Charlois

Today is another day and it appears it could be interesting.  Yesterday afternoon we dropped Rob and his service dog, Wookie, in Tampa for a concert.  He was planning on spending the night there with friends before boarding the Thursday afternoon bus for Kentucky.  A situation arose when Wookie got out of his harness and ran off.  It appeared the travel plans were in jeopardy.  Until just a little while ago the police found him and returned him to Rob.  Crises adverted.

The day is not over yet.  I’m anxiously awaiting the call from Rob that says he’s on the bus headed north.  It’s not that I have anything against him, however, the longer he stayed the worse the family dynamics became.  This fall when he’s finished with his travels he might be valuable to have around; just not an extended stay this time.

The rest of the day is filled with household chores: meals, laundry, dishes and straightening, the things we need to do more regularly.  Add into the mix a project or two, and we have a good day.

5:30 pm and I’ve hit my wall.  We haven’t got everything done, but we made progress.  Eat supper, read a little more, and finish the day with a shower and shave.  Rob’s bus leaves Tampa around 10:30, we should get a call shortly after.

As a reminder, Fridays are Book Review, then Saturdays are for a Pastoral Reflection.  So I’m back in the saddle with the blog.  Add the book writing next week, and I’ll be on my way.

Here’s to God’s plan and his love,

Peace to us all,

Yancy Adamson

I have started the process of coming up with a life plan.  I’m giving myself until my birthday on June 11^th, 2025, to have a seven-year plan laid out.  I’ve chosen seven years because it signifies a complete sabbatical cycle; symbolism means a lot to me so it’s appropriate that this cycle be a major turning point in my life.

The reason I’ve chosen June 11^th, 2025, is that I should know what my VA pension will be by then.  That will have a significant impact on what I’m able to do financially.  It also gives me enough time to assess the housing situation, my daily and weekly routines, and my overall view of life, now.

In this goal setting process, I will be looking at host of situations.  Beginning with a rough timeline of major accomplishments: the June date for having the plan finished, up till dates for my educational goals, completion of my 2^nd book, career push, property management, and disability claim.  Mind you, these are not in any particular order, just as they entered my thought process.  The final timeline and action plans will be in place by June 11^th, 2025.

I’m well aware of the fact that even though I have a solid plan in place it does not guarantee things are etched in stone.  Things change, adjustments need to be made, and life is fluid.  However, having a vision that is articulated in a very detailed manor increases the possibility that the final outcome is what we hope for.

Coming here 5 months ago derailed most of the plans I made prior, but some things never change.  They just need to be tweaked.  That is what I’ll be doing over the next couple months.

Here is to success and a plan that is pleasing to God.

In His name, peace and love.

Yancy Adamson

November 4^th, 2024, and it was to be my last day at the Owingsville Manor after nearly 6 years as a resident.  It all came crashing down when we had a meeting with the director, Sharlene Goes.  We were informed that the Manor would be closing, and we had until November 11^th, 2024, to find replacement housing.

Here it is, April 4^th, 2025, and a lot has happened.  It took 5 months but I’m finally getting settled in with the organizational aspects of my life.  My computer is set-up and sitting in its’ workstation on my desk, alongside my Franklin/covey planner.  My schedule is taking shape with the addition of regular events throughout my week and month.  Home responsibilities are being worked out and we are awaiting word from VA to hear what my adjusted pension will be.

It sounds as if everything is going as expected, however, it’s not all that it seems.  During these past 5 months there has been a fair share of struggles.  During that time, we have been hosting numerous individuals.  From the end of November through the early part of January, we provided housing for a homeless, 72-year-old lady.  We asked her to leave when it became apparent that she was using drugs.  Just before she left, we had 2 more individuals move in; one was our grandson who was trying to get off drugs, and the other, a friend of our son.  At our peak there were 7 of us; Dinah and I, Granddaughter, Kendal, and Rob our son, along with upwards of 3 other guests, all living in a 2-bedroom, 1200 square foot house.  In January we had 2 leave and another move in.  So, it has been a sort of revolving door.

March began with a different narrative.  It started on February 28^th, 2025, with the goal of getting my space in order.  Rob and Jude buckled down and painted my space after which they finished moving the rest of my furniture in.  That meant that I could start organizing my desk and bookcase; something I had pushed for since moving 4 months earlier.  That was pretty much the last of the major projects that have been completed.  Part of the issue was Michelle; she moved in sometime in February.  She was a homeless 55-year-old which we thought was a Godsend; the honeymoon didn’t last long.  At first everyone seemed to like her but the more she tried to take control the more people began to resent her.  Later we found her to be using meth, even giving some to Jude.  She is now gone but the feelings and stress linger.

The next major change will be when Rob moves out, which should be within the next couple of days.  He has big plans for the foreseeable future; a memorial service/party on the 12^th of April then his birthday on the 21^st.  After that it’s to Michigan for some chores and then off on the music festival circuit.  I believe it will be good for everyone, including the 3 of us left behind.  Dinah, Kendal, and me; we should be able to forge a good life.

Through all that we’ve been through I have learned a few things; one is patience, the ability to wait for things to work out.  When Dinah offered to provide me with a place to stay, I guess I was expecting things to go on as usual, without interruption.  Reality is a great teacher, and I am learning a lot.  Once Rob is gone the 3 of us can work on a way of doing things that are beneficial to everyone.  I’m looking forward to getting a plan in place with goals and action items moving me into a productive future.

Until next time,

God bless and keep you.

Yancy Adamson

I’m back!  I have successfully moved to Florida but not yet settled in.  This has been very difficult for me.  From being notified that we had to vacate the Manor, to actually getting moved in.  Most of my stuff is in storage but we are getting things placed where they belong in the house.  It will help my frame of mind to get organized.

I still believe this move is going to be the best thing for my long-term plans.  Once I get settled in, I can refile for my VA disability and get started with coaching school.  That is still one of my long-term goals, to become a life coach.

It’s the day before Thanksgiving so I will be making this short.

Until next time, God bless.

Yancy Adamson

The following post was written several weeks ago but it still gets the point across.

When your goal is to have a satisfying life, there are things you can do to increase the chances of that happening.  By starting with your ideal future, and working backwards, to that glorious stage, you start to develop a plan with action steps.

The following is an example from my life.  I want to be where I would like to spend the remainder of my life from age 78 on until my death.  It is not a perfect plan, but it is a starting point.

These are my life goals and the plans for the 10 year, 5year, and immediate steps on the journey.

June 11^th, 2035 at the age of 78

Start the purchase and development of the Charlois Estate

This project will last the rest of my life and hopefully further.

The Charlois Estate consists of my dream home with accompanying service buildings for a typical self-sufficient farm.  The farm will be 160 acres with 2.5 dedicated to the living/ working part of the farmstead.  The other 17.5 acres will be orchards and grazing for dairy cows.  Along with the central 20 acres will be 140 acres divided into 7–20-acre fields, for crops and grazing of livestock.

Aside from the homestead there will be other areas on the Estate: there will be a small village, and a private school, with the largest portion of land being dedicated as a wilderness area.  This area will be at least 320 acres, with 10 retreat cabins spread amongst the trees.  There will be trails, bike paths, and possibly a small lake, as well.

I mentioned there being a small village.  It will consist of 80 acres, divided into 25-1.5-acre single family building lots. With that taking approximately 40 acres the remaining 40 acres will be set aside for community buildings: stores, hotel, town hall, and an apartment building to name a few.

Finally, there will be a private school.  The campus will consist of 80 acres and will be set up for a maximum of 500 students, 9^th-12^th grades and a 2-year jr. college.  At the heart of the campus will be a meeting hall.  This will be designed as an A-frame with a side structure.  There will be classroom buildings, dormitories, gymnasium, and cafeteria.  Starting small with the central meeting hall and growing as needed for 500 students.

As can be seen this is a rather ambitious vision, however, by following the path I am about to lay out it should be within reach.  This path will consist of three phases: in prep for the development will be years 6-10, or 2030-2035, then with a little more detail, comes phase two, years 1-5 or years covering 2029-2034, finally is the prep stage, year 1 or 2027 – 2028. This is where the dream starts.

Phase 3 will consist of all the things we put into place in the previous two phases, just more intense.  In addition, we’ll be working on growing the coaching business.  We’ll work with the small business administration and veterans’ administration to get a physical home for the business.  “Leonardo’s Book Store and Personal Growth Center,” will be an expansion of the coaching side of the business and more able to raise funds for the development of the Estate.

Phase 2 will be more of beginning prep for the project.  This is where I’ll get trained as a coach and start seeing clients.  There will be a concerted effort to improve my credit worthiness and start building a financial base.  The purchase of a car and a move to Maysville Kentucky will round out the closing stages of this phase.

Phase 1 is going to be the shortest of the phases, lasting one year.  This is where the dreaming comes in with work starting on developing definite plans for the process.  I have a list of 10 goals that will kickstart the process.  Things like quitting smoking, losing weight, and doing research on coaching schools to name a few.  It will end on June 11^th, 2025.

This is just a preliminary plan that will be perfected as we go.  Here is to the dream.

So, by using this plan as an example, anyone can plan for their future.  Choose an ending date, then fill in the rest of the plan in stages.  Each stage, from first to last will be more detailed.  Just keep in mind the plan can be adjusted as you progress and things change.

Yancy Adamson

What is the greatest commandment?

It seems to be that we as humans need to have detailed instructions on how to live our lives, when in reality it is really quite simple.  At the time of Jesus, the question seemed to be a major part of intelligent conversation.  On one occasion Jesus was asked a version of the common question, and He answered in no uncertain terms.

“Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.  The second is this, you shall love your neighbor as yourself.  There is no other commandment greater than these.”  Mark 12:29a – 31 NRSV

That just about sums it up; God is love, Jesus shows us God’s love, and the Holy spirit equips us to share God’s love.  Many people put their faith in the Bible, however the Bible, when examined is just a lot of examples of what love is, and how we can live out of that love.

The commandment says we are to love God with our whole being.  We have many sides to us just as God has many sides as well.  It is through all those manifestations that we are to give and receive His love.  And by doing so, we will love our neighbor by default.

Just my thoughts.  Now go and love for there is no other way.

God’s peace to us all.

Pastor Yancy

One of the things I’ve found that has been useful for getting my life in order, a written schedule.  By waking up every morning and having a written plan for the day has been extremely beneficial.  The day will come when most of it will be habit but for now this is what works.

Yancy’s

Morning Routine

6:00 AM-6:15AM

            Wake up, wash face and hands, brush teeth, go to bathroom, take morning meds, get dressed for day.

6:15AM-7:15AM

            Miracle Morning – Hal Elrod

S. A. V. E. R. S.

            15 min Silence – Prayer, Yoga Breathing, Meditation

            5 min Affirmations –

            5 min Visualizations –

            15 min Exercise – Physical Therapy Routine

            15 min Reading – Self Improvement

            5 min Scribe – Journalling

7:15 AM – 7:30 AM

            Review, 10 year goals, 5 year goals, 2024 -25 goals, Basic Starter Plan, Calendar, plan for day

7:30 AM –

            Morning Meds

7:30AM – 8:00AM –

            Shit, Shower, &  Shave

8:00AM – 8:45AM –

            Read until breakfast

8:45AM – 9:00AM –

            Breakfast

9:00AM – 12:00Noon –

            Work – 2 work periods of 1.5 hours with 2 – 6 min breaks each

Noon –

            Lunch

As you can see it is fairly specific.  What you can’t see are the buffer moments when an activity doesn’t take the entire allotted time.  Also not included is the after lunch, evening, routine, but they exist.

It has taken quite some time and thought to come up with this plan, but I believe it will work for the foreseeable future.

Until next time,

Peace and prosperity to you,

Yancy Adamson

Brian Tracy has written numerous books and is a leader in time management and productivity.  His book, “No Excuses,” is an excellent read.  Like many of his books, this one has 21 chapters on the benefits of self-disciplines.  I bought it thinking it would help me be more disciplined, and while it does have nuggets of wisdom, it isn’t a text on self-discipline.

This book is broken down into three sections: “Personal Success,” “Business, Sales, and Finances,”” And the Good Life.”  Each section focuses on the importance of self-discipline in the areas of focus.  Hidden in the writing, if you keep an open mind, you will find help in developing your own self-discipline.

It is because of the hidden gems that I am referring to it frequently.  It is a storehouse of information that will prove to be profitable in your quest to be the best you were created to be.

Happy reading,

Robert A. Charlois III

Like I said in my last “Charlois Life” post, I’m finally getting it together, although I’m not in the zone yet.  It seems that the Universe is conspiring against me.  I know that’s not true; the Universe only wants what I ask of it.  My self-sabotaging subconscious is the cause of my problems.  That and a cantankerous computer.

But here we are.  I have several teams working with me: my mental health team, my medical team, my support team, and now a life coach.  We have a basic operating structure set up with routines in place to make sure I’m on track.  I also have goals: a one year, a five year, and ten-year goals.  The next step is to have some self-discipline to make it all work.

I just finished reading a book by Brian Tracy, “No Excuses,” that I’ll be reviewing on Friday.  For now, let me just say it talks a lot about self-discipline.  In it he quotes a number of people who agree.  They say success is impossible without self-discipline.  I tend to agree as well.  From here I have to address a weakness; I have not been very disciplined up until now.

That is one of the reasons for such organization.  It gives me and my teams a template to work with.  Assuring that I stay focused on the road ahead.  I am 67 years old, but not done yet.  If I want to accomplish anything of significance, I need to stay focused.

If there is one take away to this post it is, develop goals, and plans, then have the discipline to carry them out.  We can do almost anything we set our minds to if we follow the plan.

Until next time,

Peace and prosperity to you,

Yancy Adamson

The wait has been worth it.  Since my birthday, June 11^th, 2024, I’ve been working on getting some structure in my life.  I have discovered, without structure to measure my activities against, I have been known to waste a lot of time.  That has caused me to experiment with different systems.  It has been a long road, but the wait has been worth it.

I have combined different approaches to come up with a customized approach that works for me.  It’s not perfect and I’m evolving, so I’ll be tweaking things every now and then.  These approaches came to me at different times so I’ll explain starting with a normal day.

My day starts with getting up at 6:00 am with necessary wake up exercises, washing face and hands, brushing teeth, hydrating, etc.  Once I’m fully awake I go into my Miracle Morning.  Silence for 15min. Which includes prayer, yoga breathing, and meditation.  Next comes affirmations for 5min and visualizations for another 5min.  From there I go into my morning physical fitness program for 15min.  Reading for 15min and journalling for 5min rounds out my 1 hour starting routine.

From that preparation I follow a set schedule until 3:00 pm.  I have a 6min break scheduled for every 30 mins.  3:00 pm till 5:00 pm is time I’ve set aside just for whatever.  From 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm is my second half push with sleep coming none too soon.

It isn’t perfect, and I’m not yet in the zone but I do look forward to the day.  I can only imagine what it will be like when everything comes together.  I’m not suggesting everyone needs to do this but it has sure improved my life, and I’m not even fully into it.

Until next time,

Peace and prosperity to you,

Yancy Adamson