Full Moon

"Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space. It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe. It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished." ~Michael Strassfeld

Every time it happens I'm simply amazed by the wonder of it. The beauty it casts upon the landscape can be breathtaking at times. I have yet to see a photograph that truly captures the view. While there are many excellent pictures and paintings, none captures it more then just seeing it for yourself.

What I'm talking about is a full Moon, shining upon the night and lighting up the dark half of the earth.

Moon light could be considered a harbinger of hope, that a new day is coming. It is something that is inside each of us. Some little light that others may call a burning ember. But it is that little light that grows and gives us the ability to see some greater.

You might feel that you are much too alone. That the light is too small for me because your problems are much too large. If so, then think about it from the perspective of the Moon.

Here a small object, orbiting around by itself in a cold and hostile space. Heck, only twelve people have actually visited the moon in the last 100 million years.

But during all of that time, a huge and beautiful Earth has been shining its light upon the Moon. So the light inside of you is not the small Moon but a huge light filled with people that care. The light comes from so many others that are a part of your life.

While the Moon lights the night darkness for us, from the perspective of the Moon, imagine how grand the light is coming from Earth.

Allow the light to grow inside and fill you with hope and greatness. The darkness will vanish and your eyes will see all that is in and around you.

Overcoming Anything

"Fear is your greatest obstacle - so question your fear. If it does not serve your greatest life then do not make it your master." ~Joy Page

As you go through life, there are going to be obstacles attempting to weigh you down. There will be things that try to slow you down. There will be people that try to stand in the way of your dreams. Take the life of a man named Barry Pincus. Born in Brooklyn in the early 40s, his parents divorced when he was just two years old.

As he grew up he learned to play piano and learned what he could of music. His mother then remarried when he was nearly 13. She married a man named Willie who drove a beer truck for the Schaefer Brewery. It was through his mother's new husband that a whole new world opened up. Willie had a record collection of Jazz and Broadway musicals that vastly changed the way Barry Pincus viewed his world.

As he grew up, Barry Pincus worked his way through Julliard's School of Music and worked in the mail room at CBS Television. Like many others, he started at the bottom in the mailroom and worked his way up. Life probably couldn't get any better for Barry Pincus some thought. But he kept his dreams intact and there was nothing that was going to keep him down. Even after marriage and an emotional divorce that would set many back, Barry Pincus ventured on.

He started work at composing music and performing at small gigs. He even wrote jingles for commericals to support himself and to feed his vision. Eventually he connected with a person by the name of Bette Midler and the two performed with Barry being the musical director. The two became a very successful pair and Barry Pincus gained popularity as well.

Barry Manilow is how Barry Pincus is better known. He is famous for his multitude of songs and very successful performing career. He did much of this in the face of harsh music critics. Many called his music 'sentimental garbage', a tough remark for anyone to face. But Barry Manilow persevered in his dreams and remains very popular today.

Barry Pincus could have 'folded his cards' many times when others set out to criticize and place those obstacles in his path. Your life faces many of the same challenges. Never give up. Always believe in your dreams, believe in your visions.

Overcome the obstacles in your life and find your greatest life.

Memories

"Things that were hard to bear are sweet to remember." ~Seneca

There are three dates that cling in my memory like many others.

20 Oct 1989

14 Oct 2008

04 Jan 2011

These dates mark the passing of a sister, a mother and most recently a brother. Each of them were mournful and hard just like the ones you have or may have to go through. But each of them also were and remain a celebration of the lives that they lived.

I remember the days of large family picnics where our large family got together with cousins and aunts and uncles. It seemed in those days everyone had large families. So the gatherings were large and wild and tiring and ... yes, I have some fond memories of those events.

I remember our own family gathered whether it be at a picnic table or at the dinner table. All of us together, even with the childhood bickering that could happen, I still relish those memories. The gathering of our family was always an event in my mind. It solidified who we were as a family. It made us a family.

After a day of flowers and cards, sweet chocolates and kisses, I'm reminded of the love and great time with those that have gone before me. It brings a smile to my face to remember each of them. It brings a smile to my face believing that the three are together with others at a large picnic. It brings a smile to my face knowing they are peacefully in my mind.

You have the ability to create memories that are lasting and loving. We create them each and every day. It does not happen just on Valentines Day. It happens each morning when you kiss your loved ones before heading out to work. It happens when you hug your kids when you see them. It happens when you sit down to a meal.

Memories are stored inside each of us, meant to be brought out as a reminder of the love we have and have been given. Yes, the bad memories do exist but are overpowered by the loving ones. Create memories for your life and in the lives of others.

Dean Martin sang a song called "Memories Are Made Of This" that is a nice reminder. Enjoy and then make some memories to be cherished and remembered for a very long time.

Love Is

One of the greatest love poems in the history of human existence. It actually comes from the Bible (1 Corinthians 13) and is often referred to as the love poem.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Have a happy and loving Valentines day everyone. And a very special Happy Birthday to my daughter Shirin. Happy Birthday Momma Fletcher.

Face to Face

"Pity may represent little more than the impersonal concern which prompts the mailing of a check, but true sympathy is the personal concern which demands the giving of one's soul.." ~Martin Luther King, Jr

Main Entry: impersonal
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: cold, unfriendly
Synonyms: abstract, bureaucratic, businesslike, candid, cold turkey, cold-blooded, colorless, cool, detached, disinterested, dispassionate, emotionless, equal, equitable, fair, formal, impartial, indifferent, inhuman, neutral, nondiscriminatory, objective, poker-faced, remote, straight, strictly business, unbiased, uncolored, unpassioned

Every day it seems that our lives become much more impersonal with the use of email and social networks. The idea of a face-to-face conversation even is terrifying to some people. We walk around all day looking at our Blackberry or sit at dinner playing with our iPhone. I am certainly one that has to work at setting those devices down and simply talking.

An example of the impersonal nature of life comes in the form of our housing mortgage problems. Yes, you can say that many lenders and borrowers were like 'drunken sailors on shore leave' (apologies to the Navy for using this euphemism).

Everyone was lending money, everyone was borrowing money and much of it outside of their means. And when things turned sour in the economy, the worst of these were first to go. But then the people that had qualified, were making payments, were doing everything right lost a piece of the American dream.

Their hours were reduced, many lost jobs due to the economic downturn and many started to do what they could to uphold their end of the deal. The banks, the mortgage lenders, the money side of this equation started feeling the pinch as well. They were looking for any means to shore up their losses and clean up their books. So many started calling in these loans.

Now I'm over simplifying but on the surface, the cards started to fall all around many people. The worst part of it was the impersonal nature in how it was done. The form letters informing people that they were 'seriously' in arrears. The increasingly tough letters to back people up against the wall. Take it or leave it deals.

All the while, a friendly ending to each saying thank you for your attention to this matter. They even provided phone numbers that when you called would proclaim, "we value your business." All very impersonal, all very stale and no one that you could speak with face-to-face.

Now my wife and I have never fallen into this situation. But the stories we have heard, the stories we have read tell a tale of people just trying to do what is right. But those same people were getting a cold, stale look in return.

Yes, again there are those that over borrowed, those that tried to take advantage of the system. But many were just trying to achieve their dreams. And it is the impersonal nature in which lenders and mortgage holders reacted that contributed as well.

To sit down in front of someone, face-to-face and have a discussion about a situation goes much further. Tension can be the beginning, but once two people look each other in the eye, the healing begins. When you put down the phone, when you stop typing those emails, and talk; things begin to get accomplished.

All of the gadgets we have in life are fantastic and do a lot of great things for our lives. But the most important thing in life is two or more people gathered. Talking to each other, sharing a meal, sharing their lives with each other.

Think about it and then have a face-to-face conversation with someone.

My Attitude

"We awaken in others the same attitude of mind we hold toward them." ~Elbert Hubbard

What is attitude and how does it relate to you and others?

To me it is a core component of not only one's work but is an essential part of one's life. There are people that go through life constantly battling the belief that, "..if only others would treat me more nicely, then I could have a more positive attitude." These people always believe that others are the reason for their misery. And since others are to blame for their feeling this way, then they justify treating others just as poorly. It is an easy way not to take responsibility for your own actions.

I myself would never say it is easy to maintain a great attitude. My drive into work each day leads me to a freeway and lots of merging cars and people including myself that should have left 5 minutes earlier. Road tension can be high especially when you couple that with a general belief that your own driving skill is better then that of anyone else. There is plenty of opportunity for someone to purposely or inadvertently cut you off or send you a signal.

But how do you let it effect you?

Early in the morning, on the way to work, are you willing to let that other person set the tone of the day for you? Many people do and it isn't just the checkout person in the big discount store that allows it to effect themselves. It is also the person taking service calls over the phone, the bank teller handling your money and yes, the CEO on his or her way to an important meeting.

Attitude is a choice and your life can be changed by changing your attitude. Norman Vincent Peale said, "human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes." It can and does change lives. It can start on that morning drive to work. Try it some time when somebody 'wrongs' you on the road. Just smile and keep your hands firmly on the steering wheel. You may be surprised how it changes your day.

Winter Imagination

"The color of springtime is in the flowers, the color of winter is in the imagination." ~Terri Guillemets

Winter can be depressing at times. The constant cold wind and snow blanketing the landscape are reminders of its grip on us. In some areas the dull brown fields and bare trees give us a sense that life has opted not to try anymore.

All of this can lead to a feeling of hopelessness. Really kind of depressing isn't it?

But life has not given up, life is in repose, dreaming of the spring which lay ahead. Life itself has an imagination and is planning the wonders that will bud forth in a few months. The flowers, the green grass, and the shade of new leaves exploding forth signaling a new season.

You can take this winter time to dream and imagine of the spring. A new season in your life full of excitement and change. The winter season will allow you to rest and imagine a new and greater season.

When you bud forth into a changed life, your best life, the winter time will have seemed very worthwhile. It can change your life if you allow it to spur your imagination of greater things.

Everyday Art

"Every human is an artist. The dream of your life is to make beautiful art." ~Miguel Angel Ruiz

The definition of art can have several meanings to different people. That in itself tells me that art is in the "eye of the beholder" as the saying goes. It exists within our own mind and sometimes others share the same thought.

But what of those things that do not rise to the level of grand art? Does it make it less artistic?

Each day that I'm up and about, there are moments in which something wonderful or beautiful appear. It may be a cloud formation, the rustling of the winter brown leaves or the turn of a page by my wife. None of these last in time but they do last in my memory.

You have the ability each moment of your day to experience the beauty of life. Sometimes they are collections of art from history's greatest. Sometimes they are the fleeting moments that build a collection of memories.

Allow yourself to look past the ordinary and see the wonders of art in your everyday life. Capture the moments, the sounds and the smells that will fill your memory with a lifetime of good.

Let art be more than a painting on a wall. Let art be a part of your everyday life. Let your life be the art.

Hay for the Winter

"When the hay is removed and new growth appears and the grass from the hills is gathered in, the lambs will provide you with clothing, and the goats with the price of a field." ~Proverbs 27:25-26

Growing up we had a large alfalfa field which we used to help support the livestock on our farm. When in the early stages of bloom, the purple flowering buds and swaying in a light wind was a beautiful sight to see.

It was also at this point when cutting and baling was performed. We didn't use the old-time sickle but a more modern sickle bar. The sweet smell of freshly cut alfalfa was an amazing thing each time. And carefully we rowed and turned the hay as it dried before baling.

This process would go on through out the season, carefully keeping watch of our fields. The field produced over and over again each time it was cut. We could rely upon the hay field to meet our needs. But it took careful tending not to let the weeds take over and with adequate rainfall these fields kept our livestock well fed. In turn we remained well fed as is the cycle of life on the farm.

Your own life has a field of hay in some form or another. It could be your job, a relationship, or your family. You tend those fields and those fields will produce great things for your life, over and over again.

But notice I didn't say you always take the harvest from the fields of your life. You have to put work and effort into tending those fields. It takes you being engaged to keep the cycle turning.

The fields of your life will continually provide the needs in your life when you keep them well taken care of. The winters of your life will be filled with the harvest of great relationships, and hard work. Keep your eye upon those fields which will feed and warm you when winter comes.

Again the growing season will appear and the cycle of life continues.

One Small Step

"Sometimes its the numerous little steps we take that move us further then the giant leap." ~Joseph Primm

We grab hold of a vision or dream in our life. The power of it becomes so strong that we fly out the door in pursuit of it. We run to the highest hill and scan the horizon in search for a direction. As we turn, far off in the distance, maybe to the north or possibly to the west, there it is.

Even though it looks so small, it feels as though we could reach out and touch it. Or with one large leap, we could step over the valley and stand right next to it. It is in the valley where the hard work, the setbacks and those naysayers await you. It is those things we may want to skip past.

So we stand there trying to figure out a way to reach our goal in one giant step. We may even try to make a running jump from the hilltop only to find that gravity (also known as life) takes over. You tumble down the hillside and find yourself not at all where you wanted to be.

You dust yourself off at this point. But don't head back up the hill to reconsider or try jumping again. Dust yourself off and just start walking towards the dream.

Reaching the dream requires that you live the journey; living each step along the way. The good and the bad will happen but each can thrill you and also weigh upon you. Each and every small step adds to your life while placing you closer to the dream.

With many small steps you will eventually find yourself standing next to what was once a dream. You will be standing next to the reality of your vision. You will be standing high upon a new and higher hill. From there you will be able to look back across the valley to where you once were.

And standing high upon this new hill, you will scan the horizon for your next dream. And from that high hill you will be able to see that next dream.  And from that high hill you will begin putting those small steps together again.

Beyond the Headlights

"It's like driving a car at night. You never see further than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way." ~E. L. Doctorow

Any journey in life can begin with planning, lots of planning. You can make plans over and over again "til the cows come home." Yet, once out on the road to your dreams, there will be unknowns that arise in the distance. There is only so much or so far that you can see down the road of your life.

Not knowing what lay beyond the gate or around the next curve doesn't keep you from continuing. The boldness in your heart keeps you moving forward toward the destination. With each successive minute, mile or accomplishment, your confidence grows in strength.

It is almost a certainty that circumstance will create obstacles along the way. As you crest one hill, you may find the valley below flooded. It may delay your progress but do you sit along the shore waiting for the water to subside? Or do you build a boat and continue?

You may never see all that lay before you, but do not let that uncertainty keep you from moving forward. As Doctorow said, "You never see further than your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way."

Yes you can. "Live the Journey", which is your life. Keep moving, keep dreaming and achieve it.

Fast Forward

“Wouldn't it be nice if our lives were like VCRS, and we could "fast forward' through the crummy times?" ~Charles M. Schulz

There was a wonderful movie a few years back called Click that was described by IMDb as "a workaholic architect finds a universal remote that allows him to fast-forward and rewind to different parts of his life. Complications arise when the remote starts to overrule his choices."

The reviews were a bit harsh about the film, but the underlying lesson was actually pretty good. I won't spoil the film for you but the idea of having a remote control with a fast forward (FF) button is probably intriguing to you. It is likely that each of us probably wish we could FF through various parts of our lives.

There were times for me when going through divorce, the deaths of a sister, mother and brother that I might have wanted to FF through at the time. Its a selfish thought for sure and in retrospect, I am glad that I couldn't push that button on my life.

For you it might be the same things or even events of lesser degree. Maybe an upcoming test at school, job interview or tax season. There are so many things we would probably grab the remote control and press FF if it were possible. But then look at what you would miss out on.

Through death and the events surrounding it, we learn about our faith and strength. In sitting with my mother before she died I spent seven wonderful days with family and hearing her stories. When my brother passed away, I had the opportunity to see what a fantastic life he had built for himself. Even in divorce I learned more about myself then I had ever known previously.

I wouldn't be so bold as to say the experiences were or are easy. Yet life isn't always easy. Things happen, circumstance occurs, life just gets in the way of those smooth sailing plans we make. Every experience is something to cherish and hold onto. Yes, even the heartbreaking ones.

A FF button for your life may seem like the quick and simple solution. But look at all you will have missed. Life flows much too quickly as it is. A quick paced river flowing from its beginnings in Gougane Barra to where it empties into the Cork Harbor is your life. The vast eternity of the Atlantic Ocean awaits its end. Yet we need to enjoy every part of the river's journey.

Put down the remote control and leave that FF button unused. Enjoy the ups and downs and even boring parts of your life. The journey is your life. Live each and every part of it.

Don't Hold On, Get Moving

"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." ~Carl Sagan

I am currently away this week but will return next Monday. So please hold if you wish, but I would recommend getting on with something great for your life.

I'll be back soon to encourage you along the way. So get moving, keep moving and have a great week as well.

Greatness Today

"Let the day commence and let greatness be your outcome." ~Joseph Primm

With each sunrise, the new day hands you another opportunity to do something great with your life. The ability to reach out and achieve is real and possible.

Most days we start with the thought that the same and old boring day is about to begin. We take our energy and direct it towards the "what is" instead of towards "what can be." Doing so leaves us with no energy, no motivation to grab greatness.

If you rise each day and decide that this day will be a great day, it will be. If you rise and are determined to change the things you don't like your life, you will. It all starts with changing your mindset, it starts with believing in what your heart tells you.

Believe in greatness for your life and greatness will be yours to have.

Tunnel Shines Bright

"We know that so many of the conditions and diseases that we associate with ageing can often be prevented or in fact their onset delayed if we just took preventative steps earlier in our lives." ~Julie Bishop

Pretty good day if I may say so myself. Yesterday wasn't all that pleasant but I knew today would have a good outcome. I believed it would be a good outcome and it was.

You see yesterday I started drinking liquids and consumed a drink called Moviprep. Its a drink that has this certain Je ne sais quoi. How can I describe the 64 ounces of liquid that has a pretty powerful effect upon cleansing ones body.

So yes, if you haven't figured it out yet, I was preparing for a colonoscopy today. Don't worry, I was not diagnosed with colon cancer or anything else symptomatic to require one.

The only thing I did was to reach the magical age of fifty. And it is this age at which it becomes prudent to start checking out the various bodily functions. With that number of years, each of us need to check and ensure things are still in good working order. If not, then we try to catch the problems early on so that they can be treated and help give us a better chance at fifty more years.

The interesting thing is that I was very comfortable getting it done. I could do without the prep drink, but the procedure was not of concern to me. Sure, what would be found or not found lay in the back of my mind. But I knew very well that whatever the outcome, I'd keep moving forward with my life.

Many people fail to go get simple medical checkups or even these types of preventative procedures done. They are afraid of what might be found. They are scared of the possibility that life will be forever changed.

Well guess what, find it out now or find it out later, life is going to change either way. I kind of like the odds of finding out early and having a chance of doing something about it before its found out late. Which means it may be too late to do anything then.

So yes, the light shined through the tunnel and all was clear. I awoke and didn't make too big of a scene coming out of sedation. Its not to say I didn't, but then...no one's talking.

Get your medical checkups when you can. Get these types of procedures done when you can. Keep your life in tune and running sharp. A big and grand life awaits you.

Laughter

Knock Knock
Who's there?
Ears!
Ears who?
Ears some more knock knock jokes for you!

or how about;

Q: Why did the man put his money into the freezer?
A: He wanted cold, hard cash.

Okay, so maybe it didn't make you roll over with laughter, but there was a small smile within your grimace. And it did make you feel just a little better didn't it?

In fact, chances are it did make you feel a little better. In an article on HelpGuide.org with the help of Melinda Smith, M.A., Gina Kemp, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D, "in addition to the domino effect of joy and amusement, laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body."

- Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

- Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

- Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

- Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

There are studies performed by others. William Fry, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Stanford University Medical School and an expert on health and laughter, reports the average kindergarten student laughs 300 times a day. Yet, adults average just 17 laughs a day. Why the difference? Are we too uptight, too tense? Do we take life too seriously? Isn't it time we learned how to relax?

Are we too serious in life? I'm not here to say that we shouldn't be serious. But we should learn to lighten up a bit. The tension in our politics, in our jobs and flowing down into our family life is tremendous.

All of this tension can lead to an unhealthy heart condition according to Michael Miller, M.D., director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center.

So maybe we should laugh just a little more often each day. Maybe the laughter will be music from our heart. Just maybe a dumb joke will save your life.

Winter Coats

"This more than successful idea from New York agency JWT was made to promote their search for coats for the homeless during the freezing winter in New York. The idea was to paint a giant homeless person on a wall and place coat hooks on the upper half of his body. As people hang their donated coats on the hooks.” ~Osocio.org

The above picture and subsequent story surrounding it is pretty interesting. When you read the story, you will see a short statement that says, "The building managers were not happy. Memos were sent. Phone calls made. Much grumpiness ensued."

At this point you could stop and start to wonder why anyone would be upset about a project to collect winter coats for the homeless. "How dare they," one might say. You could even slide down to the comments section of the article and read people questioning it as well.

But the article does note right after the statement that one should "Read the whole story at Adverting/Design Goodness." Maybe in our hectic world of information overload, we just feel its too difficult to read the whole story. Maybe we are just too tired to dig a little deeper into what lay beneath the surface.

My point here isn't to debate the plight of homeless people. What I am here to say is that each of those homeless people are just that, people. Human beings, each with a story just like you have or I have.

There might be reasons for their condition beyond the thirty-second news story or television commercial view. Some may have placed themselves there by addiction, choice or self-decision. Others may have arrived by unfortunate job loss, loss of a spouse or other circumstance. But each has a story just beneath the surface of what you see.

Am I asking you to go out and question each homeless person about their life? Of course not. What I am asking you to do is not judge the surface of people. Do not think lowly of them only to try and lift yourself higher.

By digging a little deeper, you might find a story that could inspire you to do things better. You might find a story that opens your eyes in such a way to keep you from making the same mistakes. You might find a story that once told gives that person a new confidence in life.

You just might have placed a warm coat on that person which gives them another chance for a better life.

Find a winter coat drive near you. Its pretty darn easy to do, just use your favorite internet search engine such as Google or Bing and (in example) search for the words "winter coat donations atlanta". Or better yet, start your own winter coat or blanket drive. Find an organization to partner with and then go listen to the stories.

Maybe by digging a little deeper into the lives of others, you may find your own.

Keep The Wheel In Motion

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." ~Walt Disney

Can you believe it, January is half over and the ringing of the new year bells are fading. The hangover has likely subsided and work or school returned to fill your days.

Resolutions made for the new year on December 31 are still fresh in your mind. You are probably still loyal to the promises made to yourself. Heading each morning or evening to the gym, working off those ten pounds. Maybe you are reading a new book and watching less television. One less beer or bowl of ice cream each day is still doable.

But will you keep moving forward with those resolutions as the year goes? Will you be true to yourself and make those changes promised?

It is easy at this point. Only half a month has transpired, barely a few breaths of the new year. Life hasn't come in quite yet and tried to interfere with your plans. But you know life will try to get in your way, life will try to throw you off course.

What I encourage you to do though is keep the wheel of your life moving. Keep pushing forward with your plans. You have started building momentum and the hills will approach. Momentum will get you over those times and with each success it gets easier.

You have an amazing year ahead of you, full of change, full of new adventure, full of greatness. Keep moving forward, keep the curiosity of your success pulling you to the next level. Pretty soon it will be December 31 and you'll be fondly thinking of a great year gone by. But you will also be jumping with excitement for what's to come next.

Dick Winters Brothers

"We are paratroopers Lieutenent; we are supposed to be surrounded." ~Dick Winters

If you have never heard of Dick Winters or the men he served with in World War II, then you should. January 2, 2011 is the day he passed at the age of 92.

The way he lived his life, the way he served his country, more importantly the way he served the men he fought with speaks volumes of the man. I would venture to say that Dick Winters would rather the attention be placed upon all of the men he served with.

He knew all too well that the life he lived was a life accomplished with his brothers. It was together that they accomplished and survived the war. It was together that that lived great lives well beyond that war. It is together they will have peace well beyond anything we can imagine.

There are very few words that I can say about this man or those he served with. All were heroes and all knew the spirit of brotherhood. For it is together that we can accomplish great things. It is together we stand when times are tough. It is together we stand when times are good.

I know that my brothers (siblings and friends) are there to my left and to my right. Should I need them to grab my arms to help me carry on, they will be there. The same can be said that I will be there to grab them when need arises.

Not to steal the pride of paratroopers, but in life you are surrounded. Surrounded by circumstance, surrounded by all of those things that life is going to throw at you. Realizing that "...we are supposed to be surrounded" and knowing that others stand beside you make the fight all that much more winnable.

Rest in peace Dick Winters, rest in peace my brothers; rest in the knowledge that each of you are heroes.

Big Expectations

"There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so powerful as expectation of something better tomorrow." ~Orison Swett Marden

You have had it happen before, probably many times before. You go to bed at night having an expectation of something happening in the morning. It could be waiting on news from a doctor, word of a new job or anticipation of reuniting with family. Quickly you fall asleep and slumber takes over in a comforting way.

And then it happens, something startles you awake from a deep sleep. You clear your senses and look to the clock on the bed stand to find it is only 11:00pm. Not to worry, you snuggle back into the covers and fall asleep only to wake again. This time it is only 1:45am, far short of the rising sun.

This goes on and on while you start to think ahead to the new day's events. The expectation grows in you and it only makes sleep harder to achieve. You worry and stare at the clock as the alarm draws closer and closer.

Expectation of things to come can have this type of effect upon us. We draw up grand thoughts of what is to come. We then start to concern ourselves that the reality will not meet the expectation. Over and over again we do this and eventually we stop trying to expect good things in our life.

This is when we stop living a life geared as movement towards a great life. We stop realizing our dreams, stop acting on our dreams, we stop dreaming.

Don't ever let the reality of something win over the expectation you may have. Expect grand and great things for your life. Always expect more then what the reality may provide.

When reality hits, understand that it is providing you with the opportunity to shoot for even more in life. If the reality doesn't rise to meet the expectation, keep believing in more, keep trying for more.

You can give up when reality doesn't meet the expectation. Or you can still get up when the alarm goes off at 7:00am and go meet the reality. Once you have met up with reality, then dream some more, expect more and spend another night with great expectation of greater things in your life.

Cabin Fever

"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other." ~Walter Elliot

To carry on my conversation slightly from a previous day, snow here in the Atlanta area crippled much of the area. For three days schools have been closed and many government and private businesses as well. The roads have remained pretty slick and dangerous to travel upon.

There is relief in sight as the sun makes an appearance today and warmer temperatures are expected the following day. But everyone keeps talking about cabin fever. When will this ever end, will we ever be able to get out and get moving again.

One could say that working towards a goal for your life can have periods of 'cabin fever' also. It is that point in your journey when nothing seems to be working quite right. You hold off on trying anything because you have become discouraged. You huddle and hide behind closed doors in dimly lit rooms wondering what next.

That discouragement is like an ice storm outside, keeping you from moving forward. It keeps you locked up inside while you question yourself and your goals. And the longer it goes on, the more it tightens its grip on you.

The trick is to fight the discouragement and persevere. Instead of allowing yourself to think of what is going wrong, concentrate on what did go right. And if you can't find anything positive up to this point, then focus your energy on new ways, new things, new paths to try.

It takes just as much energy to concentrate on positive steps as it does the negative steps taken. So if you want to "get out of the cabin", then use your energy to find new positive things for your life. You can't change what has already happened.

The past is just that, the past. What you can affect is your future; that is for certain. So put on some snowshoes or maybe some cleated shoes, but either way keep trying. Keep moving forward, keep trying new things, keep advancing towards your best life.

Preparing For Snow In Your Life

"Nearly all the best things that came to me in life have been unexpected, unplanned by me." ~Carl Sandburg

Everyone knew it was coming. Everyone planned by buying up groceries for the kitchen and gas for the car. The various road departments had the sanding trucks on standby. The airlines started cancelling nearly 2000 flights. Schools were closing, businesses were closing; the whole city was shutting down in preparation for the snow.

And then it happened. There it was, six inches of snow across the Atlanta area. The large amount of snow came as predicted and many still felt unprepared for it. Snow and then sleet on top of it with the rest of the country looking on.

Those further north are much more prepared for this sort of thing and snicker at our efforts. But yes, this much snow can pretty much paralyze the south. The good thing is that we can usually count on the temperatures moderating fairly quickly. This does mean our winter wonderland will be somewhat short lived.

Seems very much like life itself. Sometimes we can see it coming far off down the path we are walking. We prepare ourselves for it, we know its going to happen, but when it does finally happen we still feel unprepared. And I would venture to say that you are better off for having prepared.

Yet it is those times when the 'unexpected' happens that we feel even more frustrated. You see when circumstance happens or even being prepared for a snow storm in your life, you still have to work through it.

We can sit back and watch the snow and ice fall. Watch as it covers everything with a hard thick covering. Watch as it smothers our life until we find it even harder to move.

Or we can enjoy the snow, get out and clear the driveway or path of our journey in order to proceed. When the unexpected happens or even when we prepare and become overwhelmed, the true path is forward. Keep pushing through the snow and ice. Carefully of course, but with the intent that this too shall pass, this too we shall overcome.

Healthy Heart

"According to the American Heart Association, about 785,000 Americans have an initial heart attack and another 470,000 have a recurrent heart attack each year." -Centers for Disease Control

It takes years and habits to clog your arteries but it takes only minutes for death to occur from it. Yes, I'm talking about taking care of yourself. Health is one of the Six Spokes we have in life that has to have attention paid to it.

The symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease occur when a substance called plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart (called coronary arteries). Plaque is made up of cholesterol deposits, which can accumulate in your arteries. When this happens, your arteries can narrow over time.

Plaque buildup can cause angina, the most common symptom of CAD. This condition causes chest pain or discomfort because the heart muscle doesn't get enough blood. Over time, CAD can weaken the heart muscle. This may lead to heart failure, a serious condition where the heart can't pump blood the way that it should. An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, can also develop.

It can get ugly, it can make your life miserable, it can make your life go away. Pay attention to your health, pay attention to your heart. The picture above might make your stomach turn a little bit. But that is what can happen inside the myriad of arteries and veins that traverse our body.

When the big ones near your heart get clogged, the heart weakens and as the heart goes, so goes the rest of the body. I have seen it first hand in watching my father battle it and win. I have seen it first hand through losing a brother to it.

Do I stand here and implore you to pay attention to your heart health? Does it sound like I'm harping upon you to do so? Do I watch my own heart health?

YES - YES - YES

Stay around for a while, don't let yourself fall to a preventable disease. I'll pester you from time to time and by all means feel free to pester me about it.

John August Primm

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened." ~Dr. Seuss

Three Generations
Taylor, John, Gpa Bill

Funeral services for John Primm will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 8, 2011 at Gillette Memorial Chapel with Pastor Ernie Bishop of the Church of Christ officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, January 7, 2011 at Gillette Memorial Chapel. Mr. Primm, age 56, of Gillette, Wyoming died on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at his home.

John August Primm was born on March 15, 1954 in Fremont, Nebraska the son of William and Rose (Gale) Primm. He was raised and educated in Nebraska.

Upon his graduation from high school he entered the United States Army and was stationed in Key West, Florida. He married Karin Klein on June 8, 1985 in Deadwood, South Dakota. The couple made their home for a few years in Rock Springs, Wyoming. As the manager for Anthony's Department Store, John was transferred to Gillette, Wyoming in 1988.

After its closing John worked for Big Horn Hydraulics, Hanover compression and was currently employed for Dry Fork Mine as a parts manager. He enjoyed playing pool, riding his Harley and collecting memorabilia of many different things.

John’s passion was playing golf, he never passed up the opportunity to play and had made many great golfing friends. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Gillette Country Club.

John is survived by his wife, Karin Primm; son, Taylor Primm both of Gillette, Wyoming; daughters: Ali Cordova-Winters of Gillette and Elizabeth Campbell-Jones of Gigharbor, Washington; father, William Primm of Fremont, Nebraska; six grandchildren: David and Aspen Farmer, Kelan, Sophia & Willem Winters of Gillette and Emma Curtis all of Gillette; brothers: Joe (Laura) Primm of Buford, Georgia, Jerry (Linda) Primm of Omaha, Nebraska, Jim (Helen) Primm of Fremont, Nebraska and Jeff Primm of Fremont, Nebraska; sister, Pam Primm of Fremont, Nebraska as well numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Rose and sister, Patty.

Memorials are suggested to benefit the Gillette Country Club. Donations and condolences may be sent in John's name in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel, 210 W. 5th Street, Gillette, Wyoming 82716 or condolences via the internet at www.gillettememorialchapel.com.

Visitation

Friday January 07
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Gillette Memorial Chapel
210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WY 82716

Funeral Service

Saturday January 08
10:00 AM
Gillette Memorial Chapel
210 West Fifth Street Gillette, WY

"The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity." ~Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Life on a Napkin

"Fear melts when you take action towards a goal you really want." ~Robert G Allen

What is it going to be this year? While you were having those celebrations, did you start to write down those goals and resolutions for the new year?

We tend to draw our life up on napkins, building a life upon the bits of paper we find handy. Our dreams get written on PostIt notes. Our visions penciled in on napkins and all of those bits of paper scattered about your dresser.

The time is NOW to start turning those pieces of paper into reality. Find one thing, one easy thing and accomplish it. Then find the next one and the next one. Before you know, those pieces of paper have been built into a great new life.

Don't wait and let tomorrow all of a sudden become December 31st. You took the time to doodle notes on a scrap of paper. Don't leave your life on a napkin. Take the time to build something out of your effort. Build a great life.

One of Milt’s Signs

The following is a reprinted article from my book CHANGED LIVES. Many people had already figured out that the "John" in the story was actually an older brother of mine.

John passed away on Tuesday, January 4th at his home in Wyoming. It is never easy especially when one doesn't have the chance to say goodbye. But John would have told me to shrug off the sorrow and get on with it.  That much I will do and in memory of him, here is his short story of change.

~~~~~

I graduated high school in a small rural eastern Nebraska town with very little knowledge of the "world" and could not wait to escape the confines of what I viewed as an oppressive environment. I believe in those days that I had a failure complex and felt that everybody and everything in life was slanted against me. I was constantly fighting the system and trying to prove I was right and all else wrong.

That in itself was bad enough, but it was somewhat harmless except for people's perception of me, which at that age is not much of a concern. What happened after high school was personally disastrous to my life and many around me for too many years.

I entered the Army at age eighteen and left it at twenty-one, a much changed person, a change that left many relationships with friends and family in ruins. I could cover all the gory details and recount the particulars, but I prefer to just say I was a miserable failure for quite a few years and blamed everyone around me for my troubles.

I had reached a point where most of the people in my life either disassociated themselves from me, or hoped I would leave them alone. I can't tell you how many actually put up with me and helped me limp along while trying to find my way to a better life.

During that period, I never recognized what I was like or the efforts it took for people to tolerate me. To make a long story even longer, seven years after graduation I was about one to two inches from the bottom of the barrel. I was penniless, close to homeless and not seeing any real chances of improving the situation.

I was looking for a job anywhere with no luck, moving from bit work to hand outs for helping on daily labor, when I walked by a clothing store with a help wanted sign in the window. There I was, fully confident that the outcome of me going in and applying would be the typical 'thanks but no thanks'.

I turned to walk away when a gentleman smoking a cigarette in a little cigarette holder asked if I was looking at the help wanted sign. I replied that I was but knew I probably couldn't get that kind of job. That's when the gentleman who was Milt Harm, manager of the store introduced himself and invited me in to "just talk".

Well, though I didn't know it at the time, this man was my savior. He sat me down and asked about me about myself. Well let me tell you that was a tough conversation, I tried to highlight only the positive experiences and jobs but found that on paper, it would resemble Swiss cheese. Old Milt was pretty wise and must have figured me out right away. He asked if I would like a temporary job and I accepted.

Life working for Milt ended up being very similar to life with my own father. If I didn't know better, I could have sworn he would call my father every now and then to see what he could make me do next. Milt worked me twelve hours a day and along the way taught me the value of hard work, respect for others, professionalism, respect for myself, responsibility, honesty, and a few other characteristics that are important in life.

I didn't have time to party anymore, he rented me an apartment above the store and that helped to semi-domesticate me, and gave me a new found desire to make others happy. That job, that ‘Man’ helped my life take an immediate turn and I remember him as a surrogate father to this day.

I do want to mention that much of the things Milt did to me and for me was close to exactly what my father tried to teach us all in our youth, I just wasn't listening at the time. I’m listening now and life has changed for the better.

~~~~~

I'll miss you John. Heck, we'll all miss you. But in ways you may not have realized, you taught me things that are very tangible in my life. You leave behind a wife, son and daughters that do love you. You leave behind a father, sister and brothers that love you.

You leave behind many things, but you have entered a great new forever. All I ask of you is to give Mom and our sister Patty a big hug. One day we will all be together again and have a picnic.

Jimmy's Grand Life

"I love life because what more is there.." ~Anthony Hopkins

His name is Jimmy B. That is how I will refer to him at least. I met him in the nursing home recently. But first an explanation.

My mother-in-law lives in the Golden Living Center in Foley, Alabama. We moved her there from Mesa, Arizona a couple of months back after her husband passed away. This places her in the same town as a daughter of her's and also closer to more family members.

Its a nice place and we thoroughly enjoyed a New Year's holiday weekend visit with her. While the weather was rainy and cold, sitting with my mother-in-law kept us warm and happy.

The facility itself has residents of many varying conditions. Some would call nursing homes depressing but I find them full of people with stories. Stories that tell an interesting piece of life. And these people are the perfect narrators of how great life really can be.

As you walk through the halls, people are in their wheelchairs and I always smile and say hello to each of them. Most reveal a huge smile in return. One particular gentleman is named Jimmy B. as I later found out.

One afternoon, all of us went to sit near the front door and Jimmy was there. So I sat next to him and decided it was time for a chat. The whole scene kind of reminded me of stories I've heard the author Andy Andrews tell in his various books.

The story Jimmy told me was full of the various family issues. He told of the sister, the step-brothers, the step-sisters and moving around the state of Alabama. There was heartache at losing family to accidents and deaths of varying kinds.

He told me of joy when speaking of his mother. He told me proudly of his service to the City of Foley, Alabama. He told me that life was grand.

Jimmy was a big man,and one that I could guess would have carried anything for you. As strong as he looked, he could probably carry most anything. But the biggest thing he carried was his optimism of how great life is.

Now you can try to figure out what was so great about his life. To some it may seem it was not much of a life. But to Jimmy, it has been the biggest and grandest life. To me his life is great and grand as well.

Life is what we make of it and to reach a distant point in years and be able to say life is pretty great says a lot about you. Your attitude about your life goes a long way in determining the life you get.

I really do wish for each of you in 2011 that you find the grand life that Jimmy has found.

First Interview

"Life is one grand, sweet song, so start the music." ~Ronald Reagan

To start out the new year, I was honored to be interviewed by WEEKEND EDITION host Rick Probst on Atlanta radio station WNIV-970. This past Saturday, January 1 the segment aired. Wow, what a way to start the year.

My first real interview, a bit nerve racking, but Rick made it a great experience. Maybe the first of something new, taking those first steps into something greater. So thanks to modern technology, I present to you the interview in its full length.



Its January of 2011 ... so get it started folks. There is a lot to do and a lot of life to live.

Countdown to 2011 - Its Here, Almost

A happy New Year! Grant that I

May bring no tear to any eye

When this New Year in time shall end

Let it be said I've played the friend,

Have lived and loved and labored here,

And made of it a happy year.

-Edgar Guest-

Here it is, the final day, December 31, 2010. But I am really not a fan of the word final. The clock will tick past the stroke of midnight and January 1, 2011 will be here. Time will keep marching forward as will we. So there is nothing 'final' about it.

To ring out the old, here are the months of October, November and December along with a favorite article from each of those months.

In the month of October, there was an early morning drink that I provided.

This was followed in November by letting you know that you are possible in anything you do.

Which puts us in December and hello, can you hear me?

Enjoy a prosperous new year and look back upon the 2010 with fondness and having learned from the experience. The future holds great things for you and by engaging in life, it will be your best life.

Countdown to 2011 - Two Days Left

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day." ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

We now pick up the pace as twelve months doesn't fit neatly into five days, so we provide you with three picks today from the months of July, August, and September.

July is a very warm month and in it I brought you an article that reminded us that we are not ordinary in anyway.

Not to be outdone, in August there was the rebuilding of broken bridges. You can get to the other side, believe it.

My final favorite for today comes from September and a cheese sandwich.

Countdown to 2011 - Three Days Left

“For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice.” -Little Gidding II- by T.S. Eliot

Our countdown to 2011 continues with May and June. The nearing of an end to spring and the beginning of summer, two favorite months for me.

In May, my favorite article was the idea of picking up an old crank phone and calling the past. What might I learn from sucha phone conversation?

June brought the story of how our differences should be celebrated. But that those differences can be harnessed to make each other great.

Countdown to 2011 - Four Days

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." ~Oprah Winfrey

As we continue our countdown to 2011, March and April are up next with only four days to go. In March, there was a story about the fact that its going to rain on us from time to time.

Then April came along and I spoke of putting the pieces of the puzzle of your life together.

Countdown to 2011

"Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instill in us." ~Hal Borland

Countdown to 2011 - two each day this week, favorites of mine from 2010.

In January, I posted a story about getting beyond obstacles in your life.

And then in February, a young woman was painting opportunity for her life and didn't realize it. Which is the same thing we do everyday, paint our path for opportunity to come along.

Christmas Eve 2010

And here we are, Christmas Eve ... a joyous and happy time for everyone.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this [shall be] a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
~ Luke 2: 8-14 ~

With Just a Glass of Water

Only two days left until Christmas. Can you turn that frown into a smile with just a glass of water? Another favorite article of mine from this past year.

Cowbell Christmas

As I continue my hiatus this week, we are getting much more near to Christmas Day. While you are planning, why not try adding a little MORE COWBELL to the festivities? Check out the post and see if you can change things up this year and next.

Never Lose Sixty Seconds

Only four more days until Christmas as I share some of my favorite articles. Knowing that our time is finite, don't allow any of your moments to be Gone In Sixty Seconds.

One Day - This Week

This week I am on vacation, but sharing some of my favorite posts. I hope that you enjoy these as well.

One Day Like This

It's a happy and merry week of Christmas celebrations. Make all of those days "one day like this" each and every day of the year.

A Little More Cheer

On with the dance! let joy be unconfined;
No sleep till morn, when Youth and Pleasure meet
To chase the glowing hours with flying feet.~George Gordon Byron, Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage

This particular day in this particular year, it is the Friday before Christmas week. Many folks will be taking the week off, travelling to family and generally winding down.

This time of year also marks the celebrations, the parties, the food and the wine. We overindulge a bit too much on the food, the spirits and spending as well. I would ask that you be careful in your overindulgence. Be careful of the drink and the drive afterwards. Watch the food and your weight by exercising moderation.

I say all of this because I want to see each of you in the new year. I want to be able to walk our paths together. I want us to grow old together.

This time of year is also a time when we love a little more. It is a time when we are a little more forgiving. It is a time when we are a little more giving. It is a festive time, a joyous time and one that marks our memories with happiness. Life seems to be just a little easier.

So enjoy this time of year and remember how it makes you feel; remember how it makes others feel. Then try to stretch that feeling out into the new year just a little bit further.

Your walk will be lighter, the wind will always seem to be at your back and the sun will warm your face. Have a great Christmas and Holiday season everyone.

Life Not Of Confusion

"I simply can't build my hopes on a foundation of confusion, misery and death... I think... peace and tranquillity will return again." ~Anne Frank

If you have never read The Diary of Anne Frank, then you must foresake reading my book (Live the Journey) and get that one. It is a book that although bittersweet in how it ends, the book is more full of hope and inspiration then anything I could write.

Under the cruelest of conditions that existed and happened to the Jewish peoples in Germany during the reign of Adolph Hitler, hope survives in a young girl. Regardless of the situation, Anne Frank kept the light of life inside.

After they were found and eventually sent to Auschwitz, a woman who was with Anne at that time said, "On arrival at the camp, everyone's head was shaved; yet a woman who was with Anne at that time said of Anne; "You could see that her beauty was wholly in her eyes. . . . Her gaiety had vanished, but she was still lively and sweet, and with her charm she sometimes secured things that the rest of us had long since given up hoping for."

All of us go through varying levels of despair, confusion, and just bad times. The situation can seem unbearable to us such that we don't feel like continuing.

But know that even within the situation you find yourself, you can keep the light of hope and happiness alive. Whether you be old, middle-aged or a 14-year old Anne Frank, the beauty of life comes from within.

Don't live a life of confusion and negativity. Live a life of hope and happiness. Keep the fire burning inside. And when you do, the light will be seen in your eyes. Your life will shine the path to something greater.

An Imperfect Path

"March on. Do not tarry. To go forward is to move toward perfection. March on, and fear not the thorns, or the sharp stones on life's path." ~Khalil Gibran

It's a pretty straight forward path that we all wish we could walk down. Life without any issues. A smooth, well laid course of bricks to walk upon is the one we wish for. Yet we all know that the path we take will not be quite so easy. The journey itself can be rough.

The path will be built of many different rocks and pebbles. It will be built with the stones of experience and circumstance that come our way. Not all of the pieces will fit perfectly together. The many shapes and sizes will frustrate our ability to continue the walk.

Our path will never look perfect when we turn to look back. Yet looking back is only to see where we have come from. To see the hard work we have done building our path of rocks. And it will look beautiful in our eyes.

As we turn then to look towards our future, we know the work will be hard. We know that the path will not be perfect. But we do know that the path will be unique. It will be wonderful. The path will be ours.