Fulfillment Happens

Should You Register Your Written Work?

But as you look at your work you think about where it is going, you may even be asking yourself a very common question. "Should I register my written work with a Copyright Office?" I mean seriously, you've put a lot of work into this written masterpiece.

If you're a new writer coming into the field of writing, be assured that you are not alone in asking this question. Several writers before you have asked the very same question. Just as movies and music have copyrights, so does your writing.

As a matter of fact, your writing gets automatic copyright the minute it is created by you. In other words, you automatically attain legal ownership of your written work once you've made it accessible in a tangible form such as writing it down on paper, typing it into your old typewriter, or keying it into your computer and saving it as a file.

Here is all you the proof you need once your written work leaves your hands and goes through the submission process:

1. A copy of your written work

2. A dated record of your submission

If you are still leery about submitting your prized writing and wish to register it, by all means do so. That is still your prerogative. You may obtain a copyright application with instructions at:

Library of Congress

Copyright Office

101 Independence Ave. S. E.

Washington, DC 20559-6000

Or go online: www.copyright.gov/forms

5 Ways to Optimize Communication with an Elderly Stranger

Six Ways to Optimize Communication with an Elderly Stranger:

1. Be genuinely interested in what that person is saying. Yes, it may sound boring to you and maybe you could care less. But at least for a moment, pretend that you do care and before you know it you will be engaged in a decent conversation.

2. Be a good listener. No, this doesn't mean you have to do reflective listening, it means that you acknowledge the other person speaking and you give that person your undivided attention. It's only for a short moment.

3. Don't give that glazed-over look. The kind that tells the other person non-verbally that you just don't care. Be aware of what you are doing with your eyes, and by all means, never roll your eyes while talking to an elderly person. Actions speak louder than words. Nod and smile.

4. Make an attempt to add your parts and pieces to the information the other person is relaying, for example, if that person is taking about their car, then talk about yours too. If they are talking about their pet, talk about yours too.

5. Never express your opinions regarding sex, religion, or politics. These elderly members of society have been around a while and have seen a lot. Never go head-to-head with any of these topics, if an argument ensues, you will never win.

Remember that these conversations are temporary and short lived, so be respectful and give that elderly person a few minutes of your time. You never know where that could lead. You'll be surprised how good you'll feel if you follow these five simple ways of communicating with an elderly stranger.

5 Ways to Build Your 12-Step Support Network

Five Ways to Build Your 12-Step Support Network:

1. A fellowship of 12-Step members: This is your strongest support in your 12-Step network. These are the people who understand how your program works, the meaning of your addiction, the consequences of relapse, and the benefits of abstinence. These are the members you can safely call on when you find yourself in need of unconditional support.

2. Family members: Your immediate family members are likely to be more willing to make an effort and get involved in your recovery, maybe even the ones who may appreciate your relapse prevention efforts. Besides, your family members are the ones who have seen your worst side and are more likely to welcome the more pleasant, new you.

3. Friends who are knowledgeable about addictions: Though your friends may only have surface knowledge of your addiction, it's you chance to be proactive and help them understand how addictions affect people's lives. They probably know someone in their lives they can make the association with. You won't know unless you share with them.

4. People who understand your need for abstinence: Get involved with people who understand the meaning of abstinence. Some people may say it's okay to do/have just a little, they'll keep an eye on you and you'll be okay. These types of people do not fully understand the concept of abstinence, or the serious consequences of relapse.

5. People who will not place your hard earned efforts in jeopardy: Some people actually don't understand addictions and may call it ‘an act of the will' and may even say to you, ‘come on, let's go here or there, all you have to do is not participate in your addiction'. They may mean well, but you don't want to place yourself in a situation you, and they may regret later.

Success in your recovery really depends on your efforts to make it work for you, and part of that effort must involve having a plan of action. In this case it is to build your 12-Step support network. By strengthening your support network, you increase your chances for success with your recovery goals.

3 Proofs That Recovery Is A Process

Three Proofs That Recovery is a Process:

1. You admitted that you were powerless over your addiction, that your life had become unmanageable: To continue in your recovery and have a manageable life, you must admit your powerlessness. If you were to deny this first step you would be lying to yourself. Honesty is a process.

2. You came to believe that a Power greater than yourself could restore you to sanity: Restoration of your sanity is a gift that doesn't come overnight. It's the efforts and the belief that a Power greater than yourself can work with you to help restore you. Restoration is a process

3. You made a decision to turn your will over to the care of God as you understood Him: When you made this decision, you took action with the awareness that you would get better results in your life by carrying out your God's will instead of your own. Turning your will over is a process.

With your daily practice of these three Steps, you are proving that recovery is a process. Remember that when it comes to recovery, you never arrive. Apply these principles and you will have your own proof that recovery is a process, it is not a destination.

Reaching Out for Help: 6 Steps

Reaching Out for Help: Six Steps

1. Recognize your specific condition: By identifying the very specific condition or situation you desire to change about yourself you are taking the first step towards your goal. It's very important to know exactly where you're starting from and where you want to go.

2. Acknowledge that your situation is real: By being aware of the problem, you may begin your search for the tools to deal with your specific condition. Pay close attention to your thoughts regarding the problem area and acknowledge the problem is very real for you.

3. Notice your reactions when people comment or mention your specific problem if they're talking to someone else about somebody else in a similar situation. Notice your focus shift to comparing yourself or identifying with the person being talked about.

4. Take action: Now that you've recognized your condition, acknowledged your situation is real, and noticed your reactions, it's time to take some action. Search for a support group, join that specific book club, or seek professional help to assist in your goal to change.

5. Realize that emotions are transient: How you feel about yourself and how much power and control you have over your condition will fluctuate. Don't allow yourself to reach a point in your life where you think it's normal to have constant negative emotions.

6. Monitor your progress: Keeping a detailed journal will keep you posted on your progress. You will be amazed. Years down the road you'll be glad you kept up with that journal. It will motivate you to maintain the new you because you can see exactly where you came from.

Nobody is perfect, yet for all humans there's always room for improvement and rightly so, it's part of life. So whether the problem is weight loss, quitting smoking, feeling ugly, stupid or wimpy, there is somebody out there who can relate to you. Your part is to reach out because someone out there is extending their hand out to you already. 

• Previous Posts:

• Should You Register Your Written Work?
• 5 Ways to Optimize Communication with an Elderly Stranger
• 5 Ways to Build Your 12-Step Support Network
• 3 Proofs That Recovery Is A Process
• Reaching Out for Help: 6 Steps
• Arrange Your Thoughts to Work for You: 8 Helpful Hints
• 5 Tell-Tale Signs That Youre Enjoying Your Life
• 10 Creative Ways to Bond a Friendship

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• What Are Your Options For Writing?
• 6 Easy Tips for Writing Better Fiction
• 5 Writing Myths - Debunked
• Selling Your Books Online
• 55 Word Exercise
• Just Wondering
• How to Write Distinction Essays Every Time: The Six Steps to Academic Essay Writing

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Bruce Horst ⁽¹⁴²⁾