June 24, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Know anyone who’s a middle child? I am a middle child, but let’s save that for another time. Let’s talk about my middle child–Laura, okay? It wasn’t until Bonnie started first grade and Laura got a bit of her own time–and space–that I realized that Laura had a most wonderful smile. She usually projected a serious attitude. Laura has always been fairly quiet–but if you listen carefully, you will find the most delightful sense of humor and wit. She is quite artistic and loves animals. They love her, too. She is gentle, kind, and caring. She’s also got some silent strength and courage and a great soul! Now, when it got close to Halloween, I took the girls shopping for costumes–and Laura chose, somewhat unconventional though it was–Superman. I’m a great believer in giving children choices. Now, let me tell you, this was no ordinary costume. When Laura put that costume on, her entire persona was transformed. It was as though it inflated her self esteem. And I don’t have to tell you how many times she wore that costume both before and after Halloween, as well. While wearing that costume, her stance became powerful! Her attitude was energetic! If you would have seen her in that costume, you would have believed that she could fly–you know she believed it! You could see it in her eyes!
So, today’s task is to find something that makes you feel as good as Laura’s costume did–like Superman. Could be allowing some time and space just yourself alone. Maybe it’s doing an activity that you enjoy–could be playing golf, going to a movie, jogging, spending some time with your best friend. Whatever you choose is up to you, but it must be something that makes a remarkable difference in your attitude. It must help you to generate enthusiasm–to become really alive. Ever seen someone who really isn’t a great beauty, if you look closely, but their vitality projects something that makes them so attractive? Their enthusiasm for life just draws you to them? Think you’re tough enough to project such an attitude? You know you are. After all, you are the Best! And today will be a day filled with the ability to fly! You can be Superman–try it! And if you have trouble getting your feet off the ground, give me a call and I’ll schedule a flying lesson for you–with my Laura! She is amazing! Make me proud!!!
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June 19, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
“Now, I’m a happy camper”–how did we come up with that one? I hadn’t a clue until today. Must admit I have been a camper on quite a few occasions, usually because it was a simpler and more cost effective way to travel and have a place to stay after a day filled with plenty of sunburn, windburn, mosquito bites, poison ivy, and overdoing everything from outdoor activities to eating and swimming. The happy part for me usually came at the end of the trip when I arrived home exhausted and could finally sleep comfortably in my own bed with air conditioning. I really do like the great outdoors–really, I do–just in small doses. Anyway, back to my new discovery–made just today. What did I discover?
Well, I will tell you. My Valerie, the youngest of my three teenagers has been absolutely begging to buy a tent so that she could offer an overnight adventure to some of her closest friends–of which she has many. Seems she’s been looking up everything she could find about tents on the internet for quite some time. Today was the day that she and her sisters went on a shopping excursion and purchased the most wonderful and perfect tent–for her–and her friends–and her sisters. They just can’t use it all at the same time. I’m sure she’ll be plotting out a schedule that will be jam-packed for the rest of the summer. She walked in the door with a grin on her face that said it only too well–Now, she is a “happy camper”, I’m telling you. I’ve lived a lifetime to be able to use that phrase and have it make sense–and today, it does.
So, today’s task is add some adventure to your life. I know I’ve had my share of adventures like Valerie has planned. This time, I’ll be the one shopping for the ingredients to make the world’s best s’mores, some hotdogs with all the fixin’s, and the bug spray, along with flashlights (with plenty of batteries). I’ll also be sure to check on them before I go to bed and definitely leave the back door open in case they tire of their great adventure (or perhaps scare themselves with the great scary stories) and choose the comfort of their bed instead. Think you’re tough enough to take the challenge? I know you are. You are the Best! And today will be filled with reminiscing about your camping stories and the opportunity to create some new ones. How tough are you anyway? Now, where is that bugspray and calamine lotion? Be a happy camper! Make me happy–and proud!
June 18, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 1 Comment
Who is in control of your well-being and your happiness?
It’s you!
Who chooses to be happy, sad, enthusiastic or miserable on any given day?
It’s you!
Who chooses to be positive or negative?
It’s you!
Who sends that positive or negative energy out to the universe?
It’s you!
Who chooses to make the world a better place?
It’s you!
Who looks for goodness in everyone they meet?
It’s you!
Who chooses to offer a word of encouragement?
It’s you!
Who offers to help when help is needed?
It’s you!
Who offers a smile at just the right time?
It’s you!
Who stands by you with friendship when a friend is needed?
It’s you!
Who knows that love is all we need every day?
It’s you!
Who am I thankful for each and every day?
It’s you!
June 16, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 1 Comment
Heard a story about a young man who was mentally challenged. One day he asked his Dad if he could play in a baseball game with some other kids in the neighborhood. You know he just wanted to be like the rest of the kids. Well, his Dad was concerned that they might not even let him play, let alone treat him well, but since his son wanted this SO much, he asked the kids to let him play. Not only did they let him play, but they helped him to make a home run. Seems the players just accidentally threw the ball to all the wrong positions and were unable to stop him from making it home. Imagine that? The thrill of victory–and each one of those boys a real WINNER!!!
Don’t know ’bout you, but sometimes I feel like I work so hard and don’t get anywhere. I expect and am excited when good things happen to other people, but tend to have that attitude across-the-board that, “I never win at anything.” Today’s challenge is to work with me to change that attitude. You do deserve good things. You are a winner and good things are definitely coming your way–and mine! Let’s make today a new start.
Think you’re tough enough to work for good things? I know you are–and so am I! So, take my hand, let’s get started. Time’s awastin’ and there’s good things a-plenty for all of us. Don’t waste a minute! After all, you are the Best and I’m expecting great things from you. And today will be filled with plenty of inspiration, abundant energy, and lots of good things. Good things on the way! On your mark! Get ready! Get set! GO! You are a winner! Make me proud–you always DO!!!
June 13, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
“One day in retrospect the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful.”
~Sigmund Freud
Funny how life can change in the blink of an eye or a flash of lightning or with the whisk of the wind. Hope you’ve been missing my messages this week as much as I’ve been missing you. Seems a thunderstorm early this week brought along with it, not only lots of rain, thunder, and lighning, but a lot of wind. One of the trees in my neighbor’s yard succumbed to the wind, but refused to go down without taking something with it–a power line. But this power line was not just any old ordinary power line. No–this power line brought energy to MY house. Been without power for almost three days–finally restored this morning. But you know me, I can’t resist the opportunity to learn from every event in my life, right? So, here’s my perspective on life without electricity.
Thought no power coming to my house would zap the life out of all of us, but I was very wrong. Seems it brought a few new and different things to us. Never realized how loud all those electrical contraptions are. Talk about QUIET! And never realized that even when every light is turned off, there’s still light from streetlamps and instant-on appliances and electronic elements. Talke about DARK!!! Now, it did prove a perfect opportunity to slow down just a bit and I will admit that I got a lot more sleep this week than I have of late. Another thing that surprised me was the increased level of communication and cooperation among my family. They sat around on the floor and told of their day filled with exciting stories. They worked together to make the situation at least bearable. It sparked some great creativity. And while I am glad to hear that the electricity has been restored, it is just a little bittersweet. I enjoyed the slower pace. I enjoyed the extra time together. I enjoyed the extra rest. Just might have to pop those breakers on occasion to bring about a little peace and tranquility–just for fun!
Today’s challenge is to contemplate how tough you really are. Think you’re tough enough to weather any storm? I know you are. You are the Best and while today may be filled with some cloudy skies, you can have sunshine on even the rainiest of days! Take my hand and I’ll show you how! Make me proud!!!
June 10, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
“If you can’t see it, it can’t hurt you.” ~Jon’s Mom
See the words above. Those words were said to a little boy before he got a shot. Close your eyes…if you can’t see it, it can’t hurt you. To this day, when he gets a shot, he closes his eyes and somehow the shot doesn’t hurt quite so much–maybe.
Got high blood pressure? You know when you go to give blood and they say that your blood pressure is borderline–almost to the point that they can’t take your blood, it’s time to get it checked. But do you do that–if you’re me? No. How do you fix the problem? Stop giving blood, right? If you can’t see it, it can’t hurt you, right?
Get treated with less than the respect that you deserve–and don’t demand the same respect that you give others? Close your eyes–if you can’t see it, it can’t hurt you, right?
Never get to do what you would like to do or dream of? It doesn’t matter. Close your eyes–if you can’t see it, it can’t hurt you, right?
Today’s task is to open your eyes. That shot doesn’t hurt any less than when you couldn’t see it. Maybe it’s even better when you can see it coming. There is no surprise. Get those health tests that you know are important. We want you to be around for a long time! Demand the respect you give others for yourself. You are strong! You are brave! And ask for your turn. Don’t become the big bully and the demanding personality that none of us want to be around, but your thoughts, your dreams, and your likes are just as important as the next guys. They are! You are important! You are special! You are the Best and good things are coming your way. Look for them! Work for them! And today will be filled with responsibility, respect, and some dreams! Make me proud! You always do!
June 9, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
By the time that Valerie was learning to spell, being the third child, I was a pro at spelling, could do it without a thought, while I talked on the phone, made dinner, or cleaned up a spill. But there is just a bit more space between Child #2 and #3, so I had forgotten how the spelling begins. Valerie asked me to a spell a word like “summer”. I just spouted off S-U-M-M-E-R and went on with what I was doing, until a few minutes later, her tiny voice piped, “SSSSSSS”, as she looked up expectantly for the second letter. Funny how quickly we forget how difficult and painstaking those early skills were to learn and how much pride we took in them when we finally conquered them.
So, today’s task is to look with some pride at all of the skills that you have achieved over the years. If you’re thinking it would be too difficult to learn something new, like a new language, a sport, or a hobby, give yourself a minute. Everything takes time. We didn’t learn those tasks in a flash when we were children, what makes us think that we should be able to do that now. And I will be giving extra credit today, if instead you choose the reverse, breaking a bad habit, like smoking or biting your nails or overeating, give yourself a minute. Those routines took some time to become a bad habit. Give yourself some time to change them. You can do it–and so can I! You are the Best and today will be filled with some courage, some effort, some diligence, and some achievement. Take it slow! Make me proud!!!
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June 6, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Must admit that my children sometimes call me a Flower Child because my motto is usually, “Peace, Kindness, and Love”. Guess I could have been a hippie if I’d have been born just a bit sooner. So, laugh if you want, but while I do sometimes wear my heart on my sleeve, I don’t think it’s such a bad way to be. Today’s challenge is to remember in the tough world we live in where everyone’s motto seems to be to do anything you need to do to get ahead, take a minute to remember that you bring back to you what vibes and actions you put out to the universe. There goes that Flower Child! She certainly needs a reality check, doesn’t she? Maybe she does, but how ’bout you?
Your gifts of peace, kindness, and love make the world a better place. Your gifts of peace, kindness, and love cause a ripple effect–it also causes a boomerang effect. Your gifts of peace, kindness and love send that on to others and bring it back to you. Think you’re tough enough to try it and find out? I dare you! I know it works–come spend a day with me–I’ve got extra rose-colored glasses and I’m more than willing to share. You are the Best and good things are definitely coming your way! And today will be a day to dare to dream, to be kind, and peaceful, and show the world some love! Make me proud!!!
June 5, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Why is it that when I look at a healthy food–say a carrot or a piece of celery, it just seems naked without something on it, like a fancy, calorie-laden sauce for the carrot, and peanut butter or sour cream for the celery? I’ll admit it–the other day a friend of mine asked me to taste test a blueberry/bran muffin she had made using a Weight Watchers recipe. Now, Weight Watchers is not a diet. It is a way of life and I do know that if I stick by Weight Watchers, I could indeed look at my scale without breaking out in a sweat. I agreed to test the 1 point muffin. Considering what it was, 1 point, healthy, something that would help me lose weight, satisfy hunger, and give me the ability to go clothes shopping for a smaller size, I did approve. I even asked for the recipe, but I will admit that the thought did cross my mind that the muffin could definitely be improved with even a small dusting of powdered sugar or a large dollop of whipped cream. Needless to say, Weight Watchers won’t be using me on one of their commercials any time soon, but I am a work in progress–one day at a time–and hey, it could happen. I could be a Weight Watchers poster child some day–I can dream–how ’bout you? You are the Best and good things and healthy foods are coming your way. Send me those recipes. I can do it.
And today will be a new chance to start fresh and hold the whipped cream and the extras for another day. Every celebration doesn’t have to include food–find a new way to celebrate–try shopping–or walking–or some water in a fancy goblet could do the trick–garnish with some lemon–and make the reward of feeling great and lookng good a reality. Better yet, put the emphasis on dressing for dinner, instead of on what’s for dinner. Think you’re tough enough to take today’s challenge? As always, I’m in this with you. Make me proud!
June 4, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Today’s challenge is to take a minute to think about your performance. Do you do your job better today than you did it a month ago? Three months ago? A year ago? Are you more innovative today than you were yesterday? Do you shake things up once in a while? Try something new and different? Do you look for new opportunities to beat the job that you did yesterday? Do you compare yourself to your competition? Could you make yourself your biggest competitor? There she goes. She’s at it again, isn’t she? Just when I’m thinking I’m doing my best, couldn’t get any better than the perfection that I am already, she starts expecting me to be more–to do more–to work harder! She never gives up, does she? I know you do a great job–each and every day–at work–at home–in your free time–with your family–your friends–your co-workers–all of the members of your team. And on a typical day, we compare ourselves to the average achiever among us, right? To the average performance. I do better than average, so that’s pretty good, isn’t it? I’ll admit, that’s okay–but I don’t think better than average is great. Why, do you ask? Because you know that your performance, on even a bad day, is better than the average, right? What challenge is there in that?
Today’s challenge is to pit yourself against yourself. Use your best performance as your benchmark. Today’s challenge is to do better today–work harder–work smarter–be more creative–more innovative–than you were yesterday, or last month, or last year. You already know you’ve got it in you. The typical manager gives most of his time to the employees who need his help, right–probably, but does that make it right? Seems most of us spend our time trying to help the strugglers to survive, when the real time should be spent with your star players. They are indeed above average to start, right, but that’s where the most improvement can be encouraged–and found. And guess what happens when you do that? You raise the bar, don’t you? You lift up that average. Think you’re tough enough to beat your very best–to encourage your best players to be even better? I know you are–and so am I. And you just might encourage your players having the toughest time to want your attention and to work harder to get it. Focus on each person’s strength–even your weakest player has amazing strengths. Take the time to find them! As always, I wouldn’t expect you to do anything that I, myself, wasn’t willing to do. You are the Best and today and tomorrow are the chance to be even better. I’m expecting great things from you! Get busy! Don’t waste a minute! Make me proud! Lead the way!!!
