Alignment of heart – intentions - words

Quote: “One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter.” James Earl Jones

Question: Are the words in utter by candidates running for office this year making the world a better place?

In the final days of the 2010 election, the negative ads and political rhetoric have heated up. Either side seems to have a positive discourse to present their vision for our future other than demising their opponent. When asked why they are going negative their coined response is that they are exposing the facts.

What are we modeling to our children? What legacy are we leaving on civil discourse? When will the point come in our discourse that listening to others becomes popular again. The negative rhetoric of your leaders must die out. We need leaders that can listen and dialogue with each other, more importantly with us. When will we stop allowing them to treat us this way.

Action: Check to see if your candidate's words and intentions align with your heart for a better world

”Can you be gratefully unemployed?”

Quote: Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” Unknown

Question: ”Can you be gratefully unemployed?”

Several days ago in blog I read this question was asked,”Can you be gratefully unemployed?” I was touched by the question and decided to response. Today I felt the need to post my answer for you to read also.
The answer is Yes. I love the way you phased the question”Can you be gratefully unemployed?” Being gratefully, thankful, appreciative for the friends, co-worked, skills learned while employed. More so, for the opportunity I had to honor my creator in the dignity that I preformed my work.

On February 2, 2010 at 10:30 am, I was asked to follow a director into an office where I was told that my services were being terminated. That day 35 co-workers received the same message. So like in the ground hog day movie the drama was being played out in the lives of my friends and their families. Fourteen years I had a place to go and a place to leave that I loved and others loved me. Now it was over.

Why me? The business no longer could justify my position. Our organization business model and needs had changed. Intellectually I had the business acumen to understand this. However, emotionally I needed to make a choice to be grateful so that I could continue to honor my creator. As a leader, I was responsible for others that followed and watched me as I walked into my new life of “Being in between my successes”.

I can be grateful because I was successful in my last position. I would be successful in a new one again. I am learning new skills to help me find that new and greater opportunity. I give thanks to the job seeker clubs for providing this education. Here’s a list of several in Northeast Ohio:
• Diane Miller - Community Job Club
• Jim Grant – Chagrin Valley Job Seekers
• Joyce Rodek – North Canton Executive Networking Group

I will choose to be gratefully unemployed. It is perfect practice for preparing me for when I again become gratefully employed.

Actions: Act today as if you are living tomorrow having the blessing from yesterday

Of what service can I be?

Quote: How can I be useful, of what service can I be? There is something inside me, what can it be? - Vincent Van Gogh

Question: How can I be useful, of what service can I be?

Today, I attended a great word press class, which was the final session of three classes. The falicator was a young man who is celebrating his first year in business. He decided to share his talents, expertise and knowledge of social media at no cost to small group willing to learn. His gift of service was more than technical and hands-on training. Out of his service he nurtured five women who with make a difference in the lives of others using their talent and gifts in service. I am learning to take the thoughts in my head and moving them to paper or cyberspace. How can I be useful? My gifts are ones of faith in others and encouragement. What service can I be? Being one, those who help others see the path to their calling. This is my service in honoring my creator.

Actions: Become aware of the many opportunities to serve one other

The Path of Life

Quote: “Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence” - Henry David Thoreau

Question: Is the path of life which you are traveling filled with joy? Are you sharing this joy with others?

Be blessed and rejoiced in your ability to seize this day and move in the direction of your choice. Each step you take moves you onto your path to be able to pursue your dreams. The condition of this path may not be perfect or paved with concrete, but it is yours. Sing a song along the way and before you know it, others will be crossing your path to greet you.

Actions: Look Forward and Move

Learn to unwind with our DNA

Quote: “Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are”. Unknown- Chinese proverb

Question: Are you driven by your strengths or by your weaknesses?

I can tell when I am working from my strengths, because my energy level is higher and recovery time is less. Often, others can tell this too. Friends and

co-worker comment about the ease and confidence in which I accomplish tasks using my strengths. Whether referred to as strengths, talents, genius, gifts or aptitude we all have one or two. Do you know yours?

My talent is not writing words, my talent is speaking words. I am most relaxed when asked to speak. Stressed and out of my zone when asked to write down words. What I want is to improve my weaknesses in writing. I want to become better and less stress when having to write. Also not to have my weaknesses affect my strengths. I love the story “Don't Send Your Ducks to Eagle School.” Know your strengths, live out your strengths, and do not let your weaknesses define you. Find peace in knowing our weaknesses.

Actions: Discover your strengths today.

The Art of the Search

Quote: He who would search for pearls must dive below. - John Dryden

Question: Are you approaching each new day with a desire to find a pearl?

Yesterday while walking my grandson Damier to the bus stop, he noticed that Roscoe our family dog was sniffing at the ground. Looking down Damier found a penny. The joy of finding a penny his first reaction was to thank Roscoe. Dogs are natural sniffers that are always searching there environment. What is mankind’s natural instinct about searching our environment? What would we find if we did? Whom would you thank if you found a penny or a pearl? Whom would you share the good news?

Action: Today search your environment for a pearl.

Perspective - Where are you sitting?

“Sitting in the lap of the model you intend to paint never seemed to me to be the ideal location.” By Scott Julian Green

When things don’t go as you would like. Are you sitting on the lap of the model?