People are like sticks of dynamite; the power is on the inside; but nothing happens until the fuse gets lit.
- Mac Anderson
It’s human nature to take the path of least resistance. The path of least resistance is commonly referred to as a “shortcut.” A shortcut is a path between two points that deviates from an intended path. Picture two buildings that connect via a sidewalk; often times, you’ll find a path worn in the grass between the two buildings, resulting in a shortcut. In some cases, the path of least resistance can be both the smartest and easiest thing to do; exerting as little effort as possible to achieve a desired result make sense. However, the path of least resistance becomes a detriment when in the long run it produces negative results. Think about human potential; if the path of least resistance results in little or no action, the path becomes a detriment. One can never reach their full potential, if they’re content to remain idle or exert very little effort. If asked, most people would tell you that they really want to reach their full potential. The problem for most is they lack the initiative to get started and the discipline to keep moving forward. Sometimes all we need is a little push. A little support and reassurance can go along way.
Nature teaches us an important lesson about the benefits of a little push. A mother eagle builds a comfortable nest for her eaglets. When she determines that her eaglets are ready to fly, she purposely makes the nest uncomfortable. An uncomfortable nest is the precursor to flying. After all, if the nest was too comfortable, there would be no motivation to leave. When it's time to fly, the mother eagle will nudge her eaglets to the edge of the nest. If they cling to the edge of the nest, the mother eagle will push them out of the nest. Mother eagle knows that her eaglets must experience falling in order to experience the thrill of soaring through the sky. On their inaugural flights, the eaglets’ flap their wings in desperation and continue falling towards the ground. The Mother eagle will swoop down, catch the falling eaglet and return the eaglet safely to the nest. This process continues until the eaglet masters the art of flying. It’s only when an eaglet learns to fly that the eaglet can appreciate the privilege of “soaring like an eagle.”
Make it a point to help others reach their full potential. Just as the mother eagle gives her eaglets a little push, push others so that they can reach their true potential. Just as the mother eagle is there to catch the eaglet when its falling, make it a point to be there for others when their failing. When you provide another person with a little nudge and reassurance; you’re not only helping them learn to fly, but your helping them to soar like an eagle!
It's your life; live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
Friday, June 27, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Always Getting What You've Always Got
In the end, it is important to remember that we cannot become what we need to be by remaining who we are.
- Max Depree
***
You’ve heard, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” How True. We always get what we always got, because of an unwillingness to change. Change is the catalyst to growth. Without change, things remain status quo. Status quo in the corporate world will cause a business to fall behind its competitors. A corporate organization that is not willing to change in a rapid changing corporate world will, inevitably, be forced to close its doors. Peter Drucker once said, "every three years, each product and process should be put on trial for its life, otherwise the competition will pass you by.
Status quo in one’s professional life will lead to a “career rut.” Your unwillingness to change will likely limit your chances of promotion and inevitably lead to job dissatisfaction. While those that embraced change are bypassing you for career advancement opportunities, you’ll continue to get what you’ve always got; finding yourself “stuck in the rut.”
Status quo in a personal relationships can lead to disenchantment and boredom. Once disenchantment and boredom set in, the relationship is ripe for strife. Often times, one, and sometimes both partners, may seek change without the other; creating conflicting values, miscommunication and a lack of respect. When this happens, the relationship may have endured so much damage that it is beyond repair.
Don’t get me wrong, there are times when status quo is sensible and logical. However, status quo forever just doesn’t make any sense. Everything in this world is changing. Don’t believe me; think about how life was 10 years ago, 20 years ago, 50 years ago, even 100 years ago. Some things change quickly, while other things change gradually; so gradual, you may not be aware of it.
The key to opportunity and growth is recognizing when things need to change and/or recognizing when things are in the process of changing, and then, doing something about it!
I’ve encountered people who are just like the common housefly; they’re unwilling to change. They continue to struggle with old habits, strategies and paradigms. Their struggle causes them to lose energy; energy which is vital to survival. Some people are so unwilling to change their destructive habits that they will eventually die a slow death. Others are dying both spiritually and emotionally in that they no longer live life.
The next time you see a housefly struggling with its exit strategy, ask yourself, Am I like the housefly? Is there something I need to change? Or, Am I going to continue to do what I’ve always done? Remember, the housefly that continues to do what it has always done eventually ends up on its back, lifeless on a window sill.
It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
Friday, June 20, 2008
Soul Surfer
"Courage is a almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live, taking the form of a readiness to die."
- Gilbert K. Chesterson
- Gilbert K. Chesterson
Bethany Hamilton began surfing at the age of four. By the age of 12, Bethany had captured several first place finishes in local surfing competitions and set a goal of becoming a professional surfer. On October 31, 2003, it appeared that Bethany's dream had come to a tragic end. While surfing off the Hawaiian coast of Kauai, Bethany was attacked by a fourteen foot tiger shark while lying flat on her surfboard. In one bite, the shark had bitten cleanly through her surfboard, which in turn completely severed her left arm. At the age of 13, it appeared that Bethany's surfing days were done.
Bethany did not let the shark attack shatter her dreams. Because of a competitive spirit, and relentless courage, Bethany returned to water one month after the attack. She returned to competitive surfing in as little as ten weeks from the date of the attack. With family and friends to support her, Bethany not only overcame her fear of another shark attack, but she learned how to surf with her disability; a missing left arm. Bethany claims that she was able to overcome her fear of another shark attack by singing and praying while in the water. On her website, http://www.bethanyhamilton.com/, Bethany states, "It was what God had taught me growing up that helped me overcome my fears to get back in the water and keep surfing." "Be strong and courageous. Don't be terrified; don't be discouraged for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
In 2004, less than one year after the shark attack. Bethany captured a fifth place finish at the National Surfing Championship and a first place finish at the Hawaii National Scholastic Surfing Association. Because of her ability to overcome both the psychological and physical challenges of returning to her sport, Bethany received an ESPY Award from ESPN as the 2004 Comeback Athlete of the Year. In 2005, Bethany won her first national title at the NSSA National Championships. At the end of 2007, Bethany gave up her amateur status and is now actively pursuing a full-time career as a professional surfer.
Bethany Hamilton's courageous comeback demonstrates the power of faith, family, and a postive attitude working in unison. It was her faith in the Lord that gave her the courage to get back into the water. It was her family that gave her the support to get back on the board. And, it was her positve attitude that allowed her to realize her goal of becoming a professional surfer.
How about you? When your confronted with a challenge do you rely on faith, family and a positive attitude to get you through? Bethany's story offers us a lesson in courage and determination; with the right amount of faith, family support and a positive attitude nothing is insurmountable. If a 13 year old girl can back on a surfboard after losing her left arm in a shark attack while surfing, surely we can overcome the challenges that life throws at us.
It's your life; live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD
Bethany tells her story in her autobiography, Soul Surfer, which was published in 2004. A motion picture based upon the book, Soul Surfer will be release in 2008.
Bethany did not let the shark attack shatter her dreams. Because of a competitive spirit, and relentless courage, Bethany returned to water one month after the attack. She returned to competitive surfing in as little as ten weeks from the date of the attack. With family and friends to support her, Bethany not only overcame her fear of another shark attack, but she learned how to surf with her disability; a missing left arm. Bethany claims that she was able to overcome her fear of another shark attack by singing and praying while in the water. On her website, http://www.bethanyhamilton.com/, Bethany states, "It was what God had taught me growing up that helped me overcome my fears to get back in the water and keep surfing." "Be strong and courageous. Don't be terrified; don't be discouraged for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)
In 2004, less than one year after the shark attack. Bethany captured a fifth place finish at the National Surfing Championship and a first place finish at the Hawaii National Scholastic Surfing Association. Because of her ability to overcome both the psychological and physical challenges of returning to her sport, Bethany received an ESPY Award from ESPN as the 2004 Comeback Athlete of the Year. In 2005, Bethany won her first national title at the NSSA National Championships. At the end of 2007, Bethany gave up her amateur status and is now actively pursuing a full-time career as a professional surfer.
Bethany Hamilton's courageous comeback demonstrates the power of faith, family, and a postive attitude working in unison. It was her faith in the Lord that gave her the courage to get back into the water. It was her family that gave her the support to get back on the board. And, it was her positve attitude that allowed her to realize her goal of becoming a professional surfer.
How about you? When your confronted with a challenge do you rely on faith, family and a positive attitude to get you through? Bethany's story offers us a lesson in courage and determination; with the right amount of faith, family support and a positive attitude nothing is insurmountable. If a 13 year old girl can back on a surfboard after losing her left arm in a shark attack while surfing, surely we can overcome the challenges that life throws at us.
It's your life; live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD
Bethany tells her story in her autobiography, Soul Surfer, which was published in 2004. A motion picture based upon the book, Soul Surfer will be release in 2008.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
How Are You?
How are you?
When somebody asks you, “How are you,” how do you respond? People generally respond in one of three ways: negatively, neutrally or positively.
A negative response reflects a negative mood state derived from negative thinking. Typical negative responses are: “Terrible.” “Lousy.” “Been better.” “Not so good.” Often times, whether solicited or not, their negative response will be followed up with an onslaught of complaints and problems. If they’re not close to you, find an escape route as soon as possible so that their attitude doesn’t poison yours. Misery loves company and soon you’ll be sharing in their misery.
A neutral response reflects an apathetic attitude. These responses are a step above the negative response. People that give these types of responses are generally the type of people that are content to just get by in life. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to associate with people that just want to get by in life. I want much more than that! Typical neutral responses are: “I’m ok.” “Fine.” “Same old, same old.” “Not too bad.”
The third type of response is a positive response. It reflects an enthusiastic mood derived from positive thinking. Typical positive responses include: “Great.” “Fantastic.” “Never been better.” “On top of the world.” There’s a magical transference of positive energy when you associate with positive people. Unlike, negative people who pull you down and neutral people who could care less, I can’t wait to be around the type of people who are “On top of the world.” Positive people are energetic; they have bounce in their step. Their thoughts and words shape their reality; a positive reality at that.
Most of us have a conditioned response to “How are you.” Ask yourself, how do I respond to the question? Are you consistently negative, neutral or positive? I generally respond with “Wonderful” or “Top of the world.” I choose to respond positively; you can too. If your one of those people who generally gives a negative or neutral response, start responding positively today. Try rehearsing the positive responses listed above or any positive response for that matter. Say the words repeatedly and see if you don’t feel a slight change in your mood and physiological state. Since words derive from thoughts, you can consciously alter your thoughts by continually saying positive words. The words we choose will influence our thoughts. When you hear yourself say positive words, you reinforce a positive belief system. A positive belief system is the cornerstone of success.
The next time somebody ask you “How are you,” try responding with “Fantastic” or some other positive word. You’ll energize two people in the process; yourself and the person asking the question. When we think positive, we expect positive and when we expect positive, we achieve positive. Since we are what we think about, if you think you’re fantastic, you’ll be nothing short of fantastic.
It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it
MJD
When somebody asks you, “How are you,” how do you respond? People generally respond in one of three ways: negatively, neutrally or positively.
A negative response reflects a negative mood state derived from negative thinking. Typical negative responses are: “Terrible.” “Lousy.” “Been better.” “Not so good.” Often times, whether solicited or not, their negative response will be followed up with an onslaught of complaints and problems. If they’re not close to you, find an escape route as soon as possible so that their attitude doesn’t poison yours. Misery loves company and soon you’ll be sharing in their misery.
A neutral response reflects an apathetic attitude. These responses are a step above the negative response. People that give these types of responses are generally the type of people that are content to just get by in life. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to associate with people that just want to get by in life. I want much more than that! Typical neutral responses are: “I’m ok.” “Fine.” “Same old, same old.” “Not too bad.”
The third type of response is a positive response. It reflects an enthusiastic mood derived from positive thinking. Typical positive responses include: “Great.” “Fantastic.” “Never been better.” “On top of the world.” There’s a magical transference of positive energy when you associate with positive people. Unlike, negative people who pull you down and neutral people who could care less, I can’t wait to be around the type of people who are “On top of the world.” Positive people are energetic; they have bounce in their step. Their thoughts and words shape their reality; a positive reality at that.
Most of us have a conditioned response to “How are you.” Ask yourself, how do I respond to the question? Are you consistently negative, neutral or positive? I generally respond with “Wonderful” or “Top of the world.” I choose to respond positively; you can too. If your one of those people who generally gives a negative or neutral response, start responding positively today. Try rehearsing the positive responses listed above or any positive response for that matter. Say the words repeatedly and see if you don’t feel a slight change in your mood and physiological state. Since words derive from thoughts, you can consciously alter your thoughts by continually saying positive words. The words we choose will influence our thoughts. When you hear yourself say positive words, you reinforce a positive belief system. A positive belief system is the cornerstone of success.
The next time somebody ask you “How are you,” try responding with “Fantastic” or some other positive word. You’ll energize two people in the process; yourself and the person asking the question. When we think positive, we expect positive and when we expect positive, we achieve positive. Since we are what we think about, if you think you’re fantastic, you’ll be nothing short of fantastic.
It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it
MJD
Friday, June 13, 2008
The Love of a Father
Derek Redmond of Everyone who saw the event witnessed a great act of courage from an athlete, but saw a greater act of love from a father
You can view Redmond's 400m race by clicking on the link below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtyNCuQqs24&feature=related
My father has taught me so many valuable lessons about life. However, the most important lesson he has taught me is how to be a father. He's not one to give lectures; he never has been. His teaching style is and always has been through example. My father has taught me that a father's love is special. A father's love is tough; tough because a father wants his child to succeed far beyond his own achievements. A father's love is patient; patient because a father know that a child must learn to explore their world and part of that exploration means mistakes will be made. A father's love is compassionate; compassionate because a father knows his child will stumble and fall and someone needs to be there to help them up. A father's love is resourceful; resourceful because a father will teach a child how to make the best out of any situation. A father's love is giving; giving because a father will do anything to make sure his child is safe, secure, and well-taken care of. A father's love is proud; proud because to a father there is no greater calling than being a father.
Thanks dad for being the best teacher I've ever had in the most important subject of my life!
It's your life; live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
What it Takes to be Number One
"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary."
- Vince Lombardi
*** Vince Lombardi is commonly referred to as "The Greatest Football Coach of All Time." When Lombardi took over the Green Bay Packers in 1959, he told reporters, "I'm no miracle worker." In his first season as head coach, the Packers finished 7-5 after have gone 1-10-1 the previous season. The following season the Packers were 8-4 and made it into the playoffs. In two short years, Lombardi had turned the Green Bay Packers around. Over the next seven seasons, under the direction of Vince Lombardi, the Packers won five NFL championships and two Super Bowls.
Lombardi was a great motivator and a master disciplinarian. Lombardi would often say, "Success has a price. Winning has a price. It's hard work, it's sacrifice and not many people are willing to pay that price." In his most famous speech given, What it Takes to be Number One, Lombardi said, "Winning is not a sometimes thing; it's an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while; you don't do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit. Unfortunately, so is losing."
Vince Lombardi had a simple but disciplined coaching philosophy. While most professional coaches were teaching complicated offensive schemes, Lombardi had only five plays in his offensive playbook. With a simple offensive scheme and a disciplined practice regimen, Lombardi expected each play would be with run to perfection. Lombardi once said, "We never really fool anybody, the opposition knows what's coming, but they can't stop us because each player knows his assignment and we practiced it a thousand times."
How about you? Do you have the discipline to practice something a thousand times? Discipline is a willingness to do what is right and then doing things the right way. Discipline is a willingness to forego immediate satisfaction for long term results. Over the years, I have seen talented people that did not make the most of their talents because they lacked discipline. They were not willing to "keep their nose to the grindstone." Simply put, they were unwilling to sacrifice and work hard. Instead of embracing a disciplined lifestyle, they were content to live a self-indulgent lifestyle, which led down a dead-end street. They now wish things could be different.
I've also seen people set personal goals only to quit a short time later. Why? They were not disciplined in their approach. They were not willing to sacrifice, work hard and/or "practice it a thousand times." Those lacking discipline are generally quick to blame others and events for their lack of success. They lack success because they lack discipline. Success emerges out of discipline. I do not know of any successful people who are/were not disciplined.
Vince Lombardi was considered a master disciplinarian; not because of a punitive coaching style, but, because he required strict adherence to doing things the right way. Lombardi's players have said that Lombardi's disciplined coaching style not only made them better football players, but made them better people.
Vince Lombardi gave what would be his final speech on June 22, 1970, in
"I believe that man's greatest hour, in fact -- his greatest fulfillment, his finest fulfillment, is that moment when he has worked his heart out for a good cause and lies exhausted but victorious on the field of battle -- whenever -- wherever that field of battle may be -- in your business, in my business, wherever.
Success in life is a matter not so much of talent and not so much of opportunity but rather of concentration and perseverance. The man who succeeds above his fellow man is the man who early in life clearly decides his objective and towards that objective he directs all of his powers."
How about you? Are you willing to work hard for long term results? Are you disciplined in thought and action? Will you practice a thousand times to get it right? Vince Lombardi not only left his mark on football; his philosophy of discipline has influenced the entire sports field, the business world and the personal development field. No matter what you do, if you embrace Coach Lombardi's philosophy of getting it right, you can't go wrong!
Have a TERRIFIC TuesdayI
It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
Monday, June 9, 2008
Solving The Unsolvable
In her book, Unstoppable, Cynthia Kersey writes about George Dantzig, who as a college student solved two mathematical questions that had stumped mathematicians for thousands of years. George Dantzig took his college studies very seriously. As a matter of habit, Dantzig, would often study late into the night. One morning, after study late into the night, Dantzig awoke to find that had overslept for his early morning class. Dantzig quickly rushed to class, arriving 20 minutes late. Upon arrival, Dantzig noticed two mathematical questions written on the board. Assuming the questions were a homework assignment, he copied them into his notebook and began working on them after class. After working on the problems for several days, Dantzig finally had a breakthrough. Confident in his answers, Dantzig delivered his homework assignment to the professor's office.
Later, Dantzig received a phone call from an overly excited professor. His professor advised him that he had solved the two mathematical mind teasers that no one, not even Albert Einstein, could solve. Because George Dantzig was late for class, he hadn't heard his professor tell the class that the two questions had perplexed mathematicians for years and were believed to be unsolvable.
George Dantzig was able to solve the problems because he didn't know he couldn't. How many times in our life have we allowed our limiting beliefs to hold us back from accomplishing something? Once we think we can't, effort ceases and we can't! Keep reminding yourself of the unlimited potential you possess. Think of all the things you could achieve if your limiting beliefs were not standing in the way. Remember, since you're the one who created these limits in your life, you're the very person who can remove them. Once you remove your self-imposed limitations, you'll be on your way to accomplishing what you thought was impossible.
George Dantzig serendipitously solved mathematical mind teasers based upon his belief that it could be done. If George would have known that the problems were age old mind teasers, you can bet that little, if any, effort would have been given to solve the problems. Lacking the self-imposed restriction, that he couldn't solve the problem, George believed and George achieved.
Remember, we are all just like George; we are capable of doing the impossible once we believe it to be possible.
Have a MARVELOUS Monday!
It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
MJD
Friday, June 6, 2008
Do You Believe in Miracles?
Congratulations Detroit Red Wings!
***
Detroit Red Wings, Lord Stanley's Cup is yours! Bringing home the cup, brings back memories of the U.S. Hockey Team beating the Soviet Union 4-3 in the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. It was a game that no one would have predicted; no one except U.S. Hockey Coach, Herb Brooks and the members of the U.S. Hockey Team. The Russians were heavily favored to win the gold medal, and were considered the greatest international hockey team in the world. With a group of young collegiate and amateur players, the U.S. wasn't even considered to make it to the medal rounds.
Not only did the U.S. team beat the heavily favored Russians, they went on to win the gold medal by defeating Finland 4-2 in the final game. I can recall watching the game against the Soviets; a game later called, "The Miracle on Ice." The last 20 minutes of the game was the most exciting hockey game I've ever watched. Most sports enthusiasts refer to the game as the greatest upset in sports history. Sports Illustrated named the event as the greatest sports moment of the twentieth century. To this day, I can still hear ABC sportscaster, Al Michaels, who was announcing the game, make his famous call as time expired, "Do you believe in miracles?"
How about you? Do you believe in miracles? I certainly do! Miracles happen everyday. They're all around us; we just take them for granted. Websters Dictionary defines a miracle as, "An extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs." Perhaps, the greatest daily miracle is the birth of a child. The human body is a miracle in its own right. How about, the sun rising in morning? What about the moon, stars and planets? Rain and Snow? The oceans, rivers, lakes, mountains, prairies and valleys are miracles.
Another type of daily miracle is the man-made miracles. These miracles are extraordinary events that manifest themselves from human intervention. These miracles happen when you need them the most. They are demonstrated in acts of love, compassion, kindness, friendship, and altruism. The kiss, the hug, the outstretched hand, the smile, the kind words, the pat on the back are all miracles when they tell a person in need that they are valued and loved.
We need to make it a point to be appreciative on daily basis for the divine miracles. The divine miracles are gifts of creation, sustenance and beauty; ranging from the birth of child to the birth of a new day, to the homeostatic mechanism of the human body to gravitation pull of the moon, and to the sight of snow capped mountains to the sound of the ocean waves.
Man-made miracles are gifts of the human spirit. Man-made miracles are the result of an ego put in check. Other becomes more important than the self. The miracle derives from the keen awareness of others and taking the initiative to help those in need. Since man-made miracles are born of the human spirit, we all are capable of performing miracles. Now, is the time to be keenly aware of the needs of others so that you can be the miracle in somebody life. It was St. Francis of Assisi who said, "For it is in giving that you receive." Hence, when you need it most, a miracle will happen to you too.
Back in 1980, Al Michaels asked the rhetorical question, "Do you believe in miracles?" Yes, Al, not only do I believe in miracles, I know, all us are capable of performing them!
Congratulations Red Wings!
Have a WOW weekend!
It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
***
Detroit Red Wings, Lord Stanley's Cup is yours! Bringing home the cup, brings back memories of the U.S. Hockey Team beating the Soviet Union 4-3 in the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. It was a game that no one would have predicted; no one except U.S. Hockey Coach, Herb Brooks and the members of the U.S. Hockey Team. The Russians were heavily favored to win the gold medal, and were considered the greatest international hockey team in the world. With a group of young collegiate and amateur players, the U.S. wasn't even considered to make it to the medal rounds.
Not only did the U.S. team beat the heavily favored Russians, they went on to win the gold medal by defeating Finland 4-2 in the final game. I can recall watching the game against the Soviets; a game later called, "The Miracle on Ice." The last 20 minutes of the game was the most exciting hockey game I've ever watched. Most sports enthusiasts refer to the game as the greatest upset in sports history. Sports Illustrated named the event as the greatest sports moment of the twentieth century. To this day, I can still hear ABC sportscaster, Al Michaels, who was announcing the game, make his famous call as time expired, "Do you believe in miracles?"
How about you? Do you believe in miracles? I certainly do! Miracles happen everyday. They're all around us; we just take them for granted. Websters Dictionary defines a miracle as, "An extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs." Perhaps, the greatest daily miracle is the birth of a child. The human body is a miracle in its own right. How about, the sun rising in morning? What about the moon, stars and planets? Rain and Snow? The oceans, rivers, lakes, mountains, prairies and valleys are miracles.
Another type of daily miracle is the man-made miracles. These miracles are extraordinary events that manifest themselves from human intervention. These miracles happen when you need them the most. They are demonstrated in acts of love, compassion, kindness, friendship, and altruism. The kiss, the hug, the outstretched hand, the smile, the kind words, the pat on the back are all miracles when they tell a person in need that they are valued and loved.
We need to make it a point to be appreciative on daily basis for the divine miracles. The divine miracles are gifts of creation, sustenance and beauty; ranging from the birth of child to the birth of a new day, to the homeostatic mechanism of the human body to gravitation pull of the moon, and to the sight of snow capped mountains to the sound of the ocean waves.
Man-made miracles are gifts of the human spirit. Man-made miracles are the result of an ego put in check. Other becomes more important than the self. The miracle derives from the keen awareness of others and taking the initiative to help those in need. Since man-made miracles are born of the human spirit, we all are capable of performing miracles. Now, is the time to be keenly aware of the needs of others so that you can be the miracle in somebody life. It was St. Francis of Assisi who said, "For it is in giving that you receive." Hence, when you need it most, a miracle will happen to you too.
Back in 1980, Al Michaels asked the rhetorical question, "Do you believe in miracles?" Yes, Al, not only do I believe in miracles, I know, all us are capable of performing them!
Congratulations Red Wings!
Have a WOW weekend!
It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Popeye - I Yam What I Yam
Popeye the sailor man made his debut in comic strips in 1929. Since his creation, Popeye has entertained audiences with his superhuman powers; powers attributed to eating spinach. The middle-aged, muscular sailor, who speaks with a speech impediment is widely known for proclaiming, "I yam what I yam." Translated to mean, "I am what I am."The words that follow "I am" are a definitive statement of who you are. The words form a belief about who you are and what you're capable of. The words, whether spoken or unspoken define you. Negative statements following "I am" may be intended as a harmless evaluation of your present circumstances. However, the statements actually form a belief about who you are. We as humans do not like to be wrong. Hence, we are constantly look for ways to validate what we believe to be true. Your belief statements trigger behaviors that validate your beliefs. If you say or think to yourself, "I am fat." You define yourself as a fat person, believe you're destined to be fat and will continue to engage in behaviors that contributed to being overweight. If you say or think to yourself, "I am a failure," you define your life as a failure, believe that success is beyond your reach and continue to engage in behaviors that contribute to a lack of success in your life. If you say or think to yourself, "I'm stupid," you define yourself as a stupid person, believe that you're not capable of thinking intellectually and continue to engage in behaviors that thwart any form of intellectual development.
Today is the day to begin replacing any negative statements or thought about yourself with positive statement about who you want to become. Instead of saying "I am fat," say "I can be healthy." Instead of saying "I am a failure," say "I can be successful." Instead of saying "I'm stupid," say "I can learn anything." Repeating these positive statements will slowly transform these statements into beliefs. It is your beliefs that create your reality. Once you believe you can, you can.
Be careful with your "I am" statements. Since "I am" statements define who you are, "I am" statements should always be positive. "I am" statements are like a roadmap to a destination; a destination that you choose. If your life is full of negative statements, your life is destined to head in direction towards an unfulfilled and unhappy life. Now is the time to eliminate the negative and accentuate the positive.
You have the power to create the type of person you want to be. Some people say "you are what you think." Other people have said, "As you think, so you are." Popeye eloquently put it as "I yam what I yam."
Have a TERRIFIC Thursday!
It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
MJD
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Spring Cleaning - Window Washing
"Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world."
— George Bernard Shaw
***
It’s likely overdue! If you haven’t got around to it yet, now is the time to get going on the seasonal ritual of spring cleaning. Yes, it’s time to clean away the dirt and grime that the fall and winter have left behind. To me, the worst job on my spring cleaning list is window washing. If you do it right, it's time consuming and no matter you do, there are always those little streaks left behind. Nonetheless, when the job is done, there's a good feeling knowing that your window is devoid of dirt and grime. The dirt and grime of the past season have been washed away giving you a clearer vision to the outside world.
Jeff Keller, in his book Attitude is Everything says, “Your attitude is you window to the world.” Keller explains that your attitude is a mental filter on how you view yourself, others, events and the world. Some people view life optimistically; they choose to look for the good in everything (the glass is half full). Some people view life pessimistically. They choose to focus on the negative things occurring in their life and around them (the glass is half empty). Other people can be situationally optimistic or pessimistic, which depends upon relative circumstances.
How about you? What does you window look like? Could it use a spring cleaning? All of us start out in life with a clean window. As we grow older, our window gets dirty by critical comments, harsh statements, cynical remarks and so forth. For the most part, the people closest to us in our lives, have unintentionally thrown dirt on our windows. Nonetheless, the window gets dirty. Others, for a host of reasons, generally selfish though, have intentionally thrown dirt on our windows. When dirt is thrown on our windows, our perspective about life becomes distorted and we begin looking for reasons to validate our perspective. Eventually, were not able to see all the good that life has to offer. Our enthusiasm for life wanes. We give up on our dreams. We become, depressed, disturbed, and disappointed. We now possess a negative attitude about ourselves and life, which in turn, produces negative results.
What’s a person to do? Wash your window! Just like a good spring cleaning, washing your window of life will offer you a clearer look at your life and the world around you. Once the dirt and grime of the past is cleaned away a whole new world will befall you. The dirt of the past can no longer prevent you from seeing all that awaits you. A clear window will allow you to focus on what’s really important to you.
You may ask, “How do I clean my attitude window?” You can begin by forgiving those in your past that may have injured you, intentionally or unintentionally. You can disassociate with those who refuse to clean their windows and choose to see life through a negative filter. And, you can commit to setting aside time each day to read motivational, inspirational, and/or positive literature. The more you read, the more positively you think. The more positively you think, the more positive you become.
Cleaning your window is a choice that only you can make. Nobody can clean your window; that is your responsibility. Life is not really what happens to you; it is how you respond to what happens to you that counts. Shakespeare said, “there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Today is the day to commit to the cleaning you window. Like washing windows in the spring, cleaning your attitude window, will be a time consuming process, but the results are well worth it.
Squeegee anyone?
Have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!
It's your life: live it; love it & celebrate it!
MJD
— George Bernard Shaw
***
It’s likely overdue! If you haven’t got around to it yet, now is the time to get going on the seasonal ritual of spring cleaning. Yes, it’s time to clean away the dirt and grime that the fall and winter have left behind. To me, the worst job on my spring cleaning list is window washing. If you do it right, it's time consuming and no matter you do, there are always those little streaks left behind. Nonetheless, when the job is done, there's a good feeling knowing that your window is devoid of dirt and grime. The dirt and grime of the past season have been washed away giving you a clearer vision to the outside world.
Jeff Keller, in his book Attitude is Everything says, “Your attitude is you window to the world.” Keller explains that your attitude is a mental filter on how you view yourself, others, events and the world. Some people view life optimistically; they choose to look for the good in everything (the glass is half full). Some people view life pessimistically. They choose to focus on the negative things occurring in their life and around them (the glass is half empty). Other people can be situationally optimistic or pessimistic, which depends upon relative circumstances.
How about you? What does you window look like? Could it use a spring cleaning? All of us start out in life with a clean window. As we grow older, our window gets dirty by critical comments, harsh statements, cynical remarks and so forth. For the most part, the people closest to us in our lives, have unintentionally thrown dirt on our windows. Nonetheless, the window gets dirty. Others, for a host of reasons, generally selfish though, have intentionally thrown dirt on our windows. When dirt is thrown on our windows, our perspective about life becomes distorted and we begin looking for reasons to validate our perspective. Eventually, were not able to see all the good that life has to offer. Our enthusiasm for life wanes. We give up on our dreams. We become, depressed, disturbed, and disappointed. We now possess a negative attitude about ourselves and life, which in turn, produces negative results.
What’s a person to do? Wash your window! Just like a good spring cleaning, washing your window of life will offer you a clearer look at your life and the world around you. Once the dirt and grime of the past is cleaned away a whole new world will befall you. The dirt of the past can no longer prevent you from seeing all that awaits you. A clear window will allow you to focus on what’s really important to you.
You may ask, “How do I clean my attitude window?” You can begin by forgiving those in your past that may have injured you, intentionally or unintentionally. You can disassociate with those who refuse to clean their windows and choose to see life through a negative filter. And, you can commit to setting aside time each day to read motivational, inspirational, and/or positive literature. The more you read, the more positively you think. The more positively you think, the more positive you become.
Cleaning your window is a choice that only you can make. Nobody can clean your window; that is your responsibility. Life is not really what happens to you; it is how you respond to what happens to you that counts. Shakespeare said, “there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” Today is the day to commit to the cleaning you window. Like washing windows in the spring, cleaning your attitude window, will be a time consuming process, but the results are well worth it.
Squeegee anyone?
Have a WONDERFUL Wednesday!
It's your life: live it; love it & celebrate it!
MJD
Monday, June 2, 2008
Lesson in Diversity
"Human diversity makes tolerance more than a virtue; it makes it a requirement for survival."
- Rene DuBos
***
Mac Anderson, founder of Simple Truths and Successories tells an inspiring, personal story about diversity. Mac vividly recalls his English final examination in the spring of 1968. Dr. Martin Luther King had been shot three weeks prior to the exam. Cognizant of the social unrest of the late 60's, the English professor chose the highly controversial subject of racial integration as the theme of exam. The students were instructed to write a paper on the merits of school integration. There were 30 students in Mac's class. 29 were white and 1 was black. The exam was scheduled for two hours. After only five minutes into the examination, the black student got up and handed his paper into the professor. Mac assumed the student left the class in protest. The class reassembled two days after the examination to receive their final grade. The professor reported that only one student had earned an A+, and because the paper was so well written, he wanted to read it to the class. The professor advised the class the paper was one sentence long and contained only 14 words.
The professor read, "It takes both the black and white keys to play the star spangled banner."
Mac Anderson recounts how the whole class was impressed by Robert, the young black student in the first row, who earned the only A+.
Diversity opens the world up to you. New people, places and things will enrich your life and give you a greater perspective about life. When you live your life from a limited perspective, you limit your opportunities.
Embrace new and different people everyday. We do we shy away from people that are different from us? Is it because we are afraid of them? I believe so. I don't believe the fear stems from the physical sense. Rather, the fear comes from the reality of comparison and analysis. The more we learn about others, the more we subject ourselves to comparing ourselves with others. If we always associate with the same people, we can always judge ourselves from the same standards. There is something safe in knowing "rules of the game." When we promote diverse experiences, we dare learn something about ourselves. We may learn that we are the different one. We may learn that we are more like "them" than we think. Or, just maybe, a diverse experience may subject us to the reality of our own flaws or weaknesses? If you're truly going to become the best that you possibly can become, you'll need to acknowledge your flaws and weaknesses. We all have them! Some are just better at recognizing them, accepting them and doing something about them more so than others. Whatever the reason your shying away from diverse experiences, get over it and start maximizing all the opportunities out there!
Since every human being is a unique person, make it a point to live by the Platinum Rule, "Treat others as they would like to be treated." If we can live by the Platinum Rule, things like race, religion, sex, age, and ethnicity should never matter. Diverse experiences mean diverse outcomes. Diverse outcomes leads to greater opportunities for growth, and, in return, a higher probability for happiness and success.
Have a MEMORABLE Monday!
It's your life; live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
- Rene DuBos
***
Mac Anderson, founder of Simple Truths and Successories tells an inspiring, personal story about diversity. Mac vividly recalls his English final examination in the spring of 1968. Dr. Martin Luther King had been shot three weeks prior to the exam. Cognizant of the social unrest of the late 60's, the English professor chose the highly controversial subject of racial integration as the theme of exam. The students were instructed to write a paper on the merits of school integration. There were 30 students in Mac's class. 29 were white and 1 was black. The exam was scheduled for two hours. After only five minutes into the examination, the black student got up and handed his paper into the professor. Mac assumed the student left the class in protest. The class reassembled two days after the examination to receive their final grade. The professor reported that only one student had earned an A+, and because the paper was so well written, he wanted to read it to the class. The professor advised the class the paper was one sentence long and contained only 14 words.
The professor read, "It takes both the black and white keys to play the star spangled banner."
Mac Anderson recounts how the whole class was impressed by Robert, the young black student in the first row, who earned the only A+.
Diversity opens the world up to you. New people, places and things will enrich your life and give you a greater perspective about life. When you live your life from a limited perspective, you limit your opportunities.
Embrace new and different people everyday. We do we shy away from people that are different from us? Is it because we are afraid of them? I believe so. I don't believe the fear stems from the physical sense. Rather, the fear comes from the reality of comparison and analysis. The more we learn about others, the more we subject ourselves to comparing ourselves with others. If we always associate with the same people, we can always judge ourselves from the same standards. There is something safe in knowing "rules of the game." When we promote diverse experiences, we dare learn something about ourselves. We may learn that we are the different one. We may learn that we are more like "them" than we think. Or, just maybe, a diverse experience may subject us to the reality of our own flaws or weaknesses? If you're truly going to become the best that you possibly can become, you'll need to acknowledge your flaws and weaknesses. We all have them! Some are just better at recognizing them, accepting them and doing something about them more so than others. Whatever the reason your shying away from diverse experiences, get over it and start maximizing all the opportunities out there!
Since every human being is a unique person, make it a point to live by the Platinum Rule, "Treat others as they would like to be treated." If we can live by the Platinum Rule, things like race, religion, sex, age, and ethnicity should never matter. Diverse experiences mean diverse outcomes. Diverse outcomes leads to greater opportunities for growth, and, in return, a higher probability for happiness and success.
Have a MEMORABLE Monday!
It's your life; live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
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