Dream a Little Dream

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." - Les Brown

Do you remember a while back when that hidden jewel of talent became known to the whole world as Susan Boyle? She was an unassuming woman from Blackburn, Scotland who energized a popular British television show called Britain's Got Talent.

It was easy to see her appear on stage and rush to the judgement of a book by its cover. So many people, including the judges were skeptical and had pre-determined thoughts as she began her song on stage.

Susan dreamed of being a professional singer.

In her words, "She had not been given the opportunity until now." The dream was to be as good as Elaine Paige. It was a goal which reached beyond the limits others may have tried to place upon her.

The same kind of limits others try to place on your life.

But your story is not yet complete for the journey continues. Susan's story could be you. We each yearn inside to accomplish something big. We tell ourselves if only given the opportunity. We then fail to boldly take the challenge when opportunity arrives.

We each must take the bold step forward, through the door of possibility, where we must go in order to realize our dreams. No guarantee of success, but then again, no guarantee of failure exist beyond that door.

Boldly go for your dreams by embracing the journey and all that is possible.

And stay inspired my friends.

Courage And Heroism

While on vacation, a throwback to a popular article from 9/4/2012.

"And each man stands with his face in the light. Of his own drawn sword, ready to do what a hero can." - Elizabeth Barrett Browning

There was an article in the Wall Street Journal regarding everyday heroes and what it takes to be one. The article is titled Are You a Hero or a Bystander? and it examines what type of person is likely to step up or freeze in a crisis. The story cites research from the University of Winnipeg in 2010 and others which identify the prime traits of both courage and heroism.

What I find amazing is that so many people never realize these traits until put to the test. If you were to have asked those people did they ever think they had it in them, most would probably say no. Many would indicate that they were surprised to know it was inside of them.

There are stories such as Laurie Ann Eldridge, seeing from her garden in Cameron, N.Y. an obviously confused 81-year-old driver stuck at a railroad crossing. A train was speeding toward the car when Ms. Eldridge ran barefooted to the car. She pulled the disoriented woman out, rolling down the railway embankment only seconds before the train demolished the car.

Ms. Eldridge's feet were bloody and riddled with splinters and the elderly woman was unhurt. But did she know it was inside her to act so courageously? Unlikely, but that didn't matter, she acted and that is what did matter.


Each of us have some level of heroism and courage inside of us.

The charts you see are a way that researchers say you can determine what level that is. What I don't think it gauges is the "moment" of need in which that inner thing surfaces. A time when you least expect it.

In those "moments" you realize it exists inside of you.

You will respond by acting in that moment. It will seem natural and right when you do it. time will slow down and everything will happen with clarity. Only afterwards, when others are asking and saying it was heroic, that you will realize what you just did.

There are very few of us, if any, that walk outside each day and tell ourselves we will be doing something heroic. We walk outside and go about our life. There is no expectation that we will be called upon to do something heroic.

What we do expect of ourselves is that we care for our fellow man and woman. We have compassion for others that are in need. That is what lies at the surface of our lives. So when the "moment" occurs, that compassion on the surface will drag the inner courage and heroism out into the open.

Be prepared to use your courage in a heroic act.

You never know when it will come to the surface.

And stay inspired my friends.

Coping With Job Stress

“I’ve had a stressful day, and I need something stronger than beer. Somebody fetch me a bodybuilder. Check the cooler in the garage.”
― Jarod Kintz

Stress in our life comes in many different forms. One of these forms is a huge part of our life. It consumes at a minimum nearly 20% of the entire year. If you consider that we sleep an average of 7 hours per night, then this figure jumps to 30% of your waking hours.

Our "job" consumes one third of our entire life.

The stress comes in many different forms and affects your body in a lot of different ways. The work place itself can cause small sources of stress such as equipment which malfunctions or the constant ringing of the phone.

The larger sources of stress are caused by having too much work, having work that is unfulfilling, fear of job layoffs, or just having a lousy boss. I certainly hope I do not fall into that category of being a boss.

All of these things contribute to increased stress in life.

It is normally these major areas of stress that lead to burnout. People become unhappy and less productive. The effect also has an impact on your health and personal life.

Low levels of stress are not always noticeable; slightly higher levels can be positive and challenge you to act in creative and resourceful ways; and high levels can be harmful, contributing to chronic disease.

An organization called Healthwise has broken down major stress into seven categories which are;

Control - This is the most closely related to job stress. Studies show workers who believe they have a great deal of responsibility but little control or decision-making power in their jobs are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and other stress-related illnesses.

Increased responsibilities - Taking on additional responsibilities in your job can be stressful. It can be worse if you have too much work to do and are unable to say no to new tasks or projects.

Competence - Are you concerned about your ability to perform well? Are you challenged enough, but not too much? Do you feel secure in your job? Job insecurity is a major source of stress for many people.

Clarity - Feeling uncertain about what your duties are, how they may be changing, or what your department or organization's goals are can lead to stress.

Communication - Workplace tension often results from poor communication, which in turn increases job stress. An inability to express your concerns, frustrations, or other emotions can also lead to increased stress.

Support - Feeling unsupported by your coworkers may make it harder to resolve other problems at work that are causing you stress.

Significance - If you don't find your job meaningful or take pride in it, you may find it stressful.

To help manage job stress, Healthwise offers the following options for lowering stress on the job:

1. Meet with your supervisor. Do this at least once a year (every 3 or 6 months is better) to talk about your performance and your job. If a performance review is already part of your job, treat it as a chance to clear up issues that may be causing stress for you.

Talk about things such as:

- What is expected of me in this position?
- Where is this company going, and how do I fit into that plan?
- How am I doing?
- What are my strengths?
- Areas for improvement?
- What can I expect from you if a problem with my work or my job should occur?
- If I continue my current high-quality performance, how and when can I expect to be rewarded?

2. Manage your time well. It is important to leave your job at the office, even if your office is a room in your home. If you give up free time to get more work done, you may pay for it with stress-related symptoms. If your employer offers a flexible work schedule, take advantage of it to fit your own work style. For instance, come in earlier to have a longer midday break or to make time for a yoga class or workout.

3. Unplug. Technologies such as cellular phones and the Internet have made it possible to be available to everyone, including clients and coworkers, at all times. Do not allow technology to eliminate the boundaries between your time and your employer's time. Leave your work cell phone behind when having it with you is not absolutely necessary, or decide not to answer it during times you have set aside for yourself or your family. Avoid checking work e-mail at home.

4. Know when to quit. If you are truly miserable because of a stressful job and the suggestions above have not worked, it may be time to think about changing jobs. Make sure you know whether it is you or the job that's the problem. Before quitting, spend time researching other job options. Being unemployed can and will also lead to stress. Getting another job before quitting is ideal, but sometimes isn't possible. Decide what is less stressful for you: unemployment or being miserable in your current job.

Life has much more in store for you.

Remember that, "To be free of destructive stress, don't sweat the small stuff and realize that all stuff is small." Balance your daily activity and bring enjoyment back into your life by letting go of as much stress as possible.

And stay inspired my friends.

Streets of Inspiration

"One's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions." - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

One particular day I was on the freeway driving near where I live in Atlanta. Along side the road was a very large billboard. I'm not sure why it caught my eye but it was for a motivational seminar. The event was soon to be happening here in the Atlanta area.

Seminars can be quite good at motivating you to greater achievement.

What struck me in reading the billboard, you were going to receive a full day of top notch speakers; ten in all. Famous and well known people who are pretty good people to listen to. And just how much do the tickets cost?

That is possibly the most mind-blowing part of the whole deal.

As the billboard cried out; "$19 for EVERYBODY IN YOUR ENTIRE OFFICE! Not per person — $19 for the whole office! If you bring a large office, you could save thousands and thousands by registering prior to the event. That’s a HUGE VALUE!"

I then became slightly skeptical at this point I guess. That many speakers in a one day event can only leave fifteen or twenty minutes for each to speak. Much more of the time is left to sell product, pressure and pitch for the tapes and CDs and additional motivational seminars sign ups. My skepticism can get in the way sometimes I suppose. The billboard screamed to me the point was more about taking your money from your pocket than it was about motivation.

Don't get me wrong, I believe motivational events are great.

The ability of a great speaker to click the right thing in your mind can be powerful. All of the well-dressed and successful speakers can really pull you in and give you incentive to succeed. There something good in do so.

What I wonder though, is it the red ties, nice suites, lights and huge production the motivator or is it the words of the speaker?

Could a simple person such as myself, without the fancy suit and mega stage production inspire?

I believe the answer is yes.

If true motivation or change is needed, then it becomes the words one needs to hear and absorb. The lights and awesome images of the stage will fade over time. The words will sink in and take root in your life. The words will be what motivate you to change your life.

And anyone, on any kind of stage can motivate another person. Motivational seminars are great, those folks are earning a living just as you do and they are very good at what they do. But do not forget that you can inspire others without the big lights and fancy names. You can also gain inspiration from lots of people out there in blue jeans and sneakers.

Sometimes the inspiration comes from the street, from people like you and me. Everyone can inspire and help you change your life.

You too can inspire us, so stay inspired my friends.

Humans of New York from Facebook Stories on Vimeo.