Newsletters are disseminated several ways - snail mail, email, email with attachments, and email with a link that goes directly to our site. 

We are experimenting with this method, so that we can more easily archive the newsletters.  We hope to send the newsletter differently in the future, but emailing a simple notice, with a link built in, so you can click and see a full version of the newsletter, with graphics.  If this method presents problems for you, please let us know, so we may reconsider the method of delivery of our newsletter.  We hope that the extra step that is required to click on the link is not a bother.  We can offer a nicer looking newsletter this way, and we can even include graphics.

This newsletter as emailed, is complete.  You do not have to click on the link, but if you do, you’ll see the graphics and a slightly nicer form. 

Here is the link.  Click on http://www.lifetimeachievement.org/page17.html

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TO SEE A LARGER IMAGE OF THE AWARD, CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW.

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A THOUGHT FOR THE HOLIDAYS
As the Holidays approach, we are constantly reminded that things have changed.  Some things
are better -- yes, we’ve gotten to that place.  Some things, just ARE.  And something is missing. 

We’re comfortable in our new life, not so new now, but we still think about the missing person. 
Not missing in the larger sense, of course.  Still with us in spirit.  And we know that if they have
an understanding of what is going on in our lives now, they are content that we have found a
wonderful mate, a great family, an active life, and that we’re handling the ups and down in at
least a semi-sane manner. 

But we’re at a place where we don’t dwell on that.  Yes, it still sometimes hits us hard, always
when we least expect it.  But that’s part of the journey.  There’s no real end to this journey, but
there is an oasis that can provide much comfort and solace, if not complete understanding.

The holidays are times for established routines, legacies.  These traditions can provide comfort. 
And they can turn poignant when someone is not there to share the event.  But there is still the
underlying tradition. 

Let’s all try to see that - see the beauty, appreciate what we have.  If you are newly bereaved, you
may feel as we did in those early years (yes, more than one), and the sadness may crowd out the
joy, especially if you are still adjusting to an unexpected catastrophic life change.

If you have people around you, use them.  Not in a bad sense.  They will appreciate your pain
and feel good for helping you, as much as they can.  Don’t expect miracles from them, just little
victories.

Allow yourself to enjoy the sights, the smells, the good news that comes from the Holiday season.

5. SHARING SUPPORT GROUP INFORMATION
If you know of any groups in your area that support grief/loss issues, please send us that information so that we may send it along to those who need to know.  We're compiling an up-to-date list.  You can send the info to: info@lifetimeachievement.org.  Thanks for your help!

ESALEN INSTITUTE RESIDENCY
FRIDAY - SUNDAY, APRIL 7-9, 2006: 
Survival: Taking Back Your Life—Moving Forward After Losing a Partner
Gary Young & Kathy Young

The death of a partner can affect you in illogical, unpredictable ways, for an unpredictable length of time. Countless myths exist about the condition of grief and loss. Reality, nurturing, and support are needed. The issues are many and the work toward recovery is difficult. The goal is quality survival—preserving the cherished memories for yourself and for the legacy of the person you lost.

You are not alone. Gary and Kathy Young are national support leaders who both lost young spouses. Using simple exercises, support methods, and guidance, they will help you reclaim function as well as the mystery and beauty of life. Physical and verbal interactions will serve to clarify your understanding, opening you to new, unexpected personal growth. Verbal guidance, improvisation, journaling, and hands-on techniques will bring you back to community. The seminar is designed to heighten your spirituality and engage your confidence.

The workshop will cover issues ranging from what is and is not grief to "seeing" the future, from other people's expectations to fear of happiness, from anniversaries, debts, and humor, to children and dating. And much more.

FOR RESERVATION INFO AND GENERAL INFO:
The January - July Esalen catalog will be out in December, and reservations will be accepted starting at that time.  We will update our own link to Esalen for your convenience.  Once the information is available sometime in December, you can CLICK  HERE, and type into the search form at the top: Gary Young.

Esalen Institute is situated in beautiful Big Sur, between Los Angeles and San Francisco. 

Esalen does allow a free or greatly discounted work-study position for a certain number of people. 

The course will be available for continuing credit if you are working toward a degree, but it is geared to anyone who can benefit from some kind support.

If you have any questions that are not easily answered by catalogs or email, you may call Gary at 818-222-5554 or toll free at 866-238-2840.  It is important to understand Esalen before committing to this workshop.  It’s a very friendly, no pressure environment; the food is superb and healthy; and the accommodations comfortable.

General Information about Esalen:
The Esalen Institute was founded in 1962 as an alternative educational center devoted to the exploration of what Aldous Huxley called the "human potential," the world of unrealized human capacities that lies beyond the imagination. Esalen soon became known for its blend of East/West philosophies, its experiential/didactic workshops, the steady influx of philosophers, psychologists, artists, and religious thinkers, and its breathtaking grounds blessed with natural hot springs. Once home to a Native American tribe known as the Essalen, Esalen is situated on 27 acres of spectacular Big Sur coastline with the Santa Lucia Mountains rising sharply behind.

ON HOLD is a somewhat autobiographical account of a maturation process which is admittedly ongoing.  There are loss issues in the play, but the focus is a theatricalized introspection of what it takes to grow up and whether or not growing up is a good thing, a necessary thing, or even possible.  It is funny and heartfelt.  Gary has begun a series of “try out” performances, which are free performances of the whole show, or sections, with the purpose of receiving feedback from the audience.  Anyone in the Los Angeles area interested in becoming a member of this audience, can contact us at info@lifetimeachievement.org.  Once the show opens, at a time to be announced soon, anyone receiving this newsletter will automatically receive a discounted rate of $10, 50% discount from the regular rate of $20.

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For a limited time, we are offering galley copies of LOSS AND FOUND, at a highly discounted price. If you or your group are interested in purchasing very inexpensive copies of LOSS AND FOUND, for a limited time we are offering “galley” copies at $6.00.  This includes book rate postage. 

These galleys have ALL of the same content and cover; the only difference between galleys and the final version of the book is that the galleys contain a very few typographical errors, the margins are a little narrow, and the cover art is not quite as crisp.

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As an added bonus to our stalwart newsletter recipients, we have a new 46 page workbook that will be in use at Esalen when we do our ten-hour residency in March.

Normally, we’ll be selling this for $9.50, but if you would like to download the first version of this (not necessarily the final version, but close), you can go to http://www.griefandrecovery.com/ideabook.html, and download it free of charge.  It’s available right now, but just as a hint, look back soon as we add an essay that Kathy is finishing now.  It’s fascinating reading, and it’s all true.  You can re-download the workbook at that point, if you desire, also free of charge, for a limited time.

You’ll find lots of hints, lots of topics listed, and suggestions.  The topics are not fleshed out as they are in the book, but the range of topics is somewhat wider than in the book.  If the Idea Book brings up any questions, we’ll be glad to answer them, if you email us.


10. YOUR WORDS - SHARING SUPPORT and TRIBUTE.  Your comments or questions about LOSS AND FOUND, the loss of a partner, or the Lifetime Achievement Foundation goals/ideas/honoring people for their service to others
We're very interested in what you have to say.  If there is something that you would like to contribute to the newsletter, for your benefit or the support of others, this is your chance.  We’ll be happy to include your thoughts in upcoming newsletters.  This can be on the subject of loss or to honor someone who has made a difference in the world, or anything that addresses the goals of the Lifetime Achievement Foundation.

If you would like to contribute - no longer than the length of our longest article on this newsletter, send your thoughts in an email to: info@lifetimeachievement.org.  We may edit for spelling, punctuation, or brevity, but we will not edit your ideas.  We cannot guarantee that every letter will be appropriate for the newsletter or that there will be room for every letter.  But please share!

11. CLOSING REMARKS (privacy guarantees below)
We wish you and yours a very smooth, productive, and happy holiday season.  Try to see everything in its perspective - the glass half-full, rather than half-empty.  Share the warmth, and allow the warmth to surround you.  Let us know if we can be of help.