Sticks and Stones

When I was a kid there was this old saying:

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”

I'm sure who ever came up with that little gem meant well. And as far as “bone breaking” it has merit. But, (seems like there is always a but) when observed under a brighter illumination we find some contradiction.

As a child, I struggled with this notion. My personal experience was not supporting this colloquialism. When I was the recipient of unkind or “hurtful” words, it did hurt. It was painful, emotionally and physically. My stomach would ache, my pulse would gallop making my breathing ragged. A deep hollow would overtake my insides. All quite uncomfortable and extremely unpleasant sensations. I got the idea of the “well meaning” author…but I wasn’t buying it.

The vast majority of humans want to be liked, even loved. So my reasoning was that this consensus would have similar feelings when they were assaulted with vicious verbiage.

Scientific and medical studies now prove how detrimental stress, anger and hostility can be to us physically and psychologically. Hate-filled expressions can inhabit our memories for a lifetime. Our words may not break bones, however they can break hearts and destroy spirits.

Words are powerful! They can also move our emotions to action in a benevolent purpose, cause laughter to erupt spontaneously, or tears to flow. If words can be that compelling, that persuasive and influential, shouldn’t we craft them in the most beneficial, constructive and helpful way?

What feelings and emotions saturate your soul when you are sincerely complimented or appreciated? Doesn’t your heart feel warm and joy-filled? What about satisfaction, delight and confidence?

Yes, words are exceptionally powerful!!

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words?

Words are so powerful, so versatile that they are capable of hurting or healing, destroying or building up. Please articulate positivity and hope with those you meet. It is good for all of us.

You are the author. Craft your words carefully, with hope, and love.

Do something for yourself

I seldom (never) leave the house without having to go back inside after something. There is something magical about the walk from the front door to the front seat that stimulates memory neurons. However this morning the magic was slow to occur and I was 3 miles down the road when I remembered I forgot.... my cell phone. Luckily I had taken my morning heart medication so the palpitations did not result in cardiac arrest. With hands trembling from immediate with drawl symptoms I continued on my journey to the local café for breakfast. Then images began rushing through my head of fellow diners staring at me doing nothing. With no electronic device to peer into, what would I do until my food arrived? Courage summoned I proceeded to the restaurant.
"Coffee and water please."
With the rest of my order placed I began to glance around at the other patrons. None seemed to be aware of my nakedness. I was about to relax when a clatter from two tables away startled me. It was a cutting crisp bacon too close to the end of your plate so the other end jumped up and clattered back onto the table while you made more noise trying to catch everything that was now in motion kind of clatter.
As I glanced that direction I saw an older gentleman, also, dining alone. Upon his head a WWII veterans cap. My imagination went to a time before I existed. A young soldier saying good bye to his family, perhaps a sweetheart. What unknown dangers and fears had this man endured? Because of sacrifices of this nature we live in a nation that is, for the most part, free.
I wanted to thank him.
I hurried with the remainder of my meal and made my way to the waitresses station next to the kitchen. I explained what I wished to do. She smiled and replied: "We can make this happen." My plan with her now in place, I paid for my meal and his.
I gave her a note I had hand written:
Sir:
Please allow me the honor of buying your breakfast.
Your service has allowed me to live in a Nation that is free.
With my sincere gratitude.
The waitress was not to let him know who this was from, simply give him the note.

I hesitated, for a moment, in my truck parked across the street. In my rear-view mirror, I saw our Veteran emerge and you know I believe his shuffled gate was just a bit quicker, his head a bit higher...and I think mine is too.

Do something for yourself.
This, I believe, is the very best way.

The Sky’s the Limit

When I used to think of discipline, it brought up feelings of dread, of punishment. I think most will agree those are also their first thoughts. If we look a little deeper into the definitions in Webster’s we find:

Discipline:  self-command, self-control, self-discipline, self-government, self-mastery, self-restraint, willpower. 

Notice how many times ‘self’ is used? So discipline then is something that we can have control over, and self control, self discipline is a very good thing. Discipline, I have come to believe, is the master key to what we wish to gain, become, and accomplish with our lives. So what can we do, be, have? Are there limits to our potential?

It was a mostly clear day, just a few scattered clouds in the mid-west sky. Chris had never been to this community before. His job had brought him here, and he had to work on Saturday. As he peered out of his office window he noticed a railroad yard. Chris had always loved trains. Perhaps tomorrow before work, (yes he had to work on Sunday too) he could drive down and check out the rail yards. And that is where I met Chris. It turned out this young man was the embodiment of discipline. Now here is a guy hundreds of miles from home, in a place he would never have been, had his work not taken him there, and he was working weekends. So how do I figure him to be one of the most disciplined people I may ever meet?

You see when Chris caught sight of our rail yard that Saturday afternoon he was mere feet from his co-workers, but four hundred feet above the city, traveling at 700 miles an hour in his F/A- 18 Hornet. Just moments before, he had been pulling a little over 7 G’s as he performed as a part of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron-

The Blue Angels!

We spent almost an hour together, talking railroad and (whenever I could get him to stop talking about trains) flying.

What type of self-discipline do you suppose it takes to become one of this nation’s most élite pilots? Were there days when he wanted to quit, times that he was afraid, that it all seemed just too hard?

My guess is yes. But Major Collins persevered, he did not quit and his self-mastery has taken him to places he would never have gone to meet people he would never have met.

In 2009 the Blue Angels performed before more than 8 million spectators.  The discipline Chris has employed, over the years, now pays him dividends beyond what he could have imagined and wonder-filled memories to last a lifetime.

But most important of all is who he has become, because of all he was willing to do.
What dreams and goals do you have set for your incredible life story?
WHY do you want to accomplish these things? Once we determine WHY we will find the way.
Will the struggle and effort be worth it?
 I only spent an hour with Chris, but I’m certain he would smile and say;
 ‘Yes sir. The sky’s the limit.’  

Be safe Major Collins, and thank you for your service.

www.blueangels.navy.mil

Major Chris Collins

U.S. Marine Corps
Slot

Major Christopher Collins is a native of Darien, Conn., and graduated from Darien High School in 1993. He attended Norwich University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management in 1997.

Chris was commissioned a Marine Corps Second Lieutenant through the Platoon Leaders Class and reported to Quantico, Va., for The Basic School in July 1997. He reported for aviation indoctrination at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola, Fla., in February 1998. Chris completed primary flight training in the T-34C Mentor at NAS Whiting Field, Fla., and transferred to NAS Meridian, Miss., for intermediate flight training. While there, he flew the T-2C Buckeye. Chris was then assigned to NAS Kingsville, Texas, for advanced flight training where he flew the T-45A Goshawk. He completed his flight training in April 2000 and received his wings of gold in May.

In July 2000, Chris reported to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 101 (VMFAT-101), the "Sharpshooters," at MCAS Miramar, Calif., for training in the F/A-18 Hornet. In September 2001, he joined Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 (VMFA-323), the "Death Rattlers." Chris deployed aboard USS Constellation (CV 64) in October 2002, flying combat missions in support of Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom. Chris also deployed aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), flying combat operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III. While serving with VMFA-323, he served as the Logistics Officer, Schedules Writer, Powerline Division Officer, Administrative Officer and the Assistant Aviation Maintenance Officer. While there, the "Death Rattlers" received the 2003 Robert M. Hanson Award as the Marine Corps Aviation Association's Fighter Attack Squadron of the Year.

In October 2005, Chris returned to VMFAT-101 as an F/A-18 instructor pilot. During his tour, Chris was selected to attend the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) and graduated in July 2007.

Chris joined the Blue Angels in September 2008, where he served as the Left Wing pilot in 2009. He has accumulated more than 2,800 flight hours and 350 carrier arrested landings. His decorations include three Strike Flight Air Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals with Combat Distinguishing Device, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and various personal and unit awards.

 

Love in the Fast Lane

“You’re gorgeous.”
Not a typical greeting at a fast food drive through lane.

She was a moderately attractive young woman in her 20’s. Had I heard her correctly? Then, there it was again: “You ARE gorgeous!” Having recently turned 60 this was quite a shock. I hadn’t heard those specific words in nearly …..Well ever.

I was flattered, confused but flattered. Time seemed to stand still, all of this occurring in seconds, but seeming like minutes.
I leaned forward, ever so slightly, to provide her a better view.
Her eye contact was a little vague but I was the one, right there in front of her. It was as if I could feel warm, moist breath on my neck, a hand pressing down upon my knee….she could use some Listerine.

“What’s his name?” the young maiden inquired.  My name? yes, uh, His name? Who’s’ name? Then my dog poked his nose into my peripheral view.  “UH, Buddy, His name is Buddy.”  I stammered.

“Well he is absolutely gorgeous!”

How easily and quickly we forget that we have grown old. Old physically and yet remain young in spirit.

‘There’s no fool like an old fool’ I often repeat.

But there are also those reminders; when we glance in a mirror, attempt to bend down for the smallest task and then of course, for me, a short trip down ‘Love in the Fast Lane.’

Follow Your Heart

Doing what we love. Time is lost, the hours fly, our coffee gets cold in the cup. We are in the flow.

I think most of us have experienced that at some time. Music, writing, for you left brainers perhaps a perfectly summed column of digits, Ugh! I could barely type that one. Whatever your personal passion, you are following your heart’s desire. 
Well sorry that’s not what this ‘Ramble’ is about. ;-)

Let’s talk about a giving heart. Many of us wish to give to others, our time, our money, ourselves. A noble calling, but in the day to day of job, school, kids, dogs, cats, mowing the lawn, paying the bills, taking out the trash, pressure from all around….we begin to feel that there is nothing left to give. We are worn out, drained, pooped. I have personally been there on more than one occasion, with pitiful results of which I am ashamed.
One example we are given, that in order to best help someone else we must first care for ourselves, is the one the flight attendant leads. You know the one, ‘In the unlikely event of…. (insert your personal mental image of plummeting towards the earth from 35 thousand feet) …put on your own oxygen mask first.’ I suppose the first time flier might balk at this suggestion and feel that would be a rather self centered, self serving act of cowardice. (I get so dramatic at times) My rambling mind has also led me to think that perhaps being unconscious during this event might not be all that bad, but I am rambling here.

I think there is an even stronger example of the fact that it is not only a good idea, but essential we tend to our needs, first.
I was watching Dr. Oz a while back. An episode pertaining to heart health, in which the good Dr. made the following statement. ‘The first organ your heart pumps blood to is……drum roll, itself.

In the grand design of our physical selves is the evidence that to care for others best, we must first care for ourselves. Our heart knows that to continue it’s ‘day to day’, to truly care for us in the best possible way, it must first replenish, nourish and fulfill its essential needs.

So perhaps you’re feeling a bit drained by all your responsibilities, with the day to day dragging you down. Reflect for a moment. Could you be more effective, more caring, a better giver, if you only had a bit more to give? Could some meditation time, a good hot soak, a walk in the woods or an hour with your favorite book, serve to recharge your battery and give you the energy to help those on your list today, in a greater way? Hey you are the one to answer that question. The best advice I can give is:

Follow your heart.

Somewhere in America

"Charlie, is that you?"
Sweat in my eyes and running off my nose, I was stopped cold in my tracks. I was out for what has become a pleasant ritual of walking several mornings each week, schedule allowing, when out of the blue..."Charlie is that you?"
It was a handsome couple about my age that were certain they had found 'Charlie'. A quick conversation ensued with me assuring them that 'I' was not who they thought. I so hated to disappoint, they seemed like such nice people. For a second the thought of confessing to be Charlie crossed my mind, but the details would have been very stressful, so that quickly passed.
According to them I was not only an exact copy of the now famed Charlie, but that I even walked like him. My response was something to the effect of, 'You know they say everyone has a twin'.  They agreed and once again we were off in opposite directions around the mile long circumference of the park.
Then my mind began to ramble, as it often does. I wonder if Charles really does look like me? Lucky dog.
On my final lap as I approached Charlies friends I heard myself say....
"You know I'm going to call my wife today, and tell her about Charlie. She's not going to believe there's another guy as good looking as me, somewhere in America."

More alike than different

One had a small load of laundry to do. 

Three were headed to Kalamazoo. 

An older gentleman teased the young waitress.

The randomness of life delivered me to Salem in the land of Lincoln, for breakfast, this morning. I had no plans or idea that I would be present for these conversations at Denny's. But as I eavesdropped it occurred to me that this scenario was most likely playing out across this country. 

With that thought, it became clear that we really are all, quite similar. Each with our own hopes and dreams, heartaches and challenges. Some taking for granted the fact that the ones they love are sitting right next to them, for me much too far from those closest to my heart. 

Have a listen for yourself. See if the voices you hear sound familiar, in their content. Each are unique yet alike, simultaneously. 

Deep down the majority want the same thing. 

In spite of our differences in politics, religion, philosophy...we want the best for each of us.

From Abe's backyard I honestly wish for you 'The Best'.

Molly

Thirty years past, nearly 400 miles from here, I first saw Molly.
On her trip to her new Missouri home, she spent the night in our back yard.
She was quite a site in our neighborhood.
Today she takes her place of permanent rest in our back yard, here in the Missouri hills.
This spring a blanket of wild flowers will bloom over her.
I'm certain I'll walk among those blooms and once again think of Molly,
back when she and I were young.

The Journey: 2011

How many times have we heard, ‘It’s the journey, not the destination that counts’?
How can that be? Surely in the achievement of the goal is where our happiness dwells.
We are, for the most part, a goal driven society.
It is not hard to understand how we have become so destination obsessed.
Goals draw us toward accomplishment and that is a good thing. Much is produced through goal setting.
However we begin to believe that once we drive this, wear that, live in this neighborhood or have $X in the bank that our lives will be complete.
But is that where the real joy is waiting?

I have long tried to comprehend what was meant by the ‘journey’ statement.
I may have, finally, gotten a partial grasp.
I watched a movie called Peaceful Warrior. ( I highly recommend it)
In it a young man, Dan, is taken on a hike up into the hills.
His mentor, Socrates, has promised him ‘the secret of life’ once they arrive at their destination.
For hours they hike and climb, climb and hike all the while conversing, breathing, watching, pushing to the summit.
Laughter, anticipation, joy, weariness, and wonder, absorb the lad as they persist.
Abruptly, Socrates stops and says: “Here it is”, pointing to an ordinary rock at the young man’s feet.
“That’s it? I came all this way for a rock!?”
Bewildered, almost angry Dan questions the significance of the rock.
He learns that the rock, the destination, is of little importance.
“Oh, I never know what I’ll find on these trips.” Socrates interrupts.
”But for hours you have been walking, laughing, guessing and enjoying yourself as we journeyed,
only to be disappointed with what you found, once you ‘arrived.’”

Once we have arrived we may experience less satisfaction than we had imagined.
At times the goal itself holds little contentment, minor reward.
If we take time to reflect on the journey we find that, that is where the real joy resides.
That is where our lives are really spent, in pursuit.
Dan learned that; 'there are no ordinary moments, there is never nothing going on.'
Now, right now, is all we really have, it is a gift; It is called 'the present'.
The most significant purpose of a goal is not what we achieve, rather who we become.
Our goals help us to grow. Choose them with care.
Of course we are pleased with our accomplishments.
Yet that pleasure can be fleeting. The new-ness of 'things' quickly fades.
Our human need is to grow, develop, and become our best and then to use that growth to enrich the lives others.
Whom will you help? What charity do you want to support, what cause to champion?
Perhaps, there is your joy, your continual, growing, living, self-perpetuating delight! Service to others.
We are either growing or dying. We are designed to press forward, to become all we can become.
There is more to do. We can accomplish more, much more. There is more to give, to share. But you can't give what you don't have or share what you don't possess. Through consistent growth we can always become more, so that we may do more.
Somewhere deep inside we recognize this and that yearning, that discontent is our hearts way of saying,
‘Come on; let’s really pour it on this time.’
Those hedonists' in our society who have found fame, only to be lost in drug use, violence and things which sell the
tabloids…..they each were certain that the money, the cars, the jewelry, the celebrity, the destination was where they would find bliss.
They are baffled when they arrive to find emptiness once again and then attempt to fill the void in unhealthy ways. Sadly this path leads to an emotional black hole..
Perhaps this emptiness, this discontent, if understood, could lead to even greater achievements. We each have in us what it takes to be great in our own unique way. Our choices determine which path our Journey will follow.
So, I think I may get it, at least in part.
If we have reached a point, attained a goal, if we have arrived and it’s not as sweet as we had dreamed, maybe, just maybe your heart is saying…
”Come onnnn! You’ve got more than that. That was good, but really….”
If we desire something in this life that we have never had, we are going to have to do something we have never done.
Is it time to pursue some goals that really stretch?
Is a new adventure in your 'present'?
Is someone searching for your inspiration?
In what ways can you enjoy your journey, each day?
How will you share your 'present'?
What’s your heart saying to you?
Mine is saying:
"Keep going. Sure it's hard, I know you want to quit, but you are more than that. You don't yet see all that I have planned for us. Press on. I'll be with you all the way."
I wish, for each of you, a happy, healthy, new year of personal achievement;
A year of contribution of the Gift of You to all your fellow journeymen.

ps: 'Self sacrifice is not noble!'
Be on the watch for:
"Follow Your Heart"
Are you confused? Do you think I may be?  ;-)

Our Deepest Fear

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." ~ Marianne Williamson
The above is a quote by Marianne Williamson from a movie called 'Akeelah and the Bee'.

"And as we let our own light shine.....as we are liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others."

Each of us possess unique talents and abilities, solitary expressions of our individual life experience and personality from which others may draw to live fuller, richer lives. Your gift is yours alone to give. No other human has what you have to share.

"Your playing small does not serve the world..."

We are each meant to light an others way...
Whose life will change because of your influence, whom may you liberate with your courage?
Be bold, shine on.

mj

Which Comes First...?

The question was: Do your thoughts create your beliefs, or do your beliefs create your thoughts? (See the post 'Your Opine, Please.' just below.)
I shall now attempt to give you my thoughts…beliefs…oh boy here we go! These are merely my viewpoints. Each individuals view on this will be influenced and shaded by personal life experience, environment and association. Therefore I suppose (glad I didn’t say think?) each answer is as special and unique as the person themselves. There never has and never will be another exactly like you! So my answer may not run in the general vein as most of the replies and that is just as it should be….each with his / her own opine.
Perhaps the best way to provide my answer is with a few more questions. Are you up for that?
· Can you believe something without thinking about it?
· How strong could an unthinking belief be?
· From where would we acquire such a belief?
· Can you think something without believing it?
It seems to me that you can have a thought without believing it, but can you really have a belief without thinking about it.
You may think about what you believe, but do you believe every thought?
It is my submission that, as adults, we have to think about something before it becomes a belief. As children our beliefs were instilled, in us, by parents, teachers, preachers and others that were a part of our development. And that guidance is essential to our growth. As thinking adults however we should begin to ask ourselves questions about the beliefs we hold and do we really believe them or are they there by default.
Many of the things of which I was quite certain (beliefs), as a youth, have developed and grown (after personally thinking about them) to support new ideas and philosophies (i.e.: beliefs). I have not abandoned all the teachings of my childhood rather; I have strengthened some and replaced others with more appropriate thoughts and thus beliefs.
So I question again, can you believe something before you think about it? How confident would you be in a belief about which you had not personally contemplated.
Let’s take this exercise for an example.
Are you thinking about your belief…Which comes first?
Well, I hope this has been fun for you. It has been great fun for me.
And now that this reply is complete…
I think I’ll catch a ride with Dee. And you can believe that.

Your opine, Please.

I have for you, this evening, a question.
I love good questions, don't you?
I think ( oh! a clue to the question already ) I think this is a really good question. One with potential for debate of what you believe (yet another clue?).
Hopefully you will feel inclined to take part in this just for fun, while learning, project.
No answer will be considered wrong. Can't say I will brand any right, either.
Just a terrific opportunity to get your thinker thinking. We really do very little true thinking, you know...or at least that's what I think.
Earl Nightingale thought so too.
" Most people, if they said what they were thinking, would be speechless"; that's what Earl said.
So enough blaa blaa, here's your question.
Do your thoughts create your beliefs, or do your beliefs create your thoughts?
That's it.
So, what do you think and believe, or believe and think?
Perhaps you are thinking...He's really lost it this time, and that's OK.
Believe or think what you will.
I eagerly await your speculation and pontification.
I think ( there I go again ) believe this should be really fun.
So have fun!!
Post your answer in the comment/reply section below.
And as always, sincerely, thanks for reading and now playing along.

'Don't wish things were easier, Wish you were better."

Today I submit a tribute to the life and teachings of Jim Rohn.
I was fortunate to meet him one time. An extraordinary event for me. His handshake, his words, his eyes all conveyed his belief in me, in my abilities. I will never forget the brief time I spent with him.

Mr. Rohn's time in this system ended December 5th 2009, but his philosophy continues to change lives. The few 'Ramblings' I share are deeply influenced by this uncomplicated man. Outside my own father, he has influenced my philosophy more than any other human who was alive during my lifetime.

One of his teachings was; "Borrow all you can borrow. Give credit but borrow other peoples words." One example he would use was a quote from Winston Churchill. "The truth is incontrovertable. Malace may attack it and ignorance may deride it but in the end, there it is." Mr Rohn would then say..." I could stay up all night and not think of that!"

At the final tribute for Mr. Rohn, Darren Hardy gave these closing comments.
They are here for you to hear, in the link below.
Today I borrow, once again, Mr. Rohn's words through Mr. Hardy.
They are principles I believe in.
I hope they may mean as much to you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkEkxpIEiHc

Thank you Mr. Rohn.

Whats my Potential? Perspective?

If I were to wander through a cemetery, what undeveloped potential might I pass, on my walk? Dormant words of hope, comedy or challenge, songs unwritten or unsung lying beneath the sod?

You say, 'But you don't understand the difficulties they had the struggles they endured. Life was too cruel; they could barely survive. The benevolent hand of God seemed to pass them by, without pausing.'

Life indeed seems unjust at times. I have attended many pity parties, myself the only guest. And then came a change in perspective.

I have learned that it is in our trials, troubles and tribulations that life develops meaning. Now that doesn't mean I like it or wish for more, but if I am paying attention the lesson is there. In times of illness, love will abound from places untold. In other difficulties, help springs.

We all have our burdens to bear and with some educated perspective our journey may reveal unprecedented joy, fulfilment and spirit.

Take a moment to get a tissue...

Got it?

Watch the video below and be filled with encouragement.

It has been said; "Most people are buried with their music still in them."

What is your potential?

How is your perspective?

Why are you waiting?

Patrick isn't.

www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=9xwCG0Ey2Mg

H1N1: The Swine Flu

The headlines cover it daily, H1N1. Case numbers, vaccine availability, death tolls. It is a legitimate concern.
But did you know that there is a more rampant disease plaguing the planet? It is a malady which affects millions of victims, daily, one which the mainstream media chooses to ignore. I have seen nothing on this from the World Health Org. The health and financial effects of this contagious virus are immeasurable. You may catch it anywhere, at work, in the market place, even in your home.
Are you at risk? You may be, and not even realize it.
So what is this threat?
It is: The Whine Flu!
Epidemic in scale, Whine Flu has invaded our society with little notice. It has quietly crept in and infected us, spawning the carrier gene. Word by word, thought by thought, action after action we unwittingly propagate more and more of this insidious affliction.
It is more deeply ingrained than one might believe, at first observation.
Brain researchers say that we have about 60 thousand thoughts per day. Or approx one thought every 1.5 seconds. Wow! No wonder we’re tired! These scientists also believe that about 95% of those thoughts are the same ones that we had the day before. And finally 80% ( 39,000*) of all those are negative. These are referred to as ANTS: Automatic Negative Thoughts. As these ANTS persevere in their daily tasks (you know how persistent ants are) the affliction becomes deeply rooted. It, I believe, becomes a habit.
“Spend five minutes complaining and you have wasted five. Continue this and they will soon haul you off to a financial desert and there let you choke on the dust of your own regret.” ~ Jim Rohn
Is there a remedy for this scourge, this habit? Thankfully, yes there is. And that, in itself, is the cure.
Thankfulness and Gratitude:
If we were to take those 60 K thoughts per day and begin to replace them with Positive thoughts, thoughts of the innumerable advantages and benefits we each posses, we will have revealed the antidote. We will not only embark on our personal journey of healing we will simultaneously acquire the marvelous carrier gene of joy.
We must also limit our exposure to the Whine Flu virus. You see, these carriers won’t be wearing white medical masks so:
Ask yourself these questions that Mr. Rohn has provided.
· Who am I around?
· What have they got me saying, doing, reading?
· Where have they got me going?
· Who do they have me becoming?
· And finally, Is that OK?

I am delighted to announce that my personal case of Whine Flu is in remission. I was at one point a deadly carrier. I am ever on alert for symptoms of its recurrence. Daily doses of the cure are required. Think of it as bathing. Once in a while just don’t cut it.
Attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?
Personally and collectively we can defeat this foe.
Are you up to the challenge?
I believe you are.
I believe in you.
Do you?

That's good, No that's Bad....

Have you ever heard this little tale? Think I first heard it on Hee Haw!

One guy states something, the next guy says That's good. And tells him WHY it is good. Then the first guy says No that's Bad. And gives a reason that it could be bad. Back and forth, on and on it goes. This clever narrative actually, I believe, reveals a handy tool on this Thanksgiving week. The other side of the coin.

We always hear to count our blessings and that we should. But what about those things that are just not good? Could we discover something great in them? If we tried? OK you say no way I could do that. But just pretend that you could...we are just pretending. So I know you really can't, but if you could what would you find?

Bills! There's a good one we can all relate too. Those lousy, stinking, never ending, ever increasing bills.

Electric bill is to high. But isn't it something we rely on most everyday with very few failures?

With the touch of a button we control the comfort of our homes. Another touch and and we have entertainment from around the world in our living rooms, in color.

Did you every notice how dead a house feels when the power is out. Electricity seem to bring a house to life, to me.

Well then the water bill!

"Never miss the water till the well runs dry." I have heard that since a kid and have found it to very true. How about you? We enjoy clean, pure, drinkable water in several rooms and never give it a thought. In third world countries they may have to walk for miles, carrying it home in pots, pans and plastic bags.

Well times are tough! There just isn't enough money to go around!

Here's a fact that may have gotten past you.

If you live in the U.S.A. , on welfare, you are in the top 10% income bracket in the world.

How's your health? Terrific I hope.

"Health is the greatest wealth." ~Emerson

We are more fortunate than we realize.

Play the That's Good That's bad game. See what you actually have that you can give thanks for...not just this week, not just Thursday, but the other 364 days as well.

I'm personally thankfull for each of you... and I'm sure you are for me too. See there, your list has already started. ;-)

I wish each of you a healthy and happy Thanksgiving.

Permanent Purpose: The Butterfly Effect

“When you know that everything matters—that every move counts as much as any other—you will begin living a life of permanent purpose. A life of permanent purpose will make you a better parent, a better spouse and a more valuable friend. Your productivity and financial success will soar to new heights while the old days of uncertainty, doubt, and depression fade into the past.” Andy Andrews

This morning, I read this quote for the very first time. It is from the book:

The Butterfly Effect ~ by Andy Andrews.

This inspired me, filled with spirit.
Like many of you, I have long wondered what my purpose in life is. What am I to do or share that could possibly, positively, affect my family, my friends, co-workers and even the world? What special talent do I possess? What gift do I have to share? And then, in Andy's few simple words it all became radiantly clear.

Life is my purpose! 

Every moment, every breath, thought and action are my purpose, my gift. Each equally important for me and those with whom I share this world, for the generations to come.

In just the last 30 minutes, since reading this quote, I have accomplished several mundane tasks, things that normally fulfill my identity of Chief Procrastinator. But that was changed, like turning on a light, instant illumination. Each task was performed with love and thoughts of how it affects my wife and our relationship, how that affects our children, our friends and now you. 

I almost did not write this 'Rambling'. Doubt was creeping in, as it often does. Should I share and expose my feelings, my thoughts. 

Now I have my answer.
Of course.
This, and every choice I make, is my purpose, my Permanent Purpose.
I, for one, will now choose more wisely. For I now know that every choice matters, for all of us.
Here now flutter the gentle murmur of the butterflies' wings, from my purpose to yours.

What will be your choices today, tomorrow...?
What will you share with all of us?
What will your purpose mean, for the world?

The Goose with the Golden Egg

September 7th 2009. Another Labor Day has arrived, a day to honor the American Worker.


The individual citizen, each laboring at their chosen task is the very fiber of this of this place we call America. We have rolled along here for 233 years, growing, expanding, developing and sharing, unprecedented in recorded history.

Building on the beliefs and values of the founding fathers We The People, have raised and nurtured our very own Golden Goose. And what a Goose she is!!
I do not submit that she is perfect, for that is not the case. You may think that the goose eats too much. That may be true. But compare her to the other geese in the barnyard and she still looks pretty good to me.

Alas, as in the tale of old, our goose is being asked to produce more than she can. She is being starved and yet asked to give more and more to those who do less and less. They threaten to cut her open and redistribute her golden eggs. Then what? Her very survival is at stake. And with that our freedoms are also on the block.

“The way to empower a family, a business or a nation is to empower the individual.” –mj

It is through our combined personal strengths, efforts and contributions that we can keep our goose healthy, to make her even more bountiful and able to provide for ourselves and those who truthfully need help. The more we give to those that refuse to feed the goose, with reasonable taxes or personal service, the weaker she becomes.

We are a diverse country, comprised of cultures and histories from around the globe. That is an elemental factor that makes us strong. Those people came through Ellis Island, from all countries of the world, down through the years, to become Americans, to live the American dream, not to make Her into what they had just escaped. Why would they want to do that?

Each person must give of their portion to tend the goose,
to feed, care for and steel her for the years to come.

It is unreasonable to think that she can do it on her own.

Everyone who wishes to partake must contribute.

Celebrate today! Celebrate the American Worker.

Celebrate what has become the greatest nation on earth.

Our ancestors were key players in her rise. We must make certain to do our part to prevent her fall.

We are her caretakers.

It is up to us;

We The People.

"Brevity is the soul of wit." - Shakespeare

Ah, Brevity.
What a treat, a cool drink on a stifling August day.
We each have endured sermons that dragged on and on, the classroom lecture from which only the bell could rescue and meetings without structure or end. Whew!

I was first introduced to the above quote by my high school English teacher, Mr. Baker. He signed my year book with Shakespeare’s quote and added: “you are brief.” I attempt to
apply those words in many aspects. Thank you Mr. B.

Clown acts, speeches, writings all were/are revised and trimmed, only the essentials to remain. A distillation of ideas, an economy of words, is the goal.

Jim Rohn says it best of all: “Jesus the master teacher said: 'Follow me.' That's brief! And He was able to do that because of all that He was that He didn't have to say."

Many times we listen to someone’s babbling, telling us much more than they know.
If I catch myself trying to make up for, in words, what I lack in being I know it’s time to get back to work on me.

In giving advice on public speaking, F.D.R., our 32nd President, applying his own council said:
“Be sincere, be brief, be seated.”

I’ll sit down now.


I would love to hear your thoughts.
mj