As I was leaving work the other day, I found myself having a very spirited conversation with a couple of my co-workers who have a combined 60+ years with my company. Its been awhile since I saw the type of smiles on these individuals faces. Let me give you an idea of what brought out the joy in them.
As a young man, I have always looked up to these men based upon their tenure in the company, but I also look to them for their life experiences. Not sure how it started, but these men started asking me about how my search for a rib was going.(if you aren't familiar with the rib search, its origination is found in the book of Genesis) They started to talk to me about when they were young, their style, and how smooth they were. They began to take a trip down memory lane and nonetheless I was inspired.
Do you ever have one of those, I remember what I was doing moments when you hear a song on the radio? Do you ever stare at your children as they are learning how to ride a bike or playing sports, and say I remember that?
In a matter of moments I became inspired to think about what creates a memory. Our past helps us share our story with others. You have lived a life full of memorable moments that have helped to shape the person you are today.
I remember how and when you came into my life. What makes something worth remembering to you?
“May you never forget what is worth remembering, nor ever remember what is best forgotten”
-Irish Blessings
“I have liked remembering almost as much as I have liked living”
-William Maxwell
“What is human life? The first third a good time; the rest remembering about it”
-Mark Twain
“We must welcome the future, remembering that soon it will be the past; and we must respect the past, remembering that it was once all that was humanly possible”
-George Santayana
“Remembering the past gives power to the present”
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Late Night Thoughts on a Tuesday 10/27/09
Today was a much cooler day here in the Valley of the Sun. The weather took a turn and we are expected to see temperatures in the 60's tomorrow. All I can say is bring on fall, even if it may be for only like 48 hours.
As I was driving home this evening my car began to move outside of the lane as the swirling winds violently pushed my car around. You would think that my car was heavy enough to not be affected, but that was not the case on this day. This made me start to think about the winds of change that affect our lives.
How often do feel as though things are going along just they way should be and the unexpected happens? Do you lose your focus? Are you prepared to deal with things the way they are? Does your faith still remain strong?
It does not matter how calm things seem to be there is always an opportunity for an unsuspecting wind to swoop in to disrupt things. How you choose to deal with it, will be one of your defining moments.
“I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”
-Jimmy Dean
“Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.”
-Winston Churchill
“If a man does not know what port he is steering for, no wind is favorable to him”
-Seneca
“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”
-William Arthur Ward
“Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.”
-Arthur Golden
As I was driving home this evening my car began to move outside of the lane as the swirling winds violently pushed my car around. You would think that my car was heavy enough to not be affected, but that was not the case on this day. This made me start to think about the winds of change that affect our lives.
How often do feel as though things are going along just they way should be and the unexpected happens? Do you lose your focus? Are you prepared to deal with things the way they are? Does your faith still remain strong?
It does not matter how calm things seem to be there is always an opportunity for an unsuspecting wind to swoop in to disrupt things. How you choose to deal with it, will be one of your defining moments.
“I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.”
-Jimmy Dean
“Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.”
-Winston Churchill
“If a man does not know what port he is steering for, no wind is favorable to him”
-Seneca
“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”
-William Arthur Ward
“Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.”
-Arthur Golden
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Sunday Night Thoughts 10/24/09
Normally on a weekend about this time, I am nowhere near my home and I am out somewhere having a good time. Fridays and Saturdays signal the end of the work week for me and I am trying to transition into the weekend. On this particular weekend, the only thing I wanted to do was just to come home and relax.
After running a couple of errands, I made it home, sat in front of the TV, and realized I was pretty content where I was. I sat there for a moment and started to think about the state of being content.
Are you content where you are in life? How did you get there? Are you content in your current friendships/relationships?
At what ever point in life you are at, you have a choice to be content or not? And if you aren't content, are you willing to change or accept changes to get there?
Finding the point at which you become content just might be the fresh start that you were looking for. You are where you are for a reason, the choice is yours on how you deal with it.
“My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.”
-Abraham Lincoln
“Until you make peace with who you are, you'll never be content with what you have.”
-Doris Mortman
“I know not how I may seem to others, but to myself I am but a small child wandering upon the vast shores of knowledge, every now and then finding a small bright pebble to content myself with”
-Plato
“Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen, but give us the determination to make the right things happen.”
-Horace Mann
After running a couple of errands, I made it home, sat in front of the TV, and realized I was pretty content where I was. I sat there for a moment and started to think about the state of being content.
Are you content where you are in life? How did you get there? Are you content in your current friendships/relationships?
At what ever point in life you are at, you have a choice to be content or not? And if you aren't content, are you willing to change or accept changes to get there?
Finding the point at which you become content just might be the fresh start that you were looking for. You are where you are for a reason, the choice is yours on how you deal with it.
“My great concern is not whether you have failed, but whether you are content with your failure.”
-Abraham Lincoln
“Until you make peace with who you are, you'll never be content with what you have.”
-Doris Mortman
“I know not how I may seem to others, but to myself I am but a small child wandering upon the vast shores of knowledge, every now and then finding a small bright pebble to content myself with”
-Plato
“Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen, but give us the determination to make the right things happen.”
-Horace Mann
Friday, October 23, 2009
Late Night Thoughts on Thursday 10/22/09
The day has wound down on this Thursday night as I prepare to end my week. I found myself catching up on a few things in the sports world and as usual I became inspired by something that I read. We are moving further into fall and America's Favorite Past Time is on every channel these days as we move closer to the World Series.
I began to think that once the World Series is over we will have crowned a new world champion. In reaching the top I am sure it was not the result of just the efforts of one person, but a collective effort of a team. As we look at most sports that crown a champion, there are a few that crown an individual champion such as tennis, golf, and boxing. In doing so, we often lose sight ofpeople that helped that person become champion. What role did the trainers, caddies, and corner men play in helping that individual reach the top.
We are always referencing champions in the sporting arena, but when do we discuss the champions of life. Based on watching a season or the culminating championship game, as a society we think we know what makes a champion in the sporting arena.
We often utter the phrase the heart of a champion, but what does that mean?
So what makes a champion in life?
Have your experiences in life made you a champion?
Do you know anyone that has overcome a situation that you now see them as a champion?
Look in the mirror and salute yourself as you are a champion in the life you live. Remember that it took morethan you to become the champion that you are.
“A champion is someone who gets up when he can't.”
-Jack Dempsey
"If you want to take your mission in life to the next level, if you're stuck and you don't know how to rise, don't look outside yourself. Look inside. Don't let your fears keep you mired in the crowd. Abolish your fears and raise your commitment level to the point of no return, and I guarantee you that the Champion Within will burst forth to propel you toward victory.”
-Bruce Jenner
“A champion needs a motivation above and beyond winning.”
-Pat Riley
“Most look up and admire the stars. A champion climbs a mountain and grabs one.”
I began to think that once the World Series is over we will have crowned a new world champion. In reaching the top I am sure it was not the result of just the efforts of one person, but a collective effort of a team. As we look at most sports that crown a champion, there are a few that crown an individual champion such as tennis, golf, and boxing. In doing so, we often lose sight ofpeople that helped that person become champion. What role did the trainers, caddies, and corner men play in helping that individual reach the top.
We are always referencing champions in the sporting arena, but when do we discuss the champions of life. Based on watching a season or the culminating championship game, as a society we think we know what makes a champion in the sporting arena.
We often utter the phrase the heart of a champion, but what does that mean?
So what makes a champion in life?
Have your experiences in life made you a champion?
Do you know anyone that has overcome a situation that you now see them as a champion?
Look in the mirror and salute yourself as you are a champion in the life you live. Remember that it took morethan you to become the champion that you are.
“A champion is someone who gets up when he can't.”
-Jack Dempsey
"If you want to take your mission in life to the next level, if you're stuck and you don't know how to rise, don't look outside yourself. Look inside. Don't let your fears keep you mired in the crowd. Abolish your fears and raise your commitment level to the point of no return, and I guarantee you that the Champion Within will burst forth to propel you toward victory.”
-Bruce Jenner
“A champion needs a motivation above and beyond winning.”
-Pat Riley
“Most look up and admire the stars. A champion climbs a mountain and grabs one.”
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sunday Evening Thoughts 10/18/09
Another weekend is coming to a close and I can say its been a pretty good one. I had an opportunity to watch a lot of football in person and via the television. So I was pretty much in good spirits as I love the game and my Arizona Cardinals won!
I found myself watching the Vikings and Ravens play earlier and the game went down to the wire only to be decided on the foot of the kicker. I am not sure that I would ever want to be a kicker in the NFL because for the length of time that they actually spend on the field, I think they have the most pressure per minute played. With 2 seconds left on the clock the kicker walks out to prepare to kick the field goal and makes his attempt which turns out to be unsuccessful. As a professional, you want to think that the kicker can come in to hit the field goal and call it a day. As with most things in life, you kinda have to expect that there are times when things don't go to plan. In the case of this kicker today, I think he walked very lonely to the locker room instead of being congratulated for winning the game.
Was it the kicker's fault that they lost the game? If there are 11 players on the field for each team at any one time, how can the blame rest on just one person? If its a team sport and ultimately the team wins/loses why should one person shoulder the responsibility of the outcome?
As I watched this game, I started to think about things and how our society accepts responsibility for things that happen.
Do you ever have situations where you haven't accepted responsibility for their outcomes? Do you blame others when you don't succeed as you would like?
In looking at the future leaders of tomorrow, if they don't have the skills to be successful we have to accept some of the blame. What did we do to prepare them? Its going to take all of us: parents, teachers, friends, and family to raise this new generation.
“If you blame others for your failures, do you credit them with your success?”
“It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you place the blame.”
-Oscar Wilde
“The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.”
-Albert Ellis
“All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you. The only thing blame does is to keep the focus off you when you are looking for external reasons to explain your unhappiness or frustration. You may succeed in making another feel guilty about something by blaming him, but you won't succeed in changing whatever it is about you that is making you unhappy.”
-Wayne Dyer
I found myself watching the Vikings and Ravens play earlier and the game went down to the wire only to be decided on the foot of the kicker. I am not sure that I would ever want to be a kicker in the NFL because for the length of time that they actually spend on the field, I think they have the most pressure per minute played. With 2 seconds left on the clock the kicker walks out to prepare to kick the field goal and makes his attempt which turns out to be unsuccessful. As a professional, you want to think that the kicker can come in to hit the field goal and call it a day. As with most things in life, you kinda have to expect that there are times when things don't go to plan. In the case of this kicker today, I think he walked very lonely to the locker room instead of being congratulated for winning the game.
Was it the kicker's fault that they lost the game? If there are 11 players on the field for each team at any one time, how can the blame rest on just one person? If its a team sport and ultimately the team wins/loses why should one person shoulder the responsibility of the outcome?
As I watched this game, I started to think about things and how our society accepts responsibility for things that happen.
Do you ever have situations where you haven't accepted responsibility for their outcomes? Do you blame others when you don't succeed as you would like?
In looking at the future leaders of tomorrow, if they don't have the skills to be successful we have to accept some of the blame. What did we do to prepare them? Its going to take all of us: parents, teachers, friends, and family to raise this new generation.
“If you blame others for your failures, do you credit them with your success?”
“It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you place the blame.”
-Oscar Wilde
“The best years of your life are the ones in which you decide your problems are your own. You do not blame them on your mother, the ecology, or the president. You realize that you control your own destiny.”
-Albert Ellis
“All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you. The only thing blame does is to keep the focus off you when you are looking for external reasons to explain your unhappiness or frustration. You may succeed in making another feel guilty about something by blaming him, but you won't succeed in changing whatever it is about you that is making you unhappy.”
-Wayne Dyer
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Saturday Thoughts on The Sweetest Day 10/17/09
The Sweetest Day is an observance celebrated primarily in the Great Lakes region and parts of the Northeast United States on the third Saturday in October. Once known as a day to spread love and cheer to the unfortunate, this popular holiday in the northern U.S. is now known as a day to show affection to the loved ones in your life. It is described by Retail Confectioners International as an "occasion which offers all of us an opportunity to remember not only the sick, aged and orphaned, but also friends, relatives and associates whose helpfulness and kindness we have enjoyed."
Its no surprise that yet another day has been created to get us to remember the kindness and thoughtfulness that we have enjoyed during the course of our lives. I couldn't help writing about this day and presenting a few points that make you go Hmmmm!
When was the last time you stayed at a hotel/resort and just struck up a conversation with the doorman? What about the last time you were at WalMart, did you smile at the greeter or just walk in and out of the store?
We have so many opportunites during the course of our lives to spread our good spirit to others. Today is a great day to do it since its The Sweetest Day, but what will you do tomorrow?
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
~Leo Buscag
"It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."
~Author Unknown
"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
~John Wooden
"A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble."
~Charles H. Spurgeon
"Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again."
~Og Mandino
Its no surprise that yet another day has been created to get us to remember the kindness and thoughtfulness that we have enjoyed during the course of our lives. I couldn't help writing about this day and presenting a few points that make you go Hmmmm!
When was the last time you stayed at a hotel/resort and just struck up a conversation with the doorman? What about the last time you were at WalMart, did you smile at the greeter or just walk in and out of the store?
We have so many opportunites during the course of our lives to spread our good spirit to others. Today is a great day to do it since its The Sweetest Day, but what will you do tomorrow?
"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
~Leo Buscag
"It's nice to be important, but it's more important to be nice."
~Author Unknown
"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
~John Wooden
"A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble."
~Charles H. Spurgeon
"Beginning today, treat everyone you meet as if they were going to be dead by midnight. Extend to them all the care, kindness and understanding you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again."
~Og Mandino
Monday's Milestone 10/12/09
It seems like on any given date in time there is a milestone that someone has reached or working toward reaching. Today a friend of mine celebrated his 40th birthday and we talked at length about the day and the milestone that he reached. Over the last week I had a friend turn 30 while another turn 40 and their conversations were vastly different.
Whether its hitting a milestone birthday or anniversary, it is something to be proud of. What we can't do is become complacent and just rest on that milestone. We must appreciate where we have arrived and plan to move forward to achieve our next milestone.
What is it about milestones that cause us to look at life differently? Is it the things that we accomplished a long the way? Is it a struggle to figure out what our next milestone will be? Will you be where you want to be in life when you reach your next milestone? If you aren't where you planned to be, what do you do next?
I reached a milestone today and I look forward to reaching the next one tomorrow. I will see you there.
“Direction is more important than speed. We are so busy looking at our speedometers that we forget the milestone.”
“When a milestone is conquered, the subtle erosion called entitlement begins its consuming grind. The team regards its greatness as a trait and a right. Half hearted effort becomes habit and saps a champion.”
-Pat Riley
“Some may try and tell us that this is the end of an era. But what they overlook is that in America, every day is a new beginning, and every sunset is merely the latest milestone on a voyage that never ends. For this is the land that has never become, but is always in the act of becoming. Emerson was right: America is the land of tomorrow.”
-Ronald Reagan
“I'm very pleased with each advancing year. It stems back to when I was forty. I was a bit upset about reaching that milestone, but an older friend consoled me. 'Don't complain about growing old--many, many people do not have that privilege.'”
-Earl Warren
Whether its hitting a milestone birthday or anniversary, it is something to be proud of. What we can't do is become complacent and just rest on that milestone. We must appreciate where we have arrived and plan to move forward to achieve our next milestone.
What is it about milestones that cause us to look at life differently? Is it the things that we accomplished a long the way? Is it a struggle to figure out what our next milestone will be? Will you be where you want to be in life when you reach your next milestone? If you aren't where you planned to be, what do you do next?
I reached a milestone today and I look forward to reaching the next one tomorrow. I will see you there.
“Direction is more important than speed. We are so busy looking at our speedometers that we forget the milestone.”
“When a milestone is conquered, the subtle erosion called entitlement begins its consuming grind. The team regards its greatness as a trait and a right. Half hearted effort becomes habit and saps a champion.”
-Pat Riley
“Some may try and tell us that this is the end of an era. But what they overlook is that in America, every day is a new beginning, and every sunset is merely the latest milestone on a voyage that never ends. For this is the land that has never become, but is always in the act of becoming. Emerson was right: America is the land of tomorrow.”
-Ronald Reagan
“I'm very pleased with each advancing year. It stems back to when I was forty. I was a bit upset about reaching that milestone, but an older friend consoled me. 'Don't complain about growing old--many, many people do not have that privilege.'”
-Earl Warren
Sunday Evening Thoughts 10/11/09
The weekend is coming to a close and I am trying to prepare for the upcoming week in the best way that I know how. Today was a great day as I felt a sense of meaning while talking to the youth in my Sunday School class, my Arizona Cardinals won, and I showed my support for Breast Cancer Awareness by donning a Pink Polo shirt at today's game.
Its an amazing experience when you feel the conviction of God based on things that have taken place in your life! Over the last week, I have seen the God in me and in some cases have not seen the God in others.
As I think of these situations I begin focus on how people strive to be perfect, but we all must remember that there was only one perfect man that ever walked the face of this earth.
Let's take a look at perfection and figure out what it is that we are trying to be perfect at. The way I see it there are really only a few things in life that you can attempt to be perfect at. At the end of the day you have to be perfect at being you. Who can judge you and say that you are not doing the best job at being you?
I think that we often times lose sight of the things that we were meant to be perfect at. And in doing that we spend a lot of time trying to be perfect at things that we were never intended to be perfect at. People make mistakes and no one is going to live a perfect life. The tough part about grasping the concept of perfection is figuring out what it is you are supposed to be perfect at.
Something tells me that when you realize that its more about others than about you, then you are on the road to figuring it out.
“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.”
-Anna Quindlen
“Some of us (perfectionists, especially) fuss so much over making the 'right' choice, but in life, all that's really needed is to make any' good' choice, believe in it, go through with it, and accept the consequences.”
“People throw away what they could have by insisting on perfection, which they cannot have, and looking for it where they will never find it”
-Edith Schaeffer
“The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection.”
-George Orwell
Its an amazing experience when you feel the conviction of God based on things that have taken place in your life! Over the last week, I have seen the God in me and in some cases have not seen the God in others.
As I think of these situations I begin focus on how people strive to be perfect, but we all must remember that there was only one perfect man that ever walked the face of this earth.
Let's take a look at perfection and figure out what it is that we are trying to be perfect at. The way I see it there are really only a few things in life that you can attempt to be perfect at. At the end of the day you have to be perfect at being you. Who can judge you and say that you are not doing the best job at being you?
I think that we often times lose sight of the things that we were meant to be perfect at. And in doing that we spend a lot of time trying to be perfect at things that we were never intended to be perfect at. People make mistakes and no one is going to live a perfect life. The tough part about grasping the concept of perfection is figuring out what it is you are supposed to be perfect at.
Something tells me that when you realize that its more about others than about you, then you are on the road to figuring it out.
“The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself.”
-Anna Quindlen
“Some of us (perfectionists, especially) fuss so much over making the 'right' choice, but in life, all that's really needed is to make any' good' choice, believe in it, go through with it, and accept the consequences.”
“People throw away what they could have by insisting on perfection, which they cannot have, and looking for it where they will never find it”
-Edith Schaeffer
“The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection.”
-George Orwell
Saturday Afternoon Thoughts 10/10/09
More often than not, we encounter situations in our life that are tests based on previous lessons learned. We go through a lot in our lifetime and hopefully we are learning lessons that begin to enrich our lives and the lives of others.
There have been at least two situations in the last week in my work and personal life that had me really reflecting on my take aways from those lessons learned. My mother will tell you that I am pretty easy going and things rarely bother me. I use the term rarely as there are a few things that do really do bother me. I really have major issues not being respected as a person or not being treated fairly. I do know that these situations are just a part of life and we just have to chose how we deal with it and keep it moving.
Its not important to get into many details about the situations that I experienced. What is important is the fact that I have another topic that I am writing about at this time. I was able to remember how important is to be aware of my situation and have the discipline to be responsible in most situations.
Even before others, how honest are you with YOURSELF? What is your current level of self-awareness? Do you have the self-discipline necessary to maintain focus to reach your goals?
Self-awareness and self-discipline are necessary components to refine as you look to have success with your job, relationships, and other areas of your life.
“We are so vain that we even care for the opinion of those we don't care for.”
-Marie Von Ebner-Eschenbach
“In other living creatures the ignorance of themselves is nature, but in men it is a vice.”
-Boethius
“Self-disciplined begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don't control what you think, you can't control what you do. Simply, self-discipline enables you to think first and act afterward.”
-Napoleon Hill
“Self-discipline is an act of cultivation. It require you to connect today's actions to tomorrow's results. There's a season for sowing a season for reaping. Self-discipline helps you know which is which.”
-Gary Ryan Blair
“In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves...self-discipline with all of them came first.”
-Harry S. Truman
There have been at least two situations in the last week in my work and personal life that had me really reflecting on my take aways from those lessons learned. My mother will tell you that I am pretty easy going and things rarely bother me. I use the term rarely as there are a few things that do really do bother me. I really have major issues not being respected as a person or not being treated fairly. I do know that these situations are just a part of life and we just have to chose how we deal with it and keep it moving.
Its not important to get into many details about the situations that I experienced. What is important is the fact that I have another topic that I am writing about at this time. I was able to remember how important is to be aware of my situation and have the discipline to be responsible in most situations.
Even before others, how honest are you with YOURSELF? What is your current level of self-awareness? Do you have the self-discipline necessary to maintain focus to reach your goals?
Self-awareness and self-discipline are necessary components to refine as you look to have success with your job, relationships, and other areas of your life.
“We are so vain that we even care for the opinion of those we don't care for.”
-Marie Von Ebner-Eschenbach
“In other living creatures the ignorance of themselves is nature, but in men it is a vice.”
-Boethius
“Self-disciplined begins with the mastery of your thoughts. If you don't control what you think, you can't control what you do. Simply, self-discipline enables you to think first and act afterward.”
-Napoleon Hill
“Self-discipline is an act of cultivation. It require you to connect today's actions to tomorrow's results. There's a season for sowing a season for reaping. Self-discipline helps you know which is which.”
-Gary Ryan Blair
“In reading the lives of great men, I found that the first victory they won was over themselves...self-discipline with all of them came first.”
-Harry S. Truman
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Thursday Evening Thoughts
Seems like another week has flown by as tomorrow morning it will be Friday and the week is essentially over. As I look at the past week, I can pose the question to myself asking about my accomplishments for the week and attempt to come up with an answer that's satisfying to me.
There was a point in time that I would solely look at my accomplishments in terms of things that were easily defined and measurable. Lately it seems like I am defining my successes and failures by recognizing if I have made a difference in the life of another. Whether its at work or in my personal life there isn't a moment that passes by that I don't have an opportunity to make a difference in the life of someone. I have clearly identified my role and I am trying to add value by creating an infectious movement that catches on to bring this world we live in back into balance.
We all have choices in life and we can easily choose to make a difference or not. A lot of people often think you have to be Oprah or a well known person who does something that's on the news to make a difference. It isn't always going to be some amazing discovery that makes a difference, because sometimes its just a smile to a complete stranger that made a difference to another.
What if I told you that you could change the world? Would you believe me? Would you be willing to at least give it a try?
No matter where your journey on the road of life takes you on a daily basis you do have an opportunity to make a difference. The million dollar question here is, "Do you care to make a difference?"
Just speaking from my experiences, I want to make a difference and I will attempt to do it ONE E-MAIL AT A TIME.
“There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: Those who are afraid to try themselves, and those who are afraid that you will succeed.”
-Ray Gofort
“There are only about a half dozen things that make 80% of the difference in any area of our lives.”
-Jim Rohn
“People don't understand that not only can they make a difference, it's their responsibility to do so”
-Florence Robinson
“Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is simply passing the time. Action with Vision is making a positive difference.”
-Joel Barker
“To recognize opportunity is the difference between success and failure”
There was a point in time that I would solely look at my accomplishments in terms of things that were easily defined and measurable. Lately it seems like I am defining my successes and failures by recognizing if I have made a difference in the life of another. Whether its at work or in my personal life there isn't a moment that passes by that I don't have an opportunity to make a difference in the life of someone. I have clearly identified my role and I am trying to add value by creating an infectious movement that catches on to bring this world we live in back into balance.
We all have choices in life and we can easily choose to make a difference or not. A lot of people often think you have to be Oprah or a well known person who does something that's on the news to make a difference. It isn't always going to be some amazing discovery that makes a difference, because sometimes its just a smile to a complete stranger that made a difference to another.
What if I told you that you could change the world? Would you believe me? Would you be willing to at least give it a try?
No matter where your journey on the road of life takes you on a daily basis you do have an opportunity to make a difference. The million dollar question here is, "Do you care to make a difference?"
Just speaking from my experiences, I want to make a difference and I will attempt to do it ONE E-MAIL AT A TIME.
“There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: Those who are afraid to try themselves, and those who are afraid that you will succeed.”
-Ray Gofort
“There are only about a half dozen things that make 80% of the difference in any area of our lives.”
-Jim Rohn
“People don't understand that not only can they make a difference, it's their responsibility to do so”
-Florence Robinson
“Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is simply passing the time. Action with Vision is making a positive difference.”
-Joel Barker
“To recognize opportunity is the difference between success and failure”
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Thoughts on Hump Day 10/07/09
It's Wednesday and that infamous "GET OVER THE HUMP DAY" and I am excited about what the day may bring. After a great nights sleep, I rose early with a fresh perspective on how to make today better than yesterday.
When the sun goes down on most days and we head into the evening, hopefully we are closing the book on today and preparing for tomorrow. Whether its 4 hours or 8 hours a nites rest, gives us the opportunity to re-energize and be at our best for the next day.
Just like our body needs to be refreshed on a daily basis, our lives, relationships, and thoughts, often times need to be refreshed. Refreshing things in your life can often times lead to new perspectives and experiences. Never be afraid to push the reset button and start fresh on anything.
“Rest when you're weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.”
-Ralph Marston
“The best way to keep good acts in memory is to refresh them with new.”
-Cato the Elder
“Affliction comes to all not to make us sad, but sober; not to make us sorry, but wise; not to make us despondent, but its darkness to refresh us, as the night refreshes the day; not to impoverish, but to enrich us, as the plow enriches the field; to”
-Henry Ward Beecher
“To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward”
-Margaret Fairless Barber
When the sun goes down on most days and we head into the evening, hopefully we are closing the book on today and preparing for tomorrow. Whether its 4 hours or 8 hours a nites rest, gives us the opportunity to re-energize and be at our best for the next day.
Just like our body needs to be refreshed on a daily basis, our lives, relationships, and thoughts, often times need to be refreshed. Refreshing things in your life can often times lead to new perspectives and experiences. Never be afraid to push the reset button and start fresh on anything.
“Rest when you're weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.”
-Ralph Marston
“The best way to keep good acts in memory is to refresh them with new.”
-Cato the Elder
“Affliction comes to all not to make us sad, but sober; not to make us sorry, but wise; not to make us despondent, but its darkness to refresh us, as the night refreshes the day; not to impoverish, but to enrich us, as the plow enriches the field; to”
-Henry Ward Beecher
“To look backward for a while is to refresh the eye, to restore it, and to render it the more fit for its prime function of looking forward”
-Margaret Fairless Barber
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Tuesday Night Thoughts 10/06/09
I am sitting here at the computer watching the clock as I prepare to play Madden '10 online with a dear friend of mine in Alabama. I must say you really have to appreciate technology and the things that it allows us to do.
As I write about anything that inspires me, I have created a situation that my friends feel very comfortable talking to me about anything. While I am preparing to have a lil fun, I can't help but reflect on several conversations that have taken place with a couple of my friends over the last couple of days. It seems like the flavor of the month happens to be not being valued for who you are or appreciated in your relationships. As I started to think about it, I think it all starts with what a person cherishes. If we can begin to understand the things that are important to people we can begin to know whether not we will be questioning intentions later on.
The word treasure began floating around my head, see the definition below.
treas·ure n. 1. Accumulated or stored wealth in the form of money, jewels, or other valuables. 2. Valuable or precious possessions of any kind. 3. One considered especially precious or valuable. tr.v. treas·ured, treas·ur·ing, treas·ures 1. To keep or regard as precious; value highly. 2. To accumulate and store away, as for future use.
After reading this definition several times and thinking about how the word is used I began to have a few thoughts about relationships.
Are our relationships affected by what we treasure?
Are we often treasuring the wrong things? wrong people?
Have you ever hidden a treasure only to find out it was gone when you went back to retrieve it?
Have you ever found a treasure that was deemed to be not worth much to someone with no vision?
What do you honestly treasure?
These are good questions to ask of ourselves as we move forward to make tomorrow better than today. Its always good to remember that some things you treasure are nothing more than fool's gold.
“If out of all mankind one finds a single friend, he has found something more precious than any treasure, since there is nothing in the world so valuable that it can be compared to a real friend.”
-Andreas Capellanus
“Faithful friends are gifts from heaven: Whoever finds one has found a treasure.”
“I am responsible. Although I may not be able to prevent the worst from happening, I am responsible for my attitude toward the inevitable misfortunes that darken life. Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have – life itself.”
-Walter Anderson
“Treasure your relationships, not your possessions.”
-Anthony J. D'Angelo
“Friendship is a priceless treasure never to be bought or sold - it can only be cherished.”
“Whatever we treasure for ourselves separates us from others; our possessions are our limitations.”
-Rabindranath Tagore
As I write about anything that inspires me, I have created a situation that my friends feel very comfortable talking to me about anything. While I am preparing to have a lil fun, I can't help but reflect on several conversations that have taken place with a couple of my friends over the last couple of days. It seems like the flavor of the month happens to be not being valued for who you are or appreciated in your relationships. As I started to think about it, I think it all starts with what a person cherishes. If we can begin to understand the things that are important to people we can begin to know whether not we will be questioning intentions later on.
The word treasure began floating around my head, see the definition below.
treas·ure n. 1. Accumulated or stored wealth in the form of money, jewels, or other valuables. 2. Valuable or precious possessions of any kind. 3. One considered especially precious or valuable. tr.v. treas·ured, treas·ur·ing, treas·ures 1. To keep or regard as precious; value highly. 2. To accumulate and store away, as for future use.
After reading this definition several times and thinking about how the word is used I began to have a few thoughts about relationships.
Are our relationships affected by what we treasure?
Are we often treasuring the wrong things? wrong people?
Have you ever hidden a treasure only to find out it was gone when you went back to retrieve it?
Have you ever found a treasure that was deemed to be not worth much to someone with no vision?
What do you honestly treasure?
These are good questions to ask of ourselves as we move forward to make tomorrow better than today. Its always good to remember that some things you treasure are nothing more than fool's gold.
“If out of all mankind one finds a single friend, he has found something more precious than any treasure, since there is nothing in the world so valuable that it can be compared to a real friend.”
-Andreas Capellanus
“Faithful friends are gifts from heaven: Whoever finds one has found a treasure.”
“I am responsible. Although I may not be able to prevent the worst from happening, I am responsible for my attitude toward the inevitable misfortunes that darken life. Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have – life itself.”
-Walter Anderson
“Treasure your relationships, not your possessions.”
-Anthony J. D'Angelo
“Friendship is a priceless treasure never to be bought or sold - it can only be cherished.”
“Whatever we treasure for ourselves separates us from others; our possessions are our limitations.”
-Rabindranath Tagore
Monday, October 5, 2009
Sunday Reflections Carried Over
Another weekend has come to a close and I can say that I fully enjoyed every minute of it. There were a a lot of fun moments this weekend, and yet there were still other moments that challenged me as a person. Often times my weekend peaks on Sunday as most of my thoughts over the entire weekend come to a head and then I am left with a revelation.
Yesterday, while I was attending church it wasn't the message I received during the service that hit home with me, rather the conversations that took place during Sunday School and after. During Sunday School, the testimony of a young man named Jimmy Lewis was given by his mother. Let me give you a little background about Jimmy and his mother so you can understand how special this young man is. On August 29, 2005 Jimmy and his mother along with other family members were residents of New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina roared a shore. After surviving Hurricane Katrina, Jimmy and his mother relocated to Phoenix, Arizona and essentially started their life over. New school and new environment Jimmy pressed on and ended up becoming an All State football player for Peoria Centennial winning multiple state championships while he was in school.
As I have learned more about Jimmy over the last year, I can clearly see that God is working miracles in his life. Yesterday, while his mother was given his latest testimony about him attending Hargrave Military Academy did tears begin to form in my eyes as I was in awe at the power of God. After graduating from high school, Jimmy had several scholarship offers to play football, but a vision and something on his heart had him directed to attend the Hargrave Military Academy. Jimmy did not have a scholarship to assist him at Hargrave Military Academy to assist with the $29,000 annual tuition. Prior to attending Jimmy and his mother thought that would be able to put together some of the funds and rely on other scholarship sources to assist. All the way up until the day Jimmy was scheduled to make a move to Hargrave Military Academy nothing was lining up and all financial means of assistance appeared to fall through.
Jimmy remained steadfast in his faith knowing that God had a plan for him and he was destined to attend the Hargrave Military Academy and play football. Currently enrolled at the Hargrave Military Academy, Jimmy's full tuition has not been paid but the school has welcomed him with open arms. There is a calling on Jimmy's life and God is using him to do great things. While Jimmy has been in school he has done an amazing job being himself and showing others the God in him. Jimmy's current roommate is an atheist and he has begun to see the God in Jimmy by the way he lives.
I know in my heart that the world will begin to see more of Jimmy on the weekend. He will be on someones football field playing on Saturday for a couple of years and then playing on Sunday. God has a plan for this young man and will use him always because of his unwavering faith.
I could not resist sharing this story, as I am continually impressed by this young man. I would like to think that I was teaching him something, but he is teaching me more than he could ever imagine. Never underestimate the power of God working miracles in your life. On a daily basis we are being prepared to be where God wants us to be. Things that occur in your life may not make sense to you or appear to not be working in accordance with your plan. Just remember that its always been God's plan for our lives and not our own. If we aren't already there, we are moving closer and closer to where we are destined to be based on God's plan.
Now is the time to stop being scared and have the faith to let him lead you to where you need to be.
“Dreams are like stars...you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny.”
“I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I need to be.”
-Douglas Adams
“I have no regrets in my life. I think that everything happens to you for a reason. The hard times that you go through build character, making you a much stronger person.”
-Rita Mero
“I can't control my destiny, I trust my soul, my only goal is just to be. There's only now, there's only here. Give in to love or live in fear. No other path, no other way. No day but today.”
-Jonathan Larson
“It's choice--not chance--that determines your destiny.”
-Jean Nidetch
Yesterday, while I was attending church it wasn't the message I received during the service that hit home with me, rather the conversations that took place during Sunday School and after. During Sunday School, the testimony of a young man named Jimmy Lewis was given by his mother. Let me give you a little background about Jimmy and his mother so you can understand how special this young man is. On August 29, 2005 Jimmy and his mother along with other family members were residents of New Orleans when Hurricane Katrina roared a shore. After surviving Hurricane Katrina, Jimmy and his mother relocated to Phoenix, Arizona and essentially started their life over. New school and new environment Jimmy pressed on and ended up becoming an All State football player for Peoria Centennial winning multiple state championships while he was in school.
As I have learned more about Jimmy over the last year, I can clearly see that God is working miracles in his life. Yesterday, while his mother was given his latest testimony about him attending Hargrave Military Academy did tears begin to form in my eyes as I was in awe at the power of God. After graduating from high school, Jimmy had several scholarship offers to play football, but a vision and something on his heart had him directed to attend the Hargrave Military Academy. Jimmy did not have a scholarship to assist him at Hargrave Military Academy to assist with the $29,000 annual tuition. Prior to attending Jimmy and his mother thought that would be able to put together some of the funds and rely on other scholarship sources to assist. All the way up until the day Jimmy was scheduled to make a move to Hargrave Military Academy nothing was lining up and all financial means of assistance appeared to fall through.
Jimmy remained steadfast in his faith knowing that God had a plan for him and he was destined to attend the Hargrave Military Academy and play football. Currently enrolled at the Hargrave Military Academy, Jimmy's full tuition has not been paid but the school has welcomed him with open arms. There is a calling on Jimmy's life and God is using him to do great things. While Jimmy has been in school he has done an amazing job being himself and showing others the God in him. Jimmy's current roommate is an atheist and he has begun to see the God in Jimmy by the way he lives.
I know in my heart that the world will begin to see more of Jimmy on the weekend. He will be on someones football field playing on Saturday for a couple of years and then playing on Sunday. God has a plan for this young man and will use him always because of his unwavering faith.
I could not resist sharing this story, as I am continually impressed by this young man. I would like to think that I was teaching him something, but he is teaching me more than he could ever imagine. Never underestimate the power of God working miracles in your life. On a daily basis we are being prepared to be where God wants us to be. Things that occur in your life may not make sense to you or appear to not be working in accordance with your plan. Just remember that its always been God's plan for our lives and not our own. If we aren't already there, we are moving closer and closer to where we are destined to be based on God's plan.
Now is the time to stop being scared and have the faith to let him lead you to where you need to be.
“Dreams are like stars...you may never touch them, but if you follow them they will lead you to your destiny.”
“I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I need to be.”
-Douglas Adams
“I have no regrets in my life. I think that everything happens to you for a reason. The hard times that you go through build character, making you a much stronger person.”
-Rita Mero
“I can't control my destiny, I trust my soul, my only goal is just to be. There's only now, there's only here. Give in to love or live in fear. No other path, no other way. No day but today.”
-Jonathan Larson
“It's choice--not chance--that determines your destiny.”
-Jean Nidetch
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Saturday Evening Thoughts
I must say that I had a very relaxing day off yesterday, but I still engaged in activities that are feeding my personal growth. As you know I watch a lot of sports and I happened to pay close attention to a couple of sports stories that made the headlines yesterday.
The selection of Brazil to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games was not a surprise to me. However, what did surprise me were the conversations and looks of dejection of the citizens of Chicago. This was not the successful picture that was envisioned by the city of Chicago and President Obama as he showed his support for the selection as well. I also point you to the news reports that show that Tiger Woods has become the first Billion Dollar athlete.
I highlight these two examples as they show the two sides of success. In the Olympic example Chicago wasn't successful in its bid to host, and definitely has some work to done in order to become a strong contender in future years. Tiger Woods has demonstrated since he entered the golfing world his love for the game and his success in the sport tells me a lot.
In my opinion, anyone can be successful in anything that choose to be. Success isn't a given and it doesn't come easy. I think there is a recipe for it and anyone can cook it up to be a delightful dish. I have a few simple ingredients that you can start with, but feel free to jazz it up as necessary. My recipe for success includes a good mix of preparation, determination, self evaluation, and timing.
"When you're on the road to success the most important step is always the next one. Never stop trying!"
"I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed"
-Michael Jordan
The selection of Brazil to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games was not a surprise to me. However, what did surprise me were the conversations and looks of dejection of the citizens of Chicago. This was not the successful picture that was envisioned by the city of Chicago and President Obama as he showed his support for the selection as well. I also point you to the news reports that show that Tiger Woods has become the first Billion Dollar athlete.
I highlight these two examples as they show the two sides of success. In the Olympic example Chicago wasn't successful in its bid to host, and definitely has some work to done in order to become a strong contender in future years. Tiger Woods has demonstrated since he entered the golfing world his love for the game and his success in the sport tells me a lot.
In my opinion, anyone can be successful in anything that choose to be. Success isn't a given and it doesn't come easy. I think there is a recipe for it and anyone can cook it up to be a delightful dish. I have a few simple ingredients that you can start with, but feel free to jazz it up as necessary. My recipe for success includes a good mix of preparation, determination, self evaluation, and timing.
"When you're on the road to success the most important step is always the next one. Never stop trying!"
"I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed"
-Michael Jordan
Friday, October 2, 2009
Thursday Late Night Thoughts 10/01/09
Over the course of my life I learned a few things and you can't question the things that God does in your life. Some of those things may seem insignificant to you at the time, but often times it carries a bigger meaning. If you are like me, you are starting to wonder where my inspiration came from today or what could possibly have on my brain right now.
So let me tell you a little bit about my day and then you can see where I am headed. Seemed like a normal day for me as I got dressed and went to work. I really didn't think a whole lot about my wardrobe decisions today, but it was pointed out to me that I was comfortable in my manhood by wearing a Pink Polo shirt. It was at that moment that I realized that it was October 1 and the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
I first learned about breast cancer at the age of 8, when my great grandmother was diagnosed and she beat it. Also, in the last several years one my very close friends mother overcame her battle with breast cancer as well. Breast Cancer Awareness Month holds a special place in my heart based on people close to me that were affected. I believe in supporting the push for cancer research and try and do my best to support. As I think about my feelings about supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it made me think about my relationships with the individuals that have gone through it.
Even as an 8 year old, I can remember my great grandmother recuperating in the front room of my grandmother's home and going into check on her. All I knew at that time was that my great grandmother was lying the bed and she was smiling when she saw me. As I became older and my friends mother was overcoming her battle, I remember picking up the phone in Arizona and calling back to Mississippi checking in with her and her family members to see how she was doing.
My thoughts all of sudden began to be centered around support and what does it actually mean. I am sure we all have a lot of contacts in our blackberry's, palms, and outlook contact folders.
How many of those people are there for you when you don't even ask? How many of those same people become aware of what's going on in your life and pray for you when you aren't even asking them to?
Do you have the right support system based on where you are destined to be in life?
How are you supporting others?
“A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.”
-Grace Pulpit
“Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave ”
-Muhammad
“Family... a group experience of love and support.”
-Marianne Williamson
“If all my friends were to jump off a bridge, I wouldn't follow. I'd be at the bottom to catch them when they fall.”
“False friendship, like the ivy, decays and ruins the walls it embraces; but true friendship gives new life and animation to the object it supports”
-Richard Burton
So let me tell you a little bit about my day and then you can see where I am headed. Seemed like a normal day for me as I got dressed and went to work. I really didn't think a whole lot about my wardrobe decisions today, but it was pointed out to me that I was comfortable in my manhood by wearing a Pink Polo shirt. It was at that moment that I realized that it was October 1 and the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
I first learned about breast cancer at the age of 8, when my great grandmother was diagnosed and she beat it. Also, in the last several years one my very close friends mother overcame her battle with breast cancer as well. Breast Cancer Awareness Month holds a special place in my heart based on people close to me that were affected. I believe in supporting the push for cancer research and try and do my best to support. As I think about my feelings about supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it made me think about my relationships with the individuals that have gone through it.
Even as an 8 year old, I can remember my great grandmother recuperating in the front room of my grandmother's home and going into check on her. All I knew at that time was that my great grandmother was lying the bed and she was smiling when she saw me. As I became older and my friends mother was overcoming her battle, I remember picking up the phone in Arizona and calling back to Mississippi checking in with her and her family members to see how she was doing.
My thoughts all of sudden began to be centered around support and what does it actually mean. I am sure we all have a lot of contacts in our blackberry's, palms, and outlook contact folders.
How many of those people are there for you when you don't even ask? How many of those same people become aware of what's going on in your life and pray for you when you aren't even asking them to?
Do you have the right support system based on where you are destined to be in life?
How are you supporting others?
“A friend is the one who comes in when the whole world has gone out.”
-Grace Pulpit
“Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave ”
-Muhammad
“Family... a group experience of love and support.”
-Marianne Williamson
“If all my friends were to jump off a bridge, I wouldn't follow. I'd be at the bottom to catch them when they fall.”
“False friendship, like the ivy, decays and ruins the walls it embraces; but true friendship gives new life and animation to the object it supports”
-Richard Burton
Wednesday Night Thoughts 09/30/09
On a Wednesday night, I should sitting here watching SportsCenter or House of Payne on TBS, but I am sitting here at the computer reflecting on my night. It was another day at the factory for me, but it seemed just a tad different than most. In addition to normal work, I actually spent part of the day doing my semi annual performance review. These are often times very humbling discussions regardless of how good you feel that you things at your job. Based on that experience I started thinking about the concept of humility and keeping my mind focused.
Lately, it seems that everything that I do is related in some form or fashion. Yesterday, I found myself discussing appreciation and I left some thoughts unfinished or I would still be writing today. I was reading the sports section of the USA Today and it was referencing two athletes in an editorial who choose to sit out after they were drafted by professional baseball and professional football teams. Its amazing that these individuals felt that what they were being offered financially was not sufficient based on what they and their agents felt they were worth. Where is the appreciation of fact that you are in select few that have the skills/abilities to play something you love on the highest level there is. If these individuals don't change their mindset, there are some very humbling experiences coming down the pike.
I must say that it is a refreshing feeling when you see an athlete that embraces that he is just a person who happens to get paid to do something he loves. I say this as I pay a compliment to a very humble professional athlete that I have had the opportunity to meet twice. I bumped into Calais Campbell, a 2ND year Defensive Lineman with the Arizona Cardinals, for the 2ND time in the last year and in my opinion he is a class act. We spoke and during the conversation he remembered the first time we met and it said a lot to me about the kind of person he is. Our conversation was brief and just a regular conversation between two people. In both of my conversations with him, this individual appeared to be very humble and it told the me the story of who he was.
We all have the choice to be humble or be humbled by our experiences. Often times we choose the latter and are forced to learn humility. Think about the situations in your life that have that have served as your humbling experiences. Regardless of where you are in life you will always have the choice of being humble or being humbled, so choose wisely.
“Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.”
-John Wooden
“A person can achieve everything by being simple and humble.”
-Rig Veda
“The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.”
-Jim Rohn
“The more a person analyzes his inner self, the more insignificant he seems to himself. This is the first lesson of wisdom. Let us be humble, and we will become wise. Let us know our weakness, and it will give us power.”
-William Ellery Channing
“I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble”
-Helen Keller
Lately, it seems that everything that I do is related in some form or fashion. Yesterday, I found myself discussing appreciation and I left some thoughts unfinished or I would still be writing today. I was reading the sports section of the USA Today and it was referencing two athletes in an editorial who choose to sit out after they were drafted by professional baseball and professional football teams. Its amazing that these individuals felt that what they were being offered financially was not sufficient based on what they and their agents felt they were worth. Where is the appreciation of fact that you are in select few that have the skills/abilities to play something you love on the highest level there is. If these individuals don't change their mindset, there are some very humbling experiences coming down the pike.
I must say that it is a refreshing feeling when you see an athlete that embraces that he is just a person who happens to get paid to do something he loves. I say this as I pay a compliment to a very humble professional athlete that I have had the opportunity to meet twice. I bumped into Calais Campbell, a 2ND year Defensive Lineman with the Arizona Cardinals, for the 2ND time in the last year and in my opinion he is a class act. We spoke and during the conversation he remembered the first time we met and it said a lot to me about the kind of person he is. Our conversation was brief and just a regular conversation between two people. In both of my conversations with him, this individual appeared to be very humble and it told the me the story of who he was.
We all have the choice to be humble or be humbled by our experiences. Often times we choose the latter and are forced to learn humility. Think about the situations in your life that have that have served as your humbling experiences. Regardless of where you are in life you will always have the choice of being humble or being humbled, so choose wisely.
“Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful.”
-John Wooden
“A person can achieve everything by being simple and humble.”
-Rig Veda
“The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.”
-Jim Rohn
“The more a person analyzes his inner self, the more insignificant he seems to himself. This is the first lesson of wisdom. Let us be humble, and we will become wise. Let us know our weakness, and it will give us power.”
-William Ellery Channing
“I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble”
-Helen Keller
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