Preparing for a biathlon with my track star daughter in 1988 I visited my doctor for a physical. Months of training had put me in good shape. I awaited my doctor's affirmation

   "How did I do?" I asked.

   "Well," he said blandly, "I couldn't find anything wrong."

   Doctors are trained to diagnose problems and often forget to celebrate their patient's health. I once asked a group of radiologists to review a strategic plan. Taught to find spots on the lung they could only see what was "wrong" with the plan by knit-picking sentences. 

   Maybe this happens to you. There is nothing "wrong" with the baby in the photo. Not long into his life his loving parents will naturally start pointing out issues. Obviously, it is necessary to warn him not to touch hot things. But, as he grows into childhood successful parenting will "catch" him doing what is right rather than wrong.

   As you consider your life start with a diagnosis of what is right with you. If you list all the mistakes you do not want to make this year you have written a prescription for failure. Focus on your strengths and your weakness will naturally fade.

   One member of the dietary staff at Baptist Hospital told me years ago that her path to successful dieting was through "Want" power. "Put your energy on what you want and you won't need so much will power," she advised me. 

   Where attention goes, energy flows. Concentrate now and every day on love's energy. Love will open your finest gifts.

-Erie Chapman

photograph copyright erie chapman 2009