The myth of trying

The more doubt we allow ourselves to experience the greater the possibility that it will be recognized. So, when you want to do something decide to do it and envision yourself doing it. Deciding to try is not a decision at all.

Try not. Do or do not. There is no try. -Yoda

Sound of serenity

I wanted to mention one other thing that really struck me this morning at the river. The various sounds that are present all around between 5:30-7:00 AM are almost undescribeable. The best way I can describe the type of experience these peaceful and life-filled sounds create is.......nectarian! I am so grateful that I have the time and physical capability to go there and be quiet and listen. Try to be very quiet sometimes and wait for what you might hear!

Rekindle the gratitude

Wow! I spent 3 hours hanging out by the river this morning. It brought to mind 3 years ago when I first moved here and how I was so grateful that I felt ecstatic every time I walked a few blocks from my home and was right on the beautiful Susquehanna! I went there at least 5 times a week until this past November when I allowed my job to become a higher priority than it needed to be. This morning was the first time in nearly 7 months since I spent any quality time at the river. I felt sad for the time I've squandered away, then i looked around and a tear of gratitude came to my eye! This experience has reminded me what is truly important in my life and how incredibly blessed I am to be here! I have made a committment to walk along the river at least 4 times a week from now on! Is there anything that could use a refresher of gratitude in your life? Find it and renew your thankfullness!

Appreciate the result

I fully acknowledge as part of my personality a complete disdain when I have things to do and I feel that someone is wasting my time. This is never more evident than when attending some business meetings.

There are very few times when I do not have something to do at work. Because I refuse to work 10-15 hour days I am constantly working and try to be as efficient as possible.

Yesterday, I had a meeting scheduled from 9:30am until 11:00am. I arrived at 9:25am and was the only one ready. Ten minutes later we were still missing one person. Once we got started we had a productive conversation for about ten minutes and then the first unrelated story was told. For the next six hours, forty-five minutes of which was lunch, we cycled through meaningful discussion and superfluous comments, stories, and explanations.

In the end we accomplished our tasks but it took longer than expected and much longer than it should have. I was ticked-off 'What a waste of time'

But then I thought, 'If we didn't meet I would have put it off. It would not have gotten done for another two weeks.'

It was then that I shifted my focus to what was accomplished and not how it could have gone differently. I realized my options were to be upset at the loss of time or appreciate what was accomplished. I decided to appreciate the result.

This does not mean that I will not try to have meetings run more efficiently in the future but it does mean that I choose now to enjoy the accomplishment rather than dwelling on the negative.

So, whenever you can... Appreciate the result.

Think of what you want

Think of what you want
In golf we know that if you think 'I don't want to slice' you are going to slice the ball. This is true for all of life.

Unexpected Synergy

I spent the day with my sister working together on a 'first-time ever'... anything!!!!!! She is 46 and I am 52! Not sure how this would fare out, given our non-existent history with this type of thing, I found myself going into it being overly cautious with my words, looks and any other body language so as not to cause any friction. About 20 minutes into our interaction with each other, a sense of peace and a level of comfortability filled me up from head to toe! WOW! What a high I got from that moment! We had a blast going back and forth with ideas, laughing, listening intently to one another....for 4 HOURS! We set up a time for our next meeting to work on our project and I am looking forward to it with all my heart! What a sweet surprise! What a valuable lesson I learned as well...never, ever be afraid to try something you think might be amazing just because you've never tried it before AND allow yourself to be open and attentive to situations, just in case you are getting ready to receive a wonderful surprise...otherwise you may miss it altogether!!!

Family- A joy to be remembered

Once again, I am reminded of the joy of my family. This weekend I went to the mountains with my family and had a wonderful time. Even through all the joys and discomforts that we share, I am extremely grateful for this time I had with them and for them in my life.

Take a moment to think of your family. This family could be your biological family, a community, close friends, or even a team of coworkers. Do they know how much you appreciate them? Even through the ups and downs the support you find in others is critical to your success in life.