Uncle Earl

“Shared by Carla”

“Cheerfulness keeps up a kind of daylight in the mind, and fills it with a steady and perpetual serenity.” Joseph Addison, The Spectator

Annually my husband’s family has a reunion in a state park in the mountains of North Carolina. At one of the reunions, the weather was overcast, and more rain was predicted. The family members who arrived early to set up were concerned about the pending rain and the impact it would have on attendance. Just as the rain began to fall, a car pulled up to the picnic shelter and out of the passenger side popped ‘Uncle Earl’! Now, ‘Uncle Earl’, as he is called by the family, is 96 years old and has been blind for many years. Just the arrival of Uncle Earl immediately changed the morale of the group.

Ever cheerful and optimistic, Earl continues to amaze the family. He is the oldest member of the Miller Clan, and all gathered around him. One by one he addressed each member, held their hand, gave them a piece of candy from his pocket, and made them laugh. As I stood back, I watched how his demeanor and cheerfulness brought a smile to everyone’s face. He did not spend time telling everyone about his ailments as others were doing. I realized that it was his choice to take the “high road” of cheerfulness and not focus on the negative aspects of his life. By doing so, he was extending an invitation to each family member to respond in the same manner.Just before we began to feast on the wonderful spread of food, Earl stood up and asked to speak to the group for few minutes. He asked everyone to lead a ‘good life’ and to take a lighthearted approach to what may come our way. He said he had prayed for us all to arrive and to return home safely, so we need not worry about the rain. Then he gave us all his blessing. I know I felt blessed to be with him!

Being of good cheer raises our spirits and benefits our health. Uncle Earl is a prime example. What is happening in your life right now? Are you taking a cheerful or lighthearted approach to your day? If you changed your perspective, what impact would it have on your health and others around you?

Just for one day practice being cheerful and see what happens. Try a new slant on challenges that may surface; see if you can find some humor in the challenge or view it from a light-hearted approach.

Be of good cheer!

Vicki Miller

Vicki Miller is a Life Coach and founder of the Direct Selling Leadership Center. Check out her website at: www.thrivingthroughchange.com or feel free to email her at: coach.v.miller@verizon.net

I learned a ton from Jack Canfield in his “CD- BTS Home Study” course. If you see a bit of CD- BTS Home Study Course in your future check him out, he really is a good teacher. ==> http://justclicknow.ca/142wj4U

The Corsage

“Shared By Carla”

“You’ve got to help me!” My friend pleaded with me. “You’ve got to take this girl to her sorority event.” This girl was getting interested in my friend, an interest he didn’t want to grow. While I was reluctant to get involved in this mess he had created, he was a good friend. I consented to this blind date.

He certainly sold me on her. Her sister had been Miss Edmonton the previous year. She belonged to this sorority that all the kids of rich people belonged to. I, on the other hand, had only $20 to my name. With about half of my life savings, I decided to buy a corsage for my date.

I arrived at her home dressed in my only suit, corsage in my hand. The door opened and I saw that she was beautiful. I also saw that her dress had very thin straps. There was no place to put a corsage. I also saw the funny look on her face that said she would have never worn what represented half of my worldly riches anyway.

I also noticed that her leg was bandaged. She had injured herself skiing that afternoon. What else could go wrong? Plenty.

I escorted her to my chariot, a red Toyota pick-up truck with a canopy camper on the back. That was my vehicle then. From the look on her face, I wish that a fairy godmother could have come along and turned it into a Mercedes. In spite of her sore leg, she insisted that we park a couple of blocks away from the party.

We entered and I was briefly introduced to a couple of people, then she sort of disappeared. I wasn’t too disappointed. I hadn’t had a good meal in a long time and the food here was plentiful and tasty.

What a party it was! The children of the rich and famous of Edmonton were there. People kept coming up to me and asking what I was “into,” instead of what I did. I answered that I was “into” education, since I was taking my Bachelor of Education at the time. I wondered if these rich people really knew how poor I was.

I’m glad I am a fast eater, because a half an hour after our arrival, my date, whom I had barely seen, came back and asked to be taken home. Her leg was aching too much, though she declined my offer to bring the truck to the front door. I still have a hunch that she got rid of me to return to the party. My feelings weren’t hurt. I had eaten well, although the friend who set this up was going to hear about this.

I dropped her off. She made sure I didn’t walk her to the door, but I did the unthinkable. I asked for the corsage back. Why? Was I out of my mind?

No. I had a second blind date a couple of nights later. A girls’ group was having a father-daughter banquet. A friend had asked me if I would be the father for a night for a young girl who didn’t have one. This way she would be less embarrassed at the event. Even though I didn’t know what I was getting into, I told my friend that I would do it.

The night of the second blind date came. You know what? I was more nervous meeting this ten year old than the sister of Miss Edmonton. What if she didn’t like me? What if she was ashamed to be with me?

Then she came through the door. I was introduced, and then I showed her the corsage. Her eyes grew like saucers. She trembled with joy as I pinned it on her. While she was the only one without a real dad, she was also the only one with a beautiful corsage. She held her head up high as we walked into the room. We had a great time. It was wonderful seeing her smile and hearing her laughter. I think she was proud to have a special friend like me. I certainly was proud of her, just like a dad would have been.

It was the same corsage. In one person’s eyes it was worthless. In another’s it was priceless. Every one of us has a gift. You know what? In some people’s eyes, it will be worthless. Ignore them. I can assure you that if you meet enough people you will discover somebody who finds your gift priceless.

John Stevens

John Stevens is a freelance writer in St. Marys, Ontario. You can read more of his writing at his blog at http://johnnyvfanclub.blogspot.com or send John an email to: john.stevens@rogers.com

I learned a ton from Jack Canfield in his “CD- Maximum Confidence Audio” course. If you see a bit of CD- Maximum Confidence Audio Course in your future check him out, he really is a good teacher. ==> http://justclicknow.ca/ZTKQdF

Something of Value

“Shared By Carla”

I recently returned from presenting a workshop in Cincinnati, and when I pulled up to the parking attendant’s booth at the airport, I handed him my ticket and he flashed me a huge grin and said, “Hello! That’ll be $30.50.”

“$30.50?” I echoed, incredulous. “I was only here for 24 hours. I just want to pay for parking-I don’t want to buy the place!”

He laughed and said, “Yep, it’s $30.50 for 24 hours’ parking. So how was your trip? Did you have a good time?”

I was still in a bit of shock at the price, but he was being so friendly that any temptation I had to become frustrated started to fade away. I chatted with him a little about my trip, asked him about his day, and paid my bill, feeling a lot better than I probably would have if he hadn’t been so nice.

Now, some people might say that this gentleman had a right to be unhappy and cranky-after all, his job probably isn’t always very pleasant. He has to deal with grouchy people who resent paying $30.50 for 24 hours’ parking, he has to work in a closed space without much opportunity to move around or get visual stimulation, and he probably doesn’t make all that much money. Yet this fellow was giving value unconditionally, without an obvious or immediate payback for doing so.

What he understood, which I try to help others understand, is that the more value you offer unconditionally, the more abundance you’ll enjoy. Giving with strings attached creates feelings of fear (What if I don’t get a return on what I give?) and lack (I don’t have enough to justify giving to others without a clear benefit to me). Giving unconditionally creates feelings of abundance.

People who feel wealthy and blessed and who bring value to their jobs regardless of their pay let the Universe know that they’re ready to receive even more wealth. They may get a raise or an unexpected windfall, or they could attract the attention of someone who wants to hire them for a better job. As I drove away from that parking garage, I thought about how much value and enthusiasm that gentleman brings to his work if he is able to deal with grumpy customers all day long and by early evening still have joy to share with others. I thought, I would like to hire that fellow! I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he gets a promotion, a raise, or a more lucrative position somewhere, and I imagine that he leads a rich and abundant life outside of his job.

When you give value unconditionally, you’ll receive it in return-and the more you give, the more value and abundance you’ll receive. People who offer the minimal amount at their job, always rushing out the door at exactly 5 p.m. and never showing any initiative, are missing the opportunity to create abundance or value and reap the benefits.

There are many ways to offer value. My husband, son, and I live next to a golf course. At the end of the week, Michel will gather up all of the balls in our yard, put them in egg cartons, and sell them to golfers at a fraction of the cost of new ones. When he approaches a potential customer, he’ll give them a free ball. Whether or not they decide to buy a dozen from him, this ball is theirs to keep. The golfers feel positive about him and are more inspired to buy a box from him, if not today, then sometime in the future.

You can offer value through creative ideas, suggestions for how to make your company work more efficiently, enthusiasm that inspires others, hard work, diligence and attention to detail, and going the extra mile in a crisis.

If you’re thinking of finding different work, or you’ve been considering making a change for a long time but feel paralyzed and unsure of what to do next, start by creating positive feelings so that you can access your passion and creativity. You’ll get clarity about what you want to do next and avoid making the kind of mistakes we commit when we operate from negative feelings such as fear and lack. You won’t jump from one unrewarding job to the next; instead, you’ll find new, better opportunities opening up for you in response to the feelings of abundance, enthusiasm, and worthiness you’ve created. You’ll recognize your beneficial purpose, value it, and attract more resources and wealth by giving unconditionally, letting your abundance flow into the Universe, and opening yourself to receive.

Peggy McColl

Peggy McColl is a New York Times Best Selling Author and an internationally recognized expert in the area of goal achievement. She is the author of five books, translated in many languages and sold all over the world. Peggy has created an incredible program called, “Magnet for Money.” Take a look at it here: http://www.insightoftheday.com/a.asp?bpap&1336&isp

I learned a ton from Jack Canfield in his “CD- The Success Principles: 30 Day Audio” course. If you see a bit of CD- The Success Principles: 30 Day Audio in your future check him out, he really is a good teacher. ==> http://justclicknow.ca/105RsrC

The Making Of A Memory

“Share by Carla”

One can’t predict when or where they will come from; those memories that stay with us a lifetime, and never fail to bring us warm fuzzy feelings.

My husband had just finished loading his car; made one lap back through the house and then into the kitchen. “I guess filling my thermos is all I have left to do, and then I’m off.” Down the drain went the hot water that had been warming his thermos. With a very nostalgic look on his face he softly said, “When I filled this with water earlier, I thought of your mom. In fact, anytime I fill my thermos I think of her.”

“Oh honey, that’s so sweet. I know she’s watching and listening right now with a big smile on her face,” I responded as tears began to brim my eyelids.

“You know, I never fill my thermos that I don’t think of her, and I always smile too.” The tone in his voice was so tender as he spoke of my mother who is no longer with us.

Years ago we had been visiting my parents, and the morning we were leaving mother watched as Jerry began to fill his thermos. Being the “coffee drinker” in the family, he’s always placed himself in charge of thermos duties. Mom then casually offered up a tidbit of advice. “Jerry, if you would fill your thermos with hot water and let it sit a while, your coffee would stay hot longer on your drive.” The look on his face was priceless as her simple suggestion sunk in. Well of course it would! It only makes all the sense in the world! Who wouldn’t know that? He dumped the small amount of coffee already in the thermos, and ran the tap until it was at its hottest; then refilled with piping hot water. After pouring himself a fresh cup of coffee, he sat down to enjoy a few more minutes with mom, and to discuss this unique new idea.

Words of wisdom from a loving mother-in-law made an impact that will never be forgotten. When spoken that morning, Jerry didn’t realize he would always hear those words ringing in his ears, or that they would bring a smile to his face time and time again. And Mother would never have dreamed her words would be a treasured and everlasting memory in the heart of her son-in-law.

The “fondest, lasting memories” don’t necessarily come from “major moments” in life…the making of a memory simply happens…

Kathleene S. Baker
©2005

Kathleene lives in Dallas, Texas. She has two stepchildren and three grandchildren. In the past year she has had stories or poems featured by Starfish, Storytime Tapestry, Driftwood, Inspired Buffalo, Women With Heart, Texas Bob’s World, Hearts With Soul, Warm Fuzzy Stories, Christian Voices and Petwarmers. Kathleene has become a Senior Writer for Storytime Tapestry, as well as Moderator. You can email her at: Lnstrlady@aol.com

I learned a ton from Jack Canfield in his “DVD- The Success Principles LIVE!” course. If you see a bit of DVD- The Success Principles LIVE! in your future check him out, he really is a good teacher. ==> http://justclicknow.ca/WvB3wI

Who’s Driving Your Bus?

“Share by Carla”

If we think about our own lives as being a journey on a bus, surrounded by a great variety of people, all with particular positions on our bus that relate to where they fit into our lives. Some are right there next to us; some behind us; some in front of us… but all are important in playing some role in how we are “positioned” in their lives, and they in ours.

As I write this I am reminded of the movie “Speed” with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves – where they were all on a bus being controlled by a maniac demanding a ransom. The truth is that all too often our lives can be like that; out of control, with someone else doing the driving. A fearful situation? Of course it is!

The brutal truth is that so many people are living-out that nightmare bus-ride right now! Out of control – and don’t know what they can do about it.

OK, now you’ve got the scene in your mind. In order to get some perspective on our own lives, we need to move to the back seat of the bus for a while, and become the observer of what is really going on.

We need to observe who the most significant people are, and how they are positioned in our lives.

Are they standing over us because they feel superior? Are they moving forward in their own lives and leaving us behind? Are they falling behind us because we’ve chosen to move forward?

So now we are faced with an important question, “Who’s driving your bus”?

Is it someone from your past who has dominated you and what you do, even though they may not still be present in your life now? Are they taking you where you want to go? Do you feel like you would like to the bus to stop and let you off? Now here comes the challenge…

From this rear seat of observation, we need to start to move closer to the driver’s seat. It doesn’t matter how long this takes, and it doesn’t matter how much we are challenged by the people who may be trying to block our progress forward. We have to do this for ourselves… starting right now!

Our goal is to be in the driver’s seat of our own lives!

It is inevitable that we are going to be challenged, and that’s when we need courage!

Yes – we will all take different lengths of time to move forward… that’s when we need persistence, and patience with ourselves!

Most certainly we will feel daunted at times by this process… that’s when we need to have determination!

We are going to have to ask people to vacate their seats (which can possibly be their dominant positions in our lives) so that we can move forward towards that front seat we wish to occupy. We are going to have to sit in the middle of the bus at times while we learn to muster more courage and determination to move forward again. This is all part of the process, so stick with it because this is all for YOU!

During this process of moving forward we must remain conscious of where the bus is now, and think about where we really want to take it once we’re up front, and in control.

One very important point! At no stage in this process do we tread on someone if they get in our way (as we move forward), simply step around them and move on.

OK – you’ve made it! You have asked the driver to step aside and let you have your turn, and now you’re in the seat. It’s all up to you now!

If you’re not too sure of what to do and how to do it, just stop and park for a while. It doesn’t matter what you do and how long it takes, because this is your game now – so play it your way!

Get crystal clear on where you choose to take your bus now, and very clear on who you wish to accompany you on this new journey. The rest is a process of trusting your own judgement and decisions.

Good luck… and always remember – “What other people do or say is their stuff; how we react is our stuff.”

©Phil Evans – People Stuff T – 2005

Phil Evans is a Motivator, Business Coach, Life Coach and Inspirational Writer based in Australia. You can visit his website at: www.peoplestuff.com.au

I learned a ton from Jack Canfield in his “DVD- Discover Your SOUL Purpose” course. If you see a bit of DVD- Discover Your SOUL Purpose in your future check him out, he really is a good teacher. ==> http://justclicknow.ca/15fIXKa

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