I'm back....

Not that I went anywhere. I just haven't had the time. In other words, blogging just wasn't hitting the top of the priority pile. I'm feeling the pull again, especially at this time in my life.

I know they life's a journey, speed bumps and potholes included. I just wasn't expecting to deal with so much all at once. Truth be told: I'm amazed that I'm not medicated!

I promise to write more later.

My New Toy

I broke down and bought myself a laptop and it arrived today. Okay, so it wasn't really a break down but a new toy for me!! No kidding. I feel like I did when I was 8 years old on Christmas and woke up to a brand new blue, banana-seat bike!

Part of my internal justification was this blog. My plan is to further develop this into something meaningful and something I can be proud of. Please hang in there with me while I explore what this blog can be. Remember, feedback is always welcome and helpful.

Strength of Men

It is not the critic who counts,

Not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles,

Or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man in the arena,

Whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood,

Who strives valiantly…who knows the great enthusiasms,

The great devotions,

Who spends himself in a worthy cause,

Who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement,

And, who at the worst, if he fails,

At least fails while daring greatly,

So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls

Who have never known neither victory nor defeat.

Teddy Roosevelt

'Tis the Season....Or is it?

Photo by: Karin JonesA woman called in to a radio the other day to tell a story that I had never heard of before. She was in line at one of the fancier coffee shops for her afternoon latte when the gentleman in front of her paid for her beverage. Struck by the spark of kindness, she then paid for the person behind her. Apparently, it didn't start with the fellow in front of her and it didn't finish with the person behind her either. Who started? Don't know. Does it matter? Not really. The important thing is that someone did start it in the "spirit of Christmas."


During this time of year, we donate more, we volunteer at the soup kitchen, we adopt families at work, etc....... What about the rest of the year? How hard would it be to extend this spirit of kindness and generosity all year long? I'm no talking about only the giving to the less privileged but even just extending each other a little more courtesy. Seriously, how hard is to hold the door open for someone or say thank you? The little things can make all the difference.

Getting Things Done

I'm a recent fan of David Allen's Getting Things Done. I've managed to learn and consistently use quite a bit of the techniques. One of the things that makes this time management system so wonderful is your ability to make it your own. I'm a paper person which means I still use my paper day-planner system. I know others who a strict user of an electronic system. Either way, it doesn't matter so long as you have a system and use it consistently.

I've been coaching and introducing Getting Things Done (GTD) to some co-workers over that past 6 months or so. One of the most common concerns I hear is about the shear volume of stuff (action items, to-do's) that would accumulate. I have a great tip for that:

Pick Your Top Three (3) Action Items

Ask yourself every morning, "what are three things I could complete today that would make a difference in my life, my relationships, my self-image, my work load, my projects, etc.?" I start everyday by reviewing my calendar to determine how much 'work' time I will actually have, quickly scan my list of action items, and I then determine my top three A priorities for the day.

This takes that crazy long to-do list and puts it into small, bit-sized pieces. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.

Force Yourself Into a Positive Frame of Mind

I was reading this article on BNet about "How to Change Your Emotional State." It's a really good article with some great tips and insights:

1. Your physiology is in a feedback loop with your emotions.


2. Your focus is also in a feedback loop with your emotions.


3. Your physiology is in a feedback loop with your focus.


4. Feedback loops reinforce themselves.


5. Feedback loops grow stronger, long term.


6. Feedback loops are reversible, short-term.

The one that struck me was the very first one. Basically, your physical state (posture, gate, rest level, etc) dictate your frame of mind. If you're in a nasty mood, your eyes are narrowed, lips are pursed, shoulders tight, etc. Need to get out of that nasty mood fast? Change your body. Open your eyes wide, do some mouth stretching, relax your shoulders.

A few years ago a read a tip that I use to this day. If I'm not feeling particularly sunny but I need to be, I hold a pencil in between my front teeth for a few minutes. It forces my face to "fake" a smile. After that, it's much easier to smile for real.

Remember - dance like no one's watching!

Best Wedding First Dance.