Stress and Worry are Optional is a new Action for My Life Exercise in Unit 4, AffirmationsandImagery. One of the foundation concepts of Keys to Innervisions is Imagery defined as Purposeful, Positive, and Powerful daydreaming. Affirmations - positive self-talk is used to trigger this powerful image/goal. In this way, we program our powerful Subconscious Mind with a new detailed picture to automatically move us in the directions of our goals.

Stress and Worry are AffirmationsandImagery done backwards -- in a negative way. How does this happen? Life is full of challenges, obstacles, and unexpected events that are difficult to experience and get through. Our initial response is often reactive with many unpleasant feelings. We begin to "imagine" all the negative possibilities, the negative images, using the "what if" scenario and the self-talk that keeps recreating the negative spiral of worry and stress. From a spiritual standpoint, this may be termed inverted faith. How long we focus on the negative is optional. Keys to Innervisions offers many tools to help us take control of our thinking and create options to the stress syndrome.

Locus of Control. Make an inventory of what events, people, etc., to which you are externalizing your power? Stress and worry weaken you and damage your energy and health. Is there a benefit to getting your personal power back? Set a goal to regain control from at least two of your stress challenges.
Negative Self-talk. Do an inventory of how you are pressuring yourself. What self-talk and negative pictures are you laying on yourself? Is it time to revamp your priorities, to set some goals about what is realistic for you to do, and feel good about doing it. Is it time to learn to say no to others and set boundaries?
Stop! I am not going to let me lose here! Learn to say no to your own negative self-talk and overwhelming expectations. Once you stop that cycle of negative babble, it is important to have several positive affirmations and goals ready to focus on. Let Go and Turn this Over to a Higher Power. There is no situation, event, or person that has been changed by you worrying about it. Not in your world, not in the larger world. If there is something you can do about it -- do it. If there is nothing you can do -- then turn it over, and get on with enjoying your life.
Catch! When you start pressuring yourself or giving your power away to stress, STOP, BREATHE, and make a list of all the wondrous things you accomplish everyday. Catch yourself and count your blessings. It gets us back into a healthy perspective.

I have always viewed myself as a learning laboratory. Perhaps you could too. It seems life just keeps showing up with opportunities to practice Keys to Innervisions in practical daily life events, to emotions, to spiritual unfolding - the learning moments are endless.

Have a blessed and joyful spring.
Phyllis R. Antonelli

What Else Is Possible? St. Patrick Center, St. Louis Missouri Implements KIV

Getting Around the Rocks!

In late March, Phyllis had the opportunity to provide a Keys to Innervisions Facilitator Training at a unique site - the St. Patrick Center. It is the largest provider of homeless services in Missouri, with 17 programs serving over 10,000 persons annually. It is a great opportunity to integrate KIV cognitive skills for self-management with this dynamic and innovative skills program.

St. Patrick Center staff singing
their "Clown" song, Unit 11.

The other unique feature of this training was Vice President of Programming, Charlie Willingham, was trained as a Master Facilitator in one of the initial trainings in New Jersey in the 1992. Charlie remained a supporter of KIV concepts and reconnected with Keys, Inc. about integrating the curriculum into several of the programs at St. Patrick Center. Director of Education, Angela Casimere arranged the training and selected the training participants. It became apparent that there were multiple possibilities for application--the Substance Abuse Treatment Center, the Rosati Transitional Living Center, the Independent Living Skills and Job Skills Training Program, the Homeless Employment Program, and Operation Independent Housing. If you want to see how to provide comprehensive wrap-around services for the homeless, and those at-risk for becoming homeless, contact the St. Patrick Center. As this implementation of Keys to Innervisions gets underway, we plan to refine and create a model that can be used in other homeless programs across the nation. A heartfelt thanks to Angela for coordinating the training and for ensuring that Phyllis had a great time in St. Louis.

North Dakota Master Facilitators Recertified!

While attending the North Dakota Juvenile Court Conference, April 12 and 13, Phyllis had the opportunity to spend 8 hours of training with the dynamic group of state Master Facilitators. She also had the opportunity to present an overview of Keys to Innervisions 2 to the Court Services staff. It was great to reconnect with the North Dakota KIV network, which has been involved with Keys, Inc. for several years. We acknowledge and thank the trainers for their dedication and skills and their supervisors who support the ongoing use of Keys to Innervisions.

North Dakota Master Facilitators.

Kristie Tollefson	Devil's Lake	Karen Olsen
Shelley Roth and Doug Sailer	Bismarck	Dave McGeary
Sandi Geddes	Grand Forks	Dennis Herbeck
Nicole Leitner	Fargo	Mary Hall

KEYS TO EXCELLENCE, INC. ANNUAL AWARDS

Each year, we honor three individuals who have done exemplary work in implementing Keys to Innervisions. It is always a difficult choice as there are so many of you "Playing at the Edge of Your Skill" to ensure that students and staff receive the empowering processes of KIV. Please accept our deep appreciation for your commitment and know that these honorees represent each of you. Each member of the KIV network has touched the lives of so many. As the quote in KIV states, "As the blossom cannot tell what becomes of its fragrance, so no one can tell what becomes of his influence."

Ronald G. Kuhn Memorial Award for Excellence 2003
Dennis Herbeck
Juvenile Court Services
Grand Forks, North Dakota

This honor was designed to acknowledge staff who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the Facilitation and Implementation of Keys to Innervisions in their facilities and communities. As Director of Juvenile Court Services in Grand Forks, Dennis has provided the leadership and the vision to ensure that Keys to Innervisions became a community-based curriculum. A great cross-section of community leaders were enlisted as members of the Core Planning Team. This Team kept the momentum alive during times of financial and budgetary constraints. Dennis was determined that Keys to Innervisions would get beyond the courts and be implemented in a variety of sites. Another powerful consequence of his leadership is two research studies, which were conducted by the University of North Dakota and North Dakota State University that demonstrated the efficacy of the curriculum with at-risk youth.

Beyond that, Dennis truly represents the essence of Keys to Innervisions in his lifestyle and positive, giving outlook. We teach that a picture is worth many words. He is a role model.

Keys to Excellence, Inc. is grateful for the commitment, professionalism, and vision Dennis brings to his role as an administrator and advocate of Keys to Innervisions.

Phyllis Antonelli and Dennis Herbeck.

Master Facilitator of the Year - 2003
Julissa Vizcaino
Prevention Links, Union County, NJ

It is a great pleasure for Keys to Excellence, Inc. to honor Julissa with this award, recognizing the amazing contribution she has made in her role with Prevention Links as both a Facilitator and Master Facilitator of Keys to Innervisions. Julissa was certified as a Master Facilitator in February 2002. Her natural sense of humor and willingness to play was evident from the beginning, and her gentle and reassuring approach invited her clients and staff participants to live in the question of What Else is Possible? As with all successful KIV trainers, Julissa has integrated the curriculum in her professional and personal life. Under the direction of Diane Litterer, Prevention Links has done an extraordinary job of providing KIV Training throughout Union County. The creativity and vision of this dynamic Core Planning Team has enabled many staff and clients to receive the empowering tools of KIV. In addition to these professional skills, Julissa's personal integrity and dedication to staff and youth makes her an outstanding representative of the Master Facilitator group and of Keys to Excellence, Inc.

Julissa Vizcaino and Diane Litterer.

Prevention Links Sponsors KIV Facilitator Training
and Welcomes KIV Coordinator Demishia Seldon!

April 15-17, 2004, Master Facilitator, Janis Mayer-Obermeier trained eleven staff from the Union County area as Facilitators. Sponsored by Prevention Links of Union County, the training included staff from Rahway High School and Teen Employment Center, ADACO, and New Jersey Prevention Network programs from Hunterdon and Middlesex Counties. The training was coordinated by Demishia Seldon, recently hired KIV Coordinator for Prevention Links. Demishia was previously trained as a Facilitator in 1994 in Tucson, AZ. It is a great example of how valuable KIV is as a lifelong skill base. The Training group created a song to the tune of, "We are the World." We're KIV. We are New Jersey. We are the ones building strength and hope. So let's get moving. Children are the future. We must give them Power Tools. To build a better life for you and me... We extend special thanks to Janis, Demishia, and Prevention Links Director, Diane Litterer.

Facilitator of the Year Award - 2003

Christopher Goeke Community Prevention Resources Warren County, New Jersey

Each year it is a daunting challenge to select the Facilitator of the Year from the huge group of possibilities across the country. We commend each of you who are dedicated to facilitating Keys to Innervisions to your students and families. This year's honoree, Chris Goeke, is a worthy representative of your work.

Chris was originally trained in 2002 at a New Jersey Prevention Network Facilitator Training sponsored by Hunterdon County. Terry Eyler, Director of Warren County Prevention Resources, also attended the training. She and Chris immediately implemented KIV in several schools in their region. Chris' vision, tenacity, and commitment to the students he served enabled him to lead the way with the continued implementation of Keys to Innervisions. We commend you for all the wonderful projects you have undertaken for Community Prevention Resources of Warren County in the last year.

Chris easily integrated KIV into his wealth of professional experience. He is a role-model for all who come into contact with him as demonstrated by his participation and willingness to share his experiences in a second Facilitator Training in September, 2003. Keys to Excellence, Inc. is proud and fortunate to have Chris representing our organization and the network of KIV Facilitators.

Honorable Mention to Past Recipients of Keys to Excellence, Inc. Annual Awards

	Master Facilitator	Facilitator	Ronald G. Kuhn Memorial
2002	Sedezier Thompson, GA	Kristina Martineau, ND	David Cocoros, AZ
2001	Shauna Jones, WV	Sandi Geddes, ND	Mary Richter, NJ
2000	Kristie Tollefson, ND Nicole Leitner, ND	Michele White, NJ	Bob Hare, AZ
1999	Chris Kuhn, AZ	Kathy Mahoney, WV	Chris Laquidara, NJ
1998	Janis Mayer-Obermeier, NJ	Betty Hare, AZ	Elbert Grimes, AR
1997	Angela Grisso, WV Barbara Moore, WV	Cheri Langei, ND	Marie Dils, AZ
1996	Ed Martinez, AZ	Pat Seals, CA

The Journey

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice--
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my Life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.

It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do--
determined to save
the only life you could save.

Mary Oliver

New & Selected Poems