Fit as a Fiddle Friday - A Social Network Christmas - 17.5

Sally,

Week 17, post 5 of your college career and this will be the last post until after the holiday break. I look forward to some one-on-one time for coffee and chats about personal branding, and I will pick that topic back up when you return to UGA.

For today's Fit as a Fiddle message, I think you will enjoy this short video clip (less than 4 minutes) titled: A Social Network Christmas. Stay fit (mentally, socially, physically, and spiritually) and . . .

Merry Christmas,

Dad

Colloquial Thursday - Tap into the power of words - 17.4

How long a time lies in one little word! - William Shakespeare (Richard II (I, 3)

Sally,

Nice and apropos to start this topic on Colloquial Thursday. The chapter is titled, Harness the Power of Names, Signature Words, and Phrases to Lock in Your Message. I have always liked your name, Sally Singletary - it has a nice ring to it. I like my name as well - G. Page Singletary. Some of my buddies call me "G. Page" or sometimes just 'G' for short. I use the G. Page professionally and it seems to work.

Reminds me also of a story mom told me recently about a little boy in one of her classrooms who got in trouble for using a negative word. His teacher called the word a 'vinegar' word. He had to sit in timeout.

Words are so powerful that what we create in the mind through words and messages often comes true. This is why it is so important to write down your goals, in your own handwriting. It is also a reason why I think it so important to make writing and literature a part of your college studies.

Looking forward to that cup of coffee soon.

Dad

Women Power Wednesday - Sally Singletary - 17.3

Celebrating you (Sally Singletary) today on Women Power Wednesday, because you are coming home! Please travel safe and look for some self-branding examples when amongst the great masses of humanity in the airports. I will continue my study of Kaputa's book for a few more posts and then shut the nuggets down for the holidays.

So far, this is what we have reviewed from the book's list of 'Top 10 Self-Branding Actions':

1. Celebrate yourself and your uniqueness: Do a self-brand audit.
2. Keep tabs on the big picture: Do a SWOT analysis.
3. Don't avoid the competition: Go to school on your competition.
4. Find the sweet spot: Focus on the right strategy for achieving your goals. 
5. Harness the power of self-presentation: Learn the principles of visual identity.

The next self-branding action, number 6, is called: Tap into the power of words: Learn the principles of verbal identity. More on this tomorrow.

Women power,

Dad

Stay Whole Tuesday - Building your visual identity - 17.2

I think you will like this next self-branding action. It is all about visual identity. Brand managers are masters of visual identity. The way something looks is often the point of first (and lasting) impact for a brand. Here are ten guidelines Kaputa says to keep in mind, as you develop your visual identity:

1. Think of clothes as packaging: Use clothes to enhance, not undercut, your brand message.
2. Have a signature item: Think of a trademark that people associate with you.
3. Look different: You don't want to look like everyone else. You want your own vibe.
4. Look the part: Fulfill expectations of your role and the style of the institution or target market to which you are appealing.
5. Use hair as a branding device: Think of Dolly Parton, Anna Wintour, and Donald Trump. Each has an unmistakable branded hairstyle.
6. Make your look consistent: Don't send mixed messages. Everything should tie together for a consistent visual identity at business, casual, and formal events.
7. Have a signature color or palette: Build your wardrobe and brand marketing around a related palette of colors for maximum effect.
8. Have a strong presence: How you stand and carry yourself gives you presence and helps make you memorable.
9. Leverage your height, shape, or profile: Build your visual identity off who you are.
10. Stay relevant and fresh: Let your brand evolve and stay up-to-date.

I can't wait to discuss this topic with you when you get home, especially number 5!


Stay whole,


Dad


1. Celebrate yourself and your uniqueness: Do a self-brand audit.
2. Keep tabs on the big picture: Do a SWOT analysis.
3. Don't avoid the competition: Go to school on your competition.
4. Find the sweet spot: Focus on the right strategy for achieving your goals. 
5. Harness the power of self-presentation: Learn the principles of visual identity.

Make it a great Monday - Finding the Sweet Spot - 17.1

Sally,

Kaputa says, "In self-branding, you are looking for the sweet spot: the intersection of a good idea and a market need that you can satisfy." She stresses the importance of trusting your instincts, as much as analyzing the facts in the marketplace. She wants you to tap into your intuition and move towards those things that most excite you. Find those things you love to do, and let others know that you are good at those things.

Think about this line from William Shakespeare's King Henry V (II, 4):

Self-love my liege is not so vile a sin as self-neglecting.

And remember, if you take a course that you don't enjoy, then you are one step closer to finding those things that you do enjoy.

Make it a great Monday,

Dad

1. Celebrate yourself and your uniqueness: Do a self-brand audit.
2. Keep tabs on the big picture: Do a SWOT analysis.
3. Don't avoid the competition: Go to school on your competition.
4. Find the sweet spot: Focus on the right strategy for achieving your goals.

Fit as a Fiddle Friday - To thine ownself be true - 16.5

Sally,

Kaputa says, "that many people short change themselves when it comes to targeting their own different ideas and the benefits to their target markets. They are too busy working hard, but that is not the same as working smart." When you don't differentiate yourself, people will not have a reason to choose you. I am repeating myself from a previous post, but I like using you as a sounding board.

My differential is that I am a salesman who leads and inspires others to reach their goals. I have a passion for the education market, both K-12 and post-secondary education, where I have successfully launched three unique businesses. I have also learned that part of what sets me apart as a businessman is that I am a rare combination of my two grandfathers. Let me explain. I call my grandfathers the peddler and the preacher.

And my story goes on from there . . . Can't wait to see what your story becomes!

Stay fit,

Dad

Colloquial Thursday - Be different - 16.4

Sally,

I know you are studying hard and that the exam season can be a little overwhelming. I hope you are taking time to workout, to eat healthy, and as best you can, get some sleep! The first of the 10 self-branding actions in You are a Brand! is basically to "be different." Kaputa says:

"You should build your professional identity around your authenticity: who you are and what you can be, not who you want to be like or who others want you to be. You need to find what is different about you and your abilities. And capitalize on it."

She goes on to point out that when you build off of your strengths and desires, you will be enthusiastic. You will indulge your passions and you will find that when you accept who you are, others will too.

When mom told me about your Art History exam, I was reminded of how Steve Jobs once took a course on calligraphy, and how that interest in calligraphy became the impetus for the first Apple Computer. Art History may or may not be your thing, but by taking the course you have broadened your knowledge and moved one step closer to finding out what does float your boat.

Coincidently, Kaputa started her impressive career as an Asian Art Historian. She got a masters degree and was working on a Ph.D. at Harvard when she realized that was really not who she wanted to be. But her passion for Asian Art helped her launch her career in advertising.

Dad

Women Power Wednesday - Catherine Kaputa - 16.3

Sally,

Continuing with Catherine Kaputa on Women Power Wednesday, once you decide to take charge of your self-brand in an active manner, and you fully embrace the self-brand mind-set, the book takes you through 10 self branding actions. They are as follows:

1. Celebrate yourself and your uniqueness: Do a self brand audit.
2. Keep tabs on the big picture: Do a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis.
3. Don't avoid the competition: Go to school on your competition.
4. Find the sweet spot: Focus on the right strategy for achieving your goals.
5. Harness the power of self-presentation: Learn the principles of visual identity.
6. Tap into the power of words: Learn the principles of verbal identity.
7. Think in terms of markets: Engage in and respond to the market.
8. Expand your network and your visibility: Become known for something by somebody somewhere.
9. Execute a self-brand action plan: Develop specific tactics and implement each as scheduled.
10. Stay relevant: Measure how you are doing

In closing Chapter One, Kaputa provides these words: "The first secret of self-brands: That person in the mirror is the only person you can rely on. But that's not sad. It's powerful."

Women power,

Dad

Stay Whole Tuesday - Commit - 16.2

Continuing with Chapter One of You Are a Brand!, one of the key messages is that we must 'commit'! You must take an active role, not a passive role, in defining who you are and your future. This requires some work. It also requires both sides of the brain. The left-brain is more analytical and fact-based, as well as planning. What are the facts? What skills do I have? What experience do I have? How can I get more experience in areas that I enjoy? The right-brain is more intuitive and creative. The right-brain is where you develop your visual identity (your packaging) and your verbal identity (your self-brand messages).

Stay whole,

Dad

Make it a great Monday - Self Branding (continued) - 16.1

Sally,

Proud of you for studying so hard and doing so well in your classes! I will pick up my dialog on the subject of self branding tomorrow.

Remember: "Why, then the world's mine oyster!"

Make it a great Monday,

Dad

Fit as a Fiddle Friday - Find Your 'Big Idea' - 15.5

Continuing with our study of Chapter One - Take Charge of Your Self-Brand, Kaputa introduces that we all need to find our "Big Idea". If you come to the conclusion that you are your most important asset (in a sense, you are your only asset) then your ability to maximize the asset that is you is the single most important ingredient in your success. She calls this "Big Idea", your USP - Unique Selling Proposition.

"A person represents a skill set. A self-brand represents a Big Idea, a belief system, that other people find special and relevant."

An analogy would be a tennis shoe without any markings on the side. It is just a shoe. It might be a fine, high performing shoe, but it is just a shoe. Add a simple 'swoosh' on the side of the shoe, and now it is a 'Nike' shoe. (Read about the creation of the swoosh and how the graphic designer charged the company $35 for her work.)

So I've been giving this USP concept some thought. I know I am a talented sales person and a leader of people. But there are lots of talented sales professionals and managers in the world today. What sets me a part?

My name is G. Page Singletary and I am a salesman, who leads and inspires those around me to reach their dreams. I have a passion for education and a deep understanding of the marketplace, where I have spent the lions share of my career, having successfully launched three education-based businesses. I am a unique combination of my two grandfathers - the entrepreneur and the preacher. 

My grandfather, Poppy, was a great businessman and a pure salesman. He often referred to himself as a peddler. I spent a lot of time with Poppy when I was a child, riding in his car, talking on his rotary-dial 'car phone', learning the fundamentals. A good salesman always has a pen . . . listen more than you talk . . . and remember this poem: "What's behind the door, I am not sure, but this I know and know it well, the more I open the more I sell."

My father's dad was a Baptist minister, who passed away two years before I was born. I have come to realize that I also have a lot of my Granddaddy Singletary in me. People feel good around me, people come to me for council, people trust me . . . all qualities of an outstanding minister.

If the need is for sales leadership in the education space, I am your man - G. Page Singletary.

 Stay fit,

Dad

Colloquial Thursday - Take charge of Your Self-Brand - 15.4

My executive summary of Chapter One - Take Charge of Your Self-Brand, from the book You are a Brand! starts as follows. First the author points out that brands are about 'soft' things. For companies today, it is not about the hard things like bricks, mortar, equipment and inventories; it's the soft things, . . . "the brands and company reputation, the ideas and intellectual capital, the consumer relationships and business alliances - that have the most value." Think about companies like Facebook, Google, Microsoft or even companies that sell hard products, like Coca Cola, Nike, Patagonia, etc.

"The same is true for people. It isn't the hard, quantifiable things, like educational credentials, experience, and job titles, that contribute the most to success. The real power lies in harnessing soft power - strategy and tactics, image and visual identity, words and verbal identity, visibility and reputation, and other branding ideas - all things that help attract people to you."

This book is about helping you develop an effective self-branding strategy that works in achieving professional and life goals but also is true to you - that brings more of you into the equation. Have you ever met someone and just asked them, "So what are YOU all about?" "What makes you, you?" "What makes you tick?" "Come on, give me something unique?" These are important questions.

Kaputa says, "This could be made up of your point of view, your style, even your mystique - the X Factor that makes you special and relevant." I hope you are thinking about these things as you walk around campus and meet people; and as you consider your field / fields of study. If you can start to develop the 'Sally' brand at your age, the world will open up in ways that you can not imagine! Or, to use a line from Shakespeare, "The world's mine oyster."

Women Power Wednesday - Catherine Kaputa - 15.3

Hey Sally,

So how did Catherine Kaputa become a subject matter expert on branding for success? She is an interesting woman, who also wrote a book called The Female Brand. The Female Brand is a how-to and how-to-think book for women who want to maximize their potential (and for the men who work with them, love them and want to understand them.) Her background is interesting.

When she was your age, she was a journalism and advertising major at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. She switched her major to fine arts her senior year, in order to pursue an interest in Japanese Art History! She later earned an M.A. from the University of Washington, and was a Ph.D. Candidate at Harvard University. She won a two year scholarship from the Japanese Ministry of Education to study at Tokyo University, and was a Smithsonian summer fellow in Washington, D.C. She wrote two books on the subject of Asian Art.

It makes me think of you and your strong writing skills, as well as your interest in design. I think it is important that you continue to develop both of those passions. Tomorrow I will reflect on Chapter 1 of You are a Brand!, which is titled, Take Charge of Your Self-Brand.

Women power,

Dad

Stay Whole Tuesday - Thinking like a brand - 15.2

"In the personal-branding mindset, you are your most important asses - an asset, like education, that no one can take away from you. Personal branding shows you how to maximize the value of that asset, both in terms of self-actualization - becoming who you can be - and in terms of human capital - maximizing the financial value of your career."

(page XV of the introduction from You are a Brand!, by Catherine Kaputa.)

Yet personal branding is not taught in school. It is a neglected aspect of education. Thinking like a brand means creating a brand for yourself and marketing it, and not squandering opportunities when they come your way. It's easy to shortchange yourself if you're not thinking like a brand.

Did you think about yesterday's post in terms of who you know in college who 'thinks like a brand'? These are people who typically have found something they are passionate about and they are starting to self-actualize how they can standout from the ordinary, normal folks. They may be a little unreasonable, a little different, a little extraordinary.

Stay whole,

Dad

Make it a great Monday - Self Brand - 15.1

Sally,

It was so good to have you home for Thanksgiving and I am glad that the Christmas break is right around the corner. I am enjoying this book I told you about called, You are a Brand! How Smart People Brand Themselves for Business Success, by Catherine Kaputa. I want to share some key points from the book with you over the next days. You might try and put my notes in perspective as you walk around campus and in your day-to-day interactions with friends and acquaintances at UGA.

In the Foreword, the Author says that there are two things in life worth striving for. One is happiness; the other is success. She notes, "There are a lot of happy people who aren't very successful. And there are a lot of successful people who aren't very happy. But if you have both, what more could you want?" It is not easy to achieve both happiness and success, as these two things are often diametrically opposed concepts. "To be happy, you need to create a positive attitude in your own mind. A powerful sense of self . . . To be successful, you need to create positive attitudes in the minds of other people. You can't make yourself successful. Only other people can make you successful."

In other words, you need to build a "self brand," a reason for people to buy from you, whether you are selling yourself for a job or selling products and services to others. So who have you met who is already creating a self brand? It is usually someone who is very passionate about what they are studying and they know who they are meant to be. What can you learn from these people?

Make it a great Monday,

Dad

Fit as a Fiddle Friday - Mastery - 14.5

Sally,

Here is something interesting to think about, as you head into your Thanksgiving break, and soon your long Christmas break. Michelangelo (1475-1564) said:

"If people only knew how hard I work to gain my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful at all."

Malcom Gladwell, best-selling author known for his books The Tipping Point, Blink, and most recently Outliers writes of something he calls The 10,000 hour rule. The 10,000 hour rule is a concept that it takes that many hours to truly 'perfect' any craft or skill. That is a little more than four years, working on something eight hours a day, for 300 days a year. Or, you could work on something four hours a day, 300 days a year, for nine years.

So a good idea, might be to find something you love, and work at it very hard. At the same time, another good idea would be to . . .

Stay fit,

Dad

Colloquial Thursday - Home again home again jiggidy-jig - 14.4

To market, to market, to buy a fat pig,
Home again, home again, jiggety-jig.
To market, to market, to buy a fat hog,
Home again, home again, jiggety-jog.
To market, to market, to buy a plum bun,
Home again, home again, market is done.

Can't wait to see you!

Dad

P.S. Origin - a Mother Goose nursery rhyme.

Women Power Wednesday - Learn from each challenge - 14.3

Sally,

I like this from John Morton:

"Trust that you can learn from each challenge, regardless of how disturbing or painful. That is a God-given right inside of you. Invoke your right to learn from everything." 

It speaks to me about my current challenge at work.

Women power to you,

Dad

Stay Whole Tuesday - Cloud formation - 14.2

Sally,

As you know, Dad's work has been difficult of late. I believe I have performed for the company (in my role of territory sales) at a level of a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. I recently wrote a letter to the Board of Directors, outlining what I have accomplished, in the capacity I have been asked to fulfill. I also provided supporting data that shows how sales have increased in 2010 and how well-positioned the company is for continued growth because of the increase in trained and certified resellers whom I have personally recruited for the company. In this letter, I asked for a 'vote of confidence' from the Board by way of an  increase in my base compensation and for additional stock options. I was denied both.

It puts me in a difficult position, as I have a significant investment in Salient Systems, yet feel the company has decided not to show appreciation or support for what I have contributed and what I am capable of contributing in the future. On Saturday morning, while driving to the golf course for some practice and relaxation, there was not a cloud in the sky. It was a beautiful fall Austin day, with a perfectly blue sky. When I got to Saint Michael's on 360, I started thinking and praying about my situation. As I crested the hill beside the church, I looked up and saw a large cloud formation in the shape of a cross perfectly positioned over Austin Country Club.

My first thought was that God wants me to sacrifice the club, so that I can continue to work at Salient even when the company can not or will not pay me what I believe I am worth? Mom had a different take on it. She called it a sign from God that the club is my sanctuary - a place where I can get away and relax?

So sacrifice or sanctuary . . . I am still processing, but I do believe God has the answers.

Stay whole,

Dad

Make it a great Monday - Waiting for Superman - 14.1

Sally,

It is week 14 of your college career and this is the first post of the week, so I believe that makes 66 entries. We had a nice weekend, in spite of our football teams not doing so well. The Chaps were eliminated in week one of the playoffs by Stoney Point, Bulldogs couldn't stop Cam Newton, Tar Heels were gobbled up by Va. Tech (Hokies), and UT looked mediocre or worse against Oklahoma State. Nick Foles played well against USC, but Arizona came up short. Tanner Price didn't fair any better, as Wake Forest was trounced by NC State. Ryan Swope and A&M had a nice win against Baylor, so that was the only victory amongst teams I have been following.

Mom and I saw our second movie of the week, a rare accomplishment, and I commend it to you. We saw, Waiting for Superman, the documentary on the US Education System. It is a powerful movie pointing out the following facts about our system: (a) the US education system is horribly broken, (b) we know how to fix it, but (c) we can't fix it, because of the teachers unions that protect 'bad' teachers by providing tenure (i.e. jobs for life) regardless of  job performance.

I have a couple of interesting topics I want to write about this week and perhaps on-going. I have some additional thoughts spurred by the movie, The Social Network, on the subject of 'cooperation' versus 'competition'. Another topic has to do with a cloud formation I saw on Saturday.

I will save the rest of the 'cloud' story for later this week. It is a good one.

Make it a great Monday,

Dad

Fit as a Fiddle Friday - ELU - 13.5

We covered a lot of interesting ground this week and I am not sure where to go next? First of all, I loved your email yesterday and the sharing about the Port Huron Statement. I look forward to reading more of that document and would enjoy seeing your finished paper. I am still thinking about The Social Network and have had some fun looking on-line to try and get a sense of how much of that story was the true story, versus the obvious embellishments in order to make it such a fun and interesting movie. As you may know, the movie is fiction and based on the book, The Accidental Billionaires: The Founding of Facebook, A Tale of Sex, Money, Genius, and Betrayal, by Ben Mezrich.

Also, I wanted to continue to expand on my three keys to successful selling: (1) enthusiasm, (2) likability, and (3) urgency, even when urgency may not be present. I think the last characteristic, urgency, is perhaps the most difficult to understand and to master. In a sales context, it is how one relates to clients and prospective clients in order to give a sense that business is moving in a good direction. It can be as simple as the tone of your voice on a phone call or what you say when leaving a voice message. It can be the voice message that a caller hears when they dial your number . . . "It's a magnificent day at Milestone" . . . "a beautiful day at Balfour" . . . "a super day at Salient Systems". These are all opportunities to show others that you are a person of purpose, a person of action, a person who is moving through life in an active manner, making good things happen.

Be urgent and stay fit,

Dad

1. Enthusiasm
2. Likability
3. Urgency - even when urgency may not be present

Colloquial Thursday - Likability continued - 13.4

Sally,

Mom and I went to see The Social Network last night on your recommendation. What a fantastic movie. It really hit home on a number of fronts. From a business standpoint, I have been involved in several business ventures and partnerships where things have been quite complex. What seems fair to one person, may not seem so fair to someone else. I especially related to some of the themes around men and their egos when it comes to business.

Also, as a 50 year old, in the final third of my business career, I am intrigued by the power of the Internet and what happens when you decide to 'step out' and use it's power. I liked the line from the Erica Albright character: "The Internet is written in pen, not pencil." One of the reasons I enjoy this Blog is because it allows me to test some concepts and writings on my highly intelligent and grounded daughter. I have some ideas about how to turn some of my material into a more public forum, that I believe will be beneficial to others and perhaps help launch a new career path.

And picking up my theme of top sales characteristics, who was most likable in the movie? Did you find yourself liking Mark Zuckerburg or not? How about Eduardo Saverin? How about Sean Parker? How about the 'Winklevi'?

Dream big, but be likable,

Dad

Women Power Wednesday - Mary Kay Ash and Likability - 13.3

Sally,

You may remember that I sold a nice video surveillance project to Mary Kay in Dallas. During my visits to the Mary Kay world headquarters building, I noticed many pictures and quotes from the founder of the business, Mary Kay Ash. One that stuck with me said:

"Pretend that every single person you meet has a sign around his or her neck that says, 'Make me feel important.'"

That speaks directly to my second characteristic of a successful sales person.

Be likable,

Dad

1. Enthusiasm
2. Likability
3. Urgency - even when urgency may not be present 

Stay Whole Tuesday - Smile - 13.2

Sally,

Picking up on my first characteristic of successful 'selling' - enthusiasm, I offer up the idea that a smile is an important part of 'the language of enthusiasm'. If you are doing something that you enjoy doing, you should be happy and thus a smile should come easy. Of course, there are times in life when we have to do things that we may not want to do. For example, in the selling world, it is not easy to make cold calls. But I can promise you a salesman who knows how to smile when making a cold call is going to be a hundred times more successful than one who frowns. I also know that the smile has a reverse effect, it not only makes others feel better around you, but it makes you feel better.

One final thought. I saw this on a Website I like called JustSell. The definition of the word 'smover'. A 'smover' is someone who smiles and moves.

So stay whole and be a smover,

Dad

Successful selling and success in general:

1. Enthusiasm
2. Likability
3. Urgency - even when urgency may not be present

Make it a great Monday - The language of enthusiasm - 13.1

From one of my favorite books, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coehlo:

"But the sheep had taught him something even more important: that there was a language in the world that everyone understood, a language the boy had used throughout the time that he was trying to improve things at the shop. It was the language of enthusiasm, of things accomplished with love and purpose, and as part of a search for something believed in and desired. Tangier was no longer a strange city and he felt that, just as he had conquered this place, he could conquer the world." (page 62)

As I said on Fit as a Fiddle Friday, my first rule of successful selling is to be enthusiastic. Of course, it can really be applied to all we do in life. I love this idea, from Coehlo, that the sheep had taught Santiago a 'language' of enthusiasm. Let's explore it more tomorrow and specifically talk about one of the key components of this special language - the smile.

Make it a great Monday,

Dad

Fit as a Fiddle Friday - Urgency - 12.5

I am sometimes asked what are the characteristics of a great sales person? I have been working on a response to this question and I am going to write about it over the next few days. My answer is that effective selling requires mastery in three areas: (1) enthusiasm, (2) likeability, and (3) urgency – ELU.

First, all great sales people understand the language of enthusiasm. More on this to follow. Second, my grandfather (Poppy) taught me the second characteristic of great sales people – be likeable. He used to say, “People buy from people they like.” More on this to follow as well. The third characteristic of a great sales person is to apply urgency, even when urgency may not be present. There are many ways to do this and I will discuss them in a future post.

In the meantime, it might be useful to apply these same three characteristics to your fitness plans. Find a sport or activity that you like, be enthusiastic when practicing or working out, and apply urgency to your fitness plan. An example of applying urgency to your fitness plan might be: "I will work out twice this weekend, so that I can take a rest day on Monday and still meet my goal of six, 45 minute workouts each week."

Stay fit,

Dad

Colloquial Thursday - How you make someone feel - 12.4

Sally,

I made a sales call yesterday in San Antonio at SeaWorld (150 video cameras currently, looking to expand to 750 over the next couple of years) and I noticed this quote on the wall of the administrative building:

"People may not remember exactly what you did, or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel"

It is attributed to Carl Buechner, whom I believe is a Presbyterian Minister and author born in 1926? There appears to be both a Carl (Frederick) Buechner, quite accomplished and prolific list of publications; but also a Carl W. Buechner who gets credit for the quote on various Websites?

Either way, Fred or 'W', it is a winner,

Dad

Women Power Wednesday - Helena Rubinstein - 12.3

"I believe in hard work. It keeps the wrinkles out of the mind and spirit."

Helena Rubinstein, born December 25, 1870 and died (on your birthday), April 1, 1965 was a Polish cosmetics industrialist, founder of Helena Rubinstein Incorporated, which made her one of the world's richest women. She was born Chaja Rubinstein, the eldest of eight children, and the daughter of a common shopkeeper in Krakow, Poland. Wikipedia tells me that Chaja arrived in Australia in 1894, with no money and little English. But her stylish clothes and milky complexion made her popular among the town ladies and she soon found enthusiasm for the jars of beauty cream in her luggage. Seizing the opportunity, she began to make her own.

Her uncle was a shopkeeper in Western Victoria, home to some 75 million sheep that produced some of the finest wool in the land, secreting abundant grease in the process. This sheep grease (lanolin) became a key ingredient in her initial beauty potions and lotions.

Be sure to read the rest of the rags to riches story on the links provided.

Women power,

Dad

Stay Whole Tuesday - Action - 12.2

Here is a little nugget from the little French general and emperor, Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821).

"Act swiftly and vigorously, without "buts" and "ifs" . . ."

It is kind of like the Irish proverb I posted a couple of weeks ago.

"You'll never plough a field turning it over in you mind."

When you have something to do, and you know it needs to be done, it is usually best to make some progress and get the ball rolling. Getting started is almost always the most difficult part of any task.

Stay whole,

Dad

Make it a great Monday - Talent vs Success - 12.1

"Talent is a dreadfully cheap commodity, cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work and study."

That comes from Stephen King, American writer and hard worker. The entire quote is:

"... talent is a dreadfully cheap commodity, cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work and study; a constant process of honing. Talent is a dull knife that will cut nothing unless it is wielded with great force – a force so great that the knife is not really cutting at all but bludgeoning and breaking... Discipline and constant work are the whetstones upon which the dull knife of talent is honed until it becomes sharp enough, hopefully, to cut through even the toughest meat and gristle."


Make it a great Monday and (by the way) boo,


Dad

Fit as a Fiddle Friday - Get up one more time than you fall - 11.5

This is cool from John-Roger:

"In the physical realm, one quality is attention. You need to be actively involved in your life and to pay attention to what is going on around you. At the same time, the challenge is not to get caught up in thinking that the physical level is the entire truth about yourself, for it actually represents only 10 percent of your existence, the other 90 percent being on the nonphysical realms. You also need the quality of endurance to work through and overcome any obstacles to your spiritual progression and to get up one more time than you fall." 

Pay attention and stay fit,

Dad

Colloquial Thursday - Mind your Ps and Qs - 11.4

The phrase, mind your p's and q's appears to have originated from early printing presses. The phrase is used when asking someone to be on their best behavior or to be careful of their language. It would be an appropriate phrase to use when a bunch of college girls head out on their first road trip.

The printing press was invented by German Johannes Gutenberg in 1440. Printers placed individual letters on a typeset to print a page of text. The letters were laid out in a reversed fashion, making it easy to mistake lowercase p's and q's when setting the type. The phrase was also often used when teaching children how to write, however it is interesting that you never hear anyone say, mind your b's and d's or mind your w's and m's?

There is another suggested origin that comes from English pubs and taverns of the seventeenth century. Bartenders would keep a watch on the alcohol consumption of the patrons, keeping an eye of the pints and quarts they were drinking. So again, I thought this was a good phrase for Colloquial Thursday.

Be safe and . . .

Mind your p's and q's,

Dad

Women Power Wednesday - Sisters Emily and Lucy - 11.3

Sally,

Let's celebrate your sisters this morning. Mom went to Lucy's parent - teacher conference yesterday and learned that Lucy remains an amazing student and she is someone whom all of the teachers just love. Her report card was off the charts - straight A's. And furthermore, when talking about the upcoming Live Oak Weekend for the 5th graders, it was said that, "Emily is one of the coolest kids in high school."

I am proud of my girls!

Women power,

Dad

Stay Whole Tuesday - Courage - 11.2

"What makes the dawn come up like thunder? Courage!"

Cowardly Lion
from The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Stay whole and be courageous!

Make it a great Monday - One shot at a time

Sally,

Emily has a school golf tournament today in Temple, TX. I asked Uncle Ricky, who has been playing a lot of golf and is a good player, what advice he would give Emily for today. He said, "One shot at a time." That is a good mantra for a round of golf. 

It is also suitable for a Monday morning. Sometimes Monday can seem quite overwhelming. The week is starting, and we have a lot to accomplish. The best way to tackle a 'to-do' list, which may feel intimidating, is the same as the best way to play a round of golf -- one shot/thing at a time. 

Some people refer to this as the power of completion. When we complete things, we gain momentum and can move to the next with purpose, power, and fulfillment.

Make it a great Monday,

Dad

Fit as a Fiddle Friday - Drawn to by conscience - 10.5

"I will tap my talents and fuel my passions, in a way that rises out of a great need in the world that you feel drawn to by conscience to meet -- for therein lies my voice, my true calling, my soul's code."

Sally,

It is Fit as a Fiddle Friday and I hope you are well. Yesterday we talked about finding things you enjoy doing and ideally things that the world needs. Now we move to the fourth piece of the puzzle, the piece known as our conscience, sometimes referred to as our soul or our spirit.

I can't stress enough how powerful it is to grasp the meaning behind this sentence. Covey says your voice, your true calling, your soul's code "lies at the nexus of talent (your natural gifts and strengths), passion (those things that naturally energize, excite, motivate and inspire you), need (what the world needs enough to pay you for), and conscience (that still, small voice within, assuring you of what is right and prompting you to actually do it)."

There are four components to the model and they all need to be a part of how we live each and every day. You will know when you are moving towards your sweet spot, and you will know when you are doing things that take you away from that spot. Can you draw the model on a piece of paper? Make four circles that have a common nexus, and write the word 'voice' in the center. Then write the four capacities in each of the circles, along with words that describe you in the appropriate circle.

It is a process and the journey is part of the fun, including the difficult times. Just pay attention . . .

And stay fit,

Dad

Colloquial Thursday - What does the world need - 10.4

"I will tap my talents and fuel my passions, in a way that rises out of a great need in the world . . ."


Once you know where your talents lie, and once you figure out what you are most passionate about, the next part of my favorite sentence from Steven Covey ask the question, what does the world need? I once learned these four questions from a career counselor, when taking a short course in Dallas that was designed to help people find their path in life:

• What does the world need?
• Do I have the skill to meet the need?
• Would I value doing that?
• Can I make a living doing that?

There are so many interesting ways to look at Covey's model on this idea that in order to move from effectiveness to greatness, we need to find our unique voice. He calls it living in your sweet spot, when your talents, passions, needs, and conscience all line up. You will know when you are there - but trust me when I tell you that there will be plenty of times in your life when you are no where close. That is part of the process.

Women Power Wednesday - My passions - 10.3

"I will tap my talents and fuel my passions . . ."

What are you passionate about? I don't think that question has to be answered at any particular time in life, but a good idea is to keep a list of the things that make you happy. Is it dancing? Is it reading? Is it counseling others? Pay attention to the times when your heart feels the best, and you will know where your passions lie.

And for Women Power Wednesday, Mother Teresa (1910-1997) said:

"Life is a challenge, meet it."

Enjoy fall and thanks for sharing about the leaves turning colors in Georgia.

Dad

Stay Whole Tuesday - My talent - 10.2

Sally,

Francis Ford Coppola, American film director, writer, and entrepreneur had this to say about talent.

"My talent is that I just try and try and try and try again and little by little it comes to something . . ."

It is entirely possible that successful people are simply willing to try harder and to do the little things over and over that others are just not willing to do. Remember this post from a couple of weeks ago on the subject of perseverance - Denis Waitley's ninth seed of greatness.

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful individuals with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." -- Calvin Coolidge (30th President of the US)

Stay whole and try and try and try again,

Dad

P.S. When reading about Coppola on Wikipedia I noticed that he came into the limelight when he won an an Academy Award for co-writing the script for the movie Patton in 1970. That made me think about your Westlake Chaparrals, who always take the field to music scored for the movie Patton.

Make it a great Monday - Person of effect - 10.1

Sally,

Starting the week with some final thoughts from the encouraging words provided by Brittany's dad. What does it mean to be a person of effect? He said, "One that shows others how to find happiness in the wheel of life." This reminds me of my favorite sentence from Steven Covey. The word 'voice' and 'effect' could be interchangeable.

"I will tap my talents and fuel my passions in a way that rises out of a great need in the world that I feel drawn to by conscience to meet - for therein lies my voice, my true-calling, my soul's code."

It would be so easy if we just inherently knew what this voice (or effect) was supposed to look like or to be? But I don't believe it works that way for most of us. I believe finding your voice/effect is something that is developed over time. I also believe it is developed when we take care of the four parts of our nature: our body, our mind, our heart, and our spirit. The four capacities are all covered in Covey's sentence. The words talents, passions, need, conscience; correspond to mind, heart, body, soul.

The nugget from Brittany's dad, addresses all four of the capacities as well. It covers the body (working out), the mind (work), the heart (karaoke), and the soul (beam machine).

Make it a great Monday,

Dad

Fit as a Fiddle Friday - Bad date - 9.5

Sally,

I felt for you last night when your text to Mom said, "help" - not having a lot of fun on this date. Don't really know what to say, except that I hope you were safe and I hope the night ended when you were ready for it to end. Bad dates are part of being in college and throwing yourself out into the social scene. I loved what mom said back to you, "bad dates are how you learn what it is you are looking for in life." Of course, I understand that may seem a little too much at this stage of the game, and most likely all you wanted was a fun date to a party.

In the words of our favorite Aunt Dianne, and of course a famous Proverb as well: "this too shall pass".

Talk soon, and last thought for the week is . . .

Stay fit,

Dad

Colloquial Thursday - Work - 9.4

Brittany's dad had some interesting things to say about work: "You are so different to talk to on the phone these days.  The steady work will do wonders for you.  Remember, work is just something that has to be done." I can imagine Brittany at about your same age, perhaps having one of her first jobs? I talked to Janette Hanssen last night about helping find opportunities for you in Austin this summer in the design business. She has some ideas and you might want to give her a call. Janette said that she worked for some design firms when she was in college (cataloging samples) and that it was hard work, but an important part of learning the trade. I liked what Brittany's dad said next: "So smile and don't forget you can influence so many people in this world by what you say!!!!!!  Even more than smiles I think it is your destiny to be a person of effect. One that shows others how to find happiness in the wheel of life."


Here is a great colloquialism from Thomas Edison on the subject of work:

"Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits."

Women Power Wednesday - Beam Machine - 9.3

Sally,

I am glad you liked yesterday's post. Thanks for the text. I shared with Brittany and she sent me a kind reply that I will share with you via email. Her nugget from her dad was packed with all four of the key capacities that make us whole. It covered the physical (working out), the mental (work), the social (karaoke), and the spiritual (beam machine).

So I asked Brittany about the 'beam machine' and here is what she said:

"Haha…a clearing on the beam machine…well it’s basically a bench that you do step-ups on to strengthen the quads, hamstrings and glutes. My Dad was an athlete and huge into working out to, as he said “reach a higher spiritual plane”….and here I am running marathons…I am my Fathers daughter."

Tomorrow, I will have a few words to say about work . . . and then Friday I will conclude by discussing his wish for his daughter to be a person of 'effect'. I have that same wish for my girls, and I believe it will come to be in all cases.

Woman power,

Dad

Stay Whole Tuesday - Beam Machine - 9.2

Sally,

My friend Christy Cook changed jobs (now with CommScope) and a young woman by the name of Brittany Hoeft took her place at TFE. You would like Brittany for the same reasons you like Christy. She is smart, ambitious, focused, attractive, and fashion oriented. I recently shared with Brittany that I send you a message every morning and she (in return) shared that her father often wrote to her when she was away at college. Unfortunately, Brittany's father died during or shortly after her first year of college. She told me that she saved many of his notes and I asked her to share one with me. This is what Brittany sent me yesterday and I post it today on Stay Whole Tuesday, to celebrate the relationship Brittany had with her father. There is much to reflect on in his message below, including the answer to the question I had for Brittany, "What in the world is a beam machine and how do you 'clear'?"

Hey You, So glad you like Norah Jones, she has a real talent to express her feelings through her work or art. Come to think of it, you have been practicing your singing for the karaoke date, right?  When you come by manana, bring so gym clothes, I want to put you through a 25 minute workout so you can learn a cheap way to exercise and breath for reaching a higher spiritual plane, and we will also do a clearing on the beam machine.  You are so different to talk to on the phone these days.  The steady work will do wonders for you.  Remember, work is just something that has to be done.  So smile and don't forget you can influence so many people in this world by what you say!!!!!!  Even more than smiles I think it is your destiny to be a person of effect. One that shows others how to find happiness in the wheel of life.

By the way, mi ermosa mujeres........ Spanish for my beautiful women.

Stay whole . . . stay tuned,

Dad

Make it a great Monday - Trifecta - 9.1

Hey Sally,

Georgia won . . . Carolina won . . . Westlake won - first time all season all three of my teams were victorious. That made for a nice weekend.

Also, I loved taking Lucy to see Secretariat - the inspiring story of the 1973 Triple Crown winner. I hope all of my girls will see it and soak up the powerful message the film delivers about love and standing up for what you believe you can do.

Make it a great Monday,

Dad

Fit as a Fiddle Friday - Plow a field - 8.5

Sally,

There is an Irish proverb I like that goes like this:

"You'll never plow a field turning it over in your mind."

The next time you set a fitness goal, and then you think about not doing the work, remember this proverb.

Stay fit,

Dad

Colloquial Thursday - Love thy neighbor - 8.4

Hey Sally . . . How about the phrase, "Love thy neighbor"? A little Internet research points to Jesus's answer when the Pharisees, the chief religious sect of that day, asked Him about the greatest commandment in the Law. See Matthew 22:36-40. The following quote from John-Roger speaks to this universal law:

"When spiritual love is expressed between people, the greatest commandment that has been placed on the planet is being fulfilled. This commandment is to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy mind and with all thy Soul, and to love your neighbor as yourself. God resides in everyone. So as you love the least one and the greatest one equally, you are fulfilling God's commandment to love Him." - John-Roger 

I like that,

Dad

Women Power Wednesday - Action - 8.3

Sally,

I saw this quote recently and thought it would be good for Women Power Wednesday. It is from the English pioneer of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale:

"One's feelings waste themselves in words; they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results." -- Florence Nightingale (1820-1910)

I think this is kin to the often used line, "talk is cheap" or how about, "talk the talk and walk the walk" or how about Benjamin Franklin, who coined the phrase, "well done is better than well said".

Women power,

Dad

Stay Whole Tuesday - Ten Seeds of Greatness - 8.2

Sally,

Before we move on from Denis Waitley and the Ten Seeds of Greatness, I am curious how many of the seeds you could remember if you closed your eyes right now and tried to list them? I thought it might be fun to learn a sentence where the first word of each "key" word represented one of the seeds. I believe that falls under the definition of an acrostic. So try this on for size, but feel free to come up with your own ideas:

"Sally can really win people (by) communicating (her) faith, (her) adaptability, (her) perseverance and (with) perspective."

If you can remember that simple sentence, then you will always remember the Ten Seeds of Greatness!


1. Self Esteem

2. Creativity
3. Responsibility
4. Wisdom 

5. Purpose

6. Communication

7. Faith

8. Adaptability

9. Perseverance

10. Perspective

Stay whole,

Dad

Make it a great Monday - Perspective - 8.1

Good week Sally,

We have made it to number ten, in our brief study of Denis Waitley's, Ten Seeds of Greatness. The tenth seed is perspective. Perspective is how you see your life from within. Waitley says, "Life is not a treasure hunt, the treasure is within you. It only has to be discovered." We live in a society where all too often we try to collect life and buy happiness. Life can not be collected. Happiness can not be traveled to or owned or worn or earned. Happiness is the experience of living every moment with love, grace, and gratitude.

When you see your life from within, you see wisdom, purpose, and faith as the cornerstones to your foundation. You see through the eyes of love and you reach out and touch everyone. Seeing from within is having the courage to adapt and change, to persevere when the odds seem overwhelming but you know you are right.

The seeds of greatness are within you!

Make it a great Monday,

Dad

1. Self Esteem
2. Creativity
3. Responsibility
4. Wisdom 

5. Purpose

6. Communication

7. Faith

8. Adaptability

9. Perseverance

10. Perspective

Fit as a Fiddle Friday - Perseverance - 7.5

Sally,

The ninth Seed of Greatness, from Denis Waitley, is perseverance. This famous quote from Calvin Coolidge says it all:

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful individuals with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." -- Calvin Coolidge (30th President of the US)

Press on and stay fit,

Dad

1. Self Esteem
2. Creativity
3. Responsibility
4. Wisdom 

5. Purpose

6. Communication

7. Faith

8. Adaptability

9. Perseverance

Colloquial Thursday - Adaptability - 7.4

Most people play up how awful things are today as an excuse to why they don't achieve. This current economic downturn (one of the worst in history) is a time when being adaptable can really come in handy. Waitley teaches that stumbling blocks are actually stepping stones to the stars. Not sure who said this, but I found it in my notes: 

"I am adaptable, flexible, versatile, and ambitious. I am confident that I can do it all. Just give me a chance and you will see."

Crisis = opportunity,

Dad

1. Self Esteem
2. Creativity
3. Responsibility
4. Wisdom 
5. Purpose
6. Communication
7. Faith

8. Adaptability

Women Power Wednesday - Faith - 7.3

Sally,

It is Women Power Wednesday in Houston, TX and I hope the same in Athens, GA. Moving on in our study of Denis Waitley's Seeds of Greatness, we have our sixth seed, faith. Waitley describes faith as the realization of the things hoped for and unseen. He says that the mind can not distinguish between what is real and what is imagined.

Here are some action steps to more optimism and faith: (1) fly with the eagles; (2) hang out with kids; (3) listen to upbeat music; and (4) change your vocabulary. What the mind harbors, the body manifest. In scientific terms, I believe positive thoughts and actions produce endorphins - much like a good workout can give you that feeling referred to as a "runners high".

Women power,

Dad

1. Self Esteem
2. Creativity
3. Responsibility
4. Wisdom 
5. Purpose
6. Communication
7. Faith

Stay Whole Tuesday - Communication - 7.2

Sally,

Continuing with Denis Waitley's Seeds of Greatness, the sixth seed is communication. There is much to be said on this topic, but today I want to focus on the word kindness, as in the famous Bible verse from 1 Corinthians 13:4 -- Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud. Please take a minute to read what Mark Roberts has to say about kindness in his morning Blog from Laity Lodge.

Waitley gives these five simple tips on being kind when communicating with others: (1) get in touch with strangers, (2) extend your hand first, (3) eye contact, (4) smile, and (5) volunteer your name first.

Stay whole and be kind,

Dad

1. Self Esteem
2. Creativity
3. Responsibility
4. Wisdom 
5. Purpose
6. Communication

Make it a great Monday - Purpose - 7.1

Sally,

Most people fail to achieve goals in life because they never really set them in the first place. Waitley's 5th Seed for Greatness is purpose. There is a proven power within all of us, a driving force that moves us towards our dominant thoughts. If your self image receives a goal message with enough detail, clarity, and frequency, the goal becomes a habit that we accept as part of us. (This is also true of negative self talk.) So know where you are going and live life with a purpose.

Make it a great Monday,

Dad

1. Self Esteem
2. Creativity
3. Responsibility
4. Wisdom 
5. Purpose

Fit as a Fiddle Friday - Wisdom - 6.5

Sally,

The fourth seed of greatness that Denis Waitley teaches is wisdom. He describes wisdom as honest knowledge in action. It is one thing to know something well or to be good at a specific talent. But when we use our knowledge and our talents to do good in the world, we are practicing wisdom. I like this quote from Thomas Wolff:

"If we have a talent and do not use it - we have failed. If we have a talent and use only half of it - we have partially failed. If we have a talent and somehow learn to use all of it - we have gloriously succeeded and won a satisfaction and triumph that only few individuals ever know."

Travel safe,

Dad

1. Self Esteem
2. Creativity
3. Responsibility
4. Wisdom

Colloquial Thursday - Responsibility - 6.4

Sally,

The third Seed of Greatness, as taught by Denis Waitley is responsibility. Every action has a consequence and every cause brings an effect. In the end, we are the sum total of our actions.

Take responsibility,

Dad

1. Self Esteem
2. Creativity
3. Responsibility

Women Power Wednesday - Creativity - 6.3

Hey Daughter,

Denis Waitley's second Seed of Greatness is creativity. He teaches the importance of healthy role models and positive value education, by choosing to spend our time with people who inspire and watching or reading things that are positive. He says, "If a sixty second commercial can sell us on a product, can't a sixty minute soap opera sell us on a lifestyle?" Our value systems are formed in our subconscious through repeated viewing. The body does not know the difference in what is real and what is imagined. When it comes to self image, who you see in your imagination will rule your life. Concentrate on reinforcing positive healthy experiences from the past and also simulate successful projects or lifestyles as if they were actually happening in the present.

Be creative,

Dad

1. Self Esteem
2. Creativity

Stay Whole Tuesday - Self Esteem - 6.2

Sally,

The first seed (i.e. attribute), from Denis Waitley's Seeds of Greatness is Self Esteem. Did you know that one's self esteem can often be traced back to early childhood and how much positive or negative 'affirming' one received as a child? Of course, regardless of our childhood experiences, at some point we must take responsibility for ourselves and we always choose our own feeling of internal value. Waitley says, "Successful people always believe in their own worth, even when they have nothing but a dream to hang on to!" It is easy to feel good about yourself when everything is going well. But in times of trouble, that is when it is so important to see yourself as a worthwhile, changing, imperfect, growing individual. When you realize that you are always growing and learning, times of trouble take on a completely different meaning.

Stay whole,

Dad

Make it a great Monday - Denis Waitley - 6.1

Good Monday Morning Sally,

This week I will start to reflect on some books that I have enjoyed that teach positive life lessons. I have been going back through notes that I made in the early 80s, when I was just out of college. Let's start with Denis Waitley and his famous book, Seeds of Greatness (Simon & Schuster, 1983). In this book, Waitley outlines what he believes to be 10 attributes, or seeds, that can lead to a fulfilling life.

Before we start, take a minute to read this short article about Denis and how his grandmother and his eighth grade teacher changed his life. Tomorrow, I will focus on the first seed, self esteem, and how we must feel love inside ourselves before we can give love to others.

Make it a great Monday,

Dad

Fit as a Fiddle Friday - You can - 5.5

Sally,

I hope your week has been a good one. I made it to four morning yoga classes this week. I did my first head stand inversion (Shirshasana)! A nice man on the mat beside me helped show me how and held my legs, but I think I will soon get it on my own.

I saw this quote this morning and it made me think about the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive people. People who say, "yes, you can" not "no, you can't."

“ Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great. ” - Mark Twain

You can,

Dad

Colloquial Thursday - Apple a day - 5.4

"An apple a day keeps the doctor away." From The Phrase Finder Website:

Apples have a good claim to promote health. They contain Vitamin C, which aid the immune system and phenols, which reduce cholesterol. They also reduce tooth decay by cleaning one's teeth and killing off bacteria. It has been suggested that the quercetin found in apples protects brain cells against neuro-degenerative disorders like Alzheimer's Disease.

Eat well,

Dad

Woman Power Wednesday - Best Mom

Today I celebrate your Mom. I married her 22 years ago this week. Best thing that ever happened to me. She is a remarkable woman, a wonderful wife, and an amazing mother of our three girls. I am so proud of you Sally and the smooth transition you have made to college. We are excited to see you next weekend! Have a great Women Power Wednesday and take time to tell your mom you love her. I sure do.

Stay Whole Tuesday - Yoga breathing - 5.2

Good morning Sally,

I am headed to my morning yoga class, something that has really helped me stay balanced and feeling good of late. I like the combination of the physical challenge, as well as the mental and spiritual aspects of yoga. The deep breathing (known as Pranayama breathing) is a particularly important part of each class. Sometimes I recite a mantra while breathing, taught by one of the instructors: "I love the Lord" (on the inhale) - "I am thy child" (on the exhale.) Namaste.

Make it a great Monday - Hang out with winners

Sally,

Proverbs 27:17 says: "As iron sharpens iron, so one man (or woman) sharpens another." The footnote in my Bible (NIV Life Application Bible) sums this up this way:

"There is a mental sharpness that comes from being around good people. And a meeting of the minds can help people see their ideas with new clarity, refine them, and shape them into brilliant insights. This requires discussion partners who can challenge each other and stimulate thought -- people who focus on the idea without involving their ego in the discussion; people who know how to attack the thought and not the thinker. Two friends who bring their ideas together can help each other become sharper."

Hang out with winners . . . and

Make it a great Monday,

Dad

Fit as a Fiddle Friday - You better be running - 4.5

“Every morning in Africa a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn't matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle - when the sun comes up, you'd better be running.” - Unknown

Colloquial Thursday - Fit as a Fiddle - 4.4

I was watching the US Open with your mom last night and John McEnroe used the term "Fit as a Fiddle."  I believe he was referring to Roger Federer. Thought you would want to know that the term did not originally refer to fitness, but rather to the strings on a violin (i.e. fiddle) being ready to play. Tomorrow is Fit as a Fiddle Friday,  and it definitely refers to fitness. I hope you can use this valuable information when making conversation this week.

Cheers,

Dad