Riding Life

“With peaks of joy and valleys of heartache, life is a roller coaster ride, the rise and fall of which defines our journey. It is both scary and exciting at the same time.”
― Sebastian Cole

All of us know there will be both high and low points in life experienced by each of us. The high points will come and the low points will follow and then high ones again. It is very much like a roller coaster of emotion and a test of your resolve.

It would be wonderful if we had a map of the ride pointing out where the twists, turns and drops will be. But we do not get that advantage to see ahead in our future. We have bought the ticket and now get to take the ride.

What does matter is how we learn to push through the times when the ride doesn't feel like very much fun. If we fail to learn anything from each of the twists and turns, the ride will remain difficult. Failing to push through, the ride will be long and miserable.

The ride is meant to be enjoyed in all that happens. Even the heartache and pain can bring new perspective as the experience girds you for the next one. Life is a learned event. With each rise, you will gain confidence and strength to pass through the next valley more easily.

Enjoy the ride folks and stay inspired my friends.

Ten 4 Five - Completed

“Because I was more often happy for other people, I got to spend more time being happy. And as I saw more light in everybody else, I seemed to have more myself.”
― Victoria Moran

This is the final day of my Ten 4 Five challenge in which I challenged myself to let ten people each day for five days know they are great, talented and wonderful people. A challenge to outwardly say something positive to another person that is both encouraging and true.

My hope is that you have gotten something from this series. Maybe you are encouraged just a little bit to turn any negativity about everything in life into something positive.

It may not change the world but it will change you. And that is a start.

1. Jim

The guy helping at the Publix grocery check-out line; always there with a smile and kind word. You make the day much brighter for those around you and those passing through.

2. Peachtree Cafe

Yes, an entire group of people who make you feel at home. This can only be a reflection of the owners, hard working, loving and caring people.

3. Friends

This would appear to be a broad stroke of the brush, but all friends matter. Each of you, near, far, and acquaintances, bring something special into the lives of those around you. While you are each individuals, collectively you are a community of goodness.

4. That Guy

You know who you are, the one who let me pull out into the long string of traffic. A small gesture but one that can turn the day around on a dime for people.

5. Chris

Coolray Heating & Air have to be proud of your abilities and outstanding customer service. Always a smile, doing the right thing and just being a great person.

6. The In-Laws

How lucky can we be that our children have such great people in their lives. To know each of you brings warmth and peace into our lives. Many will joke that in-laws are more like out-laws, but not you folks. Only great things can be said of you.

7. First Responders

Books could be written of all the police, fire and emergency medical folks do for us. While bad news sells news, the true nature of what you do is the real news. Your heart and compassion for people is unparalleled, making a difference everyday for people around you.

8. All of You

Yes, all of the readers of my blog and books. The people that cross through my life in many different ways have an impact on who I am and each of you create ripples of inspiration not only in me but in all of the other people in your life.

9. My Father

Indulge me on this one as I have my natural father, Bill. He created a life for me, gave me lessons in life and inspired me in many different ways. My other Father is the one I look to for the inspiration of my spirit. Each have an impact on our lives and the choices we make.

10. Laura Primm

Where I started with this challenge is where I complete the challenge. Her patience, guidance and love stretch beyond my own capacity. People are just better for being around her. And with that, I get to be a better person.

I want to say thank you to each of you for being a part of my challenge this week. I do hope something was learned, enjoyed and will be carried forward in your own life. There is so much we can accomplish by just doing the little things.

The American clergyman Douglas Horton once said, "Thinking good thoughts is not enough, doing good deeds is not enough, seeing others follow your good examples is enough." Each of the people I have mentioned the last five days have done just that.

Stay inspired my friends.

Ten 4 Five - Day Four

“Genuinely good people are like that. The sun shines out of them. They warm you right through.” ― Michael Morpurgo

As the week comes closer to an end, here on day four I continue my Ten4Five series of simply saying thank you or expressing the goodness of people that are in my life. One way or another, we have an impact upon each other and I want to show the good in people.

1. Bekki Bailey

For many years, your smile and humor has accompanied great food in our cafeteria. Your abilities as a chef are astounding but your qualities as a person are even greater.

2. Christine Carey

At work, we probably do not say thank you near enough for much of the quiet and excellent work you do for us behind the scenes. Your abilities to anticipate, accomplish and drive the machinery of work are unparalleled.

3. David P Baker

The superlatives I could express would sound like a movie promotion, but then it wouldn't say enough. Your talent as a filmmaker, writer and teacher of your craft to others inspires not only myself but countless others.

4. Charlie Spell

Your example of what it means to be a good and decent person continues to push me as a man. Your impact upon others continues even in your retirement from a job as your retired life rumbles on with greatness.

5. Jim Crumbley

Where you have endured and conquered in life could fill a book for many other men to learn from. I have been fortunate to have watched and learned from a close distance for part of it. The lives of many men have and many more will forever be greater for what you have done for them.

6. Tom Hanks

A person that many would consider celebrity, I consider Tom a good person who just happens to be celebrity. You have shown what a person can do when given the means to do good things for others. I doubt that will ever change as goodness in your heart will always impact others.

7. Andy Penick

There are hills and valleys that you have successfully crossed. And while there will always be those same crossings to make in life, you have inspired me to continue the journey with a smile on my face and determination in my heart.

8. Kay Weeks

Your friendship and leadership teaches us to boldly go forward even in the midst of crisis. Life must and will move forward regardless of our circumstance and you demonstrate compassion while helping all those you touch to press on with that life.

9. Mike McDonald

Life can take a moment in time and change the course of one's world. Your perseverance and claim to a great life inspite of the obstacles is of great inspiration to many. The laughter and goodness which is you continues to fill my own life as it does all those many others you connect with.

10. Jeff Kane

If I were to forget my pastor, then I could not complete my Ten4Five. You are the inspiration for this series and in the continuing community which is our church. You have boldly taken on a challenge that will no doubt be a success because that simply is what you do.

Tomorrow is my final day in my own Ten4Five challenge. Will I have been able to successfully complete it? Stay inspired my Friends.

Ten 4 Five - Day Three

"Surround yourself with good people. People who are going to be honest with you and look out for your best interests." - Derek Jeter

As the week progresses, there are still good people out there. So are close to me. Some were once close to me. All of them have left their mark upon me in a good way. They are all good people and the type of people I hope that you have had in your life.

Stay inspired my friends!

1. Les Perlenfein

I am digging trench along a house in the heat of summer. You bring a chair a chair, cold beer and great conversation. What more can someone ask for in life but to have know someone such as you.

2. Paul Fell

An art teacher who indulged my aspirations. While I am not an artist, your teachings gave me the ability to express myself. It has served me well through all my years. You are a great teacher, artist and person.

3. Lyle Thompson

So many years have passed with both joy and heartache in our lives. Your passion for life, work ethic and love of family have inspired me even in the long distance between us.

4. Scott Roumph

High school seems so very long ago, but I watched your success in the years since. And while I miss the times together, working together as Electricians, I appreciate the fact I can still call you a friend.

5. Steve Triden

A talented person but more so a great and dedicated father. When I see pictures of you and Tony, the love you have for your son inspires me to be even better with my own sons.

6. Jim Boeche

I feel privileged to have been connected to such an awe inspiring man. A talent in the medical field, a passion for the care of people and a huge heart full of laughter and joy. The joy you plant in others is reaped in your own joyful life.

7. Anthony Nebelsick

It is you that introduced me to the mother of my sons. Without that encounter I would not have the joy of these four boys. I know you have had success in life and it will continue. That same success will continue for you and those that connect with you.

8. Steve Trout

I do miss my friend, the one who taught me the easy and laid back way of life. You have talents beyond the ordinary, but the ability to simply kick back, drop a fishing line in the water and simply enjoy life remains a great lesson for anyone.

9. David Spell

My conservative alter-ego friend who is much more than that. David is simply a great guy with compassion for those in need and the ability to teach a word goodness in their life. Your voracious reading and writings are an inspiration for me to do even more.

10. Roy Carter

You get the family acknowledgement from day one but also individual acknowledgement. It was your friendship that saved my life when it could have spiraled into oblivion. You keep me grounded and encouraged to think things through while allowing me to hold my own opinions. Life is better because of you.