December Podcasts and Videos...GETTING CAUGHT UP!

 

Alright! It's time for me to get CAUGHT UP on the podcasts and videos that I have published so far this month...sorry for not getting the blog articles up with each of these but...it is what it is so this will be a quick recap for you in order to encourage you to check them out for yourself.

The Holiday Season (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years) is a very joyous and festive time of the year...but not for everyone. There are many that go through high levels of stress during this Holiday Season that is brought on by several different factors.

I've tried to address some of these factors in this month's episodes and I hope that either you, yourself, will be blessed and encouraged by these OR that you will share with someone that could use this encouragement. 

*You can access all of the podcasts and/or videos by clicking on the appropriate links found at the bottom of this article.* 

I began talking about the very fact that many people struggle during this time of the year and then, in following episodes address some specific "Holiday STRESS Factors" as follows:

    - "Missing Loved Ones"... For many this time of the year is especially stressful and hard to get through due to them going through this season without loved ones. I know, for me, my oldest sister is going through this Holiday Season for the first time without her husband of nearly 50 years. My wife is going through her 3rd year without her Mother and her 2nd year without her Dad and it's still tough! I have found that it doesn't really matter how long that loved one has been gone, it's still tough! Watch and/or listen as I share some suggestions to help ease that difficulty.

    - "Dealing with 'Uncle Eddie'! (FAMILY)" - I jokingly refer to "Uncle Eddie" as THAT particular relative that's a little "odd" that you may try to avoid at family gatherings. However, many times, stress can come from a lot of DIFFERENT family members during this time of the year. I think I give some pretty good suggestions on how to best handle some of these situations that you may come across while being around family. What about YOU? What suggestions do YOU have that care to share...perhaps from your own experiences?

    - "Being BROKE at Christmas!" - I'm not sure that there are many more things as stressful for parents as "being broke" at Christmas and trying to figure out how to have Christmas for their kids.  Hey listen, I give some GREAT advice on how to "have Christmas" even when short on funds BUT I also close this one out with a very STRONG challenge to those listening: DETERMINE TO NEVER ALLOW YOURSELF TO BE IN THAT SITUATION AGAIN - EVER!!  The late, great Jim Rohn used to tell the story of a Girl Scout coming to his door to sell him some Girl Scout cookies for $2.00, which he didn't have! He talked about how embarrassed he was that he couldn't even give this little girl the $2.00 for a box of cookies and, due to this embarrassing situation, vowed that he would NEVER be in that situation again. And, he wasn't!

This led me to the start of my next set of episodes...DETERMINING that it is TIME to MAKE A CHANGE once in for all!

"You Can NOT Change!" - Wow, that's a pretty BOLD statement, isn't it? Well, you need to be sure to watch/listen to the content because, in the context provided, that statement is 100% TRUE!

You've heard it before: "For things to CHANGE, things must CHANGE!" Or, maybe you've heard it this way, "If Nothing CHANGES, NOTHING changes!" And finally, maybe this one: "If you wants THINGS TO CHANGE then, understand that THINGS MUST CHANGE!"

This is also when I began talking about my upcoming "Do-Be-Have MORE Challenge" that will be coming up soon. Be sure to listen in for that information! 

"What Will it Take" for you to finally get to the point that you are "sick and tired of being sick and tired"??

I'd love to get your feedback on that question and I'd really love to hear your feedback IF you have reached that point and began to make positive changes in your lie. What was it that brought you to that point that made you DECIDE - once and for all - that it was TIME to make a CHANGE? 

Be sure to listen in as I share a personal story regarding my health back in 2003 and what it was that made me finally reach that point.

Now you are all caught up! *Whew*

I hope that you will take the time to now go and watch/listen and, if you would, leave comments either on my YouTube channel or at my www.FutureYouUniversity.com page with the corresponding podcast and/or video.

In a recent blog post I asked if you were ready to MOVE FORWARD WITH ME. Well friend, that time is NOW...you coming?

Whatever you do, always be sure to make it an AWESOME day - who else is going to do it for you?

Take care -

Mike

Future You University   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube  Leaders Are Readers (Audible Books)

 

Mon_12th_"Evergreen"

evergreen - a plant having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year

The picture above is actually from my back yard. It's kind of interesting in that, it's not a holly "bush" but, more of a tree! I've never seen that before I moved to where I live now. I see a lot of these "holly TREES". Regardless, the main thing is that it is a picture of an "evergreen" plant.

Why am I talking about the word, "evergreen", for my blog and podcast topic? Good question.

I thought for the next few days leading up to Christmas I'd share thoughts based on a word that is often "connected" to this time of year. So, NOW when you see the word that is the topic for the day, you'll already have an idea of WHY that word is an actual TOPIC for discussion! 😁

So, why "evergreen"? Look again at the definition that I have right under the picture. An evergreen plant "remains green throughout the year". Even like now, when it's too cold for other "foliage" to remain green. All of the other plants and bushes have "lost" their foliage. It died. It fell off and is blowing around in someones yard. Sure, it will come back in the Spring but, for now, it's dead and gone. 

The evergreen plant "stands out" among all of the other dead trees and bushes that are around them. 

So, do you know where I'm "going with this" yet?

As corny as it sounds, I want to encourage YOU to be "evergreen". 

Yep. 

When everyone else has "withered and died" and the world around you looks dead, cold and stagnant, I want to encourage YOU to be the one that "stands out" and offers hope to  your life as well as to those around you. 

You see, when it comes to plants, it doesn't matter how much you water them or "take care of them". If they are outside in the elements, unless they are of the evergreen variety, they WILL lose their foliage and look dead. Even though a plant may not be evergreen, it CAN be kept "alive" by bringing it in and taking care of it indoors. Even then, it's hard work to help that plant survive.

So, here you go. I'm not going to discuss this a lot in this article. I want YOU to explore and discover for yourself what this means for you. But, you may be one of those people that, by your nature, you are "evergreen". You constantly offer hope and "life" in a cold, bleak and "dead" world. That just may be who you are. 

But, even if that doesn't describe you, I want to encourage you to PROTECT YOURSELF from the "elements" (the negativity that surrounds us everyday) and to WORK at "staying alive" (why did I just thin of the Bee Gees when I typed that?) even though most of the others around you have not. 

Now, run with that and have some fun with it!

Until next time, whatever you do, be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike
Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

The Gift of PEACE

I'm not sure that there is any greater gift that a person can give - either to themselves or others - than the gift of PEACE.

What does that mean for you and how do you go about accomplishing this in your life and in the lives of those around you?

I am convinced that one of the best ways (if not THE best way) to give yourself the gift of peace is to IMPROVE YOUR POSITIVE MINDSET. That's right...get rid of the negativity and the worry (as much as possible) and replace it with positivity and confidence. 

No, I'm not suggesting that you will be able to rid your life of EVERY single worry but I AM saying that increasing the positive influence in your life will help greatly diminish worry and it's "power" over your life. 

When you increase this level of positive influence in your life then, by it's very nature, you also spread that to those around you. Instead of worrying about jobs, being out of work or the politics that go on at the workplace, you are able to develop a sense of calm - and peace - by understanding that YOU actually have a lot more power over these things than you may have first thought. These things don't mean that it's "the end of the world". You begin to understand and apply the idea that "As long as there is breath, there is hope!". 

When YOU are calm and peaceful it becomes contagious. Those around you (family, friends) begin to "absorb" the "calm energy" that you exude and it helps bring a sense of peace to these other people around you. 

Another of the great ways to bring peace into your life and FOR your life is to do so financially. 

Money - or the lack of it - is one of the greatest stress generators in our lives today. It is responsible for more relationship problems than anything else. (Let me just throw in here before I move on...increasing your positive influence like we've been discussing can also help greatly in THIS area!). 

I mentioned in the podcast that goes along with today's article two sources to help guide you in this area. I suggested that you check out Dani Johnson and what she offers in this area by going to DaniJohnson.com . I also suggest that you check out Dave Ramsey at DaveRamsey.com . 

And, finally, by improving your positive mindset you have the ability to bring peace to yourself and your family (as well as friends and co-workers) by just becoming a better - more positive - person overall. Think about that. When ANYONE becomes less negative and more positive, THINGS ALWAYS IMPROVE!

Yeah, you know that's true!

Examine this for yourself. Get out a piece of paper and brainstorm this in the different areas of your life where you feel that peace is absent. What can YOU do to change that? 

And, friend, may you enjoy the "Gift of Peace" during this special time of the year.

Until next year, whatever you do, be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike
Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

The Joy of GIVING

I remember well the time that my Mom tried to convince me that it was "more blessed to give than to receive". I don't remember my age but, based on where we were living it was sometime from 2nd grade or earlier and, at that stage in my life, I wasn't buying that idea. Not even close!

Now, obviously, as I have gotten older and have had children of my own, I absolutely DO understand and agree with that sentiment. I DO understand and believe that there is JOY in giving!

I'm not trying to brag when I say this (and, likely, many of you are the same way) but, I'd much rather GIVE someone a gift that really puts a smile on their face than RECEIVE a gift. Anytime. 

Here's the thing, friend. You don't have to go out and BUY someone a gift in order to GIVE and to receive JOY by doing so! Don't let the idea of "but I don't have any money" hold you back. Giving is not about money or what you can buy in a store. GIVING, at it's best and purest form, is about you sharing what you have the ability to share because you know it will help someone and/or make that person happy. 

It could be something as simple as time. Spending time with someone and just visiting and sharing the gift of YOU listening and enjoying the relationship that you have with that person. By the way, you don't even have to know the person for this to take place. I can promise you this - there are a LOT of people in your local nursing home that would love for someone - ANYONE - to just spend some time with them to brighten up their day. And, friend, that "someone" can be you. 

It could be a short, handwritten note that simply expresses appreciation or encouragement to someone. 

If you are continuously adding to your "positive mindset" then you have a LOT that can be shared. No, I'm not suggesting that you "preach" these thoughts and ideas to those around you and try to tell them that this is what THEY should be doing. But, rather, simply sharing your positive mindset as a way to uplift and encourage would be a gift worth sharing. 

What is it for you? What opportunity comes your way (maybe on a daily basis) to share and GIVE to those around you?

Think about it. And, try to get in the habit of doing so at other times besides this "special" time of the year. Make it a daily habit and see what happens to and for your life!

I am thankful that I have the opportunity to share this blog and podcast with you. I hope that it is a source of encouragement for you and to you and that it helps you in your daily activities. 

And, finally, never forget that YOU are a gift worth sharing. Think about it and share your talents and abilities with those around you and discover, as well, that there IS joy in giving!

Until next time friend, whatever you do, be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

Be Thankful

I originally planned on this article (and the accompanying podcast) to be published the day BEFORE Thanksgiving, but here we are, ON Thanksgiving Day in the United States. My guess is that most people in the U.S. that follow along will not likely do so today due to being with family. 

But, whenever it is that you get a chance to read this, the message remains the same - regardless of the day - BE THANKFUL!

Many follow a trend on social media where they post something for which they are thankful on each day of the month of November. The idea behind it being to expand our expressing of thanks beyond the one day on the calendar, Thanksgiving Day. 

Now, that being said, wouldn't also make sense to try to expand this beyond the one month if we TRULY wish to expand our awareness and expression of all for which we have to be thankful.

Do your best NOT to focus on what is "wrong" in your life and do all that you can to focus on what IS "right", instead. As the graphic above states, there is ALWAYS something that we can find, focus on, and express thanks for! It may take a while to discover it and it may not be as "big" as we thought it might be but, friend, it's there if you'll take the time to seriously look for it. 

Two of my three adult sons are deployed right now and will be away from their families for Thanksgiving AND Christmas. The oldest son is married and has three young children. The youngest little girl has been born since his departure - he has never met her in person. It's going to be very difficult for all of them over this Holiday Season. The same is true for my "middle" son who is also deployed. Although he doesn't have children at home, he does have a wife at home and they will be unable to spend the Holiday's together. 

It would be easy to become very discouraged and for them to all become very discouraged during this time. And, hey, let's be real here...it IS going to be very hard for them (and my wife and I as well). However, one thing that they DO have to be thankful for is our modern technology that allows them to "see" each other when they get to talk. That is such a HUGE blessing for all of them. Also, even though the Holiday's are here, it also marks the fact that the scheduled time for their return is even closer. 

You see, sometimes you have to really search to find that "something" in order to express thanks!

My youngest son, who got married about four months ago, hasn't spoken to my wife and I for several months now. We have no idea why and it is really painful. Put that on top of what I have already told you and you can see that, if I allowed it, this could be a pretty miserable time. But, even with this situation concerning my youngest son, I choose to be thankful for the fact that, as far as I know, he and his wife are safe and healthy and, the good Lord willing, there is still time and opportunity for things to be resolved. 

You want to hear more?? The date that Thanksgiving falls on this year is the same date that my Dad passed away three years ago. This time of the year is especially difficult for a LOT of people that deal with the loss of loved ones. We often overlook these people but the pain is real and many people suffer that pain in silence. The blessing (or "thing" to be thankful for) in this is that I will spend the day after Thanksgiving with my Mom as well as most of my brothers and sisters, their spouses and their children and grandchildren. 

I don't mean to "bring you down" in all of this. I guess I just want you to understand that I understand that it's not always easy to be thankful. But, friend, I want to encourage you to search and search and then search some more if necessary to find SOMETHING for which to be thankful. 

If nothing else, remember this: "As long as there is breath, there is hope!"

Whoever you are, wherever you are and whether or not Thanksgiving Day is celebrated in your part of the world, I wish you a blessed day in which you find a reason (or reasons) for which to express thanks. 

One final note: If you find that there are people attached to your reasons to be thankful, don't keep it to yourself. TELL THEM. Let them know and let them know why. Life is too short NOT to do so. Wouldn't you agree?

Now, to follow my own advice that I just gave, let me tell you that I am thankful for YOU. I thank you for making Future You University a part of your life. If you would, stop by the fan page on Facebook and say "hello". I'd love to hear from you. Either way, I'm thankful for you!

Until next time, friend, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

A Special Message...

 

 

Greetings, friends!

My wife, Janan, and I want to take a moment to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas as we head to the start of another new year!

 

Regardless of what your situation is right now - whether good or "not-as-good-as-I'd-like-it-to-be" - I want to encourage you to focus and think about your BLESSINGS during this special time of the year.

 

Instead of spending time focusing on what you DON'T have or what you CAN'T give your children or what you HAVEN'T accomplished this year, I want you to focus on the OPPOSITE!

 

Think of all of the wonderful blessings that you DO have! (Make a list!)

Think of what you CAN and DO give your children! ("stuff" is not always as important as you think it is)

Think of what you HAVE accomplished this year! I can almost PROMISE you that you HAVE accomplished more than you realize. Take some time to discover those things in your life over the past year.

 

Please feel free to contact me if you have trouble discovering those blessings...I bet I can help you find some of them in your life even if you can't.

 

Thanks for your continued support - I never take that for granted.

 

Mike and Janan Spillman