hOWLLLLL self-reliant are YOU?

March Issue Cover, check out the entire issue! 

Hi Friends! It has been such a beautiful sunny day out today here. I am excited that spring is right around the corner...hopefully lol. It has been quite the busy week here in my world. I began the week in serious pain and  nonsense....but as the week came along up to today anyway...I feel much better in many ways. Thank God! lol. I contribute some of my relief not to mere pain meds and such...but to Yoga & Positive Loving folks that I interact with. Speaking of Yoga, I have just started quarter 3 of the regiment. So one more quarter of yoga sessions after the current one, and then I will be ready to try some of the different types of yoga. because as of yet I have only been doing the basic yoga. I will do a blog about Yoga and the different types and soon I will be doing a Blog about a soon to be non-profit entertainment company that I am involved with and have BIG DREAMS for. Now Moving onnnnn... to the topic of today's blog. I would like to touch base on what self reliance is, I am by far NO expert on the art of self reliance living and such. But I sure do try to apply what I have learned and always eager to learn more about becoming more self-reliant in life. I am not talking of just being prepared of emergencies, natural disasters, and such..I believe self reliance is a life style, not just something to do so to speak. I have always been interested in DIY(  do it yourself) and self-reliance issues/topics and so on. But I truly learned a GIANT portion of what I do know from a Magazine and the great editors/publishers of it. The Magazine I am speaking of is The Owl Creek Gazette; a magazine dedicated in serving the Self-Reliant and DIY community of South Central Illinois...of course this magazine can be reached worldwide through their official website, so I personally would say it not only serves south central IL but also the entire globe. When I first read the first issue of this great magazine, I found myself WOWing at nearly all of the content....saying to myself "finally a refreshing magazine that THINKS outside the BOX of the propaganda that we all are conditioned with since birth lol. Not only does The Owl Creek Gazette have informative articles but also EACH monthly issue is different. This Free publication is not only informing on everything from self-reliant living, local events, crafts, unique recipes, and SO MUCH MORE.... I find that it appeals to everyone of every taste and from all backgrounds, so to speak in one way or the other. YOU really should give it a read to see what I am speaking of because my words do not give this great publication the justice it deserves. More recently The Owl Creek Gazette has started it's very own radio podcast show! I think it is a great show....it is "Creekside with Don&Jan" This show airs every sunday evening at 7:00p.m. CST on the net. I suggest YOU go directly to their OFFICIAL website www.owlcreekgazette.com From there you can read the most current issue, past issues, order your very own subscription and of course listen to Creekside. If you read an issue or the most current issue...i'd write a letter to the editor and let them know your thoughts about what you read or what stands out to you the most. Below I have threw together 10 ways to try to be self-reliant....got most of this from much research, hands on experience, The Magazine, and a little Dennis Knowledge lol...


Definition of SELF-RELIANCE

: reliance on one's own efforts and abilities

   The best way to succeed in today's crazy economic environment is to become as self-reliant as possible. In order to succeed, you must be different and interesting...you need to make your mark. No matter what the state of the economy, you need to know who you are, your strengths, talents, skills and what you want to achieve. You must then become focused, actively engaged and passionate about attaining your goal. This is the essence of "being self-reliant." The following ten steps will take you a long way in your journey of becoming a more self-reliant individual.

1. It all begins with becoming self-aware. You must identify values, beliefs, feelings and emotions as well as other personal attributes that help you clearly pinpoint your strengths, weaknesses and differentiating factors of self. When you truly know who you are, it colors your decision-making process in the most correct shade of truth for you.

2. Self-inquiry must be high on your list because of the importance of having an inquisitive mind in an age where knowledge is the currency, which buys success. Seeking information from many sources and staying informed, opens up many more possibilities.

3. Commitment to life-long learning is key. Your focus on personal development must be a never-ending process. Your ability to learn and continually expand your skills will be the most important ability to perfect, now and in the future.

4. You must explore and create opportunities. Your talent to exercise your research skills to identify, investigate, interpret, assess and seize the chance to make a significant impact will greatly affect your self-reliance.

5. Continual action planning must become second nature. Using your time effectively to identify steps needed to reach a goal, evaluate your progress and prepare contingency plans to help assure forward motion, are all important in providing the answer to the questions: Where am I now? Where do I want to be? What do I need to do to get there? How will I know when I have arrived?

6. Taking risks is a major part of the game. As you develop your self-reliance skills, you will become more comfortable at taking a myriad of risks, better at coping effectively with uncertainty, more creative and innovative, and better at adapting to ever changing circumstances.

7. NETWORKING with others is the KEY of the information age. Just like the network technology you use or come in contact with, you too must develop a network of relationships consisting of business associates, colleagues, mentors, coaches and friends. This type of support network will provide you with valuable advice and support. It will also provide an excellent feedback system for your innovative ideas, thoughts and concepts.

8. LISTENING with your ears and HEART, when Self-reliant folks speak and such.
9. The art of self-promotion is a positive attribute. Your ability to promote your strengths, talents and abilities for the greater good of the community, in a convincing manner, is key to promoting your intellectual capital in an economy where knowledge is an absolute must, in the decision making process.

10. A self-reliant person must exercise leadership qualities. A self-reliant person does not stand around wondering what is happening. You must make things happen! You should help others as you have helped yourself.
Well Friends I hope I didn't confuse YOU too much LOL, However much You may be confused or not....DEFINITLY check out this great informative and entertaining TOOL to becoming a self-reliant person..remember go to www.owlcreekgazette.com and give the NEW Owl Creek show "Creekside w/Don& Jan" a Listen....YOU won't be disappointed by any means :-)
As always I love ALL of your feedback, feel free to comment, share, follow, etc.
                                                                        Truly, Dennis!