Attitude In Words

"Attitude In Words" the book is coming soon. I've written my first book and I am getting ready to publish. I'm excited about it being out there and more excited knowing that it may help millions of people out there improve their life.

Getting this book written was one of those 'first steps' that I have spoken about many times before. There are dreams that each of us envision, but it take us acting upon those visions at some point. What happens is that the vision becomes a reality - the finality of believing, acting and then realizing it.

First on the list of people that encouraged me is my wife Laura. She kept pushing me to make it a reality. She made sure that I understood this book would have a huge impact upon lots of people. Secondly are all of my kids, each one that has this touch of greatness and goodness in their lives. By watching them, I've learned so much from them; even at my age it is still possible to learn.

There are others that make a difference such as Dean Baker, a friend that gave me the final "poke in the back" to get it done. By the way, he makes some very good Beef Jerky that maybe one day you will be able to purchase. Dean and Jill Sweetman along with many others associated with them are a constant inspiration to me.

You need to find those people that can do the same thing in your life. Surround your self with inspriing and positive people. They will lift you during bad times, they will sustain you during the good times and your life will be enrichened.

So look forward to my first book, I'm excited and hope you will find it an inspiration as well.

Accomplish Something Big

“It's important to recognize that many people working together can do things which individuals working alone cannot do.” -Alan Cranston

In a game that some termed 'David and Goliath' and others believed would lack excitement; the American sport of football held its Super Bowl last night. The New England Patriots, 3-time Super Bowl Champions and record of 18-0 coming into this game faced the New York Giants, a 12-6 record and a roller coaster type season in this season ending championship game.

It was a very good game with the NY Giants coming out 17-14 point winners. It was also a game of many people coming together doing what seemed the impossible. This type of 'winning in life' can occur in your life as well. When people are working together, they can create an atmosphere in which possibility can become a reality.

There are many stories of people working towards a common goal accomplishing great things. Take the story of a single mom in Dacula, GA. Rhythm Bell's life was enrichened by a group of volunteers from the C3 Center in Lawrenceville, GA; a program designed to help single mothers.

These folks transformed her home, doing on a smaller scale what the 'big' shows like Extreme Home Makeover do so well for other deserving people. There will be more information during a conference called Illuminate in March, but to look at the home before and after shows what a group of people, working together with a common goal can achieve.

Try volunteering for something, serve to help others once in a while and see what can be done. Great things are out there just waiting for you and others to accomplish.

Never Judge, Learn More

There are those that go about life in such an un-assuming manner. They lead ordinary lives and at first glance, do not leave an immediate impression of any greatness. It is commonly referred to as 'judging a book by its cover'.

In life we miss so much by doing just that, judging someone by first looks. When we fail to look beyond the surface, we do not find that which lay within. The greatness of talent or the fullness of knowledge that such a person could impart to you goes unseen.

Take the story of Paul Potts from Britain, a person lacking self confidence and working in a cell phone store. But during all of this, many people were unaware of his singing talents until he auditioned for a TV program in Britain.

The following two videos will give you an excellent idea of what so many were missing by 'first look'.



And as you guessed it, the winner;

Never A Blue Monday

Today, January 21nd (2008) is termed by Cliff Arnall as Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year. It is described as the unhappiest day in the entire year, which takes into account six factors: weather, debt, time since Christmas, time since failing our new year’s resolutions, low motivational levels and the feeling of a need to take action.

There may be type of truth to this statistical day which is claimed to have the highest percentage of potential suicides of any given day of the year. But any day can bring doom or depression. It is a matter of how badly the tough times weigh upon your mental state or heart.

My belief is that you always need to try and find some level of goodness to pull your self through. Many times we fail to see even the slightest amount of goodness that does exist in our lives. We will focus so heavily upon the negative as it takes so much less energy to do, yet it exerts the most damage to our lives.

There are of course clinical reasons for depression and many great professionals that can help one through these times. My purpose is to offer any small glimpse of hope that there is that light, the hope of a better life. I have experienced the lows of depression and have had a close relative take the option of suicide. If I could have offered that bit of light, maybe things would be different.

So when you dip into this downturn in life, hold onto any bit of light that may exist. The smallest of things are a building block to something better. For the rest of us, that smile you give, the small gesture of kindness can have an impact on someone that may be walking through a dark point in life.

Search for the light of good that exists in your life, do not dwell upon the negative. Also, be the light for someone else and know that it can be a life changing gesture to others.

Turning Dreams Into Goals

“Our life is composed greatly from dreams, from the unconscious, and they must be brought into connection with action. They must be woven together.” -Anais Nin

Your dreams are now ready to be converted into goals. Conversion of dreams into goals creates a more tangible or physical realization of them. Goals are the first steps to realizing the dream.

By setting goals you can:

- Achieve more in your lifetime
- Improve your overall performances in life
- Increase your motivation to achieve the most out of life
- Increase your pride and satisfaction in your achievements
- Improve your self-confidence
- Plan to eliminate attitudes that hold you back and cause unhappiness

People who use goal-setting effectively:

- Suffer less from stress and anxiety
- Concentrate and focus better
- Show more self-confidence
- Perform better in all areas of life
- Are happier and more satisfied with life

Attitude In Words

In the next month or two, I hope to have published my first book. It has been a long time coming and the recent push was inspired by a friend of mine, Dean Baker. Dean is one of those guys that says, "come on, let's do this thing." He gave me that one last push without me asking for it. It showed me that people are paying attention.

So we are in the editing stage, the cover is being designed and then the publishing will start. I will certainly give you information on how to order the book. Then I will be interested in your comments.

Stay tuned...

Something Small Impacts Big

Today I'm sharing a video update from my friend Paul O'Connell with Open Road Missions and his work down in Peru, South America.

Build Towards Your Dreams

Building a bridge to your dreams, building a bridge to a greater life; this bridge you are building will be one that takes you to a higher place. The Brooklyn Bridge was a dream of John Roebling in which he encountered many obstacles to getting built. But the dream was fulfilled and there have been millions of people whom have benefited from that dream.

Your own efforts to seek out your vision or dream will be filled with the naysayers and obstacles to success. But persevere and you will succeed. Build a bridge to your future.

Begin To Step

I want to encourage each of you to change your attitude. I want for you a great attitude, a great life and great success in your dreams. Throughout this new year, I will write often and encourage often.

You can read these words that are meant to keep you on your path. The path you take should be one towards your dreams. But remember that when we talk about change, you have to understand that change in itself is only the first step. Accepting the first step means you are going to 'change' your life.

Life though remains the same around you. It remains the same where you live and work. The real work will be to change your environment, change the aspects of your life which are keeping you from achieving your dreams. It is a hard process and can be discouraging at times.

So join me as begin our walk across the bridge. I'll take you as far as I can but much of the work is yours. Let's get started and take the first steps together.

The Bridge To Your Dream

“This bridge will only take you halfway there, to those mysterious lands you long to see. Through gypsy camps and swirling Arab fair, and moonlit woods where unicorns run free. So come and walk awhile with me and share the twisting trails and wonderous worlds Ive known. But this bridge will only take you halfway there. The last few steps you have to take alone.” -Shel Silverstein

Begin To Make It Happen

“You can't just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream. You've got to get out there and make it happen for yourself.” -Diana Ross

Begin The Reality Of Your Dreams

Then indecision brings its own delays,
And days are lost lamenting o'er lost days.
Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute;
What you can do, or dream you can, begin it;
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Final Thoughts, First Thoughts

The final day of year 2007 and some final thoughts as we move into a new year. The past year has brought many different things into your life. There have been sorrows and pain mixed in with joy and success. Each of us have found a way to bring ourselves to this the 31st of December.

You have been presented with many opportunities to stretch your self into a better person. To take your self to a better place by being the better person and by being a person of impact to others. With a positive attitude, it is my belief your year was a good one.

As this new year is set to ring in, be safe and joyous. The celebrations will continue well past the stroke of midnight and into the new day of the new year. Once you have celebrated and rested, take a moment to write down your dreams, visions or goals for the new year.

Think of a few things that you would like to accomplish. There are many things it could be as everyone's dreams are different. Just know that it all begins with knowing what you want to achieve. Once you have it written on paper, tape it to your bedroom mirror so that you see it every morning and night.

Looking at your goals on a piece of paper doesn't make it come to reality. You now have to figure out what needs to be done to achieve the goal. It could be changing your attitude, it could be changing your knowledge or maybe a change in environment.

So take the first couple of weeks in 2008 to understand your self and what changes you need to make to achieve that goal. It then comes down to executing your plans to achieve, by taking that first step towards the vision.

"Believe in your vision, act upon your vision and realize your vision." Its going to be a great year for you and I wish you nothing but the best.

Prepared For Opportunity

"Chance favors the prepared mind."
-Louis Pasteur (French chemist and microbiologist, 1822-1895)

Each of us are looking for the perfect chance or opportunity to present itself to us. But many of us are never prepared to take advantage of that opportunity. You must constantly prepare your self for when the moment arrives, you will be ready to grab hold of the 'brass ring'.

Merry Christmas and Peace To All

Holiday Loneliness Change

"No my friend, darkness is not everywhere, for here and there I find faces illuminated from within; paper lanterns among the dark trees." -Carol Borges

During the holidays, loneliness can be a very oppressive feeling for people. Be it circumstance, due to death of a close one or miles of separation; the feeling is real and hard to cope with.

“There’s so much hype for this wonderful time of togetherness,” said Elaine Rodino, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Santa Monica, Calif., “that it accentuates the feeling of being alone and disconnected.” And even more, “Many people try to make the holidays be more than what they are,” said Craig Ellison, Ph.D., “They invest in them heavily, thinking they’ll make up for the other 364 days of the year,” he said.

How to cope or how to change these feelings? No easy answers but the following items may help you. It comes from the About.Com, written by Elizabeth Scott.

- Be Good To Yourself
This can not completely rid those feelings of loneliness, but taking special care of yourself can help you to feel better and enjoy your solitude more. Take the time to do things that will enhance your self esteem. Give your self good level of fun that can help lift your spirits.

- Understand That You’re Not Alone
While you may be feeling alone in your life right now, knowing that the holidays can be a lonely time for many people may help you to feel less so. While it may be uncomfortable to feel lonely, it’s also okay to feel this way.

- Rethink Your Expectations
Part of why holidays feel more lonely for many people is that our society has high expectations for this time of year. The absence of Realize that few people’s lifestyles truly measure up to “movie standards” of perfect living, and shift your focus to all the great things you do have in your life.

- Get Connected
It is possible to feel lonely when surrounded by people, but it’s harder to feel lonely when you’re reaching out to them. Whether you’re saying hello to neighbors you’re usually too rushed to acknowledge, exchanging friendly words with people at the office, or picking up the phone and calling an old friend you haven’t spoken to in a while, reaching out to people and strengthening bonds can help you feel more connected and less lonely.

- Give To Others
One excellent way to feel less lonely during the holidays is to donate your time to a cause you believe in. Helping others who are less fortunate than you can fill you with feelings of love and pride, and even connect you with others who share your passion. You’ll be part of something larger than yourself, and you’ll be immersing yourself in the true spirit of the holiday season.

- Examine Your Feelings
This one probably won’t make you feel better immediately, but if you feel lonely much of the time, this may be a cue that some changes are in order for the coming year. You may want to examine what’s behind your feelings of loneliness. Would you benefit from putting more time into your social life so that you have stronger relationships? Is something inside of you causing you to keep people a t a distance? If you’d like to deepen your friendships, it can cost a little extra time and energy, but the payoff is having increased support and feelings of being heard and understood. Making time for friends, truly listening when your friends talk, and being there for them are all ways to build supportive friendships.

There are many great articles for you to read but it all comes from within. Change and movement will give you a path to embark upon. It will take you away from the loneliness towards something more for your life. For others, sharing a smile or a friendly conversation can be just the thing that person needs. Know that everyone you touch may be in just this type of situation. Extending a small amount of kindness can be the key to setting them on a better path.

Greet the holidays with kindness and greet those around you. Impact the lives of others and your life will be impacted as well.

Overcoming Again

Benjamin Franklin left us with many great things that have survived and remain relevant even today. Many see him as one born into greatness and a life of ease. But this is far from the truth of the obstacles he had to overcome.

One of the things he did was serving as an apprentice in a print shop to his older brother. Now you have to understand the time and place this occurred. This would be in Boston back in 1718 and was basically indentured to perform the menial tasks while learning the trade. His brother was much older and would take out his frustrations on Benjamin by beating him.

Benjamin persevered and was able to see that there was another way. During these times it would mean trying to gain his freedom from his apprenticeship only to find that no one would hire him as his brother had put the word out. So it was through various means he set off for New York, nearly penniless and no letter of recommendation in order to get hired.

To read about his obstacles or ‘rocks within his wagon’ is quite astounding to read. But I will not say that his trials and tribulations were any more then what someone else may have endured. As I’ve said before, tell me your sad story and I’ll tell you a hundred sadder stories.

As I read on Franklin though, he didn’t let these issues deter him or lessen his enthusiasm to better himself in life. Much like you need to do in life, continue with a positive attitude to overcome whatever confronts you.

Benjamin Franklin said when writing his autobiography, “as I reflect on my current happiness, I can honestly say that if I were given the opportunity to live my life over again from the beginning I would do so.” He goes on to say that he would like to correct certain things in life...but knowing if he could not he goes on to say, “nonetheless, even if both requests were denied, I would still accept the offer.”

Make what you can of life in such a manner so that you can say without pause that you would accept the offer to live it all over again.

Believe In Your Self

"People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success." -Norman Vincent Peale

Take advantage of the good will and good feelings of the holiday season. Let those feelings build your own confidence to strengthen in your heart that you can do great things. Let the overwhelming thoughts embolden you as the new year approaches. You can do great things, it all starts with believing in your self.

Holiday Stress

“You need to find something that can buffer holiday stress ...and allow down time to self preserve. People need time to just chill, relax and enjoy each other.” -Susan Fletcher

Keep It Simple - if you watch any track and field sports, the high jumper does not start with the highest bar. They work themselves up from a less loftier pursuit. The same goes for us, if we set a bar so terribly high and fail to meet it will cause us to fall much further. Keep expectations reasonable, keep preparations simple so you will be less tired or in debt. It is said, "the holiday spirit is not about cooking the perfect meal or buying the perfect presents."

If buying gifts and getting everything perfect with those gifts is a source of stress, try one or more of the following:

* Shop from home using mail-order catalogs.
* Shop early or shop a little bit at a time.
* Set a time limit for holiday gift buying.
* Choose simple gifts.
* Treat Yourself Right

Be kind to yourself and allow some time for doing what you enjoy doing. Limit your alcohol and rich foods intake. Also, try to get your usual amount of sleep.

Start Your Own Traditions - growing up you probably had certain traditions for the holidays. But now those same traditions are not possible and they tug at your heart. Well start your own traditions that include those around or near you. New idea and traditions can also become just as cherished as the older ones are.

Acknowledge Losses - for many people, a loved one has passed on or a love has been lost. You can acknowledge the loss in simple ways. Maybe looking through a photo album or just reminiscing. Try to establish some new traditions for the holidays while holding on to parts of the old. The

Watch Out For Family Strife - let it go, it is not necessary to bring up old grievances. The holidays are not a good time for resolving family disputes or confronting relatives. If it does happen, just agree on a time after the holidays to work them out. Emotions will be much better under control and the holidays are about being together and not fighting each other.

Be A Volunteer - involve yourself with the local food pantry or homeless shelter to assist during the season. It will place you around others and you will meet new people. Giving of yourself fills you more than you would think.

Do Something After The Holidays - after all is said and done, the torn wrappings are in the trash, the eggnog is gone and hangovers relieved, do a few activities that are non-holiday in nature. A short trip to the museum, coffee with a friend or a walk through the nature center. Do something that you can look forward to and will help transition you into non-holiday mode.

Enjoy the holidays, don't make this the "one" that has to be perfect...there are many more of them. Just relax, be with family and friends and let the holidays just happen.

Changing Attitude

Read this quote just recently and it says quite a bit. So on its own merit, see if it can change the way you think about your life.

"Don't like where you are? Than change it. Can't change it? Than change your attitude." -Tabitha Yvonne

Sharing An Onion

So many times we go about our day with the attitude that all that I have is mine and should not be shared. Is there room in our hearts to share something with others? Maybe use our abilities to help others or give them a helping hand instead of pushing them away.

There is an old story of an old woman and an onion. This woman died and could not go to Heaven because she had been mean and cruel to everyone all her life. She went to Hell, and from there she prayed for mercy. Was there no way she could be admitted to Heaven?

An angel who guards the gates looked around and asked all of the souls in Heaven, "Is there anyone here who has ever had a kind word or an act of generosity from this woman?" Only one stepped forth. He said that in life he had been a starving beggar, and one time this woman had given him an onion.

The angel told him, “Bring me the onion.” It wasn’t much of an onion. It was small and shriveled, a pretty poor meal even for a beggar. Would it be enough of an act of kindness to raise the old woman out of Hell?

The angel took the onion and reached down with it into Hell. The old woman grasped it and the angel began to pull her up. The thin dry stalk seemed like it might snap at any minute, but as she held onto it, her feet were lifted from the ground.

The other damned souls around her saw her beginning to rise Heavenward and they grabbed at her skirts and her feet, hoping to be pulled up with her. The onion stalk was so spindly. Would it hold?

The old woman looked down at the other damned souls clinging to her and yelled, “Let go! It’s my onion!” And with that, the onion broke.

Living life is hard enough but to be a decent person and have the attitude of giving will be a huge testament to your life. Small or large, each act of generosity or kindness will eventually find its way back to you. Have kindness and a spirit of generosity not only during this holiday season, but throughout the year.

Preparing For The New Year

As you prepare yourself for the Christmas Holiday or even as you approach the new year, it is a good time to evaluate your life. I like to say that 'now' is the best time when you are making a decision to make change. But there are many people that use a calendar event such as the first of January.

So what are the things you should be thinking and preparing for? Here are three questions to ask yourself.

1. Where are you?

- Examine yourself, are you happy, do you have strengths and weaknesses, is your life the type of life you want it to be? You need to understand where you are and who you are to better equip yourself to succeed.

2. What do you see around you?

- Meaning what do you see for you, do you have a vision for your life, a goal or dreams. Why go anywhere unless you have a destination in mind. The same goes for success in your life. Unless you have a goal in mind, the journey has little direction.

3. What do you want?

- You have established a goal, a set of dreams and visions of what you want your life to be. So do you really want it? Do you wish to simply sit still and only dream and plan, never moving closer to realizing it? You have to be bold now and move towards that dream. One step, small or large it all begins with being bold enough to start it.

Your new year will bring many changes if only you take that first step. Be bold, I know you can do it because all of us have it in us. Goals and dreams are powerful motivators, let them drive you to a great life.

Holiday Loneliness

The weeks go by so quickly during this holiday season. The rush at work to finish year end projects, the holiday shopping and simply too many things to do. So much that we have to do in our lives.

It is also a time to think of others, a time of the year to lift others. You can do so much to help others...invite them out for coffee or even over to your home for dinner.

If you are one of those folks that does experience loneliness for what ever reason, an article titled Loneliness and The Holidays offers some ideas. Remember, there are others out there to help you, but much of what we do in life comes from within. You have to make the first step to take yourself out of your condition.

- Be Good To Yourself
- Understand That You’re Not Alone
- Rethink Your Expectations
- Get Connected
- Give To Others
- Examine Your Feelings

Enjoy the holidays, immerse yourself in making it a little brighter for others and immerse yourself in stepping out of loneliness. Movement creates change.

Giving Spirit

Here we are at the end of a holiday weekend here in the U.S. Our short holiday before the Christmas and New Years celebrations. There were many of course that had to work but hopefully many were able to spend a small amount of time with their loved ones.

To be thankful for all that we have is something each of us around the world should be. Taking time to think of all that we do have and not concentrate on what we don't have. For me, I'm thankful for the huge generosity of those around me. Those that are close friends and those that are coworkers, the ones that supported a donation effort.

A little over two weeks ago, I started a donation drive for members of an Army Signal Company (U.S. Army), which is currently in Iraq. My son is a member of that group and we were taking donations of items for the entire group. Items that bring 'home' a little closer and items that just say thank you for all that they do.

There are many varying opinions about our presence in Iraq and I'm not here to debate it. I'm here to simply state that there are many people here at home that are generous in their giving. We collected over 600 lbs of goods including snack food, toiletries, games, magazines and other items. There was also an outpouring of a monetary amount which enabled us to purchase a flat screen TV and game equipment.

People that I never knew came forward to help in this effort. One such person was a lady name Lisa. Her husband had been a member of a motorcycle club that supported veterans and he had served in the military himself. He died in November of 2006 (non-military) and in memory of his love for fellow man, she gave in generous kindness.

It is this wonderful giving and thoughtfulness on her part which sends my heart soaring. She is an example of all those that give. Giving to others, supporting others in a generous manner. Take time to be thankful for what you have and then turn that into a giving act. Find a cause or a reason to help another.

Being Thankful

With the American holiday of Thanksgiving nearing, it is good to remember what this day is all about. On this day, people give thanks with feasting and prayer. The holiday is celebrated in the United States and Canada. Interesting enough, potatoes were note a part of the first celebration...Irish immigrants had not yet brought them to North America.

In America, the Pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving in 1621 after the first harvest and are generally considered the founders of this holiday. These were the folks that settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts. But on December 4, 1619, a group of 38 English settlers had arrived at Berkeley Hundred, about 20 miles upstream from Jamestown, where the first permanent settlement of the Colony of Virginia was established on May 14, 1607.

This group stated that the day of arrival be observed yearly as a "day of thanksgiving" to God. On that first day, Captain John Woodleaf stated, "Wee ordaine that the day of our ships arrival at the place assigned for plantacon in the land of Virginia shall be yearly and perpetually keept holy as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty god."

Traditionally, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November. Yet, the first North American Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1578 when the English Navigator, Martin Frobisher, held a formal ceremony in Newfoundland. He did this to give thanks for surviving the long sea journey, and other settlers arrived in Newfoundland, and the tradition was continued by them. This holiday is held on the second Monday in October in Canada.

Regardless of who was first or where it occurred, the point is to take time out of your busy schedule to be thankful for what you have. It isn't a day of rest before going out the next day and spending all of your money. Take the day to reflect on all of the goodness in your life.

“Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough.” -Oprah Winfrey

All For A Pair Of Pants

The story of a couple that were sued for $65 million dollars over a pair of pants - just unbelievable what can happen. Two pair of pants brought in for alteration, one pair completed on time and the other not quite ready. When the owner of the pants came back, he claimed they were not his.

When this customer wanted more than $1000 for the cost of a brand-new suit, the couple said no. The alteration was only $10.50...but the lawsuit was on. This couple won out in court through support of donations for lawyer fees which dragged on for more than two years.

Alas, the business was sold as the strain both financially and mentally wore them down. A couple put out of business, our society moves on all we can say is that issues get "overlawyered".

It is life throwing stuff at us that we just wouldn't expect. My hope is that the Chungs will recover both financially and personally. It is an enduring positive belief in themselves and in the goodness of others that will pull them to better times. When you find yourself in a tough spot, remember you're not alone. There are others that are suffering just as much if not more. You will get through the situation and move on.

Have faith and belief in others even with the oddity of a small number of people such as the Chungs encountered.

Open Road To Change

Today I'd like to share an update from a friend of mine (Paul O'Connell) down in Lima, Peru.

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Hello Everyone,

Well it has happened..the website is up..yeehah..its been a long road, http://www.openroadmissions.com/. Check it out if you have not already. I will endeavour to update it regularly and keep you informed of what is going down here in Lima.

The latest big news is that the weather is getting warmer..big deal you may think..well it is..it has been grey and overcast since I arrived in July..did I mention cold and humid..a lethal combination..to say the least..but summer is fast approaching and what a difference it makes to ones outlook.

It is amazing how much more positive a sunny day can make you. Last weekend we did another medical outreach, it was a great time. I learned to take blood pressure readings and after about 30, one after the other, I think I developed high blood pressure myself !!!

I travelled up to a jungle city called Iquitos a few weeks ago and met up with a guy who started an orphanage for the street kids. This city is a major child prostitution center with many people travelling there just for that purpose...sickos. Anyway, this guy has done a great thing..it was inspiring to talk with him and hear the stories..amazing.

I will be heading back up to Iquitos this time for some well digging projects. It should be a good time providing a source of fresh water for villages in that area. OK I'd better get back to my Spanish homework. Hope to see you all in January. I would appreciate all your prayers and if you would like to help out financially..more power to you..click on the DONATE button at the bottom of the website...hasta luego. Paul
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One person in life, each person in life, making a difference in big and little ways around this world. Please consider helping out my friend with your donation. Make a change in some one's life.

Veterans Day

A short note to all veterans of wars, Happy Veterans Day (Sunday, November 11) and thank you for your service. Veterans all over the world that have given their time, courage and service to keep nations free.

This is not a political blog, but to peoples living free throughout this world there are those that have fought for your nation to preserve that freedom. It is these men and women that we honor on this day. Being an American, I thank my own countrymen and women. I thank my son for his current service overseas. Be safe and true.

The picture came from a site called the "Danz Family - American Flag Project"

How To Spread Goodness

Wow - here it is November 9th already and I haven't written since the end of October. I am in a period of time where my work seems to consume all of my time. It leaves little time for my family, which I know is a bad thing and I have always had a difficult time balancing the two. So during these periods, the blog has to take a rest.

In all of what I do though, I never forget you folks - faithful readers and supporters. I also never forget all of those people that each of us can help. Spreading a smile here, a nice gesture there or just doing a small good deed will go a very long way in improving someone's life.

As the holiday season approaches, here are a few tips to help spread some goodness around:

1. Smile more often, life really isn't so bad and a smile changes an entire room.
2. Slow down and relax a bit more often, driving isn't a race against others, it is just getting from point A to point B.
3. Tip more and more often, those working in the restaurant business really don't get paid all that much...15-20% tip regardless will help them with the holiday season.
4. Send a note to a soldier overseas more often as they need our support and encouragement. I'll write more about this soon.
5. Lend a helping hand more often, service to others has it own reward that will make them feel better and you much better inside.

Enjoy your weekend everyone and be safe.

Making a Change

Today I'd like reintroduce you to my friend's website: Open Road Missions. Paul is doing some good work out there with "a way to hope and healing." Paul took a step out and changed his life. There will be many days of hope for people that look for even the smallest of goodness.

Customer Loyalty

I read an article recently in Executive Travel Magazine that spoke to the idea of why you should care about customer loyalty. It offered eight areas that you should look at when it comes to your customers.

Thinking about customer loyalty is not just a business owners concern but should be a concern of anyone that with people. It could be through your church, your civic organization and even you as an employee should care.

There is a discussion in the article Keeping The Customer, which gives you some points to ponder. It reveals the age-old business 80/20 rule is still valid, not only for business but for most any organization (volunteer or other). This rule says that 80% of your revenue (or volunteerism) is generated by 20% of your customers.

Keeping those 20% loyal and happy is important to the health of your organization. But think of the potential which exists within the other 80%. Don't neglect that other untapped area.

So how do we do this...build customer loyalty. The article provides the following 8 ways;

1. Develop employee loyalty first - customers can tell when your own employees are not happy.

2. Invite customer criticism - it may hurt, but you will learn quite a bit.

3. Increase responsiveness - don't let issues linger, the longer you wait, the more people will leave.

4. Work to win back lost customers - they may have left, but showing you want them and giving them reason to return will go a long way in winning customers back.

5. Equip your front line employees - give them the ability to make decisions, to get a answer up front for the customer.

6. Use multiple channels of service - offering various methods of contact; automated-phone, real-person phone, email, website all with the same level of service wins people over.

7. Protect your most loyal customers - that 80/20 rule, create enhanced service levels for those 20%, protecting your most loyal customers protects 80% of your revenue.

8. Observe your customer's buying behavior - how and why do customers come to you with there business or organization.

The author, Jill Griffin says the key rule of loyalty is, "serve your employees first, so they, in turn, can serve your customers." Loyalty doesn't happen in an instant, it builds over time. Very hard to earn but easy to lose.

A New Way To Live

Generate a vibe on Sunday, generate some good feelings with people around you. It can be a day that starts a whole new way of life for you. Take a positive approach to dealing with people and believe in the goodness each of us have inside.

So many times we only see the negative, the complaining or the thought that all of life is against us. It is very much like the everyday news, always dwelling on the bad news. The daily grind of political back biting, criminal activity, cheating, accidents, deaths and just about anything that has greater sensation.

Our nature is to be drawn to "the accident" scene as opposed to the nice person handing out flowers on the street corner. Yet a daily grind of the negative tends to place us in a negative mood. We do know that living this way can eventually drag us down.

So do something about it, make a change for your life and those around you. It can start with a smile, it can be opening a door, but it all begins with you. It begins by simply deciding to live in a more positive way. So generate a new vibe tomorrow, generate a positive one.

Reflect Upon Your Life

"I read and walked for miles at night along the beach, writing bad blank verse and searching endlessly for someone wonderful who would step out of the darkness and change my life. It never crossed my mind that that person could be me." - Anna Quindlen

Your mind is a like a camera and all that you do in life. Every moment is being captured and stored like millions of pictures through your life time. It is a collective reflection of many different images and experiences.

As your life grows older, those memories become a full picture album that you review from time to time. Are these pictures that you are proud of? Are they ones that could be shared with others?



The picture of reflection comes from Alain Briot

Your life can be changed by you. If you look through the album of your memories, you can see where your life has been, what it has been like and where you want it to be. Reflection upon those images will give you the knowledge to change your life.

Jim Primm

Happy Birthday

To My Brother Jim In Nebraska!

September 28, 19??

Relaxing - Enjoy The Weekend

The big lights, the city full of fun and excitement. The weekend is here and for many people a couple of days of relaxation. The same goes on every where around the globe. From the smallest of cities to the large metropolis, people are shouting out, "Thank Goodness Its Friday."

Take time to reconnect with your wife, your kids, your friends and others in your life. Take time to reconnect with yourself, to decompress and let the worries of the week melt away. Use the chance to maybe attend a church service or to gather with others.

The coming week looms ahead but for now, two days await you which will recharge your body and mind. Myself, its the start of a vacation week and there will be much to enjoy. Live life and enjoy it, not only on the weekends but everyday that you can.

It really is a great life you live and there is much to enjoy. Take care and have a great weekend.

The Goodness In People

There is goodness in speaking kindly of others both here and those that have passed away. The older I get, the more important it seems to me that this is true. To let go of the negative thoughts about a person and to think of the good things that person has done becomes more important.

By measuring the goodness of a persons life - large or small - significant or not - means that the person matters. And this means some much to those around them and to those left behind by their passing.

As each of us has both good and bad aspects of our lives, to remember the positives will mean so much more. Even as a person continues to live, think of the good things and improve upon those positives. I have seen many people leave this life knowing many of them well and many others not so well. But it is the good things that I choose to remember.

Yes, there are those truly horrible people in this world, but those that are in your daily life, those are the ones that you have to come to terms with. For you will one day be measured by your own goodness. Leave a trail of good memories that will be remembered by all.

Achieving Dreams

Two years of writing about life and offering just a small amount of advice to help each of us get through life a bit easier. I've had great responses from many folks and had people from all over the world read my ramblings.

When I started out in August 2005, I wasn't quite sure where this blog would take me. It has changed me in different ways. I believe it has helped others and some of those responses I've gotten encouraged me to continue writing. My intention is to compile many of the stories and writings into a book compiling the first two years.

To make any money isn't the primary goal and what I have made goes into a charity. Goodness should flow through you into others so that they can benefit as well. To help each other, to give encouragement makes all the difference in the world. I have had support and kindness from others through out my life. Returning the same to others is something all of us should strive to do.

Phil Pringle has said "never under estimate the power of a vision that is in your mind." Many of us have a dream to accomplish something. A vision that we think about in those quiet moments. You are not destined to simply wish for that to come true.

Each of us have the ability to get up and begin movement towards that vision. It isn't others or circumstance keeping you from it. You can get up and begin the steps to achieve. It is going to be difficult and there are no guarantees of success. Yet you will never "grab the brass ring" if you don't reach out and try.

I'm on my way to something with this blog. It is taking me on a journey that began at a crossroads of decision. Walk through that door and choose a path.

How To Reach and Help Others

W. H. Auden once said that, “we are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don't know.” A bit of a jab at some but a testimony to those that use even the smallest part of their day to help someone else. My friend Paul O'Connell did just that by moving recently to Peru, South America. He is taking the word of helping others that giant leap that many of us only dream about.

Paul provided the following video update on his work in Peru prior to the recent earthquake. He is currently back in Atlanta for a short visit before heading back over to Peru. If you have the willingness and ability to support him in his work, please email him at paul@openroadmissions.com to pledge your support. With help from all of us and the ability of those such as Paul O'Connell, we can make a difference in the lives of people all around the world.

Peru Earthquake - Overcoming Adversity

I've been on the road this past week, busy and unable to write. Today though I decided to find the time to write about human spirit. The ability to continue in the face of adversity and move forward.



Many of you have may have read news accounts of the 7.9 magnitude earthquake and is one of those things that happen all over the world. It affects people but the desire to live and move on remains a part of our spirit.

“Only after disaster can we be resurrected.” (Chuck Palahniuk)



A friend of mine is in Peru helping those that can use assistance in the normal everyday. But he is there during this added misery that has fallen upon people. The pictures that you see are his. If you want to help out in some fashion, you can write to Paul at paul@openroadmissions.com.



To know that people can face tragedy and come through is something each of us can learn from. In our own lives we will and do face various forms of tragedy. But each of us can pull through, to one day smile. The kids of Peru have not lost that ability, to have hope, to smile.

Family Financial Smarts

Each day we hurry about working to provide and get ahead. We worry about our teenage children driving, the frightening drug use trying to lure them away and all of the possibilities of what could happen. Yet a recent article I read asks, "do we worry about what if something happens to you...what will happen to those around you?"

You can be the most careful person around...buckling your seat belt, eating right and exercising. As the saying goes, "stuff happens." Financial experts estimate that nearly 70% of men have not taken the needed steps to secure their family's financial...heaven forbid you end up hit by a car.

It is natural as humans not to think about dying. Heck, who wants to think about that stuff? But it is relatively easy to take steps to ensure some 'after-you' stability. The steps you can take are listed below.

1. Get yourself together - put together a document listing details of your finances, investments, bank account, insurance policies and any financial advisers. Then ask around for an attorney to draft a will for you.

2. Replace your salary - Employer-sponsored life insurance policies will normally cover two times your annual salary. This is much less than your family needs. So buy a term life insurance policy to cover you until the kids have graduated and moved away. From that point on, the kids are less dependent upon you. Notice I didn't say they are totally independent.

3. Pay your family, not Uncle Sam - When you die and leave everything to your wife, your children lose something many of us didn't know we had: a $2 million exemption from the estate tax. Upon your wife's death, your kids benefit from her $2 million exemption, but yours would be lost. For your kids to get the combined $4 million exemption, the attorney can set up a credit shelter. Transfer $2 million in assets (or up to this amount as all of us do not necessarily have that much) into the trust, including your house and enable your wife to access the funds, but name your kids the beneficiaries upon her death. What happens is eventually the kids will inherit your $2 million and her $2 million...all estate tax free.

4. Protect your legacy - Remember to update and keep updated all beneficiary forms for 401(k)s, IRAs and other retirement accounts as these override your will. Just make sure they are current. Ensure that your will includes instructions including specific instructions about how your assets should be handled.

5. Hire your replacement - When you and your wife are travelling, there is that underlying thought that, "what if the plane goes down?" Assign the jobs of executor and guardian to different people. Divide the power by giving control of your kid's inheritance to one person while someone else takes them in. "The best person to raise your kids may not be the best one to handle finances," says Lisa Osofsky, a tax advisor in New York. Think of things like, what if the guardians divorce? Name one person in a couple as the guardian...and name backups.

For more, see BEST Magazine and simply read, the internet is a great place to start or your nearest library.

Facing Life In A Positive Way

“Attitude is the way you mentally look at the world around you. It is how you view your environment and your future. It is the focus you develop toward life itself.” - Elwood Chapman from his book Up Your Attitude! Changing the Way You Look at Life.

Each of us has a choice on how we look at our place in life. We can accept things as they are with a good attitude and then work to better our condition - if that is what we want. Or we can choose to wallow in despair and spend our energy in complaint.

If we decide to choose a path of 'woe is me', then we will be less inclined, less engaged and have lesser ability to focus on change. All of our energy will be drained by constant self doubt. Our mood will be sour to the point that others will be more reluctant to be around us. Except for other complainers and self-doubters.

Yet to take what you have and turn it into gratitude for what you do have...to see it as an opportunity to move beyond will change your daily life. Having a positive attitude does not guarantee riches and fame. What it does do it help you enjoy the life you already have and allow you to focus, to apply your energy towards something better. It gives you the strength to have boldness that will allow change in your life.

So develop an attitude that is positive, see the world in a new light and then move beyond your circumstance. Stop being angry at the world and those around you. Allow yourself to enjoy your life and the challenges you face.

Reaching A Goal

Here we are on what many may consider the beginning of the last month of summer. August 1 in the year 2007 and only a few weeks left until many school systems here in the U.S. open their doors.

One last chance to get to the beach, the local swimming pool or a quick vacation. One last chance to prepare for final months of this year. Getting yourself ready to complete all of those goals that you set back on January 1, 2007.

At MyGoals, to stay on track they suggest the following. "First, accept personal responsibility for staying on track. It's not up to anyone else, just you. You alone decide what you want to accomplish, and when." It was you that made the decision to accomplish those things in your heart and mind. So accept the idea that it is you that needs to get them completed.

The final months of any year can be busy and quite distracting. Life has a way of pulling us off our charted course. But with the right attitude and conviction, you can keep your focus on achieving your goals. I read a quote once from a person I think was Michael Hanson who said, "to will is to select a goal, determine a course of action that will bring one to that goal, and then hold to that action till the goal is reached. The key is action.”

Action, movement, continuance towards your goal is what you must remember. Change which will result in your goal is caused by movement. Keep moving towards your goal and accomplish that which you seek.

Living Older, Better

I learned today that my friend Dean Sweetman is taking his vision of the Wheel of Life into a book. It takes a look on how to balance your life so that you can improve and experience a great life. When I am able to, I'll make sure that I give everyone a link to the book.

As often happens when I begin to work on each of my blogs, one thing leads into another and knowing that Dean is writing his book, a recent article came to mind. This particular article was written by Dr. Tedd Mitchell. Just a short but relevant article providing advice for those of us that are growing older or are of an older age.

He provides these following habits that if followed can improve your longevity and quality of life.

- Stop smoking. It's a big health threat.
- Exercise to keep your body strong.
- Nourish yourself with proper nutrition.
- Involve family members and friends in your health care.
- Observe follow-up orders; partner with a doctor for preventative maintenance.
- Read to stimulate your brain.
- Sleep to rejuvenate your body and recharge your batteries.
- Regularly practice safe driving skills.
- Understand your medical condition(s) and any medications.
- Lose weight. Longevity is associated with light body weight.
- Ensure good vision and hearing through regular eye and ear exams.

With there being so many of our loved ones including ourselves living to an older age, let us enjoy that older age in good health.

Exercise For A Better Life

When you are working towards having a great or better life, your health becomes important so that you can enjoy it. Being in poor health will result in spending your time and money at doctor offices or in hospitals. So taking care of your physical self is just as important as the mental self. I have written previously about this balance in life with my "Wheel of Life" articles.

This physical part of your life can be reasonably easy to maintain. It is said that 30 minutes of exercise a day can be quite beneficial. But where to put this exercise time into your schedule can be difficult to do. You need to find the time and here are a few tips I came upon in an article by Jorge Cruise in an interview with Bobbi Brown, the CEO of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics and author of "Bobbi Brown Living Beauty."

- Set your alarm 45 minutes before your family gets up or before you would normally get up.

- Make exercise a part of your social life. "I even asked all my friends to join me for a walk on my birthday," the beauty expert says. For myself (Joe Primm), my church is building a new wing that will house a very modern and well-equipped exercise facility. Open to both church members and the community, a great way to round out your life.

- Cut out the junk. "if you're not eating properly, you're not going to feel like exercising.

- Create any kind of home gym you can -- even if it's just a few free weights or an exercise ball.

- "Music is key," she notes. " like popular rap music; it really keeps me motivated.

So do something, anything, to make your life physically better. You'll feel better, you'll perform better, your life will be better.

Happy Independence Day

To all of my fellow Americans and to our soldiers stationed abroad, thank you for making it possible.

Influencing Yourself

Here we are into the first day of a holiday week here in the U.S. Our independence holiday is on Wednesday, so many people have taken days off and most work schedules are relaxed. There are those of us that are working all week with the holiday itself off. Yet there are many people that will be working on the holiday, as happens around the world on holidays of many kinds. The wheels of business must continue to turn and it takes people to make it happen.

As my week begins, it makes me think of what impact each of us can have upon our own lives as well as others. My friend and pastor, Dean Sweetman recently said, "what you think about is what you are. What you read about is what influences you." Pretty simple logic but it is something we tend to forget.

Everyday we have the ability to influence our own lives by what we choose to read, watch and the people we associate with. Our own lives are ours to choose how to live and to determine those influences. While we have to exist in a world where there are thousands of positive and negative influences, each of us have the power of choice.

I have had people state to me that there is no choice in circumstance. To a degree, circumstance is the unpredictable nature of life itself. But how you react to it, how you position yourself to overcome negative circumstance is the choice you make. You can remain entrenched in negative influences or choose to move out of it.

Placing yourself around other people that are more supportive in nature, changing your reading habits to something more uplifting and choosing positive words will move you towards overcoming the negative. None of this means that you shield yourself from reality or hiding from the bad things. What it means is teaching yourself how to overcome adversity and prevent yourself from being dragged down.

A week like this allows a quieter atmosphere to perform your job and to also take time to think of new ways. The seven minutes of thought for yourself, to develop ways to encourage yourself and to change any negative habits...use those minutes to influence yourself.

Teen Driving Safety

Driving while young, a worrisome thought for most parents as their children attempt this right of passage. All of us have gone through this and most have successfully navigated the learning to drive process. There are those that some would argue still need to 'learn how to drive'.

But any humor aside, there is concern over the amount of training given to young drivers today. As Rose Rougeau of the American Automobile Association says, "It's clear from this analysis that young drivers' lack of experience on the road is a major traffic safety issue." Some of the sobering statistics about teen driving are;

• The number one cause of death for 15-20 year olds is car collisions.
• This age group makes up 7% of licensed drivers, 14% of fatalities, and 20% of all reported collisions.
• In 2004, 7,386 people were killed in crashes involving young drivers ages 16-20 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, 2005)
• 3,523 young drivers ages 16-20 were killed in 2004. (NHTSA, 2005)
• 53% of teen driver deaths occur on weekends.
• Nearly two-thirds of teen passenger vehicle occupants killed were unrestrained. (NHTSA, 2003)
• Forty-one percent (41%) of teenage motor vehicle deaths in 2003 occurred between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. (IIHS, 2004)
• Staying up late puts teen drivers at high risk for automobile collisions due to drowsiness.
• Teens are more likely than any other age group to be involved in a single vehicle crash.

Very tough statistics to think about but what do we do? Mandatory drivers education courses in the public schools. Driver and traffic safety education began as a concept in 1928 as part of a doctoral thesis by Albert W. Whitney whom argued that since so many high school students were learning to drive cars, schools had a responsibility to include driver education and safety instruction in the curriculum.

I am a proponent of schools providing this training to better prepare our teens to be better and safer drivers. An organization called Drivers Edge provides training around the country as a free service. They are able to do so due to corporate sponsorships, but your donations and support can help keep it this and help them to expand.

Founder of the organization, ex-race car driver Jeff Payne provides the following tips:

1. For your teen's first car, you shouldn't compromise safety to save money. And don't encourage buying a flashy hot rod, which invites high-speed driving.
2. Even the best kids can make poor decisions, and many are afraid to call their parents when they've had too much to drink. Stress this: "You can call us anytime. We won't ask questions."
3. When she goes out, know her destination, and tell her she needs to call you if she heads to a new location.
4. For six months after getting a license, make sure your teen drives alone. Having friends in the car, especially if they're rowdy, is a dangerous distraction.

Do what you can to keep your teen safe, give them the necessary tools to drive safely and remind them of what it takes to remain safe.

You Influence Others

Have you ever thought about what type of influence you have on people around you? Or are you the type of person that simply attempts to go about your daily life not wanting to interact with others. Such as a quote goes, "If anything is certain, it is that change is certain. The world we are planning for today will not exist in this form tomorrow." (Philip Crosby)

Even as you try to not involve yourself, as you try to live a quiet and uninterrupted life, you still impact people that pass in and out of your daily life. Your influence can be that of Ebenezer Scrooge before his self revelation. Or you can be that person that saw life for what it was, a gift to be shared with others. In this well known Christmas tale of change and easing of a hard heart, both the old and new Ebenezer impacted others with his attitude.

Your own attitudes and thoughts can effect those around you. I have seen those that simply trudge along. There always seems to be that look upon their face that says "when will this all be over", a sad way to live in my mind. Each of us have been given a gift to share with others. Of course there will be tough times and a certain amount of bad things that happen. But life is that way, it isn't perfect.

Change your life, you attitude and impact in a positive way those around you. That goodness will be reflected back upon you in ways you won't expect. Be a person of change, be a person of impact.

Passion In Life

It can be a busy time trying to get back into the swing of things after being on the road. Coming back to speed with the pace of your home life and the flow of every day living. This period is what I call "becoming normal again."

But even with all of my travels and issues that come with it, I can't get enough of it. The passion that drives me isn't so much the travel as it is the relationships and interaction with other people along the way.

The same thing holds true for you in your daily life. What is the passion that moves you to enjoy and take hold of every day? An article in Prevention Magazine by Ardath Rodale talks about what feeds this passion.

Read the article by her to put in into context, but I've included some of her statements here. Just find what your passion is and feed it as often as you can. In turn, your passion will spill over into other people's lives.

Enthusiasm: Genuine enthusiasm can only be sustained if you are truly passionate about something. Find that passion, embrace it, and take action.

"Dreams are the soul pantry. Keep it well stocked, and your soul will never hunger."
--Shirley Feeney from the TV show Laverne & Shirley.

Perseverance: Don't let others set limits for you. If people say it can't be done, it usually means that it can't be done by their rules.

Intuition is essential: Shakti Gawain says that as you learn to live from your intuition, you give up making decisions with your head and act moment by moment on what you feel, allowing things to unfold as you go.

Explore new horizons: Open your eyes to the wonder of the great outdoors and eagerly seek solutions to all challenges that come your way.

Affirmation: See yourself already being a winner. The power of positive thinking fuels success.

Stillness stokes the fire of a passionate life: It rejuvenates our minds and bodies and surrounds us with peace. We need quiet moments of beauty, contemplation, and thankfulness for new growth and expanding vision.

Happy Fathers Day

Well I'm back home from a three week business trip. A great day and one that is celebrated as Father's Day. My children made a very nice afternoon lunch and gifts that were just perfect.

As a father, it took me many years to understand what I could have done better. But it also has given me the wisdom to know that I did a fair amount of things the right way.

My own father probably does the same thing, wondering what he could have done differently in raising my brothers and sisters. Though time and experience has taught me that he made me whom I am today. I can not ask more of him and will always be thankful to him.

There will always be days of loving memory for my father. There will always be days of loving memory that my children will hold for me. For each of you that will be, are and continue to be fathers - there will always be days of loving memory for you.

To see more of Mike Baldwins humor, please see him at either Cartoon Stock or at his own website, Cornered.

Call your Dad today and tell him you love him. Happy Father's Day Dad.