I will be inserting my video blog from time to time... this is the initial pilot episode! More to come!
This has nothing to do with the Holiday's, but Happy Holidays too!
What is age?
So what is age? I'm a mere 19 days from turning 30 and I couldn't be happier. The funny part is that everyone around me keeps consoling me with, "Don't worry, the 30's are great!" as if that is some consolation prize for leaving my 20's.
Frankly, I'm thrilled to leave the 20's behind. They were a mess and an adventure and a blast, but I'm never one to look back. I don't long for the days of high school or college, or any other time. I prefer to look ahead and imagine the outstanding future that is to come.
It made me wonder why people are so concerned about turning 30? Is it regret for lost dreams? People! We are only 30! Look at Paula Deen, she didn't make it big until her 60's! Relax already. Is it that we didn't turn out as we had hoped? Well, that implies that we have now grown up and we are done! I'm a work in progress and happy to be such! I will be growing every day of my life, changing and learning and I'm cool with it!
I never had a 100% clear picture of what 30 would look like, but I feel incredibly blessed and surprised to be at this place in my life. Everything is perfect! Not because I have everything I every wanted, but because my life is what it is and for that I am grateful! A little too far in the clouds for you? Ok. Lets just say, "Life is beautiful."
So, if you see me between now and my 30th birthday, don't console me, congratulate me! I've made it to 30 in one piece! That is a feat and now life keeps getting better and better and better.
Frankly, I'm thrilled to leave the 20's behind. They were a mess and an adventure and a blast, but I'm never one to look back. I don't long for the days of high school or college, or any other time. I prefer to look ahead and imagine the outstanding future that is to come.
It made me wonder why people are so concerned about turning 30? Is it regret for lost dreams? People! We are only 30! Look at Paula Deen, she didn't make it big until her 60's! Relax already. Is it that we didn't turn out as we had hoped? Well, that implies that we have now grown up and we are done! I'm a work in progress and happy to be such! I will be growing every day of my life, changing and learning and I'm cool with it!
I never had a 100% clear picture of what 30 would look like, but I feel incredibly blessed and surprised to be at this place in my life. Everything is perfect! Not because I have everything I every wanted, but because my life is what it is and for that I am grateful! A little too far in the clouds for you? Ok. Lets just say, "Life is beautiful."
So, if you see me between now and my 30th birthday, don't console me, congratulate me! I've made it to 30 in one piece! That is a feat and now life keeps getting better and better and better.
I've learned...
Thank you Andy Rooney for these very true words of wisdom:
I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned. ... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.
I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his/her little fist, that you're hooked for life.
I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned .... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
I've learned.... That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.
I've learned.... That when you're in love, it shows.
I've learned.... That just one person saying to me, 'You've made my day!' makes my day.
I've learned.... That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.
I've learned.... That being kind is more important than being right.
I've learned. ... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.
I've learned.... That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.
I've learned.... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.
I've learned.... That sometimes all a person needs is hand to hold and a heart to understand.
I've learned.... That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.
I've learned.... That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.
I've learned.... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.
I've learned.... That money doesn't buy class.
I've learned.... That it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.
I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I've learned.... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.
I 've learned.... That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.
I've learned.... That love, not time, heals all wounds.
I've learned.... That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.
I've learned.... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.
I've learned.... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.
I've learned... That life is tough, but I'm tougher.
I've learned.... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.
I've learned.... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.
I've learned.... That I wish I could have told my Mom that I love her one more time before she passed away.
I've learned.... That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.
I've learned.... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.
I've learned.... That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his/her little fist, that you're hooked for life.
I've learned.... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.
I've learned .... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.
Choices each day
I don't like copy/pasting but this was great and perfectly describes how I like to live my life.
Michael is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a
good mood and always has something positive to say. When
someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I
were any better, I would be twins!"
He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad
day, Michael was there telling the employee how to look on the
positive side of the situation.
Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to
Michael and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive
person all of the time. How do you do it?"
Michael replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself,
'Mike, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a
good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood.' I choose to
be in a good mood.
"Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim
or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.
"Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to
accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of
life. I choose the positive side of life."
"Yeah, right, it isn't that easy," I protested.
"Yes, it is," Michael said. Life is all about choices. When you
cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose
how you react to situations. You choose how people will affect
your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. "The
bottom line is: It's your choice how you live life."
I reflected on what Michael said. Soon thereafter, I left the tower industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.
Several years later, I heard that Michael was involved in a
serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications
tower. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care,
Michael was released from the hospital with rods placed in his
back.
I saw Michael about six months after the accident. When I asked
him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins.
Wanna see my scars?"
I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone
through his mind as the accident took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was the well being of my soon-to-be-
born daughter," Michael replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or I could choose to die. I chose to live."
"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked.
Michael continued, "The paramedics were great.They kept
telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me
into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors
and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'He's a dead man.' I knew I needed to take action."
"What did you do?" I asked. "Well, there was a big burly nurse
shouting questions at me," said Michael. "She asked if I was
allergic to anything. 'Yes,' I replied. The doctors and nurses
stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep
breath and yelled, 'Gravity.' Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead'."
Michael lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.
Michael is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a
good mood and always has something positive to say. When
someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I
were any better, I would be twins!"
He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad
day, Michael was there telling the employee how to look on the
positive side of the situation.
Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up to
Michael and asked him, "I don't get it! You can't be a positive
person all of the time. How do you do it?"
Michael replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself,
'Mike, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a
good mood or you can choose to be in a bad mood.' I choose to
be in a good mood.
"Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim
or I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it.
"Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to
accept their complaining or I can point out the positive side of
life. I choose the positive side of life."
"Yeah, right, it isn't that easy," I protested.
"Yes, it is," Michael said. Life is all about choices. When you
cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose
how you react to situations. You choose how people will affect
your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. "The
bottom line is: It's your choice how you live life."
I reflected on what Michael said. Soon thereafter, I left the tower industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.
Several years later, I heard that Michael was involved in a
serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications
tower. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care,
Michael was released from the hospital with rods placed in his
back.
I saw Michael about six months after the accident. When I asked
him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins.
Wanna see my scars?"
I declined to see his wounds, but did ask him what had gone
through his mind as the accident took place. "The first thing that went through my mind was the well being of my soon-to-be-
born daughter," Michael replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or I could choose to die. I chose to live."
"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked.
Michael continued, "The paramedics were great.They kept
telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me
into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors
and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'He's a dead man.' I knew I needed to take action."
"What did you do?" I asked. "Well, there was a big burly nurse
shouting questions at me," said Michael. "She asked if I was
allergic to anything. 'Yes,' I replied. The doctors and nurses
stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep
breath and yelled, 'Gravity.' Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead'."
Michael lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude. I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude, after all, is everything.
A powerful reminder
I recieved this via email yesterday. It is a really good reminder of the bigger picture. It also brings up some controvesial points... What do you think?
....
David Letterman wrote this; it's the David we don't often see....
" As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark
'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?''
A.. Is it that we have electric ity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?
B.. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
C.. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
D.. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more
food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
E.. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?
F.. Or possibly the h undreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
G.. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the
world is just not good enough either.
H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide
services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
I.. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.
J.. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of
trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.
K.. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or
prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss .
L.. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and
pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
M.. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?
Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to
get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect
you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and
see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it.
The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a
''dishonorable' ' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?
Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they
specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask
why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!
Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and preciative.' 'With
hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe understorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'
David Letterman
Please keep this in circulation. There
are so many people who need to read this.
....
David Letterman wrote this; it's the David we don't often see....
" As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark
'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?''
A.. Is it that we have electric ity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?
B.. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
C.. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
D.. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more
food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
E.. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?
F.. Or possibly the h undreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
G.. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the
world is just not good enough either.
H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide
services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
I.. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.
J.. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of
trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.
K.. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or
prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss .
L.. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and
pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
M.. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?
Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to
get us out? The president who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect
you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and
see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day. Make no mistake about it.
The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a
''dishonorable' ' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?
Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they
specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another. Just ask
why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!
Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and preciative.' 'With
hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe understorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, 'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'
David Letterman
Please keep this in circulation. There
are so many people who need to read this.
What did we learn?
It has been 7 years since Sept 11. 2001. 7 years since I ran from the collapsing buildings, fearful for my life and that of my two friends. 7 years since I was pretty sure it was all over. It is in these times that I have to look back and wonder, what did we learn? How have we changed?
It was one of the life changing moments for me that really taught me even more about strength, courage and persistance. It taught me about fear and leadership, society and cultural memory. I will forever hold that day as an important marker in my life and remember how grateful I am for my life and my loved ones.
Did you learn something that day?
It was one of the life changing moments for me that really taught me even more about strength, courage and persistance. It taught me about fear and leadership, society and cultural memory. I will forever hold that day as an important marker in my life and remember how grateful I am for my life and my loved ones.
Did you learn something that day?
Making History
It's official, Barack Obama is the first African American to be nominated for President of the United States by a major political party. For a moment, do not consider yourself a Democrat, Republican, Independant or otherwise. Don't politicize this. Just take a moment to realize that only 50 years ago in 1968, the Supreme court made racial segregation unconsitutional, though it still happens today. Take a moment to breath in the significance of the moment. A man who represents a group of people that were considered property and counted as 3/5 of other human beings, a group who were not allowed to drink water from the same fountain as white people, a group still very much in the minority, has been selected by the Democratic party to be the leader of the free world. That is progress. That is enough to give me chills. The simple fact that we can see a black man in the race for president is amazing, the fact that he may actually win is simply inspiring. No matter what political party you are a member of, you have to admit this is pretty significant for the United States. Don't get me wrong. I certainly don' think this means we are all good now, and racism is gone, it simply gives me hope that a combination of time and education can cure the painful disease of ignorance and hate. Take a moment to realize you are experiencing a very important moment in the History of the United States. Consider this, If Barack Obama wins the presidency, African Americans will be the first and second most powerful people in the world, Obama being second only to Oprah.
Exactly
I went to a concert recently of a friend, Amy Steinberg. (www.amysteinberg.net) She is an incredibly talented songwriter and singer who is truly documenting her adventures in life through song. She is the type of artist who reflects the human condition in her music with such imperfect precision. You know, the kind of music that just makes you say, yes, thats exactly what I am feeling!
One of her older and possibly most popular songs is called Exactly, which starts with the lyrics:
i am exactly where i need to be
i need to be exactly where i am
These words are such a reminder that yes, no matter where we are in life, this is where we are meant to be at the moment. Good times or bad, its all part of the journey. She claimed the know the purpose of life in one song and it was simply put.
The purpose of life is to live.
One of her older and possibly most popular songs is called Exactly, which starts with the lyrics:
i am exactly where i need to be
i need to be exactly where i am
These words are such a reminder that yes, no matter where we are in life, this is where we are meant to be at the moment. Good times or bad, its all part of the journey. She claimed the know the purpose of life in one song and it was simply put.
The purpose of life is to live.
Dorthy was right!
I've spent the last two weeks traveling quite a bit. First to North Carolina on a train, which, by the way, was a lot less adventurous and exciting than I had imagined. (Lesson learned, fly the friendly skies) Then I returned home for a few days of back to back meetings, late night events and packing and unpacking. I was then off to San Antonio, TX, a former home of mine, and current home of some family, whom it was very good to see. Talk about crazy households, they have a sweet puppy, a 1 and 1/2 year old genius child, a super dad, and an 8 month pregnant mommy. I applaud people with children, simply for their ability to keep the child alive or as my friend Jan put it, keep from killing their spouse!
I took a brief trip down to Laredo, TX to speak and train a group of outstanding Resident Assistant's at Texas A&M International University, which is practically in Mexico. The RA's were great, funny and really committed to helping their residents succeed. Leadership opportunities such as RA, Orientation leaders and SGA can be such a valuable experience for students who want the edge. I also applaud incredible RA's who make it their job to care.
During these trips, I couldn't help but click my heels and think, "It would be great to be home." Not that I wasn't enjoying myself, but moreso that I really enjoy my home. I missed my bed, my dog Henry all of which have apparently become my comfort zone. In education and training, we often motivate people to leave their comfort zone, but I now know that we also need to spend some time in it. That's why its called a comfort zone. What is your comfort zone? Where do you feel most at peace?
I took a brief trip down to Laredo, TX to speak and train a group of outstanding Resident Assistant's at Texas A&M International University, which is practically in Mexico. The RA's were great, funny and really committed to helping their residents succeed. Leadership opportunities such as RA, Orientation leaders and SGA can be such a valuable experience for students who want the edge. I also applaud incredible RA's who make it their job to care.
During these trips, I couldn't help but click my heels and think, "It would be great to be home." Not that I wasn't enjoying myself, but moreso that I really enjoy my home. I missed my bed, my dog Henry all of which have apparently become my comfort zone. In education and training, we often motivate people to leave their comfort zone, but I now know that we also need to spend some time in it. That's why its called a comfort zone. What is your comfort zone? Where do you feel most at peace?
Is Yelling Love?
I just got back from a great trip to see my cousin in North Carolina. My cousin is more like an older sister to me and it has been a few years since we caught up so it was definitley good to see her. While I was there, however, I noticed something very different about her and her family. They are the Yelling Family. You know, the family that seems to live on the edge at all times so that when something mildly disagreeable happens, all hell breaks loose...yes, the yelling family. Well, apparently, some people live in this daily environment and still love eachother, settle down at the end of the day to watch a movie together, and act as if they were not cussing each other out earlier. I started looking around and realized that many of my married or partnered couple friends live like this. (As a single guy, I live pretty drama free.) My first thought was: Why is everyone yelling?
Is this what modern love looks like? To be quite honest, I'm not sure I want to be a part of that. And while I was grateful that they felt close enough to me to be open and honest, rather than put on a show, I would have appreciated a bit of forced smiles and explative depression.
It really got me thinking. Why are we so much nicer to strangers and people we first meet? Well clearly because we don't want them to think bad of us. But what about our family? What must they think? I know we want to be "real" with them, but is it hurting our relationships?
We do take our family for granted. My challenge to you this week is to make sure you are as nice to your family as you are to a customer at work. As for being real, BE REAL, but do so and treat your loved ones as if they are truly your loved ones.
Taking people for granted is easy. Living with the regret of taking them for granted is not.
Is this what modern love looks like? To be quite honest, I'm not sure I want to be a part of that. And while I was grateful that they felt close enough to me to be open and honest, rather than put on a show, I would have appreciated a bit of forced smiles and explative depression.
It really got me thinking. Why are we so much nicer to strangers and people we first meet? Well clearly because we don't want them to think bad of us. But what about our family? What must they think? I know we want to be "real" with them, but is it hurting our relationships?
We do take our family for granted. My challenge to you this week is to make sure you are as nice to your family as you are to a customer at work. As for being real, BE REAL, but do so and treat your loved ones as if they are truly your loved ones.
Taking people for granted is easy. Living with the regret of taking them for granted is not.
Need your story! :)
Hi,
Want to be in my upcoming book? I need your college stories! 100-500 words about you and your college life. This can be your personal experience or a story that you know from working at a University! If selected, your story will be featured in the No BS Guide to College Success out in bookstores this September! *Yes, I can turn it around that quickly! The book is ready to go, its just awaiting a few more stories...
The story can fit into any of these topics:
Getting Started
Academics
Money
Relationships (friends and other)
Involvement
Picking a Major
Partying
Teachers
Health and Fitness
Email me at speakerjimmy@gmail.com if you are interested!
Thanks,
Jimmy Moore
Want to be in my upcoming book? I need your college stories! 100-500 words about you and your college life. This can be your personal experience or a story that you know from working at a University! If selected, your story will be featured in the No BS Guide to College Success out in bookstores this September! *Yes, I can turn it around that quickly! The book is ready to go, its just awaiting a few more stories...
The story can fit into any of these topics:
Getting Started
Academics
Money
Relationships (friends and other)
Involvement
Picking a Major
Partying
Teachers
Health and Fitness
Email me at speakerjimmy@gmail.com if you are interested!
Thanks,
Jimmy Moore
Semian angel
I was at lunch today and one of my favorite songs from the 80's came on. Semian Angel. Do you know it? You can see it here:
Apparently neither did I. It was actually Send me an angel. Easy mistake. But it made me wonder how many other parts of life I've completely misunderstood, without much harm. It reminded me that I live in a reality that is completley the creation of my own experience. The things that we agree on become common reality, but for the longest time, I assumed everyone knew that song was Semian Angel. Do you have any assumptions that may not be accurate? If so, where did you learn them?
Just some food for thought.
Apparently neither did I. It was actually Send me an angel. Easy mistake. But it made me wonder how many other parts of life I've completely misunderstood, without much harm. It reminded me that I live in a reality that is completley the creation of my own experience. The things that we agree on become common reality, but for the longest time, I assumed everyone knew that song was Semian Angel. Do you have any assumptions that may not be accurate? If so, where did you learn them?
Just some food for thought.
Resistance!
Some great thoughts about resistance:
"Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance. Are you a writer who doesn’t write, a painter who doesn’t paint, an entrepreneur who never starts a venture? Then you know what Resistance is."
"Resistance arises from within. It is self-generated and self-perpetuated. Resistance is the enemy within."
"Procrastination is the most common manifestation of Resistance because it’s the easiest to rationalize."
"Aspiring artists defeated by Resistance share one trait. They all think like amateurs. They have not yet turned pro."
"To the amateur, the game is his avocation. To the pro it’s his vocation. The amateur does not love the game enough. If he did, he would not pursue it as a sideline, distinct from his “real” vocation. The professional loves it so much he dedicates his life to it. He commits full-time."
"Resistance hates it when we turn pro."
You may or may not be an artist, but we all have something that we aren't getting done. Can you look inside yourself and ask why? Is anything holding you back? What is holding you back?
"Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance. Are you a writer who doesn’t write, a painter who doesn’t paint, an entrepreneur who never starts a venture? Then you know what Resistance is."
"Resistance arises from within. It is self-generated and self-perpetuated. Resistance is the enemy within."
"Procrastination is the most common manifestation of Resistance because it’s the easiest to rationalize."
"Aspiring artists defeated by Resistance share one trait. They all think like amateurs. They have not yet turned pro."
"To the amateur, the game is his avocation. To the pro it’s his vocation. The amateur does not love the game enough. If he did, he would not pursue it as a sideline, distinct from his “real” vocation. The professional loves it so much he dedicates his life to it. He commits full-time."
"Resistance hates it when we turn pro."
You may or may not be an artist, but we all have something that we aren't getting done. Can you look inside yourself and ask why? Is anything holding you back? What is holding you back?
A safety reminder
A young woman who was a graduate student at my school lost her life to an attacker while she was jogging recently. It was during the day and she was jogging alone. She had her phone with her. The university community will mourn this loss, but if anything let us learn from it.
There are many disturbed people out there. Please Please Please be careful.
A few tips for personal safety:
Walk or jog with a friend.
Avoid jogging after dark. If you must, stay in well-lit areas
Walk midpoint between curbs and buildings and away from alleys and bushes.
Tell someone where are you going and when you will return.
Much love and care.
Jimmy
There are many disturbed people out there. Please Please Please be careful.
A few tips for personal safety:
Walk or jog with a friend.
Avoid jogging after dark. If you must, stay in well-lit areas
Walk midpoint between curbs and buildings and away from alleys and bushes.
Tell someone where are you going and when you will return.
Much love and care.
Jimmy
Sex in this City
I went to the opening of Sex and the City and It was so fulfilling. I've actually seen it twice... It's a grand opportunity to celebrate the meaningless frothy parts of life like Shoes, Drinks, Hair and Fashion. The show celebrates the friendships that are the real quality of life. Four women who are truly so different have such unconditional love for each other.
Though the central theme of sex and love plays out quite well, its the bond of the women that truly makes this series a favorite of mine. Its the Golden Girls in NYC instead of Miami replacing the talk of cheesecake with cosmos. We love the story of friendship that outlasts anything. We have seen the Sex girls go through breakups, cancer, babies, miscarriages, good sex, bad sex, and everything in between, but in the end they tend to end up in the coffee shop with each other. Sounds like a good life to me.
Though the central theme of sex and love plays out quite well, its the bond of the women that truly makes this series a favorite of mine. Its the Golden Girls in NYC instead of Miami replacing the talk of cheesecake with cosmos. We love the story of friendship that outlasts anything. We have seen the Sex girls go through breakups, cancer, babies, miscarriages, good sex, bad sex, and everything in between, but in the end they tend to end up in the coffee shop with each other. Sounds like a good life to me.
Take a moment today to send an email, make a call, or get in touch with someone you haven't talked to in a while, just to say hi. Don't worry about catching up the last 6 months or what you are going to say, just say hi, I was thinking about you. It will make you both feel good! I promise.
:)
I'm worth what?
Recently, my facebook and myspace accounts have been blown up with people trying to "buy" me with virtual money and advertising how much they are worth. "I'm worth $5640, How much are your worth?"
As far as I knew the practice of "buying" another human being has been out of style for quite a while in this country. Secondly, I couldn't help but think... what am I worth?
I have a house, with a mortgage, a car with a loan, a bank account, some clothes, student loans... in financial terms, like most Americans, I have negative value. My credit score is desirable based on the number of credit card offers I get in the mail each day to further grow the value of my negative worth, but is that really what I'm worth?
Is there a value for potential? Is the dollar really the measure of a man or woman? I think not. Yet, we have devised a game online that demarcates our social standing by what people are willing to pay for us. Its bad enough that I may or may not be in your Top 12 or "best Friends" Circle, or even your 5 speed dial buttons, but now you get to put a cash value on me? I think not.
To all those trying to buy me and sell themselves to me (a whole different topic for Dateline NBC), I say try not, buy not. You simply can't afford me. I'm priceless.
What are you worth?
As far as I knew the practice of "buying" another human being has been out of style for quite a while in this country. Secondly, I couldn't help but think... what am I worth?
I have a house, with a mortgage, a car with a loan, a bank account, some clothes, student loans... in financial terms, like most Americans, I have negative value. My credit score is desirable based on the number of credit card offers I get in the mail each day to further grow the value of my negative worth, but is that really what I'm worth?
Is there a value for potential? Is the dollar really the measure of a man or woman? I think not. Yet, we have devised a game online that demarcates our social standing by what people are willing to pay for us. Its bad enough that I may or may not be in your Top 12 or "best Friends" Circle, or even your 5 speed dial buttons, but now you get to put a cash value on me? I think not.
To all those trying to buy me and sell themselves to me (a whole different topic for Dateline NBC), I say try not, buy not. You simply can't afford me. I'm priceless.
What are you worth?
A good reminder...
I've been asked to be the main speaker for UCF Orientation's Keys to College Success presentation. This 90 minute session is fun, funny and informational and as I've been putting it together, the lessons I've been teaching students have been good reminders for myself.
College is a time that can be truly life changing. It changed my life. Not because of the classes, the tests, or even the diploma. It was about the people that I met. My network. No, not the 5 people I can call for free, nor the hundreds of people on facebook or myspace that I can poke or message or cyberstalk at will. Its the true friendships, mentorships, the real relationships that really changed my life.
An advisor who told me to get involved, the friends with whom I took my first roadtrip, the roommate who taugh me of my appreciate for privacy and space, the girlfriend who first broke my heart, the professor who help me change my major, the admistrator who nominated me for an award. All of these people are what my college experience was all about.
This is what life is all about: people. Think about your relationships, friendships, mentorships and even those you're not a fan of. Its these people who shape your experience.
And now as I am in a postion to teach, inspire and mentor others, I take it very seriously, but with a smile and sense of humor.
You have the same role with everyone you meet, so I ask you, what impact can you have on someone today?
Thought
"When lost in a familiar world, find something to learn. Suddenly the light will brighten."
J
J
Be impeccable with your word
One of the famous four agreements, from the beautiful book about life success is to be impeccable with your word. Our words are certainly one of our most powerful tools as well as our most powerful representative. I was faced with a situation at work today in which some colleagues pretty much twisted my words and painted me as a bully in front of a room full of "important" people. I wasn't present, but luckily I had some allies in the room, including my boss, who quickly stood up for me and dispelled the wrong doing.
I was quick to get frustrated that they would so publicly, yet behind my back share words about me that were not true for their own benefit. Just yesterday they were quite nice and kind to my face about the situation and today a different story.
I don't mind if they didn't agree with me but would have preferred to hear that message face to face. Honesty is so important and I will admit that these colleagues, whom I have made great efforts to be a good parter with now leave a bad taste in my mouth.
They have not only frustrated me professionally, but I don't wish to see them socially. I have lost a level of personal respect. And let it be known, I won't just blog about this. I will most certainly share these sentiments with them face to face, but I figured I would give myself 24 hours of cool down time so I don't misrepresent myself with bad "word choices."
Are you impeccable with your word? How do you let your words both written and spoken represent you?
from The Four Agreements.
I was quick to get frustrated that they would so publicly, yet behind my back share words about me that were not true for their own benefit. Just yesterday they were quite nice and kind to my face about the situation and today a different story.
I don't mind if they didn't agree with me but would have preferred to hear that message face to face. Honesty is so important and I will admit that these colleagues, whom I have made great efforts to be a good parter with now leave a bad taste in my mouth.
They have not only frustrated me professionally, but I don't wish to see them socially. I have lost a level of personal respect. And let it be known, I won't just blog about this. I will most certainly share these sentiments with them face to face, but I figured I would give myself 24 hours of cool down time so I don't misrepresent myself with bad "word choices."
Are you impeccable with your word? How do you let your words both written and spoken represent you?
from The Four Agreements.
Cleaning Buddy
I just found out that my roommate will be moving out. I'm sad because she is a beautiful, inspirational and magical person, but I'm thrilled because she's leaving to pursue her personal legend.
This leaves me with the task of finding a new roommate so I thought I should do a thorough spring cleaning as to not scare away potential tenants. Its not that I live dirty, but messy, unorganized may be a better word. I call it creativity!
So, Spring cleaning it is. Now, with my A.D.D., I find it next to impossible to complete something like cleaning my whole house all at once. It could take me days after I spread it out between distractions like the computer, my piano, TV, my dog, a box of pictures that suddenly needs organizing, cooking, a day trip to Disney. Its always something.
For some reason, when I have a friend over, I find it really easy to multi-task, talk and clean at the same time, and while this may not be the most attentive way to spend time with a friend, its certainly productive. So, I invited Vivian over. I asked if she wanted to be my cleaning buddy, not to clean, but to watch me clean. I know it sounds weird, but it works. After some coaxing with a dinner offer, she agreed. She came over sat in the comfy chair in my cafe' (eat in kitchen), and I went to work. We talked about everything from politics to Britney Spears to spirituality, it was like the wave pool at a water park, from super shallow to super deep.
And, I cleaned like a machine: the kitchen, swept, vacuumed, organized my office, put away the laundry, installed a new lighting fixture, added a dimmer. I was like Martha Stewart, Paige Davis and Bob Villa all at the same time. And all because Vivian was just hangin' out talking to me.
I couldn't help but think, it helps to have a buddy. You see it in so many areas of life. Sometimes its not about help, but just having someone else there. It's recommended that we have a workout partner, a study buddy, a sponsor in sobriety, and most people even have a life partner of some sort at some point. We are social creatures and other people really do matter. This further proves the point I make when I'm on stage. People are the most important thing in this world. If we are working to help other people or improve ourselves, we are doing the most important work there is.
If you are struggling with any area of life, find someone else who's done it or who wants to do it too and buddy up! The results will be amazing! My house looks phenomenal!
The daily buzz...
http://achievemooreblog.blogspot.com/ is where you can go to see the full blog and hear the full buzz of my blog!
And lets be fair, I'm almost 30 which makes me slightly technological, but I realize there are 12 year olds who are better at this than I am...
Learning Learning Learning....
And lets be fair, I'm almost 30 which makes me slightly technological, but I realize there are 12 year olds who are better at this than I am...
Learning Learning Learning....
living learning
I am not ashamed of the fact that I love to learn. Not about anything specific like 14th century literature or calculus, but about being human. I love to learn about how to further improve myself. I realize there is an implication of imperfection and dissatisfaction in this statement and I do struggle with that. Its more of a searching for elightenment, but as my search used to be external, I have begun to look within. It is there I find many of the answers. I use the resources of this world to help me see inside of myself as there has been much training and experience that has blocked the view.
What do you like to learn about?
"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be ignited." Plutarch
What do you like to learn about?
"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be ignited." Plutarch
