"A man came upon a construction site where three people were working. He asked the first, 'What are you doing?' and the man answered, 'I am laying bricks.' He asked the second, 'What are you doing?' and the man answered, 'I am building a wall.' He walked up to the third man, who was humming a tune as he worked and asked, 'What are you doing?' and the man stood up and smiled and said, 'I am building a cathedral.'" From "The Story Factor" by Annette Simmons (thanks to Dr. Dan Lyons).

As we reflect upon the close of another year and anticipate the promise of a new one, it's important to consider the reality of what we do day to day.

If someone asks what you're doing, will your response be brick-like or are you transforming lives? Transforming lives is important work, calling upon practitioners with solid principles and refined skills, and requiring proper support for them from people, places and things.

Here's a look at a chiropractic holiday gift list to promote an extraordinary 2003. Ask for these presents and/or give them to your favorite chiropractor:

*** The gift of stimulation. Is your brain running off info you learned in the '90s? Feed it, free it. Read a new book. Or re-read a great one. Stephenson still blows me away every time I pick it up. Try going "green" -- as in Green books). Are your "On Purpose" tapes sitting in a pile? Play them. Go explore, interact with someone whose type of intelligence is different than your own.

*** The gift of connection. Go to a seminar. It makes a HUGE difference. I missed this year's seminars, and missed out on awesome speakers, great conversations over dinner, and hundreds of hugs. Make commitments now to connect (look forward to seeing you at Parker Vegas, and the WCA May '03 Summit in D.C.).

*** The gift of support. Network grow with a pro or a group that can have a positive influence on your commitment to success. Find support that fits what you need to reach a specific goal, or for a lifestyle -- and let them do their job.

*** The gift of security. For excellent insurance, CBS.

*** The gift of credibility. There is absolutely NO reason that every chiropractor reading this cannot contribute a case study to JVSR this year. Do you think what you do is ordinary? Far from it. Publish in a peer-reviewed journal and then share your work with everyone in your town.

*** The gift of community. Have you left your office lately? Are you introducing yourself and the chiropractic lifestyle into your community? Do you sponsor any Little League, go to any banquets, have a booth at a fun run? Does anyone in your community know you are there and can help them?

*** The gift of legacy. Over the last year, someone I love has been losing their battle with lung cancer. The reality is, we are all going to leave this life. Have you thought about your legacy? Will it live on through others you have touched?

*** The gift of family. Family includes those related not just by biology, but by soul. Who's got your back? Who will tell you the truth? Who knows the real meaning of love? Find them and spend time there.

*** The gift of progressive leadership. Give money and membership to organizations that give your money life and results. You can participate exclusively or spread your money around, but do it. I support the WCA and encourage you to also.

*** The gift of humanity. WCA Council on Women's Health (CWH) Vice-Chair Dr. Leslie Bedell has a "ChiroAngel" during the holidays, where her practice brings in gifts for women and children living in shelters and she gets to dress up as Santa to distribute. Dr. Bedell and her husband also head a group that sponsors Friday night dinners for 70-85 each week.

CWH member Dr. Tammi Kaminski has a "Giving Box" where her practice brings in children's hats, mittens, gloves, sox, etc., and she distributes them to a local women's shelter. Also, Dr. Kaminski and her local Kiwanis club collect non-violent toys and bring to kids for the holidays.

"Thank you" to these D.C.s, and the many who bring humanity into the lives of others, including those who volunteered to work at the 9-11 relief sites as well as the organizers of these important relief efforts.

The Council extends warmest holiday greetings to the worldwide chiropractic family. And I offer my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Terry Rondberg, and the extended WCA Community. It's awesome to work with people who say "Yes, I'll help."

(Dr. Madeline Behrendt is chair of the WCA Council on Women's Health and associate editor of the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation (JVSR). An author and speaker, she is committed to connecting women to chiropractic and chiropractors to women, and may be contacted at drmadeline@drmadelinedc.com)