Terri King Speaks

Sometimes I get bogged down with the same ole grind. I get into a rut and can’t get out.

I feel like screaming, “Man, this is crazy. Get me outta here!”

Ever feel that way?

Yea and we should. After all, life is a short trip, why do we waste a moment of it in monotony?

But, I guess there are some portions of the experience of life that just are what they are at times.

That’s no reason to wallow in unnecessary monotony, is it?

No indeed, we will never get today back so let’s break what we can of dull routines.

Little changes can shake things up just enough to bring some spice back to life.

I think I will invite my family to leave the dining table behind today and join me for supper on the porch.

Life is your experience. Let’s keep it interesting.

Terri King

First let me say thank you to everyone who has made a sacrifice for freedom and especially to those who have given their lives.

Now, let me tell you about my bear encounter on Sunday.

I was mountain biking on the north boundary of Bent Creek. I was bringing up the rear, as usual, when I heard a rustled off to the left up on the bank. I thought, “ That sounded bigger than a squirrel or turkey, maybe it was a deer or maybe…..a bear?”

See item number 70 on my list of “Things to Do in my Life” is seeing a black bear in the woods, safely. (Thank God I put the word SAFELY in there)

So I looked up as I rode by just at the chance to see if maybe….yes! It was a bear. Oh and her cub! It was so exciting. We had a moment, we met eyes. She saw me and I saw her. Of course my next thought was Oh God! I saw a bear.

After a minute or two of going way too fast down the trail, I got a handle on myself and was delighted again.

That’s when I began to think about the deeper meaning behind what had just happened. This was a “bear” sign, if you will.

Why did I see the bear and Bryan, who was riding in front of me, didn’t? Why did I even look over?

The answer….She was on my list. My subconscious mind was actually looking for her and that’s why I saw her.

So what about the other things on my list? What about the things on your list?

Could it be as simple as writing our goals down, keeping them in the backs of our minds, putting ourselves in the position to have them just literally cross our paths?

I think maybe so! We don’t have to know how or when things are going to happen we just have to believe they can.

Here’s wishing you can cross off an item on your list this week.

Terri King

Last night I watched the movie “Into The Wild”.

What I thought was going to be a story of a young man’s quest for adventure and finding himself, turned out to be the tale of a troubled kid who ran from his problems.

He was young, bright and handsome. He lost the hope of his future because he allowed the present to be poisoned by the past.

The next time you hear yourself say, “So and So used to say to me….”, or “ I’ll never forget ….”, or “ There was one time….”, pay attention to what you are bringing up from the depths of yesterday.

If it doesn’t bring you closer to who you are trying to be now and in the future, perhaps it’s better left behind you FOREVER!

The only past that has power over you is that which you give life to in the present.

Cut the throat of bad past experiences.

Take what you can learn and bury the rest.

You won’t miss it, I promise.

Enjoy today and plan big things for tomorrow. I will join you in doing so.

Terri King

I’m late posting this blog. Let me tell you why.

Last night we had a send off party for my sister’s oldest daughter who has reached the age of adulthood. She has decided to go into the Army.

My sister spent most of the day following a mental slideshow of the past 19 years. Needless to say, it was an emotion-filled experience.

As a parent, you are charged with the job of shaping the life of another human being. Preparing them for the day when they are old enough, mature enough, to take the reins of their own life and run with it. You have to let go and know the future is now up to them alone.

But we know, no matter how old they get, no matter how far they go, we are always going to be here to support and offer guidance at a moment’s notice.

Whether you have the title of parent, or aunt, or uncle, or friend, if you take the time and interest to help shape the life of someone coming up behind you, today I salute you and thank you for what you are doing to make the world of tomorrow a better place for us all.

Thanks.

Terri King

Do you find there are often times when you ask yourself questions like: What if it all goes wrong? What if the economy gets worse? What if I get in a financial bind? What if I get hurt and can’t work? What if he won’t love me anymore? What if…What if …. What if?

I know I certainly have. This is called negative what if thinking. It’s a nasty habit that most of us have.

So, what do we do about it? Well, nature abhors a vacuum, so we must do more than just remove the habit. We must replace it with a better habit, the habit of positive what if thinking.

Whenever you hear yourself starting to come out with one of those fear driven thoughts, stop it in its tracks with a deliberate power thought like: What if they love my idea? What if I look better and better with age? What if I can do it? What if things turn out better than I ever imagined?

I know it sounds simple but it will be a bit awkward at first.

I’m so good at the negative what if’s that sometimes I find my mind goes blank and I can’t think of one good thought for several seconds. Man I hate that.

We can’t live in fear of what might happen if we are to truly get the most out of this short trip they call life because guess what? Things happen.

Norman Vincent Peale says: “The secret of life isn’t what happens to you, but what you do with what happens to you.”

Nothing is going to happen to you that you can’t do something about. Do your best to assess the damage, deal with it as quickly as possible and get on with your life and don’t look back.

You’re on the stage of your life. There is no dress rehearsal.

This is your one chance. So go out there and live it.

Terri King

Have you ever heard the story of Easy Eddie and Butch O’Hare?

In short, they were two guys who each risked their lives for freedom and honor.

Easy Eddie paid the ultimate sacrifice to be free from the clutches of Al Capone and to restore honor to his name.

Butch O’Hare was the first WWII pilot to become a flying ace fighting for a free world and the Chicago O’Hare Airport bears his name in honor of his accomplishments.

It reminds me of my favorite line in the movie Open Range: “You might not know this, but there are some things that gnaw on a man worse than dying.”

What’s worth dying for? That’s a question only you can answer for yourself.

Whatever the answer, let’s make sure if it’s worth risking death for it’s worth living for. That is, in this busy, fast-pace world, remember to give quality time to the things that really matter to you.

By the way, if you haven’t heard the Easy Eddie/Butch O’Hare story here’s a link:

The Story of Easy Eddie and Butch O’Hare

Yesterday I went to the movie theater and watched Ben Stein’s documentary called Expelled, Intelligence not permitted.

It was shocking. Did you know, in the academia world scientist can and have lost their jobs for merely suggesting the notion that the origin of life might have come about by some Intelligent design?

A place that boasts itself to be open-minded? A place where students are encouraged to ask why, test the limits of everything, and often accept no absolutes? Yes, This place.

Regardless of your religious beliefs, this is a crime. Free speech is what’s really at stake here.

This is America. One should be free to agree, disagree, agree to disagree, and by all means formulate an independent thought that is all your own and throw it out there.

I could go on and on, but as you know, one of my primary goals for this blog is to keep it brief.

So, I am only raising awareness here and recommending the documentary to you for further review.

As always, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Terri King

The news has been full of reports on the domino effect of high fuel costs. It has spiked the demand for biofuel resources, which has increase the cost of food from both fronts. All indications are that this problem will continue to grow.

What can we do?

Here’s one of those times when an individual decision can make a difference. Let’s………. plant a garden! Let’s can food for later use.

I know, I know this isn’t a new idea. All of our parents did it and even some of us. But this time it could really stand for something socially and politically.

It’s a small gesture of self-sufficiency.

Maybe you’re like me and you don’t have the space for a garden. We can do patio tomatoes or something like that. Anything.

If you can get it to grow, give someone else a portion of the fruits of your labor. That’s the reward, feeding ourselves and others.

This can be a great experience and fun.

By the way, if you need help there’s a wealth of info at your local Cooperative Extension Office. The number for Buncombe County is 828-255-5522.

Come on! Let’s grow together!!

Terri King

Spring is here! Are you ready for change?

If you are like a lot of people change is something you probably resist. The fear of change can be so strong that we would stay where we are, doing what we’re doing even if it’s not good for us, just to avoid having to change.

Well, Spring is a great time to embrace change. It’s a time when change is good. The sun shines, the birds sing, flowers bloom. All of this is possible because nature is willing to change the seasons.

Look for some way to change this week. Do something different. Take a new route to work, get a new hair style, or listen to another genre of music for a day. Do anything to shake it up a bit.

You might find a creative idea or a solution to a nagging problem lurking around in your mind somewhere.

At the very least, you’ll break some monotony and be UNPREDICTABLE!

Yea, that’s sexy.

Have a great week.

Terri King

People are life’s most valuable resource. We need each other. We need key people in our lives to help us achieve our goals, aspirations, and best selves. This is not a solo journey.

Life is about relationships if it is to be a happy, healthy experience.

Consider this:

1. Take inventory. Is there someone in your life that needs to go? If they are a negative source and their principles don’t align with your own, the answer is probably YES.

2. Do your due diligence. Be selective about the people you allow into your life. They will have impact, period!! Look for those who stretch your mind, build your confidence, brighten your days.

3. Give a hug. Put your arms around those who you feel blessed to know. Do it TODAY.

The greatest joys of my life are the people in it and what I can do to make the day of another a little better.

You know the old saying: ” Birds of a feather, flock together.” Let’s change out the bad feathers, spruce up the good ones and fly with a flock destined for soaring high and making a positive difference.

Terri King