An Open Mind

“Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while, or the light won't come in.” ― Isaac Asimov

Here it is April 2nd and I do hope you did not think I was serious about quitting my blog. While I have been writing this blog since August 2005, I feel I'm just getting started. With a new design of the blog page, I hope you enjoy reading.

In saying all of that, let me tell you a story. 

It was very early in the morning, only 5:30am without any light trying to paint the day just yet. I was leaving my hotel for an early start on a long drive to a customer meeting.

Just across the street stood an open McDonalds Restaurant and a chance to grab a morning drive breakfast. A few people sat, reading the morning paper or enjoying their "Mc-whatever". I was interested in a large coffee to go so that I could get on the road.

As I was about to leave the counter, an older gentleman came up to me and asked, "do you have an open mind?"

Startled at first, I asked him about what?

He just asked again if I have an open mind and added, an open mind about life in general. Quickly I tried to assess his question and then simply responded, "why yes I do have an open mind."

He responded with, "Thats great. Have a good day."

I left the restaurant repeating in my mind what had just happened. Maybe I was overthinking it too much. Maybe I was finding it much more profound then it really was. But it did make me consider the question.

As we live our lives, do we have an open mind to the changes that can occur?

Are we open to possibility, to love, to greatness, or to doing things differently?

After a few miles down the road I was able ease my mind off the question. Before I did there was a definite sense or belief that I truly want to always have an open mind. I want to have the ability to accept new things in my life.

It will not come easily but then again, not everything in life is always easy.

Do you have an open mind that will allow you to accept possibility? Is your mind open enough to imagine greater things for your life? Can you brave new adventures that exist which will take you to bigger things.

All you have to do is open your mind.

Stay inspired my friends!

Stay Inspired

“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.” ― Randy Pausch

I wanted to take this moment to say thank you to all that have been reading my blog over the years. With over 145,000 page views, I am sure I have said all that I can to help each of you in one way or another. This blog has been also very cathartic for myself and knowing that I reached out in helping others is very rewarding.

A new day starts tomorrow and I feel certain each of you will play your cards in the best way possible. Thank you for inspiring me to write as I shut down this part of my world. Stay inspired my friends.

Shining Stars

"People are like stars... we all have our own special light that shines from within. Sometimes we find our light to be dim and we struggle to shine... but that is when we need the light shed from the other stars to help us light our path once again. A true light that comes from within, from our divine Maker is so brilliant that it penetrates into the souls of the other stars onto which it shines, leaving it's impression for eternity. Are you shining for someone today?" - Unknown

Where does your light shine?

Stay inspired my friends.

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.