Carpe Vita Foundation News (blog)

The Most Meaningful Gifts Can Lead To The Most Meaningful Life

Kathleen Gorbach — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 00:16:46 GMT

Has it occurred to you that the most meaningful gifts are the ones that in some way help you to live the most meaningful life?

Perhaps gifts that have all that sizzle, sparkle, technology or gimmicks can distract a person from focusing on what is really important. How about this Christmas giving those who you love most a gift that is different, one that is going to make a difference. This year, for your loved ones, young and old, consider this gift.

What If Just One Hour A Week This Summer Could Transform Your Child's Life?

Kathleen Gorbach — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 16:03:44 GMT

Imagine giving a child the tools that in as little as an hour a week can show him/her how to build a life rooted in truth, purpose, and lasting happiness. Summer is the perfect time to slow down, reflect, and build habits that last a lifetime!

This isn't a massive workbook or complicated course. It's a straight forward printable program that utilizes simple, step by step instructions for doing some key things which lay the foundation for real growth in a person's life. It begins as a journey inward for your child where he/she will be guided to learn:

How to think more clearly
What really brings them joy
How to set meaningful goals
And how to align their life with what truly matters to them

Click here to get it now on Etsy for just $11.95 and make this summer count for your child in a way that will last!

Reflecting On Soon To Be Over High School Year

Kathleen Gorbach — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 16:26:05 GMT

Hard to believe summer break will be here, for some, in less than a month! Its a good time to reflect on the school year. Who was the most helpful and enjoyable as a teacher and why? What do you wish could have been different in what and how you learned in a particular subject? Whether there is good or some not so good news here, either way, its vitally important to think about whether you are getting prepared well enough for your future, with particular emphasis on the professional aspects of it. Its certainly something to discuss with your parents, guidance counselors, teachers and other adults that you really respect. In addition to this, a step that should be done simultaneously is to create an initial version of a sound life plan, one that helps you to identify what you care about most in life and based on that, what your life could look like to support those values. Then, you'd learn how to map your hopes and dreams to tactical, palatable action items that get you there. For the cost of 2 Starbucks coffees, you can quickly begin this wonderful process. This tells you more about it: The Essential Life Plan & Life Skills Program

#Smart #Strong #Happy #Successful #Enjoyable #Life #School #Break #Summer #Activities #Activity #Fulfilling #Plan #Life

Why Do People Love Taylor Swift?

Kathleen Gorbach — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 17:19:48 GMT

Of course, I don't know the insanely popular singer songwriter. But I can begin to guess why Taylor Swift is so well liked, and has been since she was a very young woman.

Aside from the obvious, like she is wholesome and comes across as a very decent and caring human being who writes catchy, cute songs, I can almost guarantee she has done some really smart work relating to identifying her core values, and mapping them to a life plan/life skill development and execution which she is constantly tweaking and evolving. And your soul just knows she's onto something really good and its a blast to just observe it!

Its actually really fun and once you take the plunge and get started with getting yourself on the right track for YOU. Something deep inside seems to know nearly instantly that its the right way to make your life a happy and healthy one. So, you typically start to feel excited and hopeful right away....Try it for yourself!: The Essential Life Plan Life Skills Program

Make This A Life Changing Christmas Holiday For A Loved One

Kathleen Gorbach — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 02:28:57 GMT

Do you think its possible to give a gift this holiday season which could have an incredibly positive life changing impact on a loved one, perhaps a son, daughter, niece, nephew or grandchild?

I am happy to tell you it absolutely is! Take a look at this: The Essential Life Plan & Life Skills Training Set

Parents Often Don't Know About This Crucial Step For Preparing Their Kids For School

Kathleen Gorbach — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 14:16:42 GMT

What's even more important than getting your children new clothes, shoes, hardware/software (technology), and general supplies (paper, pens/pencils, paper, glue, etc) to prepare them for school? It's sitting them down to put a stake in the sand for what are their emerging core values and beliefs!

Once you have a baseline, this exercise is still done (at least once a year, ideally just before school begins). In this case, instead of creating core values, the current version is challenged and updated so that it evolves on a continuum. You can begin this work for a given child as early as 5 years of age. Generally by 7, the benefits really start to kick in (given the growth of cognitive function that is typically seen by that time).

Why is it important to do this? Having genuine motivation and drive for pursuing specific goals springs out of their relationship to our core values and beliefs. Additionally, the amount of satisfaction felt when those goals are met, is much greater than it would be otherwise be. And that satisfaction fuels continued motivation for getting important things done going forward.

There are children that fall into this seemingly coincidentally. Many kids don't. So, its important to put some structure around it to get it done. Note that people of ANY age benefit from this exercise: Identify Core Values

The identifying core values activity independently has tremendous value. If this is the only extra thing you have your child do, you are WAY ahead! If you'd like to see how this is a first step in a larger system of three steps and what benefits can be derived from doing all three, here you go: The Essential Life Plan/Life Skills Program

Have fun with it. Your results will be remarkable!

Are You Living Vicariously Through Your Children?

Kathleen Gorbach — Fri, 27 May 2022 15:46:52 GMT

People sometimes say they are living vicariously through their children. If parents push a child to do something only the parents are interested in, it could be a red flag.

There are those skills to learn that are good for the child even if the child isn't interested. Perhaps its swimming or learning to iron one's clothes. But if its something like a sport or skill that the child is not interested in, which the child doesn't need to learn, for example baseball or football or ballet or piano, parents should think twice about making the child pursue it.

Another related parental behavior is making the child always be busy with or more seasonal sports or some kind of lessons. It's possible to cause the child to be overwhelmed and just go through the motions of doing one or more of these things with little or no passion for it.

It's important for children to have regular down time so that they can have a chance to be kids and play, and potentially discover real passions. Passions drive motivation and bring joy to individuals. Its a very important aspect of life. It might make sense to not book up children's lives so much that they have no time to look for and try out possible passions!

New Resolutions Can Be Defined and Deployed Anytime of Year

Kathleen Gorbach — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 18:23:28 GMT

There is so much pressure on us to define and start using New Year Resolutions at the official beginning of a new year.

There is absolutely no need for this. Resolutions to make good adjustments to the way we live our lives can be created and begun to be used any time of year. Two huge advantages of this are:

(1) You can define and start new resolutions any month and day of the year and you can do it repeatedly.

(2) You don't have to wait for the end of the year for something you know you really want to start doing sooner.

Certain times of year might be your preference for starting something new. For me, its the end of February, beginning of March, that I feel the desire to start anew. I think it relates to spring being on its way in nature and this gently coaxes me to do the same in my life. For others, it can be the beginning of September and the start of a new school year. Literally, any time of year works for starting to make good adjustments or changes in your life.

Our Essential Life Plan/Life Skills program relies on this very important concept!

An Unusual But Meaningful Holiday Gift

Kathleen Gorbach — Thu, 23 Dec 2021 00:59:58 GMT

More and more folks want to reduce their footprint. Giving perishable gifts rather than tchotchke or other types of dust collectors you put on a shelf is one good idea. So are candles that you know a particular household would use.

But, if you know of an individual who could really benefit from some good life guidance, give them this as a gift.

It does not matter if the person is in their teens, twenties, thirties or middle aged. Even seniors are often in need of help here.

This Year, Help Your Kids In This Best Possible Way!

Kathleen Gorbach — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 15:37:05 GMT

Did you realize that "The devil is in the details." of sound planning; and once you nail that, "Execution is easy!"? So, when it comes to genuine life planning, there is nothing more important. And, The Essential Life Plan/Life Skills program is perhaps the most comprehensive do it yourself solution available today!

It's important to realize that many "Life Planning" products available on Etsy and elsewhere are basically blank forms/empty checklists! These are about as helpful as completely blank pages.

For around the price of two name brand cups of coffee, you can have an incredible program that can EASILY cause your child to realize his/her potential and be very fulfilled. Note: this system works for people of all ages- that includes you!

Is Your Teen Still Sad Even Though Spring Is In The Air?

Kathleen Gorbach — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 20:24:31 GMT

There are so many reasons why kids might appear sad or unmotivated. Often, its not clear what to do. There are things that you can do to help. And, you might even be surprised how making certain changes which might even be fairly small, at least to start, can make all the difference in the world. Take a look at this: https://www.etsy.com/listing/599596945/the-essential-life-planlife-skills-full

There's 3 activities. Each of them are really important. But when the sad or unmotivated child begins to work on identifying their core values (this is the first activity), it marks the beginning of a generally very positive change in them which you might even notice.

Winter Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Can Be Eased By Productive Learning

Kathleen Gorbach — Mon, 25 Jan 2021 17:26:56 GMT

Did you know that SAD can be eased by a number of different activities including productive learning? Here's more info on the condition: Winter SAD info

A a great example of productive learning is The Essential Life Plan / Life Skills Program

There are three main activities. The first involves identifying your core values. Most say its fun to do and the time tends to fly by while you do it.

A little effort here can really help you to both feel better and help you to begin to plan a better, happier life!

Your Core Values Reveal What Is Really Important To You

Kathleen Gorbach — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 20:36:39 GMT

Identifying your core values and regularly checking them (for changes) is the first step to creating a meaningful and happy life for yourself! Its also a fascinating exercise which in and of itself can give you some wonderful initial ideas about how to live each day of your life.

Take advantage of the open / unstructured / time the pandemic / CV19 is giving us! Core Values Identification

Some Smart Adjustments For Taking Advantage of Our "New Normal"

Kathleen Gorbach — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 21:33:47 GMT

What could you do instead of watching or playing sports, games, TV, etc while in self quarantine or just plain hunkering down in the apartment or house for any reason? There are activities you as an an individual, or via a group can pursue while in isolation that are very constructive and valuable.

In fact, school teachers who want to be higher-value educators for their teenage students are looking for creative, effective ways for offsetting the disadvantages of students having to attend class in a hybrid fashion or 100% remote model.

A wonderful idea for this is CVF's Essential Life Plan/Life Skills Program! Lesson plans can be easily mapped to each of the program's three parts (sets of activities). Note: If an individual is doing the program on their own, they can simply follow the steps in each of the three parts, using a schedule they are comfortable with.

Take a look!: Essential Life Plan/Life Skills Program Set

Take Advantage of Quarantine/Isolation/Hunkering Down

Kathleen Gorbach — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 18:33:29 GMT

What can you do instead of:

watching or playing sports, binge watching favorite cable/TV programs, playing video and board games while practicing social distancing, quarantine or other forms of isolation whether self imposed or otherwise.

Why not try something that is fun to do, but it also can simply and potentially quickly help you improve your life and level of fulfillment?

Whether you are a child in your teens, a young adult in your twenties/early thirties, approaching or in midlife or senior years/retirement, this powerful 3 part system can lead you to being happier and not just seizing a day (Carpe Diem) but seizing your life (Carpe Vita)!

In addition to helping yourself, your payment can help CVF evolve this material for you and others!:

The Essential Life Plan/Life Skills Program

Some Small, Easy Adjustments Can Make The Most Wonderful Difference In Your Life!

Kathleen Gorbach — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 16:20:52 GMT

Did you know that adjustments or changes to make your life happier & more meaningful don't have to be massive or hard to do? They can be small, easy and even fun to do! Exactly what you change and when is the key.

Periodically, I work with people 1 on 1 for free! Do you want to be the next person I do this for or do you have someone else in mind? Contact me for details on applying for this special opportunity.

Baby Boomer Workaholics

Kathleen Gorbach — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 15:04:47 GMT

Know of an older person who seems to work too much and doesn't have a great life/work balance? These folks are often anxious about cutting back on work & may avoid the notion of retirement entirely even if they're in their late 60s and beyond right now.

We're developing a program right now that will help seniors navigate through this period of their life effectively so that they can learn how to really enjoy it. The program is called "Life Skills For Seniors". Stay tuned for more info!

Qualities That Performing Non-profits Have

Kathleen Gorbach — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 19:48:26 GMT

This isn't all inclusive, but its a good start- https://doublethedonation.com/blog/2015/07/4-things-high-performing-nonprofits-with-great-leaders-have-in-common/

There Is Still Time Left To Donate & "Move The Dial" For Bright Teens From Low Income Families

Kathleen Gorbach — Wed, 30 Dec 2015 16:18:55 GMT

Because CVF is run by a proven "for profit" business/efficiency expert which includes running projects in an AGILE (iterative/continuously prioritized and adjusted) fashion, every dollar of every donation is used extremely effectively.

It's about "give back" AND "impact".

Kathleen Gorbach — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 17:54:24 GMT

As I get older and in a better position to donate than at any other point in my life, I want to make sure the dollars I give to an operation are used effectively and efficiently such that they have a direct and positive impact on the goals of the organization.

Small Donations Can Make A Difference Under Certain Conditions

Kathleen Gorbach — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:29:34 GMT

If the non-profit is run like a lean, competent and nimble business, you'd be amazed by how much a small donation can help.

New Non-profit Needs Donations To Fund Pilot Programs for 2012.

Kathleen Gorbach — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:52:07 GMT

Carpe Vita Foundation needs 2012 pilot program donations! This is a wonderful holiday gift for those who want to give back or for those who seem to have everything they need.

$25 to $250 will be used for coaching one child. Donations in the amount of $2500 or more can be used to coach multiple children. We look forward to showing you the tremendous value this new, next generation nonprofit will provide.

Give The Gift That Helps A Child That Needs A Little Help

Kathleen Gorbach — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 21:06:53 GMT

Big charities can become focused on solving big problems. That isn't a bad thing.

It is, however, also a good idea for charitable organizations to focus on solving smaller problems which when solved, can actually make a significantly positive difference in an individual child's life.

Often times a child with a lot of potential simply needs to have some smart planning and coaching to be headed on the right track. And this could be done in a matter of hours or days, not months or years.

On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!

Kathleen Gorbach — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 17:15:53 GMT

First order of business, obtaining seed money to fund pilot programs. Even $25 donations add up quickly. $100, even quicker! All donations are deeply appreciated and will make a positive difference in our results. Wait till you see what we do AND how we report it! This is going to be a wonderful organization!

New Web Site Announcement

Kathleen Gorbach — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:24:31 GMT

CVF is happy to announce that it plans to deploy an new web site in the coming days. Stay tuned for more details.