“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” Dr. Viktor Frankl When was the last time you were afraid? Have you ever flown on a plane through a storm? When the plane noticeably dropped in altitude? When it bounced around in a significant way? When you actually feared that this might be the end? If not a plane experience, you likely have been in a situation where you were afraid. … [Read more...]
The Secret to Life
“The ONE THING shows up time and again in the lives of the successful because it’s a fundamental truth.” Gary W. Keller Answer these questions with complete honesty: What is left undone in your life right now? What is nagging at your very heart to get done? What is pleading with you not to forego another year? If you are not lacking in any of these vital aspects of life, I congratulate you because you would be considered as a universally rare individual. Almost all of us have something that … [Read more...]
Theme
“We must have a theme, a goal, a purpose in our lives. If you don’t know where you’re aiming, you don’t have a goal. My goal is to live my life in such a way that when I die, someone can say, she cared.” Mary Kay Ash How are you doing with your goals for this progressing new year? Did you set any goals? Are you working on objectives that mean the most to you? If your world is as busy as the rest of us, there is much to accomplish, yet possibly not enough time to finalize meaningful … [Read more...]
Leaning Pine
“Grandmas are moms with lots of practice.” Author unknown “In the next three cranks, one, two . . . and there he is,” I exclaim with glee and pride! The nice bend in my light action rod and reel is evidence that my prediction is exactly right. Archie and I are crappie fishing on Mitchell Lake, which is part of the Coosa River tributary in the State of Alabama. The ‘Leaning Pine’ is a special fishing spot named by my dad’s family. A large pine tree on the shore edge, that had fallen into the … [Read more...]
If I Just Had Five More Minutes
“I am definitely going to take a course on time management . . . just as soon as I can work it into my schedule.” Louis E. Boone Are you busy? Who isn’t in today’s world? Do you really have time to even read this article? It will take you less than five minutes. Still, it represents part of your day. How often within an average week are you confronted with a situation or decision where you wish you just had five more minutes to contemplate? ‘If, I just had five more minutes, I could … [Read more...]
Your Future
“Even though the future seems far away, it is actually beginning right now.” Mattie J. T. Stepanek (1990-2004) Strategy is one of my favorite topics. For as long as I can remember, I have always thought in the long-term. In grammar school, I can remember wanting to one day be a business entrepreneur. Setting goals for the future is definitely one of my strengths. It is in my wheelhouse. Even if you do not relate to my passion for this topic, or lack skills in this area, most of us … [Read more...]
Don’t Give Up
“One of the secrets of a successful life is to be able to hold all of our energies upon one point, to focus all of the scattered rays of the mind upon one place or thing. “ Orison Swett Marden, M.D. Goals become a bigger part of our conversation during the first few months of each new year. By February, many of us have already given up on our New Year’s resolutions. Forget the time of the year because goals can be sidelined at any point in our lives. We may have been really good for a … [Read more...]
Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?
“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is important.” Steve Jobs We are busy people in a very busy world. Electronic gadgets consume us. A device has been created to do anything you want it to do. If it does not exist, just wait a few … [Read more...]
Gabrielle
“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.” Arthur Ashe Time seems brief when we compare some of our most cherished events to the journey required to get to these special moments. Our oldest granddaughter’s graduation from college is a great example. For Gabrielle, this commencement at Auburn University in north Alabama represents the end of a four-year voyage and the beginning of the rest of her life. This is a joyous celebration! My wife … [Read more...]
Boundaries
“Don’t ever let somebody tell you . . . You can’t do something, not even me. All right? You got a dream, you gotta protect it. People can’t do something themselves, they wanna tell you you can’t do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.” Chris Gardner, author of a New York Times Best Sellers book, The Pursuit of Happyness Our backyard in Birmingham, Alabama was quite long, with the ending border tangent to the alley where our garbage can was placed. In the left corner near the alley … [Read more...]
