The Lady and the Scarf

When do you stop caring enough to stop giving?

For one woman, the answer is never.  And I think that’s a pretty good answer.

After all, giving is simply the end result of love.

A dear friend of mine has been using her talent in what some may consider a dying art to express her love and to help others.

Leena is 96 years old and knits and crochets blankets, hats and scarves.  She shares these wonderful gifts with people she loves and cares about.  My wife and I are the proud recipients of a few pieces of her loving handy work.

Leena was even kind enough to knit a tiny hat and blanket for my great niece who will be born in just a few weeks.  Leena has never met my nephew and his wife, nor was she asked to make these items for them.  She did it because her heart told her to.

Leena  is also an inspiration because she makes these hats, scarves and blankets for total strangers too.

Every day, she works on another hat, blanket or scarf that will bring warmth and comfort to someone.  Once completed, her son delivers them to a homeless person! Yes, she continues to knit for people she doesn’t know, but who are in need of the product of her talent, love and kindness.  These handcrafts not only provide physical warmth, but emotional warmth as well.   

Naturally she is not a high output machine that can churn out thousands or even hundreds of items a day.  However, small the quantities may be, they will certainly make a difference in the lives of those that receive them.

When should we stop giving?  According to Leena’s example…never.

Doesn’t this make you stop, reflect and ask… if Leena can do it then why can’t I?

If Leena has something to contribute then what do I have to contribute?

If Leena is doing this at 96 years of age then what’s holding me back at my age?

It certainly causes me to check myself, take a second look and ask…

…what else can I do?  Who else can I provide shelter, warmth, food, money, or…to? Who else can I spread love to?

Leena humbles me.

Leena makes me think.

Leena makes me proud.

Leena is inspiring!

The Master Craftswoman herself...Leena!

It seems that if one has a desire…a passion…is inspired and their heart is big enough…

They can turn their time, talents and treasures into something that will benefit everyone—regardless of their age.

I think there will always be people who need, from time to time, help from others.

I hope there will be an endless supply of Leenas in the world who will rise to the occasion.  Thank God for Leena and others like her.

If Leena’s story inspired you, I’d love to hear from you.  Or if you know someone who has a unique way of giving, please share it with me.  Just go to my givetolivebook.com website and send me an e-mail.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Could A Simple Music CD Save Your Life?

Having been invited to a friend's beach house in Alabama for New Years meant...

I spent eight hours driving through the night into the wee hours of the morning arriving to my destination at 4:30 a.m., safely.  This, after working a full day, driving home after 7:00 p.m. and of course, packing the car.

So, no sleep for basically 24 hours.

You know how it is...likely you've done a similar thing.  Eight hours of driving in the dark with trucks whizzing by you,through some areas of patchy fog, your eyes growing tired, trying to stay focused...to stay awake.

My two precious cargo passengers (my wife and my mom sleeping most of the time.

Well, of course, you listen to music right?  At least that's what I did.  Naturally, you don't want soft, sleep inducing music either!

Luckily, I had been given a pre-released copy of some great new music created and performed by my friend, Joe Vitale.
 

You've read about Joe before and you may remember that he wrote the bonus book included in my book, Give to Live; The Real Secret to Manifesting Life's Rewards.  (Available free as an e-book at www.givetolivebook.com)

I was fortunate to have this CD, that no one else but the musicians have, in the car for the trip.  The CD is titled Strut.

Strut! by Joe Vitale

You may guess by the name that it is a lively collection of music and it will definitely keep you awake and tapping your foot.  Of course, listening while driving, you may notice yourself accelerating unconsciously and exceeding the speed limit.

While I can't prove that Strut saved my life, it is certainly possible.  Besides the driving benefit the music

is designed to inspire and motivate...to improve your life on a daily basis...potentially also saving your life.

Joe told me he now has CD's available for everyone.  Yes, they have officially been released and are available at the website:  http://getupandstrut.com

Check it out...I know you'll enjoy it.  It's a great way to start the New Year! 

Footprints in the sand

A glorious sunset!

Honoring America's Heroes

Last night's celebration honoring America's Heroes sponsored by my Rotary Club and Operation American Heroes was a wonderful event.  It was the first night of a two night event designed to raise money for our local servicemen returning home with problems and for our first responders. 

You can support them at www.operationamericanheroes.org.  The audience was full of people who believe service above self.   We even had a man who fought at Iwo Jima.

The keynote speaker was retired General William Boykin, former commander of U.S. Army Special Forces and founding member of Delta Force.  He was inspiring.

General Boykin asked all of us who had served in the military to repeat our induction oath.  Part of which is to defend our constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic.  He reminded us that there was no expiration date attached to that contract we voluntarily agreed upon.  He charged us
with continuing to fight and defend our great country.

General Boykin asked everyone to place God first and adhere to our values so that we may continue being blessed and proud to be Americans.  The man was inspiring yet down to earth.  He was humble and honorable.  It was a distinct pleasure to meet him, shake his hand and thank him for his
service to our country and our world.  He signed his new book for Mary and I, "Never Surrender, A Soldier's Journey to the Crossroads of Faith and Freedom".

I look forward to reading it.

Today, remember and honor our servicemen and women.  Lower yourself to one knee and praise God.  Be thankful for our freedoms.  Spread peace and love wherever you go.  But stay vigilant and ready to defend and fight for freedom.

Wishing you a blessed day!
Dr. Rick Barrett

Remembering 911

9/11 ceremony was emotional on so many levels.  I particularly liked Rudy Giuliani reciting Ecclesiastes, 3:1, A Time For Everything.  Solid and true words to reflect on.  Worthy of printing and keeping on the wall at home...

Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything

¹ There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
² a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
³ a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
⁴ a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
⁵ a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
⁶ a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
⁷ a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
⁸ a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

I just watched Boatlift, An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience on CNN narrated by Tom Hanks.  You must see this, it's inspiring.  500,000 people rescued by boat from Manhattan in less than 9 hours!  This represents who we are, and what we will and can do for each other!

Pray for peace, live in peace, live a life of love, but stay vigilent!

Blessings,
Dr. Rick Barrett

This year's destination...Peru!

Our Austin based multidisciplinary team will be serving the impoverished people in Callao, Peru. We will be there from September 26 to October 6th.

Though I've participated in roughly thirty medical missions, I'm just as excited about this one as I was my first.

I look forward to catching up with my Peruvian friend, Ruth, who lives in Lima and works as a translator. She is going to join us and bless us with her translation skills.

We may also have help from the sister of Winston. (I told you he is going to walk 5,000 miles across South East Asia.  Check out http://smiletrek.org) She is currently attending school in Lima.  It's miraculous how people's lives cross and connect when giving and serving others in need.

While in Peru, I hope to keep you updated with photos and...if I can figure it out...a video posted to YouTube.

I know many people like to donate clothing, and medical supplies like crutches and wheelchairs. Unfortunately, it's difficult to travel that far with those types of supplies.

You can send me monetary donations if you like or donate at http://www.austincatholicmedicalmission.org. Any other donations, I can give to my other team traveling to Eagle Pass on the Mexican border in November.

As always, any donations are appreciated but please keep our entire team and our work in your prayers. I'll communicate more later.

Thanks and Dios Le Bendiga! (God Bless You!)

Navajo Serenade

Monument Valley, Utah is a place of haunting other worldly landscapes.  It's staggering lithic monuments rise above the desert floor to kiss the sky.  I fell in love with this magical place some twenty-five years ago, though I'd seen it many times before in movies.  Of course, it's very recognizable.  It's been the backdrop for many John Wayne movies. 

This trip Mary and I were fortunate to get a special tour from a Navajo brother and sister team, Jessica and Quanah.  They showed us places I had never been before.  Places where they played as children and are very special to the Navajo.  They shared stories of their culture and about the land the ancient ones, the Anasazi, once called home.

Touring us through the beautiful desert amongst majestic rock formations, our young guides showed us pictographs and petroglyphs and then took us to a rock formation they say represents a Hogan.

There Jessica instructed us to rest and lie down on the cool, smooth sloped rock base of a formation that made up a natural amphitheater.  I wasn't quite prepared for what came next.

Quanah began to play a Navajo flute whose sound was amplified and enriched by the rock formations.  I wasn't, as I said, prepared.  I hurriedly took out my video camera to capture part of that unique moment.  Then Jessica serenaded us with a touching Navajo song.  It was a beautiful gift, befitting the surroundings and adding to the treasured experience in this magnificent Valley of Monuments.

I'd like to share a piece of what we experienced.  I encourage everyone to visit this Natural Wonder of the World that the Navajo people graciously allow us to be a part of.  If you go, look up Quanah and Jessica.  They work for their parents at Majestic Monument Valley Touring Company.  Check them out...you'll be glad you did!  They will tell you "ya'at'eeh" (hello), welcome to Monument Valley, Tse'Bii'Ndzisgaii, (Valley of the Rocks)!

Would You Walk 5,000 Miles...

...for people you don't know...

In foreign lands...

To give them hope...

Improve their self worth...

And correct disfiguring physical deformities?

I know someone who is about to do just that!

Please watch this very important video!

In Search of the Virgin Mary; The Medjugorje Chronicles

St. Blaise, Dubrovnick and Father Roy Oggero

Immersing oneself in the pilgrimage experience means abandoning one’s normal life and embracing in totality all that the Blessed Virgin Mary…that God, wishes for that person. Once one says, “Yes” and commits to the journey, they must push themselves…their ego, out of their own way. Hence exposing themselves to the entire richness of the trip from the grand and obvious, to nuances and subtleties that weave together a powerfully fulfilling, rewarding and enduring spiritual experience.

Part of this means continual prayer. Silently…openly…individually…or in groups. Sometimes, casually and other times more formal.

For Catholics, “mass” is the ultimate formal gathering of the body of the church, to praise, worship, confess, speak utter gratitude and receive Christ in their lives. During the journey, we participated in daily masses in various churches and hotels.

Understandably, for many, this can be an overload. But after all, this is what we went for…to find the Blessed Virgin Mary, get closer to God and have a spiritual…a divine encounter.

A significant blessing for our group was having Father Roy Oggero, a Basilian priest, as our spiritual leader. Father Roy, as most people call him, has a beautiful, loving soul coupled with a lively and humorous personality. It’s easy to feel love, warmth and the presence of God when he is in your company.

Masses were celebrated by Father Roy, with the exception of a few, in which he was a con-celebrant with many priests such as in Medjugorje. I’ll share more of that with you later.

The Church of St. Blaise is a magnificent 18th century Baroque church dedicated to the patron Saint and protector of Dubrovnick, the beautiful ancient port city on the Adriatic Sea.

George Bernard Shaw, the famous playwright, described Dubrovnick as, “the pearl of the Adriatic”. Unfortunately, “the pearl” wasn’t glowing the day we visited. It was a rather gloomy day, punctuated with rain storms and yet, it was still magical and beautiful.

St. Blaise holding the city of Dubrovnik

Ancient religious treasures abound inside St. Blaise Church.

This day we brought our own treasure…Father Roy! (Knowing Father Roy as I do, he’ll probably think I’m calling him ancient when he reads this…)

Having video camera in hand, I was able to capture much of our adventure including many of the masses. Father Roy and our group were gracious enough to indulge me as I attempted to record forever our experiences during the Medjugorje pilgrimage.

I invite you to participate in the mass at St. Blaise celebrated by Father Roy Oggero and listen to his insightful sermon. I believe you’ll be captivated by his powerful message delivered in his usual gentle, loving but “cut to the chase” fashion, as he discusses the reason for our lives.

The video is an edited version which does not cover the mass in its entirety (so don’t panic…it’s not an hour long…only about five minutes).

You don’t have to be Catholic to glean some pearls of wisdom from this. I believe it can serve all. If nothing else, you’ll get a glimpse into the Catholic mass, and enjoy the beauty of the Church of St. Blaise.

My continued purpose with the Medjugorje Chronicles and accompanying videos is to expose and enlighten. To help all of us tap into our spiritual being and connect with God.

Embrace the love!

Continue the journey!

Blessings,
Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. More videos and stories to come…

The Four Way Test

It’s nice to have a reminder of who we are, how we should conduct
ourselves in a civilized society or of what we believe in.

Some of the items may be religious in nature and others not.

They could be cards we keep in our wallets, rings or other pieces
of jewelry that symbolize truths we hold dear.

Of course, if love, spirituality, morals, ethics, integrity, or
compassion aren’t in our hearts, no symbol will be the magic
talisman that transfigures us into a better human being.

A gangster attending church simply going through the motions
doesn’t redeem himself or wash away his criminal behavior.

Rotarians have something we hold dear called the four way test of
the things we think, say or do.

I carry one in the form of a token in my pocket. And I have
another I keep on my desk. The obverse contains three
simple words:

SERVICE… ABOVE… SELF…

The reverse holds the words of the four way test of the things we
think, say, or do.

1) Is it the truth?
2) Is it fair to all concerned?
3) Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4) Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

I find this four way test to be a great reminder of how to conduct
ourselves throughout our daily lives…

…a standard by which to operate that transcends any potential
social, ethnic, or religious barrier.

I hope you benefit by those words and the obvious meaning behind
them as much as I do.

When I wrote Give to Live; The Real Secret to Manifesting Life’s
Rewards with Joe Vitale, it was with the intent of promoting the
idea of service above self and the magnificent rewards that we
automatically attract in doing so.

One way for me to serve others is by making this book available as
a free digital book. It can be read or downloaded free at
www.givetolivebook.com

While on a very special trip to Peru, we decided to take the giving
and serving message to a new level giving more people the ability
to open their subconscious minds to giving. We created the Give to
Live Subliminal Manifestation DVD…you can check it out at
www.givetolivedvd.com

I wrote several prayers and an affirmation of service that I’ve
given away to people around the world for many years. The loving
response has always humbled me. Inspired by this, I was guided to
convert the prayers into songs. You can read the prayers and hear
a sampling of the music in a free special report I wrote where I
share ideas on how to get closer to God. It’s all on the website
at www.attractmoregod.com

As always, my products partially fund our medical missions, the
Nahuathl Indigenous stove project and more.
I think you’ll agree they meet the four way test.

Even if you are not a Rotarian, I know you’ll find a use for the
four way test in your life. Likely you’re already intuitively
using it.

Please continue to be the change in you wish to see in the
world…share this with others!

Blessings,
Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. Want to become a Rotarian? Check out www.rotary.org or contact me personally about the Rotary I belong to

Ricky's Pico Rico

Remember my blog about Mexico, Mariachis and Mom?

Well, here's another story out of Mexico from Mom's birthday trip.

If you've ever had pico de gallo at a Mexican restaurant, you know how awesome it can be...or not, depending on the restaurant. Regardless of where I've ever had it, I've never had it made fresh at my table. That is until we ate at Los Zarapes in Mazatlan, Mexico.

Our host, Johnny, made us the best pico de gallo I've ever had in my life! (Remember, I live in Texas where there's a lot of Mexican restaurants!) But what's even better, Johnny taught me how to make it and I have it on video. I'm going to share the video with Johnny's special recipe. Believe me, it will be well worth your while to watch this short video.

Once you make your own pico de gallo, you'll be hooked. And no more buying that garbage so called pico de gallo in the grocery store. I guarantee it. Fresh vegetables always win...and they're healthier too. But you knew that.

Once you make the pico, it's up to you to decide what to do with it. Straight up on a corn chip is great, or mixed into a chili con queso...fantastico! Couple that with a smooooth margarita (frozen or unfrozen, salt or no salt) made with good tequila and even kick it up a notch by adding Presidente brandy. Now it's muy sabroso!

Enjoy the video and bon appétit...whoops, that's French...in Español...bueno apetito!

Adios y via con dios!
Dr. Rick Barrett

How's Rudy and the Nahuathl Stove Project?

Some of you have asked about Rudy. Lately, I've had numerous inquiries about Rudy and the Nahuathl Indigenous stoves he builds. Rudy is in good health, but as many of you have heard, Mexico is a hot bed of controversy because of the drug cartels and the associated killings.

We have many friends that live in Mexico and many more who live in the United States, but still have family throughout Mexico. Some areas are affected more than others certainly. Caution and awareness are two words that spring to mind. There are dangerous places throughout the world. Many of the United State's large cities like Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, (to name a few) have areas that would be best avoided. I think the same is true in Mexico.

The good people, the uneducated, the helpless, the poor, and the average person trying the best they can to carve out a decent life for themselves are always damaged by the effects of the uncaring, the criminals, the evil people (if you allow me to use that term).

So the news from Rudy is that he and the people in the region have been greatly impacted in a negative way.

The following is from Rudy's latest e-mail:

"We've had some very hot and windy weather. The Nahuathl natives feel that we are in for a very dry season. The old natives say that this hot and dry wind is bad and they are right about it. All the creeks and streams are nearly totally dried. Not much water is left in water springs. Even our three rivers are way down in their normal level."

Rudy then went on to say in one of the towns where we do our medical missions; the local police station was under attack. Grenades were even thrown, but didn't explode! It's a very sad and troubling state of affairs in this once peaceful and beautiful region of Mexico.

Rudy goes on to say, "I am still doing what little I can to keep my work with the Nahuathl people. Stay well and healthy. May God bless you always."

Regardless of the hardships, Rudy always ends his correspondence with a blessing to everyone.

I'll be sending Rudy more donations this week to continue his work. I'm always happy to be the conduit to get funds to Rudy and to aid the Nahuathl people.

If you would like to donate please visit our Missions of Hope website at:

http://www.missionsofhope.com/donate.html

Please continue to send good intentions, beautiful, peaceful energy and prayers for the good people in Mexico and throughout all the troubled regions of the world.

Thanks for all your help!

Blessings,
Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. "There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life -- happiness, freedom and peace of mind. They are always attained by giving them to someone else." Peyton Conway March.

Back In The Saddle...Uh..Cockpit Again!

I flew a plane!! Dare I say it? It's really hard to believe, but here we go...

It's been 30 years since I piloted a small plane! Flying the small craft is not what is so amazing; it's that 30 years have gone by since I sat behind the controls.

Let me bring you up to speed. Like most guys, I've always loved anything that goes fast, sounds powerful, is powerful, is bright and shiny (especially red) and smells like gasoline and oil.

In the water,

on the ground

or in the air.

It's all good!

Sound familiar? Probably you know someone like this. Maybe it's you!

Mechanical things are wonderful. I've tinkered with just about everything, even rebuilding engines. I've driven just about anything with an engine from lawn mowers to bulldozers and road graders, to Ferraris and Lamborghinis and a whole lot in between.

I like speed. Especially if there is an engine involved. Planes fascinate me. As a kid, I always loved going to air shows(I still do). So when I was about 19 years old, I pursued flying.

I thought and dreamed that I might like to be an airline pilot one day. But eventually the idea of being stuck in a small room(cockpit) with a couple of other guys hour after hour, day after day, month after month...for years slowly began to play in my head like a bad Rod Serling episode of The Twilight Zone.

So, I joined the Navy (besides I couldn't fly in the Air force with bad vision). Okay, so maybe that wasn't so smart. (There were some good times in there.) I was a SEABEE and got to tinker on some really cool heavy equipment...diesel engines (though they didn't go really fast).

Where was I...oh yeah...

So, I interrupted my flying lessons, I was thisss close (You can't see it, but I'm holding my fingers really close together, like the size of a hair.) to getting my private pilot's license! Actually just a mere night flight and one cross country trip from completion.

I've always regretted not finishing and for all these years, I've longed to go back to it. Every time I see a plane in the sky. Perhaps now I will.

Well, why did I stop? You know how it is. Priorities--girls, cars,money, time, girls, cars, money, time...uh, oh, starting to sound like a Twilight Zone episode again.

Anyway, fast forward a few years. How I got back in the air was at the invitation of a patient, fellow Rotarian, and friend, Dana, who owns a flight school in Sugar Land, Texas. http://www.ansonair.com He graciously asked Mary and me to "go up" in one of his planes. I think he said, "Would you be interested in taking a plane up on Saturday?"

Of course, I intelligently replied, "No, I don't think so...duh!" He got my drift.

So, some how we picked one of the hottest Saturdays in a record heat month(August) in Texas to fly a small plane with no air conditioning!! (That's worth two exclamation points.) I believe it was 100+ with a heat index of 110. Did I say it was hot? Now I know what a crawfish feels like in the boil.

We finally got some cold air at 3500 feet...87 degrees!

As we were cruising over some beautiful countryside, Dana asked me if I wanted to take over the controls...another, "Oh, duh!" moment. I took the yoke and proceeded to do some hard banking, loop dloops, and barrel rolls...it was all coming back. (Well, that was running through my head anyway.)

No, I kept her steady and on course. He let me have her for a while, not too short, not too long...just enough to give me the bug again. I suspect Dana wants me to take lessons again.

All in all it was a great time. We all survived. My wife had it the worst though, she was in the back seat with less room than a Volkswagen full of circus clowns. And did I mention it was hot? I think Dana picked the smallest plane in his fleet. Back on the ground, Mary kissed the ground, hugged Dana and told me, "Next time you sit in the back!" We had a blast though. Well worthwhile and Dana runs a top notch operation. I think everyone should learn to fly. http://www.ansonair.com


Then there will be more room for me on the ground. Did I tell you I love driving cars? There are a few lessons in this story (not just flying lessons).


Live life to the fullest!

Pursue your dreams and passions...even just once!

Don't put off 'til tomorrow what you can do today! (I think someone said that before me.)

Don't spend all your time watching movies about other people living.

Live your bucket list now! (While you can ambulate reasonably well.)

Live more, love more, and give more... for tomorrow may never come.

Live in the present, live in the now, live in the moment!

Don't wait 30 years!


Dr. Rick Barrett

Author of Give to Live; The Real Secret to Manifesting Life's Rewards www.givetolivebook.com

P.S. The only thing missing (besides air conditioning) was a killer sound system playing Pink Floyd's song, Learning to Fly!

It's Now Illegal!

As of Tuesday, June 1, a new law banning texting on cell phones
while driving in Missouri City, Texas went into effect. Even while
stopped at a traffic light or stop sign. I, for one, think this is
a great law and will prevent injuries and save lives.

Far too many of us have become so relaxed while driving that it's
like sitting comfortably in our homes with food, drinks, DVD's,
phones and cruise control.

I was appalled the other day when I observed a woman driving
on the freeway with an iPhone in her right hand using her thumb
to operate it and a flip phone in her left while holding the
steering wheel! This was definitely over the top!

I blew the horn at her and she looked up at me with the most
indignant look on her face. Like I was rude and interrupted her!

I'm sure some people think I shouldn't blow the horn, but I don't
want anyone looking down at their phone drifting over and hitting
me! And I'm going to continue to honk the horn.

The risks of texting or even talking while driving are huge. The
number one distraction while driving is cell phone use. The
National Safety Council says that texting is six times more likely
to cause an accident than driving while intoxicated!

Imagine if a person is drunk, or high, texting, listening to the
radio with dogs, kids or other people in the vehicle trying to
juggle the hot Starbucks or soft drink and eat the burger and
fries!! Oh, yes and play a clarinet at the same time. Okay, I'm
exaggerating just a little...maybe. But I have seen a guy driving
a truck with two hands on a clarinet resting it on the center of
the steering wheel!

Bottom line, driving is a serious business and I think we'veall
become a little too relaxed about it. Especially as it relates
with food and phones. It's becoming a significant life altering
problem.

I've been noticing a very alarming trend in my chiropractic
wellness practice. I am treating an ever increasing amount of
patients from trauma due to motor vehicle collisions. Most are my
existing patients, some past patients and others referred by
patients or medical doctors. Some have had devastating collisions.

I am and always have been, willing to help my patients or those
they care about in any way I can. Returning someone back to
optimum health after a trauma is important work and requires
clinical competence. Healing takes time and musculoskeletal and
neurologic degeneration needs to be thwarted.

Just the other day, I accepted a patient for care who was referred
by another current patient. He was amazed by all the ways with
which we treat including adjusting the spine and nutritional
intervention. I was amazed because he had told me about a previous
terrible experience he had being treated at an "accident clinic"
that an attorney had sent him to. The chiropractor never even
adjusted his spine.

This man wasn't treated properly, had a bad experience with the
attorney and the doctor. He only agreed to see me at the urging of
a family member. He overcame his previous negative experience, now
he's doing great and very happy.

The point is there are lots of "accident clinics" with dubious
attorney connections. I can't tell you how many times we refuse to
accept an accident patient that doesn't know us; referred by an
attorney we don't know where the circumstances are questionable.
It happens a lot. Believe me, there is a lot of corruption out
there.

Accident cases aren't our primary source of business, as you well
know, we are a wellness clinic. But we will treat people who have
sustained a legitimate injury. They need help and have the right
to receive exceptional care.

I know it seems trite and easy to say, but prevention is the best
medicine always, in all ways! So think safety first. The best
accident is the one you don't have. Be alert...stay off the phone.

I don't want you or someone you love to be injured or, worse,
killed.

God forbid you become injured, but if you do, I'll be happy to help
anyway I can.

I don't give legal or insurance advice, but there are two things
I've learned over the years. First, there are better ways to pick
an attorney than from a commercial or the yellow pages. I'm not
saying you need or don't need an attorney, but if you're thinking
about retaining one, ask me about it.

Secondly, please speak with your insurance agent and get
personal injury protection (PIP) added to your policy if you don't
have it. It's very inexpensive and pays for medical expenses and
lost wages. There are a lot of uninsured drivers out there. You
need to protect yourself because medical bills can add up quickly
after a trauma. I've seen too many patients suffer a financial
loss by not having personal injury protection on their policy.
Check it out with your agent.

One last statistic to think about--teenage drivers are four times
more likely to get in an accident while texting and driving than
adults. We all know they think they are invincible, just as we
once did.

Let's all stay safe and healthy!

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. I have a free motor vehicle collision report with information
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The Patient That Made Me Cry

Yes, I admit it. Tears welled up in my eyes and I had to clear my throat after Chad handed me a framed photo of himself. It was just another routine visit to the chiropractor for Chad, his wife and family. But this day, he surprised me with a note encased in a frame with a photo of him finishing the Houston Marathon. His first! I was thrilled to see his picture. Arms victoriously held high with a huge smile of accomplishment on his face. Then I read the heartfelt note below it. I was very touched. Chad, of course, did all the hard work. He was dedicated to his goal and achieved it. This is what Chad wrote…

I completed my first marathon, 26.2 miles, in five hours and sixteen minutes. It was one of the most painful, yet rewarding experiences in my life. I was considered a hero because I ran for the charity, Bo’s Place.
Dr. Barrett, you were a key part in this process. Along the way, you provided continual encouragement. Your energy around giving and helping others has flowed through me and to Bo’s Place, as well as all those around me. My family is truly blessed.

I consider you a friend and a God given gift to my family. Before I began training, the strength test you performed and supplements you provided pointed me in the right direction. During training, your chiropractic care kept me in alignment and I am positive—kept me stronger. After I completed the marathon, your loving words, “I am proud of you” continue to resonate in my soul.

From my ankles to my knees and from my hips to my lower back, every joint, muscle and tissue thanks you, Dr. Barrett, for your love and friendship. I also thank God for your talents that you continue to share and give so freely. You, Dr. Barrett, are the hero!

~Chad Collins and Family

I don’t consider myself a hero. I am humbled that Chad does. I’m just satisfied to have been a positive influence on his health and to be a part of his marathon success. It was fantastic to witness Chad’s growth through this process. I must say, I have one of the most gratifying careers in the world…participating in helping people with a myriad of health complaints overcome sickness, regain health, and improve the quality of their lives. Whether they run a marathon like Chad or are simply able to lift and hold their child without pain. I get to witness some amazing outcomes as the innate processes of the body restore function and health to the human body. I am truly blessed to be a part of so many lives!

It’s hard to put a price on Chad’s words or others like him who share their successes with me. I asked Chad if I could share this story and he happily gave me permission. Some may think I wrote this simply to feed my own ego, but not so. In my career as a wellness practitioner, I all too often encounter patients who seek my help after they’ve failed to overcome disease, pain or achieve the results they long for, are capable of and deserve. Other chiropractors experience the same. Such was the case of a young boy who suffered needlessly with a misdiagnosed childhood disease which created constant pain and episodic periods of immobilization for years. That is until a chiropractor, Dr. Terry Smedstad, gave this patient, (now a man), the answer to his lingering questions and a solution to his pain. In addition, wonderful side effects of increased vitality, improved health and a new vocation in life…to become a chiropractor and help others as he was helped. That boy was me! I continually give Dr. Smedstad full credit for changing my life. I’ve written the full story in my book, “Dare to Break Through the Pain; A Guide to Healing Naturally Without Drugs and Surgery” and “Healed by Morning”. http://astore.amazon.com/barrettchiroc-20

I can never thank him enough. He changed me forever and has given me the opportunity to change others. If I am a hero to Chad and his family, I understand and am grateful because Dr. Smedstad is a hero to me. Chad's story stands as a testament to what each of us is capable of. I am hopeful that it will inspire and encourage others.

I am confident that the people who need to hear this message…will, and lives will be changed forever.

To Chad…all I can say is, Thanks for being dedicated…not to me, but to yourself. And not just in this magnificent achievement, but daily. Also, for giving your family the gift of chiropractic care. You are all blessings to everyone you encounter and great examples for others to follow!

To all who suffer with pain or other health complaints, I say continue to seek help. There are solutions to your problems. It may take some effort but the rewards are great! The list of natural solutions are many…acupuncture, herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, chiropractic, meditation and prayer to name a few.

Think more natural; be involved in the daily task of staying healthy and being well!

Beyond Borders, Politics and Religion

Beyond borders, politics and religion...
stands an organization that tirelessly serves. They are Rotary International. I am happy to report that I am affiliated with this wonderful organization and proud to be distinguished as a charter member of the newly formed Southwest 59 Sunrise Rotary Club. For those who aren't familiar with Rotary International, they are "the World's first service club organization with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs Worldwide. Rotary Club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace and eradicate polio under the motto, 'Service Above Self'."

Their ideals have long aligned with my thinking. Every Rotarian I've ever known has been ethical, honest and an outstanding World class citizen.

They exemplify the attitudes, ideals and actions I speak of in my book, Give to Live; The Real Secret to Manifesting Life's Rewards.

It is a privilege to be associated with all Rotarians throughout the World and especially the charter members of our newest club in the greater Houston area.

I invite you to investigate Rotary International to see for yourself. Check out www.rotary5890.org or YouTube at www.youtube.com/rotaryinternational.

The Ultimate Giver

Today is Easter Sunday. A day when all Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ...the Son of God. Those of you who are non-Christians please stay with me for a moment. My intent here is not to proselytize, but simply to use Jesus, the man, as an example of the ultimate servant...the ultimate giver.

The life of Jesus, short as it was revolved around honoring and loving God the Creator. He preached peace, love, caring for the poor, leading a life of goodness, honoring life and loving others as one would love themselves.

Jesus was a model giver and servant. He stood for something greater than himself and willingly died for the salvation of all humanity.

Is their a greater gift than giving one's life for another?

Naturally, I can't feel what a Buddhist, a Muslim, a Jew, non-Christian or anyone else, for that mattter, feel on this day. But I am hopeful that we can all use Jesus as an example of how to BE.

This Easter weekend gives me yet another opportunity to reflect on my life. To evaluate the direction I'm headed and make any course corrections needed.

I get to ask, who am I and what do I stand for? How much am I willing to sacrifice for others...daily...or in a grand way? Could I have the compassion, the strength and courage of Jesus...even one tenth the courage?

Life, as you know, is made up of a series of opportunities, decisions, and choices. At the end of the day, at the end of a life, perhaps all we can hope for is that the good decisions out weigh the bad ones. That we've done more good than harm, and showed more love than hate.

My wife has decided that in her death, she wishes to go on helping others. While she and I have spoken about this before, it has just become official. It just became more real to me. She showed me her newly arrived donor card. When Mary's spirit leaves this world, her body will continue to give life to others. It will be her last gift of love.

On this day and every day, I pray each of us has the courage to be a better person, to break through the shackles that bind us to any belief that is harmful to another.

Give more! Love more! Be more!

Dr. Rick Barrett

P.S. Mary signed up with www.DonateLifeTexas.org