Flanders Field

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. Today we say thank you to those that have sacrificed their lives and to think of those that have and do serve.

In Flanders Fields -John McCrae, 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

LaPonda - Life's Light

Today we memorialized a wonderful woman by the name of LaPonda Stephens. Cut short from our natural lives at age 46 by cancer, the memory of her wonders will go on forever in our hearts. The goodness and love she shared will flow through her children as they carry on her legacy.

Her message to all given as a gift to us is, "I love you all and I hope the love I had for you was felt... No day is promised to you... If there is someone you don't love, you need to change your ways." A wonderful flower from heaven is what she is and will forever be.

In ending, her husband Bruce wrote a beautiful poem for his wife. If I am able, I will ask him for permission to share it with you. For now, know that the wonders of life come in the form of people like LaPonda. Be like her and shine a light upon others.

Staying Focused In Vegas

Just a quick note at mid-week. I am in Las Vegas at our company's annual technology conference called EMC World. An awful lot of people from around the world in attendance. So I have had a very good opportunity to meet this varied collection of folks.

Staying focused on keeping your spirits alive and positive should be your goal each day. The rest then will come naturally over time. Have a great week everyone.

Optimistic Belief

Titled "One in a sea of many..."

"I'm an optimist, but an optimist who carries a raincoat." -Harold Wilson

From Merriam-Webster Dictionary
Main Entry: op·ti·mism
Pronunciation: \ˈäp-tə-ˌmi-zəm\
Function: noun
Etymology: French optimisme, from Latin optimum, noun, best, from neuter of optimus best; akin to Latin ops power — more at opulent.
Date: 1759
1 : a doctrine that this world is the best possible world.
2 : an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome.

It seems to be the 'half glass empty or half full' argument when talking about optimism or pessimism. I happen to be more optimistic in most things that I do. Although I wrap it in common sense, knowing when an outcome isn't 'in the cards.' Interestingly enough, being optimistic and not achieving what was first sought has placed me in a position to achieve other unexpected things.

Can being more positive, more optimistic about things impact your life? In an article by Anne Bradley, she states the following the nine benefits.

BENEFITS of OPTIMISM that You Can Have in Your Life

1. Achieve more in any task or goal
2. Higher level of Contentment and Life Satisfaction
3. Better Health
4. More Friends
5. Continued Optimistic Outlook
6. "Life is Good"
7. Feeling of Control over Life
8. Handle Life's Big and Small Problems Better
9. Easier to make decisions without anxiety

Are all of the above guaranteed? Absolutely not, even the pessimistic possibilities in life are not guaranteed to happen to you. So why spend your life worrying about what could go wrong? Mix in the idea that things can go right in your life. Believe in goodness because it happens a lot more then you give it credit for happening.