There's really only one way for me to start this off and that's by saying, "Another beautiful day in the land of the living!" I couldn't think of any other way to start off because I am so
thankful to see another day and have yet another opportunity to get this thing we call life right. Waking up this morning I knew that I wasn't going to have all the right answers or say the right things, but if/when I do wake up I am going to put my best foot forward.
Before, I move to far forward, I do want to thank you for the prayers sent up for my family and extended family with the recent passing of a loved one. Even in the midst of grieving there are still positives that seem to come out and provide comfort.
It really doesn't take much for my mind to get running and after a few conversations/interactions with a few people my mind is going full speed. As we are in the holiday season I am starting to see people who are preaching the good will towards all men and thinking of other mantra. I often wonder when I see this from certain people where was this attitude in the middle of March or July. The holidays always tend to bring the caring nature out of people. I wonder how different the world might be if the attitudes we have during the holiday season managed to carry over throughout the entire year. Hmmmm
As I continued to let my thoughts roam a little more the term surface got stuck in my head. I started to think about my experiences growing up and the holiday season. I wonder how many times as a child I became overly excited about a gift that appeared to be wrapped in a better package or in a bigger box. How often was I disappointed because I focused on what I could see on the surface because the real treasure was beneath the surface.
As I think about it, most of our decisions are based on what we are able to see on the surface and it's at that point when we determine if we want to see what's below the surface. We have to remember the iceberg concept as we deal with people and situations as there is only so much that we can see at any given time. For example, I have been asked again about finding a special person to spend my life with and I have a new answer to the question. I can be easily impressed by what I can see on the surface in a person's appearance, but can I close my eyes having a conversation with them and still be impressed with their personality, attitude, and spirit. When I find someone like that I will definitely excited about the future.
As you prepare to enjoy your weekend, I want to remind you to always take a couple of moments to look beyond the surface if you feel it's warranted. Amazing is just around the corner and every now and then you need to look just a little below the surface to find it.
When you meet people does what you see stop at the surface? What is it that makes you curious about what's below the surface? Have you ever been mistaken by what you were able to see on the surface? When people look at you, what do they see on the surface?
“Character is like the foundation of a house - it is below the surface.”
“Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath.”
-Michael Caine
“Keep looking below surface appearances. Don't shrink from doing so just because you might not like what you find.”
-Colin Powell
“Behavior which appears superficially correct but is intrinsically corrupt always irritates those who see below the surface”
-James Bryant Conant
“Do not hover always on the surface of things, nor take up suddenly, with mere appearances; but penetrate into the depth of matters, as far as your time and circumstances allow, especially in those things which relate to your profession”
-Isaac Watts
“Few people even scratch the surface, much less exhaust the contemplation of their own experience.”
-Randolph Bourne
“There are two sorts of curiosity - the momentary and the permanent. The momentary is concerned with the odd appearance on the surface of things. The permanent is attracted by the amazing and consecutive life that flows on beneath the surface of things.”
-Robert Lynd
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Friday Evening Thoughts on Gratitude 12/3/10
Friday evening and I am in the midst of enjoying some of my best times. It's not surprising that I find myself the happiest when I am not at work and in the company of people that genuinely care about me. The day was pretty relaxing as I didn't have to work today.
Today I managed to put a smile or two on the faces of a few people. There could be a few more, but I can only account for some of my actions that directly resulted in a smile or two. Like most mornings, I started my day with a little reflection on where my life is currently and found some quotes to share with those in my circle. When I first started sending the daily quotes out several years ago, I never envisioned the impact that they would have years later. It's gotten to the point that there are people that look forward to receiving them and the quotes have become a part of their day.
As I look back at some of things that I do, people remind me of how they appreciate me being a nice guy. I can only say thanks as its a product how of I was raised and what I learned from those that I spend a lot of time with. I talked on the phone to my Aunt Loretta today and she was just calling to tell me thanks for calling just to say hi every now and then. She said thanks for the quotes and she just appreciated me for who I am.
So as I started thinking about talking to my aunt and seeing the smile on my friend's face when I surprised her by bringing her lunch the made me realize that its okay to be a nice guy. I can honestly say that I try my best to treat people like I want to treated. I don't take actions based on any potential reciprocation.
So I found myself sitting here with thoughts of gratitude and asked myself a few questions.
What does gratitude mean to you? Are you nice because you want people to show gratitude toward you? If people don't show you gratitude are you no longer nice? What are you doing that you would expect people to show gratitude toward? How are you showing gratitude? Why?
At the end of the day, I would like to think that these questions that I posed to myself along with the quotes below may inspire something within you as I know it already has in me.
As you move forward and prepare to enjoy your weekend, I trust that you will embrace the opportunity to have many amazing moments. Enjoy life to the fullest and don't let any opportunities slip out of your hands since tomorrow has the potential to not be like today was.
“Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can - there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.”
-Sarah Caldwell
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
-William Arthur Ward
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
“Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.”
-Gladys Browyn Stern
“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.”
-Brian Tracy
“Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.”
-Eileen Caddy
“Gratitude is one of the least articulate of the emotions, especially when it is deep”
-Felix Frankfurter
“Gratitude preserves old friendships, and procures new.”
Today I managed to put a smile or two on the faces of a few people. There could be a few more, but I can only account for some of my actions that directly resulted in a smile or two. Like most mornings, I started my day with a little reflection on where my life is currently and found some quotes to share with those in my circle. When I first started sending the daily quotes out several years ago, I never envisioned the impact that they would have years later. It's gotten to the point that there are people that look forward to receiving them and the quotes have become a part of their day.
As I look back at some of things that I do, people remind me of how they appreciate me being a nice guy. I can only say thanks as its a product how of I was raised and what I learned from those that I spend a lot of time with. I talked on the phone to my Aunt Loretta today and she was just calling to tell me thanks for calling just to say hi every now and then. She said thanks for the quotes and she just appreciated me for who I am.
So as I started thinking about talking to my aunt and seeing the smile on my friend's face when I surprised her by bringing her lunch the made me realize that its okay to be a nice guy. I can honestly say that I try my best to treat people like I want to treated. I don't take actions based on any potential reciprocation.
So I found myself sitting here with thoughts of gratitude and asked myself a few questions.
What does gratitude mean to you? Are you nice because you want people to show gratitude toward you? If people don't show you gratitude are you no longer nice? What are you doing that you would expect people to show gratitude toward? How are you showing gratitude? Why?
At the end of the day, I would like to think that these questions that I posed to myself along with the quotes below may inspire something within you as I know it already has in me.
As you move forward and prepare to enjoy your weekend, I trust that you will embrace the opportunity to have many amazing moments. Enjoy life to the fullest and don't let any opportunities slip out of your hands since tomorrow has the potential to not be like today was.
“Learn everything you can, anytime you can, from anyone you can - there will always come a time when you will be grateful you did.”
-Sarah Caldwell
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
-William Arthur Ward
“Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”
“Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.”
-Gladys Browyn Stern
“Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.”
-Brian Tracy
“Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.”
-Eileen Caddy
“Gratitude is one of the least articulate of the emotions, especially when it is deep”
-Felix Frankfurter
“Gratitude preserves old friendships, and procures new.”
Thanksgiving Thoughts on Grateful 11/25/10
I woke up this morning and all I could say was thank you and that I am grateful for the opportunity to see another day. I barely opened my eyes this morning and I was able to see how many people were able to get up before me and wish me a happy thanksgiving. It’s amazing how the holidays roll around and you are reminded about all the things and people that you are grateful for in our lives.
In our daily lives we are often so busy or so involved in things that we forget to take a moment to appreciate everything that our life is comprised of. I couldn’t help but think about being grateful for the opportunities that we have to make a difference in the lives of others. Several things happened so far today that gave me a different perspective not just on thanksgiving, but how I celebrate everyday of my life.
Thanksgiving is traditionally associated with food and football, and today is no different. Although, if you were watching football earlier there was a story on Chris Henry (former football player for the Cincinnati Bengals) who passed away last year talking about his life. While it was a very unfortunate event losing a loved one, the story centered on what his mother did in the face of the tragedy. At the time of his passing his mother made the decision that based on her son’s physical condition his organs could help give some others a second chance. There were some individuals who had been waiting on the transplant lists for quite a while and she was able to help four individuals by donating the Chris’s lungs, kidneys, liver, and pancreas.
The story became very touching as they showed her meeting the families for the first time and saying that they were now a part of her family as the spirit of her son was living through them now. While a tragic loss, Chris’s mother turned this experience into a positive for others because she was grateful that her son was in the physical condition he was to help these individuals that he never had the chance to meet.
So after a conversation I had with a friend of mine this morning as they were telling me how thankful that they were for my friendship I continued to think about a few things.
What does it mean to be grateful? What are you grateful for? Are you taking advantage of the things that make you grateful? Are you grateful without action?
At this very moment, I can tell you that I am grateful for everything in my life good and bad. The bad things actually are a blessing since they really make you realize how grateful you are for the learning experiences and opportunity to stay humble.
On this Thanksgiving 2010, I am grateful that you are a part of my life and that I can share my thoughts with you. Have a blessed holiday while enjoying the time spent with family, friends, and loved ones. Enjoy today for what it is, as you don’t know what tomorrow may bring.
“A friend is one with whom you are comfortable, to whom you are loyal, through whom you are blessed, and for whom you are grateful.”
-William Arthur Ward
“When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears”
-Anthony Robbins
“Each day offers us the gift of being a special occasion if we can simply learn that as well as giving, it is blessed to receive with grace and a grateful heart.”
-Sarah Ban Breathnach
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
-Marcel Proust
“When we are grateful for the good we already have, we attract more good into our life. On the other hand, when we are ungrateful, we tend to shut ourselves off from the good we might otherwise experience.”
-Margaret Stortz
“Given the amount of unjust suffering and unhappiness in the world, I am deeply grateful for, sometimes even perplexed by, how much misery I have been spared.”
-Dennis Prager
In our daily lives we are often so busy or so involved in things that we forget to take a moment to appreciate everything that our life is comprised of. I couldn’t help but think about being grateful for the opportunities that we have to make a difference in the lives of others. Several things happened so far today that gave me a different perspective not just on thanksgiving, but how I celebrate everyday of my life.
Thanksgiving is traditionally associated with food and football, and today is no different. Although, if you were watching football earlier there was a story on Chris Henry (former football player for the Cincinnati Bengals) who passed away last year talking about his life. While it was a very unfortunate event losing a loved one, the story centered on what his mother did in the face of the tragedy. At the time of his passing his mother made the decision that based on her son’s physical condition his organs could help give some others a second chance. There were some individuals who had been waiting on the transplant lists for quite a while and she was able to help four individuals by donating the Chris’s lungs, kidneys, liver, and pancreas.
The story became very touching as they showed her meeting the families for the first time and saying that they were now a part of her family as the spirit of her son was living through them now. While a tragic loss, Chris’s mother turned this experience into a positive for others because she was grateful that her son was in the physical condition he was to help these individuals that he never had the chance to meet.
So after a conversation I had with a friend of mine this morning as they were telling me how thankful that they were for my friendship I continued to think about a few things.
What does it mean to be grateful? What are you grateful for? Are you taking advantage of the things that make you grateful? Are you grateful without action?
At this very moment, I can tell you that I am grateful for everything in my life good and bad. The bad things actually are a blessing since they really make you realize how grateful you are for the learning experiences and opportunity to stay humble.
On this Thanksgiving 2010, I am grateful that you are a part of my life and that I can share my thoughts with you. Have a blessed holiday while enjoying the time spent with family, friends, and loved ones. Enjoy today for what it is, as you don’t know what tomorrow may bring.
“A friend is one with whom you are comfortable, to whom you are loyal, through whom you are blessed, and for whom you are grateful.”
-William Arthur Ward
“When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears”
-Anthony Robbins
“Each day offers us the gift of being a special occasion if we can simply learn that as well as giving, it is blessed to receive with grace and a grateful heart.”
-Sarah Ban Breathnach
“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.”
-Marcel Proust
“When we are grateful for the good we already have, we attract more good into our life. On the other hand, when we are ungrateful, we tend to shut ourselves off from the good we might otherwise experience.”
-Margaret Stortz
“Given the amount of unjust suffering and unhappiness in the world, I am deeply grateful for, sometimes even perplexed by, how much misery I have been spared.”
-Dennis Prager
Friday Afternoon Thoughts on Being Better 11/12/10
The end of another week is here and I am preparing to enjoy the weekend. Seems as it gets closer to the end of the year the weeks drag on a little bit. Even with that I still find a lot to gain from all of my experiences. Everyday it seems I am learning more and more to embrace all the situations that I encounter as they are all learning experiences. As long as each and every one of us has an opportunity to see another day, we will be presented with an opportunity to learn at some point. Whether one chooses to or not depends on the individual.
I am starting to see my own growth right before my eyes in my decision making and self-awareness. The self-awareness piece has become quite a big deal for me as often times other people's perception of you becomes their reality. As I recently was reminded through my conversations with my baby sister that she was always watching. Sometimes we forget that we are always on stage regardless of the time of day or the place that we are at. Those around you can see you and often have a critique of what they think can make you better. At the end of the day, its all about growth in our lives.
Probably wondering where I am headed with all this, but some thoughts and questions started to form in my head.
Are you okay with being good or are you ready to be better? Are you willing to do what it takes to get better? Are you getting better for yourself? Others? Are you aware of what can be better? Are you taking an active role in making others better?
As you prepare to enjoy your weekend, I ask that you try to make it better than your last. I also ask you to look at ways that you can make things even better for those around you as there are young people that are in need you sharing your experiences with them. I know that I am a better person because people cared enough to want me to be better in many aspects of my life.
I am leaving you with some quotes to enjoy and asking you to pray for a friend of mine along with their family and extended family with the recent loss of a loved one.
“If most of us are ashamed of shabby clothes and shoddy furniture, let us be more ashamed of shabby ideas and shoddy philosophies... It would be a sad situation if the wrapper were better than the meat wrapped inside it.”
-Albert Einstein
“The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it is, and the future less resolved than it will be”
-Marcel Pagnol
“Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better.”
-Jim Rohn
“Better the man that conquer a thousand thousand men is the one who conquer one, himself.”
-Buddha
“Love what you do. Believe in your instincts. And you'd better be able to pick yourself up and brush yourself off every day.”
“It is better to keep a friend from falling than to help him up”
“You must constantly ask yourself these questions: Who am I around? What are they doing to me? What have they got me reading? What have they got me saying? Where do they have me going? What do they have me thinking? And most important, what do they have me becoming? Then ask yourself the big question: Is that okay? Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.”
-Jim Rohn
“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.”
-Buddha
I am starting to see my own growth right before my eyes in my decision making and self-awareness. The self-awareness piece has become quite a big deal for me as often times other people's perception of you becomes their reality. As I recently was reminded through my conversations with my baby sister that she was always watching. Sometimes we forget that we are always on stage regardless of the time of day or the place that we are at. Those around you can see you and often have a critique of what they think can make you better. At the end of the day, its all about growth in our lives.
Probably wondering where I am headed with all this, but some thoughts and questions started to form in my head.
Are you okay with being good or are you ready to be better? Are you willing to do what it takes to get better? Are you getting better for yourself? Others? Are you aware of what can be better? Are you taking an active role in making others better?
As you prepare to enjoy your weekend, I ask that you try to make it better than your last. I also ask you to look at ways that you can make things even better for those around you as there are young people that are in need you sharing your experiences with them. I know that I am a better person because people cared enough to want me to be better in many aspects of my life.
I am leaving you with some quotes to enjoy and asking you to pray for a friend of mine along with their family and extended family with the recent loss of a loved one.
“If most of us are ashamed of shabby clothes and shoddy furniture, let us be more ashamed of shabby ideas and shoddy philosophies... It would be a sad situation if the wrapper were better than the meat wrapped inside it.”
-Albert Einstein
“The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it is, and the future less resolved than it will be”
-Marcel Pagnol
“Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better.”
-Jim Rohn
“Better the man that conquer a thousand thousand men is the one who conquer one, himself.”
-Buddha
“Love what you do. Believe in your instincts. And you'd better be able to pick yourself up and brush yourself off every day.”
“It is better to keep a friend from falling than to help him up”
“You must constantly ask yourself these questions: Who am I around? What are they doing to me? What have they got me reading? What have they got me saying? Where do they have me going? What do they have me thinking? And most important, what do they have me becoming? Then ask yourself the big question: Is that okay? Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.”
-Jim Rohn
“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.”
-Buddha
Friday Morning Thoughts on Connected 11/5/10
The end of another week and I can't tell you how excited I was to see Friday. This isn't just a normal Friday, but a special one in my eyes as my baby sister turns Twenty-Five years old today. Wow is all I can say as it has been an interesting 25 years with this wonderful young lady.
I could easily sit here talking about my week and where I currently am, but the last 25 years of my life with my sister has me thinking about some things. My sister and I are eight years apart and growing up I always felt that we weren't really that connected based on us being in different stages of our lives. I always remember having to watch her as that's what "BIG BROTHERS" do, but I never really remembered sitting down talking with her about a lot of stuff and enjoying conversations. I say this because by the time we were able to start having those conversations, I was graduating from high school and left Germany.
Although, I felt like I really didn't have a great connection with my little sister early on, she reminded me recently that we had a better connection than I thought. My lil sister recently told me that she was always watching and listening to me from the very beginning and learned a lot from me. I can honestly say that I was quite touched hearing this from her and felt like such an amazing brother.
So it's no secret now where my thoughts might be headed. I have a lot of thoughts on the brain these days and my relationship with my sister started to bring me a little more clarity.
I have been having a lot of conversations lately with individuals who are asking me, "Where is the old Nicholas at? or "I don't think I know you anymore!"
There are often times in our lives that we become come disconnected from things or people. We have to take a step back every now and then to re-focus and re-energize just to make sure we are headed in the right direction.
Have you ever felt disconnected from your environment? Family? Friends? Relationships? What was the reason for the disconnect? Was there a change somewhere? How did you reconnect?
Again, I say thank you for allowing me to connect with you again and share my thoughts with you. Make it an amazing day that leads to an amazing weekend.
“If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is compromise.”
-Robert Fritz
“Have you ever felt like a phone call that's been disconnected?”
-Shannon Doherty
“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit.”
-Conrad Hilton
“It is impossible to win the great prizes of life without running risks, and the greatest of all prizes are those connected with the home”
-Theodore Roosevelt
“Everything you want in life has a price connected to it. There's a price to pay if you want to make things better, a price to pay just for leaving things as they are, a price for everything.”
-Harry Browne
“From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: that we are here for the sake of each other - above all for those upon whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends, and also for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labors of my fellow men, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”
-Albert Einstein
I could easily sit here talking about my week and where I currently am, but the last 25 years of my life with my sister has me thinking about some things. My sister and I are eight years apart and growing up I always felt that we weren't really that connected based on us being in different stages of our lives. I always remember having to watch her as that's what "BIG BROTHERS" do, but I never really remembered sitting down talking with her about a lot of stuff and enjoying conversations. I say this because by the time we were able to start having those conversations, I was graduating from high school and left Germany.
Although, I felt like I really didn't have a great connection with my little sister early on, she reminded me recently that we had a better connection than I thought. My lil sister recently told me that she was always watching and listening to me from the very beginning and learned a lot from me. I can honestly say that I was quite touched hearing this from her and felt like such an amazing brother.
So it's no secret now where my thoughts might be headed. I have a lot of thoughts on the brain these days and my relationship with my sister started to bring me a little more clarity.
I have been having a lot of conversations lately with individuals who are asking me, "Where is the old Nicholas at? or "I don't think I know you anymore!"
There are often times in our lives that we become come disconnected from things or people. We have to take a step back every now and then to re-focus and re-energize just to make sure we are headed in the right direction.
Have you ever felt disconnected from your environment? Family? Friends? Relationships? What was the reason for the disconnect? Was there a change somewhere? How did you reconnect?
Again, I say thank you for allowing me to connect with you again and share my thoughts with you. Make it an amazing day that leads to an amazing weekend.
“If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is compromise.”
-Robert Fritz
“Have you ever felt like a phone call that's been disconnected?”
-Shannon Doherty
“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit.”
-Conrad Hilton
“It is impossible to win the great prizes of life without running risks, and the greatest of all prizes are those connected with the home”
-Theodore Roosevelt
“Everything you want in life has a price connected to it. There's a price to pay if you want to make things better, a price to pay just for leaving things as they are, a price for everything.”
-Harry Browne
“From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: that we are here for the sake of each other - above all for those upon whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends, and also for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labors of my fellow men, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”
-Albert Einstein
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Friday Afternoon Thoughts on Special 10/22/10
Another relaxing Friday and I am enjoying my day off. I must say that there is no better feeling than taking time away to recharge and prepare yourself for some amazing things that are headed your way. Right this minute I am trying my best to bring happy thoughts my way as it has been a very long and draining week.
I have a very heavy heart right now as I send many thoughts and prayers out to the family of a special friend who I have known for over 11 years. Earlier this week they were involved in an accident which took the life her brother. As my family and extended family/friends, I ask that you pray for her and her family to carry through this difficult time.
The passing of anyone is never an easy thing to deal with especially a loved one. As friends/loved ones we can be there for them and over our love, support, and empathy to help them get through this time.
Over the last couple days I have been doing some reflecting and my mind has been wrapped around a few things that I am going to get into right now. I had a few conversations this week via email/phone with my mom this week and I can honestly say that she made me feel special to be her son. I think it may have a lot to do with me being her first born and the relationship that we have nurtured as mother/son and then as friends over the last 32 years.
As I thought about my mother making me feel special, I began to think about special and how it seems like my mother always makes other people feel special. It wasn't just me, but there is just something about the way my mother makes people feel. I don't think she realizes all the things she does, its the way that she is able to be there for you. Caring and funny that's what she is cause she is more than just a mom to me. If you have ever met her you can probably agree with this, cause it seems like she has to be special to have helped mold me into the man that I am.
So I started to wonder about a few things surrounding 'special' and began asking myself a few questions. How do you define special? What is it about you that makes you special? Do you view someone(s) as special? Why are they special to you? What makes a moment special? How is it that you hold onto those special moments?
Although it has been an emotionally draining week with some different things I have been through I did welcome the opportunity to visit with the young men in my leadership academy for a special session today. I used the word special because I think the event we had today was special and I recognize it for what it was. We were originally scheduled to have 3 guest speakers, but due to some unforeseen things this morning we were only going to have one. So I picked up the phone and contacted a friend on a whim who was available and excited to a part of this mentoring event. Again I say the event was special cause everyone could feel that there was a higher power involved to make all this happen. It was just amazing to see two men standing in front of these young men having two very similar conversations that complemented the other like it was planned that way.
As you can see from my example, sometimes the simplest things in life just might be a special moment for you and others. I will remind you always to show appreciation to those in your life as they may be special to you even if they aren't to others. Everyone that I have in my life is special to me. I want to say thank you to Derrick and Ethan for your words that help create yet another special moment for me and others.
Heading into the weekend, enjoy the time spent with friends and family as it is precious. Welcome amazing into your life in whatever capacity you can allow.
“I'd rather have a moment of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.”
“Welcome every morning with a smile. Look on the new day as another special gift from your Creator, another golden opportunity to complete what you were unable to finish yesterday. Be a self-starter. Let your first hour set the theme of success and positive action that is certain to echo through your entire day. Today will never happen again. Don't waste it with a false start or no start at all. You were not born to fail.”
-Og Mandino
“Life becomes precious and more special to us when we look for the little everyday miracles and get excited about the privileges of simply being human”
-Tim Hansel
“The friends who grew up with you deserve a special respect- the ones who stuck by you shoulder to shoulder, in a time when nothing was certain, all life lay ahead, and every road led home.”
“It doesn't require a special day to express how much I Love You... if every ordinary day is more than special when I am with you.”
“Will you ever? I don’t think you will ever fully understand how you've touched my life and made me who I am.I don't think you could ever know just how truly special you are that even on the darkest nights you are my brightest star.”
-Erica Jong
“No matter what age you are, or what your circumstances might be, you are special, and you still have something unique to offer. Your life, because of who you are, has meaning.”
-Barbara De Angelis
I have a very heavy heart right now as I send many thoughts and prayers out to the family of a special friend who I have known for over 11 years. Earlier this week they were involved in an accident which took the life her brother. As my family and extended family/friends, I ask that you pray for her and her family to carry through this difficult time.
The passing of anyone is never an easy thing to deal with especially a loved one. As friends/loved ones we can be there for them and over our love, support, and empathy to help them get through this time.
Over the last couple days I have been doing some reflecting and my mind has been wrapped around a few things that I am going to get into right now. I had a few conversations this week via email/phone with my mom this week and I can honestly say that she made me feel special to be her son. I think it may have a lot to do with me being her first born and the relationship that we have nurtured as mother/son and then as friends over the last 32 years.
As I thought about my mother making me feel special, I began to think about special and how it seems like my mother always makes other people feel special. It wasn't just me, but there is just something about the way my mother makes people feel. I don't think she realizes all the things she does, its the way that she is able to be there for you. Caring and funny that's what she is cause she is more than just a mom to me. If you have ever met her you can probably agree with this, cause it seems like she has to be special to have helped mold me into the man that I am.
So I started to wonder about a few things surrounding 'special' and began asking myself a few questions. How do you define special? What is it about you that makes you special? Do you view someone(s) as special? Why are they special to you? What makes a moment special? How is it that you hold onto those special moments?
Although it has been an emotionally draining week with some different things I have been through I did welcome the opportunity to visit with the young men in my leadership academy for a special session today. I used the word special because I think the event we had today was special and I recognize it for what it was. We were originally scheduled to have 3 guest speakers, but due to some unforeseen things this morning we were only going to have one. So I picked up the phone and contacted a friend on a whim who was available and excited to a part of this mentoring event. Again I say the event was special cause everyone could feel that there was a higher power involved to make all this happen. It was just amazing to see two men standing in front of these young men having two very similar conversations that complemented the other like it was planned that way.
As you can see from my example, sometimes the simplest things in life just might be a special moment for you and others. I will remind you always to show appreciation to those in your life as they may be special to you even if they aren't to others. Everyone that I have in my life is special to me. I want to say thank you to Derrick and Ethan for your words that help create yet another special moment for me and others.
Heading into the weekend, enjoy the time spent with friends and family as it is precious. Welcome amazing into your life in whatever capacity you can allow.
“I'd rather have a moment of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.”
“Welcome every morning with a smile. Look on the new day as another special gift from your Creator, another golden opportunity to complete what you were unable to finish yesterday. Be a self-starter. Let your first hour set the theme of success and positive action that is certain to echo through your entire day. Today will never happen again. Don't waste it with a false start or no start at all. You were not born to fail.”
-Og Mandino
“Life becomes precious and more special to us when we look for the little everyday miracles and get excited about the privileges of simply being human”
-Tim Hansel
“The friends who grew up with you deserve a special respect- the ones who stuck by you shoulder to shoulder, in a time when nothing was certain, all life lay ahead, and every road led home.”
“It doesn't require a special day to express how much I Love You... if every ordinary day is more than special when I am with you.”
“Will you ever? I don’t think you will ever fully understand how you've touched my life and made me who I am.I don't think you could ever know just how truly special you are that even on the darkest nights you are my brightest star.”
-Erica Jong
“No matter what age you are, or what your circumstances might be, you are special, and you still have something unique to offer. Your life, because of who you are, has meaning.”
-Barbara De Angelis
Sunday Evening Reflections on the Sweetest Day 10/17/10
Finally made it to Sunday Evening and I can say this week was longer than normal. I guess it had a lot to do with me being a little under the weather and down and out for a minute. I think I am getting back to normal and feeling almost like my normal self.
Yesterday, was the Sweetest Day and I can honestly say that I tried to do some things to recognize the holiday.
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 ones in your life whom you like. 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."
In thinking about the Sweetest Day, I talked with my mother and also talked/texted a few other special people in my life to let them know that I appreciated them. Life is something that happens and you never know what life will throw at you next. I say this as I was at Chick-Fil-A yesterday picking up my yogurt for the next two mornings and was presented some sad news. One of the patrons that I run into from time to time as I greeted him whispers in my ear that his brother in California passed away last night. At that moment, I didn't know what to say or what to do other than offer my condolences and let them know that I would pray for them and their family.
At that moment I realized how important it is to enjoy today for what it is and appreciate everything that today has for you. Whether that's telling someone you love them or just letting them know that you care, there's no better time than now to do it. I think about this young man that I only know from our visits at Chick-Fil-A, but I showed empathy for his situation in sharing a moment sympathy with him and stating that I would pray for he and his family.
As I think of my experience yesterday and I some other things I have dealt with recently I began to wonder a few things.
Where would the world be if there were more selfless acts instead of selfish acts? When people see you, do they see selfless or selfish?
As we end this Sweetest Day weekend, I trust that you are well prepared to begin an amazing week. We as a society can be sweet and caring even without being reminded by holiday that tells us to be that way. I have no doubts in my mind that you are ready to do something nice for your fellow man/woman. Remember you are standing at the front door of amazing and wouldn't it be something if you walked through the door with someone.
“An act of goodness is of itself an act of happiness. No reward coming after the event can compare with the sweet reward that went with it.”
-Maurice Maeterlinck
“By hating that person, you have lost something very sweet in yourself.”
-Sri Chinmoy
"Change in all things is sweet."
-Aristotle
"Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity."
-Kahlil Gibran
"Half the pleasure of solitude comes from having with us some friend to whom we can say how sweet solitude is."
-William Jay
"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all."
-Laura Ingalls Wilder
Yesterday, was the Sweetest Day and I can honestly say that I tried to do some things to recognize the holiday.
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 ones in your life whom you like. 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."
In thinking about the Sweetest Day, I talked with my mother and also talked/texted a few other special people in my life to let them know that I appreciated them. Life is something that happens and you never know what life will throw at you next. I say this as I was at Chick-Fil-A yesterday picking up my yogurt for the next two mornings and was presented some sad news. One of the patrons that I run into from time to time as I greeted him whispers in my ear that his brother in California passed away last night. At that moment, I didn't know what to say or what to do other than offer my condolences and let them know that I would pray for them and their family.
At that moment I realized how important it is to enjoy today for what it is and appreciate everything that today has for you. Whether that's telling someone you love them or just letting them know that you care, there's no better time than now to do it. I think about this young man that I only know from our visits at Chick-Fil-A, but I showed empathy for his situation in sharing a moment sympathy with him and stating that I would pray for he and his family.
As I think of my experience yesterday and I some other things I have dealt with recently I began to wonder a few things.
Where would the world be if there were more selfless acts instead of selfish acts? When people see you, do they see selfless or selfish?
As we end this Sweetest Day weekend, I trust that you are well prepared to begin an amazing week. We as a society can be sweet and caring even without being reminded by holiday that tells us to be that way. I have no doubts in my mind that you are ready to do something nice for your fellow man/woman. Remember you are standing at the front door of amazing and wouldn't it be something if you walked through the door with someone.
“An act of goodness is of itself an act of happiness. No reward coming after the event can compare with the sweet reward that went with it.”
-Maurice Maeterlinck
“By hating that person, you have lost something very sweet in yourself.”
-Sri Chinmoy
"Change in all things is sweet."
-Aristotle
"Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity."
-Kahlil Gibran
"Half the pleasure of solitude comes from having with us some friend to whom we can say how sweet solitude is."
-William Jay
"It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all."
-Laura Ingalls Wilder
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