Where Is Your Measure?

The ultimate measure of man is not where he stands in moments of comfort & convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
           ~Martin Luther King Jr.

How about you? Who are you and how do you respond during the good times? This is important. Who are you and how do you respond during the hard times? During the character building days? When the worst of times is staring you in the face? This is your measure.

Inspirational Wisdom for a Remarkable Year…

Fresh blank calendar pages have been placed before you.  The year 2011 is here.  How will YOU fill in the days?

 What do you need to STOP doing to make this year remarkable?

What do you need to START doing to make this year extraordinary?

The Wisdom Project is on a mission to Connect people through the Sharing of personal wisdom gained from life experiences, so together we can ignite Inspiration around the world.  Imagine an enormous united group striving to give hope and encouragement to others to help them move forward in life!  We would like to offer some inspirational wisdom each person is able to apply during the New Year:

• Dare to be Happy.
• Love more; Smile more; Appreciate more
• Don’t believe all you hear and don’t spend all you have.
• When you say “I love you”…MEAN IT.
• When you say “I’m sorry”…look the person in the eye.
• Be patient with you. Allow yourself the room to grow.
• Enjoy the journey – there are valuable lessons in both the highs and the lows.
• Never laugh at anyone’s dreams. People who don’t have dreams don’t have much.
• Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
• Don’t judge people by their relatives.
• Love deeply and passionately - you might get hurt but it’s the only way to live life completely.
• When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
• Be nice to YOU - take time to recharge, refresh and renew.
• Love everyone where they are at - you don't know what someone is going through until you walk a mile in his shoes.
• Remember the three A's all humans are looking for - Appreciation, Approval, and Acceptance.

Connect - Share - Inspire...The Wisdom Project

Now it's YOUR turn...We value your wisdom. What would you add to this list??

Spilling the beans: A look inside The Wisdom Project 2010

Once upon a time, in a land called the United States, there was a woman who sat comfortably in her comfortable home in her comfortable chair, holding her comfortable coffee cup in hand, looking out to the familiar scene in her backyard reflecting on her comfortable life, content with the beautiful blessings all around her in the life she had created.  With a smile flowing from ear to ear, a little voice exploded into her head at the same level as a roaring freight train running at full throttle… “What are you doing with the gifts and strengths you have been given? Are you living your potential?  Is this really what life is all about….for YOU?

This final week of the calendar year 2010 was a perfect time to look back to where life was prior to The Wisdom Project and just how much this international venture has impacted my “comfortable” life.

The Wisdom Project was birthed March 2010 in Sydney, Australia. In 10 months….

• I have been connecting, learning, growing, giving, reading, writing, speaking, inspiring and encouraging…
• All the while still being a mom, chef, taxi driver, calendar manager, housekeeper, friend and daughter.
• Each day I Tweet, Facebook, blog, text, Skype, email, and/or talk on the phone…
• I laugh, cry, get interrupted unexpectedly, and show both frustration and joy…
• And I receive the most amazing messages of love and support from The Wisdom Tribe.
• Life still happens and it sometimes requires “inked events” on the calendar to get postponed.
• My vision gets bigger each day.
• Although I should be thrilled that the team is working diligently to edit these phenomenal stories for the first book, my DNA continues to rev its engine, trying to remember that quality takes time.
• The people I have connected with are some of the most amazing people in the world…truly.
• The stories from the contributors have touched my heart like nothing else…
• And in 2011, I will put these pieces of artwork into a book and share them with the world.
• The power in the potential of this project gives me chills (at times) when thinking of its enormity.
• I've learned that getting outside once a day is absolutely necessary, even with deadlines…and
• When people say social media is killing relationships, I laugh, and stand tall knowing the rich relationships I have made through it are for forever.
• 2010 has revealed that a whirlpool bath, a glass of wine and an iPod are fantastic rewards for powering through some days.
• Not every day is easy and fulfilling…but this journey is worth the fight.
• I will continue to smile, grow, connect, give and pour all my heart and soul into The Wisdom Project because I believe that together we can ignite inspiration around the globe to encourage people to take a step forward in life.

CONNECT – SHARE – INSPIRE…HAPPY NEW YEAR

HOW ABOUT YOU?

How has your life been improved in 2010? What does 2011 hold for you??

The Wisdom of Love...

One of the strongest experiences you can have driving in your car, is the day you bring your new born child home from the hospital after giving birth.  The weight of the new responsibility sits firmly on your shoulders.  At each intersection of the drive, you offer one extra glance to the right and to the left before proceeding, giving care to accelerate as smoothly as possible.  The sky looks bluer than you’ve ever seen, the sun feels warmer than you’ve ever felt, the air smells fresher than you can remember and your heart is overflowing with joyful sensations.

It’s undeniable - THIS is LOVE.

The days, weeks and months pass while raising this child, offering a rainbow of emotions from anxiety to zeal.  Your patience is tested and you are asked to make decisions not for yourself but what is best for another.  Many times you awake in the middle of the night, shuffle to this child’s room and find peace within when you see them fast asleep.  The tears well up as you feel their innocence.

It’s undeniable – THIS is LOVE.

As the months fade into years you often find yourself looking back on the beautiful memories of this child that made you laugh and even the ones that made you cry.  The time passes quickly – each day seemingly faster than the one before.  You have poured your heart and soul and breath of life into this child only to wake up one day and realize it was YOU who was given life.

It’s undeniable – THIS is LOVE.

We are called not only to love the children but each and every individual around us.  It matters not if this assignment is easy or difficult – the stem hampered with thorns, still produces a captivating rose.  Isn’t it time we take our eyes off ourselves and truly “see” another? 

It’s undeniable – THIS is LOVE.

 

The Wisdom in Daring to Be More...

"Whatever you do, or dream you can do, begin it! Boldness has genius and power and magic in it." ~Goethe

Today is a new day. Tomorrow is gone.

What can you dare to change and begin today?

A world of thanks to Mari Smith for revealing this extraordinary video. Its beauty and message beg to be pass along. May you allow the Wisdom this video contains, to speak to your heart.

What thoughts, comments, or wisdom would you like to share about Daring to Be More:

The Wisdom of Appreciation...

Appreciation:

The recognition of the quality, value, significance or magnitude of people and things

Recognition of the quality or value of things:

Many people picture a brilliant diamond when thinking of something of value. Recently, I met some wonderful people from South Africa who were enamored with my name. They were giddy when telling me of the world renowned Kimberley Mine in Kimberley, North Cape, South Africa and the Argyle Diamond Mine in Kimberley, in the far north-east of Western Australia. With their eyes, they expressed the value they held of these diamond mines. They conveyed a whole new appreciation for my name and shared such love when talking of my potential inside because I was given such a first name. How humbling that a new acquaintance could have that level of appreciation.

Recognition of the significance of people and their feelings:

Last weekend, we traveled a distance to gather for a family wedding. The joy of the occasion was not enough to overlook a fast moving virus which was attacking my youngest child. I had no choice but to go back to the hotel and give her rest. Her fever soared, her stomach pained and she collapsed in bed. She expelled every ounce of food from her frail body. In her weakness she relied fully on me to ‘make it all better’. I sat on the floor, stroking her hair waiting for her to fall asleep. The tears began to softly fall down her cheek; there was something she wanted to say. The words pierced my heart as would any mother who had spent the last 12 years in sheer devotion to her child who had overcome so much sickness. Her lips quivered as she said “Daddy promised to dance with me at the wedding dance.” I knew how much this meant to her and I too began to sob. So many emotions came forward – but the thing that overshadowed all the grief at that point was my appreciation for her sweet sensitive heart. How grateful I was to be learning from an innocent child: how to appreciate the significance of people.

What quality, value, significance or magnitude do you appreciate in people or things?

Today is a new day…may you find appreciation for everyone and everything around you.

 

15 Plus One - Another Day...

Today is a new day which gives us another reason to smile. If you are looking for something to help get the corners of your mouth to turn upward toward the sky, here are more little expressions to help you…15 new thoughts (plus my personal favorite) for another day. Remember, I did swipe these off my coffee cup, but they are still good. :-)


1) Be the first to enter and the last to leave the dance floor.

2) Indulge in chocolate therapy.

3) Plant lots of trees.

4) Spin the globe then pack your bags.

5) Dare to adventure.

6) Marshmallows have no nutritional value, and that’s ok.

7) Only look back if it makes you smile.

8) Step 1: Rake leaves – Step 2: Jump!

9) You’ll only be your current age once.

10) Dance in the rain.

11) Donate blood – you have plenty.

12) Sing out loud.

13) Spend time with your kids; tomorrow they’re a day older.

14) Have a favorite charity.

15) Be the first to apologize.
.

And PLUS ONE (my personal fav)…

Learn to say thank you in ten languages.

15 PLUS ONE...

Some days the clouds may hide the sunshine or we have spent our day focused on computer, leaving us a bit disoriented, cross-eyed or weary.  Today I'm offering some short 'pick-me-up' phrases that can help you refocus. Okay- so I swiped them from my coffee cup, but they are still good. :)

15 PLUS ONE

~Expressions To Help You Smile~

1) Eat when you are hungry – nap when you are tired.

2) Make time for silly.

3) Make today special.

4) Laugh so hard you cry.

5) Follow your heart.

6) Smile first – ask questions later.

7) Dance to your own rhythm.

8) Continue more conversations offline.

9) Listen 1st - Talk 2nd.

10) Learn to dance a jig.

11) Start right now.

12) Thank a teacher.

13) Grow older without ever growing up.

14) Do it for love, not profit.

15) Compliment a stranger.

And PLUS ONE...

(my personal fav)

Be a hero minus the dorky cape.

Take Care of the Troops...

Last week the Get Motivated! business seminar rolled through the city in which I live. The attractive line-up of successful speakers drew me to the event and it did not disappoint. It was an opportunity to be coached by some very dynamic achievers who shared their sensational wisdom on both a professional and personal level.

One speaker that took the stage by storm with his leadership message was General Colin Powell – who after years of distinguished military service, served as both the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under United States President Clinton and Secretary of State for United States President George W. Bush. The crowd expected a point-blank message yet General Powell gave so much more. He showed his courageous leadership through military experiences, but also gave insight to his family. With humor and a huge smile, he shared a story about his grandson encouraging grandpa to learn to text and use Facebook.

We learned of how General Powell interacted with famous dignitaries as well as immigrant hot dog vendors all in the same day – showing us that the role of the leader in an organization is to convey the mission with a passion. He reminded everyone that the best leaders get everyone vibrating with the purpose. When the leader can effectively communicate, with each person on the team, their individual purpose, that is when the organization will succeed. People are looking for leaders who will ‘take care of the troops’. The only thing heard in the arena at this point was the sound of pens and pencils hitting note paper.

General Powell solidified his message of leaders ‘taking care of the troops’ with a rather simplistic example. It seems the power of a small, plain white 3X5 note card may be understated. This legendary soldier-statesman believes that people need to know they are appreciated – no matter what their role on the team may be. He shared an impactful story of how he one day removed an inexpensive note card out of his pocket, wrote a brief note of appreciation and ‘glad you are on the team’ sentiment and placed the card where a quiet unassuming team member, whom the General had little contact with, could find it. After much time had passed, General Powell found himself in this young man’s house for whatever reason. There on the wall, was the 3x5 note card exquisitely framed and delicately mounted.

The words of the General Colin Powell resonated through the arena:

10 seconds of my time and 2 cents from my wallet equaled a $150 framed memory for one young man.

Let people know they are appreciated. Let them know you are glad they are a part of the team. People are looking for leaders who will ‘take care of the troops’.

Hope Will Not Be Extinguished...

It was 40 days ago we stood at the cemetery, April wind blowing through our hair, gathered around the casket of a family member. The heels on my sandals sank into the saturated grass, dowsed with a heavy rain the night before. My teenage daughter and I stood with linked arms supporting each other through our grief and tears. A Lieutenant Colonel of the United States Army in full military uniform stood to attention ready to address the quiet mourners. He removed from his pocket, a single white sheet of paper. With shaking hands and legs and a quiver in his voice, he delivered a passionate and heartfelt story recounting the numerous times he was impacted by the man we were burying. This soldier was not family by blood but by choice – choosing to honor our heroic family member with the title “dad”. This decorated officer, who committed his life to serve a purpose greater than himself, struggled to speak each word, choking back the tears while he stood alone in front of the crowd. For 20 minutes we listened to a courageous leader share nugget after nugget of extraordinary wisdom – he touched the hearts of everyone in attendance.

Sorrow shows up without invitation...but it cannot extinguish hope.

The sorrow was still with us, but we saw a new hope in this soldier’s words. He was evidence of a life that was changed because one man took the time to mentor and share his wisdom with another. We stood taller and felt proud to be part of such a giving family.

Now just 40 days after that unforgettable event, we are mourning the death of the Lieutenant Colonel who was killed during duty in Afghanistan by a suicide bomber.

Sorrow shows up without invitation…but it cannot extinguish hope.

Today our hearts are filled with even deeper sorrow. It seems to take more courage than before to find hope in this horrific circumstance. Twenty-four hours have passed since this news shook my world. I now have begun to rise up and choose to look for the hope – a choice everyone has to make on their own.

Just a few months ago, I began a new venture called The Wisdom Project. I’ve spent all my time and efforts gathering stories of Wisdom, for a book, from women around the world. The foundation of this project lies in the hope that when one person shares their wisdom – another person is strengthened. This is the hope I wish to give to others to encourage and inspire generations. This is the hope I want to pass on.

All this sorrow came into my life without an invitation, but the hope will not be extinguished. It will live on through The Wisdom Project.



For questions about The Wisdom Project go to:
http://www.thewisdomproject.info/

To submit a story, please send an email to:
yourstory@thewisdomproject.info

Happy Mother's Day moms...

MOTHERS

Real Mothers don't eat quiche;
They don't have time to make it.

Real Mothers know that their kitchen utensils
Are probably in the sandbox.

Real Mothers often have sticky floors,
Filthy ovens and happy kids.

Real Mothers know that dried play dough
Doesn't come out of carpets.

Real Mothers don't want to know what
The vacuum just sucked up....

Real Mothers sometimes ask 'Why me?'
And get their answer when a little voice says, 'Because I love you best..'

Real Mothers know that a child's growth
Is not measured by height or years or grade...

It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother........
 

Nine Tenths of Education...

"Nine tenths of education is encouragement." ~Anatole France


Dictionary.com states ENCOURAGE is “to inspire with hope or confidence; cheer; brighten”

How good does it feel when someone encourages you? Do you enjoy receiving a compliment? Have you ever gotten that warm fuzzy feeling inside when a friend sent you a cheery note via snail mail instead of a text or email? What about when someone did something nice that you did not expect?

Encouragement has the ability to breathe new life into ones soul. It can sustain hope. It can be a catalyst that pushes a person one step further. It seems that encouraging others can be as simple as lighting a candle and watching how powerfully a single flame can light a dark room.

This week my youngest daughter met her deadline and completed her school Science Fair project – something she had been working on for the last eight weeks. In preparation for the judging, she made some note cards to help her stay on track. The stresses of this event coupled with many nights of homework, sporting activities, singing performances and just an overall busy schedule, left my child over-tired…and it showed. The ‘melt down’ happened during the note card process…at the end of the day. A mental block occurred and it was quite evident.

From my perspective, the emotional outburst seemed to be over something rather trivial. It was at that moment that my own words of wisdom popped into my head:

You never know what someone is going through until you walk a mile in their shoes.

I’ve said this to my kids many times. Now the tables were turned. I do not have the same behavior patterns as my daughter, nor do I remember what it is like to be 12 years old, presenting a science project for three adult judges. The reality is I’m not walking in her shoes right now, so I really don’t know what is going through her head and heart. However, there is one thing that I CAN do:

ENCOURAGE

For this particular scenario, encouragement could be a smile, a hug, a cheery word or even a little note in her lunch box. How simple is that? And how powerful! Remember:

You never know what someone is going through until you walk a mile in their shoes.

Make today the day you chose to encourage. What kind of powerful results did you see?

Relationships First Business Second...

Two or three days a week my morning begins with a workout after the car pool duties have been completed. Many days, as most moms’ can relate to, there are a series of errands that need to be completed, such as bank deposit, stamps from the post office, groceries, etc. Today was nothing unusual. A package with a prepaid label had to be delivered to The UPS Store (I refer to them as ‘Brown’). Behind the counter, the energetic young man with great eyeglass frames and adorable balding head asked how he could help me. I smiled politely and greeted him with a hearty hello. The box that held my fragile item was a bit unassuming and needed some attention. We had used all the packaging tape we owned and came up a bit short in completing the task.

Here is the part of the story I really want you to catch….

Rather than approaching the ‘Brown’ employee swiftly with a rapid-fire list of tasks that he should do for me, I chose a different path. I engaged him in conversation.

I began with a line, something like, “Looks like you must be in charge here.” His eyes lit up and we were immediately off to a good start. A few more sentences were exchanged and then he offered to help me with my humble little mailing. That point was the first I mentioned needing to mail this package AND that additional tape was needed to secure the package. (I was fully prepared to purchase a roll of packing tape and finish off the job on my own)

Here’s what happened next…

The ‘Brown’ employee said, “Since you are so genuine and pleasant I would love to finish taping that box for you and get it on its way.”

I don’t know about you, but I haven’t heard the word genuine much lately - made me feel good because I was merely just being “me”. I had no ulterior motive – I believe that it is a whole lot easier to be happy and pleasant than sad and disgruntled. In reply I blurted out…”Relationships First Business Second.” It seems more important than ever in today’s high-tech world, that we remember the relationship. The ‘Brown’ employee and I continued our conversation and I was introduced to the other ‘Brown’ employee as well. We laughed and joked around for at least another 5 minutes.

My wisdom for you today…

Whatever we are doing in life…building a business, raising a family, working our job, mailing a package…it is important to remember:

Relationships First Business Second

It seems that most solid businesses are successful because they made relationships a priority over everything else. Now it’s your turn. Go out and give away a smile, offer a hearty hello, and notice the person on the other side of the counter. That is a true win-win in life.

What's Your Story?

It was Monday afternoon, the day after Easter. A call to customer service to deal with a cell phone challenge, kept me on the line longer than anticipated – I miss two calls from my husband. Later when we did connect, he relayed some startling news – his uncle had just been killed in a car accident. That icy chill traveled quickly from the base of my neck, down my back and through the back of my legs. I found my way to the floor to sit in attempt to absorb the shock.


This was the uncle who was an entrepreneur, who preferred to call his own shots, who took pride in going after what he wanted and built a financially secure future for himself, his children and his grandchildren. He and his wife were never content sitting at home – they traveled the world and experienced many cultures and people. When he shook your hand, it was always a firm handshake and he looked you straight in the eye. An outsider would say, he “led the good life”. I would say, he was determined, decisive, hard working and believed in himself – he led by example.

Over the last 20 years, I saw this man only on occasion, but I looked forward to each encounter. My favorite thing to do, when in his presence, was to just sit quietly and listen to him tell stories. Boy, did he have some tales. Sometimes it was a funny story of some people they encountered on a cruise ship or a quirky question he was asked by a business client. Sometimes it was one of those pride-filled stories of time spent with a granddaughter. Yet other times, he spoke of the scenic wonders he experienced with his eyes while touring an exotic land. With a grin on my face, I wondered, if time permitted, could he continue entertaining forever?

Today the family is faced with the reality that there will be no more stories. Those precious stories were filled with golden nuggets of wisdom which the listener could gain an education. Those precious stories not only entertained me but opened my eyes to a new perspective – a bigger world. I cherish the moments I was afforded to spend with this man. Today, the thought that crushes my spirit is realizing that the opportunity to glean the golden nuggets of wisdom from the experiences of this man…are gone. Now I must face the fact that his wisdom will go to the grave with him.

This tragedy has given me a new perspective for the project I am working on. The Wisdom Project (http://www.thewisdomproject.info/) was birthed with the belief that each time one person shares their wisdom – another person is strengthened. One of the best ways to share that wisdom is to put our thoughts/ideas/experiences to paper and share them in book form to reach people across the world. That is just what The Wisdom Project has committed to do – collect your stories of wisdom and pass them on.

No one knows how many days they have left to live. Yet while we are here, we have the opportunity, if we choose, to take a few moments and write down some words of wisdom. How many days do you have left to share your wisdom – to pass it onto the next generation? I encourage you to take the time to write what wisdom means to you and submit it to yourstory@thewisdomproject.info so your legacy can carry on.

What's your story? 

Someone out there is waiting to hear it!

What Are YOU Looking At?

Some may interpret an amount of bitterness in that question. However, there IS another way to read that question. My intention was merely to find out what you are looking at - what are you focused on? Where is your energy and thoughts pointed today?


Many years ago, a well respected mentor taught me a lesson on focus that has left a profound impact on my life. After all these years, her words ring in my head again today. She said:

What you focus on will expand.

Simple statement, wouldn’t you agree? When thinking of real life examples of focal points, the message can paint a vibrant mental picture. Think on this:

   • If you focus on food – your waistline can expand.
   • If you focus on exercise – your health can improve.
   • If you focus on your homework – your grades can get better.
   • If you focus on skipping school – your detention can increase.
   • If you focus on ways to bring your family together – your relationships can be enriched.
   • If you focus on your communication skills – you can become more confident

My challenge to you today is to find what you want to expand in your life. Are you focused on the right area? If we continue to focus on the caterpillar, we could easily be blinded by the overwhelming vision of death, loss and ending. But if we are focused on looking for the beautiful new fluttering butterfly on its way, we fill our mind with life, victory and a new sense of beginning. What are YOU looking at?

What you focus on will expand.

Simple Things that Make You Smile (Part II)...

Last November, one of my blogs (http://bit.ly/bHSK9U) challenged you to list some simple things in life that put a smile on your face. I gave several examples of my own to help others stimulate thoughts of happiness in their life.

As the month of March comes to a close, I recognize that it was a time filled with great emotions on both sides of the spectrum – from sheer elation and exhilaration all the way to hurt, fear and frustration with many other emotions in between. I’ve dealt with challenges out of my control, like my luggage taking a holiday across the United States while I spent a holiday in Australia. (I’ll write about that experience some day later) I’ve received news from dear friends about personal health challenges they were facing and others who watched their closest loved ones fight a hard fought battle. Most recently, our neighborhood learned of a pedophile living nearby who committed yet another offense. Finally, without fail, all I have to do is turn on the television and watch the news, if I want to listen to heated arguments where two opposing groups of people verbally bash each other because the hurt and fear inside has erupted.

With all that pain, hurt and sorrow, how can anyone find a reason to smile? In a moment of reflection, I immediately thought of a favorite saying:

“It’s not what happens to you, it’s what you do before it, during it and after it.”

Today I choose to dance in the rain. Today I choose to accept that this world is not perfect and free from hurt…and neither am I. Today I choose to find the things in life that make me smile, no matter how big or small they are. Today I encourage you to choose the same.

Moving Your Communication from Good to Great...

This week, I have found myself using the same phrase several times over. It goes something like this:

If you want to move from good to great…it’s the little things that will get you there.

Today while talking with a colleague about their website, I used this phrase. They made some really nice changes to their website and it looks good. I know this company well and know the message they want to communicate. When I noticed a few “little things” they could improve on, I asked if they would like to ramp things up and have a great website – because it’s the little things that will get them there.

Another area this phrase came into play was with the grade school speech team I coach. These are students in grades 5-8 who look to me to help them with some basic public speaking skills to gain poise and confidence. Not an easy thing to do. Quite frankly most people feel that public speaking is one of their greatest fears.

Experience has shown me that there is a group of students that bring some natural abilities to the table and have a determined attitude that propels them forward faster than others. This week, for those students just mentioned, I asked them if they would like to move from good to great. Of course everyone gave an enthusiastic ‘Yes’.

The question remains…How can we move our communication from Good to Great? Here are some “little things” for you to ponder on:

• Pausing for Effect – when a student is delivering a serious story or poem, a good pause has the ability to grab the attention of the audience and keep them interested. Sometimes we too have to pause, take a step back and find out what we really want (or how we want our website to look). Keep in mind that you may not always be able to recognize the process on your own – having a person who is outside the forest can give you new perspective. They can see the ‘little things’ that will help you communicate more effectively.
• Vocal Flexibility – An audience much prefers a speaker to have flexibility in their voice rather than a monotone nature. It is more pleasant to the ear and makes it easier to understand the information given. Again, in life, we can move from Good to Great communication when we learn to say things in a couple different ways until the message is understood.
• Timing – A speech team has minimums and maximums in regard to the clock. The goal is to have the student speak long enough to see what they have learned. However, being respectful of other people’s time and not misuse their platform by taking too long is just as important. When communicating, it is always good to remember that we have one mouth and two ears - Using them in that proportion works best.

We communicate with people constantly all day long. Since it is a skill that is used so frequently, I’m suggesting that we be aware of how well we communicate. The good news?

If you want to move from good to great…it’s the little things that will get you there.

What are some ‘little things’ that you have learned to improve communication?

 

What's On Your Life Plate?

Today while conversing with a friend, I asked her what was on her ‘Life Plate’. I actually have never used that term, nor have I heard anyone else use the reference. However, an immediate visual came to my mind. I pictured a large silver platter with hand carved swirled etch marks and grandiose edges which glistened in the light – something on which you would serve a fine meal to the people you love the most. On that platter, was each individual item that makes up my life – my spouse, children, friends, family, my home, volunteer work, house work, business and even my dreams and goals.

The reason for using that term ‘Life Plate’ has no explanation, but the visual certainly stays clear. There are days that my ‘Life Plate’ looks completely full and then someone will ask me to lead or facilitate their group, help out with this “short little project” or a family member finds themselves in the hospital. An immediate feeling of heaviness comes over me like a black cloud. Can anyone relate?

Have you asked any of these questions?

What do I do when my ‘Life Plate’ is completely full and things are leaning over the edge threatening to fall?

How can I possibly catch the falling items when I only have two hands?

Why am I continually asked to keep adding to my ‘Life Plate’ when I see no space available?

The overwhelmed feelings come when we fail to recognize what is on our ‘Life Plate’.

Might I suggest we look at things from a new perspective? Try these steps for more peace:

1-Take inventory – Specifically list each item on your ‘Plate’.

2- Rank the importance – Which items are most important to you personally? Of course I’m not willing to push my children off my plate (so to speak) so I can make room for watching my favorite weekly television show for example. It is of my opinion that my teenager needs me more now than when she was a toddler. The challenges she faces now are vital life lessons she is learning and seem to outweigh the importance of being able to tie a shoe or put a shirt on correctly. (But that’s a whole other blog)

3 -Celebrate the joy – Keep the items on your ‘Life Plate’ that bring you joy. What about the house work? Yes, put it in perspective…the joy is in being proud of a clean house. Order does produce peace. Just trust me on this one.

Where is your focus? Sometimes life does seem ‘full’. Realize if you continue to look at the lack of space you cannot relieve the darkness. I encourage you to place your focus on the amount of joy each item can bring to you. Go ahead – give it a try today. You’ll be glad you did.

Take Charge of Your Happiness...

Sitting in a conference one day, I caught an alarming statistic:

Adults smile 15 times a day while
children smile 400 times a day.

What a stark contrast that is. We can come up with all kinds of reasons…or can I call them excuses…that adults would choose to smile less. Yet, if I am truthful with you, I would tell you that

No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

In thinking about how to help people take charge of their own happiness, I thought I would share a few simple but profound points from an email I received from a friend and colleague. I’ve added some personal observations as well. Forgive me if you have read this before, but for those of you that haven’t, I encourage you to take some time to ponder.

1) Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Those numbers don’t tell the real story.

2) Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3) Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. 'An idle mind is the devil's workshop & dull living’. Experience new things...get out.

4) Enjoy the simple things. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful. Stop to smell the flowers. Get up to see the sun rise. Listen to a child giggle.

5) Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath...

6) The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive. Life isn’t fair but it’s still good.

7) Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8) Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9) Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, to a foreign country if you must, but NOT to where the guilt is. No matter how you feel…get up, dress up and show up.

10) Tell the people you love that you love them…at every opportunity.

You’ve heard it said before…life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away. What’s keeping you from smiling more and taking charge of your happiness? Start today by embracing one of the above suggestions and see if you feel better. Take charge of your happiness. Let me see you smile!

Stop Settling and Start Living...

It was a dreary, overcast morning; the kind that make it hard to get out of bed and get started on your day. A few upbeat songs came on the radio that cleared my head and got me in the right frame of mind to get my workout completed. While at the club, a woman who was working out next to me, started sharing with the trainer that she had some changes going on in her life. Her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 62 and now he moved to a care facility at 70 years of age because his mind was gone. She was trying desperately to keep going and remain positive, but the reality of the experience was staring her straight in the face demanding to be noticed.

Many thoughts raced through my mind about this man’s young age, how short life is and how we just don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Yet more than anything, I just wanted to know…did he make the most of every day before the Alzheimer’s stole his life? Did he make his work a priority or did he laugh with his family and create memories with them? Did he talk about where he would go ‘someday’ or did he travel and experience the incredible world we live in? Did he settle for mediocrity or did he embrace all that life has to offer? Did he take things for granted or did he tell the people who meant the most to him that he loved them?

“There are many things in life that will catch our eye but only a few will catch your heart…pursue those.”

No one can predict how much time we have left to live our life. If there is something tugging at your heartstrings that you have been putting off, why not pursue it. Even if life has thrown you a string of curve balls trying to strike you out, why not pick today to stand back up, brush yourself off and try again. Make a plan, talk to someone, pay attention to the things other people do that you find fascinating and start experiencing all those things you’ve wanted to do but never have.

“Dream what you want to dream; go where you want to go; be what you want to be, because you have only one life and one chance to do all the things you want to do.”

Make today the day you stop settling and start living.