“A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.”-- Oprah Winfrey
***
Do you ever find that there are times when you don’t have the right answers? Are there times when you need help improving a technique or skill? Do you find yourself in situations where sometimes all you need is a little encouragement?
Throughout our lives, we will come in contact with people who will have a profound impact on us; some for the betterment, and unfortunately, some not so good. If we want to succeed, we need to be quick to identify, and sever any relationship with a person who is exerting a negative influence in our lives. What can be more challenging is identifying and developing a relationship with people who can help get us to the next level. These people are called mentors. A mentor is regarded as knowledgeable and possessing insight in a given area. The book of Proverbs (19:20) speaks to mentoring, it says, “listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you’ll be wise.”
Why don’t we seek out mentors? Is it because we might be embarrassed that we might not know something? Is it because we have too much pride? Is our ego getting in the way?
A mentor is any person who has your best interest at stake and is willing to teach you. . Believe it our not, most people are willing to share their wisdom and expertise with others. Their wisdom and expertise can be used to help you develop and monitor a game/life plan. Sir Issac Newton once said, “If I have seen further it is only by standing on the shoulder of giants. If you look at the history of all great men and women, you will find that someone, somewhere in time , took them under their wing.
Today, make it a point to find a mentor. If you have one, make sure you show your appreciation for the time and energy that they have spent on you. While you are at it, take a good look at your skills and expertise. Could you be a mentor to someone? All you need to do is show you care, be willing to listen, and share your experiences with your protégé. It is a win/win situation; you win, they win!
Remember, a good mentor can make the difference between becoming a champion or just a contender. Gotta go – searching for a giant or two!
***
It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
Friday, June 11, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
A Postive Attitude
"I believe in taking a positive attitude toward the world. My hope still is to leave the world a little bit better than when I got here."
-- Jim Henson
1936-1990, Muppets Creator
***
Jim Henson left this world in 1990 at the age of 53. Henson was known for his positive attitude, enthusiasm for life, and creative energy. It was these qualities that gave life to such world known characters as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, and the like. Jim Henson's Muppets have entertained children and adults alike. His Muppets have brought laughter and smiles to the faces of millions worldwide. And, when you can make someone laugh or smile, you make the world a better place. Jim Henson made the world a better place one smile, one laugh at a time!
You too can make the world a better place! So I ask you: Who will you make smile (laugh), today?
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
-- Jim Henson
1936-1990, Muppets Creator
***
Jim Henson left this world in 1990 at the age of 53. Henson was known for his positive attitude, enthusiasm for life, and creative energy. It was these qualities that gave life to such world known characters as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Big Bird, Bert and Ernie, and the like. Jim Henson's Muppets have entertained children and adults alike. His Muppets have brought laughter and smiles to the faces of millions worldwide. And, when you can make someone laugh or smile, you make the world a better place. Jim Henson made the world a better place one smile, one laugh at a time!
You too can make the world a better place! So I ask you: Who will you make smile (laugh), today?
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
A Choice
"Happiness is an attitude. We either make ourselves miserable, or happy and strong. The amount of work is the same."
-- Francesca Reigler
***
What will you choose, happy and strong or miserable? The toll that misery takes on one's physical, emotional and social life can be devastating. Happy people, on the other hand, are generally healthier, emotionally stable, and report satisfaction with their social lives. It seems to me if the work is the same and the results are vastly different, the choice is clear!
Since your attitude is something that only you control, your are the one that will determine if you will be happy or miserable. The choice is yours! Choose happy!
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
-- Francesca Reigler
***
What will you choose, happy and strong or miserable? The toll that misery takes on one's physical, emotional and social life can be devastating. Happy people, on the other hand, are generally healthier, emotionally stable, and report satisfaction with their social lives. It seems to me if the work is the same and the results are vastly different, the choice is clear!
Since your attitude is something that only you control, your are the one that will determine if you will be happy or miserable. The choice is yours! Choose happy!
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
Monday, June 7, 2010
A Hero: John Wooden
"Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful."
-- John Wooden
***
The sports world lost an icon on Friday, June 4, 2010. John Wooden died at the age of 99. John Wooden has been called the "Greatest coach ever." Wooden was a proven winner; on the court and, more importantly, off the court. He won titles; but more importantly he won hearts. He was a master at teaching basketball, but more importantly, he was a master at teaching the lessons of life.
On February 10, 2010, I posted a blog, entitled "The Coach." The blog speaks to why John Wooden was so successful in basketball and, more importantly, in life.
John Wooden is known for his use of maxims. Recently, Wooden was asked, of all the maxims, which one do you like the most? He responded with, "Lord, make me beautiful inside."
Coach Wooden, you were definitely beautiful inside! Rest in Peace, My Hero!
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
-- John Wooden
***
The sports world lost an icon on Friday, June 4, 2010. John Wooden died at the age of 99. John Wooden has been called the "Greatest coach ever." Wooden was a proven winner; on the court and, more importantly, off the court. He won titles; but more importantly he won hearts. He was a master at teaching basketball, but more importantly, he was a master at teaching the lessons of life.
On February 10, 2010, I posted a blog, entitled "The Coach." The blog speaks to why John Wooden was so successful in basketball and, more importantly, in life.
John Wooden is known for his use of maxims. Recently, Wooden was asked, of all the maxims, which one do you like the most? He responded with, "Lord, make me beautiful inside."
Coach Wooden, you were definitely beautiful inside! Rest in Peace, My Hero!
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Guaranteed Return on Your Investment
"There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up."
-- John Andrew
***
To invest means to devote or spend something for future benefit. We invest our money with the hope of a greater financial return. Students invest their time studying with the hope of getting good grades. Athletes invest in rigorous training/conditioning programs with the hope of becoming better in their chosen sport.
Basically, there are two types of investments: money and time. Financial investments vary from the conservative savings accounts to risky capital ventures. Conservative financial investments usually have a small predetermined return based upon a set percentage; whereas, risky investments can yield a significant monetary loss or gain.
Unlike financial investments that are limited to financial matters only, the investment of time is unrestricted. You can invest your time in anything you want to. The key is that your investment of time is productive; remember, "to devote for future benefit!"
Not being a financial advisor, I would never pretend to give you any advice on financial investments. However, I do offer some advice on how to invest your time. The advice is guaranteed to produce a significant return on your investment. My advice is to invest your time on others. Sounds simple, does it not! How can such simple advice about investing your time in others produce a significant return on your investment?
The Good Book tells us that it is in giving that you receive. The ancient writer tells us, “Give, and it will be given to you. Your gift will be returned to you.” In order for your gift to be returned to you, it cannot be given with the expectation of something in return. It does not work that way. Your gift of time must be unselfish and for the benefit of another.
Understand that most often, your gift of time will be returned to you; a return on your investment. It is called the law of reciprocity. Now, there may be days, months, and years that you have unselfishly invested your time for the betterment of another. And, it may appear that you have not received anything in return. Bear in mind that it is quite possible that your time and service to another may never be repaid during your lifetime. However, the law of reciprocity is still at work. It is at work on a much more significant level. The Good Lord sees your investment of time and love. Your gift of time on another person is pleasing to him and you will be repaid; just as the Good Book tells us. When you invest your time on others, God, in return, will invest his time in you; making your return on your investment eternal. And, there is no better return on your investment; I guarantee it!
***
It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
-- John Andrew
***
To invest means to devote or spend something for future benefit. We invest our money with the hope of a greater financial return. Students invest their time studying with the hope of getting good grades. Athletes invest in rigorous training/conditioning programs with the hope of becoming better in their chosen sport.
Basically, there are two types of investments: money and time. Financial investments vary from the conservative savings accounts to risky capital ventures. Conservative financial investments usually have a small predetermined return based upon a set percentage; whereas, risky investments can yield a significant monetary loss or gain.
Unlike financial investments that are limited to financial matters only, the investment of time is unrestricted. You can invest your time in anything you want to. The key is that your investment of time is productive; remember, "to devote for future benefit!"
Not being a financial advisor, I would never pretend to give you any advice on financial investments. However, I do offer some advice on how to invest your time. The advice is guaranteed to produce a significant return on your investment. My advice is to invest your time on others. Sounds simple, does it not! How can such simple advice about investing your time in others produce a significant return on your investment?
The Good Book tells us that it is in giving that you receive. The ancient writer tells us, “Give, and it will be given to you. Your gift will be returned to you.” In order for your gift to be returned to you, it cannot be given with the expectation of something in return. It does not work that way. Your gift of time must be unselfish and for the benefit of another.
Understand that most often, your gift of time will be returned to you; a return on your investment. It is called the law of reciprocity. Now, there may be days, months, and years that you have unselfishly invested your time for the betterment of another. And, it may appear that you have not received anything in return. Bear in mind that it is quite possible that your time and service to another may never be repaid during your lifetime. However, the law of reciprocity is still at work. It is at work on a much more significant level. The Good Lord sees your investment of time and love. Your gift of time on another person is pleasing to him and you will be repaid; just as the Good Book tells us. When you invest your time on others, God, in return, will invest his time in you; making your return on your investment eternal. And, there is no better return on your investment; I guarantee it!
***
It's your life: live it, love it & celebrate it!
MJD
Friday, May 21, 2010
Woulda. Coulda, Shoulda
"All The Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
Layin' In The Sun,
Talkin' 'Bout The Things
They Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda Done...
But All Those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
All Ran Away And Hid
From One Little Did."
-- Shel Silverstein
***
When you say "would have,"" could have," or "should have," you are speaking the language of regret. Regret can be big or small, it can be short-lived or life-long, and it can have minimal effect or be totally devastating. Regret is about missed opportunities, it about the people you never met, the places you never went, and the things you never did. It is about failed dreams and dashed hopes. Simply put, you didn't take action when the opportunity presented itself.
When I go by a cemetery, I often think to myself how much unused potential has been buried in the ground. How many people could have been doctors, teachers, scientists, or how about the artists, musicians and ministers? How many people could have been so much more? What would they have become if they only took action. I wonder how much regret is buried in those graves?
Regret results from inaction. What is holding you back? Today is the day to take action. Start by embracing positive self-talk: "I will," "I can," and " I shall." Positive self-talk will result in taking some type of action. Action is the beginning of eliminating the woulda-coulda-shouldas in your life with and replacing them with the "one little did."
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
Layin' In The Sun,
Talkin' 'Bout The Things
They Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda Done...
But All Those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas
All Ran Away And Hid
From One Little Did."
-- Shel Silverstein
***
When you say "would have,"" could have," or "should have," you are speaking the language of regret. Regret can be big or small, it can be short-lived or life-long, and it can have minimal effect or be totally devastating. Regret is about missed opportunities, it about the people you never met, the places you never went, and the things you never did. It is about failed dreams and dashed hopes. Simply put, you didn't take action when the opportunity presented itself.
When I go by a cemetery, I often think to myself how much unused potential has been buried in the ground. How many people could have been doctors, teachers, scientists, or how about the artists, musicians and ministers? How many people could have been so much more? What would they have become if they only took action. I wonder how much regret is buried in those graves?
Regret results from inaction. What is holding you back? Today is the day to take action. Start by embracing positive self-talk: "I will," "I can," and " I shall." Positive self-talk will result in taking some type of action. Action is the beginning of eliminating the woulda-coulda-shouldas in your life with and replacing them with the "one little did."
***
It's Your Life: Live it, Love it, Celebrate it!
MJD
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Life is Like Riding a Bicycle
"Life is similar to riding a bicycle, you'll go nowhere unless you're willing to do the peddling."
-- Michael J. Dillon
***
POINT TO PONDER: It's your bicycle (life)! You're responsible for where your bicycle goes, nobody else. Your bicycle can take you anywhere you want to go. The two wheels on your bicycle know no restrictions. Where you take your bicycle, and how far you take it, will be dependent on how much you're willing to peddle. If you're not willing to peddle, your bicycle is going nowhere; no peddling means no movement.
Life is full of twist and turns, detours and obstructions, and mounds and hills. You can handle life's twists and turns if you stay focused, keep your eyes on the road, and keep peddling. Understand that life's detours and obstructions are meant to challenge you and help you grow. You can handle life's detours and obstructions if you're willing to accept change, learn new and different routes along the way, and keep peddling. You can make it up life's hills and over life's mounds, if you maintain faith, learn to practice self-discipline, and most importantly, keep peddling. Keep in mind, it's also important that you take time to relax and enjoy those moments when life allows you to stop peddling and coast for awhile; just don't coast too long, because in life in order to get somewhere you have to be willing to do the peddling!
Keep peddling and enjoy the ride!
It's your life: live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD
-- Michael J. Dillon
***
POINT TO PONDER: It's your bicycle (life)! You're responsible for where your bicycle goes, nobody else. Your bicycle can take you anywhere you want to go. The two wheels on your bicycle know no restrictions. Where you take your bicycle, and how far you take it, will be dependent on how much you're willing to peddle. If you're not willing to peddle, your bicycle is going nowhere; no peddling means no movement.
Life is full of twist and turns, detours and obstructions, and mounds and hills. You can handle life's twists and turns if you stay focused, keep your eyes on the road, and keep peddling. Understand that life's detours and obstructions are meant to challenge you and help you grow. You can handle life's detours and obstructions if you're willing to accept change, learn new and different routes along the way, and keep peddling. You can make it up life's hills and over life's mounds, if you maintain faith, learn to practice self-discipline, and most importantly, keep peddling. Keep in mind, it's also important that you take time to relax and enjoy those moments when life allows you to stop peddling and coast for awhile; just don't coast too long, because in life in order to get somewhere you have to be willing to do the peddling!
Keep peddling and enjoy the ride!
It's your life: live it, love it, & celebrate it!
MJD
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