Summary: Our continuing series two of Word of Note; takes this inspiring quote and runs with it as AJ and Chris unpack ways to become more aware of our inner strengths, harness our abilities, and unleashes it on the world. All that an more on this episode of the Bellingham Podcast.<br>#bhampodcast<br><br>A memorable experience this week for Chris:<br><br>Lighthouse Mission - New Life Program (<a href="https://www.thelighthousemission.org/stories-and-info/stories-of-hope/new-life-program/)" rel="noopener">https://www.thelighthousemission.org/stories-and-info/stories-of-hope/new-life-program/)</a> - Graduation Ceremony (See Episode 114 (<a href="https://www.spreaker.com/user/bellinghampodcast/114-actual-4-11-19-2-20-pm)" rel="noopener">https://www.spreaker.com/user/bellinghampodcast/114-actual-4-11-19-2-20-pm)</a> for an interview with LMM Executive Director)<br>A yearlong discipleship and recovery program. The men who enter the New Life Program typically come with deep wounds from their past which led to addictive behaviors and unhealthy relationships. These men are immersed in community living, which includes service to their peers around the Mission, they attend 10 classes each week, receive counseling, and Bible-based reading and homework. All this is done within an intentional community with each man connected with a local church. This New Life program aims to help these men find healing from the wounds of the past and helps them reconcile with the people they care about.<br>*Congratulations to Robert, Jess, Dave, and Darrell - 2019 New Life Program graduates!*<br><br>*IKIGAI - From Okinawa *<br>iki= life<br>gai = purpose<br>How do we pronounce it in 'Murca? *Icky-guy.*<br>How do the French describe Ikigai? *Raison d'etre*<br><br>What's our reason for getting up in the morning?<br><br>Chris - Helping provide a comfortable life for my beautiful wife and daughter<br>AJ - <br><br>From Dan Buettner's book, Blue Zones (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1426209487/ref" rel="noopener">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1426209487/ref</a>=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0): <br>Make three lists... Your values, things you like to do, and things you are good at. The center of that three-circled Venn diagram is your Ikigai.<br><br>Another approach: <br><br>* What do you love? (passion)<br>* What does the world need? (mission)<br>* What are you good at? (vocation)<br>* What can you be paid for? (profession)<br><br><br>From the 2017 book Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143130722/ref" rel="noopener">https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143130722/ref</a>=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0), some mindsets to follow:<br><br>* Stay active and don’t retire<br>* Leave urgency behind and adopt a slower pace of life<br>* Only eat until you are 80% full<br>* Surround yourself with good friends<br>* Get in shape through daily, gentle exercise<br>* Smile and acknowledge people around you<br>* Reconnect with nature<br>* Give thanks to anything that brightens our day and makes us feel alive.<br>* Live in the moment<br><br><br><br>How to Ikigai | Tim Tamashiro | TEDxYYC<br><br><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk-PcJS2QaU" rel="noopener">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk-PcJS2QaU</a><br><br><br><br>“Community Powered <br><br>KMRE, 102.3 FM<br><br>and streaming at kmre.org” (<a href="http://kmre.org/)" rel="noopener">http://kmre.org/)</a>
