Intown Living
A New Year Cometh
Thursday, December 30, 2010
2010 was a challenging year for almost everyone. Yet, the challenges presented pale in comparison with what my parents went through during their lifetime. Born in 1914 and 1916, my parents lived through World Wars I and II, the Great Depression, the Korean War, Vietnam, and three major ‘recessions’. I, on the otherhand, have only had Vietnam, two significant ‘recessions’ and now this ‘down-turn’. I’ve had it easy. How about you?
Here’s wishing 2011 brings you Good Health, Happiness, and Improved Prosperity!
- Scott Askew
Posted in: Intown Living
A Dog’s Purpose In The Eyes Of A Six Year Old
Thursday, December 16, 2010
An old story reminds us the value of truly living each day:
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog’s owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle.
I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn’t do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.
As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.
The little boy seemed to accept Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker’s death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, “I know why.”
Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I’d never heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, “People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life - like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?” The six-year-old continued, “Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.
Remember, if a dog was the teacher, you would learn things like:
- When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
- Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
- Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
- Take naps.
- Stretch before rising.
- Run, romp, and play daily.
- Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
- Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
- On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
- On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
- When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
- Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
- Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
- Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you’re not.
- If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
- When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
- Be always grateful for each new day.
During this Holiday Season, experiment with being more dog-like.
- Scott Askew
Posted in: Intown Living
Thanksgiving Thanks
Monday, November 15, 2010
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the people who have influenced, protected, encouraged, supported, and loved you, and to thank them, regardless if they are still with us on this earth.
Thanksgiving is also a time to look back on the experiences that have shaped who you have become.
Personally, I am very thankful I had parents who loved me, a wife and two boys who have put up with me, and friends who have been there when I’ve needed someone to lean upon.
Professionally, I am very thankful I have had the opportunity to work with so many fine people; From the Fourteen West and Askew Realty Associates who do their very best to assist others with their real estate and personal needs, to those who have entrusted us with their real estate affairs.
This coming year, I encourage all of us to concentrate on focusing on the good that surrounds us, versus letting the negatives get in our way.
Happy Thanksgiving!
God Bless
Scott Askew
Posted in: Intown Living
YOUR HANDY-DANDY HANDBOOK FOR AN ABUNDANT LIFE
Friday, November 05, 2010
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants, and eat less food that is “manufactured”.
4. Live with the 3 E’s—Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books in the remaining 5 months of 2010 than you did during the first 7.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality/Character:
11. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don’t dwell on negatives. Instead invest your energy in the positive, present moment.
13. Don’t take yourself too seriously. No one else does.
14. Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip.
15. Dream more while you are awake
16. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
17. Forget issues of the past. Don’t remind your partner about his/her mistakes of the past.
18. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don’t hate others.
19. Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.
20. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
21. Realize problems are part of life’s curriculum and learn from those lessons.
22. Smile and laugh more.
23. You don’t have to win every argument. Oftentimes it is better to agree to disagree.
24. Call your family often.
25. Each day, do something nice to/for someone who is not expecting it.
26. Each week, find time to spend with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
27. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
28. What other people think of you is none of your business.
29. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
30. Do the right thing!
31. When you wake-up in the morning, thank GOD for allowing it to happen.
32. GOD heals everything in His way; in His time frame… IF you let Him.
- Scott Askew
Posted in: Intown Living
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