Doors Will Open

"The doors of wisdom are never shut." -Benjamin Franklin

I have an affinity for the sayings of Benjamin Franklin. He has wise words that still resonate today, nearly 225 years after his death. His words and thoughts were relevant well before his time. The words and thoughts of Benjamin Franklin will carry on through out the ages.

There are those that may find his writings not to their liking. If so, find another source because in different ways I've stated that you need to find what it is that moves you. By reading several different sources, listening to several different sources and writing down your thoughts to yourself - you will find inspiration.

I like to think that I am sort of like a friendly door man. Opening different doors for you to peek through. A favorite framed picture my wife has is called 'The Doors Of Dublin'. It depicts the many different types of doors found on the older homes of Dublin. They could easily serve as a metaphor for the many options for a greater attitude, greater success, and a greater life.

But do you have the courage to walk through one of those doors?

I firmly believe that you do have that courage. But wait a minute, you are saying that I don't even know you. So how could I possibly know? Courage to change is in everyone. It is a matter of making a change in your life to except the possibility that you can do these things.

So pick a door, any door. Walk up to it and place your hand on the door knob. Turn the knob and peer inside. If the door is locked, do not be discouraged. Knock or ring the door bell. A friendly door man will be along shortly to help you through.

Opening doors from lea khayata on Vimeo.

Food for Thought

"Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire good actions in others." - Plato

People ask me from time to time how one can change the level of service in their organization. My first answer is most times is to start with 'you'. Changing the way your behavior influences the level of service you provide.

An article that appeared some years ago in the READERS DIGEST provided a list of rules for individuals. The rules will transform into a better performing you. When you change, much of your environment will begin to change. Other will start adopting your example.

The list is called "Meyer's Rules For Life".

1. You get what you give (and you get more by giving more).
2. It's more important for people to feel heard than to be agreed with.
3. If you're going to give a gift, give it graciously.
4. Customers come second. Family comes first.
5. The world's greatest luxury is time.
6. The road to success is paved with mistakes well-handled.
7. Overcoming adversity with imagination, courage, good humor and confidence is a crucial skill.

Try a change in your life. Try using yourself as an example to others, you might be surprised. Feed the change in others by feeding the change inside of you.

Stay inspired my friends.

Wish Upon a Do-Over

"Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!" -Dr. Seuss

I have to think there are days we wish a do-over was possible. Especially after those moments when we do something in a selfish manner. Those moments that erupt into something bigger and our little selfish action impacts many others.

Take for instance the recent news story involving two flight attendants. From a passenger perspective, it was going to be a typical 1 hour and 20 minute flight from New York to Washington, DC. American Airlines Flight 3823, set to leave at 3:10 p.m. tells me that there were probably folks heading home. All they wanted to do was have a short flight and possibly get home in time for dinner.

But as the plane was moving along the tarmac, one flight attendant was still on her cell phone. I am not sure if she was speaking to her mother, brother or lover. Yet anyone that has flown knows that cell phones are to be in the "off" position once the boarding doors have closed. What can be assumed is that self-importance probably got in the way of her decision to keep using the cell phone.

The story gets better, "tongue firmly in cheek."

Her co-worker was preparing passengers and plane for the impending take-off. You have likely heard the announcement, "At this time, make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position. Also make sure your seat belt is correctly fastened. Also, we advise you that as of this moment, any electronic equipment must be turned off. Thank you.”

To make her point and without fully thinking through the consequences, the second flight attendant added the comment “including the other flight attendant.” A momentary lapse of judgement, directing comments at her co-worker in front of everyone, without thinking first. Selfish in thought one could say.

Of course her comment didn’t go over well with the flight attendant on the cell phone. The cockpit crew realized there was an argument between the two and travelers were told they’d be returning to the gate “because the flight attendants couldn’t work with each other." Passengers then had to wait nearly four hours while American Airlines went about locating another flight attendant crew...so much for dinner at home.

We can wish for a do-over.

I have to believe that both flight attendants will be disciplined in some manner. I also have to believe each would have acted differently if they were given a do-over. The reality is that we never get the do-over. We only get to learn from our mistakes, missed opportunities and failures. The do-over is really the "thing we learn" from the experience.

Would you really need to be on that cell phone when you have other responsibilites to take care of? Would you really call out a co-worker in front of others just to embarass them? Would you think before you act?

The do-over we get in life is learning from the mistake, failure or bad decision and then proceeding forward. Proceeding forward smarter and as a better person because of the experience.

Put down your cell phone, think before you act and stay inspired my friends.

To Smile

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." -Leo F. Buscaglia



Can you smile without someone else? Of course you can but why waste the beauty of it. We can each smile and make the day better for someone else which in turn changes our day into something grand.

Stay inspired my friends and smile!