December 30, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Today’s task is to focus on you. Get ready! The year is almost over. Did you like how it went? Some good things–for sure. Some bad things–for certain. Let’s plan for the new year. That’s right. Get out that paper and pencil–or pen. Draw a line down the center. Write down the things you liked about 2008 on the left side, the things you didn’t on the right. I’ll give you a minute….hum…..hum…la-de-da-da…hum.
Okay, you done? Good job–and that pencil point was sharp too, even if it was after you ran for the pencil sharpener, right? Well, what do you think? Now, turn the paper over (remember, this is lo-tech talking to you, but you can be using the computer to do this, too). Make a heading at the top of the page–WINNING PLAN FOR 2009. Write down all the positive things that made you happy this year. Let’s include those in the plan for 2009. Got some things we didn’t like in 2008?–guess what–they’re not included in the 2009 Plan. Got some things that you should have done in 2008 and didn’t do? Let’s include them in new plan. Think you’re tough enough to face the year and start fresh? You know you are and so am I. Remember, I’d never ask you to do something that I, myself, wasn’t willing to do. We’re in this together.
Get ready–high energy and inspiration are coming your way and today I make my commitment to you to work harder and smarter to keep you inspired in 2009. Onward and upward. Come on along! You are the Best and good things are coming your way! I promise! Get energized. I will, if you will. Make me proud!!!
December 23, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
“When God measures a man, he puts the tape around his heart, not his head.” — Unknown
During the holiday season, it seems that many of us forget what’s really important. We get caught up in the “stuff” we have to do and buy and wrap, right? We get caught up in all the places we have to go. We sometimes forget that it’s a special time of year to remember the importance of giving and caring and sharing. Let’s take just a minute for a deep breath before you take on another round of shopping at the mall or marathon gift-wrapping session.
Let me ask you a question. At this time of the year, how do you measure up? What do you think of yourself? What does the rest of the world see? How do you want them to see you? And is that important anyway? Do you take a minute to let that car into your lane or pretend you don’t see they need your help? Do you push in front at the line at the store or steal someone’s parking spot? Are you rude to the person at the register? Can you justify being selfish, uncaring, and brisk? After all, you’ve only got so much time to get everything done. Only you can answer the question. When all is said and done, will you victoriously say that you made it to the finish line, but lost the race?
Think you’re tough enough to take on today’s task? Only you can determine what’s priority during this busy holiday season. Do what’s important to you–don’t forget to take a minute to enjoy what you do–and keep yourself the gentleman or lady of honor and respect that I know you are. And ask yourself this question, if someone were to measure your heart today, just what would they find? You are the Best and I’m expecting great things from you. And this season is just another opportunity to do it right! Make me proud!!!
December 22, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Ever found yourself caught up in small, silly things? Seems I have.
The one that comes to me every now and then, and I don’t have it yet, is the can of compressed air for dusting things (like keyboards). How do they get that air in there and why should I have to pay for it? And why do they charge me for air for my tires, too? Perhaps I just haven’t found the road to riches yet. Was someone actually sitting in their living room thinking, “I could make my millions just using air.” Almost seems too easy, doesn’t it?
So, today’s task is to stop working so hard. Look around you. There’s plenty of ideas that just need some finding. You are the Best and I’m expecting good things from you. And today will be filled with lots of breathing room and plenty of good thoughts yours for the taking. What do you think? Make me proud!!!
December 19, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Got your attention, didn’t I? Statistics claim that Christmas just might NOT be the MOST wonderful time of the year for many folks out there. Can you believe that? Ever feel that way? Now, as you already know, my life is perfect, but if I were to ever feel this way, here’s what I would do. If I didn’t have enough green to wrap up in packages tied up with fancy bows, here’s what I might have to do. There’s a plan for my life–I know–I know. Just wish somebody’d have given me a copy of it. There’s a reason. There’s a reason. I know, if I could walk into the store of my choice with the endeavor being to make everyone on my gift list happy, I should be able to complete the task with ease, right? Maybe not. Seems things don’t make people happy–people make people happy!
So, today’s task is to think of all the things that are on your wish list–for Christmas–or for your life–and let’s tweek the list just a bit. Get rid of everything on your list that costs money, causes undue stress, or is dangerous. No moaning! Get tough! Think of everything that you could give–even to yourself–that would make you happy. How about making some new year’s resolutions just a bit early? Let’s fill in some family time on that new 2009 planner. Let’s schedule in some time for friends. Let’s even schedule in some time just for YOU! That’s right–there is time. Put it on the schedule — and stick to it. You might even schedule in some time for a physical and for exercise. And how about putting vacation on the schedule, and really go on vacation. The size of the trip can be as inexpensive as camping out in your very own back yard this summer. Or go big–the choice is yours. Seems I already assigned this task to one of my most creative, productive, and successful friends AND I can’t wait to see what the list includes. Need some help getting started? Okay, here’s a little glimpse at just a few of the things on my list.
Dear Santa–I’d like:
a trip (Alaskan cruise)
singing lessons
music lessons to play the harp
a massage
a new car
luxurious bed linens and more pillows than you could even imagine–every shape and size
The world’s best pen
But since I’ve asked you to cut out all the items that cost money, I’m willing to let all of those wishes go (for now).
I’d be most contented this year to have:
Confidence that I have the ability to do just about anything that I could imagine
Never-ending ability and opportunity to help one person (or everyone)
Joy (not just happiness–I’m going bigger)
Peace of mind (peace on earth might be a tall order, but I’d happily take that too–for all of us–I’d share)
Good Health
Energy
Success
Let me know what you might like for Christmas. I’d be interested in seeing your list. My wish for you is everything that’s on my list–and MORE!!! Be well! Be happy! Get ready for a GREAT new year!!! It will be here before you know it–thanks for always being there to listen. I do appreciate ya! You are the Best! Get ready–remember that your hands can’t be ready to accept something new and wonderful and exciting if you’ve still got them clenched around something else. Good things are coming your way! Get ready! Dream BIG!!! WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND THE HAPPIEST OF NEW YEARS!!!
December 18, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Heard a story the other day that an expert in the field of kidnapping got kidnapped. All I can say is he’s going to be looking for a new job some time soon–if he can get away from the kidnapper. I’d be interested to know how long he was held. Seems his credibility just flew out the window, doesn’t it? Kinda funny–I know, I do seem to get a case of the giggles at all the wrong times–funerals, accidents, serious meetings, but that’s a story for another day–or lots of stories. Can you imagine your conversation with the kidnapper. “Now, sir, this type of thing should just not be happening to someone like me–I’ve spent years studying the subject. I even know what you’re thinking, how you’ve planned this. It just shouldn’t be happening to me. And I really do enjoy my job. Do we really have to do this? Oh well, perhaps I’ll make everyone else who’s ever been kidnapped feel better if it could even happen to me. Could you hand me that classified ad section when you get a minute? Just might be time for a career change.”
So, today’s task is to remind yourself that you do indeed have an area of expertise. Study hard, keep updated with changes in your field, and always be ready for the unexpected. And you know me, throw in a little chuckle once in a while–or twice! Think you’re tough enough to take today’s challenge? I know you are–and I must admit that I’ve been worried about gaining some extra pounds with all the upcoming holiday treats so easily accesssible, but maybe it will just make it more difficult for me to be kidnapped. Maybe a new field of experise for me. I hear there’s a recent opening, right? Hmmm! Always look for the bright side! You are the Best!
December 17, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Life’s all about choices, right? Okay, run if you must. You know I’m pushing you each and every day to be just a little bit better, right? Well, get this! If you wake up each and every morning with two options only–to make today a GOOD day or a GREAT day, you can’t lose, right? Think you’re tough enough to get on board to making the right choices? I know you are–and so am I.
Today’s task is to choose to make each day the best that it can be. Failure is not an option. If you already rise each and every morning thinking bright thoughts and looking for only sunshine, butterflies, and hummingbirds, you are indeed my hero. And if you might have a rough day or two, make a change. As always, the choice is yours! You are the Best! And today will be filled with positive choices and only good things. Look for them! I dare you! Make me proud!
Or maybe I should kick it up a notch and make the choices GREAT or TRULY UNBELIEVABLE. What do you think? The choice is yours!
December 15, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Garfield wrote: “If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should never grow old.”
The girls had some of their friends over this weekend. I was introduced to one of my oldest daughter’s friends as someone who had something happen to her at age ten causing me to never get any older. Now, you might be offended by such ribbing from a teenager, but I was highly complimented. I’ll take Ten. Don’t ever let anything that happens to you in this lifetime make you “old”. I’m not!
So, today’s task is to remember to keep that youthful excitement and enthusiasm for everything. Start every day jumping out of bed (okay, maybe I don’t jump so good these days), looking for new opportunities and excitement. Think you’re tough enough to still believe in Santa? You know I do! Look for the magic in every single day. There’s enough out there for all of us! You are the Best! And every today presents a new chance to start fresh, to learn something new, and to be the person that you once dreamed you could be! Make me proud!
December 12, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Can I get personal for a minute? How do you feel? Okay, if you’re like me, you get up every morning and you look at that face in the mirror and you pick out each and every flaw, right? Today’s challenge is to go back to that mirror just one more time today, but instead of finding a flaw, I want you to find something that you like. It can be your bright and shining eyes, your wonderful skin tone, your beautiful hair (or head), your dignified carriage, or your great smile (and yes, you have to be smiling to see it). Now, let’s re-assess. How do you feel now? Better, huh? I know I do. That was easy, right?
Today’s challenge is to get used to seeing that person that you like, looking at you in the mirror, on a photograph, or even when you think about yourself in your mind. And if you are already quite comfortable and happy with yourself, you are my hero. So, your task today is to get comfortable with yourself. You are special! You are wonderful and this world is a better place just because you’re in it. And I like you–and so do a lot of other people. No one else is exactly like you! You are the Best and good things are coming your way! And today will be the perfect opportunity to see that. Make me proud!
December 10, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
“It requires wisdom to understand wisdom; the music is nothing if the audience is deaf.” ~Walter Lippmann
Got a best friend? When I went to Freshmen Orientation at my college–just a few years ago, I met a new student. From the minute we met, it seemed that we had known each other forever. We enjoyed the same subjects, had the same values, even laughed at the same jokes. And the funny thing is that everyone seemed to think that we must have known each other before we came began college because we got along that well. Even my assigned roommate at the dorm was convinced that Elizabeth (Liz, Lizzie, Lizard, depending on the day) and I were certainly planning to become roommates during the next semester, which I didn’t ever do. And though we don’t see each other often these days, when we do get a minute to share time (even by phone), the years melt away and it’s like we were never apart. What is it that allows you to become good friends so quickly. You need to be on the same plane–the same playing field–can’t say that either of us is a genius–well, (okay may Liz is), but we understood each other because our ears were open to hear the music.
So, today’s task is to take the time to open your ears, to use your wisdom, to listen, and really hear the symphony. Just in time for a high school concert tonight–hmm–imagine why my mind was on the subject of music, huh? Think you’re tough enough to take today’s challenge? Be smart! Be wise! Listen! And don’t forget to laugh! You are the Best and good things are coming your way! Take the time to enjoy them–and isn’t it about time to get in contact with an old friend? Plan to meet for lunch–or golf–or snowmobiling–or just talking. And today will be a fresh opportunity to listen, and learn, and to share some new experiences and even learn something new. Pass it on! I will, if you will. It’s never too late! Do you hear what I hear?
December 8, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Tried to help my daughter, Valerie, study the other night. Her task to memorize the Digestive System and how it works, right? Her study guide, a large paragraph with a lot of blanks. This is easy–even I can do this–I can help her–I know I can. She tells me to just prompt her with the words that are there and blanks for the other words. Easy, right? Goes something like this.
Digestion starts in the _____ (mouth). Even I got it. So far, so good. Then, something like this. Digestion starts in the mouth using ___________, ___________, and __________ (types of teeth). Okay, a bit tougher, but we’re still okay. Then, guess what–the rest of the paragraph looks like this: The _______ _______ _______ _________ _________ are __________. Now, I’m not allowed to tell her any of the words in that sentence, so how in the world do I give her a clue? And the rest of the paragraph looks about the same–a lot of blanks with a few articles in between. Really tough–and you knew she had to be frustrated before we even began, right? Let me tell you, I was thinking of filling in a few blank words for that teacher while we studied. Heard he started them with a blank piece of paper when he gave the test, giving them, “Digestion starts in the” as his introduction and then told them to complete it and worked on papers at his desk–and was then surprised when my daughter missed a sentence.
So, here’s today’s task. Life is full of lots of blank spaces and it’s our choice how we’re going to fill them in. I challenge you to study hard, make good choices, and stay focused on the goals that you’ve made. And don’t ever tell your children that their life is easy. It’s tough to be a kid. You have to follow everyone else’s rules and some of them just don’t seem to make sense, even to a grown-up. If you have always made good choices, you are my hero, but if you’re like the rest of us who have made a few mistakes, let’s make today the opportunity to start fresh, to make some changes, and to get on track. I will, if you will. You are the Best and good things are coming your way! And today will be a day filled with _____, ______, and some ______. You fill in the blanks. Make me proud!
