Monday, August 31, 2009
Never Give Up!
What do you do when you have set goals and you fail to reach them?
Do you keep striving toward that goal or do you give up?
Does the fact that you failed to reach that goal make you a failure?
NO it does not!
Les Brown (among others with similar ideas) suggest that we "shoot for the moon" and we may "land on a star". The idea being that we should set HIGH goals for ourselves. You see, even if we don't reach that goal we have reached a much higher plane than that at which we started!
Mel Robbins suggest that you throw the timeline for your goals out the door. I heard her say this at the SUCCESS Symposium in Dallas back near the end of March and I thought, "Say what??"
Everything I have ever read or heard talked about the importance of setting "dates" for the completion of our goals. But Mel suggests that this creates a lot of stress during the process and a feeling of failure at the end of the process.
I do agree with both of those points - but I would also suggest that you NEVER GIVE UP on reaching that goal. Let's say you don't make it by the time that you have set for yourself - what then?
You are NOT a failure for it is likely that (unless you've done absolutely nothing) you have moved further in your advancement than if you had not set the goal at all. BUT DON'T QUIT!
In my opinion, the only time that you become a failure is when you QUIT!
So what if it takes you an extra year to reach that goal? So what if it takes you an extra five years to reach your goal? The key here is to keep working and moving forward - NEVER GIVE UP!
Remember this - perhaps post it where you can see it:
NEVER GIVE UP!
NEVER GIVE IN!
NEVER SURRENDER!
Do you keep striving toward that goal or do you give up?
Does the fact that you failed to reach that goal make you a failure?
NO it does not!
Les Brown (among others with similar ideas) suggest that we "shoot for the moon" and we may "land on a star". The idea being that we should set HIGH goals for ourselves. You see, even if we don't reach that goal we have reached a much higher plane than that at which we started!
Mel Robbins suggest that you throw the timeline for your goals out the door. I heard her say this at the SUCCESS Symposium in Dallas back near the end of March and I thought, "Say what??"
Everything I have ever read or heard talked about the importance of setting "dates" for the completion of our goals. But Mel suggests that this creates a lot of stress during the process and a feeling of failure at the end of the process.
I do agree with both of those points - but I would also suggest that you NEVER GIVE UP on reaching that goal. Let's say you don't make it by the time that you have set for yourself - what then?
You are NOT a failure for it is likely that (unless you've done absolutely nothing) you have moved further in your advancement than if you had not set the goal at all. BUT DON'T QUIT!
In my opinion, the only time that you become a failure is when you QUIT!
So what if it takes you an extra year to reach that goal? So what if it takes you an extra five years to reach your goal? The key here is to keep working and moving forward - NEVER GIVE UP!
Remember this - perhaps post it where you can see it:
NEVER GIVE UP!
NEVER GIVE IN!
NEVER SURRENDER!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
What Happened With My Wife's Heart Attack
I'm not trying to be morbid, but I've had a LOT of people ask me what happened with all of this. Some are just finding out about it and I thought that this would be an easier way to clear up rumors and misinformation that is out there as well.There is no way that I can call everyone and explain the same thing over and over again and there is no way in the world I can THANK EVERYONE enough for all of the thoughts and prayers. Please know from the bottom of our hearts how much we love and appreciate each one of you!
On Thursday afternoon, Aug. 20th, Janan was with our youngest son, Jordan at the local Jr. college getting him signed up for a course he is taking for his H.S. Senior year. While he was filling in some information on the computer she sat out in a hallway to wait and began to feel bad. She says that her chest began to hurt and she could hardly breathe. She told Jordan that she needed to go home and so they headed toward the house.Jordan has told me that he knew SOMETHING was wrong but that he wasn't sure what to do. Janan just told him to take her home and that she thought maybe she was having some sort of an allergic reaction.
Thank goodness I came home early on Thursday. I don't remember the exact time, but somewhere around 3 p.m. Jordan and Janan drove up and as soon as Janan got out of the truck I knew something was wrong. She was bending over as she was walking to the house saying that she didn't feel good at all. She went to the bedroom and lay down on the bed saying she just thought she needed to lay down. She did say that her throat felt like it was swelling so I got her some Benedryl to help with that but, upon continuing to question her, knew it was much more than that. Once she told me that her hands were tingling and that her left arm was hurting really bad I knew we had to get her to the doctor.
The 3 of us jumped in the Trailblazer with emergency lights flashing and made a very quick trip to town. NOTE TO DRIVERS: When someone is behind you with their flashers on and honking their horn at you - MOVE!
It had probably only been about 20 - 30 minutes from when she first began to feel bad at this time - so we were getting her to the hospital pretty quickly. We walked in and I told them I thought she was having a heart attack and they took her (with me right along beside her) back to the emergency room. Within minutes of hooking her up to all of the machines the doctor told us that, indeed, she was having a heart attack and that they had begun administering some medication to slow things down a bit and that they also were checking on the helicopter to come from the Heart Hospital in LR as well as check on their ambulances. I called our church office and asked the secretary to spread the word about Janan and within minutes I started getting calls on my cell phone. Some I just let go as things got very busy - but it was good to know that people were already reaching out.
The helicopter was unable to come from LR due to the weather and both ambulances were out at the moment but would be available very shortly as they continued to work with her. She was awake and able to talk to me - scared to death over what was taking place. I had to calm her as it all began to overwhelm her. The doctors told me that an ambulance was on the way and I asked them if I had time to run back to the house and grab some things since I knew we would be at the hospital at least overnight. Plans were for Jordan to spend the night at his grandparents home in Malvern - they had already been called and were to meet us at the hospital in LR.
For those that have never had to do this - do you know how hard it is to call your sons and tell them that their mother is having a heart attack? One lives in Ft. Worth (approx. 8 hours away) and the other in Houston (approx. 11 hours away)....they were both shocked at the news. Do you know how hard it is to call you in-laws and tell them that their daughter is having a heart attack? I was unable to keep a firm voice with ANY of them - as hard as I tried..but was able to get the message out that we were headed to LR in a few minutes.
Jordan and I made another quick trip back home to grab some clothes and then back to the hospital. This took maybe 20 minutes. As we got back to the hospital, a group of people from our church had already gathered in the waiting room and I was so glad that Jordan had someone to talk to. I made a straight path to the ER...I noticed out of the corner of my eye how quickly the lady behind the desk jumped up when she saw me heading toward the ER door. She met me on the other side and cut me off as I looked and saw around 10 - 12 people now over my wife working feverishly. They would not let me get to her. I know how important it is to stay out of their way.....but that was my wife and I needed to know what happened. I insisted that SOMEONE come tell me SOMETHING....the doctor came over and told me that they had to "shock" her and that she had even had a seizure while I was gone. (I WAS NOW BEATING MYSELF UP FOR EVEN LEAVING!!!)
They would not let me close enough to her but I insisted on being within eyeshot of her. My heart was being ripped out as I watched and could tell that they were working frantically to keep my wife alive. Two nurses insisted that I move down the hallway - but to a room out of even earshot???? I obeyed, but not for long...I had to at least have some clue what was going on. These were some of the worst moments for me --- I was so afraid that my wife was going to die right then and there.
They tried to get me to sit out in the lobby where everyone had gathered. I loved the people out there, but did not want to be out there - I needed to be near my wife. I also did not want my son to see me in the state I was in at the moment. The time came that they said there were ready to transport her and that I could speak to her - even though she was unconscious - before they wheeled her out. I asked the nurse to get my son and I spoke to him at the door and told him quickly what was happening and to see if he wanted to say something to her - he did.She was strapped down....they were "hand pumping" air into her lungs and she was unconscious - hard for anyone to see and I really hated Jordan seeing this....but, to be honest.....I didn't know if this might be the last time we had to speak to her. My heart aches even just typing that - but it was true.
As they wheeled her out, we ran through the doors past the waiting crowd to go get in our car. The ambulance driver told me that he would be driving "code 3" - I had no idea what that meant, but I knew it was fast. We had to sit in the parking lot a few minutes as they got everything situated and I know several came by the side of the car and patted my arm and said stuff to me - but I couldn't tell you who said what for the life of me. Thank you to those of you that consoled Jordan on the other side of the car.
The ambulance was finally ready to go with lights on and sirens blazing - we left the hospital headed to LR (about a 2 hour drive). I tried to keep things light as I told Jordan that this would be the fastest trip to LR that he had ever made. -- Yes, we were moving fast.
Little was said between Jordan and myself. We were both lost in our own thoughts. As hard as I tried to stay positive I couldn't help but keep thinking, "What do I say to my boys....her parents.....how do I survive without her?" Tears were streaming down my eyes as I drove.
For those that know the area, not too far before we reached Locust Grove (about 25 miles) I began to notice another ambulance coming up in my rear view mirror. Now there's a dilemma! You're behind one ambulance with your wife in the back when another one comes up behind you - what do you do?
It was not coming up very fast - I was glad of that because it made my decision easier....and then it happened.The ambulance that was carrying my wife pulled over at Locust Grove and the other ambulance pulled up beside it -- a big, husky guy jumped out of the 2nd ambulance and climbed into the ambulance that was transporting my wife. I couldn't help but say to Jordan," Son, I'm not trying to be negative, but that's not good."
The main ambulance sped away and the 2nd ambulance decided to get in front of me - between me and the ambulance with my wife. NOT A GOOD PLAN! The main ambulance was pulling away.....increasing their speed as the 2nd ambulance was lagging behind. I was about to come unglued and decided that the road was about as clear as it was going to get as we came upon a straight stretch. I looked around the 2nd ambulance and saw that there were oncoming cars but that they were pulled over - so I pulled out with my flashers on and began to flash my lights and I floored it. You may think this was stupid...but you weren't in my shoes and I HAD to stay close to the main ambulance!!
All I know is that as I got around the 2nd ambulance and got closer to the main ambulance, I looked down at the speedometer and it was registering 100 mph (Jordan later told me he was watching it and it got to 105-110). In other words, this main ambulance had picked things up considerably which, again, was another sign that was not good.
One thought kept going through my head -- please, keep moving...keep the lights and sirens on. Why? I did not want to see the lights get turned off and the ambulance slow down. I assumed as long as they were moving fast and had their lights on she was still alive.
We got to the intersection in Batesville where you could either turn right to go to Searcy (and on to LR)or left to go into Batesville and they had their signal on to go to Batesville - not a good thing to see again. Once again I told my son, "Jordan....that's not good either."
People along this stretch of road had to wonder what in the world was going on....2 ambulances with a guy between them with his flashers on and his lights flashing!
We got to the hospital and ran up as they began to prepare to unload my wife. The look on one of the EMT's face scared me bad. Honestly, he looked lost. It was as if he already had made a connection as he looked at me - and I didn't like what I saw in his eyes. I did not want Jordan to see that so I grabbed him and held him close and he finally unleashed the tears. We both held each other and sobbed uncontrollably as the EMT mouthed the words, "She's alive" -- which, to be honest, was not all that comforting either.
As they rushed her into the Batesville hospital emergency room they rushed Jordan and I off to another waiting room. Do you know how much I hate those???? Jordan and I prayed and cried together as we waited for some news.(((Yes, I had made more calls during this time to dear friends as well as to my sons and to my mother-in-law......thank you for those that were receiving my calls as I did not do too well holding it together))))
I could not stay in the room the whole time so I wandered out in the hall to try to see what was going on - the one EMT that had made eye contact with me told me that she had been sedated but it had not been enough to last until LR and she was fighting them and the tubes so they had to get more help in the ambulance. I knew that she likely was fighting them....but I also know enough to know that they have more medication in that ambulance....so, again, I knew it was not good at all. (I later learned - not to my surprise - that she had "crashed" on her way to LR so they need to get to the closest hospital at that time).
My doctor friend told me they were going to do a heart cath. while she was there which would get us ahead of the game before going on to LR - and assured me that if it were his wife, that is what he would want. I trusted him with that and thanked him.
Some time later the cardiologist came to where we were and told us that a couple of stints had been put in and that what had happened was very unusual. I can't remember much from that time to be honest, but he used the word "fractured" or "splintered" the best I can remember. Not thinking clearly I asked him when we would be taking her on to LR and told me that there was no need because he had already done what needed to be done.
I was later told that it was a very good thing that he was there when she was brought in. I believe that to be true. More phone calls for the update. Emotions raw and flowing. Worrying about my son driving from Ft. Worth with his wife while so emotionally worked up. Talking to my other son in Houston that was so upset because he didn't' think he'd be able to get away and how it was killing him. I assured him it was o.k. and that Janan knew he'd be there if he could. Later he called and said he had been able to make arrangements to be there which meant them leaving around 12:30 a.m. Friday morning -- worry with that too.
She spent Thursday night, Friday and Friday night , and part of Saturday in I.C.U. and was moved to a room that was a "step down" from I.C.U. on Saturday afternoon. She was released to come home on Monday afternoon.
I went without sleep for 40 hours. I stayed by her side the whole time. The only time I left that room was to go get something to eat. There was no way I was going anywhere. Her mom and dad as well as Jordan, Jeremy and Cassidy and Jacob and Beth all were there by Friday evening...and it made an incredible difference in her. She was so glad to have them all there.
Again, I write all of this to share with you as much as I could. There was a lot of misinformation out there as well as some not knowing anything. I can't help but put in my thoughts and emotions as well - that's just me.
We are glad to be home and are so thankful for all that have prayed for us and kept us in their thoughts. I would say that there were easily over 1,000 people doing just that during this very scary time.
Key thing - she came home with me. Thank you, Lord.
Thank you Jeremy and Cassidy as well as Jacob and Beth for coming - it made a difference for mom to have her boys surround her.
And Jordan. Wow. No son should have to go through what he did. But he did and he did so very well. I earned a whole new level of respect for him through this - so proud of him. He took another stop into manhood during this for sure.
Thank you for allowing me to share this - it is good for me to get it out. Thank you all for your love and your concern. Some of you I don't know and will likely never meet...but thanks to each and every one!
Our next step is to try to figure out exactly what caused this and to see if we can keep it from happening again. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers through this process as well. She is tired - as would be expected - but has no real restrictions on activity, etc.I hope this answers a lot of questions for a lot of people.
Feel free to email me if I left something out that is important.
On Thursday afternoon, Aug. 20th, Janan was with our youngest son, Jordan at the local Jr. college getting him signed up for a course he is taking for his H.S. Senior year. While he was filling in some information on the computer she sat out in a hallway to wait and began to feel bad. She says that her chest began to hurt and she could hardly breathe. She told Jordan that she needed to go home and so they headed toward the house.Jordan has told me that he knew SOMETHING was wrong but that he wasn't sure what to do. Janan just told him to take her home and that she thought maybe she was having some sort of an allergic reaction.
Thank goodness I came home early on Thursday. I don't remember the exact time, but somewhere around 3 p.m. Jordan and Janan drove up and as soon as Janan got out of the truck I knew something was wrong. She was bending over as she was walking to the house saying that she didn't feel good at all. She went to the bedroom and lay down on the bed saying she just thought she needed to lay down. She did say that her throat felt like it was swelling so I got her some Benedryl to help with that but, upon continuing to question her, knew it was much more than that. Once she told me that her hands were tingling and that her left arm was hurting really bad I knew we had to get her to the doctor.
The 3 of us jumped in the Trailblazer with emergency lights flashing and made a very quick trip to town. NOTE TO DRIVERS: When someone is behind you with their flashers on and honking their horn at you - MOVE!
It had probably only been about 20 - 30 minutes from when she first began to feel bad at this time - so we were getting her to the hospital pretty quickly. We walked in and I told them I thought she was having a heart attack and they took her (with me right along beside her) back to the emergency room. Within minutes of hooking her up to all of the machines the doctor told us that, indeed, she was having a heart attack and that they had begun administering some medication to slow things down a bit and that they also were checking on the helicopter to come from the Heart Hospital in LR as well as check on their ambulances. I called our church office and asked the secretary to spread the word about Janan and within minutes I started getting calls on my cell phone. Some I just let go as things got very busy - but it was good to know that people were already reaching out.
The helicopter was unable to come from LR due to the weather and both ambulances were out at the moment but would be available very shortly as they continued to work with her. She was awake and able to talk to me - scared to death over what was taking place. I had to calm her as it all began to overwhelm her. The doctors told me that an ambulance was on the way and I asked them if I had time to run back to the house and grab some things since I knew we would be at the hospital at least overnight. Plans were for Jordan to spend the night at his grandparents home in Malvern - they had already been called and were to meet us at the hospital in LR.
For those that have never had to do this - do you know how hard it is to call your sons and tell them that their mother is having a heart attack? One lives in Ft. Worth (approx. 8 hours away) and the other in Houston (approx. 11 hours away)....they were both shocked at the news. Do you know how hard it is to call you in-laws and tell them that their daughter is having a heart attack? I was unable to keep a firm voice with ANY of them - as hard as I tried..but was able to get the message out that we were headed to LR in a few minutes.
Jordan and I made another quick trip back home to grab some clothes and then back to the hospital. This took maybe 20 minutes. As we got back to the hospital, a group of people from our church had already gathered in the waiting room and I was so glad that Jordan had someone to talk to. I made a straight path to the ER...I noticed out of the corner of my eye how quickly the lady behind the desk jumped up when she saw me heading toward the ER door. She met me on the other side and cut me off as I looked and saw around 10 - 12 people now over my wife working feverishly. They would not let me get to her. I know how important it is to stay out of their way.....but that was my wife and I needed to know what happened. I insisted that SOMEONE come tell me SOMETHING....the doctor came over and told me that they had to "shock" her and that she had even had a seizure while I was gone. (I WAS NOW BEATING MYSELF UP FOR EVEN LEAVING!!!)
They would not let me close enough to her but I insisted on being within eyeshot of her. My heart was being ripped out as I watched and could tell that they were working frantically to keep my wife alive. Two nurses insisted that I move down the hallway - but to a room out of even earshot???? I obeyed, but not for long...I had to at least have some clue what was going on. These were some of the worst moments for me --- I was so afraid that my wife was going to die right then and there.
They tried to get me to sit out in the lobby where everyone had gathered. I loved the people out there, but did not want to be out there - I needed to be near my wife. I also did not want my son to see me in the state I was in at the moment. The time came that they said there were ready to transport her and that I could speak to her - even though she was unconscious - before they wheeled her out. I asked the nurse to get my son and I spoke to him at the door and told him quickly what was happening and to see if he wanted to say something to her - he did.She was strapped down....they were "hand pumping" air into her lungs and she was unconscious - hard for anyone to see and I really hated Jordan seeing this....but, to be honest.....I didn't know if this might be the last time we had to speak to her. My heart aches even just typing that - but it was true.
As they wheeled her out, we ran through the doors past the waiting crowd to go get in our car. The ambulance driver told me that he would be driving "code 3" - I had no idea what that meant, but I knew it was fast. We had to sit in the parking lot a few minutes as they got everything situated and I know several came by the side of the car and patted my arm and said stuff to me - but I couldn't tell you who said what for the life of me. Thank you to those of you that consoled Jordan on the other side of the car.
The ambulance was finally ready to go with lights on and sirens blazing - we left the hospital headed to LR (about a 2 hour drive). I tried to keep things light as I told Jordan that this would be the fastest trip to LR that he had ever made. -- Yes, we were moving fast.
Little was said between Jordan and myself. We were both lost in our own thoughts. As hard as I tried to stay positive I couldn't help but keep thinking, "What do I say to my boys....her parents.....how do I survive without her?" Tears were streaming down my eyes as I drove.
For those that know the area, not too far before we reached Locust Grove (about 25 miles) I began to notice another ambulance coming up in my rear view mirror. Now there's a dilemma! You're behind one ambulance with your wife in the back when another one comes up behind you - what do you do?
It was not coming up very fast - I was glad of that because it made my decision easier....and then it happened.The ambulance that was carrying my wife pulled over at Locust Grove and the other ambulance pulled up beside it -- a big, husky guy jumped out of the 2nd ambulance and climbed into the ambulance that was transporting my wife. I couldn't help but say to Jordan," Son, I'm not trying to be negative, but that's not good."
The main ambulance sped away and the 2nd ambulance decided to get in front of me - between me and the ambulance with my wife. NOT A GOOD PLAN! The main ambulance was pulling away.....increasing their speed as the 2nd ambulance was lagging behind. I was about to come unglued and decided that the road was about as clear as it was going to get as we came upon a straight stretch. I looked around the 2nd ambulance and saw that there were oncoming cars but that they were pulled over - so I pulled out with my flashers on and began to flash my lights and I floored it. You may think this was stupid...but you weren't in my shoes and I HAD to stay close to the main ambulance!!
All I know is that as I got around the 2nd ambulance and got closer to the main ambulance, I looked down at the speedometer and it was registering 100 mph (Jordan later told me he was watching it and it got to 105-110). In other words, this main ambulance had picked things up considerably which, again, was another sign that was not good.
One thought kept going through my head -- please, keep moving...keep the lights and sirens on. Why? I did not want to see the lights get turned off and the ambulance slow down. I assumed as long as they were moving fast and had their lights on she was still alive.
We got to the intersection in Batesville where you could either turn right to go to Searcy (and on to LR)or left to go into Batesville and they had their signal on to go to Batesville - not a good thing to see again. Once again I told my son, "Jordan....that's not good either."
People along this stretch of road had to wonder what in the world was going on....2 ambulances with a guy between them with his flashers on and his lights flashing!
We got to the hospital and ran up as they began to prepare to unload my wife. The look on one of the EMT's face scared me bad. Honestly, he looked lost. It was as if he already had made a connection as he looked at me - and I didn't like what I saw in his eyes. I did not want Jordan to see that so I grabbed him and held him close and he finally unleashed the tears. We both held each other and sobbed uncontrollably as the EMT mouthed the words, "She's alive" -- which, to be honest, was not all that comforting either.
As they rushed her into the Batesville hospital emergency room they rushed Jordan and I off to another waiting room. Do you know how much I hate those???? Jordan and I prayed and cried together as we waited for some news.(((Yes, I had made more calls during this time to dear friends as well as to my sons and to my mother-in-law......thank you for those that were receiving my calls as I did not do too well holding it together))))
I could not stay in the room the whole time so I wandered out in the hall to try to see what was going on - the one EMT that had made eye contact with me told me that she had been sedated but it had not been enough to last until LR and she was fighting them and the tubes so they had to get more help in the ambulance. I knew that she likely was fighting them....but I also know enough to know that they have more medication in that ambulance....so, again, I knew it was not good at all. (I later learned - not to my surprise - that she had "crashed" on her way to LR so they need to get to the closest hospital at that time).
My doctor friend told me they were going to do a heart cath. while she was there which would get us ahead of the game before going on to LR - and assured me that if it were his wife, that is what he would want. I trusted him with that and thanked him.
Some time later the cardiologist came to where we were and told us that a couple of stints had been put in and that what had happened was very unusual. I can't remember much from that time to be honest, but he used the word "fractured" or "splintered" the best I can remember. Not thinking clearly I asked him when we would be taking her on to LR and told me that there was no need because he had already done what needed to be done.
I was later told that it was a very good thing that he was there when she was brought in. I believe that to be true. More phone calls for the update. Emotions raw and flowing. Worrying about my son driving from Ft. Worth with his wife while so emotionally worked up. Talking to my other son in Houston that was so upset because he didn't' think he'd be able to get away and how it was killing him. I assured him it was o.k. and that Janan knew he'd be there if he could. Later he called and said he had been able to make arrangements to be there which meant them leaving around 12:30 a.m. Friday morning -- worry with that too.
She spent Thursday night, Friday and Friday night , and part of Saturday in I.C.U. and was moved to a room that was a "step down" from I.C.U. on Saturday afternoon. She was released to come home on Monday afternoon.
I went without sleep for 40 hours. I stayed by her side the whole time. The only time I left that room was to go get something to eat. There was no way I was going anywhere. Her mom and dad as well as Jordan, Jeremy and Cassidy and Jacob and Beth all were there by Friday evening...and it made an incredible difference in her. She was so glad to have them all there.
Again, I write all of this to share with you as much as I could. There was a lot of misinformation out there as well as some not knowing anything. I can't help but put in my thoughts and emotions as well - that's just me.
We are glad to be home and are so thankful for all that have prayed for us and kept us in their thoughts. I would say that there were easily over 1,000 people doing just that during this very scary time.
Key thing - she came home with me. Thank you, Lord.
Thank you Jeremy and Cassidy as well as Jacob and Beth for coming - it made a difference for mom to have her boys surround her.
And Jordan. Wow. No son should have to go through what he did. But he did and he did so very well. I earned a whole new level of respect for him through this - so proud of him. He took another stop into manhood during this for sure.
Thank you for allowing me to share this - it is good for me to get it out. Thank you all for your love and your concern. Some of you I don't know and will likely never meet...but thanks to each and every one!
Our next step is to try to figure out exactly what caused this and to see if we can keep it from happening again. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers through this process as well. She is tired - as would be expected - but has no real restrictions on activity, etc.I hope this answers a lot of questions for a lot of people.
Feel free to email me if I left something out that is important.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Sorry For the Interruption and Delay
Some of you may or may not know that my wife suffered a heart attack last Thursday (20th). Long story short - I almost lost her twice that afternoon/evening. The good news is that I was able to bring her home from the hosptial today (24th).
I will resume my podcast and blog in the next day or so - thank you for your understanding and patience and thank you for those of you that had heard and offered up your thoughts and prayers!
Mike
I will resume my podcast and blog in the next day or so - thank you for your understanding and patience and thank you for those of you that had heard and offered up your thoughts and prayers!
Mike
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The "Little, Big Word" - IF
Two letters.
Small word.
Two letters...but one of the biggest words in our vocabulary!
If.
"If I had only..."
How many of us say things like this in our lives from time to time? At the end of chapter 15 of Napoleon Hill's classic, "Think & Grow Rich" he covers 57 "ifs" that many use as "alibis" (I'd say excuses) as to why they have failed to accomplish one thing or another with and in their lives.
Again, I strongly urge you to get a copy of this book one way or another and go over this list yourself - one at a time - and consider their impact in YOUR life! (I do mention each one of them in today's podcast, but too quickly for you to give each the thought needed).
I was watching the video segment that comes with the audio/DVD in each copy of SUCCESS magazine from last month and, in it, Les Brown uses a very powerful phrase..."Live full and die empty!" (I think he has a whole program based on that phrase - you can check it out yourself).
Think about that - "Live full and die empty". Yet, Mr. Brown points out the fact that most people do the opposite. They "die full and live empty". Ouch!
I have to admit that I have done this most of my life - and I regret it! I will be turning 50 years old this coming November and I feel that I have yet to fully LIVE my life!
Here's the kicker - it's never to late to make a change! I made a decision within the past year that I was going to live my life so that, if at all possible, I would not get to the END of my life saying, "I wish I had done this and that...".
All of us need to stop allowing the word "if" to become a roadblock to our forward progress! YOU do have the ability to do just that! YOU, and no one else.
What will YOU do?
Instead of, "If I had done..." what about taking a different look and start saying, "What if I DID step up and out and move forward?"
We will begin to look at this thought in next weeks podcast as we bring to a conclusion our discussions on this classic book.
Until then....remember to...
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Small word.
Two letters...but one of the biggest words in our vocabulary!
If.
"If I had only..."
How many of us say things like this in our lives from time to time? At the end of chapter 15 of Napoleon Hill's classic, "Think & Grow Rich" he covers 57 "ifs" that many use as "alibis" (I'd say excuses) as to why they have failed to accomplish one thing or another with and in their lives.
Again, I strongly urge you to get a copy of this book one way or another and go over this list yourself - one at a time - and consider their impact in YOUR life! (I do mention each one of them in today's podcast, but too quickly for you to give each the thought needed).
I was watching the video segment that comes with the audio/DVD in each copy of SUCCESS magazine from last month and, in it, Les Brown uses a very powerful phrase..."Live full and die empty!" (I think he has a whole program based on that phrase - you can check it out yourself).
Think about that - "Live full and die empty". Yet, Mr. Brown points out the fact that most people do the opposite. They "die full and live empty". Ouch!
I have to admit that I have done this most of my life - and I regret it! I will be turning 50 years old this coming November and I feel that I have yet to fully LIVE my life!
Here's the kicker - it's never to late to make a change! I made a decision within the past year that I was going to live my life so that, if at all possible, I would not get to the END of my life saying, "I wish I had done this and that...".
All of us need to stop allowing the word "if" to become a roadblock to our forward progress! YOU do have the ability to do just that! YOU, and no one else.
What will YOU do?
Instead of, "If I had done..." what about taking a different look and start saying, "What if I DID step up and out and move forward?"
We will begin to look at this thought in next weeks podcast as we bring to a conclusion our discussions on this classic book.
Until then....remember to...
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Importance of Self-Analysis
If you don't have the book, "Think & Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill - GET IT! If you don't want to order it (you can get it free - just pay s/h - on my site www.FutureYouUniversity.com) then go to the library and check it out OR find a free downloadable version on the internet...JUST GET IT!
This is especially important as we get to this part of the book and you are asked to answer the "self-analysis questions" found toward the end of chapter 15. THIS IS IMPORTANT!
You see, we must decide how serious we really are about this whole idea of improving our lives. You know this as well as I - there are many people that SAY they are but are not willing to put any effort into making that happen. Bottom line...they can talk and say what they want - their actions betray them!
Doesn't that just seem impossible? Yet it happens every single day. You see it in people that complain that they cannot find a job even though the newspaper in front of them may be full of job openings. If you point that out to them they may say, "Oh, but it's not what I want to do. And, besides, it's not the kind of money I need to be making." Or maybe you hear them say something like, "You expect me to work there? Doing that?"
I understand that the job available may not be the job you had envisioned at this point in your life, but did you envision you being jobless at this point in your life? Isn't SOME money better than NO money? Do you not realize that just getting out of the house and doing SOMETHING makes a HUGE impact on your attitude?
Anyway, the same thing can be said of those of us that say we want to improve our attitudes and mindset. We want to be "on board" at increasing the amount of POSITIVE thoughts in our lives and decreasing the amount of NEGATIVE thoughts at the same time.
But, we don't have time to read that article or listen to that podcast.
Oh sure, I get behind (I'm still a month behind on my Success magazine) but I continually work on making sure I am filling my mind with "good stuff" in this area!
But are you also willing to spend a day considering and answering the questions found in the pages of this classic book? Yes, I said a day!
Don't just skim through it and answer the questions without much thought. Take the time - IF you are serious about improving your life - to really consider your answers..and be honest with yourself in doing so!
For example, there are a cluster of questions that ask us to look at our friends and our relationships. Many people do not realize the impact that their friends have on their attitudes and outlook in life. Do you?
So, beyond just ANSWERING the questions we must also consider whether or not we are willing to TAKE ACTION on what we find.
That, my friend, is up to you. All along you have heard/seen me say that no one else can do this for you. I - along with others - can give you as much good, positive material and information as possible...but it is up to YOU as to what you choose to do with it (if anything).
So...if you don't have the book - GET THE BOOK (this is a good indicator of how serious you really are) and go through the self-analysis questions and see what you find out about yourself.
As always, I welcome any and all comments! Feel free to email me at: mike@futureyouuniversity.com
And, until tomorrow...
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Resisting NEGATIVITY!
Wow...we all battle this every single day, don't we?
Believe me, in case you think I don't - you are WRONG!
In case you think Jim Rohn doesn't - you are WRONG!
In case you think ________________(put your own idealistic name here) - you are WRONG!
However, what happens is - some of us have learned how to resist it better than others! And you, my friend, are one that is attempting to do just that!
How do I know? Well, honestly, if you are reading this blog, you are attempting to fill your mind with positive thoughts and messages. THIS IS A KEY COMPONENT of resisting negativity!
In chapter 15 of Napoleon Hill's classic, "Think & Grow Rich", following his discussion of the "Six Ghosts of Fear" he goes on to what the calls, "The Seventh Basic Evil" at which point he begins to discuss NEGATIVITY.
He uses the analogy of negativity being the fertile soil in which all of these fears get their "nutrition" and their ability to grow.
So, bottom line - resist negativity and we also resist these fears that have been discussed.
Don't miss this point - IT IS A CONTINUAL BATTLE!
It never stops, but don't let that discourage you. Let it, instead, inspire you to continue to make a defined effort to resist this negativity.
Yes, for the most part, it is YOUR choice as to what you allow in your head and in your mind! Yes, there are things that are said to us or around us that we hear and that automatically then enters our minds - but then it imperative that we FLUSH that negative away as soon as possible!
You already know from our study that the prevailing thoughts in our minds become the prevailing influences in our subconscious and our subconscious will determine our outlook each and every day.
Do you see how important this is?
We will continue this part of the discussion in Thursday's podcast and then begin to wrap up the discussion on this book by the end of next week.
PAY CLOSE ATTENTION! I will be trying to bring all of this together for you in these next few podcasts so that you may have a "plan of attack". However, it will still be UP TO YOU to put these things into practice.
You've already had a LOT of "plans of attack" presented for you through this outstanding book - have you used them? If not, why would you think you will use what I say in the last few discussions of this great book?
It's time to "get real" and to "be honest" with ourselves. If you want to control these fears and resist negativity - YOU MUST ACT. No one else can do it for you. Yes, I (and others) can encourage you and help give you information to aid in this process - but no one can do it for you.
Here's the key - YES, YOU CAN DO IT!
And I will be here to help in any way that I can - feel free to contact me at anytime (mike@futureyouuniversity.com).
Until next time, always remember to...
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Believe me, in case you think I don't - you are WRONG!
In case you think Jim Rohn doesn't - you are WRONG!
In case you think ________________(put your own idealistic name here) - you are WRONG!
However, what happens is - some of us have learned how to resist it better than others! And you, my friend, are one that is attempting to do just that!
How do I know? Well, honestly, if you are reading this blog, you are attempting to fill your mind with positive thoughts and messages. THIS IS A KEY COMPONENT of resisting negativity!
In chapter 15 of Napoleon Hill's classic, "Think & Grow Rich", following his discussion of the "Six Ghosts of Fear" he goes on to what the calls, "The Seventh Basic Evil" at which point he begins to discuss NEGATIVITY.
He uses the analogy of negativity being the fertile soil in which all of these fears get their "nutrition" and their ability to grow.
So, bottom line - resist negativity and we also resist these fears that have been discussed.
Don't miss this point - IT IS A CONTINUAL BATTLE!
It never stops, but don't let that discourage you. Let it, instead, inspire you to continue to make a defined effort to resist this negativity.
Yes, for the most part, it is YOUR choice as to what you allow in your head and in your mind! Yes, there are things that are said to us or around us that we hear and that automatically then enters our minds - but then it imperative that we FLUSH that negative away as soon as possible!
You already know from our study that the prevailing thoughts in our minds become the prevailing influences in our subconscious and our subconscious will determine our outlook each and every day.
Do you see how important this is?
We will continue this part of the discussion in Thursday's podcast and then begin to wrap up the discussion on this book by the end of next week.
PAY CLOSE ATTENTION! I will be trying to bring all of this together for you in these next few podcasts so that you may have a "plan of attack". However, it will still be UP TO YOU to put these things into practice.
You've already had a LOT of "plans of attack" presented for you through this outstanding book - have you used them? If not, why would you think you will use what I say in the last few discussions of this great book?
It's time to "get real" and to "be honest" with ourselves. If you want to control these fears and resist negativity - YOU MUST ACT. No one else can do it for you. Yes, I (and others) can encourage you and help give you information to aid in this process - but no one can do it for you.
Here's the key - YES, YOU CAN DO IT!
And I will be here to help in any way that I can - feel free to contact me at anytime (mike@futureyouuniversity.com).
Until next time, always remember to...
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Walk the Walk - A Special Video Message from Mike
Yeah, Mike is about to take a seat in this video - sorry, couldn't change the "thumbnail" on this one! Click "play" and listen to his special message just for you!
This will serve as his message for Monday - it goes right along with his podcast message for Monday. Be sure to listen to it as well!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
What Makes YOUR Grass Green?
Fertilizer.
Plenty of watering.
No, no, no...that's not what I'm talking about!
In today's podcast I talk about two ideas:
1. Things don't always go as planned (the last blog entry and the podcast from Monday)
2. NEW isn't always better
The combination of those bring up the old saying, "The grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence." And then there is the quote from Erma Bombeck that says, "The grass is always greener over the septic tank!"
It's easy for us to think that "others" have it better and that "other things" are better than our own - especially when things are not going as we had planned in our own lives.
Think about it - when are the times that you think that other people HAVE TO HAVE a better marriage than you? Isn't it when you are going through turmoil with your spouse? Is that what you had in mind when you got married? Of course it's not! Yet, most of us realize that those times will come and go IF we are dedicated to seeing it through. One reason affairs happen is due to what I call "the affair effect". Things aren't going well in your marriage. There are lots of arguments and disagreements. You find someone that lends you a shoulder to cry on and/or a listening ear. Wow! Someone that actually listens! And, you know what? They are attractive! Their hair is combed and they smell good! It seems that when you are with that person that everything else just doesn't matter - it's just you and them! They pay attention to YOU! They laugh at your jokes! Then it tends to go one step further and you kiss - WOW! - there are the fireworks that you remember having with your mate a long, long time ago, but THIS person really "lights your fire"! Secret meetings begin and the sex is unbelievable! Again, the world seems to stop when the two of you are together!
Hold the phone, chief. Have you ever stopped to consider the parameters on all of this? You are talking to and having an affair with someone without all of the distractions of everyday life! They listen to you? Do you think they would always have that "listening ear" when there are a hundred other things going on in your lives? No. And they are attractive! When do you usually see them? What if you were with them while they were taking care of your sick children and/or they were sick themselves? What if you saw them first thing in the morning and their hair was not all fixed up just for you? And, no, just because you spent the night with them and saw them in the morning is NOT the same thing! And, by the way, the "mind blowing sex" is once again due to... a) the newness of it all b) no distractions c) the thrill of the forbidden
So, get over yourself and realize that if you decided to jump into this all the way, leave your spouse and move in with this person that it will just be a matter of time before the exciting becomes routine - and then what?
When are the times that you think other peoples' homes are better than yours? Well, for one, isn't it when something is wrong with yours and it's going to cost you money to fix it? Again, not what you had in mind when you bought and fell in love with that house. It could also be when you have been in someone else's home and it looks so nice and clean and spacious! (Remember, they were expecting company - come back and see it unannounced! It's the same theory behind the "affair effect" mentioned above).
You see, the problems in our lives and, yes, even the people that bring some of the problems into our lives are the people and things that make us who we are! When we take off the "rose colored glasses" and see things as they really are, we often learn to appreciate even more those around us as well as the things that are around us.
Hey, the next time you think your house is not what you want or your car is not as fancy as you'd like - travel to a third world country for a short spell. I can promise you that you WILL come back with a whole new appreciation for what you DO have!
So, you see, the question, "What makes YOUR grass green?" is simply meant to help you focus on what makes you who you are. What is it - who is it - in your life that enriches your life? Helps you grow? Challenges you? Teaches you? Strengthens you? Helps you become a stronger and better you?
Think about that and be thankful for those things and people - yes, even when they don't always go as planned - that help make YOUR grass green!
And, as always -
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Plenty of watering.
No, no, no...that's not what I'm talking about!
In today's podcast I talk about two ideas:
1. Things don't always go as planned (the last blog entry and the podcast from Monday)
2. NEW isn't always better
The combination of those bring up the old saying, "The grass isn't always greener on the other side of the fence." And then there is the quote from Erma Bombeck that says, "The grass is always greener over the septic tank!"
It's easy for us to think that "others" have it better and that "other things" are better than our own - especially when things are not going as we had planned in our own lives.
Think about it - when are the times that you think that other people HAVE TO HAVE a better marriage than you? Isn't it when you are going through turmoil with your spouse? Is that what you had in mind when you got married? Of course it's not! Yet, most of us realize that those times will come and go IF we are dedicated to seeing it through. One reason affairs happen is due to what I call "the affair effect". Things aren't going well in your marriage. There are lots of arguments and disagreements. You find someone that lends you a shoulder to cry on and/or a listening ear. Wow! Someone that actually listens! And, you know what? They are attractive! Their hair is combed and they smell good! It seems that when you are with that person that everything else just doesn't matter - it's just you and them! They pay attention to YOU! They laugh at your jokes! Then it tends to go one step further and you kiss - WOW! - there are the fireworks that you remember having with your mate a long, long time ago, but THIS person really "lights your fire"! Secret meetings begin and the sex is unbelievable! Again, the world seems to stop when the two of you are together!
Hold the phone, chief. Have you ever stopped to consider the parameters on all of this? You are talking to and having an affair with someone without all of the distractions of everyday life! They listen to you? Do you think they would always have that "listening ear" when there are a hundred other things going on in your lives? No. And they are attractive! When do you usually see them? What if you were with them while they were taking care of your sick children and/or they were sick themselves? What if you saw them first thing in the morning and their hair was not all fixed up just for you? And, no, just because you spent the night with them and saw them in the morning is NOT the same thing! And, by the way, the "mind blowing sex" is once again due to... a) the newness of it all b) no distractions c) the thrill of the forbidden
So, get over yourself and realize that if you decided to jump into this all the way, leave your spouse and move in with this person that it will just be a matter of time before the exciting becomes routine - and then what?
When are the times that you think other peoples' homes are better than yours? Well, for one, isn't it when something is wrong with yours and it's going to cost you money to fix it? Again, not what you had in mind when you bought and fell in love with that house. It could also be when you have been in someone else's home and it looks so nice and clean and spacious! (Remember, they were expecting company - come back and see it unannounced! It's the same theory behind the "affair effect" mentioned above).
You see, the problems in our lives and, yes, even the people that bring some of the problems into our lives are the people and things that make us who we are! When we take off the "rose colored glasses" and see things as they really are, we often learn to appreciate even more those around us as well as the things that are around us.
Hey, the next time you think your house is not what you want or your car is not as fancy as you'd like - travel to a third world country for a short spell. I can promise you that you WILL come back with a whole new appreciation for what you DO have!
So, you see, the question, "What makes YOUR grass green?" is simply meant to help you focus on what makes you who you are. What is it - who is it - in your life that enriches your life? Helps you grow? Challenges you? Teaches you? Strengthens you? Helps you become a stronger and better you?
Think about that and be thankful for those things and people - yes, even when they don't always go as planned - that help make YOUR grass green!
And, as always -
"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
BACK ON SCHEDULE!
Thanks for your patience while I was away and experiencing some problems with my podcast!
I did finally get Monday's podcast posted and will begin getting back on track with tomorrow's podcast (Thankful Thursday).
However, since it will be only one podcast until the next "Fun Friday" I am not going to discuss where we are in the Napoleon Hill book, but will talk about a lesson learned in all of these "struggles" with my podcast the past few days.
Be sure to join me - I think you can relate and "find yourself" in this discussion.
And, as always until then...."Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
I did finally get Monday's podcast posted and will begin getting back on track with tomorrow's podcast (Thankful Thursday).
However, since it will be only one podcast until the next "Fun Friday" I am not going to discuss where we are in the Napoleon Hill book, but will talk about a lesson learned in all of these "struggles" with my podcast the past few days.
Be sure to join me - I think you can relate and "find yourself" in this discussion.
And, as always until then...."Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Monday, August 10, 2009
PODCAST PROBLEMS - NEXT PUBLISH DATE - THURSDAY
Hey friends -
I am currently on vacation and brought my new "wireless" computer with me due to the fact that the resort I am at said they had wiFi. Well, they do - but apparently it is quite lacking!
I wrestled with uploading my podcast for over 3 hours on Sunday evening (I'm persistent!) and finally gave up.
I've tried again for over 30 minutes this morning (Monday) with no success yet again.
I hate to do this, but that means I will just have to wait until I return home to upload my next podcast - which means THURSDAY the 13th.
I apologize for the delay - but it's vacation, so I'm going to try to relax instead of stressing out over something that I cannot control!
Until then - make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)
Mike
I am currently on vacation and brought my new "wireless" computer with me due to the fact that the resort I am at said they had wiFi. Well, they do - but apparently it is quite lacking!
I wrestled with uploading my podcast for over 3 hours on Sunday evening (I'm persistent!) and finally gave up.
I've tried again for over 30 minutes this morning (Monday) with no success yet again.
I hate to do this, but that means I will just have to wait until I return home to upload my next podcast - which means THURSDAY the 13th.
I apologize for the delay - but it's vacation, so I'm going to try to relax instead of stressing out over something that I cannot control!
Until then - make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)
Mike
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Old Man Worry - How Worry Impacts YOUR Life
Worry. We all do it. Question is - what does it accomplish?
Answer: NOTHING!
As we complete looking at the "Six Ghosts of Fear" as described by Napoleon Hill in his classic book, "Think & Grow Rich" he sums up the idea that "worry is a state of mind based upon fear".
Think about that and notice how true it really is - if we don't fear, we don't worry!
Worry can literally drive you crazy! How many of us have spent sleepless nights because we were worried about something? Ah, from the show of hands I see that it is pretty much all of us.
Is worry something that is out of our control? Is worry just a part of life that we must accept?
Yes and no. (Huh?)
I do believe that worry is somewhat of a natural occurrence in our lives - but I also believe that it is NOT something that we must just accept and it IS something that we CAN (and must) control.
Worry is an emotion that is born in our minds. That being so, remember that you CAN control your mind and your thoughts. Yes, it takes effort - but it CAN (and again, must) be done!
Mr. Hill goes through the list of the "Six Ghosts of Fear" and addresses the idea of worry with each one - pay close attention and learn by putting these thoughts into practice:
- The fear of POVERTY: make a decision to get along with whatever wealth you accumulate without worry!
- The fear of CRITICISM: make a decision to not worry about what others think, do or say!
- The fear of GETTING OLD: make a decision to accept it for the blessing it is which carries with it wisdom, self-control, and understanding not known to youth.
- The fear of GETTING SICK: make a decision to ignore "symptoms"! Do not allow every sniff and cough to cause you to worry - improve your positive mindset and move on.
- The fear of LOSING LOVE: by making a decision to get along without love if necessary.
- The fear of DEATH: make a decision to accept death as an inescapable event...and let that help you understand the importance of LIVING today!
Have you ever considered the impact that WORRY/FEAR in your life has on others? Think about it. It is a well-known fact that animals can sense fear in a human being. Isn't that interesting? Even bees sense fear and attack. If the animal/insect world can pick up on these feelings, do you not think that others around us can pick up on it as well? Don't you also think that it will have an IMPACT on them as well?
You've experienced this yourself, haven't you? Have you ever been around someone that "brought you down"? Sure you have! Their negative feelings, thoughts, words and general attitude had an impact on you - we actually battle this every day, don't we?
So, yes, worry is a hard one to handle - but we CAN handle and control it IF we determine in our minds to do so!
Don't allow WORRY to control your life. Instead, control worry so that you may LIVE YOUR LIFE!
And, as always, remember...
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Answer: NOTHING!
As we complete looking at the "Six Ghosts of Fear" as described by Napoleon Hill in his classic book, "Think & Grow Rich" he sums up the idea that "worry is a state of mind based upon fear".
Think about that and notice how true it really is - if we don't fear, we don't worry!
Worry can literally drive you crazy! How many of us have spent sleepless nights because we were worried about something? Ah, from the show of hands I see that it is pretty much all of us.
Is worry something that is out of our control? Is worry just a part of life that we must accept?
Yes and no. (Huh?)
I do believe that worry is somewhat of a natural occurrence in our lives - but I also believe that it is NOT something that we must just accept and it IS something that we CAN (and must) control.
Worry is an emotion that is born in our minds. That being so, remember that you CAN control your mind and your thoughts. Yes, it takes effort - but it CAN (and again, must) be done!
Mr. Hill goes through the list of the "Six Ghosts of Fear" and addresses the idea of worry with each one - pay close attention and learn by putting these thoughts into practice:
- The fear of POVERTY: make a decision to get along with whatever wealth you accumulate without worry!
- The fear of CRITICISM: make a decision to not worry about what others think, do or say!
- The fear of GETTING OLD: make a decision to accept it for the blessing it is which carries with it wisdom, self-control, and understanding not known to youth.
- The fear of GETTING SICK: make a decision to ignore "symptoms"! Do not allow every sniff and cough to cause you to worry - improve your positive mindset and move on.
- The fear of LOSING LOVE: by making a decision to get along without love if necessary.
- The fear of DEATH: make a decision to accept death as an inescapable event...and let that help you understand the importance of LIVING today!
Have you ever considered the impact that WORRY/FEAR in your life has on others? Think about it. It is a well-known fact that animals can sense fear in a human being. Isn't that interesting? Even bees sense fear and attack. If the animal/insect world can pick up on these feelings, do you not think that others around us can pick up on it as well? Don't you also think that it will have an IMPACT on them as well?
You've experienced this yourself, haven't you? Have you ever been around someone that "brought you down"? Sure you have! Their negative feelings, thoughts, words and general attitude had an impact on you - we actually battle this every day, don't we?
So, yes, worry is a hard one to handle - but we CAN handle and control it IF we determine in our minds to do so!
Don't allow WORRY to control your life. Instead, control worry so that you may LIVE YOUR LIFE!
And, as always, remember...
"Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
The FEAR of DEATH
Wow, what a lovely topic, huh?
Yet, again, this is something that many of us can relate to as we go through this journey called life. Before I go any further, think about that last sentence and look at the last word found in that sentence - LIFE!
First and foremost - let's stop focusing on death and start LIVING LIFE!
This discussion follows the listing of the "Six Ghosts of Fear" in chapter 15 of Napoleon Hill's classic book, "Think & Grow Rich" in which he discusses "How to Outwit the Six Ghosts of Fear". I state pretty clearly that I totally disagree with Mr. Hill's deductions in the discussion of the fear of death. You may totally agree with him, and that's o.k. too!
Mr. Hill's deduction in this section is that the fear of death arose from religion and the ideas about heaven and/or hell. Now, I know I'm simplifying this a great deal, but I do think this is the main point of his deduction. He goes on to suggest that with the advance of colleges and universities during the time of this writing (this is the 1937 version) that "higher learning" has pretty much done away with this type of thinking, thus pretty much ridding our society of this fear of death.
It is interesting to me that, after all these years, we are still plagued by that very fear. Sure, some of it has to do with misunderstandings of Christianity, for example. I remember as a young child hearing the "fire and brimstone" sermons that had me so afraid I didn't know what to do. However, as I have grown and matured and studied on my own I have no reason to be afraid. As a matter of fact, for me, I have no fear of death BECAUSE OF my beliefs!
I believe that the core root of this fear is the FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN. We don't like the unknown. Are you afraid of the dark or do you know someone that is? Why does that fear exist? Again, the FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN - we can't see what 's in the dark and that frightens us!
Actually, if you look back over many of the fears that we have looked at in this study you will find that many of them are tied into the FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN.
Let's take a quick look at this by starting with the FEAR OF POVERTY - we are afraid of what might happen if we slip into poverty (the fear of the unknown).
Even the FEAR OF CRITICISM can be tied in with the fear of the unknown. We may cease from acting a certain way or doing a certain thing or living a certain way because we fear what someone else MIGHT think or say to us. So, we just decide not to do something in hopes that we will be "safe" from any possible (unknown) criticism.
The same can also be said of the FEAR OF GETTING SICK. This, again, is the "what if" factor (a disguised version of the fear of the unknown). "What if" I get this disease or that disease? "What if" I catch this or that? This type of fear drives some to cease contact with all people and any circumstance that may involve germs. This sounds extreme (and it is) but it is all tied into the fear of the unknown.
And, yes, we can even tie the fear of the unknown to the FEAR OF LOSING LOVE. As was stated in the discussion of this fear, we can be in a perfectly HEALTHY relationship and allow the fear of losing that relationship to impact it to the point that we actually DO lose that relationship. Friend, ANYTHING that involves the future (is there anything that DOESN'T?) has the unknown attached to it! That's just part of life!
The FEAR OF SICKNESS is closely tied in with the FEAR OF DEATH and both of them, again, are connected to the fear of the unknown. Do I need to explain that fact with these two fears? No, I think you can follow through with that thought yourself.
We DON'T KNOW what lies on the other side of death. Mr. Hill even acknowledges that fact in this discussion. Different beliefs have different thoughts and ideas about the matter and you can study ancient civilizations and discover what they believed about what comes after death by even uncovering their graves. Even those of us who believe in a "life after death" it is still unknown in that we have never experienced it before and don't know what it may be like.
Death, itself, is an unknown. Sure, we can read or listen to accounts of those that have had the "near death" experiences but, until we experience it ourself, it is unknown to us.
So, what do we do? Should we just curl up and wait to die? It is inevitable, right?
The very fact that death is inevitable should help us realize that we need to get out and LIVE!
Tim McGraw had a very popular song a few years ago that talked about this very thing. The song is entitled, "Live Like You Were Dying" and it discusses the life of a man that received bad news from his doctor that due to some tumor or other cause his life would be coming to an end sooner than he had planned. I'm not going to post the words to the entire song (you can easily find the lyrics on line) but the main point of the song is the fact that the man decided to live life to the full and to also encourage each and every one of us to do the same - to LIVE like you were dying!
I do, however, want to include these few words toward the end of the song as we're encouraged to live....
Like tomorrow was a gift
And you got eternity to think about what you'd do with it.
An' what did you do with it?
An' what can I do with it?
An' what would I do with it?"
One change I'd make in that wording - TODAY is the gift because tomorrow may never come.
What will you do with TODAY?
Why not LIVE it with every ounce of your being? Why not LIVE it with NO REGRETS?
It's yours to live however you choose - what will YOU do with it?
Remember... "Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Celebrating My 100th Podcast!
Today (Tuesday, 8.4.09) I celebrate the broadcast of my 100th podcast!
I began my first podcast on March 2, 2009 (my middle son's birthday) and started out with a Monday-Wednesday-Friday format which soon turned into the five-days-a-week format that I now follow.
I share thanks on the podcast but I just want to say to all of you that listen - THANK YOU for doing so and for encouraging me with your kind emails and comments...they keep me going!
May I ask a favor of all of you? SPREAD THE WORD! We all need as much encouragement as possible and I encourage you to share this with as many people as possible. I try to keep it down to a very "manageable" time - 11 minutes to be exact - so that it doesn't take up too much time in your day.
Again, THANK YOU! My pledge to you continues to be the following:
"I will always strive to do my best to provide you with my best."
Enjoy the podcast and tomorrow I will get back on discussing the "Six Ghosts of Fear" from Napoleon Hill's classic, "Think & Grow Rich".
And, as always - "Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
I began my first podcast on March 2, 2009 (my middle son's birthday) and started out with a Monday-Wednesday-Friday format which soon turned into the five-days-a-week format that I now follow.
I share thanks on the podcast but I just want to say to all of you that listen - THANK YOU for doing so and for encouraging me with your kind emails and comments...they keep me going!
May I ask a favor of all of you? SPREAD THE WORD! We all need as much encouragement as possible and I encourage you to share this with as many people as possible. I try to keep it down to a very "manageable" time - 11 minutes to be exact - so that it doesn't take up too much time in your day.
Again, THANK YOU! My pledge to you continues to be the following:
"I will always strive to do my best to provide you with my best."
Enjoy the podcast and tomorrow I will get back on discussing the "Six Ghosts of Fear" from Napoleon Hill's classic, "Think & Grow Rich".
And, as always - "Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Monday, August 3, 2009
The VALUE of LOVE
As I type this, it is another WONDERFUL MONDAY - the start of another FANTASTIC week! Many times I refer to Monday as "magical" on my podcast because it is, indeed, just that. Why? (This is for those that have never really listened to or heard my podcast). It is "magical" because you have the ability, the POWER to determine what your day will be. And, this being Monday, for most it is also the first day of the work week which means that, by determining the direction of your Monday, you also determine the direction of this work week! That is MAGICAL, my friend!
So, what will YOU do with your Monday? (This actually applies to every day!).
Lately I have also been referring to Monday as "Make-a-Wish Monday" because of the fund raising effort that I am involved in through F.Y.U. This goes through the end of this month with the goal of $5300 - the amount needed to fulfill the wish of one child.
Where are we in this goal? A dismal $300. No, that's not a typo...that's the correct figure. The whole month of July we raised $300.
SO...that means that we are headed for an UNBELIEVABLE finish to this effort and that it will be EXCITING when you finally decide to take action! Again, to raise the other $5,000 all we need is 166 people to donate $30 - that's all there is to it!
$30????? Some may be thinking that they cannot do that - and that's o.k. If you can't donate the $30 then what CAN you do and what WILL you do? For many - and I do mean many - $30 is but a drop in the bucket which means that those in that position can donate more than the $30. Will you?
Remember, organizations such as this CONTINUE with their task regardless of the economy! They STILL have wishes that need to be filled even in a "depressed" economy - so it is up to people like you and me to CONTINUE to support their efforts.
So, let's look at that $30 and consider it's VALUE. On today's podcast I discuss this and ask how many of you spent $30 over the weekend. Think about it. My guess is that the majority of you reading this did, indeed, spent $30 (and then some) at some point over the past weekend. Wow, some of you as you read this - depending on what time of the day you read this - may have spent that today already.
Did you spend it on a meal? Was it good? Even if it was the BEST MEAL EVER, it's now gone and but a memory. It was food. Now, don't place the value on the "experience" of the time spent with family and/or friends. Just the food itself. Think about it, you didn't pay your friends to spend time with you, did you? (If you did, we need to talk!). So, what was the VALUE of the money that you spent on that meal.
For most of us - if not all of us - it costs more than $30 to fill up our gas tanks. Sure, it gets us to where we are going, but have you considered the VALUE of that $30+?
We could go on and on with examples, but I hope you can follow through now with this thought process and apply it to yourself and your situation.
Now, what about the $30 that you COULD donate to this special effort? Oh, by itself, it really isn't able to accomplish much in fulfilling the dream of an ill child. BUT, when you combine with others all across the United States (and perhaps the world), you have LEVERAGE! And that LEVERAGE allows your efforts combined with others the ability to have a much greater IMPACT on the lives of these children! Think about that!
Now...what is the VALUE of that $30? For me, it is far greater than the value for any meal, for gas in my tank or whatever else I mindlessly spend $30 on over the course of a day or weekend. What about you?
When you consider this, we indeed are asking the question, "What is the VALUE of LOVE?" How do you put a "price tag" on that? YOU CAN'T!
Please, your help is NEEDED TODAY!! Not tomorrow (although we'll take it then too!). Here's the fact - and you know it's true - if you put off until tomorrow something that you can do TODAY, the odds of you doing it then are greatly diminished.
So, please, I beg you - DONATE TODAY!
Go to http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com and click on the "Make-a-Wish" banner on the home page.
NOTE: When you go to the donation page - indicate the amount you wish to donate but DO NOT PUT IN YOUR ZIP CODE or change the "chapter"!!! THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Simply indicate the amount you wish to donate and then fill out your personal information.
IF YOU WOULD- after this is done you have the opportunity to leave a message for everyone else. If you donated the $30 - please leave a note that simply says, "I'm one of the $30" or something along that line. OR if you donated a different amount, please indicate that you are, indeed one that cares!
Too, if you would, leave some sort of indication of how you have come across this information. Perhaps it is from morningcoach. com - if so, perhaps put an MC beside that information. Are you accessing this from theworldneedsmorehappy.com ? Then maybe something to indicate that as well. And, for all of you accessing this through Future You University, how 'bout "F.Y.U."?
Thanks again. We have our work cut out for us for sure. BUT if we will understand the POWER OF LEVERAGE as well as the POWER (and VALUE) of LOVE then we WILL reach this goal!
As always, "Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
So, what will YOU do with your Monday? (This actually applies to every day!).
Lately I have also been referring to Monday as "Make-a-Wish Monday" because of the fund raising effort that I am involved in through F.Y.U. This goes through the end of this month with the goal of $5300 - the amount needed to fulfill the wish of one child.
Where are we in this goal? A dismal $300. No, that's not a typo...that's the correct figure. The whole month of July we raised $300.
SO...that means that we are headed for an UNBELIEVABLE finish to this effort and that it will be EXCITING when you finally decide to take action! Again, to raise the other $5,000 all we need is 166 people to donate $30 - that's all there is to it!
$30????? Some may be thinking that they cannot do that - and that's o.k. If you can't donate the $30 then what CAN you do and what WILL you do? For many - and I do mean many - $30 is but a drop in the bucket which means that those in that position can donate more than the $30. Will you?
Remember, organizations such as this CONTINUE with their task regardless of the economy! They STILL have wishes that need to be filled even in a "depressed" economy - so it is up to people like you and me to CONTINUE to support their efforts.
So, let's look at that $30 and consider it's VALUE. On today's podcast I discuss this and ask how many of you spent $30 over the weekend. Think about it. My guess is that the majority of you reading this did, indeed, spent $30 (and then some) at some point over the past weekend. Wow, some of you as you read this - depending on what time of the day you read this - may have spent that today already.
Did you spend it on a meal? Was it good? Even if it was the BEST MEAL EVER, it's now gone and but a memory. It was food. Now, don't place the value on the "experience" of the time spent with family and/or friends. Just the food itself. Think about it, you didn't pay your friends to spend time with you, did you? (If you did, we need to talk!). So, what was the VALUE of the money that you spent on that meal.
For most of us - if not all of us - it costs more than $30 to fill up our gas tanks. Sure, it gets us to where we are going, but have you considered the VALUE of that $30+?
We could go on and on with examples, but I hope you can follow through now with this thought process and apply it to yourself and your situation.
Now, what about the $30 that you COULD donate to this special effort? Oh, by itself, it really isn't able to accomplish much in fulfilling the dream of an ill child. BUT, when you combine with others all across the United States (and perhaps the world), you have LEVERAGE! And that LEVERAGE allows your efforts combined with others the ability to have a much greater IMPACT on the lives of these children! Think about that!
Now...what is the VALUE of that $30? For me, it is far greater than the value for any meal, for gas in my tank or whatever else I mindlessly spend $30 on over the course of a day or weekend. What about you?
When you consider this, we indeed are asking the question, "What is the VALUE of LOVE?" How do you put a "price tag" on that? YOU CAN'T!
Please, your help is NEEDED TODAY!! Not tomorrow (although we'll take it then too!). Here's the fact - and you know it's true - if you put off until tomorrow something that you can do TODAY, the odds of you doing it then are greatly diminished.
So, please, I beg you - DONATE TODAY!
Go to http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com and click on the "Make-a-Wish" banner on the home page.
NOTE: When you go to the donation page - indicate the amount you wish to donate but DO NOT PUT IN YOUR ZIP CODE or change the "chapter"!!! THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Simply indicate the amount you wish to donate and then fill out your personal information.
IF YOU WOULD- after this is done you have the opportunity to leave a message for everyone else. If you donated the $30 - please leave a note that simply says, "I'm one of the $30" or something along that line. OR if you donated a different amount, please indicate that you are, indeed one that cares!
Too, if you would, leave some sort of indication of how you have come across this information. Perhaps it is from morningcoach. com - if so, perhaps put an MC beside that information. Are you accessing this from theworldneedsmorehappy.com ? Then maybe something to indicate that as well. And, for all of you accessing this through Future You University, how 'bout "F.Y.U."?
Thanks again. We have our work cut out for us for sure. BUT if we will understand the POWER OF LEVERAGE as well as the POWER (and VALUE) of LOVE then we WILL reach this goal!
As always, "Make it an AWESOME Day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"
Mike
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)