"To encourage talent is to create it."- Unknown
***
Before a baby eaglet can learn to soar through the sky, it's mother must give the eaglet a little push out of the nest. The baby eaglet has no desire to leave the nest. It is the mother eagle who knows of the adventures that await the eaglet once outside of the nest. We humans, like the eaglet often want to take the path of least resistance. We are content to stay right where we are. The problem is we miss out on the adventures "outside of the nest."
Humans beings have unlimited potential. It is not until a person realizes their potential can they tap into that potential and reap the benefits of such. Sometimes we need a little push. Sometimes other need a little push. Sometimes, it is simply the push which allows one to begin soaring to new heights.
Never mind that you've been told that you shouldn't push people around. In some circumstances a push is in order. And so I ask you, who are you going to push today. Go ahead, give them a little push, and sit back and watch them take flight.
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Can Do!
"Every achiever that I have ever met says, "My life turned around when I began to believe in me."
- Dr. Robert Schuller
***
Think you can't, than I bet you can't. Think you can, than I bet you can. The power of belief! Your beliefs will create expectations, expectations create results. If you say, "I can't do this," then you are actually creating your results. How hard are you going to work at something if you really don't believe you can accomplish it in the first place? Why would you persevere when things get tough, if you created an expectation that you can't do something? Put simply, don't believe, then don't achieve.
Today, make it a point to remove, "I can't" from you vocabulary when you are challenged with something. Say, " I can" and you just might be amazed at all the things that you really can do!
It Your Life: Live it, Love it, & Celebrate it
MJD
- Dr. Robert Schuller
***
Think you can't, than I bet you can't. Think you can, than I bet you can. The power of belief! Your beliefs will create expectations, expectations create results. If you say, "I can't do this," then you are actually creating your results. How hard are you going to work at something if you really don't believe you can accomplish it in the first place? Why would you persevere when things get tough, if you created an expectation that you can't do something? Put simply, don't believe, then don't achieve.
Today, make it a point to remove, "I can't" from you vocabulary when you are challenged with something. Say, " I can" and you just might be amazed at all the things that you really can do!
It Your Life: Live it, Love it, & Celebrate it
MJD
Friday, February 19, 2010
The Brown Paper Bag
"The greatest danger in life is permitting the urgent things to crowd out the important things."
- Charles Hummel
***
Each morning Jeffrey looked forward to handing his father his brown paper lunch bag as he headed off to work. One morning, Jeffrey’s father was surprised as Jeffrey handed him two brown paper bags. “Why do I get two bags, Jeffrey?” Jeffrey’s father asked. “The other one just has some things in it,” Jeffrey responded. Being in a hurry, Jeffrey’s father didn’t question Jeffrey any further. He kissed Jeffrey goodbye, and put both bags into his brief case.
After a hectic morning and preparing for a busy afternoon, Jeffrey’s father sat down to eat his lunch. He pulled out both brown paper bags from his brief case. He opened the first bag and found his traditional lunch: ham sandwich, chips, an apple, and a cookie. Curiously, he opened the second bag and emptied the contents on his desk; a tiny plastic army figurine, a mutilated baseball card, one marble, a broken blue crayon, a small rubber ball, two pennies and a couple of paper clips hooked together to form a chain.
Jeffery’s father was briefly amused, but was more concerned about finishing his lunch so he could rush off to his afternoon appointments. Being in a hurry, he ate what he could, and swept off desk, pushing his leftover lunch and Jeffrey’s junk into the wastebasket.
Exhausted from a busy day and the hour drive home from work, Jeffrey’s father intended to put his feet up and relax. Jeffrey approached his father and asked, “Where is my paper bag?” Stalling, Jeffrey’s father said, “What bag?” “Daddy, you know, the one I gave to you this morning with your lunch,” said Jeffrey. Sheepishly, Jeffrey’s father murmured, “I left it at the office.”
Jeffrey handed his father a note and said, “I wrote a note to you and forgot to put it in the paper bag this morning.” The note read, “I love these things and I play with them all the time. I thought that you might like to play with them too.” At the bottom in big blue letters, the note read, “I LOVE MY DADDY. HE IS THE BESTEST”
After reading the note, Jeffrey’s father jumped to his feet and said, “Oh no! I just remembered that I have an evening meeting tonight. I’ve got to go.” Jeffrey’s father grabbed his coat and rushed out the door.
While in the car on the way back to his office, tears welled up in Jeffrey’s father’s eyes. He felt a lump in his throat. How could he be so busy to not recognize that out of love, Jeffrey had given to him his treasures. And, not only did he fail to see the gift of love, he threw it in the wastebasket.
While Jeffrey’s father raced to the office, he also prayed that the janitorial staff would not make it to his office before he arrived. As uncommon as it was, he thought, how much he was looking forward to seeing a full wastebasket next to his desk; a wastebasket full of debris, junk, leftover food and more importantly, gifts of love.
Jeffrey’s father found the wastebasket full as he rushed into his office. He felt a sense of peace that he never felt before; for Jeffrey’s father learned a lesson about what was really important in his life. As he washed the debris off the baseball card, he made a pledge that night; from that night forward, he would focus on what was really important in his life: God and his family. No longer would his job or anything else crowd out the important things in his life. Jeffrey’s father got down on his knees next to his desk and thanked God for the lesson that he learned that day.
As he shut the lights out in his office and walked toward the elevator, he noticed the janitor walking toward him. The janitor smiled and asked, “Did you forget something.” Jeffrey’s father responded, “I most certainly did.” And, stepping onto the elevator, he clutched the brown paper bag close to his heart, and said, “I forgot what is really important in my life.”
When things get hectic as they do, I ask that you remember the lesson of the brown paper bag. Do you want to feel a sense of contentment and peace of mind when things get hectic? If so, identify what is truly important in your life and then live your life accordingly. When your actions are aligned with what is truly important to you, you will experience a feeling of contentment like never before.
***
It’s your life: Live it, Love it & Celebrate it!
MJD
- Charles Hummel
***
Each morning Jeffrey looked forward to handing his father his brown paper lunch bag as he headed off to work. One morning, Jeffrey’s father was surprised as Jeffrey handed him two brown paper bags. “Why do I get two bags, Jeffrey?” Jeffrey’s father asked. “The other one just has some things in it,” Jeffrey responded. Being in a hurry, Jeffrey’s father didn’t question Jeffrey any further. He kissed Jeffrey goodbye, and put both bags into his brief case.
After a hectic morning and preparing for a busy afternoon, Jeffrey’s father sat down to eat his lunch. He pulled out both brown paper bags from his brief case. He opened the first bag and found his traditional lunch: ham sandwich, chips, an apple, and a cookie. Curiously, he opened the second bag and emptied the contents on his desk; a tiny plastic army figurine, a mutilated baseball card, one marble, a broken blue crayon, a small rubber ball, two pennies and a couple of paper clips hooked together to form a chain.
Jeffery’s father was briefly amused, but was more concerned about finishing his lunch so he could rush off to his afternoon appointments. Being in a hurry, he ate what he could, and swept off desk, pushing his leftover lunch and Jeffrey’s junk into the wastebasket.
Exhausted from a busy day and the hour drive home from work, Jeffrey’s father intended to put his feet up and relax. Jeffrey approached his father and asked, “Where is my paper bag?” Stalling, Jeffrey’s father said, “What bag?” “Daddy, you know, the one I gave to you this morning with your lunch,” said Jeffrey. Sheepishly, Jeffrey’s father murmured, “I left it at the office.”
Jeffrey handed his father a note and said, “I wrote a note to you and forgot to put it in the paper bag this morning.” The note read, “I love these things and I play with them all the time. I thought that you might like to play with them too.” At the bottom in big blue letters, the note read, “I LOVE MY DADDY. HE IS THE BESTEST”
After reading the note, Jeffrey’s father jumped to his feet and said, “Oh no! I just remembered that I have an evening meeting tonight. I’ve got to go.” Jeffrey’s father grabbed his coat and rushed out the door.
While in the car on the way back to his office, tears welled up in Jeffrey’s father’s eyes. He felt a lump in his throat. How could he be so busy to not recognize that out of love, Jeffrey had given to him his treasures. And, not only did he fail to see the gift of love, he threw it in the wastebasket.
While Jeffrey’s father raced to the office, he also prayed that the janitorial staff would not make it to his office before he arrived. As uncommon as it was, he thought, how much he was looking forward to seeing a full wastebasket next to his desk; a wastebasket full of debris, junk, leftover food and more importantly, gifts of love.
Jeffrey’s father found the wastebasket full as he rushed into his office. He felt a sense of peace that he never felt before; for Jeffrey’s father learned a lesson about what was really important in his life. As he washed the debris off the baseball card, he made a pledge that night; from that night forward, he would focus on what was really important in his life: God and his family. No longer would his job or anything else crowd out the important things in his life. Jeffrey’s father got down on his knees next to his desk and thanked God for the lesson that he learned that day.
As he shut the lights out in his office and walked toward the elevator, he noticed the janitor walking toward him. The janitor smiled and asked, “Did you forget something.” Jeffrey’s father responded, “I most certainly did.” And, stepping onto the elevator, he clutched the brown paper bag close to his heart, and said, “I forgot what is really important in my life.”
When things get hectic as they do, I ask that you remember the lesson of the brown paper bag. Do you want to feel a sense of contentment and peace of mind when things get hectic? If so, identify what is truly important in your life and then live your life accordingly. When your actions are aligned with what is truly important to you, you will experience a feeling of contentment like never before.
***
It’s your life: Live it, Love it & Celebrate it!
MJD
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Win One for the Gipper!
"Some time, Rock, when the team is up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys — tell them to go in there with all they've got and win just one for the Gipper."
- George Gipp (All American Football Player, University of Notre Dame)
***
It is reported that George Gipp made the above statement while on his death bed to his coach, Knute Rockne. Eight years later, Rockne used Gipp's statement in his famous half-time speech when Notre Dame was losing to Army. Notre Dame came from behind to beat Army 12-6. When Notre Dame half back, Jack Chevigny, scored Notre Dame's winning touchdown he shouted, "That one was for the Gipper."
The phrase, "win one for the Gipper," is well known in the sports world. It exemplifies the true meaning of playing for a purpose, or put another way, a reason for being. We all should adopt the phrase "win one for the Gipper" in our personal lives. The key is to figure out the true "Gippers" in our lives. We need to take some time to focus on what is really important (the "Gippers") in our lives and make a commitment to live our lives accordingly. When we live our lives with purpose and we happen to be "up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating us," we too shall conquer and be able to say "that was for the Gipper!"
Happy Birthday George Gipp! (1895 -1920)
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
- George Gipp (All American Football Player, University of Notre Dame)
***
It is reported that George Gipp made the above statement while on his death bed to his coach, Knute Rockne. Eight years later, Rockne used Gipp's statement in his famous half-time speech when Notre Dame was losing to Army. Notre Dame came from behind to beat Army 12-6. When Notre Dame half back, Jack Chevigny, scored Notre Dame's winning touchdown he shouted, "That one was for the Gipper."
The phrase, "win one for the Gipper," is well known in the sports world. It exemplifies the true meaning of playing for a purpose, or put another way, a reason for being. We all should adopt the phrase "win one for the Gipper" in our personal lives. The key is to figure out the true "Gippers" in our lives. We need to take some time to focus on what is really important (the "Gippers") in our lives and make a commitment to live our lives accordingly. When we live our lives with purpose and we happen to be "up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating us," we too shall conquer and be able to say "that was for the Gipper!"
Happy Birthday George Gipp! (1895 -1920)
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Against All Odds
"Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew." - Cicely Tyson
***
Wilma Rudolph was born on June 23, 1940. Being premature, she weighed only 4.5 pounds at birth. She was the 20th of 22 children born to Ed and Blanche Rudolph. Being poor and African American, the Rudolph’s were denied medical care by local hospitals. Blance Rudolph was forced to provide medical care for her children at home. Young Wilma suffered from a series of illnesses during the first two years of her life. Around the age of two, the Rudolph’s sought out medical help for Wilma because her left leg and foot had not developed normally. Wilma was eventually diagnosed with polio. Her parents were told that Wilma would not be like normal children her age. She would never be able to walk or run without the aid of braces and crutches.
Blance Rudolph refused to believe that her child would have to live differently than other children. She was convinced that something could be done to help Wilma. Blance Rudolph learned that a hospital in Nashville, TN would accept Wilma for polio treatment. For almost two years, Blance and Wilma drove over 100 miles a day for Wilma’s treatments. Blance was so determined to learn Wilma’s physical therapy routine that she convinced hospital staff to teach her how to treat Wilma at home. With Wilma at home, the Rudolph family worked diligently with Wilma. Because of the family’s commitment, love and constant encouragement, Wilma was able to walk without braces and crutches at the age of 12.
Wilma had spent the first 12 years of her life limited by the affliction of polio. With a strong sense of determination and the ability to move without restraint, Wilma set her sights on becoming an athlete.
Admiring the style of play of her older sister, Wilma tried out for the basketball team. Although she made the team, she was never given a chance to play in a game. For three years, Wilma was a “bench sitter.” Having experienced limitations as a child, Wilma was determined that nothing was going to hold her back any longer. Refusing to give up, Wilma worked incredibly hard the summer of her sophomore year and earned a starting position at point guard. Her sophomore year concluded with Wilma leading the team to a state championship.
Although Wilma developed into a good basketball player, basketball was not her true love; running was. After having been out of braces for approximately 4 years, and being only 16 years of age, Wilma participated in the 1956 Olympics held in Melbourne, Australia. Wilma won a bronze medal in the 4 x 100 m relay. Wilma's most famous athletic accomplishment took place in the 1960 Summer Olympics held in Rome. Wilma won three gold medals in track and became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics.
In 1960, Wilma Rudolph proved to the world that when faith, passion, and perseverance work together nothing is insurmountable. Wilma was fortunate to have both talent and the supporting love of her mother and family, but it was her steadfast determination that once she was free of restraint, she would conquer the world. And, that she did in the summer of 1960
What’s holding you back? Wilma longed for the day that she could walk without braces and crutches. She knew that once the physical restraints were removed, she would be free. Free from the affliction and free from limitations. I ask you, what are the braces and crutches that you are holding onto in your life? What are those self-imposed restraints and crutches? Now is the time to rid yourself of the braces and crutches that are holding you back.
We all can learn a lesson from a little girl from Tennessee that could barely walk without the aid of crutches and braces and against all odds became an Olympic champion.
Blance Rudolph refused to believe that her child would have to live differently than other children. She was convinced that something could be done to help Wilma. Blance Rudolph learned that a hospital in Nashville, TN would accept Wilma for polio treatment. For almost two years, Blance and Wilma drove over 100 miles a day for Wilma’s treatments. Blance was so determined to learn Wilma’s physical therapy routine that she convinced hospital staff to teach her how to treat Wilma at home. With Wilma at home, the Rudolph family worked diligently with Wilma. Because of the family’s commitment, love and constant encouragement, Wilma was able to walk without braces and crutches at the age of 12.
Wilma had spent the first 12 years of her life limited by the affliction of polio. With a strong sense of determination and the ability to move without restraint, Wilma set her sights on becoming an athlete.
Admiring the style of play of her older sister, Wilma tried out for the basketball team. Although she made the team, she was never given a chance to play in a game. For three years, Wilma was a “bench sitter.” Having experienced limitations as a child, Wilma was determined that nothing was going to hold her back any longer. Refusing to give up, Wilma worked incredibly hard the summer of her sophomore year and earned a starting position at point guard. Her sophomore year concluded with Wilma leading the team to a state championship.
Although Wilma developed into a good basketball player, basketball was not her true love; running was. After having been out of braces for approximately 4 years, and being only 16 years of age, Wilma participated in the 1956 Olympics held in Melbourne, Australia. Wilma won a bronze medal in the 4 x 100 m relay. Wilma's most famous athletic accomplishment took place in the 1960 Summer Olympics held in Rome. Wilma won three gold medals in track and became the first American woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics.
In 1960, Wilma Rudolph proved to the world that when faith, passion, and perseverance work together nothing is insurmountable. Wilma was fortunate to have both talent and the supporting love of her mother and family, but it was her steadfast determination that once she was free of restraint, she would conquer the world. And, that she did in the summer of 1960
What’s holding you back? Wilma longed for the day that she could walk without braces and crutches. She knew that once the physical restraints were removed, she would be free. Free from the affliction and free from limitations. I ask you, what are the braces and crutches that you are holding onto in your life? What are those self-imposed restraints and crutches? Now is the time to rid yourself of the braces and crutches that are holding you back.
We all can learn a lesson from a little girl from Tennessee that could barely walk without the aid of crutches and braces and against all odds became an Olympic champion.
***
It's your life: Live it, Love it, & Celebrate it!
MJD
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
The Coach
"Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful."
- John Wooden
POINT TO PONDER: Looking to be successful. Take heed of the advice from a legendary basketball coach, John Wooden. Why listen to Wooden's simple words; maybe because he's proven to be a winner. John Wooden was the first person to be enshrined in the basketball hall of fame as both player and a coach. His collegiate winning percentage stands at .802 (664-162). His 10 NCAA National Championships in a 12 year period while at UCLA are unmatched by any other college basketball coach.
Why was John Wooden so successful? He understood what was truly important in life and sought to live a balanced life. Wooden once said, "I have always tried to make it clear that basketball is not the ultimate. It is of small importance in comparison to the total life we live. There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior."
Wooden advises that one is to be humble with success, because talent is a gift from God, not from one's own creation or choosing. Wooden also admonishes that one's fame is subject to the approval of his fellow men and women. Since fame is bestowed upon someone from others, one must be thankful for the gifts that God has given to them and for the recognition of their gifts by others. Wooden counsels that conceit comes from within. Conceit will eventually erode the fame and cripple the talent that was once bestowed upon a successful person. Since a conceited person fails to recognize that talent is God given and fame is man-given, they begin to turn their back on the sources (God and others) which created and fostered their success.
Today, look within and identify the talents that God has bestowed upon you. Recognize that these gifts are from God. Be thankful for your unique gifts! Your gift back to God is the perfection of the gifts (talents) he has given to you.
In closing, I want to share with you John Wooden's Seven Point Creed for living, which was given to him by his father when he was young. It is quite apparent that John Wooden has lived this creed both on and off the court.
- John Wooden
POINT TO PONDER: Looking to be successful. Take heed of the advice from a legendary basketball coach, John Wooden. Why listen to Wooden's simple words; maybe because he's proven to be a winner. John Wooden was the first person to be enshrined in the basketball hall of fame as both player and a coach. His collegiate winning percentage stands at .802 (664-162). His 10 NCAA National Championships in a 12 year period while at UCLA are unmatched by any other college basketball coach.
Why was John Wooden so successful? He understood what was truly important in life and sought to live a balanced life. Wooden once said, "I have always tried to make it clear that basketball is not the ultimate. It is of small importance in comparison to the total life we live. There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior."
Wooden advises that one is to be humble with success, because talent is a gift from God, not from one's own creation or choosing. Wooden also admonishes that one's fame is subject to the approval of his fellow men and women. Since fame is bestowed upon someone from others, one must be thankful for the gifts that God has given to them and for the recognition of their gifts by others. Wooden counsels that conceit comes from within. Conceit will eventually erode the fame and cripple the talent that was once bestowed upon a successful person. Since a conceited person fails to recognize that talent is God given and fame is man-given, they begin to turn their back on the sources (God and others) which created and fostered their success.
Today, look within and identify the talents that God has bestowed upon you. Recognize that these gifts are from God. Be thankful for your unique gifts! Your gift back to God is the perfection of the gifts (talents) he has given to you.
In closing, I want to share with you John Wooden's Seven Point Creed for living, which was given to him by his father when he was young. It is quite apparent that John Wooden has lived this creed both on and off the court.
You want to become a winner in the game of life, listen to what Coach Wooden has to say and follow his game plan!
SEVEN POINT CREED FOR LIVING:
Be true to yourself.
Make each day your masterpiece.
Help others.
Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
Make friendship a fine art.
Build a shelter against a rainy day.
Be true to yourself.
Make each day your masterpiece.
Help others.
Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible.
Make friendship a fine art.
Build a shelter against a rainy day.
It's your life: Live it, Love it, & Celebrate it!
MJD
Monday, February 8, 2010
A Game Changer
"Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." - Robert F. Kennedy
***
Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints, the City of New Orleans and Saints fans everywhere on winning Superbowl XLIV.
POINT TO PONDER: The Saints game plan involved taking risks. They knew that in order to beat the high powered Colts offense and the speed of the Colts defense, the game plan would require taking risks.
Repeatedly blitzing Peyton Manning, the Colts quarterback, is a big gamble. The Saints understood the risk in blitzing Manning; that being that one miscue in blitz coverage could result in a touchdown by the Colts. The Saints took the risk and the Colts never scored a touchdown while the Saints were in blitz coverage.
Losing 10-3, with less than two minutes to go in the first half and with fourth down and on the Colts one yard line, Saints Coach, Sean Payton elected to go for the touchdown. The Saints understood that failing to score a touchdown on this drive may be like signing their own "death warrant." Nonetheless, the Saints went for it. They failed to score. The Colts went three and out on their next possession and was forced to punt. The change of possession lead to a Saints field goal as the half expired.
The Saints took the biggest risk of the game with the second half kickoff. The Saints started the second half by surprising the Colts and the rest of the world with an onside kick. The Saints knew that if they did not recover the onside kick, the Colts would get the ball with a short field to begin the half. The risk paid off and the Saints recovered. In took the saints just 3:19 to score a touchdown after recovering the kick. The Colts, who anticipated receiving the second half kick off and adding to their lead, were now behind for the first time in game. The Colts were stunned! Although the Colts did regain the lead in the third quarter, the damage had been done; the momentum changed. The momentum now belonged to the Saints and stayed with Saints for the rest of the game. Sports analysts try to identify the one play that changes the course of a game. They call this play the game changer. The Saints onside kick was definitely the game changer in Superbowl XLIV.
How about you; are you willing to call a play that is a game changer in your life? Are you willing to call a play that involves taking risks? Coach Payton’s call for the onside kick was not an impulsive, reckless call. It was a calculated risk; calculated because the Saints had practiced the onside kick for 10 consecutive days prior to game, and Coach Payton observed a weakness in the Colts specialty team (kick return team).
Coach Payton was willing to take several risks in Superbowl XLIV. To him, and the Saints, there would be no second guessing. There would be no, " what if…" statements. The Saints were willing to take risks because the ultimate prize was worth it. Remember, one of the worst pains that we humans will endure is the pain of regret; the wouldas, couldas and shouldas. For the Saints, there would be none of that.
Like Coach Payton, embrace taking calculated risks in your life. If you have done your homework by diligently studying the risk, you have engaged in a disciplined practice to overcome the risk, and your instincts tell you that it is right, then the risk is worth taking.
I urge you to go ahead make that call that changes your life. It only takes one game changer to turn things around to begin living like a champion. Don’t believe me, just ask the New Orleans Saints , Superbowl XLIV Champions.
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
***
Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints, the City of New Orleans and Saints fans everywhere on winning Superbowl XLIV.
POINT TO PONDER: The Saints game plan involved taking risks. They knew that in order to beat the high powered Colts offense and the speed of the Colts defense, the game plan would require taking risks.
Repeatedly blitzing Peyton Manning, the Colts quarterback, is a big gamble. The Saints understood the risk in blitzing Manning; that being that one miscue in blitz coverage could result in a touchdown by the Colts. The Saints took the risk and the Colts never scored a touchdown while the Saints were in blitz coverage.
Losing 10-3, with less than two minutes to go in the first half and with fourth down and on the Colts one yard line, Saints Coach, Sean Payton elected to go for the touchdown. The Saints understood that failing to score a touchdown on this drive may be like signing their own "death warrant." Nonetheless, the Saints went for it. They failed to score. The Colts went three and out on their next possession and was forced to punt. The change of possession lead to a Saints field goal as the half expired.
The Saints took the biggest risk of the game with the second half kickoff. The Saints started the second half by surprising the Colts and the rest of the world with an onside kick. The Saints knew that if they did not recover the onside kick, the Colts would get the ball with a short field to begin the half. The risk paid off and the Saints recovered. In took the saints just 3:19 to score a touchdown after recovering the kick. The Colts, who anticipated receiving the second half kick off and adding to their lead, were now behind for the first time in game. The Colts were stunned! Although the Colts did regain the lead in the third quarter, the damage had been done; the momentum changed. The momentum now belonged to the Saints and stayed with Saints for the rest of the game. Sports analysts try to identify the one play that changes the course of a game. They call this play the game changer. The Saints onside kick was definitely the game changer in Superbowl XLIV.
How about you; are you willing to call a play that is a game changer in your life? Are you willing to call a play that involves taking risks? Coach Payton’s call for the onside kick was not an impulsive, reckless call. It was a calculated risk; calculated because the Saints had practiced the onside kick for 10 consecutive days prior to game, and Coach Payton observed a weakness in the Colts specialty team (kick return team).
Coach Payton was willing to take several risks in Superbowl XLIV. To him, and the Saints, there would be no second guessing. There would be no, " what if…" statements. The Saints were willing to take risks because the ultimate prize was worth it. Remember, one of the worst pains that we humans will endure is the pain of regret; the wouldas, couldas and shouldas. For the Saints, there would be none of that.
Like Coach Payton, embrace taking calculated risks in your life. If you have done your homework by diligently studying the risk, you have engaged in a disciplined practice to overcome the risk, and your instincts tell you that it is right, then the risk is worth taking.
I urge you to go ahead make that call that changes your life. It only takes one game changer to turn things around to begin living like a champion. Don’t believe me, just ask the New Orleans Saints , Superbowl XLIV Champions.
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Person You Become
"We become just by performing just actions, temperate by performing temperate actions, brave by performing brave actions."
-- Aristotle, 384-322 B.C., Greek Philosopher
***
Outside of a physiological response to a stimuli, all other actions are a manifestation of thoughts and feelings. Deliberate action occurs when a thought, accompanied by feeling is put into action. It was "The Enlightened One," Buddha, who said, The mind is everything. What you think you become." I ask you, what type of thoughts do you allow to fill your head? Do you want to be a more compassionate person? If so, you must think compassionate thoughts, Do you want to be a more optimistic person? If so, you must think optimistically. Do you want to become a peacemaker? If so. think peaceful thoughts. You get the picture!
Remember, you and you alone control your thoughts. Nobody can think for you. Such is the case that it is you and you alone who controls your destiny. Work on controlling your thoughts. You can start by examining what you allow to have influence in your life. If you allow negative influences into your life, you'll think negative thoughts. The negative thoughts will produce negative feelings, the negative feelings will produce negative actions, and the negative actions will produce negative consequences. And, the cycle start over again.
It really is true; garbage in, garbage out! Today, make a pledge that you will make a conscious effort everyday to control your thoughts. Begin by feeding your mind with positive things. Just as you should feed your body with things that are good for it, so should you feed your mind.
Gotta go! It's feeding time!
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
-- Aristotle, 384-322 B.C., Greek Philosopher
***
Outside of a physiological response to a stimuli, all other actions are a manifestation of thoughts and feelings. Deliberate action occurs when a thought, accompanied by feeling is put into action. It was "The Enlightened One," Buddha, who said, The mind is everything. What you think you become." I ask you, what type of thoughts do you allow to fill your head? Do you want to be a more compassionate person? If so, you must think compassionate thoughts, Do you want to be a more optimistic person? If so, you must think optimistically. Do you want to become a peacemaker? If so. think peaceful thoughts. You get the picture!
Remember, you and you alone control your thoughts. Nobody can think for you. Such is the case that it is you and you alone who controls your destiny. Work on controlling your thoughts. You can start by examining what you allow to have influence in your life. If you allow negative influences into your life, you'll think negative thoughts. The negative thoughts will produce negative feelings, the negative feelings will produce negative actions, and the negative actions will produce negative consequences. And, the cycle start over again.
It really is true; garbage in, garbage out! Today, make a pledge that you will make a conscious effort everyday to control your thoughts. Begin by feeding your mind with positive things. Just as you should feed your body with things that are good for it, so should you feed your mind.
Gotta go! It's feeding time!
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Best Teachers
We live in the present, we dream in the future and we learn eternal truths from the past.
—Madame Chiang Kai-Shek
***
The past is here to serve us, not haunt us. The best teacher we'll ever have is our own life experiences. Our second best teacher will be the lessons we learn from the experience of others. You're the student; life is the teacher. What kind of student do you intend to be?
If life, as a teacher, could talk, life would tell us that the following lessons are to be studied, put into practice, studied and put into practice again and again. These lessons, when applied in life, offer us the best chance of maximizing our full potential and living a happy and fulfilled life.
Life's Lesson Plans:
Lesson I: Stages of Life - What critical lessons have you learned or learned from others in the various stages of life?
1. Childhood lessons
2. Teenage lessons
2. Adult lessons
3. Senior lessons
Lesson II: Priorities in Life - What lessons have you learned personally or from others about what is really important in life?
1. Spirituality
2. Family
3 Friendship
4. Work
Lesson III: Virtues of Life - What lessons have you learned about what defines a person of character?
1. Love
2. Forgiveness
3. Honesty
4. Kindness
In every experience, there is a lesson to be learned. The key is be open and receptive to the lesson. Some lessons will be readily apparent and some will be hidden or disguised; some lessons will be instantaneous and some will take time; some will require a bit of thought, where others won't. The key is that you have a willingness to learn the lessons and apply them in your life. A lesson learned without application, is like starting a car and never shifting gears.
Remember: Anything you do or say in the present moment can never be changed or taken back. What can be changed is what you say and do in the future. When it comes down to it, your future will be defined by how well you have learned from the lesson of the past.
Learn from the past, live in the present and look to the future!
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it and Celebrate it!
MJD
—Madame Chiang Kai-Shek
***
The past is here to serve us, not haunt us. The best teacher we'll ever have is our own life experiences. Our second best teacher will be the lessons we learn from the experience of others. You're the student; life is the teacher. What kind of student do you intend to be?
If life, as a teacher, could talk, life would tell us that the following lessons are to be studied, put into practice, studied and put into practice again and again. These lessons, when applied in life, offer us the best chance of maximizing our full potential and living a happy and fulfilled life.
Life's Lesson Plans:
Lesson I: Stages of Life - What critical lessons have you learned or learned from others in the various stages of life?
1. Childhood lessons
2. Teenage lessons
2. Adult lessons
3. Senior lessons
Lesson II: Priorities in Life - What lessons have you learned personally or from others about what is really important in life?
1. Spirituality
2. Family
3 Friendship
4. Work
Lesson III: Virtues of Life - What lessons have you learned about what defines a person of character?
1. Love
2. Forgiveness
3. Honesty
4. Kindness
In every experience, there is a lesson to be learned. The key is be open and receptive to the lesson. Some lessons will be readily apparent and some will be hidden or disguised; some lessons will be instantaneous and some will take time; some will require a bit of thought, where others won't. The key is that you have a willingness to learn the lessons and apply them in your life. A lesson learned without application, is like starting a car and never shifting gears.
Remember: Anything you do or say in the present moment can never be changed or taken back. What can be changed is what you say and do in the future. When it comes down to it, your future will be defined by how well you have learned from the lesson of the past.
Learn from the past, live in the present and look to the future!
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it and Celebrate it!
MJD
Monday, February 1, 2010
The Shoreline
"The future belongs to the risk takers, not the security seekers. The more you seek security, the less of it you will have and the more you pursue opportunity, the more security you will achieve."
- Brian Tracy
***
It's been said that you can't sail and discover the new adventures that await you, if you are unwilling to lose sight of the shoreline. Why do we not want to lose sight of the shore? Because, the shoreline is our security. If we always stay within sight of the shoreline, we never risk going to far. The problem is though, if you never risk going to far, then you'll never realize all that you can be! Once you're willing to lose sight of the shore, you'll be in a position to experience new opportunities, new adventures and a new you.
Yes, the shoreline is a safe haven. But, Brian Tracy's quote illustrates the dichotomy of the search for security. It's by taking risks that you become more skillful, more experienced, more knowledgeable and more confident. Think of it; a person develops insecurity do to a lack of skill, lack of experience. lack of knowledge and a lack of confidence. So, it's actually by taking risks that you develop a stronger sense of security.
I ask you, are you willing to lose sight of the shorelines in your life? You won't regret it! Mark Twain once said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
- Brian Tracy
***
It's been said that you can't sail and discover the new adventures that await you, if you are unwilling to lose sight of the shoreline. Why do we not want to lose sight of the shore? Because, the shoreline is our security. If we always stay within sight of the shoreline, we never risk going to far. The problem is though, if you never risk going to far, then you'll never realize all that you can be! Once you're willing to lose sight of the shore, you'll be in a position to experience new opportunities, new adventures and a new you.
Yes, the shoreline is a safe haven. But, Brian Tracy's quote illustrates the dichotomy of the search for security. It's by taking risks that you become more skillful, more experienced, more knowledgeable and more confident. Think of it; a person develops insecurity do to a lack of skill, lack of experience. lack of knowledge and a lack of confidence. So, it's actually by taking risks that you develop a stronger sense of security.
I ask you, are you willing to lose sight of the shorelines in your life? You won't regret it! Mark Twain once said, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
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