirmation e-mail to confirm their subscription to Give to Live.Once they confirm, they will receive an e-mail with the link to download the Give to Live book.
Serving You,
Dr. Rick Barrett
P.S. If you would like to donate to the Stove Project please visit www.missionsofhope for more information. Thank you!
Recently I was able to deliver $1000 more to Rudy to build ecological
stoves for the Nahuatl families. These funds are from donations by
people who have read about Rudy's work in our book,
Give to Live; The Real Secret to Manifesting Life's Rewards.
Those of you who have donated are making a huge impact on the lives
of the Nahuatl people.
One blessing of the internet is that we can stay in touch with Rudy on a
regular basis and continually update you on his work.
He sent me the following e-mail specifically to give his thanks to you.
I know you'll enjoy it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Friends,
Yes, the money got here. I went to the ATM this morning and withdrew
half of it. I shall do the rest tomorrow. I have already gone to the
hardware store and have paid for tin pipes, elbows and four bags of
cement.
Thank you very much for this help. Like I said yesterday, I will do four
stoves per village to start with, and later do the rest. I hope I can stretch this money and do 40 or 44 stoves. I will take pictures as it makes progress, and send you some so that you can show them to the people there. I know they want to know where their money goes and what is done with it.
The NAHUATL natives and I thank you very much for this great support. Without your aid, we would not be doing so well in stoves or anything else. It all takes pesos, and we do not have any.
Your help is much appreciated.
On behalf of all the NAHUATL families who have been benefitted with an ecological stove, through these years, I want to thank you so much for all your help and support.
You and your people have made a big difference in the lives of many
women and children.
Thanks to the generous contributions, you have made a pleasant change in our lives. I mention women and children because it is they who spend much time in the cooking area of their houses/huts. It is they who have to inhale the black smoke from the firewood.
It is they who get ear, nose, eyes, and throat infections.
They also get asthma and lung cancer.
Thank God there are still nice people in the USA and throughout the world who care and help those who are less fortunate. We hope (and pray) that all of you will continue helping us. We need you.
We pray to God to reward you plenty.
We need your helping hand, always.We have no other source of support.
Only you.
It is my pride to say that, as of this date, I have made over 1,400 stoves in four counties, for the last eight years. This means counties in our State, and also in our neighbor State of Hidalgo.
There are many NAHUATL families awaiting their turn to have stoves made. As you may remember, I have the will, the time and the vehicle to continue doing my work with the natives. But I do not have the money.
Please help me so that I can help them.
Right now, I have requests for about 600 stoves, in many villages. Word got out that I am making a stove that uses very little wood and the smoke is no longer in the cooking area. And now, many more people want one.
The NAHUATL love their women and their children very much, and if there is something that will improve their lives, they are willing to try it.
But they do not have the money to buy the material with. Neither do I. So, we all turn to you and to your good-will and generosity. And to your warm hearts.
Dear amigos, Tamazunchale alone has about 62,000 NAHUATL natives in 158 villages. The severe drought that we had this year made things much worse for all of us.
The natives just barely have enough pesos for black beans and corn. Minimum wages in this area is 80 pesos per day. That is about seven US dollars.
Thank God it has begun to rain now, but it is going to take a long timeto get back to normal.
Thanks again, for spreading the Give to Live message around the world.
Through this book, people who never knew about us and our great needs, have been graciously and generously sending money through my dear amigo, Dr. Richard Barrett to assist us all. Some of the money from the book sales also comes our way, and this is very helpful.
PEOPLE FROM THE WORLD, PLEASE HELP US BY BUYING THE BOOK.
(available at http://www.lulu.com/content/5434310)
We need all the help we can get.
I cannot thank everyone enough. All the faceless people throughout the world, are easing our suffering that we have had to carry on our backs for so many years.
We thought we would never find somebody who would look down upon us, analyze our needs and lend a helping hand. Such as Dr. Barrett.
Thank you, all of you.
Here is a NAHUATL thought for all of you to share:
TLASKAMATI MIAK. TU TOTIOTSI MU MITZ TIOCHIHUA.
Which means "Thank you very much. God bless you".
Greetings and best wishes to all of you, dear amigos.
Bye now,
Rudy
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As Rudy said, help is continually needed. By telling everyone you know via e-mail or regular mail or even phone calls about Give to Live, not only will the Nahuatl people benefit but the entire world.
We don't say this casually. Give to Live is making significant changes in the world. But we must keep sending out the message. Please get your friends and families on board to create the movement that will change them and others.
Tell them they, too, can have their own Give to Live e-book by signing up at www.givetolivebook.com. Once they sign up, they will receive a confirmation e-mail to confirm their subscription to Give to Live.Once they confirm, they will receive an e-mail with the link to download the Give to Live book.
Serving You,
Dr. Rick Barrett
P.S. If you would like to donate to the Stove Project please visit www.missionsofhope for more information. Thank you!
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