About seeds of greatness...

Hello Friends,

I often think about what it takes to be considered a winner. I am challenged to think if I have that kind of greatness in me. Denis Waitley in his book Seeds of Greatness says that ‘winners work at doing things the majority of the population are not willing to do’. That makes perfect sense to me. Things that are worthwhile take work and commitment, but the big question still remains, where does the seed come from that creates the greatness?

Perhaps its as simple as thinking about the acorn and the big oak tree. The acorn almost always contains only one seed. Did you know that only a small percentage of acorns manage to germinate and survive and thus create the oak tree? If I think of it in that context then not every single person will end up being great in that sense of the word, yet every single one of us has the potential. It is what we choose to do with this potential that is the measure of the seeds of greatness. Until next time…

Blondie

About icing...

Hello Friends,

When I think of icing I always want to have enough. In fact, I’ve learned that it’s better to have more and lavishly cover the entire cake than to have to spread it too thin. There have been times when I have fallen short because other things were absorbing my mind and I just didn’t plan carefully. Then I’m faced with the decision, do I spread the layers and stretch the icing or do I simply admit it’s not enough and decide to make more? In that moment I must decide if it’s worth it.

I think it’s similar to the options we often face in our lives. We are constantly challenged with spreading ourselves too thin and trying to be all things to all people. Maybe it’s that we don’t want to disappoint anyone or perhaps it’s because we don’t want to disappoint ourselves wanting to do it all. It could be that we need to decide up front about things that are most important; ensure we have enough icing and then willingly let the other things go. Something to think about. Until next time…

Blondie

About being on a mission...

Hello Friends,

I’ve been on a mission for a long time now. I always try to see things as part of a big picture. At times I find myself amazingly tired as I reflect about the mission I’m on and where I’m at it in the journey. It’s easy to pick the quick wins and these are the moments that propel me on and give me hope I am on the right track or at the very least moving along in the right direction. But more often on the mission there are times that cause me to pause and self reflect on the continued value.

Therein lies the art, how to choose next steps and as importantly the gift to decide. Many factors weigh in but core to the question remains; ‘am I working towards an outcome I aspire to reach or has the very thing that started me on the mission simply passed me by or became less important to me? To answer that question I stop, revisit and change course if necessary. That may mean a continuance of the mission I have been on with a renewed passion or it may simply mean a new direction. The message is this; without a clear vision of your mission by continually revisiting its value you can never be sure of taking the right path to the very outcome you desire. Until next time…

Blondie

About attitude...

Hello Friends,

For most of my career I’ve thought ‘attitude is everything’. It made perfect sense to me that attitude enabled all things until one day I read the book ‘The Difference Maker’ by John Maxwell. The thoughts in his book centered on attitude being just the beginning and how to make attitude your greatest asset. The concept became clearer as I read further. It especially made sense when I read his words ‘the promise that attitude is everything is hollow. In fact if you believe attitude is everything it can actually hurt you’.

At first I wondered how this could be, but as I thought more about it I realized a good attitude enables many things but it isn’t the only thing that makes something happen or not happen in your life. He coins the phrase ‘attitude is the difference maker’. As I reflected on that I started to understand and know with certainty many things are enabled because of your attitude but other things equally contribute to your success. Perhaps the real message is in embracing this concept we find clarity and understanding about the part our attitude plays as we work towards reaching our goals. It does make a difference but it isn’t everything. Until next time…

Blondie

About 'the ties that bind'...

Hello Friends,

I have been intrigued lately with the words ‘the ties that bind’. I’m not sure how they suddenly came into my mind but I have been thinking about the meaning as I've been driving this week. There seems to be a great deal of speculation about the term, so I thought I would share with you what I understand it to mean. Essentially it’s anything that brings you together with someone or something and keeps you connected. The sustained connection is what binds and keeps the person or event ever present in your life. Because I love all things inspirational I think of it as something wonderful and positive, very much like getting a present.

Mark Knopfler sings an amazing song entitled ‘Love and happiness to you’. I think the words resound and give context to the term ‘the ties that bind’. He sings…’Here’s a wishing well, here’s a penny for every thought it is that makes you smile. Every diamond dream, everything that brings, love and happiness to your life’. So many things contribute to our hopes and dreams in our life and whether it is the joy in knowing a family member, a colleague or a friend or something you participate in as an event, it’s simply the experience that enables ‘the ties that bind’. If you have thoughts around its meaning I’d love if you would share comment. Until next time…

Blondie

About no regrets...

Hello Friends,

We all have events in our life that have called upon us to feel regret. I don’t think we would be human if that didn’t happen. I’ve come to realize that it is these experiences in our life that equip us with the tools and emotions to handle new situations that come our way. Without these moments we would have no foundation on which to build. We need to think of these times as life lessons and find ways to value and learn from each one.

It’s more important that we acknowledge what we have become rather than regret any experience. The true measure is did we learn from the experience? Have we used it as a teaching moment and know with certainty we will handle future situations differently? Sometimes it’s a risk as we venture on but it is in learning not to regret we grow and become a better person. Until next time…

Blondie

About 'I think I can'...

Hello Friends,

I love the story about the little engine that could. It’s a story of a small engine who agrees to pull a long train over a high mountain. As he pulls the train he repeats over and over again ‘I think I can…I think I can’. It’s a story of determination and hard work and a reminder by focusing your thoughts and energies you can achieve the desired outcome. As importantly it's a genuine belief you will get there. Sometimes we may pause and ask ourselves if we have what it takes or if we can achieve the goal.

I believe we all have moments that cause us to wonder if the effort and focus towards that which we aspire is worth what it takes to get there. Yet you only have to stop for awhile, look back on past successes and the sense of satisfaction you experienced in reaching your goal, to say once again ‘I think I can’ and keep moving forward. When I began my journey of 365 days of inspiration my friend asked me ‘do you think you can write 365 days of inspiration’ and I said ‘I think I can’. Perhaps in reflecting I should have said ‘I know I can’ and that very sense of focus and belief will propel me forward to making that goal a reality. Until next time…

Blondie

About 'post it'...

Hello Friends,

I am a fan of Grey’s Anatomy. I only recently became interested in watching it but now all of a sudden I am hooked on the show and the messages that come from the various characters. If you watch the program then you know one of the main characters is Meredith. She’s the one who provides the teaching moments in her narrations. Throughout the show she gives you pause to just stop and think about what she is saying. Some of it is absurd but perhaps that’s the real reason for my interest and intrigue.

This past week she used the words ‘post it’. I had never heard that term before but I was instantly drawn to figure out its meaning in the conversation. Essentially the message was this; what is told to you in confidence should never be shared with anyone else without permission even though you might feel compelled to do so. That very promise keeps the relationship with another person safe and you know with absolute assurance the person you confide in will ‘post it’. To know a person is this way is an unbelievable gift and something to be treasured. Until next time…

Blondie

About being awesome...

Hello Friends,

This week a young co-worker stopped by her manager’s desk to share some news. She began the conversation with ‘the first thing I want to tell you is I am awesome’. That immediately caught my attention as it’s seldom I hear a person talk like that. What interested and intrigued me was the way in which she expressed it. There was absolutely no arrogance or conceit in her mannerism. Rather she was genuinely ecstatic about the way she had handled a situation and its resulting outcome and she wanted him to know.

I couldn’t help but smile and think of how great it would be if we often thought about being awesome. We spend so much time focused on those things that absorb our energy and require our attention that we fail to realize those moments when we are truly awesome. Our mission each day should be to find moments of gratefulness and reflection on what we have achieved. We need to find more time to celebrate and whether we say it verbally or just keep it to ourselves simply express as my young colleague so wonderfully did ‘I’m awesome’. Until next time…

Blondie

About the sunset...

Hello Friends,

Whether I am seeing a sunset in person or simply spending time looking at a picture I am genuinely happy when I get to see one. Perhaps it is the sheer beauty of the multitude of colors, or maybe it’s just the joy it brings to my heart, whatever is the case, I love sunsets. I almost always picture myself being up on a mountain looking out over a valley and viewing the magnitude of all the sunset touches. These words by an American Poet, Elbert Hubbard resound in my ear again and again. 'Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal'.

I think it might be that sunset’s inspire me to dream my dream and to believe that somewhere out there is the reality they will be realized. I must admit I’ve never really understood all that goes into making a sunset so beautiful. I looked it up but it all seemed so complex to understand. In the end I realized that some things are best just accepted. Maybe that’s the real message, meaning we find our joy not from things we truly know or understand, but just because they are. For me seeing each sunset is a renewed experience of happiness and joy. Until next time…

Blondie

About owning your power...

Hello Friends,

Over the past year my friend and I have often talked about owning your power. It's another one of those concepts I was instantly drawn to and intrigued about, yet it took me time to understand and embrace the meaning to my life. What I learned was owning your power meant finding yourself and standing up for what you believe without apology. It meant doing things with certainty and confidence.

Owing your power comes to you with experience. It's being sure of your own personal value while never losing sight of working with others. How we do this contributes to our success. We own the power within ourselves to act on and realize our potential. Others can support us but it is deep within ourselves that we figure out how to direct the outcomes. It's made a big difference in how I think and work. I have come to understand it and how valuable it is in owning your power. Until next time...

Blondie

About rainbows...

Hello Friends,

A few months ago as I was driving home, I found myself in the midst of a down pour. At times it was difficult to see, but I continued on through the storm. All of a sudden the rain stopped, the sun came out, and ahead of me in the distance was the most magnificent rainbow I had ever seen. It arched all the way across the road and I couldn’t help but be in awe of its beauty.

The thing that’s most magical to me about rainbows is the hope they give. They are an amazing reminder that after a storm there is calm on the horizon we can look forward to. These are the moments we need to treasure and times we need to enjoy. Life is ever up and down but how good to know when we least expect it there is rainbow. We find our perspective and carry on. Until next time…

Blondie

About footprints in the sand...

Hello Friends,

I often think about the wonderful friends I have and the memories that leave an indelible impressive on my heart and mind. There’s something warm and inviting about spending time with friends who love you unconditionally. They have made my life happier by being part of mine. The song that readily comes to my mind when I think of them is ‘Footprints in the Sand’ sung by Leona Lewis. It’s a wonderful song full of hope and confidence and a constant reminder that genuine and faithful friends are always there for you.

Here are some of the lyrics. ‘I promise you, I’m always there; When your heart is filled with sorrow and despair; I’ll carry you when you need a friend; You’ll find my footprints in the sand’. As I reflect on the words I think about a walk on the beach, clear blue sunny skies that warm the soul and crystal white sand. I think about the footprints that leave a trail behind me and they remind me of the prints friends forever leave on our hearts. We are so much better from our experience of spending time with them. What I am absolutely certain of is my life is better from having known them. Until next time…

Blondie

About caramel cakes...

Hello Friends,

No matter how many caramel cakes I eat, I still enjoy them. It’s been many years since I ate the first one but some things just never lose their appeal. As I sat down to write this note I must admit I tried to figure out how I could relate an inspirational message all the while thinking of those delicious cakes. I think the message is this. We make those things that are important to us and natural like eating caramel cakes an everyday event, yet we wish for things we never get around to doing.

So let me tie the message to a movie I think is especially inspirational called ‘The Bucket List’. If you haven’t seen it, it’s about writing out those things in a list you want to do before you die. While some things on the list may seem silly, they all hold a spot if they mean something to you. It's important to find a way to make each one happen. Be sure to revisit your list often and update it with what's been accomplished. I know for sure I can check off eating caramel cakes! I have certainly had more than my fair share and I am now onto other things. Until next time…

Blondie

About possibilities...

Hello Friends,

Everyday I dream in possibilities. I love the concept 'the sky’s the limit’ and know for sure we are constrained only by our own personal limitations. At times others have challenged and questioned me about dreaming too big. But over the years as they have spent time with me they have simply stopped trying to enlighten me and bring me to my senses. Rather they have chosen to believe with unwavering faith my dreams would be realized.

I love it best when people believe in you in this way. On my hardest of days I have only to think of them and how they support and enable me to just keep going and believing in possibilities. It may be true that some things are not reachable but yet they never discourage me. I have always valued their perspective but it is their willingness to allow me to believe in possibilities that keeps me going in the direction I aspire to reach. Until next time…

Blondie

About the journey...

Hello Friends,

I often autograph the book I wrote ‘life is all about the journey, enjoy every moment of it’. For a long time I focused on arriving at my goals with little thought about the journey itself. I didn't stop to reflect, look around me or to smell the roses. I just didn’t think I had time. I would picture the end goal and nothing could stop me from getting there. It was last summer when I gained the perspective I needed. For a period of time I had no choice but to stop and rest for a while, regain my strength and renew my focus.

Those moments caused me to reach down deep within myself and reflect about the journey. I realized there were more things that caused me happiness and joy than pain. I was just focusing on the difficult moments and that was taking away my energy and passion towards reaching my goal. I came to understand there are all types of moments along our journey. It is only when we find a way to keep each experience in perspective, take time to reflect and value each one that we figure how to enjoy every moment of the journey itself. Until next time…

Blondie

About elevators...

Hello Friends,

I had to smile when I stepped into the elevator recently on the way up to my office. Several others got in at the same time but one young man was closest to the buttons. Everyone selected their specific floor but when the elevator door didn’t close quickly he kept hitting the button until it did. The reason I smiled was I had already discovered this elevator had its own speed. It closed when it was ready and no amount of hitting the button makes it close faster.

It reminded me of a story I had heard of a young executive running to catch the elevator to the top floor. To his dismay he discovered it was out of order. The elevator attendant noticing his reaction was quick to say ‘there’s plenty of room at the top if you are willing to take the stairs’. That story always reminded me of how our minds must constantly be attuned to reaching our goals. While at times we have to deviate, it’s important to stay focused on the destination. How we arrive becomes the challenge. Taking the elevator may be easiest way but how great to know you can always climb the stairs. Until next time…

Blondie

About life lessons...

Hello Friends…

I have a good friend whose mission is to share a life lesson each time he talks to me. He feels compelled to enlighten me, and to help me see things differently. I always come away from having spent time with him just a happier person. I think it’s because he challenges me to see things from a different perspective. Sometimes he invites me to apply the SUMO method meaning ‘just suck it up and move on’! Those aren’t exactly his words but they seem to aptly fit what the letters mean to me. I giggle every time I think about that and always visualize not one but two SUMO wrestlers. Did you know that there is no weight class for SUMO wrestlers and they often find themselves squaring off in the ring against a much heftier opponent? Yet as you watch them both have amazing determination to win!

While it’s true in sports that the ultimate outcome is for someone to win, I don’t believe when engaging others that the goal should always be to win. Rather I like the philosophy of ‘you win– I win’. How we play the game enables that very outcome. A positive outcome occurs when the winning goal is focused on gaining mutual understanding and agreement. It’s possible that everyone we engage won’t play by these rules and we can’t achieve the outcome expected. If that happens, just ‘suck it up and move on’. Until next time…

Blondie

About what matters most...

Hello Friends,

For a long time now, I’ve been passionate about the success of others. It’s what matters most to me, that is, enabling others to reach their goals. I didn’t set out to accomplish that very thing, I had to learn it. For the first few years of my career I was focused on achieving everything I set out to do. I was on a personal mission to make it happen and I wasn’t prepared to stop until I had reached the goals I’d set for myself. I remember the day I was enlightened to step outside myself and think more about the success of others in my team than I was about my own personal success.

I struggled over that statement for a long time trying to understand what it meant. I always thought I considered others and showed interest in them so I was puzzled and somewhat distressed. It took me a year and much soul searching to find the answer but once I did I started thinking differently. What I learned in the process was the importance of taking time to build and sustain relationships, listen and understand what others were sharing, and ultimately find ways to support and coach people through both their successes and challenges. What I discovered was the power of teamwork. I now know for sure it’s what matters most. Until next time…

Blondie

About flamingos...

Hello Friends,

There is something about flamingos that just makes me happy. They inspire me and give me hope. Whether I’m seeing them at the zoo or in a picture, I just love them! Maybe it’s because they are pink and that’s my favorite color. It’s more than likely because they just seem elegant and confident as they stand on one leg. How amazing to have that sense of confidence as you stand among others. As I think about work I believe professionalism enables that very thing. How we engage and treat others is the measure of confidence.

I read an interesting article about flamingos recently and it said ‘because flamingos have long legs they can wade into much deeper water and when the water is beyond their wading depth, flamingos swim to the surface’. That is confidence! How often have we waded into deep water and then wondered how to recover from the experience? Now I know, just start swimming! Something else to love about flamingos! Until next time…

Blondie

About breaking all the rules...

Hello Friends,

I am normally a person who follows rules. I believe they are set in place for a reason and for the most part feel sure they have value. At times though, it's important to question the rules and in fact if they make sense. I have a favorite book entitled 'First, Break All The Rules'. It forms the foundation for great leadership principles and how our success is based on the premises of breaking the rules. Most specifically it talks about not treating everyone the same and finding what is inherent and special in each person and developing that talent. To be able to do that you must see them as individuals and not collectively requiring the same from you.

I think the same would be true of my building and sustaining relationships with colleagues and friends. While I treat each one with ultimate respect and care, I engage with them differently depending on the situation. That makes each relationship unique. Some inspire me while others are just simply always there for me when I need them. Maybe breaking all the rules is the key. What do you think? Until next time...

Blondie

About amazing grace...

Hello Friends,

I must admit I am not a very religious person. I do believe in spiritual things and in a higher power but I’ve just never been quite sure what that looks like. I am also a fan of all things that are meant to be but I believe you enable those very outcomes by your commitment to achieve that which you so desire. I’ve never been one to wait around for someone else to make things happen; rather its inherent in my nature to go after what I want. I’m always on a mission to realize my dreams.

I love the song ‘Amazing Grace’. So many artists sing it, but ultimately the message is always the same to me. I think it’s the words ‘through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come. Tis grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home’ that gets to my heart every time. In the moment I hear it, I turn up the volume and sing along. I would suppose it’s because there is a comfort in knowing there’s someone looking out after me. That very thing is amazing grace. Until next time…

Blondie

About letting go...

Hello Friends,

There are many days I think about what it is to be able to let go and no longer think of that very thing. I must admit I struggle with how to do it well. Several years ago I used to spend time with a girl friend of mine. While I liked her and thought she was very smart, each time I came away from spending time with her I would feel exhausted and emotionally drained. I couldn’t figure out for a long time exactly what it was that bothered me until one day after a brief conversation it became entirely clear to me. Looking back now, I can’t imagine what took me so long to understand. Perhaps it was my patience in not wanting to say goodbye to the friendship so the process of letting go took me a while.

Being a positive person I found she was very negative and draining. Over time I came to know for sure that I simply didn’t gain anything from spending time with her and letting go of that friendship was the best thing I could do. It’s true that I did pain over it but time naturally worked to heal the emotion of it all and letting go became easier. What I know for sure is that it was the right choice. I think in our lives we must always take time to assess that which is giving us joy and happiness and that which is taking it's toll. While it may be difficult it is worthwhile. In the end we are a better person from deciding to let go. Until next time...

Blondie

About effort...

Hello Friends,

It's Friday at last! Maybe it's just me, but it has seemed like a long week trying to get started again after holidays. I was thinking today about effort and what it really takes to get things done. As I write this blog each day I know for sure there is effort involved in picking a topic that will be of interest to my readers. Choosing the title though seems to pale in comparison to the effort expended to write the text. I say that because effort causes you to reach down deep inside and stretch your mind. Effort is work and it takes precious time. Sometimes we must decide if the effort is worth it. What do we gain in the process? I believe we choose to focus our efforts on what’s inherently important to us.

It has been 12 years since I first started writing my book ‘I Never Thought It Would Happen To Me’. I dedicated more time and effort in writing and publishing that book than anything else I've done in my life. While it took me nearly 5 years to research and write it and more times than I care to count wondering if I would ever finish it, I have only to reflect back on that now and see it as a true measure of what effort means to me. Nothing that is worthwhile ever comes without effort. Success is not realized nor can it be measured without effort. Until next time...

Blondie

About never giving up...

Hello Friends,

Earlier, I talked about how I always see things as beginning again from where you left off rather than feeling in any one situation you are starting over. That's engrained in me to think that way. I believe in things that are meant to be however I equally believe it is through our actions that we enable that very thing to happen. For me, it's always been about never giving up. I have to admit that at times I've been stopped for a while as I reflect on what steps to take next. There have been times most specifically over the past year where I thought I was beaten and that I would give up. But those moments are temporary. I love the words in the song 'I made it through the rain, and found myself respected by others who got rained on to'. Never give up.

At times the best we can do for ourselves is to stop and rest for a while. Somehow the rest rejuvenates us and enables us to see things in a different way. Rest gives us strength and perspective and then once determination sets in, you just find a way to not give up. It's important to note that it must be something worthwhile for you to keep present in your life. This is what never giving up is all about. It's that sense of accomplishment in rising above the circumstances and finding a way. While friends and colleagues support and encourage us to keep trying, it is deep down within us that we find the strength and perspective to never give up. Until next time...

Blondie

About climbing trees...

Hello Friends,

When I was a child we were sent out to play with our friends each day. Since there wasn't any money to entertain us, we were tasked with finding our own fun. I remember we would run up baseball hill and stand in awe of these magnificent pine trees. Our goal became to climb each tree but the challenge that constantly awaited us was figuring out how to reach the first branch. As small children it seemed a long way out of our reach. So we gathered old branches and planks of wood, anything in fact that we could climb onto so as to reach that first branch. After that it was branch after branch going as far as we dared to climb towards the top.

Now those of you who know me well might have a difficult time imagining me climbing a tree, but those memories remind me today of what it's like to climb onto branches and reach towards our goals. What it has taught me is this...branches give us opportunities...branches gives us hope and enable our dreams to happen. Without the risk and the belief we can make the climb, we hold ourselves back from becoming all we aspire to be. My goal is to never stop climbing trees. Until next time...

Blondie

About rising above failure...

Hello Friends,

I am a fan of being all you can be. Sometimes we look to others who just simply see our potential and enlighten us to it. Other times we simply find it through our experiences. What's important is that we constantly search for ways to reach our potential. A favorite book of mine is entitled 'Be All You Can Be' by John Maxwell. I like the simple approach he takes. He says that 'too many people never start because of failure, but starting is the first step to succeeding. We successfully fail when it stirs us to keep trying. The setbacks that look as though they will finish us off can spur us to come out on top. Never quit because of failure'. Perhaps the greatest thing that can happen to us is finding it within ourselves to rise above the circumstances and stay focused on our goals.

In my career I've had to learn how to be a manager and I can honestly tell you that is through the very trying and through the failures, that I have learned my best techniques in coaching others. I still don't have it all figured out, but one thing I know for sure is this - failure has enabled me to succeed. Sometimes I simply have to admit I need to try again to achieve the results I desire. I find a way to deal with the failure and then the strength that propels me forward. I see it as a way to just get better at what's important to me. I guess you might say that I am all about rising above failure and finding my success - for me it is just not optional. Until next time...

Blondie

About taking chances...

Hello Friends,

Life is full of risks. I must admit I've never been one to 'pine' over things I do not have. I might for a while 'wish' that things were different but inevitably I figure it out and move on. I think it's more because I can't stay present where I do not see the value. It seems as though time passes us by so quickly and in a blink of an eye another year is gone. There are many things I have yet to accomplish and I aspire to get to them all in my life time if at all possible. To wish for what is not, is a waste of time in my mind. I can't always say that I move quickly to that end resolve because that wouldn't be true, but I try to. Sometimes I just need time to work out the details and to be ready.

Whether that means accepting and finding happiness right where I am, or taking a chance and reaching towards some thing different, either way, I know it's important to choose. I have learned there is no joy in uncertainty, it's far better to take a chance. A good friend of mine said to me in a recent email exchange that 'life is a real joy when you just kick back and let it happen'. I couldn't help but think about that and what it means to have that kind of joy both personally and professionally. In the end sometimes what we need is just to be willing to reach out and take a chance and therein we find the joy. Until next time...

Blondie

About coaching others...

Hello Friends...

As I enjoy the last day of my vacation before returning to work I was thinking about what motivates me in my work with others. My first job out of college was as a policy typist for a large insurance company. Typing was far from what I would call a specialty of mine but I was grateful for the job. It occurred to me if I could understand what I was typing then perhaps I would have a better chance of interpreting the content. Way back then everything was manually written and trying to figure out an insurance agent's handwriting was more than a daunting task.

I decided to ask a senior underwriter if she would take time to explain the boxes in the application. She looked at me impatiently and quickly replied 'that I didn't need to understand it, I just needed to type it'. I remember in that moment thinking, I would always make time to coach others. I would never be that busy that I couldn't take the time to spend with others. It remains to this very day at the core of what is important to me and makes every moment of coaching others worthwhile. What motivates me most is enabling that success and in the process finding mine. Until next time...

Blondie

About 'it is what it is'...

Hello Friends,

A colleague of mine recently said to me 'it is what it is' and I must admit I'm somewhat perplexed by what that really means. Well maybe it means too bad, you can't change it, or maybe it means you just need to suck it up and move on, or maybe it's just reality kicking in. What I mean by that is sometimes reality is the very perspective we need. It's not that we have to like the situation or even accept it. More that it provides enlightenment and thus gives us the choice we need to make.

I like the words in the song 'Who I was Born To Be' by Susan Boyle. She sings 'And while I may not know the answers, I can finally say I'm free. And if the questions led me here, then I am whom I was born to be'. I think what's most important is that we never give up trying to figure it it. We must always try to find it within our selves even in the most difficult of situations to find our success. It is 'who we are born to be'. Until next time...

Blondie

About starting over...

Hello Friends,

It's January 1, 2010 and one might think of today as a chance to start over. It's a fresh new year and after all, isn't it the best time to make a new year's resolution? Maybe it's more important to reassess our lives ongoing, to adjust throughout the year, and be in tune with what needs to change rather than waiting. The very first quote I memorized was from Zig Ziglar in his book 'See You at the Top' - he said 'you go as far as you can see and when you get there you will always be able to see farther'.

I've always thought of things as 'beginning again from where you left off' rather than starting over. I think of all things intertwined and one event not happening independent of the other. I remain a constant believer in all things that are meant to be. Now that philosophy might not be for everyone but it's been an ongoing truth for me. Have you found that to be true for you? Until next time...

Blondie