THANKFUL for TODAY!

 This post is simple and to the point. There is no need for any further commentary. 

READ - CONSIDER - APPLY YOUR GRATITUDE!

                                                          

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, 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

YouTube  Project141

Can YOU Still "Do It"?

 "Never lose the ability to GET EXCITED about something!" - Mike Spillman

I had a little fun with the title for today's topic. I don't know that I really would want to get into all of the different answers that some of you might come up with as an answer to the title's question. It could be interesting, though!

But, as the quote reveals, I'm asking do you still have the ability to GET EXCITED about something in your life? 

My goodness, after the week's discussion that we have had, how can you NOT get excited? By the way, that's your cue if you have not yet read, listened and/or watched the topics for the week, that you need to do so.

When you consider the fact that adjustment does NOT mean failure and that you DO have the choice about changing the direction that you need to take to reach your goals and dreams - THAT'S SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT!

When you consider the fact that it IS possible to change your outlook from that of one that is ungrateful to being one that is THANKFUL then, friend - THAT'S SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT!

When you consider the fact that, even if you ARE in a rut, you don't have to STAY in that rut - THAT'S SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT!

When you consider the fact that even when you face difficult choices, the very fact that you HAVE choices and decisions to make shows that you are ALIVE and that you are not in a rut - THAT'S SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT!

When you consider that fact that EVERY NEW DAY is a day of OPPORTUNITY - THAT'S SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT!

And, finally, when you consider the fact that, regardless of your age or your situation in life, you CAN find something to get excited about - THAT'S SOMETHING TO GET EXCITED ABOUT!

Get the point?

Do not allow yourself to be so poisoned by ungratefulness that you fail to see all that is before you for which you have to be THANKFUL. 

Do not EVER lose your ability to get excited about LIFE!

By the way, it's CONTAGIOUS, so be sure to spread that around as much as you can and, until next time, 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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Be Thankful for Every New Day

"Every new day is a day of new opportunity. Be thankful for every new day."
 - Mike Spillman

If you didn't see the dates on the articles or if you had no idea what time of the year it was when these articles were published, you MIGHT think it was November and we were about to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday as much as we have talked about "being thankful". 

 But listen, as I talked about in an earlier article this week, we MUST beware the "poison" of being ungrateful! Again, it is EASY to slip into that negative habit and we must all understand that we ALL have SO much for which to be thankful!

Once again I go back to one of my original quotes that I spoke in my very first podcast back on March 2, 2009..."As long as there is breath, there is HOPE!"

Every new day is a day of NEW OPPORTUNITY! As long as you are ALIVE and breathing friend, you have the OPPORTUNITY to change the direction of your life - that is a FACT!

What opportunity lies before you TODAY?

How exciting is it for you to consider that question? You are ALIVE, you have CHOICES that YOU can make! Breathe in the air that gives you life and look for that opportunity TODAY!

One other thing...it's also important to EXPRESS that thanks. That's right, say it out loud! You don't have to say it out loud to someone else but, even if you are alone, vocally expressing that thanks tends to "cement" that believe in your life.

I want to THANK YOU for taking the OPPORTUNITY to read today's message. I also want to encourage you to take advantage of the podcast and the video that goes along with today's topic. 

Would you do me a favor? Would you stop by my Facebook page and leave some feedback? I'd really love to hear from you. The link for that page as well as the links for the podcast and video can be found below.

Until next time, 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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

Beware the Poison

Poison - if not correctly addressed - WILL kill. The longer a person waits to get the needed treatment, the higher the chance of DEATH.

So it is with the "poison" of being ungrateful. Unchecked, it will KILL a person's self-esteem and attitude. The longer a person waits to get the needed "treatment", the higher the chance of this DEATH to their self-esteem, attitude and, likely, relationships.

Listen, it's EASY to be ungrateful! It's EASY to focus on what is WRONG instead of what is RIGHT in your life. It's EASY to focus on what you DO NOT have instead of what all you DO have.

We seem to be fighting this battle in the United States right now. We have many in our society that whine and complain about everything and also want everything given to them. These people are UNGRATEFUL about what OPPORTUNITY is available to them every single day in our country.

When we allow ourselves to be ungrateful - to drink the poison of ungratefulness - we become a negative person in just about every area of our lives.

Why? How?

It's the same as we have talked about many times before. When we focus on the negative we "dwell" in the area of the negative. Believe me, when we become ungrateful we have started to focus on the negative. We can easily fall into being ungrateful for just about everything in every area of our lives.

It's easy to become ungrateful with your spouse and/or your children. The same is true as it relates to your friends, your co-workers, your job and on and on it goes.

But, you know what? Staying focused and positive which, by the way means that you will be "swimming upstream" against what most other people think and do, IS NOT EASY.

However, it DOES become easier the more you "practice" finding and focusing on what is good. It becomes easier once you become a person of THANKFULNESS.

Be sure to listen to the podcast and watch the video (links below) to get the "full impact" of today's topic and, while you're at it, be sure to drop off at my Facebook page (link below) and leave some feedback. Thanks, in advance!

Until next time, 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

YouTube   Live Debt Free!

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

Be Thankful and Say So

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Today I am thankful! It’s a beautiful day, I’m alive and I have so much HOPE and PROMISE for my future. So, yeah, why WOULDN’T I be thankful?

Here’s one important thing about being thankful…express it and express it out loud.
There is just something about EXPRESSING  your thankfulness that impacts you at a whole different level than just thinking it. Think about this as well, if you express your thanks out loud around someone else it also serves as a reminder to them that they, too, have something for which to be thankful and it also may very well lift them up in encouragement.

So, what are YOU thankful for today? Express it and share it in the comment section below. It will encourage you, me and everyone else that reads this and leaves comments.

Thanks!

Oh, and by the way, whatever you do, be sure to…

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

Mike

This entry was posted in Empower Network

A Thankful Thanksgiving by Jim Rohn

(the following article is copied/reprinted from the Jim Rohn Newsletter)

 

 

Editor’s Note: In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November as a day for its citizens to give thanks for all that they have in their lives.

 

You may be wondering why I would call this article a Thankful Thanksgiving. Aren't all Thanksgivings thankful? Unfortunately, no. Since I had experienced more than 75 Thanksgivings, I recognize that being thankful is something that we have to work at, even on Thanksgiving.

If your home is like most, your Thanksgiving Day will be very busy, with either traveling to where you want to go or preparing your home to have others over for the day. Either way, that can be very hectic and emotionally trying, which doesn't lend itself to preparing your heart to be reflective and thankful. In fact, Thanksgiving weekend is the most traveled weekend in America. Airports are full, and don’t always provide much room for contemplation of your good fortune.
 
This means all the more that if we want to be the kind of people who are characterized by thankfulness, then we must make sure that we focus on it, and not just on Thanksgiving Day, but at all times during the year.

 

Here are a few key words as well as some thoughts that are simple and practical to apply; something you can use right away in your quest to become more thankful:

     Time. Set aside time regularly to be quiet, to reflect. We live in the fastest-paced time ever. From the moment we awake to the moment we collapse into bed, we have the opportunity to go at full speed and never slow down. If we schedule time every day in which we can be quiet and reflect, we will free our hearts and minds from the tyranny of the urgent and rushed.

     Thought. Give thought to the many blessings that you have. Living in a consumer culture, most of us are fully aware of what we do not have and how we absolutely must have "it." But how often do we reflect upon that which we already have? Take some time each day and think of one or two things you have that you may typically take for granted, and then take a moment and give thanks for those. In fact, I make it a part of my reflection time to review a list of things that I'm thankful for.

     Generosity. Be generous toward those with less and not envious of those with more. We tend to look at others who may be wealthier than ourselves and think, "I sure wish I had what he does." That kind of thinking breeds envy and jealousy rather than contentment. What can we do to break that cycle? I would suggest being generous to those who are less fortunate than yourself. Go to work at a food bank, and not just during the holidays—everybody works there then—but on a regular basis during the year. That will remind you of how good you really have it.

     Ask. Ask a friend what they are thankful for. You will be amazed at the answers you receive and you will create a meaningful bond with your friends as you focus on this powerful question.

     Acknowledge. Lastly, tell those you love how thankful you are for having them in your life. So many times we neglect to take the time to craft the words to express to those closest to us what their presence in our lives means to us. Take the opportunity of Thanksgiving Day to write them a note, or sometime during the day put your hand on their shoulder, look them in the eyes and tell them. Let them know what they mean to you, and in return you'll begin to create the possibility of deeper, richer, more fulfilling relationships with those you love.

 

Of course, we should do what we can to make the most of the day we call Thanksgiving, but wouldn't it be a shame if the only time we reflected on our blessings was that one Thursday in November? And the answer is, of course! So let's do our best to be aware of the many great gifts that we have each and every day of the year. As we do so we will see our hearts soar and our minds more and more at peace as we regularly remember and remain aware of our good fortune.

Thankful Celebration!

Thankful Celebration!

That's right, we're still celebrating here - celebrating another day of livin' and another day of life!

And, on this "Thankful Thursday" I want to connect that celebration to the fact that each one of us has SO much for which to be thankful!

No, I don't want to hear your "yeah, but" lines ("Yeah, but, what about this or that..."). I know life is harder for some than for others BUT you still have some things in your life for which to be thankful!

Number one being - YOU ARE ALIVE! And, that being so, today is MAGICAL, WIDE OPEN and you have the opportunity to TURN YOUR DAY AROUND!

"As long as there is breath there is hope!"

I talked to my friend with cancer last night. He just recently found out that he had cancer and he was really quite worried about it and - like many - already had a "worse case scenario" played out in his head.

He's losing his hair and has lost about 20 pounds due to the fact that his appetite has really been messed up due to the chemotherapy treatments and, on top of that, he has diabetes which is really also going nuts with all of this going on!

But, guess what? When I was talking to him last night he had a smile on his face from ear to ear! I wasn't able to have an "in depth" conversation with him to dig deeper but one thing he said was something along the lines of, "You know, along with the bad there is some good!" - HELLO?

I mentioned to him that his attitude seemed to be better NOW than it was when he first found out that he had cancer and he replied, "Well, I don't even feel like I have cancer most of the time. And, besides, what are you going to do?" In other words, he was indicating that he had MADE A CHOICE of how he was going to allow his disease to have an impact on his life.

I love it when I have the chance to talk to people like this - what a great, powerful and positive example for the rest of us!

Now, does he ALWAYS have that attitude? He'd be the first to tell you that he doesn't, especially on those days when the chemotherapy takes a toll on his body. BUT, my guess is that his attitude is positive more than it is negative.

Here's the kicker... this guy tends to be one of the most negative people I know. That's right! There have been times in the past when I have had to dismiss myself from being around him just because of the negative poison that was continually spewing from his mouth.

Amazing, isn't it?

Perhaps - and this is only MY thought on this - the cancer has caused this friend to really notice what matters and what doesn't and to be THANKFUL for another day of life.

What about you? What about me?

Days come and days go. Time moves on regardless of your circumstances. It's the same for each of us - for ALL of us.

What we do with that time is a CHOICE.

Why not incorporate THANKFUL CELEBRATION into your day - starting right now - TODAY?

And, as you do so - this WILL become a part of your life...

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

Mike

Week of July 12th - special message and link

Special Message and Link for the Week of July 12th

I will be gone on vacation for the week and won't be able to do a DAILY blog....HOWEVER, never fear!

I recorded my podcasts for this week in advance so I REALLY want to encourage you to be sure to listen to them and the additional thoughts I have on the material that I'm about to share with you here. (You can either find me on iTunes - search Mike Spillman OR Future You University....OR on the main website - http://www.FutureYouUniversity.com - click the podcast tab).

For this week I will be sharing thoughts on "5 Things That Will Make You Happier" from an article that was sent to me way back in February by one of my listeners, Mark Clark (thanks, Mark!).

You can find the actual listing and article by going here if you'd like to have the list to look over for yourself: http://www.livescience.com/health/how-to-be-happy-100222.html

Also during this week I will share with you a listing of all 50 states and their order of "MOST HAPPY STATES". Where does YOUR state rank? (You can actually cheat and look at the link that is connected with the story listed in the previous paragraph).

Anyway, be sure to follow along with the podcast and take a look at the link above and do a personal check-up in your own life on these five things!

And, don't forget...each and every day be sure to...

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

Mike

Special Thanksgiving Entry - An Attitude of Gratitude

An Attitude of Gratitude!

In today's abbreviated podcast I share some quotes about the need for having an attitude of gratitude in our lives. I have listed them below for your convenience.

"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." - Albert Schweitzer

"Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more." - David Steindl-Rast

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of all virtues, but the parent of all the others." - Cicero

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude." - Dennis Waitley

"The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings." - Eric Hoffer

"Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul." - Henry Ward Beecher

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - John F. Kennedy

And, from my family to yours - may you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday and may you continue to live a life of gratitude!

A Salute To Our Veterans

A Salute To Our Veterans

Today's message is simply this:

THANK YOU!

A special "thank you" for all that have served and sacrificed to make our country great!

We have our freedoms because of you and your sacrifice and my hope and prayer is that we - as a nation - may always be thankful.

I am an American and, that being so, I believe that I live in the greatest country in the world. That greatness is built upon the sacrifice of many.

Thank a Veteran today!

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

While Eating Out the Other Day...

Hello friends! How is your MONDAY? Remember, it's "MAGICAL" and YOU have the opportunity to make it whatever you want it to be!

It's also "MAKE-A-WISH" Monday as I continue to urge (yes, even BEG) you to take action and DONATE to the "Make-a-Wish Foundation" fund drive that I have set up at www.FutureYouUniversity.com - YOUR HELP IS DESPERATELY NEEDED NOW!

So, let me share with you a story that I mentioned on today's podcast about a visit to a fast food restaurant. And, I'll also include something that I forgot to mention on the podcast. (See? Wow! What a great value you get by listening to the podcast AND reading my blog! :) )

This past Thursday my wife and I were on our way to Little Rock when we stopped by a Wendy's restaurant in Cabot, AR. (right off of hwy. 67/167). While standing in line I had already noticed the young lady behind the counter and that she seemed to have a "twinkle" in her eye as she waited on customers. Now listen, you have experienced the same thing as I have, haven't you? Lots of times (if not MOST of the time) the workers are NOT excited and are just there because they have to be and, even if they are not rude, they are not usually very outgoing. So, indeed, when I notice one that seems to have that "spark", it gets my attention!

I actually mentioned it to my wife as we stood in line and then we stepped up to be served. She greeted us with a genuine smile and asked us how we were doing. I don't remember my exact response, but it was something along the lines of, "I'M GREAT!" The young lady (I'm thinking she is still a teenager) responded with something along the lines of, "Alright! An ENTHUSIASTIC customer! That's AWESOME!"

As we got our food and left the counter I mentioned to my wife that I was going to mention that in today's podcast because little did the young lady know that AWESOME is a key word each and every day when I close my podcast and my blog ("Make it an AWESOME Day!").

As we ate I sat and observed what was taking place at the counter with this young lady as well as several other members of the crew working that night. A little old lady came in and ordered for several people. I could hear bits and pieces of the conversation as the workers helped her figure out what was the least expensive way to go. (Hey, a lot of people would not have even tried or would have gone for the way to make the MOST money!). They also named off, one by one, what types of colas were available and then helped her fill up the cups, put them in a carrier and one of the workers walked out to the car with her and helped carry the food items.

I kept mentioning to my wife what was taking place (she had her back to the counter) and how impressed I was! Another customer came in and the young lady behind the counter greeted him and asked how he was doing. He answered, "Good, and how are you?" to which she replied, "I'm ALWAYS good!" Again, I thought - "Wow! What an awesome approach!"

It was then that I decided that I was going to give this girl one of my cards and let her know that I was going to mention her on my podcast because of her positive approach to her job and to her customers. I also wanted to be sure to mention this to the manager as well.

As we waited behind another family in line so that we could share our impressions, I noticed that the teen-aged boy in this family had some sort of mental disability and that this young lady behind the counter did not let it interrupt her "positive approach" in any way. As a matter of fact, she had a smile on her face and, after taking their order, began to carry on a conversation with the boy by asking him where they were from and what they had been doing. You could tell that this just made this young man's day - a chance for him to tell someone that they had been to St. Louis and that they had seen the arch!

Friends, I have to tell you - on an "impression scale" of 1 - 10 (10 being super impressed) I was looking at about a 15!

Finally, we stepped up to the counter and I did see the manager in the cooking area. She looked my way and I asked, "Excuse me, are you the manager?" (Now, you know that usually when someone asks that question, there is a problem!). The manager came to where we were and I told her how impressed we had been with the whole crew and the way that they treated their customers and that it was a pleasure to watch. I also handed one of my cards to the young lady that had waited on us and told her I would be talking about her - and the rest of the crew - on today's podcast. Honestly, you would have thought this young lady had just won a bunch of money as she began to jump up and down excitedly. The manager asked if I knew her name and - in between the jumping up and down - I said, "Yes, I can see her name tag and her name is Laura." To which Laura exclaimed, "Laura Bryant! My last name is Bryant! It's Laura Bryant!!"

I was smiling and laughing and so glad that I had the chance to bring such joy to this young lady. I told the manager that I would contact Wendy's and let them know of our impressions (which, by the way, I have done) and that I'd be sharing this information with you, my readers and listeners!

As we left, my wife and I were grinning from ear to ear and we talked about this for several miles down the road as we both talked about that image in our minds of Laura jumping up and down and squealing with delight!

HERE'S THE KICKER THAT I FORGOT TO MENTION ON THE PODCAST -

Last Thursday was "Thankful Thursday" and in that podcast I specifically encouraged everyone to say "thank you" to as many people as possible and to be aware of those "good deeds" that happen that we usually overlook. To be honest with you, I had forgotten completely about that until we were several miles down the road past the restaurant.

I told my wife how amazing it was that:
1. There was the coincidence with Laura using the word, "Awesome!" not knowing that it is used by me each and every day in my podcast, blog and ANY article that I write anywhere.
2. All of this happened on "Thankful Thursday" and what joy it brought my wife and I to see the reaction to taking the time to say, "Thank you!" to Laura, the manager and the rest of the crew that night.

So, to the NIGHT CREW at the WENDY'S in CABOT, ARKANSAS - I thank you and salute you for the outstanding way in which you serve your customers! Keep up the great work!

Oh...and to the manager --- Give LAURA a RAISE! I can promise you that she is bringing money into that restaurant by her personality and service to your customers!

Try saying "Thanks" to someone today and see what happens! You don't have to wait until "Thankful Thursday" to do so, do you?

And, as always....

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

Mike

More on FAITH or BELIEF

It's another THANKFUL THURSDAY!

I hope that as you listen to my podcasts for this week (starting back on Magical Monday) that you will pick up the fact that it is vitally important for each of us to take control of our feelings, emotions, thoughts. When I ask, "What do YOU have to be thankful for?" I want to help you realize that, yes, friends, etc. CAN be a part of the things for which we are thankful. However, IF we rely on people, places and/or things to give us things for which to be thankful - we will be disappointed again and again and again.

Might I make a suggestion?

Since you are reading this, I can say this with complete confidence - You can be thankful for the fact that you are taking the time to fill your mind/heart/soul with POSITIVE influences!

This is a KEY point that must be realized and it is also a key point that Napoleon Hill makes in the 3rd chapter of his book, "Think & Grow Rich".

I focus the majority of today's podcast on his discussion of how important it is to saturate our minds with POSITIVE influences and to rid our lives of the NEGATIVE influences.

We must repeat again and again the positive thoughts that we know to be true. The mind will come to believe something to be true if repeated enough - regardless of whether it is actually true or not!

So, indeed, it is VERY important to repeat to ourselves those things that will lift us up and not tear us down.

Enjoy the podcast - it's a good one!

And, as always....

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

Mike

Another "Thankful Thursday"

What a GREAT day!

Nothing is really unusual for me today. Nothing is really that different for me today.

However - I AM THANKFUL FOR TODAY! What about you? Are you? "Oh, I don't have anything to be thankful for!" you might think or even say.
Really? What about the ability to formulate that thought with your brain? Think about it. The ability to even put that thought together and even perhaps verbalize it is a GREAT SIGN that you are doing o.k. and that you have something for which to be thankful.

Check it out. We sing a song at church entitled, "Count Your Many Blessings" - and sometimes that is what we need to sit down and do. Perhaps you need to spend a little time today either actually sitting down or making some mental notes of things YOU have to be thankful for today.

When you do, when you realize that, indeed, you DO have things for which to be thankful - EXPRESS IT! Even if it's just you around, there is just something about expressing this out loud!

Yes! Be thankful! Today. Thankful Thursday. And EVERYDAY!

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