REMEMBER THAT APRIL 27^TH IS THE DATE OF OUR BENEFIT KARATE TOURNAMENT AT HACKETTSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL.  PLEASE REGISTER EARLY.

WE ALSO NEED A GREAT DEAL OF ADULT HELP TO DO THE SCORE KEEPING DURING THE KATA AND SPARRING EVENTS.  WE WILL TRAIN YOU DURING YOUR CHILD=S CLASS.  IT TAKES ONLY A FEW MINUTES.  PLEASE SEE SENSEI OR MRS. HUGHES ASAP.

Congratulations! To Cassandra and Jeffrey Brown - proud parents of our newest karateka, ABIGAIL PARIS BROWN.  Born, March 19, 2003 at 10:33 P. M. - 19" and 6lb. 11oz.  Mom says she has a good straight forward kick and makes a Aproper@ Isshin-ryu fist already.

Congratulations to our new orange belts - - Brian Mulligan and Jeffrey Rothe.

WOW! By Rob Gilbert

Last spring I was walking in a park. A short distance ahead of me was a mom and her three-year-old daughter. The little girl was holding on to a string that was attached to a helium balloon. All of a sudden, a sharp gust of wind took the balloon from the little girl. I braced myself for some screaming and crying. But, no! As the little girl turned to watch her balloon go skyward, she gleefully shouted out, "Wow!" I didn't realize it at that moment, but that little girl taught me something. Later that day, I received a phone call from a person with news of an unexpected problem. I felt like responding with "Oh no, what should we do?" But remembering that little girl, I found myself saying, "Wow, that's interesting! How can I help you?"

One thing's for sure - life's always going to keep us off balance with its unexpected problems. That's a given. What's not preordained is our response. We can choose to be frustrated or fascinated. No matter what the situation, a fascinated "Wow!" will always beat a frustrated "Oh, no." So the next time you experience one of life's unexpected gusts, remember that little girl and make it a "Wow!" experience. The "Wow!" response always works.

One of Life's Great Lessons - portions by Jim Rohn

Is thankfulness a survival skill? Most people respond with, "No, thankfulness is not key to survival.@ Most of us have probably already solved the necessary problems of survival, gone beyond that and are now working to achieve our desires. But let me give you this key phrase, "Learn to be thankful for what you already have, while you pursue all that you want." One of the greatest and perhaps one of the simplest lessons in life we can learn is to be thankful for what we have already received and accomplished.

Both the years and the experiences have brought me to where I stand today, but it is the thankfulness that opened the windows of opportunities, of blessings, of unique experiences to flow my way. My gratitude starts with my parents who raised me, gave me an incredible foundation that has lasted me all of these years and continues with the mentors that I've met along the way who absolutely changed and revolutionized my life, my income, my bank account, my future. I am also very thankful for the people, the associations, for the ideas, for the chance to work and labor, and to produce results, all of that has brought me to this place, to this weekend. I'm grateful for it all.

Each of us has a unique opportunity to appreciate how special our own experiences have been and to share our talents with others we meet. We represent the values that we have been taught. We represent the successes and failures that are a result of our efforts for the struggles that life has put in front of us. We represent freedom and the ability to choose. We live in an extraordinary country and during extraordinary times. As a country and as a world, we have so much to be thankful for. Always start with thanksgiving; be thankful for what you already have and see the miracles that come from this one simple act.

Thankfulness is just the beginning. The next step is to challenge yourself to produce. Produce more ideas than you need for yourself so you can share your creativity. That is called fruitfulness and abundance. Once abundance starts to come, once someone becomes incredibly productive, it's amazing what the numbers turn out to be. In your personal life do not be satisfied with being mediocre, common or just plain average. GO BEYOND WHAT YOU THINK YOU CAN BECOME. Challenge yourself to be a NUMBER 10, on a scale of A1 to 10.@ Do this in everything you do . . . In school, in the dojo and even when it comes to cleaning your room. BE ON FIRE TO LIVE, BE SUCCESSFUL AND PROUD OF WHAT YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU MAY ACHIEVE IF YOU TRULY TRY! Take small steps, but take them every day in everything you do. SMILE, LAUGH, PERSEVERE, and BE THANKFUL THAT YOU ARE YOU.

Recognize the Warning Signs of Compulsive Exercising! February 2003 5Pillars.com

The benefits of regular physical activity are immense. Even small to moderate exercise helps to improve heart health, increase bone density, strength and flexibility, decrease body fat and reduce stress. The relationship between lack of exercise and poor eating habits and the growing number of obese children and adults in this country is widely known. Although less widely publicized, we also have a growing number of individuals struggling with the obsessive need to exercise and cut calories. Those suffering with body image illnesses are preoccupied with the notion that they do not "measure up" somehow. Last week we discussed one such disorder, muscle dysmorphia, and how to help identify and take steps to treat this illness. Another body image disorder is anorexia nervosa, characterized by a preoccupation with weight, size, dieting, and compulsive exercise. Anorexia leads to unhealthy loss of body weight and many other problems. Attempts to become even thinner lead to an avoidance of food. People with this disorder think of themselves as fat, no matter what their weight actually may be. Anorexics typically have very low self esteem and may feel they don't deserve to eat. Compulsive exercise and eating disorders often go hand in hand. Anorexics are usually high achievers and perfectionists who need to feel in control. Over exercising and/or under eating not only helps the individual feel in control, but also helps them avoid having to deal with feelings and emotions. Compulsive exercise and food restriction may be used as "self punishment" for eating too many calories, not performing well on a test, annoying a friend or co worker, etc. Compulsive exercisers will exercise for a certain amount of time in order to feel they are worthy enough to have food or enjoy life. Sessions are usually exceedingly long in duration and/or intensity, and exercises may be performed in a particular order, imparting an even greater sense of control and power. The person suffering with this disorder may lie in order to work out, and exercise begins to take priority over friends, family, social obligations and other responsibilities. Symptoms of anorexia nervosa and compulsive exercise may include fear of body fat and gaining weight, misperception of self (not seeing themselves as they really are), desire to become increasingly thinner, and in females, loss of menstrual periods. Other signs include working out with injuries or when sick, extreme worry or mood swings if sessions are missed, working out more than once a day or for many hours per day. The main difference to note between a healthy exerciser and an exercise dependent individual is how well activity fits into the person's life. Those with compulsive exercise disorders feel anxious and guilty when they are unable to workout, rarely finding it fun or enjoyable. Instead, they often appear hyperactive, overly serious, or "driven" when exercising. If you are concerned about your own or someone else's exercise habits, ask the following questions:

• Do I maintain a healthy balance in my life, or do I put my exercise sessions ahead of family, classes, friends, social activities or other responsibilities?
• Am I continually preoccupied with how I look and how much I weigh?
• Do I force myself to exercise even if I am not feeling well?
• Do I become anxious, depressed, irritable or angry or fear gaining weight if I miss a workout?
• Is the amount of exercise I do based on how much I have eaten?
• Do I have trouble relaxing or sitting still because I fear I am not burning calories?
• Do I feel driven to exercise or am I able to take a break, relax and enjoy my workouts?
• Would I rather exercise than get together with friends?
• Do I decline social invitations or miss family obligations in order to exercise?
• When I am on vacation, do I fear not being able to work out?

Treatment of obsessive compulsive exercise and other body image disorders is extremely important. Without it, the individual's health and physical safety, emotional well being and many other areas of life, such as career, school, family, and friendships suffer considerably. Among the many physical responses that can become an issue for the compulsive exercisers are:

• Stress fractures
• Dehydration
• Heart problems
• Osteoporosis
• Degenerative arthritis
• Loss of menstrual cycle
• Reproductive problems

It is important to note that obsessive compulsive illness affects both men and women, and that body weight alone is not always a marker of the disease. Those suffering with body image disorders vary in weight, ranging anywhere from extremely underweight to extremely overweight, normal weight, and everywhere in between. Outward appearance and behaviors can hold certain clues if one is aware of what to look for. Such clues may include:

• The inability to sit still (hyperactivity)
• Dry, dull skin and hair
• Brittle hair and nails
• Hair loss, (caused by vitamin/mineral deficiencies, malnutrition and dehydration).

It is usually up to someone close to the person to spot the clues. This may be a family member, friend, teacher, coach, or anyone else that recognizes warning signs. If you suspect you or someone you know may be suffering with a body image disorder, don't be afraid to seek treatment.