Life Engagement

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Life Engagement
Author: Diann Cannon
What is your level of engagement? I'm talking about your level of involvement in your own life. If you check in with your spiritual, mental, emotional and physical selves, what do they tell you about how engaged you are in LIFE? If you had to put a score on yourself between 0 and 100, how would you fare?

Are you frightened of resolutions? Try engaging yourself. If you think you'd like to focus on a resolution for the New Year, the following is a great place to start:

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Visit http://lge.perfprog.com and take the test, (max. 5 min.). When I took it, the results said I was 80% engaged in life. The conclusion was that if I strengthened my physical side, my overall life would improve. I often view these kinds of tests with a grain of salt, but this time it seems as though the results were really on to something. I was looking through my "life" box of goodies filled with mementos and treasures from my life and came upon some old report cards from my school days. And what do you think they showed? Sure enough, my lowest grades were in physical education! I had forgotten that my average score in Physical Education was indeed a C. It was true, the test was correct; my lowest level of engagement in life was and still is physical!

So, I made up my mind that I was going to become fully engaged. Doesn't that sound FUN????? Since then, I've taken up hiking and I am having so much fun!!!!! Downhill skiing is something else I enjoy, but I've found hiking to be an excellent alternative because it's inexpensive and accessible nearly year-round.

Let me back track for a moment. My husband hates hiking. He refuses to even walk around the park with me. I was afraid to go alone, afraid of being mugged, and since he wouldn't go with me, I initially allowed that to be a stumbling block. But then I began asking my women friends if any of them liked to hike. Some of them did but we just couldn't seem to coordinate our schedules. But I didn't give up. I finally struck up a friendship with a woman who walks at the park around the same time that I do. After a time, we decided to hike outside of the park. Since then we've gone on several hikes together including this beautiful place called Red Rock Canyon right here in Clark County, Nevada that I never would have experienced if not for my willingness to engage in something different.

Then another facet of this wonderful new period in my life began to unfold when my church started a hiking club. So now I've been on two very fun hikes with them. These hikes have typically been anywhere from 4 to 7 miles in length, not really steep and so beautiful.

What has happened to my physical body because of this is very encouraging. My shape overall is better and my heart feels stronger. But what has happened to my mental and emotional body is even more impressive. I am more joyful? I feel like I did when I was a child playing all day long. Being out in the fresh air doing something physical, fun and adventurous is most definitely giving me a new sense of vitality. Not to mention a great night's sleep?

While I'm not going to share my exact scores on the rest of the test I will say that my highest score was spiritual, followed by emotional, mental and physical in that order. I agree with the experts who say we are encouraged to change what we measure. Had I never taken this test I would not have identified this weak area in my life, nor realized that focusing and engaging with it could make my life richer. Laughter and fun = joy and since I've engaged my physical self more I am engaged in life in a way that makes everything I do have more meaning.

About the Author

Diann Cannon, founder of Signals Personal and Business
Coaching, works with individuals facing major life transitions, such as
divorce, unemployment or career change. She helps them identify their
strengths and confront limiting beliefs and behaviors. Ultimately, she
helps people achieve success and balance in their business and personal
lives. Contact Diann and sign up for her newsletter at
http://www.signalscoach.com.

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Let There Be Light Part 1 The Camping Lantern

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Let There Be Light, Part 1 – The Camping Lantern
Author: Nick Smith

The only thing worse than setting up a tent in the rain is setting up a tent in the rain in the dark. That is a lesson I learned all too well while trying to set up camp in the middle of the night during a cold New England thunderstorm. Having the right camping lantern can be the difference between a camping trip you'll never forget and one you wish you could.

A good camping lantern is usually one of two styles - gas or battery - and the right one for you depends on the type of camping you'll be doing, the amount of gear you can afford to take, and what you'll be doing while you're camping.

Gas Camping Lanterns

Gas-powered lanterns typically provide the brightest light of the two types, though most are adjustable so you can conserve fuel when you don't need as much light. They usually do better in the cold than do battery-powered lanterns. There are a number of different types of fuel available, including propane, butane, dual fuel, and kerosene. If you live in an area where white gas (butane, propane, etc) is not readily available, dual fuel lanterns are probably the best option because they allow you use unleaded gas. You usually can't go wrong if you choose a lantern that uses the same fuel as your camp stove.

Though it may seem obvious to most, it is worth mentioning that all of these fuels are extremely flammable, and any time you change or refill tanks you should be far away from any open flames or flame sources. Also, because of the nature of system, gas camping lanterns can become very hot, and while in use they should be kept out of children's easy reach.

Necessary equipment besides the lantern and fuel includes spare mantels and a way to light the lantern. Most new lanterns come with electric ignitions, so you won't have to worry about including matches or a barbecue lighter in your supplies for the lantern (don't forget them if you plan on having a fire or cooking something!). You'll need to get a protective carrying case as most lanterns don't come with one included. Optional equipment includes a lantern reflector to redirect light escaping out of the back of the lantern, and a stand to hang your lantern in a central place in camp. Gas camping lanterns are not practical options if you'll be hiking to where you'll be camping, so you'll need to consider another lighting option.

Battery-Powered Camping Lanterns

Battery-powered camping lanterns make up in convenience anything they may lose in other categories. With a little bit of searching you'll be able to find lanterns that use every size and type of battery, and you will be hard pressed to find a gas station or convenient store that doesn't sell batteries. Though not as bright as their gas-powered counterparts, battery-powered lanterns put out plenty of light. On many you can adjust the brightness.

One of their biggest advantages is that they are safe to take inside tents, cars, or other enclosed space. You should never take a gas-burning lantern into a tent or car because of the risk of fire. Depending on the type of light bulb, battery-powered lanterns don't ever get very hot, so they are safer to use around children. They don't do as well in the cold as gas lanterns, so if you're planning any cold weather camping trips, you'll need to consider whether you should have a gas lantern available.

Battery-powered camping lanterns, though sometimes less bulky than gas lanterns, typically are a little larger than you would ever want to carry with you on a hike. Some flashlights feature a lantern option - you sacrifice quite a bit in the way of brightness, but you lose a lot of the bulk, which makes them good hiking options. Additional equipment you should have on hand in addition to the lantern includes extra batteries, spare light bulbs, and optionally a lantern stand that you can put in a central spot in camp.

Which Brand Should I Get?

The brand of lantern you should get depends on what you need and how much you're willing to spend. There are a lot of quality camping lanterns out there. Some have a few more bells and whistles than others. Some cost more than others. The best way to shop for a lantern is first, decide which type of lantern you'll need; and second, shop around for the best price. You'll usually find the best deals online, though retail stores and outdoors warehouses also have great prices sometimes. The most important thing to remember is to get out and enjoy the great outdoors, even if it's dark.

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About the Author

Nick Smith is an outdoor enthusiast and client account specialist with http://www.10xmarketing.com 10x Marketing - More Visitors. More Buyers. More Revenue. If you need a http://www.bargaintable.com/camping-lantern.html camping lantern , check out http://www.Bargaintable.com Bargaintable.com .

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Keys to Responsible Recreation in the BackCountry

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Keys to Responsible Recreation in the BackCountry
Author: Chuck Fitzgerald
Keys to Responsible Recreation in the BackCountry
Chuck Fitzgerald ©2004. All Rights Reserved.

Having a good time is pretty high on everyone's to do list,
especially when surrounded by awesome views and super-awesome
friends. We hike, bike, climb, camp, raft, fish, hunt,
four-wheel, sleep and eat – among other things – in the
backcountry. If not done properly, that's a lot of wear and tear
on our natural resources. Responsible recreation ensures future
outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors as you
have. Without a recreation code of ethics, our backcountry would
become a thing of the past. Here are some universally agreed
upon keys for having a good time – the right way.

-Take only pictures, leave only footprints. If you carry it in,
carry it out. This will eliminate litter.

-Protect water sources from contamination. Use bio-degradable
soap, or try hot water soap-less dishwashing, bathing and clothes
washing. When using soap (even bio-degradable) and toothpaste,
dispose of the wastewater at least 100 feet away from natural
water sources, well or faucet water sources.

-Be a good neighbor - control your noise and your pets. Always
keep your dog on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and away from
public swimming areas. Barking and not cleaning up after pets
leads to many complaints from other outdoor enthusiasts. Do not
leave pets unattended.

-Be respectful of the natural environment – keep the trees and
shrubs alive and growing.
Nails and wires should not be used on trees because they can
cause serious damage to trees. Burn damage will permanently scar
or kill a tree.

-When hiking or biking, stay on designated trails. This keeps
damage to vegetation and erosion in one place.

-Before leaving your campsite, clean your fire pit and your
campsite. Make it as clean as you would want it if you were
arriving that day. The next user will appreciate it.

Leave-No-Trace, www.lnt.org , offers the following Principles for
Outdoor Ethics: Plan Ahead and Prepare, Travel and Camp on
Durable Surfaces, Dispose of Waste Properly, Leave What You Find,
Minimize Campfire Impacts, Respect Wildlife and Be Considerate of
Other Visitors.

Here is the Tread Lightly!, www.treadlightly.org , pledge: Travel
and recreate with minimum impact, Respect the environment and the
rights of others, Educate yourself – plan and prepare before you
go, Allow for future use of the outdoors – leave it better than
you found it and Discover the rewards of responsible recreation.

Responsible recreation means having the common sense and the
courtesy to enjoy the backcountry without spoiling someone else's
experience. Most outdoor enthusiasts understand this very well
and spend a good deal of their time restoring, enhancing and
conserving our backcountry. Have a good time when you're
outdoors, share these keys with your friends and use this
information to Get It Right The First Time.

Get Outdoors!

About the Author

About the author: Chuck Fitzgerald is the President of Arizona
based BackCountry Toys, an online store providing backcountry
specialty gear and educational information for outdoor
enthusiasts. Visit www.BackCountryToys.com to receive the free
newsletter "FreshAir" or call (800) 316-9055.

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Irelands Romance In Stone - The Castle Hotels

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Ireland's Romance In Stone - The Castle Hotels
Author: Kriss Hammond

Ireland's Romance In Stone – The Castle Hotels
Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
Read this entire feature FREE with photos with instant booking in 12 languages at:
http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/hotels/ireland/dromoland/romance/romance.html

ABBEYGLEN – COUNTY GALWAY - Abbeyglen is owned and run by two generations of the Hughes family and is renowned for its cuisine and accommodations. The hotel has a commanding view overlooking the Village of Clifden, at the head of a magnificent bay, with mountains behind. Tour Connemara from this hotel. Gourmet cuisine with Steinway playing in the background. Won two AAA Rosettes for dining. The most romantic rooms are the superior twin or double. The twins have a fireplace. Activities include swimming, tennis, sauna, Jacuzzi, snooker.

ASHFORD CASTLE - COUNTY MAYO - Ashford Castle dates to 1228 and is set on the shores of Lough Corrib, Ireland's second largest lake, in the picturesque village of Cong, in a private estate of 350 acres. Once the home of the Guinness family, Ashford was the chosen location for the epic film, "The Quiet Man". Fine dining in the George V Restaurant. Activities include golf, clay pigeon shooting, archery, cycling, hiking, jogging, horse carts; health centre on the property. All rooms are romantic in the castle.

BALLYLICKEY MANOR HOUSE – COUNTY CORK – Set against a backdrop of mountains and coastlines and wonderful views, this Relais and Chateaux property has ornamental gardens winding down to the sea. At the end of the day unwind by a log fire and enjoy a gourmet meal by candlelight. There are deluxe garden apartment suites on the grounds overlooking the outdoor heated pool, with large king bed and sitting area with fireplace. For romance check out the Junior Garden suites also near the pool with Queen bed and sitting area.

Read this entire feature FREE with photos with instant booking in 12 languages at:
http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/hotels/ireland/dromoland/romance/romance.html

By Kriss Hammond, Editor, Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

About the Author

Kriss Hammond, Editor, Jetsetters Magazine - Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

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