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

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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

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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

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People of Influence

 

In the United States, yesterday was celebrated as "Mothers Day" which, obviously, was a day dedicated to our Mothers and the influence they have had on our lives.

 

As in any situation, not all people can celebrate this influence due to the fact that some Mother's were not the positive and supportive influence that they should have been. However, sometimes even situations such as that can be turned around to where one can say, as I heard one man say about his Father,  "She taught me what kind of Mother NOT to be!".

 

Most of those that I saw post notices on social media were lifting their Moms up with praise for all that they had done for them during their life. That is the way it should be!

 

Next month, in June, we will celebrate Father's in the same way.

 

This got me to thinking about how many people actually influence our lives during the course of this journey on earth. There are many, are there not? And, as is the case with Mothers and Fathers, not all of them are the kind of influence that will direct us in a positive way.

 

I don't want to spend time on the negative. I don't want to spend time talking about the people in my life and yours that can influence us in a negative way. So, let's just assume that you and I are both smart enough to keep our eyes, ears and minds open to this and STAY AS FAR AWAY from such influence as possible.

 

Let's focus on those that have had a POSITIVE influence on our lives along the way.

 

Here is a great exercise for you to do on a continual basis that will help bring to mind such people in your life. Get out a piece of paper (or do this on your computer) and begin back as far as you can remember and think about those people that influenced you in a positive way and, you guessed it, WRITE THEM DOWN and also write down beside their name something that you remember about them. HOW did they influence you?

 

Why do I say do this on a continual basis? Well, for one, you may not can remember everyone at the same time. Your memory will be jogged just by beginning this process and, even when you aren't actively writing these things down, you will likely have a "flash memory" of someone else that you need to enter into this all-important listing.

 

Another reason that I say do this on a continual basis is to make note of those even now that are influencing your life in a positive way. Too often we just don't catch these moments of positive influence each day. However, by doing this exercise, our minds will be more open to recognizing and acknowledging these people. I would suggest getting into the habit of doing a daily journal (if you're not doing so already) and, as part of that daily entry, write down the names (and again the action) of a person that influenced you in a positive way during the day.

 

One final step to the exercise: If these people on your list are still alive, try to find a way to send them a nice thank you note and express to them how they influenced your life in a positive way. Notice I said send them a note. Emails and texts are nice but there is nothing like a hand written note that someone can hold on to and cherish. While you're at it, why not make a follow up phone call to make sure they received the note and take the opportunity to TELL them how they influenced your life.

 

The "Attitude of Gratitude"!

 

Who knows? There may be someone else reading this that will have YOU on THEIR list!

 

Be thankful for the positive influences in your life and express that thanks. And, as you go about this task, be sure to...

 

 

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

 

Mike

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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!

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