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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v03n26)
Right in my Own Backyard - Taking Stock - by Brandt Carter
posted: Dec. 29, 2006

Right in my Own Backyard header

Taking Stock
Inside the doors of many retail stores, this is inventory season - laborious and exhausting but illuminating at the same time. Counting everything a store has on the floor is like itemizing everything you own. The time-intensive process is painstakingly detailed. You have to record each item and its cost. Ultimately, the accounting tells you how much stock you have, how much you have invested, and how well your business is doing.
I thought about applying inventory to my own personal life. I would count my stuff, my money, my talents and gifts, and my blessings. Taking stock of the stuff was impractical - too much! Maybe if I had to count it every year, I would not amass as much. Tallying my money went very fast. The bank statements keep track of that, and there is never enough anyway.
Itemizing my talents and gifts was a good reminder of those I have not used in a while and those I want to improve.
Counting my blessings, on the other hand, takes a little longer. This involves looking at life with positive eyes, not the critical ones applied to my end-of-year and New Year assessment. With paper and pen in hand, I set about writing down the first five blessings that come to mind. I realize when I keep this inventorying habit, my life feels more even-keeled, more balanced.
I can extend this personal inventory process further. I can inventory my yard and the plants, the birds that visit my feeders (a yard list), my pets and all their leashes, collars, and toys. The lists can be endless - and quite revealing. Try your hand at some inventories in the coming months. I would encourage you to at least keep a list of blessings. The season will be brightened for your efforts.



Brandt Carter, artist, herbalist, and naturalist, owns Backyard Birds at 2374 E. 54th Street. Visit her web site www.feedbackyardbirds.com. Email your bird questions to Brandt@BroadRippleGazette.com




brandt@broadripplegazette.com
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