Walking Through Wednesday *New* ~July 06, 2011

A very happy Wednesday to you and yes the middle of the week as arrived. A few days to the weekend and yes many of you just had a 3 day weekend a day ago, how good does this week get?

I know it is hard to believe but there are many who went to work on Tuesday and felt exhausted, and frustrated that Tuesday was really that Monday of a shortened work week.  They could not get over the idea that they had to work 4 days just to get to the weekend. I just hope that person was not you.

I mean come on, a four day work week. Lets be happy, cheerful and full of energy.  Lets have that gratitude attitude that says what a wonderful day, look at the awesome creations right outside the door and 'I' get to share in them.

It is the choices we make that makes us feel happiness or joy.

So what choices are you about to make today?  Choose wisely not just for yourself but for those around you : )

It is really all about the choices we make each morning and how we choose to walk through our day. One step at a time, one smile and kind word gently place before another.

Don't forget to start this process with you, the person in the mirror, the one who has the power to choose.

My thoughts for the new format for this post is around adversity that at times we all feel but many times we have created.  On Wednesday I set aside this day to inspire you to overcome and focus on a more positive outcome.

This quote will start us out on the subject of perception:

Reality is what we take to be true.

What we take to be true is what we believe.

What we believe is based upon our perceptions.

What we perceive depends upon what we look for.

What we look for depends upon what we think.

What we think depends upon what we perceive.

What we perceive determines what we believe.

What we believe determines determines what we take to be true.

What we take to be true is our reality.

~ Gary Zukav

So how do we truly view this word perception and reality.  I have heard this quote that says perception is everything and I submit and addition to that quote:

Perception is everything

But your own perception matters little

In life we interact with others, we don't hide out in a bubble.

We have our partners, spouses, children, co workers and friends.

We have so many interactions and everyone has their own beliefs and perceptions of their own reality.

But truly we have 2 ears and one mouth.

The quote seek first to understand before we can be understood fits in how we interact with another persons perception and reality.

Our own perception means little to another person unless they agree with it of course.  But in any conflict another persons view is often the start of any objection or negativity towards another.

Seek first to understand why the feel that way, or think that way. Listen with a sense that they have a right to that opinion.  But be aware that opinion's are like _______ (you know the rest).  Rated G post here...... LOL.

But if we want to have our opinion's understood or heard and have any input on the matter we have to seek to understand another persons view first.  I know it takes a little time, but is conflict a time waster?  Is hatred and energy drainer? Is love the mender of all?

Some things to think upon the next time you start to get in any conflict.

Listen....

Think....

Understand....

Share....

Smile....

Move on if you must....

Not a bad way to stay out of conflict, and in life would we not rather share in the good and not waste our energy on the less productive.

Enjoy your day and keep those smiles shared :)

**************

Make ME Smile Online

www.makemesmileonline.com

The ME is really all about YOU! Join today !

***************

Stand out in a sea of frowns and Make a Difference

Take Charge Tuesday *New* ~July 05, 2011

Happy Tuesday everyone so how was your fourth of July?  Did you make memories, did you get to watch some awesome fireworks like we did here in Pittsburgh? I hope your day and weekend for that matter was very special.  Carry it through to Tuesday and take charge of your day as you should every day.

Today the post is about taking thought and taking charge of our thoughts and more important our current beliefs of the spirit that embodies us.

First a quote that I hope will start to frame these thoughts:

Learn to say 'no' to the good so you can

Say 'yes' to the best.

~ John C. Maxwell

The power of the word yes is great. But so many either reach for it to quickly or fear it because of past results.

In life the word like many words have just one real meaning.  Like the word 'stop' or the word 'go'.  But for many the word 'yes' has something more to it. The past ramifications of its usage in their life.  The believe past results will equal future outcomes.

The past is history, it does not reflect future mystery

The word 'no' also has specific meaning to it.  But for some it means personal rejection, permanent denial and constant worth.

No for a person in sales often means just tell me more, I am not sold yet.  I want to buy something of value and I value my money more than I value what your presenting me.

Reality:  We are all in Sales

Its true whether your selling your children on eating their breakfast, or going to bed on time, or your selling your spouse on...well just about anything, your selling.

The fact is anytime we are trying to get a positive response from another we are in the process of selling.

Eye contact is the rapport building

Body language is the presentation

Our voice or other form of communication is our negotiation.

When we ask or even tell someone we are trying to close the deal.

Follow up comes in a thank you or reward for their cooperation.

We are always selling something.

The power of yes brings to life affirmations of word and deeds.

Nothing in this world gets done with out the power of yes.

Sure we can take with power or force but that power is limited and is not for long term relationships or growth of mind and spirit of the other.

Never fear the word 'yes' or for that matter the word 'no' they are just words and in life its how we use the language that matters most.

Yes it will be an awesome day.

Yes it will be a better week.

It will be that way because I look for that as an outcome.

I enter the world with a smile in my step and my spirit.

I look for ways to make others feel and embody the power of 'yes'.

Try it first with yourself, that person in the mirror and then with those you care about.

Yes!  You can!  Yes!  You Will!

Make that difference today and forever change a moment for the good!

Smiles sent to you all have a great day!

**************

Make ME Smile Online

www.makemesmileonline.com

The ME is really all about YOU! Join today !

***************

Stand out in a sea of frowns and Make a Difference

Monday Motivational Moment *New* 06/27/11

Happy Monday everyone and welcome to a new week! The very last week of the month and heading towards the July 4th holiday weekend. For some that is quite a bit to be motivated about.

But for those who need that extra cup of coffee this morning well, I hope you have it hand and on with today's Motivational Moment.

This week can be a start of something great for you so welcome to that opportunity.  May you make the most of it. First a quote :

There is progress whether you are going

forward or backward!

The thing is to move!

~Edgar Cayce

In life you can learn quite a bit from sports, both playing them and for most of us the armchair version getting involved as a spectator. I am more the spectator, I do like horseshoes and golf but I do the driving range in golf more than I do the course, just never seem to have the time. Used to play softball but again making time for it when you have other obligations is not always easy.

Last night watching the UFC on Versus a moment became very teachable to anyone if you watched the feature bout with Cheick Kongo vs. Pat Barry.  It lasted just over 3 minutes.  Now for some background on the fighters and UFC.

UFC stands for Ultimate Fighting Championship and it has mostly Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighters who use many forms of submission holds to defeat (tap out) its opponents. It also uses forms of grappling or wrestling and boxing with various rules to protect the fighter.  MMA has evolved and not always does the bigger guy win, often it is the guy with the biggest heart.  Two fighters fighting three five minute rounds. It often ends before the judges decide who wins. Last night the Kongo fight ended in the first round.

Back to the fight.

Barry is the shorter fighter by 5 inches, shorter reach and does not put on the appearance of being as fit as the toned and trim body of Kongo.  Kongo would win on appearance every time if you looked at it that way. But to go on Barry with just under 3 minutes left in the first round punches Barry just over the left ear, and Kongo stumbles, wobbles and falls to the floor of the ring.  In MMA/UFC you continue to land punches till the referee stops the fight.  Pat Barry did that and the referee almost seemed to get into position to end it as Barry landed punch after punch.

But Kongo kept moving forward, sideways, kept showing he had some spark left and in seconds stood again, only to get tagged again and fall like a rag doll to the mat again.  It looked to be over. But as soon as you thought its over he moved forward again and kept showing life. It was amazing but wait, he stands up and back peddles all the way to the other side of the ring with knees and legs that wobble and look to let him down any second. Pat Barry moves in for another chance to take him down.  Just moves forward and you think the fight is about to continue in his favor.  But wait... Kongo hits him with a right to the cheek and another direct hit under the chin that puts Barry on his back, right leg/knee awkwardly to the side and its lights out as he took 3 more direct hits from Kongo. Fight over Kongo wins. Now the fight is over with the fans and announcers shocked at how it played out. It was amazing.

The story over but the lingering message is clear.

Never give up

Keep moving

Keep moving forward not only in body but in mind

Believe in yourself

Keep moving always aware of those things around you

Be prepared as much as possible

Never give up

That said, it is easy to give in, just lie down and take the loss. Hope for a better day, a new month, a new chance.  But giving up or giving in is not the best way.  You look to improve your game no matter how close to loss you are, even in those moments where you almost are at your end, you keep moving, thinking, and taking action.

In the end it is not always those who are bigger, stronger, smarter who win, it sometimes is the person who just believes more, tries harder, and stays their course.

Don't ever give in or give up!

May your day be bright and your spirit be brighter!

Smiles to you this day! : )  Have a great day everyone.

**************

Make ME Smile Online

www.makemesmileonline.com

The ME is really all about YOU! Join today !

***************

Stand out in a sea of frowns and Make a Difference