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Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Too Much To Do -- I Nevër Get Everything Done
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– By Dr. R. James Steffen
Too Much To Do – I Nevër Get Everything Done Five minutes can change that forever.
When Bill Madson said “Too much to do!” the frustration on his face told me he had a serious problem. He continued, “I nevër get everything done!”
After listening to his situation for twenty more minutes, Bill flooded me with questions: “Is my problem unique? Is this a situation I must live with for life? Is this situation chronic to my job? Can you do anything to help me?”
The first thing I shared with Bill was that 95 to 99% of the professionals I have met working with 140 Fortune 500 companies related to his anxiety. Bill is not alone. I agreed to help Bill if he would be willing to spend just five minutes a day faithfully using two simple proven tools to solve his frustration. He agreed. Herë is what I told him.
Bill’s Problem – Rooted in His Excellence I first asked Bill to accept the fact that on any day he has the ability to think up more to do than he can possibly do. Four things limit what he can accomplish: his time, talent, resources and energy. Only his talent limits what he can think up. With hesitation, Bill agreed that part of his problem was rooted in his talent. We moved to the way he planned his day.
Two Huge Mistakes:
* Using an ordinary to-do list
* Not guestimating how long things take and adjusting accordingly
A To-Do List Helps But Frustrates Bill shared how a consultant encouraged him to use a to-do list. Religiously, as Bill thought of things to do, he would write them on that to-do list. He would work hard to get it all done. At the end of the day, he equally religiously checked off all he had accomplished. He showed me yesterday’s to-do list.
“I started the day with thirty things. I came in early, skipped lunch and worked late. During the day I added four things. At the end of the day I chëcked off the three things I got done. As I walked to the car, what do you think I was thinking of? The three I got done or the thirty-one items still on my list. After working hard and extra time, how do you think I felt that my to-do list was longer at the end of the day that when I began? I felt miserable,” Bill blurted out.
“Bill,” I replied, “You are experiencing to-do-list frustration, lovingly called TODLIF. Let me show you a way to overcome to-do-list frustration immediately and forever.”
A To-Do List Is a Contradiction
I explained how a to-do list contains a contradiction. Bill, like most to-do list users, hurried to add to his to-do list each time he thought of something else. Coming in early, skipping lunch and working late, he tried to get it all done. He put unlimïted items on the list. Because of his limitations of time, energy and resources, he could chëck only a limited number of things off. A lose-losë situation.
Using an ordinary to-do list condemns many professionals to lives grounded in an underlying negative feeling “I nevër get it all done.” This negative conviction saps part of the total energy needed for full accomplishment.
A Simple, Inexpensive and Immediate Solution to To-Do-List Frustration If you can call TODLIF a psychological sickness, then the penicillin for the situation is the Holding Pen and Priority List. The good news is that the Holding Pen and Priority List work even faster than penicillin.
This 1-2 punch will give you an immediate cure. First, create a holding pen where you write down all your to-dos as soon as you think of them. Your holding pen can be a simple pad of paper or as elegant as the latest Palm Pilot, Black Bird or computer.
At the beginning of each day, create a priority list. Your priority list items come from the Holding Pen. However, herë is the critical difference: on your Priority List, place only those priorities you believe you can accomplish today.
Guestimating – The Critical Step Most people skip this simple one-minute step: guestimating how long each item will take, then adjusting the list accordingly. Two hints:
* Things usually take longer than you believe – plan accordingly.
* Build in time for the unexpected and you won’t be disappoïnted.
During the day as you think of more things to do, quickly add them to your Holding Pen. Then you are frëe to immediately get back to the one priority of the moment with vigor and total concentration. And you will not forget anything because it’s captured in your Holding Pen.
How Bill’s Picture Changed:
Bill, Using Ordinary To-Do List As Bill went to the car, having accomplished three things, he got only 10% of his original 30 and still has 31 to do. Which do you think he focused on--the three accomplished or the 31 still on the list?
Bill Using Priority List and Holding Pen Bill’s Holding Pen is out of sight, to be used when he sets his Priority List tomorrow. As he walks to the car, he only sees the three priorities he began with, and accomplished today. Bill smiles as he reflects, “Finally, I got it all done.”
An Immediate Triple Wïn
If you’re like Bill Madson, when you use the Holding Pen and Priority List, you can expect a triple wïn.
Wïn #1 – All Mental Energy Focuses On Priorities
Bill became aware that a chronic part of his problem was the underlying worry and conviction that he would “Nevër Get It All Done!” The mental or psychic energy that went to the worrying was taking away from his total focus on the one Most Important Nöw of each moment.
With the holding pen and priority list, all this is changed. Today, Bill accepts and is thankful that he has the talent to create more to do in a day than he can possibly do. He has joined the ranks of the outstanding achievers; he focuses on the most important.
Wïn #2 – Increased Achievement
Today Bill achieves more for two reasons:
* He does not losë focus worrying about not getting it all done.
* By consistently focusing 100% of his mental energy, he joins the ranks of outstanding achievers.
Wïn #3 – Increased Satisfaction – “I Got It All Done”
Imagine most of your days ending by looking at your priority list and being able to say those glorious words, “I got it all done!” Better yet, “I got it all done again!”
15-Second Summary – Your Take-Home Value:
Problem
* Too much to do! I nevër get it all done!
Condition To Solve Your Problem
* Acknowledge your talent--you can plan more in a day that you can possible do.
Simple Solution You Can Use Immediately
* As you create things to do, immediately put them in your holding pen.
* When planning your day, only select those priorities you can accomplish today.
* Guestimate how long each item will take and adjust priorities accordingly.
Results You Can Expect
* All your mental energy focused on achievement.
* Increased achievement especially of the important things.
* The satisfaction of regularly getting it all done.
The material for this article comes from Dr. R. James Steffen’s new book: Aligned Thinking Make Every Moment Count: How successful people get what they REALLY want. To read a few chapters or more articles, go to www.SSAinternational.com
About the Author:
Dr. R. James Steffen has designed and makes available herë the industry’s most powerful time management system and tools called the Aligned Thinking™ Process. Aligned Thinking will help you do what most believe impossible: Align Every Action To What You Really Want. By showing how to align your every action to WHAT YOU REALLY WANT, this elegantly simple time management system will guide you to get the most from your business and personal life and balance the two. This is a wïn-wïn-wïn: a wïn for you, your company and your clients. Details: http://www.SSAinternational.com. Contact 203-740-8400 or rjsteffen@SSAinternational.com.
– By Dr. R. James Steffen
Too Much To Do – I Nevër Get Everything Done Five minutes can change that forever.
When Bill Madson said “Too much to do!” the frustration on his face told me he had a serious problem. He continued, “I nevër get everything done!”
After listening to his situation for twenty more minutes, Bill flooded me with questions: “Is my problem unique? Is this a situation I must live with for life? Is this situation chronic to my job? Can you do anything to help me?”
The first thing I shared with Bill was that 95 to 99% of the professionals I have met working with 140 Fortune 500 companies related to his anxiety. Bill is not alone. I agreed to help Bill if he would be willing to spend just five minutes a day faithfully using two simple proven tools to solve his frustration. He agreed. Herë is what I told him.
Bill’s Problem – Rooted in His Excellence I first asked Bill to accept the fact that on any day he has the ability to think up more to do than he can possibly do. Four things limit what he can accomplish: his time, talent, resources and energy. Only his talent limits what he can think up. With hesitation, Bill agreed that part of his problem was rooted in his talent. We moved to the way he planned his day.
Two Huge Mistakes:
* Using an ordinary to-do list
* Not guestimating how long things take and adjusting accordingly
A To-Do List Helps But Frustrates Bill shared how a consultant encouraged him to use a to-do list. Religiously, as Bill thought of things to do, he would write them on that to-do list. He would work hard to get it all done. At the end of the day, he equally religiously checked off all he had accomplished. He showed me yesterday’s to-do list.
“I started the day with thirty things. I came in early, skipped lunch and worked late. During the day I added four things. At the end of the day I chëcked off the three things I got done. As I walked to the car, what do you think I was thinking of? The three I got done or the thirty-one items still on my list. After working hard and extra time, how do you think I felt that my to-do list was longer at the end of the day that when I began? I felt miserable,” Bill blurted out.
“Bill,” I replied, “You are experiencing to-do-list frustration, lovingly called TODLIF. Let me show you a way to overcome to-do-list frustration immediately and forever.”
A To-Do List Is a Contradiction
I explained how a to-do list contains a contradiction. Bill, like most to-do list users, hurried to add to his to-do list each time he thought of something else. Coming in early, skipping lunch and working late, he tried to get it all done. He put unlimïted items on the list. Because of his limitations of time, energy and resources, he could chëck only a limited number of things off. A lose-losë situation.
Using an ordinary to-do list condemns many professionals to lives grounded in an underlying negative feeling “I nevër get it all done.” This negative conviction saps part of the total energy needed for full accomplishment.
A Simple, Inexpensive and Immediate Solution to To-Do-List Frustration If you can call TODLIF a psychological sickness, then the penicillin for the situation is the Holding Pen and Priority List. The good news is that the Holding Pen and Priority List work even faster than penicillin.
This 1-2 punch will give you an immediate cure. First, create a holding pen where you write down all your to-dos as soon as you think of them. Your holding pen can be a simple pad of paper or as elegant as the latest Palm Pilot, Black Bird or computer.
At the beginning of each day, create a priority list. Your priority list items come from the Holding Pen. However, herë is the critical difference: on your Priority List, place only those priorities you believe you can accomplish today.
Guestimating – The Critical Step Most people skip this simple one-minute step: guestimating how long each item will take, then adjusting the list accordingly. Two hints:
* Things usually take longer than you believe – plan accordingly.
* Build in time for the unexpected and you won’t be disappoïnted.
During the day as you think of more things to do, quickly add them to your Holding Pen. Then you are frëe to immediately get back to the one priority of the moment with vigor and total concentration. And you will not forget anything because it’s captured in your Holding Pen.
How Bill’s Picture Changed:
Bill, Using Ordinary To-Do List As Bill went to the car, having accomplished three things, he got only 10% of his original 30 and still has 31 to do. Which do you think he focused on--the three accomplished or the 31 still on the list?
Bill Using Priority List and Holding Pen Bill’s Holding Pen is out of sight, to be used when he sets his Priority List tomorrow. As he walks to the car, he only sees the three priorities he began with, and accomplished today. Bill smiles as he reflects, “Finally, I got it all done.”
An Immediate Triple Wïn
If you’re like Bill Madson, when you use the Holding Pen and Priority List, you can expect a triple wïn.
Wïn #1 – All Mental Energy Focuses On Priorities
Bill became aware that a chronic part of his problem was the underlying worry and conviction that he would “Nevër Get It All Done!” The mental or psychic energy that went to the worrying was taking away from his total focus on the one Most Important Nöw of each moment.
With the holding pen and priority list, all this is changed. Today, Bill accepts and is thankful that he has the talent to create more to do in a day than he can possibly do. He has joined the ranks of the outstanding achievers; he focuses on the most important.
Wïn #2 – Increased Achievement
Today Bill achieves more for two reasons:
* He does not losë focus worrying about not getting it all done.
* By consistently focusing 100% of his mental energy, he joins the ranks of outstanding achievers.
Wïn #3 – Increased Satisfaction – “I Got It All Done”
Imagine most of your days ending by looking at your priority list and being able to say those glorious words, “I got it all done!” Better yet, “I got it all done again!”
15-Second Summary – Your Take-Home Value:
Problem
* Too much to do! I nevër get it all done!
Condition To Solve Your Problem
* Acknowledge your talent--you can plan more in a day that you can possible do.
Simple Solution You Can Use Immediately
* As you create things to do, immediately put them in your holding pen.
* When planning your day, only select those priorities you can accomplish today.
* Guestimate how long each item will take and adjust priorities accordingly.
Results You Can Expect
* All your mental energy focused on achievement.
* Increased achievement especially of the important things.
* The satisfaction of regularly getting it all done.
The material for this article comes from Dr. R. James Steffen’s new book: Aligned Thinking Make Every Moment Count: How successful people get what they REALLY want. To read a few chapters or more articles, go to www.SSAinternational.com
About the Author:
Dr. R. James Steffen has designed and makes available herë the industry’s most powerful time management system and tools called the Aligned Thinking™ Process. Aligned Thinking will help you do what most believe impossible: Align Every Action To What You Really Want. By showing how to align your every action to WHAT YOU REALLY WANT, this elegantly simple time management system will guide you to get the most from your business and personal life and balance the two. This is a wïn-wïn-wïn: a wïn for you, your company and your clients. Details: http://www.SSAinternational.com. Contact 203-740-8400 or rjsteffen@SSAinternational.com.
ALWAYS HAVE A CHANCE
-------------------------------------------------
You know what you are today but not what you may be tomorrow. Use your imagination and look at things as they can be.
You can do anything you wish to do, have anything you wish to have, and be anything you wish to be. You don't know what you can really do until you try. All you have to do is to act on your dreams.
You have the power within you to do things you never dreamed possible. You would amaze yourself if you did all the things you're capable of doing. This power becomes available to you as soon as you change some of your beliefs.
Success begins in your mind.
©2006 by Max Steingart
You know what you are today but not what you may be tomorrow. Use your imagination and look at things as they can be.
You can do anything you wish to do, have anything you wish to have, and be anything you wish to be. You don't know what you can really do until you try. All you have to do is to act on your dreams.
You have the power within you to do things you never dreamed possible. You would amaze yourself if you did all the things you're capable of doing. This power becomes available to you as soon as you change some of your beliefs.
Success begins in your mind.
©2006 by Max Steingart
Monday, February 27, 2006
A Life Of Passion
------------------------------------------------
Getting Back To What You Love
There are times in life when we are committed to pursuing our passions. Every molecule in our body is focused on doing what we love. At other times, necessity and responsibility dictate that we put our dreams aside and do what needs to be done. It is during these moments that we may choose to forget what it is that we love to do. There are many other reasons for why we may leave our passions behind. A hobby may lose its appeal once we've realize it will never turn into our dream job. Someone important to us may keep telling us that our passions are childish and unsuitable - until we finally believe them.
Forgetting about what you love to do can be a form of self-sabotage. If you can forget about your dreams, then you never have to risk failure. But just because we've decided to ignore our passions doesn't mean they no longer exist. Nothing can fill the emptiness that remains in a space vacated by a passion that we have tossed aside. Besides, life is too short to stop doing what you love, and it is never too late to rediscover your favorite things. If you gave up playing an instrument, painting, drawing, spending time in nature, or any other activity or interest that you once loved to do, now may be the time to take up that passion again. If you don't remember what it is that you used to be passionate about, you may want to think about the activities or interests that you used to love or the dreams that you always wished you could pursue.
You don't have to neglect your responsibilities to pursue your passions, and you don't have to neglect your commitments to do what you love. When you make an effort to incorporate your interests into your life, the fire within you ignites. You feel excited, inspired, and fed by the flames that are sparked by living your life with passion for what you love.
What do you think?
Getting Back To What You Love
There are times in life when we are committed to pursuing our passions. Every molecule in our body is focused on doing what we love. At other times, necessity and responsibility dictate that we put our dreams aside and do what needs to be done. It is during these moments that we may choose to forget what it is that we love to do. There are many other reasons for why we may leave our passions behind. A hobby may lose its appeal once we've realize it will never turn into our dream job. Someone important to us may keep telling us that our passions are childish and unsuitable - until we finally believe them.
Forgetting about what you love to do can be a form of self-sabotage. If you can forget about your dreams, then you never have to risk failure. But just because we've decided to ignore our passions doesn't mean they no longer exist. Nothing can fill the emptiness that remains in a space vacated by a passion that we have tossed aside. Besides, life is too short to stop doing what you love, and it is never too late to rediscover your favorite things. If you gave up playing an instrument, painting, drawing, spending time in nature, or any other activity or interest that you once loved to do, now may be the time to take up that passion again. If you don't remember what it is that you used to be passionate about, you may want to think about the activities or interests that you used to love or the dreams that you always wished you could pursue.
You don't have to neglect your responsibilities to pursue your passions, and you don't have to neglect your commitments to do what you love. When you make an effort to incorporate your interests into your life, the fire within you ignites. You feel excited, inspired, and fed by the flames that are sparked by living your life with passion for what you love.
What do you think?
Its all in the mind......
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- By Gary
Major James Nesmeth had a dream of improving his golf game - and he developed a unique method of achieving his goal.
Until he devised this method, he was just your average weekend golfer, shooting in mid- to low-nineties. Then, for seven years, he completely quit the game. Never touched a club. Never set foot on a fairway. Ironically, it was during this seven-year break from the game that Major Nesmeth came up with his amazingly effective technique for improving his game - a technique we can all learn from.
In fact, the first time he set foot on a golf course after his hiatus from the game, he shot an astonishing 74! He had cut 20 strokes off his average without having swung a golf club in seven years! Unbelievable. Not only that, but his physical condition had actually deteriorated during those seven years.
What was Major Nesmeth's secret? Visualization.
You see, Major Nesmeth had spent those seven years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. During those seven years, he was imprisoned in a cage that was approximately four and one-half feet high and five feet long. During almost the
entire time he was imprisoned, he saw no one, talked to no one and experienced no physical activity. During the first few months he did virtually nothing but hope and pray for his release. Then he realized he had to find some way to occupy his mind or he would lose his sanity and probably his life. That's when he learned to visualize.
In his mind, he selected his favorite golf course and started playing golf. Every day, he played a full 18 holes at the imaginary country club of his dreams. He experienced everything to the last detail. He saw himself dressed in his golfing
clothes. He smelled the fragrance of the trees and the freshly trimmed grass. He experienced different weather conditions - windy spring days, overcast winter days, and sunny summer mornings.
In his imagination, every detail of the tee, the individual blades of grass, the trees, the singing birds, the scampering squirrels and the lay of the course became totally real. He felt the grip of the club in his hands. He instructed himself as he practiced smoothing out his down-swing and the follow-through on his shot. Then he watched the ball arc down the exact center of the fairway, bounce a couple of times and roll to the exact spot he had selected, all in his mind.
In the real world, he was in no hurry. He had no place to go. So in his mind he took every step on his way to the ball, just as if he were physically on the course. It took him just as long in imaginary time to play 18 holes as it would have taken
in reality. Not a detail was omitted. Not once did he ever miss a shot, never a hook or a slice, never a missed putt.
Seven days a week. Four hours a day. Eighteen holes. Seven years. Twenty strokes off. Shot a 74.
- Gary, Webmaster of http://www.astrowhiz.com/quotes.html
- By Gary
Major James Nesmeth had a dream of improving his golf game - and he developed a unique method of achieving his goal.
Until he devised this method, he was just your average weekend golfer, shooting in mid- to low-nineties. Then, for seven years, he completely quit the game. Never touched a club. Never set foot on a fairway. Ironically, it was during this seven-year break from the game that Major Nesmeth came up with his amazingly effective technique for improving his game - a technique we can all learn from.
In fact, the first time he set foot on a golf course after his hiatus from the game, he shot an astonishing 74! He had cut 20 strokes off his average without having swung a golf club in seven years! Unbelievable. Not only that, but his physical condition had actually deteriorated during those seven years.
What was Major Nesmeth's secret? Visualization.
You see, Major Nesmeth had spent those seven years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. During those seven years, he was imprisoned in a cage that was approximately four and one-half feet high and five feet long. During almost the
entire time he was imprisoned, he saw no one, talked to no one and experienced no physical activity. During the first few months he did virtually nothing but hope and pray for his release. Then he realized he had to find some way to occupy his mind or he would lose his sanity and probably his life. That's when he learned to visualize.
In his mind, he selected his favorite golf course and started playing golf. Every day, he played a full 18 holes at the imaginary country club of his dreams. He experienced everything to the last detail. He saw himself dressed in his golfing
clothes. He smelled the fragrance of the trees and the freshly trimmed grass. He experienced different weather conditions - windy spring days, overcast winter days, and sunny summer mornings.
In his imagination, every detail of the tee, the individual blades of grass, the trees, the singing birds, the scampering squirrels and the lay of the course became totally real. He felt the grip of the club in his hands. He instructed himself as he practiced smoothing out his down-swing and the follow-through on his shot. Then he watched the ball arc down the exact center of the fairway, bounce a couple of times and roll to the exact spot he had selected, all in his mind.
In the real world, he was in no hurry. He had no place to go. So in his mind he took every step on his way to the ball, just as if he were physically on the course. It took him just as long in imaginary time to play 18 holes as it would have taken
in reality. Not a detail was omitted. Not once did he ever miss a shot, never a hook or a slice, never a missed putt.
Seven days a week. Four hours a day. Eighteen holes. Seven years. Twenty strokes off. Shot a 74.
- Gary, Webmaster of http://www.astrowhiz.com/quotes.html
NO AUTHORITY IS HIGHER THAN REALITY
-------------------------------------------------
Truth isn't a matter of your personal viewpoint. Learn to see things as they really are, not as you imagine they are.
Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or who says it. No matter what you believe, it never changes the facts. If they are there, the facts always speak for themselves.
The truth does not change because it is, or is not, believed by a majority of people. If sixty million people say a foolish thing, it's still a foolish thing.
The sky is no less blue because the blind man does not see it.
©2006 by Max Steingart
Truth isn't a matter of your personal viewpoint. Learn to see things as they really are, not as you imagine they are.
Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it or who says it. No matter what you believe, it never changes the facts. If they are there, the facts always speak for themselves.
The truth does not change because it is, or is not, believed by a majority of people. If sixty million people say a foolish thing, it's still a foolish thing.
The sky is no less blue because the blind man does not see it.
©2006 by Max Steingart
Friday, February 24, 2006
Spiritual Imprints
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Aboriginal Dreamtime
Everything in the natural world leaves its mark on the earth. The Australian Aborigines, who have one of the longest continuous cultural histories of any group on earth, know this. Dreamtime, the spirituality and culture of the Aborigines, explains the origins and culture of the land and its people. In Aboriginal Dreaming, every meaningful activity, event, or life process is believed to leave behind a vibrational residue. Aborigines speak of the seed power deposited on the earth that all natural life brings forth known as jiva or guruwari. As plants leave an image of themselves as seeds, so too do the oceans, the mountains, and the smallest pebble. Everything in nature contains the memory of when they were created and vibrates with that life force.
"Dreaming," in Aboriginal culture, is comprised of the knowledge, faith, and practices derived from the stories of creation and the history of Australia. Dreamtime ceremonies, rituals, stories, and drawings describe the time when humans, plants, and animals were created. Often referred to as the time before time, it was during Dreamtime that the ancestral spirits came to earth in human and other forms, creating rivers, lakes, hills, and deserts. When their work was done, the ancestral spirits became a part of the earth, changing into plants, animals, land, and the sky.
The places the ancestral spirits traveled and where they came to rest was told to the Aborigines through Dreaming. Aborigines know that they do not own the land but are a part of it and that it is their duty to respect and look after the earth. Aboriginal Dreaming acknowledges that the ancestral spirits still reside in the natural world and their imprints resonate everywhere. The past is still alive and breathing today, as it will be in the future.
What do you think?
Aboriginal Dreamtime
Everything in the natural world leaves its mark on the earth. The Australian Aborigines, who have one of the longest continuous cultural histories of any group on earth, know this. Dreamtime, the spirituality and culture of the Aborigines, explains the origins and culture of the land and its people. In Aboriginal Dreaming, every meaningful activity, event, or life process is believed to leave behind a vibrational residue. Aborigines speak of the seed power deposited on the earth that all natural life brings forth known as jiva or guruwari. As plants leave an image of themselves as seeds, so too do the oceans, the mountains, and the smallest pebble. Everything in nature contains the memory of when they were created and vibrates with that life force.
"Dreaming," in Aboriginal culture, is comprised of the knowledge, faith, and practices derived from the stories of creation and the history of Australia. Dreamtime ceremonies, rituals, stories, and drawings describe the time when humans, plants, and animals were created. Often referred to as the time before time, it was during Dreamtime that the ancestral spirits came to earth in human and other forms, creating rivers, lakes, hills, and deserts. When their work was done, the ancestral spirits became a part of the earth, changing into plants, animals, land, and the sky.
The places the ancestral spirits traveled and where they came to rest was told to the Aborigines through Dreaming. Aborigines know that they do not own the land but are a part of it and that it is their duty to respect and look after the earth. Aboriginal Dreaming acknowledges that the ancestral spirits still reside in the natural world and their imprints resonate everywhere. The past is still alive and breathing today, as it will be in the future.
What do you think?
Make The Call
-------------------------------------------------
by Michael D. Hargrove
This story you are about to read is true and is dedicated to the memory of Gayle Belnap.
"Make The Call" is an exercise in which I ask the audience to imagine; you are on a 747 en route to Europe. You're traveling alone. It's a normal flight in every way. You settle down for a pleasant but rather long flight. About fifty minutes into it, you notice a slight vibration in the plane, but it's barely noticeable, as a matter of fact, no one else is noticing it so you don't give it any more thought.
An hour later, you notice the vibration again. It seems to have gotten a little bit worse, but then again maybe not. You figure it's nothing and let it go. You don't even think of the vibration any more until it suddenly gets a lot more severe, and then there's a loud POP! and the plane makes a sudden and violent dip to the right and then levels off again under control. There are a few screams and some panic among your fellow passengers until the captain gets on the intercom and explains that you've just lost an engine but not to worry because this plane is designed to fly safely with the remaining three. You can make it to Europe without any difficulty whatsoever.
This seems to calm everyone down and after a minute or two, the flight again becomes a perfectly normal one.
That is until the captain gets on the intercom once more, "Folks, we have discovered a problem. Evidently, when our number two engine let go, it did so in a very violent way. It has severed a fuel line. It's obvious now that we won't have enough fuel to get to Europe or to turn around and land. So we will be forced into making a water landing."
After a seemingly endless pause, he continued, "We've decided to proceed on to Europe as this will be the shortest distance for safety efforts to reach us. We'll continue to fly as long as we can to shorten the distance for rescue and to rid the plane of as much fuel as possible to help reduce the risk of fire. As we get closer to the time, we'll go over all the safety procedures you will need to survive. Until then folks, please remain in your seats and try to stay calm. Thank you."
The first thing that strikes you as odd is how very quiet the plane has become. With the exception of a couple of muffled sobs, everyone is surprisingly calm. That is until some genius decides to grab one of the phones and start to dial feverishly which triggers a mad dash for the remaining phones. Several arguments and even two fistfights ensue. The captain bursts out from the cockpit and orders everyone to get off the phones and back into their seats.
He retreats to the cockpit for a few minutes, returns, and announces; "Okay folks; we're going to do this in an orderly fashion. Everyone will get the same chance. We have determined, that with the fuel remaining, the rate of fuel loss, and the number of passengers aboard, each of you will be allowed to make one phone call. It can be up to two minutes long but not any longer. And that does NOT mean two one-minute calls or four 30 second calls. One call per person and one call only. We'll do this alphabetically within each row. Our stewards will assist you."
I then ask each of the workshop attendees to commit to paper who it is they'd call. And once everyone's written down the name of their special someone, I then ask them to commit to paper exactly what it is they would tell them.
I wait several minutes until everyone in the entire room has completed the exercise.
Then I ask them, "So what are you waiting for?"
I point out that we don't really need to be on that plane to make this call, do we?
Then I give them their homework assignment: "Today . . . make the call." I gently remind them that they'll get out of this only as much as they put into it and not to blow off this opportunity to truly make a difference.
One morning, before the beginning of one of my workshops, Mike Belnap (who had attended this particular workshop twice before) came up to me with something really important he had to share. He said that it was private, however, and asked if we could find the time to break away from everyone for a few minutes. I told him that perhaps during one of the breaks or during lunch we could be alone. An opportunity didn't present itself, however, until after the workshop was over and everyone else was filling out their evaluations.
Mike approached me at the front of the room and first commented on how I hadn't done the "Make The Call" exercise like I had the previous year. I immediately plunged into a well thought out, thoroughly competent explanation of how that particular exercise wasn't really appropriate for a large group of sales people, who after all, only came for closing skills, objection word tracks, or the like. I told him that I had only used "Make The Call" sporadically around the country, and simply wasn't convinced of its relevance to this type of audience.
While I was spouting this professional trainer's insight, Mike waited patiently without comment or facial expression until I had finished. The only remark he made was a mild, "Oh, I see." He then proceeded to tell me his story.
He tells me, "First, I want you to know that I have an absolutely wonderful marriage. As a matter of fact, a few weeks from now, God willing, my wife and I will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. My marriage has always been strong."
I smiled and said, "Congratulations."
Mike went on, "So when you asked us last year to write down what we'd say during our one phone call, I have to admit that I felt really silly. I was thinking to myself that she knows all of this already. But I trust you Michael, so I did it anyway. After the workshop, I pulled off the road to actually make the call, like you suggested, and both my wife and I had a good chuckle but I got it all out and told her everything I had written down."
"Later on that evening we had a fabulous time together. What a wonderful night! We spent three or four hours just hugging, laughing, reaffirming our love and telling each other how much in love we have been all these years. It was a very special night in an absolutely wonderful marriage."
By this time, two female co-workers of Mike's had joined our conversation but he didn't seem to mind much. I also noticed that he had started to noticeably tear up as he was telling me this story. Actually, the ladies were too. I had just started to worry about that when Mike hit me with it.
"Five days later, five days from the day of your workshop last year Michael, my wife and I were in a terrible car accident, a really bad one. I was in the hospital for several weeks. My wife, Gayle . . . well . . . Gayle is still in a coma."
With that, all four of us broke down, and cried. We sort of group hugged each other for a few moments. I couldn't begin to imagine the pain Mike must have been feeling.
When we eventually pulled away from each other, and after drying his eyes, Mike spoke again, "Michael, I want you to know something. I'm not crying right now because I may never get to speak with Gayle again. Frankly, I don't have any more tears left for that. I'm crying because I'm so very grateful that I had the chance to tell her how important she is to me. No matter what happens, I know that she knows how much I love her and will always love her. And I want to thank you for that. You gave me the opportunity to tell her." I thanked him. He hugged me again.
Now the question as to whom actually creates opportunities and who is merely the tool of the One who creates opportunities needs no debate as far as I'm concerned. And I don't ever remember feeling as small as I did at that moment. I felt like a thief. I felt that I had just stolen from the rest of the audience that day (not to mention all the other audiences) for not including the "Make the Call" exercise.
Later that week, I ended up personally buying back the entire inventory of newly revised workbooks we had just printed and then I redid them to include the "Make the Call" assignment. This past year, I've made a point to apologize to everyone who had attended this particular workshop before, just in case I had chosen not to do the exercise in their city. I've also been able to recount Mike's story (with his permission) so nobody dismisses this activity as simply trivial.
So, friend, now it's your turn. Take a moment right now and ask yourself, if you were on that plane, who would you call? Then, what would you tell them? And, how soon will you make the call?
About the Author:
©1999 by Michael D. Hargrove and Bottom Line Underwriters, Inc. All rights reserved. Michael D. Hargrove is President of Bottom Line Underwriters Inc.
by Michael D. Hargrove
This story you are about to read is true and is dedicated to the memory of Gayle Belnap.
"Make The Call" is an exercise in which I ask the audience to imagine; you are on a 747 en route to Europe. You're traveling alone. It's a normal flight in every way. You settle down for a pleasant but rather long flight. About fifty minutes into it, you notice a slight vibration in the plane, but it's barely noticeable, as a matter of fact, no one else is noticing it so you don't give it any more thought.
An hour later, you notice the vibration again. It seems to have gotten a little bit worse, but then again maybe not. You figure it's nothing and let it go. You don't even think of the vibration any more until it suddenly gets a lot more severe, and then there's a loud POP! and the plane makes a sudden and violent dip to the right and then levels off again under control. There are a few screams and some panic among your fellow passengers until the captain gets on the intercom and explains that you've just lost an engine but not to worry because this plane is designed to fly safely with the remaining three. You can make it to Europe without any difficulty whatsoever.
This seems to calm everyone down and after a minute or two, the flight again becomes a perfectly normal one.
That is until the captain gets on the intercom once more, "Folks, we have discovered a problem. Evidently, when our number two engine let go, it did so in a very violent way. It has severed a fuel line. It's obvious now that we won't have enough fuel to get to Europe or to turn around and land. So we will be forced into making a water landing."
After a seemingly endless pause, he continued, "We've decided to proceed on to Europe as this will be the shortest distance for safety efforts to reach us. We'll continue to fly as long as we can to shorten the distance for rescue and to rid the plane of as much fuel as possible to help reduce the risk of fire. As we get closer to the time, we'll go over all the safety procedures you will need to survive. Until then folks, please remain in your seats and try to stay calm. Thank you."
The first thing that strikes you as odd is how very quiet the plane has become. With the exception of a couple of muffled sobs, everyone is surprisingly calm. That is until some genius decides to grab one of the phones and start to dial feverishly which triggers a mad dash for the remaining phones. Several arguments and even two fistfights ensue. The captain bursts out from the cockpit and orders everyone to get off the phones and back into their seats.
He retreats to the cockpit for a few minutes, returns, and announces; "Okay folks; we're going to do this in an orderly fashion. Everyone will get the same chance. We have determined, that with the fuel remaining, the rate of fuel loss, and the number of passengers aboard, each of you will be allowed to make one phone call. It can be up to two minutes long but not any longer. And that does NOT mean two one-minute calls or four 30 second calls. One call per person and one call only. We'll do this alphabetically within each row. Our stewards will assist you."
I then ask each of the workshop attendees to commit to paper who it is they'd call. And once everyone's written down the name of their special someone, I then ask them to commit to paper exactly what it is they would tell them.
I wait several minutes until everyone in the entire room has completed the exercise.
Then I ask them, "So what are you waiting for?"
I point out that we don't really need to be on that plane to make this call, do we?
Then I give them their homework assignment: "Today . . . make the call." I gently remind them that they'll get out of this only as much as they put into it and not to blow off this opportunity to truly make a difference.
One morning, before the beginning of one of my workshops, Mike Belnap (who had attended this particular workshop twice before) came up to me with something really important he had to share. He said that it was private, however, and asked if we could find the time to break away from everyone for a few minutes. I told him that perhaps during one of the breaks or during lunch we could be alone. An opportunity didn't present itself, however, until after the workshop was over and everyone else was filling out their evaluations.
Mike approached me at the front of the room and first commented on how I hadn't done the "Make The Call" exercise like I had the previous year. I immediately plunged into a well thought out, thoroughly competent explanation of how that particular exercise wasn't really appropriate for a large group of sales people, who after all, only came for closing skills, objection word tracks, or the like. I told him that I had only used "Make The Call" sporadically around the country, and simply wasn't convinced of its relevance to this type of audience.
While I was spouting this professional trainer's insight, Mike waited patiently without comment or facial expression until I had finished. The only remark he made was a mild, "Oh, I see." He then proceeded to tell me his story.
He tells me, "First, I want you to know that I have an absolutely wonderful marriage. As a matter of fact, a few weeks from now, God willing, my wife and I will celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. My marriage has always been strong."
I smiled and said, "Congratulations."
Mike went on, "So when you asked us last year to write down what we'd say during our one phone call, I have to admit that I felt really silly. I was thinking to myself that she knows all of this already. But I trust you Michael, so I did it anyway. After the workshop, I pulled off the road to actually make the call, like you suggested, and both my wife and I had a good chuckle but I got it all out and told her everything I had written down."
"Later on that evening we had a fabulous time together. What a wonderful night! We spent three or four hours just hugging, laughing, reaffirming our love and telling each other how much in love we have been all these years. It was a very special night in an absolutely wonderful marriage."
By this time, two female co-workers of Mike's had joined our conversation but he didn't seem to mind much. I also noticed that he had started to noticeably tear up as he was telling me this story. Actually, the ladies were too. I had just started to worry about that when Mike hit me with it.
"Five days later, five days from the day of your workshop last year Michael, my wife and I were in a terrible car accident, a really bad one. I was in the hospital for several weeks. My wife, Gayle . . . well . . . Gayle is still in a coma."
With that, all four of us broke down, and cried. We sort of group hugged each other for a few moments. I couldn't begin to imagine the pain Mike must have been feeling.
When we eventually pulled away from each other, and after drying his eyes, Mike spoke again, "Michael, I want you to know something. I'm not crying right now because I may never get to speak with Gayle again. Frankly, I don't have any more tears left for that. I'm crying because I'm so very grateful that I had the chance to tell her how important she is to me. No matter what happens, I know that she knows how much I love her and will always love her. And I want to thank you for that. You gave me the opportunity to tell her." I thanked him. He hugged me again.
Now the question as to whom actually creates opportunities and who is merely the tool of the One who creates opportunities needs no debate as far as I'm concerned. And I don't ever remember feeling as small as I did at that moment. I felt like a thief. I felt that I had just stolen from the rest of the audience that day (not to mention all the other audiences) for not including the "Make the Call" exercise.
Later that week, I ended up personally buying back the entire inventory of newly revised workbooks we had just printed and then I redid them to include the "Make the Call" assignment. This past year, I've made a point to apologize to everyone who had attended this particular workshop before, just in case I had chosen not to do the exercise in their city. I've also been able to recount Mike's story (with his permission) so nobody dismisses this activity as simply trivial.
So, friend, now it's your turn. Take a moment right now and ask yourself, if you were on that plane, who would you call? Then, what would you tell them? And, how soon will you make the call?
About the Author:
©1999 by Michael D. Hargrove and Bottom Line Underwriters, Inc. All rights reserved. Michael D. Hargrove is President of Bottom Line Underwriters Inc.
DON'T BELIEVE IN MIRACLES, DEPEND ON THEM
------------------------------------------------
You don't need an explanation for everything. There are such things as miracles, events for which there are no ready explanations.
Future knowledge may explain these events quite simply. Any form of sufficiently advanced technology can be quite indistinguishable from magic when it's introduced for the first time.
Seeing, hearing, feeling are all miracles as well as each part of you. Seeing is not always believing. You know much more than you understand.
Have the vision to see invisible things.
©2006 by Max Steingart
You don't need an explanation for everything. There are such things as miracles, events for which there are no ready explanations.
Future knowledge may explain these events quite simply. Any form of sufficiently advanced technology can be quite indistinguishable from magic when it's introduced for the first time.
Seeing, hearing, feeling are all miracles as well as each part of you. Seeing is not always believing. You know much more than you understand.
Have the vision to see invisible things.
©2006 by Max Steingart
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Evolution Through Exploration
------------------------------------------------
Purpose
Most living things belong to a particular soul group and are born knowing their purpose in life. An animal will spend its day foraging for food, taking care of itself and its young, and creating a home. No one tells an animal to do this, yet it instinctively knows how. Humans, for the most part, are not born consciously knowing what their purpose is. Purpose gives our life meaning. When you discover your purpose, you can live your life with intention and make choices that serve your objective for why you are here on the planet. Finding your purpose is not always easy. You must embrace life wholeheartedly, explore many different pathways, and allow yourself to grow.
Your purpose is as unique as you are and will evolve as you move through life. You don't need anyone's permission to fulfill your purpose, and no one can tell you what that purpose is. Finding and fulfilling your purpose can be a lifelong endeavor. To figure out what your purpose is, ask yourself what drives you - not what forces you out of bed in the morning, but what makes you glad to be alive. Make a list of activities that you wish you were involved in or think about a career path that you would love to embark upon. These are the endeavors that can help you fulfill your purpose and bring you the most satisfaction.
Picture yourself working on projects that don't interest you or fulfill your purpose, yet they help satisfy your basic survival needs. Imagine how living this way each day would make you feel. Next, picture yourself devoting your time to projects that spark your imagination, inspire, excite, and satisfy you. More often than not, these activities are some of the ways that you can fulfill your life purpose. Time spent on these endeavors will never feel like a waste. Live your life with purpose, and you will feel significant and capable because every action you take and each choice you make will have meaning to it.
What do you think?
Purpose
Most living things belong to a particular soul group and are born knowing their purpose in life. An animal will spend its day foraging for food, taking care of itself and its young, and creating a home. No one tells an animal to do this, yet it instinctively knows how. Humans, for the most part, are not born consciously knowing what their purpose is. Purpose gives our life meaning. When you discover your purpose, you can live your life with intention and make choices that serve your objective for why you are here on the planet. Finding your purpose is not always easy. You must embrace life wholeheartedly, explore many different pathways, and allow yourself to grow.
Your purpose is as unique as you are and will evolve as you move through life. You don't need anyone's permission to fulfill your purpose, and no one can tell you what that purpose is. Finding and fulfilling your purpose can be a lifelong endeavor. To figure out what your purpose is, ask yourself what drives you - not what forces you out of bed in the morning, but what makes you glad to be alive. Make a list of activities that you wish you were involved in or think about a career path that you would love to embark upon. These are the endeavors that can help you fulfill your purpose and bring you the most satisfaction.
Picture yourself working on projects that don't interest you or fulfill your purpose, yet they help satisfy your basic survival needs. Imagine how living this way each day would make you feel. Next, picture yourself devoting your time to projects that spark your imagination, inspire, excite, and satisfy you. More often than not, these activities are some of the ways that you can fulfill your life purpose. Time spent on these endeavors will never feel like a waste. Live your life with purpose, and you will feel significant and capable because every action you take and each choice you make will have meaning to it.
What do you think?
Eight Tips to Eliminate Your Energy Drainers
----------------------------------------------------
– By Debbie Mandel
Are you feeling tired, the kind of tired where nothing really matters anymore? Have your energy levels dipped to the point that you feel like you are dragging around a leg iron? It’s time to relax and be patient. Save your energy the way water does when it cannot go over an obstacle. Water waits for the rain to fall, so it can collect itself and rise; for at this point it will not hesïtate to flow over a rock in the creek or go around it. Water finds its path. Rainier Maria Rilke reminds us: “How deep is the reservoir from where your life flows.”
Emotional fatigue usually correlates with disappointment. You might feel drained because you have been begging for scraps of attention, approval, financial security, and love. Ironically, you nevër had to beg in the first place because you already possess all these jewels. Maybe you don’t know where to look for them.
The antidote to fatigue is to get all fired up and forge your own universe. Your beliefs control your world; whether you believe that you can or can’t do something, you will prove yourself right! Reboot your sense of purpose and see if that doesn’t jumpstart your energy. Start dreaming and reframing your thinking to empower yourself to move in a more hopeful direction. Make sure to be specific about what you envision for yourself. While you are involved in the process of self-excavation, hëre are some suggestions to help you get fired up:
* Have a good fight! Perhaps you are swallowing too much, suppressing your needs for the sake of others, being far too accommodating. Conflict is not a wïn or losë situation. Conflict opens the door to change.
* Don’t be an unrealistic optimist! Perhaps you have expected too much and so your disappointment is all the greater. Aim for small successes. Each mini- success will fuel your enthusiasm and drive you to achieve more.
* Build up your self-concept. Maybe you have been talking yourself down internally or internalizing only the critical comments about your endeavors. Most of us tend to focus on what we don’t have; in other words, we think about that single negative remark over and over again, forgetting about all the compliments we receive. Every day list all the compliments people give you. Soon you will have a more accurate self-concept.
* Are you fighting too much? I know I told you to have a good fight, but are you expending too much energy proving that you are always right? Try to wïn by losing – apologize when you are wrong and wïn.
* Tighten your mind and stop wasting your energy. Relax during the in-between stages, loosen your muscles, and use your strength of focus when you need it.
* Don’t let others steal your time. Get a big Do Not Disturb sign and put your phöne machine on. Spend your time wisely instead of wasting it.
* Be less involved in the product, the outcome, and more involved in the process.
* Whatever you do, experience the present – don’t dilute it!
About the Author:
Debbie Mandel, MA, is the author of "Changing Habits: The Caregivers' Total Workout and Turn On Your Inner Light: Fitness for Body, Mind and Soul" - http://www.turnonyourinnerlight.com/page7.html#InnerLight - a stress-reduction specialist, motivational speaker, personal trainer, and mind/body lecturer. She is the host of the weekly Turn On Your Inner Light Show on WGBB AM1240 in New York City, produces a weekly wellness newsletter, and has been featured on radio/TV and print media. To learn more, visit http://www.turnonyourinnerlight.com
– By Debbie Mandel
Are you feeling tired, the kind of tired where nothing really matters anymore? Have your energy levels dipped to the point that you feel like you are dragging around a leg iron? It’s time to relax and be patient. Save your energy the way water does when it cannot go over an obstacle. Water waits for the rain to fall, so it can collect itself and rise; for at this point it will not hesïtate to flow over a rock in the creek or go around it. Water finds its path. Rainier Maria Rilke reminds us: “How deep is the reservoir from where your life flows.”
Emotional fatigue usually correlates with disappointment. You might feel drained because you have been begging for scraps of attention, approval, financial security, and love. Ironically, you nevër had to beg in the first place because you already possess all these jewels. Maybe you don’t know where to look for them.
The antidote to fatigue is to get all fired up and forge your own universe. Your beliefs control your world; whether you believe that you can or can’t do something, you will prove yourself right! Reboot your sense of purpose and see if that doesn’t jumpstart your energy. Start dreaming and reframing your thinking to empower yourself to move in a more hopeful direction. Make sure to be specific about what you envision for yourself. While you are involved in the process of self-excavation, hëre are some suggestions to help you get fired up:
* Have a good fight! Perhaps you are swallowing too much, suppressing your needs for the sake of others, being far too accommodating. Conflict is not a wïn or losë situation. Conflict opens the door to change.
* Don’t be an unrealistic optimist! Perhaps you have expected too much and so your disappointment is all the greater. Aim for small successes. Each mini- success will fuel your enthusiasm and drive you to achieve more.
* Build up your self-concept. Maybe you have been talking yourself down internally or internalizing only the critical comments about your endeavors. Most of us tend to focus on what we don’t have; in other words, we think about that single negative remark over and over again, forgetting about all the compliments we receive. Every day list all the compliments people give you. Soon you will have a more accurate self-concept.
* Are you fighting too much? I know I told you to have a good fight, but are you expending too much energy proving that you are always right? Try to wïn by losing – apologize when you are wrong and wïn.
* Tighten your mind and stop wasting your energy. Relax during the in-between stages, loosen your muscles, and use your strength of focus when you need it.
* Don’t let others steal your time. Get a big Do Not Disturb sign and put your phöne machine on. Spend your time wisely instead of wasting it.
* Be less involved in the product, the outcome, and more involved in the process.
* Whatever you do, experience the present – don’t dilute it!
About the Author:
Debbie Mandel, MA, is the author of "Changing Habits: The Caregivers' Total Workout and Turn On Your Inner Light: Fitness for Body, Mind and Soul" - http://www.turnonyourinnerlight.com/page7.html#InnerLight - a stress-reduction specialist, motivational speaker, personal trainer, and mind/body lecturer. She is the host of the weekly Turn On Your Inner Light Show on WGBB AM1240 in New York City, produces a weekly wellness newsletter, and has been featured on radio/TV and print media. To learn more, visit http://www.turnonyourinnerlight.com
THE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS IS DESIRE
-------------------------------------------------
Obstacles don't matter very much. Pain or other circumstances can be there. But, if you want something badly enough, you'll find a way to get it done.
If you're willing to pay the price any of your circumstances will change. If you want something badly enough, you're sure to get it. Reality forms around your commitment to succeed. Your desires will, in time, externalize themselves into concrete fact.
You only have to love a thing greatly to get it. Desire is the fire of life.
©2006 by Max Steingart
Obstacles don't matter very much. Pain or other circumstances can be there. But, if you want something badly enough, you'll find a way to get it done.
If you're willing to pay the price any of your circumstances will change. If you want something badly enough, you're sure to get it. Reality forms around your commitment to succeed. Your desires will, in time, externalize themselves into concrete fact.
You only have to love a thing greatly to get it. Desire is the fire of life.
©2006 by Max Steingart
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
The Ways We Love
-------------------------------------------------
Choosing To Have A Mate Or Being Single
The way we choose to love can be as unique as the way we choose to make a living, maintain our health, or entertain ourselves. Some choose to seek out a mate and enter into a partnership with a special individual, while others find immense satisfaction in staying single. There is no right or wrong way to be in your life when it comes to deciding whether or not to be in a relationship, even though society tends to put an emphasis on romantic partnerships. Whether you choose to go through life as part of a romantic relationship or live as a single unit, there are benefits to both. Feel free to be comfortable with whatever choice is right for you.
Choosing to be single is a wonderful way to spend time discovering yourself. You have more time and space to figure out what and how you want your life to be without having to keep someone else's choices in mind. Being single gives you the freedom to do what you want at a moment's notice and the pride that comes with facing life on your own terms. Companionship, support, and affection can be found while spending quality time with friends, colleagues, and relatives. There is also the fun that comes with being able to date many different people without having to make a commitment. Choosing to have a mate, on the other hand, brings with it an opportunity to share your life with another person. There is comfort in the knowledge that you are facing the world with someone as a united front. When life is challenging, you are in a position to strengthen, as well as give each other comfort. There is also the inevitable transformation of self that comes from allowing another person to so intimately be a part of your life.
Remember that what is right for one person may not be right for another, and people can transition between wanting to be with another person and wanting to be alone many times over the course of their lives. Whether you seek out a mate or live the single life, embracing it fully will ensure that either choice is as fulfilling as possible for you.
What do you think?
Choosing To Have A Mate Or Being Single
The way we choose to love can be as unique as the way we choose to make a living, maintain our health, or entertain ourselves. Some choose to seek out a mate and enter into a partnership with a special individual, while others find immense satisfaction in staying single. There is no right or wrong way to be in your life when it comes to deciding whether or not to be in a relationship, even though society tends to put an emphasis on romantic partnerships. Whether you choose to go through life as part of a romantic relationship or live as a single unit, there are benefits to both. Feel free to be comfortable with whatever choice is right for you.
Choosing to be single is a wonderful way to spend time discovering yourself. You have more time and space to figure out what and how you want your life to be without having to keep someone else's choices in mind. Being single gives you the freedom to do what you want at a moment's notice and the pride that comes with facing life on your own terms. Companionship, support, and affection can be found while spending quality time with friends, colleagues, and relatives. There is also the fun that comes with being able to date many different people without having to make a commitment. Choosing to have a mate, on the other hand, brings with it an opportunity to share your life with another person. There is comfort in the knowledge that you are facing the world with someone as a united front. When life is challenging, you are in a position to strengthen, as well as give each other comfort. There is also the inevitable transformation of self that comes from allowing another person to so intimately be a part of your life.
Remember that what is right for one person may not be right for another, and people can transition between wanting to be with another person and wanting to be alone many times over the course of their lives. Whether you seek out a mate or live the single life, embracing it fully will ensure that either choice is as fulfilling as possible for you.
What do you think?
Spirit-Centered Listening
How to Facilitate The Flow of Spiritual Connection
----------------------------------------------------
– By Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks
“Spirit-centered listening” occurs when you listen to other people while being aware of your spiritual essence and theirs. Another way to say it is that you listen from your spiritual center rather than your ego center. When you practice this technique, you create a space that draws the other person closer to his or her own spiritual center. And when you can practice it with your lovër, your communication will become a spiritual practice in itself, continually deepening your connection with yourselves and each other.
Spirit-centered listening varies quite a bit from ego-centered listening and produces very different results; however, it’s important to note that neither are right or wrong. It’s normal and natural for all of us to slip into ego-centered listening – the problem is when we get stuck in it and don’t know how to get out. One of our goals in our book “Spirit-Centered Relationships” is to show you a liberating alternative when you find yourself locking into ego-centered listening.
A great gift of deeper spiritual awareness in yourself is the ability to find your way back to that awareness when you’ve lost track of it. As you feel more centered in the sweet sensation of clear spirit inside you, you’ll naturally become more adept at finding your way back to that sensation when it gets overshadowed by the sock and awe of daily living.
The word spirit is derived from words that mean “breath” in ancient languages. Like your breathing, your spiritual essence is always there nurturing you, even when you’re sound asleep. Being in the grip of ego-centered listening, on the other hand, is a little bit like dozing off. When your ego is busily defending you, you’re out of touch with the feelings and spiritual essence of the other person...as well as your own. Like nighttime slumber, this “ego sleep” is natural and normal and probably hëre to stay. It’s best to make friends with it and forgive yourself in advance for drifting into it, since you’ll be more likely to forgive others who drift into it while they’re listening to you.
As you grow more secure in feeling your own spiritual essence, you’ll probably doze off less into the grip of ego-centered listening. Give yourself plenty of loving acceptance for it, though, because we can tell you from much experience that criticizing yourself for these catnaps is no help at all in making you doze less. In fact, beating yourself up for slipping into ego-centered listening has about the same positive effect as a dog chasing its own tail.
As your ability grows in spirit-centered listening, you’ll learn to love and accept yourself more and more. That’s because the spirit holds everything in its embrace, including feelings, needs, old patterns, slip-ups, and recoveries. As your awareness of your spiritual essence grows, you’ll be less tempted to grab onto an unpleasant emotion or an old pattern of defensiveness. It just won’t feel as good to do it anymore – it will feel much better to rest in the sweet sot of spirit, and from that place of spacious embrace to hold lightly all the comings and goings of your ego.
Ego Versus Spiritual
The word ego comes from Latin and simply means “I.” When you think of yourself as “I” or “me,” you’re setting yourself apart from other people and the world around you. It’s essential that you learn how to do this early on in life – if you can’t distinguish yourself from walls and trees and cars, for example, your journey on earth is likely to be harsh, calamitous, and brief. On the other hand, it’s also essential that you learn to soften and melt the boundaries of your separate “I” so that you can enjoy the miracle of merging with loved ones and the world around you. If your ego rules the roost, you won’t get frëe of it to enjoy the blessings of union; as a result, you’ll miss out on much of the richness of life and love.
When your ego and spirit are in harmony with each other, the deeper magic of human existence comes to life. To feel a sold sense of “I-ness” while enjoying a deep, connected “us-ness” with your beloved is the essence of a spirit-centered relationship. And spirit-centered listening is a key practice in making this kind of relationship possible.
(Excerpt from “Spirit-Centered Relationships” – By Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks) http://www.hendricks.com/specialoffer.html
About the Authors:
For today only (February 14th), Gay & Kathlyn Hendricks have meticulously and considerately created a unique Valentine’s Day offer that has nevër been offered before! This offer has the potential to transform your love relationship to a level that is deeply enriching and totally satisfying. This is where you need to go right nöw: http://www.hendricks.com/specialoffer.html
----------------------------------------------------
– By Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks
“Spirit-centered listening” occurs when you listen to other people while being aware of your spiritual essence and theirs. Another way to say it is that you listen from your spiritual center rather than your ego center. When you practice this technique, you create a space that draws the other person closer to his or her own spiritual center. And when you can practice it with your lovër, your communication will become a spiritual practice in itself, continually deepening your connection with yourselves and each other.
Spirit-centered listening varies quite a bit from ego-centered listening and produces very different results; however, it’s important to note that neither are right or wrong. It’s normal and natural for all of us to slip into ego-centered listening – the problem is when we get stuck in it and don’t know how to get out. One of our goals in our book “Spirit-Centered Relationships” is to show you a liberating alternative when you find yourself locking into ego-centered listening.
A great gift of deeper spiritual awareness in yourself is the ability to find your way back to that awareness when you’ve lost track of it. As you feel more centered in the sweet sensation of clear spirit inside you, you’ll naturally become more adept at finding your way back to that sensation when it gets overshadowed by the sock and awe of daily living.
The word spirit is derived from words that mean “breath” in ancient languages. Like your breathing, your spiritual essence is always there nurturing you, even when you’re sound asleep. Being in the grip of ego-centered listening, on the other hand, is a little bit like dozing off. When your ego is busily defending you, you’re out of touch with the feelings and spiritual essence of the other person...as well as your own. Like nighttime slumber, this “ego sleep” is natural and normal and probably hëre to stay. It’s best to make friends with it and forgive yourself in advance for drifting into it, since you’ll be more likely to forgive others who drift into it while they’re listening to you.
As you grow more secure in feeling your own spiritual essence, you’ll probably doze off less into the grip of ego-centered listening. Give yourself plenty of loving acceptance for it, though, because we can tell you from much experience that criticizing yourself for these catnaps is no help at all in making you doze less. In fact, beating yourself up for slipping into ego-centered listening has about the same positive effect as a dog chasing its own tail.
As your ability grows in spirit-centered listening, you’ll learn to love and accept yourself more and more. That’s because the spirit holds everything in its embrace, including feelings, needs, old patterns, slip-ups, and recoveries. As your awareness of your spiritual essence grows, you’ll be less tempted to grab onto an unpleasant emotion or an old pattern of defensiveness. It just won’t feel as good to do it anymore – it will feel much better to rest in the sweet sot of spirit, and from that place of spacious embrace to hold lightly all the comings and goings of your ego.
Ego Versus Spiritual
The word ego comes from Latin and simply means “I.” When you think of yourself as “I” or “me,” you’re setting yourself apart from other people and the world around you. It’s essential that you learn how to do this early on in life – if you can’t distinguish yourself from walls and trees and cars, for example, your journey on earth is likely to be harsh, calamitous, and brief. On the other hand, it’s also essential that you learn to soften and melt the boundaries of your separate “I” so that you can enjoy the miracle of merging with loved ones and the world around you. If your ego rules the roost, you won’t get frëe of it to enjoy the blessings of union; as a result, you’ll miss out on much of the richness of life and love.
When your ego and spirit are in harmony with each other, the deeper magic of human existence comes to life. To feel a sold sense of “I-ness” while enjoying a deep, connected “us-ness” with your beloved is the essence of a spirit-centered relationship. And spirit-centered listening is a key practice in making this kind of relationship possible.
(Excerpt from “Spirit-Centered Relationships” – By Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks) http://www.hendricks.com/specialoffer.html
About the Authors:
For today only (February 14th), Gay & Kathlyn Hendricks have meticulously and considerately created a unique Valentine’s Day offer that has nevër been offered before! This offer has the potential to transform your love relationship to a level that is deeply enriching and totally satisfying. This is where you need to go right nöw: http://www.hendricks.com/specialoffer.html
ACCEPT CHANGE WITH A SMILE
------------------------------------------------
Sooner or later, you'll experience a crisis in your life, and how you meet it will determine your future happiness and success. Since the beginning of time, everyone has been called upon to meet such a crisis.
A closer look will show you that most "crisis situations" are opportunities to either advance or stay where you are. In fact, most changes in your life will take place out of either "inspiration" or "desperation."
Whatever comes your way, give it meaning and transform it into something of value. Your personal growth is the process of responding positively to change.
A precious stone cannot be polished without friction, nor humanity perfected without trials.
©2006 by Max Steingart
Sooner or later, you'll experience a crisis in your life, and how you meet it will determine your future happiness and success. Since the beginning of time, everyone has been called upon to meet such a crisis.
A closer look will show you that most "crisis situations" are opportunities to either advance or stay where you are. In fact, most changes in your life will take place out of either "inspiration" or "desperation."
Whatever comes your way, give it meaning and transform it into something of value. Your personal growth is the process of responding positively to change.
A precious stone cannot be polished without friction, nor humanity perfected without trials.
©2006 by Max Steingart
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
The Weight Of Objects
------------------------------------------------
Clearing Your Space For Change
In life, we tend to have an easier time acquiring possessions than we do getting rid of them. Just as we harbor emotional baggage that is difficult to let go of, our lives can tend to be filled with material objects that we may feel compelled to hold on to. Most people are not conscious of how much they own and how many of their possessions are no longer adding value to their life. They fiercely hold on to material objects because this makes them feel secure or comfortable. While it's true that the ownership of "stuff" can make you feel good for awhile, it seldom satisfies the deep inner longings that nearly everyone has for fulfillment and satisfaction. It is only when we are ready to let go of our baggage and be vulnerable that it becomes possible to recognize the emotional hold that our possessions can have on us.
It's not uncommon to hold on to material objects because we are attached to them or fear the empty spaces that will remain if we get rid of them. Giving away the souvenirs from a beloved voyage may feel like we are erasing the memory of that time in our life. We may also worry that our loved ones will feel hurt if we don't keep the gifts they've given us. It's easy to convince ourselves that unused possessions might come in handy someday or that parting with them will cause you emotional pain. However, when your personal space is filled with objects, there is no room for anything new to enter and stay in your life. Your collection of belongings may "protect" you from the uncertainties of an unknown future while keeping you stuck in the past. Holding on to unnecessary possessions often goes hand in hand with holding on to pain, anger, and resentment, and letting go of your material possessions may help you release emotional baggage.
When you make a conscious decision to fill your personal space with only the objects that you need or bring you joy, your energy level will soar. Clearing your personal space can lead to mental clarity and an improved memory. As you learn to have a more practical and temporary relationship to objects, positive changes will happen, and you'll have space to create the life that you desire.
What do you think?
Clearing Your Space For Change
In life, we tend to have an easier time acquiring possessions than we do getting rid of them. Just as we harbor emotional baggage that is difficult to let go of, our lives can tend to be filled with material objects that we may feel compelled to hold on to. Most people are not conscious of how much they own and how many of their possessions are no longer adding value to their life. They fiercely hold on to material objects because this makes them feel secure or comfortable. While it's true that the ownership of "stuff" can make you feel good for awhile, it seldom satisfies the deep inner longings that nearly everyone has for fulfillment and satisfaction. It is only when we are ready to let go of our baggage and be vulnerable that it becomes possible to recognize the emotional hold that our possessions can have on us.
It's not uncommon to hold on to material objects because we are attached to them or fear the empty spaces that will remain if we get rid of them. Giving away the souvenirs from a beloved voyage may feel like we are erasing the memory of that time in our life. We may also worry that our loved ones will feel hurt if we don't keep the gifts they've given us. It's easy to convince ourselves that unused possessions might come in handy someday or that parting with them will cause you emotional pain. However, when your personal space is filled with objects, there is no room for anything new to enter and stay in your life. Your collection of belongings may "protect" you from the uncertainties of an unknown future while keeping you stuck in the past. Holding on to unnecessary possessions often goes hand in hand with holding on to pain, anger, and resentment, and letting go of your material possessions may help you release emotional baggage.
When you make a conscious decision to fill your personal space with only the objects that you need or bring you joy, your energy level will soar. Clearing your personal space can lead to mental clarity and an improved memory. As you learn to have a more practical and temporary relationship to objects, positive changes will happen, and you'll have space to create the life that you desire.
What do you think?
Don't Hope Friend...Decide
------------------------------------------------
- by Michael Hargrove
While waiting to pick up a friend at the airport in Portland, Oregon, I had one of those life changing experiences that you hear other people talk about. You know, the kind that sneaks up on you unexpectedly? Well, this one occurred a mere two feet away from me! Straining to locate my friend among the passengers deplaning through the jet way, I noticed a man coming toward me carrying two light bags. He stopped right next to me to greet his family.
First, he motioned to his youngest son (maybe six years old) as he laid down his bags. They gave each other a long, and movingly loving hug. As they separated enough to look in each other's face, I heard the father say, "It's so good to see you, son. I missed you so much!" His son smiled somewhat shyly, diverted his eyes, and replied softly, "Me too, Dad!"
Then the man stood up, gazed in the eyes of his oldest son (maybe 9) and while cupping his son's face in his hands he said, "You're already quite the young man. I love you very much Zach!" They too hugged a most loving, tender hug. His son said nothing. No reply was necessary.
While this was happening, a baby girl (perhaps one or one and a half) was squirming excitedly in her mother's arms, never once taking her little eyes off the wonderful sight of her returning father. The man said, "Hi baby girl!" as he gently took the child from her mother. He quickly kissed her face all over and then held her close to his chest while rocking her from side to side. The little girl instantly relaxed and simply laid her head on his shoulder and remained motionless in total pure contentment.
After several moments, he handed his daughter to his oldest son and declared, "I've saved the best for last!" and proceeded to give his wife the longest, most passionate kiss I ever remember seeing. He gazed into her eyes for several seconds and then quietly said, "I love you so much!". They stared into each other's eyes, beaming big smiles at one another, while holding both hands. For an instant, they reminded me of newlyweds but I knew by the age of their kids that they couldn't be. I puzzled about it for a moment, then realized how totally engrossed I was in the wonderful display of unconditional love not more than an arm's length away from me. I suddenly felt uncomfortable, as if I were invading something sacred, but was amazed to hear my own voice nervously ask, "Wow! How long have you two been married?"
"Been together fourteen years total, married twelve of those." he replied without breaking his gaze from his lovely wife's face.
"Well then, how long have you been away?" I asked. The man finally looked at me, still beaming his joyous smile and told me, "Two whole days!"
Two days?! I was stunned! I was certain by the intensity of the greeting I just witnessed that he'd been gone for at least several weeks, if not months, and I know my expression betrayed me. So, I said almost offhandedly, hoping to end my intrusion with some semblance of grace (and to get back to searching for my friend), "I hope my marriage is still that passionate after twelve years!"
The man suddenly stopped smiling. He looked me straight in the eye, and with an intensity that burned right into my soul, he told me something that left me a different person. He told me, "Don't hope friend...decide." Then he flashed me his wonderful smile again, shook my hand and said, "God bless!". With that, he and his family turned and energetically strode away together.
I was still watching that special man and his exceptional family walk just out of sight when my friend came up to me and asked, "What'cha looking at?" Without hesitating, and with a curious sense of certainty, I replied, "My future!"
About the Author:
© Copyright 1997 by Michael D. Hargrove. All rights reserved. Used with author's permission.
- by Michael Hargrove
While waiting to pick up a friend at the airport in Portland, Oregon, I had one of those life changing experiences that you hear other people talk about. You know, the kind that sneaks up on you unexpectedly? Well, this one occurred a mere two feet away from me! Straining to locate my friend among the passengers deplaning through the jet way, I noticed a man coming toward me carrying two light bags. He stopped right next to me to greet his family.
First, he motioned to his youngest son (maybe six years old) as he laid down his bags. They gave each other a long, and movingly loving hug. As they separated enough to look in each other's face, I heard the father say, "It's so good to see you, son. I missed you so much!" His son smiled somewhat shyly, diverted his eyes, and replied softly, "Me too, Dad!"
Then the man stood up, gazed in the eyes of his oldest son (maybe 9) and while cupping his son's face in his hands he said, "You're already quite the young man. I love you very much Zach!" They too hugged a most loving, tender hug. His son said nothing. No reply was necessary.
While this was happening, a baby girl (perhaps one or one and a half) was squirming excitedly in her mother's arms, never once taking her little eyes off the wonderful sight of her returning father. The man said, "Hi baby girl!" as he gently took the child from her mother. He quickly kissed her face all over and then held her close to his chest while rocking her from side to side. The little girl instantly relaxed and simply laid her head on his shoulder and remained motionless in total pure contentment.
After several moments, he handed his daughter to his oldest son and declared, "I've saved the best for last!" and proceeded to give his wife the longest, most passionate kiss I ever remember seeing. He gazed into her eyes for several seconds and then quietly said, "I love you so much!". They stared into each other's eyes, beaming big smiles at one another, while holding both hands. For an instant, they reminded me of newlyweds but I knew by the age of their kids that they couldn't be. I puzzled about it for a moment, then realized how totally engrossed I was in the wonderful display of unconditional love not more than an arm's length away from me. I suddenly felt uncomfortable, as if I were invading something sacred, but was amazed to hear my own voice nervously ask, "Wow! How long have you two been married?"
"Been together fourteen years total, married twelve of those." he replied without breaking his gaze from his lovely wife's face.
"Well then, how long have you been away?" I asked. The man finally looked at me, still beaming his joyous smile and told me, "Two whole days!"
Two days?! I was stunned! I was certain by the intensity of the greeting I just witnessed that he'd been gone for at least several weeks, if not months, and I know my expression betrayed me. So, I said almost offhandedly, hoping to end my intrusion with some semblance of grace (and to get back to searching for my friend), "I hope my marriage is still that passionate after twelve years!"
The man suddenly stopped smiling. He looked me straight in the eye, and with an intensity that burned right into my soul, he told me something that left me a different person. He told me, "Don't hope friend...decide." Then he flashed me his wonderful smile again, shook my hand and said, "God bless!". With that, he and his family turned and energetically strode away together.
I was still watching that special man and his exceptional family walk just out of sight when my friend came up to me and asked, "What'cha looking at?" Without hesitating, and with a curious sense of certainty, I replied, "My future!"
About the Author:
© Copyright 1997 by Michael D. Hargrove. All rights reserved. Used with author's permission.
YOU ONLY GET TO KEEP WHAT YOU GIVE AWAY
-------------------------------------------------
It's a universal law: You have to give before you get. You must plant your seeds before you reap the harvest. The more you sow, the more you will reap. In giving to others, you will find yourself blessed.
The law works to give you back more then you have sown. The giver's harvest is always full. Those that obtain have little. Those who scatter have much.
Nature does not give to those who will not spend.
©2006 by Max Steingart
It's a universal law: You have to give before you get. You must plant your seeds before you reap the harvest. The more you sow, the more you will reap. In giving to others, you will find yourself blessed.
The law works to give you back more then you have sown. The giver's harvest is always full. Those that obtain have little. Those who scatter have much.
Nature does not give to those who will not spend.
©2006 by Max Steingart
Monday, February 20, 2006
Making Fun
-------------------------------------------------
Finding Joy In Meaningless Tasks
Spending an afternoon working on the car, gardening, or even cleaning the house can be fun when we have an interest in the project. Yet, we can also find joy in the chores and tasks we don't especially like. All we need is a change of attitude, a different approach, a little music, or some help from friends, and the tasks or responsibilities that we perceive as tedious can become a source of pleasure.
Most of us tend to put off what it is that we don't want to do. Yet, one of the best approaches to an unpleasant task or dull chore is to dive right in and be fully mindful of what it is that you are doing. You may not perceive washing the kitchen floor as enjoyable, but it can be if you view it as a loving act for both yourself and your family. Lose yourself in paying your bills, and thank the universe that you are able to receive the service you are writing that check for. Mending can become a treasure hunt to find the right button and matching thread. And, each morning, see how neatly you can make your bed and take pride in your results.
Playing your favorite music, dancing while you work, or creating a mental list of everything you are grateful for are just a few ways to turn an unexciting activity into a fun event. Ask a friend to help you clean out the basement or paint a room; provide some yummy snacks as an incentive. Look for joy in doing your mundane activities, and they'll become a source of enjoyment rather than a tolerable duty.
What do you think?
Finding Joy In Meaningless Tasks
Spending an afternoon working on the car, gardening, or even cleaning the house can be fun when we have an interest in the project. Yet, we can also find joy in the chores and tasks we don't especially like. All we need is a change of attitude, a different approach, a little music, or some help from friends, and the tasks or responsibilities that we perceive as tedious can become a source of pleasure.
Most of us tend to put off what it is that we don't want to do. Yet, one of the best approaches to an unpleasant task or dull chore is to dive right in and be fully mindful of what it is that you are doing. You may not perceive washing the kitchen floor as enjoyable, but it can be if you view it as a loving act for both yourself and your family. Lose yourself in paying your bills, and thank the universe that you are able to receive the service you are writing that check for. Mending can become a treasure hunt to find the right button and matching thread. And, each morning, see how neatly you can make your bed and take pride in your results.
Playing your favorite music, dancing while you work, or creating a mental list of everything you are grateful for are just a few ways to turn an unexciting activity into a fun event. Ask a friend to help you clean out the basement or paint a room; provide some yummy snacks as an incentive. Look for joy in doing your mundane activities, and they'll become a source of enjoyment rather than a tolerable duty.
What do you think?
A little bit of creativity from the mind of a little boy :
------------------------------------------------
- By Unknown Author
Once there was a little boy who wanted his dad to teach him how to play catch. One sunny day the little boy's father was sitting on the couch, drinking a beer, while watching a baseball game. The boy rushed into the house exclaiming "Daddy, daddy, daddy, show me how to play catch!" The father, blankly starring at the television screen, replied " In a little while son, let me finish watching this inning, come back in five minutes." "Okay daddy" said the boy and ran out of the room. Five minutes later the boy returned screaming "Daddy, let's go, let's play some catch now!"
The father turned to the boy and said hold on son the inning is not quite over come back in five more minutes. "Okay, daddy" said the boy as he shuffled out the room. Five minutes later the boy returned ball and glove in hand eagerly awaiting for his father to play some catch. "Daddy, lets go, I want to be Ken Griffey Jr.!" shouted the boy.
By this time, the father had cracked open another cold one and another inning was taking place. Frustrated by the boy's constant hindrances, the dad scanned the room. While scanning the room the father notice a magazine underneath the coffee table. On the cover of the magazine was a large picture of the world. The father, who was angered & annoyed, began tearing the magazine cover in to small pieces. After a few moments, of shredding up the magazine cover, the father placed the torn pieces on the magazine. Then, the father turned to his boy and said "Son, once you put this picture of the world back together we can play catch, but do not interrupt me again until you are done!"
Apprehensively, the boy took the magazine and sulked into his room. As he sobbed "Okay, daddy I won't". A few moments later the boy returned and said, "I'm done daddy can we play catch now?"
Stunned, the father glanced towards his child, and there in his small hands laid the magazine with the world pieced perfectly together. Amazed, the dad asked his child how he put the world together so quickly. "It was simple" stated the boy "On the back of the world was a picture of a person, and once I put the person together that's when their world came together."
- Unknown Author
- By Unknown Author
Once there was a little boy who wanted his dad to teach him how to play catch. One sunny day the little boy's father was sitting on the couch, drinking a beer, while watching a baseball game. The boy rushed into the house exclaiming "Daddy, daddy, daddy, show me how to play catch!" The father, blankly starring at the television screen, replied " In a little while son, let me finish watching this inning, come back in five minutes." "Okay daddy" said the boy and ran out of the room. Five minutes later the boy returned screaming "Daddy, let's go, let's play some catch now!"
The father turned to the boy and said hold on son the inning is not quite over come back in five more minutes. "Okay, daddy" said the boy as he shuffled out the room. Five minutes later the boy returned ball and glove in hand eagerly awaiting for his father to play some catch. "Daddy, lets go, I want to be Ken Griffey Jr.!" shouted the boy.
By this time, the father had cracked open another cold one and another inning was taking place. Frustrated by the boy's constant hindrances, the dad scanned the room. While scanning the room the father notice a magazine underneath the coffee table. On the cover of the magazine was a large picture of the world. The father, who was angered & annoyed, began tearing the magazine cover in to small pieces. After a few moments, of shredding up the magazine cover, the father placed the torn pieces on the magazine. Then, the father turned to his boy and said "Son, once you put this picture of the world back together we can play catch, but do not interrupt me again until you are done!"
Apprehensively, the boy took the magazine and sulked into his room. As he sobbed "Okay, daddy I won't". A few moments later the boy returned and said, "I'm done daddy can we play catch now?"
Stunned, the father glanced towards his child, and there in his small hands laid the magazine with the world pieced perfectly together. Amazed, the dad asked his child how he put the world together so quickly. "It was simple" stated the boy "On the back of the world was a picture of a person, and once I put the person together that's when their world came together."
- Unknown Author
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