Time to Catch Up!

Hi Team:


I apologize it's been so long since I have posted. It's been a very, very, extra busy month for me, with some unexpected twists and turns. Like I always say, "Expect the Unexpected"! It has also given me the opportunity to take a breather in other ways, and do some self-evaluating. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have this self-reflective time, as it has helped to further cement the people, events, and agendas that are truly important to me. I hope you may do the same. Please, do not wait for some unfortunate event to open your eyes to what you believe in life, what gives you strength, what puts bounce in your step each day, and makes you want to leap to your feet as you awaken each morning, or the people who mean the world to you. I make an assessment each day both upon waking, and before retiring for the day, however, this last event was enough to take the assessing to the next level. I'm grateful.


Here we are in May. It's outdoor time. Okay, I know for many of you it's outdoor time all year round, but for us folks here in Utah, the weather has been unpredictable. We've had a day here and a day there where we've had a touch of true spring weather, you know, warm sun on your skin, the birds are singing your tune all day, the sound of children playing echo's throughout every neighborhood, and you hear the breeze rustling through the leaves, yes, leaves, not bare branches. It is truly an amazing time of year when the earth seems to renew itself, refresh itself, and send a sign to all of life on earth that all is well. At the same time, we witness both far and near the fierceness of Mother Nature, as she unleashes her power in various ways. Nature is truly amazing, fascinating, and yet terrifying at the same time, yet, we go on. 


I believe this is how we must approach life, as well, one day at a time...with amazement, gratitude, fascination, and yes, at times we may even become terrified, yet, we too, must move through the emotion to the other side if we are to prevail, if we are to overcome, if we are to endure, if we are to succeed. Apply this method to any goal, obstacle (real or perceived), or relationship in your life, and you will indeed, succeed. You see, it is when one stands still, makes no decision, takes no initiative, and simply lingers from day to day, that they die a slow death, along with their goals, dreams, desires, and future plans. Walk, my friends. Move, decide, plan, execute, fail here and there, and yes, succeed. Sure, stop to smell the roses along the way, regroup, reassess, refocus if necessary, then keep scooting your way along the roller coaster of life with all it's thrills, and at times, disappointments. Recognize both for what they are. Embrace the moments that bring you peace, enlightenment, and serenity. Share. Believe. Achieve.


Health!

Happy 
"Armed Forces Day"!
Thanks to all those who have served, are now serving, and those who serve in the future. God Bless.

Mothers Should Have Service Contracts

"Happy Mothers Day!"

My BFF sent this to me. 




MOTHERS SHOULD HAVE SERVICE CONTRACTS!  by Patricia Aune

Mothers ought to come with a maintenance agreement; for a complete overhaul every five years, three kids, or 300,000 miles; whichever comes first.

It makes sense.  A properly maintained mother is bound to be a better mother, providing more years of non-stop service.  If the Department of Labor or the Department of Consumer Affairs decide to prepare a bulletin of how to keep a mother running smoothly and operating at top efficiency, there are several points they ought to consider:

FUEL
Most mothers will run indefinitely on hot cocoa and pizza-burgers, but an occasional additive of gourmet meals for two in elegant surroundings will add efficiency.

MOTOR 
A mother's motor is probably the most dependable anywhere.  A mother can start and reach top speed from a prone position at a single cry from a child.  To keep that motor operating at peak efficiency, regular breaks are recommended, leisurely bath and nap ever 1,000 miles, a baby-sitter ever 10,000 miles and a two-week live-in sitter ever 100,000 miles.


BATTERY 
Batteries should be recharged regularly.....roses and candy are often sufficient.


CARBURETOR 
When a mother's carburetor occasionally floods, it should be treated immediately with kleenex and a soft shoulder.


SPARK PLUGS 
When sparks begin to fly, avoid driving for a while.


SPEED 
Do not drive at prolonged high speeds or breakdowns are likely, usually in the form of flooding carburetors or malfunctioning spark plugs.


CHASSIS 
A mother operates best when properly maintained.  Her wardrobe should be changed every fall and spring.  Regular exercise should be encouraged.  Tune ups, a change of hairdo and make-up, should be part of the regular maintenance.


LUBRICATION 
Mothers need regular lube jobs.  Compliments are the cheapest and most satisfactory type of lubrication.  Lubricate regularly and spark plugs are not likely to malfunction.
Just by following these simple instructions, the average mother should last a lifetime, providing efficient service.

End of the Month Assessment #4 of 12

Here we are, at the end of another month.

ARE YOU GAINING SUCCESS?

Are you making much anticipated progress? Are you on a roll? Are your friends and neighbors wondering what has gotten a hold of you? Are you happy? Hallelujah! Rejoice! Make note of all your accomplishments, mentors, favorite books, quotes, music, and anything else that you have found helpful on your journey. I’d love to hear your feedback.

HOW WAS YOUR MONTH?

Did yours fly by or pass ever so slowly? Was it a month of fulfillment, or a month of procrastination? How are you doing on your path to reaching your goal(s)? Did you get closer? A lot closer? A baby step closer? Remember…

IT’S NOT THE SPEED AT WHICH ONE TRAVELS THAT MATTERS, ONLY THE DIRECTION!

ONCE DIRECTION IS IN ALIGNMENT (COURSE IS SET),  THEN ACCELERATION WILL TAKE PLACE.

WHAT DIRECTION ARE YOU TRAVELING IN?

Forwards, backward, sideways? Where are you going? Do you have that outline we discussed in previous months blogs? Keep in mind, not having a plan is like going to the grocery store on an empty stomach. We all know what happens…you come home with a boatload of items you thought you just had to have (not on your list, of course), but rather sanctioned by the gut that was growling from the moment you entered the store. And yes, we all know the outcome…FAILURE, if you were planning on sticking with a meal plan. You see, to get to your goal(s), you must eliminate, or at least learn to discern what your obstacles, temptations, and items of distraction are, or you will forever be driven here, there, and everywhere, as the wind.

LIST YOUR TOP THREE OBSTACLES

Yes, right now, actually get a piece of paper and write them down. When your through, go back to item number one and come up with a solution to your obstacle. Yes, write it down. Do the same with the next two items. Now, you have NO EXCUSES! I encourage you to begin immediately on eliminating your obstacles, one at a time. Don’t wait for tomorrow, or Monday, or when school’s out, after blah, blah, blah!!! Work it into your schedule by working it into your mind right now, that it not only CAN be overcome, but will be done by YOU!

LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND MAKE A DECLARATION TO YOUR SELF.

There was a schoolteacher who vowed to not shave on 9/11/01 after the Trade Center Buildings went down, until the culprit(s) had been captured. He had a mighty long beard, and shaved it 5/1/11. He made a personal declaration, and you can, too.  

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

You have a dream? You have a goal that you’ve been forever trying to reach? Seriously, what are you waiting for? Are you afraid? Is it fear of failure? Is it fear of what you will do next if you finally reach that one goal? What is it? Personally, I believe it’s better to try and fail a million times, than look back with regret for not having truly, 100% went for it. Living with guilt, remorse, and/or regret is an energy drainer. Turn that energy into constructive progress. Life is too short. Do not allow yourself to put off what you can do…TODAY! Begin making choices, choices that lead to success. Begin using your brilliant thoughts, you have them. Do not put off for another day, as you cannot hold back the hands of time.

I’ve shared some of my past on previous blogs, and mentioned before, “I’m here on borrowed time”. I’ve had my times of WALKING THE PLANK.  I believe this is why people think I’m high strung. I prefer to call it “Excited to live life”! Each day as I see daylight emerge from the darkness, I thank God for another day. I feel like everyday is my birthday.

WHAT IS WALKING THE PLANK?

My clients and teams know what I’m referring to. Walking the plank is when you hit an area of your life in which you have no control, you walk through the refiners fire, things get hot, you get uncomfortable, and you must learn new coping mechanisms, as you’ve already burned through all the previous ones. You are at the end of the plank, you can see nothing but darkness. You don’t know what lies ahead, water, land, rocks, sharks, sand, a big pillow, or the abyss. You have absolutely no clue. You must take what I call the faith walk. You must trust in whatever it is you trust in, and walk FORWARD as there is no turning back, if you desire to progress.

My friends, we cannot sit on the end of the plank. Life grows dull. Indecision is a killer. Take charge! If you feel uncomfortable where you’re at:

MOVE ON, PRESS FORWARD, STOP DOUBTING YOURSELF, AND TRUST IN A HIGHER POWER

to keep you on track. Today is May 4^th, what will you do TODAY? Grasp it, live it, rejoice in it, then let it go……

Health!