“Change your thoughts and you can change the world.” Dr. Norman Vincent Peale After noteworthy praise and introduction from a guest school official, our Downtown Rotary Club high school honoree gives a short inspiring presentation to our luncheon gathering at the Battle House in Mobile, Alabama. She wisely incorporates our club motto of ‘Service above Self’ in her speech. Her comments about the butterfly effect get my immediate attention. Have you heard of this concept? The idea is that a … [Read more...]
The Power of Handwritten Notes
“Letters are among the most significant memorial a person can leave behind them.” Johann Wolfgang van Goethe After separating the different sections of the complimentary Times Picayune Newspaper of our New Orleans hotel, my eyes are drawn to an article by Danny Heitman: “In Digital Age, Handwritten Notes Still Have Power”. Immediately, I remember the letter that changed my life. Ironically, it was a letter I actually resisted writing. That inspirational emotional story is told in the last … [Read more...]
Let It Sit
Adults should always have the chance to speak for themselves. After a smooth float plane landing on a remote pristine Alaskan lake, our group of five male relatives stand mesmerized by the incredible breathtaking scenery as far as the eye can see. Standing next to the fishing vessel that is resting against the shore, our captain summons our team to get on board. We are off! Before taking you on this journey of an unforgettable fishing experience, I must tell you about Alfred John "Al" … [Read more...]
Best Random Act of Kindness
“A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees.” Amelia Earhart As I enter the church door, I am met by Noel, who is performing usher duties for the morning service. We shake hands in greeting. And, then he mentions that he is really enjoying my writings and what I am doing in my current journey. His compliments are genuine and appreciated. He continues with kind remarks about my daughter Kelly and husband Larry’s family … [Read more...]
Quotes are Powerfully Influential
"Your words have power. Speak words that are kind, loving, positive, uplifting, encouraging, and life-giving." Anonymous After a speaking presentation I delivered at the Midtown Optimist Club in Mobile, Alabama, I received the following email from one of the club members: Rob, I would like to share a few quotes from my personal collection. I have been collecting quotes from colleagues, mentors and business partners for over 30 years. The first is one from my father, Wendell L. … [Read more...]
What to do When Bad Things Happen
“Those who overcome great challenges will be changed, and often in unexpected ways. For our struggles enter our lives as unwelcome guests, but they bring valuable gifts. And once the pain subsides, the gifts remain. These gifts are life’s true treasures, bought at a great price, but cannot be acquired in any other way.” Steve Goodier Below is an excerpt from the fourth chapter of The BET, which will be published in September 2019. “Have you wondered if positive people ever have negative … [Read more...]
Sometimes You Have to Say No
“Just saying yes because you can’t bear the short-term pain of saying no is not going to help you do the work.”Seth Godin “Rob, could you help me?” The person asking that question is a friend. Like many of us, my inclination is to always help friends and family. It is what I want to do. Helping another brings a level of internal satisfaction like nothing else. And, I like what my friend is doing. I am motivated to say yes. But my answer is “No." In the last 10-plus years, this answer is … [Read more...]
Caught in the Act
“We can be incredibly disconnected in this day and age with computers and cell phones.” Marcia Gay Harden, actress “What are you doing, Panpaw?” she asks with an obvious tone and look that reveals her complete disapproval. My granddaughter Caroline catches me looking at my Smartphone in the middle of our conversation. Family and friends are gathered in the salon of The Great Gab-Sea, now parked at the Pirates Cove dock. Earlier we had traveled from our home slip in Terry Cove past beautiful … [Read more...]
Journaling
“I write in a journal daily. This extraordinary ritual has revolutionized my mindset, transformed my heart set, and generally influenced my life exponentially.” Robin S. Sharma, J.D. In a previous newsletter, I wrote about the importance of keystone habits to a successful life. According to Benjamin Hardy, author of Willpower Doesn’t Work, the best keystone habit is journaling. As someone who journals, I can personally confirm how it has made a huge difference in my life. Hardy identifies … [Read more...]
Powerful Practice
The most powerful success principle of the 21stCentury is available to you right now – you can start using it today. I was reminded of this powerful practice during a recent weekend when our oldest granddaughter, Gabrielle, brought four of her friends to stay with us during their visit to Mobile. I love to interact with young people. And, the experience is a bonus if one of the guests happens to be a grandchild. One morning, while eating breakfast, I asked if any of them were involved in … [Read more...]
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