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• About $2,300 per American
• About $6,000 per U.S. household
• About 85 percent of the New York State economy
• The combined economies of all U.S. states beginning with the letter "A": Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, and Arkansas; plus Oklahoma.

• About $6,000 per American
• About $15,500 per U.S. household

By Kim Ades

RISMEDIA, September 5, 2008-When confronted with a decision, there is clearly no better way to consider our options, determine the potential, or contemplate our feelings than writing it down. Keeping a journal is as simple as this nursery rhyme; we need no more than a pen and paper to chronicle our life journey.

The words that we write in our journals have the power to transform our lives; from confronting our battles, personal demons and deep dark secrets to exploring and exposing our fantasies, dreams, hopes and aspirations. Writing allows us to envision the kinds of miracles and joys we’d love to see come into our world. It allows us to reframe our life experiences by giving us a forum in which to express and redirect our thoughts. When we write, we engage in a very different process-one that is experiential. When we write down our thoughts, feelings, or desires, we allow them to come to life. In the written word, our dreams and goals become tangible, are validated, and are more valuable.

Oprah Winfrey is a huge advocate of journaling, and has even featured the process on her show. For years, Oprah dreamed of creating her own television network. In fact, she says, “In 1992, I wrote in my journal that I had a vision of creating my own network…,” and in January, she announced that she was partnering with the Discovery Channel to launch OWN-the Oprah Winfrey Network. Writing is a powerful, powerful tool to visualize and manifest our dreams.

Do we need any more proof of the power of writing?

Studies have proven that top performers use the tool of writing to fuel their careers and fulfill their dreams. Therefore, consider these five benefits of journaling:

1. Writing provides a vehicle by which we can let go of the things that are clouding our thoughts and getting in our way. It provides a way for us to gain a heightened awareness of our thoughts and actions. It’s personal; there is no judgment; it is true and authentic; and the only commentary comes from us.

2. Writing in a journal allows us to connect to our inner voice, and provides us with a clean slate on which we can chart a path, plot, plan, envision, create, and explore the possibilities in our lives.

3. The act of journaling allows us to reflect, step back and look at our lives, and consider our past, present and future thoughts and dreams. A journal gives us the perspective to switch tracks-to see what is working for us and what is not and make changes.

4. The act of writing invites us to engage our imagination, and as such, taps into a very powerful resource. We start to design, craft, and write the story of our life the way we would like it to be. It calls us to take action.

5. Writing is the vehicle that allows us to get from where we are now to where we want to be. As we do this, we are actually creating a shift in our mind, and that shift starts to attract and draw the things that we want in our lives toward us.

To keep a journal is to gain insight into ourselves. It’s the place to plan a spectacular menu, bake a sumptuous pie and set the mood for our vision. Indeed, a place to make it rain.

Kim Ades, MBA, is president of Opening Doors and Frame of Mind Coaching. Visit www.capturemoresales.com and download free: “The Seven Secrets to Adjusting your Frame of Mind to Attract More Real Estate Sales Sooner.” Contact her at kim@openingdoors.tv.

Just received the Newsletter from Housemasters and saw this article.  Hope this helps answer some questions you might have regarding radon in countertops posing a health threat.

HOT TOPIC - RADON IN GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

There has been a lot of recent media focus on the potential for granite countertops, a big selling feature for many homes the last few years, to be the source of elevated radon levels. The media stories have alarmed many homebuyers and homeowners concerned about potential health hazards for their families. But what is the real risk? Granite is a natural mineral formed by earth's geology. It is mined and used to produce various building products, such as countertops. It is well know in the scientific industry that any particular sample of granite may contain varying concentrations of uranium, which produces radon gas, and hence may contribute to indoor radon levels. While granite countertops and other products may emit radon gas in some cases, past studies have indicated that the general levels of radon attributable to such sources are not typically high. The principal source of radon in homes is still thought to be radon gas that is drawn indoors from soils surrounding a home through a natural process. But the EPA notes there are too many variables to generalize about the potential health risks inside a particular home that has a granite countertop. To address potential radon concerns in any home, the EPA has consistently recommended that all homes be tested for radon in the air. There are easy ways to test the air in your home for radon. If needed, high radon levels can be reduced with proven and reasonably inexpensive technology. Common Radon Screening Devices Be aware, however, that conventional radon screening methods are designed to only test the air for radon levels. To test whether a building product such as a granite countertop or floor is a source of radon in a home requires a different type of testing by a specially-trained and qualified professional with the appropriate equipment. The key to reducing risk is to start with an air test for radon and then an appropriate decision can be made about any additional testing or actions that may be required or desired. Learn more about radon by reading the EPA’s Citizen's Guide to Radon at www.epa.gov or Health Canada’s Guide: Radon, What You Need to Know at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/. For more information on radiation and countertops, go to www.epa.gov/radiation. The American Assiociation of Radon Scientists and Technologists (AARST) has addressed the issue in its Position Statement on Granite Countertops and Radon Gas (hps.org). Remember, these tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com.

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