Make every day count...

Don't be fooled by the calendar. 

There are only as many days in the year as you make use of.

Charles Richards

Happy Leap Day!  I've always thought that statement sounded a little strange. But, when you think of that phrase in light of Mr. Richards' quote, it's a really great way to think of Leap Year -- an "extra" 24 hours we're given every four years!

We should always strive to make every day count, making a time each day for the things that matter.  Even on days when you may not feel like "putting on"  a positive attitude and showing up for life, ready to meet each new challenge, it's important to do your best to make the 24 hours you've been given an important time in your life.

My challenge to you for this "Leap Day" is to do something a little "extra" with the extra time you've been given for 2012!  Think of someone who needs some extra encouragement. Offer to help a co-worker finish a project that is looming over them.  Invest the money you would normally spend on expensive coffee drinks or meals into buying lunch for someone who doesn't seem to have a "social circle" of friends to do lunch with and usually spends that time alone.

Call your mother!

It's a great day to go that extra mile!  This "extra" day is a free gift of time to help you accomplish your goals.  It's an extra endowment  of time you can use to make a difference!

I would love to hear from you regarding your use of this "free" day!  If you'll leave your comment below, I will save your good ideas for the blog I will write in 2016 that will celebrate the difference one person can make in the life of another by making good use of this extra day!

Blessings,

Sharon

Investing your time....

Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen, 

but give us the determination to make the right things happen 

-- Peter Marshall

Over the years, I've spent quite a bit of time as an advocate for public education.  I do this because I believe, as many of our founding fathers did, that an uneducated public is a quick way to put an end to a free society. I do this because I have grandchildren who will attend public schools.  I do this because I want to remind our legislators that when they appropriate money for public education, it's not "paying for" education for our students, it's "investing in the education of" our students.


And, let's just talk about the "return on investment" when it comes to our kids! 


The students enrolled in our high schools right now will be the teachers, doctors, truck drivers, law enforcement officers, soldiers, parents, farmers, engineers, business owners and a myriad of other professionals who  will be the first in line to take the torch of leadership from our generation.  As we "age out" of the work force and "into" retirement, home health care, nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living communities, it is the students we're investing in right now who will "run the show"!


I want them to do well!


I have been very busy, personally and professionally, but when it comes to doing what's right for the 900,000 children in the state of Missouri, I feel a strong sense of urgency when it comes to legislative issues affecting education!  I think they are worth the investment!


At the Missouri School Boards Association Governmental Relations Center, in Jefferson City,  there is a quote on the wall that reads: "Education is the foundation of democracy."  This quote, long attributed to Thomas Jefferson sums up my strong feelings regarding public education. 


Thomas Jefferson believed in a society where talent and virtue should be educated regardless of wealth, birth or any other condition.  He believed that democracy could not long exist without eduction, that the education of our children should come at the common expense of our people and that without wise elected officials at every level, our education system could not thrive. 


Thomas Jefferson saw public education, quite literally, as the means of insuring political liberty for every generation!


My challenge to you is to go online right now and start gathering information about legislation you're interested in. Whether it's education, or another area that affects your life,  see to it that your voice is heard in your state capitol and in the nation's capitol. Develop a determination within you to give your best, do your best, and to encourage others to do the same.


Blessings!


Sharon

What's under the rug?

 "Be who you are and say what you feel because 

those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." 

 -- Dr. Seuss

While it's always good to "be who you are" and to "say what you feel," each of those sentiments must be tempered with good judgment and a certain amount of sensitivity.  If everyone simply blurted out exactly what was on their mind, there would be no end to misunderstandings and hurt feelings.  


It's always good to know that there are people  who love us no matter what.  I believe those are the ones Dr. Seuss was referring to as "those who matter." 


However, all too often we avoid a difficult conversation that really SHOULD happen to protect ourselves from an uncomfortable situation, sweeping things under the proverbial "rug" so as to avoid having to see the situation for what it has become.  It's a fine line, and a difficult one to cross....or NOT!

The problem with "sweeping things under the rug" is that eventually, there are so many "things" under the rug, we end up "tripping ourselves" over our very own mountain of debris that has built up under that rug! It is impossible to move forward with your plans and to work on your dreams and goals if you are constantly picking yourself up after falling down because you've been "tripped up" again by an issue you've not been able to face.


Whether it's an apology owed to someone, or you feel there's someone who you need to forgive, it's time to consider dealing with the issue. It may be an  annoyance that you've decided to accept and "live with" yet it angers you every time you think of it.  If that's the case, it's very dangerous to "sweep it back under the rug" and tell yourself it's just not worth facing.  If it's worth the effort of hiding it, you can be assured it's worth the effort it will take to leave it out, think about it, and talk it over with someone!


Yes, there's truth in Dr. Seuss' statement, but there's also truth in saying that there are people involved in your life, whether personally or professionally, who do mind...and they matter.


Have a good week!


Blessings,
Sharon

Take a look...in a book...

"He who knows best knows how little he knows." 

Thomas Jefferson

The mission statement of our school district is Striving for Excellence...Learning for All. This statement proves there is a belief in our school district that no one ever "knows it all" and that continuous learning is beneficial to individuals, as well as groups.


When I think of that mission statement, I consider the fact that while our public school is in the business of educating children, we also provide continuing education and professional development for our teachers and administrators.  


Continuous learning has been proven to stimulate the brain, and studies have even shown that people who keep their minds active and busy learning new things, don't show as many early signs of aging!  It's a win/win situation! Learning keeps you young!!  How great is that?

As the weekend approaches, my challenge to you is to find a good book and spend some time reading!  Reading a good story, even something fictional, opens your mind to new ideas and sets the stage for a great conversation. It provides a chance to learn about a new place, a new idea, or just a different perspective on an old idea.

Let me know what you're reading!

Blessings,

Sharon

The Way We Were......

A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. 

His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, 

and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example. 

Niccolo Machiavelli

When I was a teenager, I remember hearing my grandparents and parents talking about the "good 'ol days" and at the time it seemed unimportant and almost embarrassing!  As an adult, I have to ask myself, "What were they really talking about?"


Did they see that our society was changing for the worse in the areas of integrity and compassion for one another?  Did they see some of us, in the United States, in particular, were living a life of conspicuous consumption at some level that would be harmful to our way of life? Or, were they in fact, just wishing for a return of the chance to enjoy visits on the front porch of the closest neighbor? Could they have been remembering the days when families got together more often so they didn't find themselves with a "mini family reunion" at each family wedding and funeral?


Irregardless of their meaning, it's my belief that all of the above questions are good reasons to long for a return to the principles our nation was founded on, personally, professionally and politically!  


It seems to be a "short trip" down the proverbial slippery slope for each of us to rude instead of strong in our convictions...to be arrogant instead of proud of our heritage and our morals...or to be a bully instead of being bold, yet considerate of our fellow man.


Spend a few moments right now and think about your commitment to integrity, compassion and ethics.  Are you where you want to be in those three areas of your life? 


 If you are, keep it up and find someone to help!  You will be the example of the good and virtuous person who causes others to be ashamed of their unkind words or unethical practices!


If you aren't where you want to be in those areas of life, set some goals and make a new commitment to be the kind of good person my dear old Granny would admire!


Blessings,


Sharon

A great conversation....

As far as playing jazz, no other art form, other than conversation, 

can give the satisfaction of spontaneous interaction.

Stan Getz

I love the idea of labeling the art of conversation as "spontaneous interaction".  I gathered with a group of friends last night and as we reminisced, discussed current events and made plans for future outings together, one of the things I couldn't help notice was the comfortable spontaneity of the conversations!

Everyone has friends they communicate with on different levels.  Sometimes a friend is someone, who, like the group I spoke of earlier, know you so well they can finish your sentences and the conversation is always being tossed back and forth like a child's game of catch. (Sometimes, when several friends come together, it can be more like the child's game of "keep away" as friends excitedly interrupt, correct and cajole each other!)


Occasionally,  you will strike up a conversation with someone who doesn't know you that well, and there are times when a conversation begins with someone who is barely an acquaintance, or may even be someone completely unfamiliar to you.


My challenge to you is to work on your conversation skills and practice listening, really listening, to others.  Whether you are with close friends or family, casual acquaintances or someone who happens to get on the elevator when you do, treat each conversation with respect and then enjoy it! Just as you would a great jazz tune!


Blessings
Sharon

Never give up....

"We must accept finite disappointment but we must never lose infinite hope." 

-- Martin Luther King

When things go wrong, or when someone lets you down, it's easy to give up.  It seems convenient to just stop trying.  However, when you're facing something  that has derailed your plans, or worse, has brought you to a complete halt, it's wise to invest  a bit of time in figuring out what happened.  It's also wise to spend only the necessary amount of time in that "place" in your life!


Just because things have gone wrong, don't give up!  Find something hopeful in the situation.  Look diligently for a friend, or co-worker who is supportive and focus on finding the "hope" that you can do what you've set out to do.


Be realistic. Set specific, measurable, achievable goals, then focus on them and keep moving toward them.  Make every attempt to remain hopeful.


Some of the saddest people in the world are those who have no hope.  Look to your faith, your family, your friends, and your co-workers when things seem hopeless and be on the lookout for opportunities to help others who seem to be struggling.  You'll be glad you helped and you may find that your own situation is not as hopeless as you once thought.


Blessings,


Sharon

A really great attitude...

"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right." -- unknown

After having his mommy read "The Little Engine That Could" to him dozens of times, my 2 year old grandson, loved to repeat certain lines in the book. From "All aboard!" to "Chug-Chug-Chug-Chug....Choooo!  Chooo!"  (He was genuinely excited about the book and  still loves trains!)


One evening my daughter called me with a story about him repeating lines from the book that really caused me to think about the origins of a positive attitude.  It seems she was pushing him toward the park in their jogging stroller and as she was jogging behind the stroller and came to a hill, she slowed down to a walk to push the stroller up the incline.  As she slowed and was leaning into the stroller to push harder, she heard him repeating, "I think I can!  I think I can! I think I can!"


His positive attitude, and the fact that he was leaning forward in the stroller, was the only way he knew to say, "I'm with you, Mommy!  We can do this!"


In the mind of that 2-year old the only thing needed to achieve the goal of getting to the park at the top of the hill was the attitude of the little train engine who talked himself into making it over the mountain to deliver toys to the good little girls and boys!


I've often wondered how different life would be, if at every difficult passage, and every uphill battle, our first response could be, "I think I can!  I think I can!"


Blessings!


Sharon

Life goes on.....

"In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life. It goes on." -- Robert Frost

I've heard the phrase, "Life goes on," countless times throughout my lifetime.  It's usually quoted to someone after they've endured a crisis, or an especially noticeable mistake.  I suppose the reason it's considered an old "standby" quote is that it's true!


I've seen friends and family face seemingly insurmountable odds to make it through a crisis, and knowing them years later, I do, indeed, see that without that kind of an attitude, it's easy to get mentally  "stuck" in a situation or relationship.


Bad things do happen.  And they happen to each of us. When you're up against a difficult situation, a crisis, or even an unbelievable tragedy, remember that there's only so much you can do, and that you will wake up tomorrow and you may see the whole situation with a different perspective.  


I would never downplay the importance of dealing with bad situations or tragedy.  I firmly believe that each of us, at times, may need to get some wise counsel to help us manage feelings of denial, betrayal, anger, or grief. (As a matter of fact, I actually think most of us would benefit from a good venting session with a wise counselor on a regular basis!)  


However, throughout my life, I've watched family and friends face some pretty terrible situations and come out on the other side with forgiveness and contentment.


I hope that if you're dealing with some kind of crisis of belief or tragedy, that you will find a family member or friend to stand with you and that you will find the strength needed to take the words of Robert Frost to heart and remember that your life will, indeed, go on.


Blessings,


Sharon

Are you going through a tough time?

"Enjoy when you can and endure when you  must." -- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe


At times, life is simply a test.  We test students to see how much they've learned, but we also test them repeatedly to see if they're improving in a certain subject area. So it is with life. 


That's life.  As you go through personal trials and temptations, do some serious reflection and look for the lesson learned.  When you face struggles in your professional life, do the same!  


The benefit of the lesson learned is that you will be able to avoid a certain situation in the future, or you will see a better way to soldier on -- to keep moving through it so the trial or temptation won't set you back.  Additionally, with each and every life lesson learned, you become an "educator" for someone else.  When you see another going through the same kind of situation, reach out and help -- share your experience if you can.  If your experience is too personal, or would hurt someone by your telling of the story, just share the lesson learned.


Johann Wolfgang von Goethe challenged us to "endure", but notice  that he also advised us  to "enjoy" and find something fun to fill our spare time.  Although he was considered brilliant by some because he could speak four languages and studied law, anatomy, chemistry, art and music, one of his hobbies, deemed frivolous by his peers, was dancing!  He took dancing lessons because he ENJOYED dancing!


The next time you're facing the difficult things in your professional or personal life, remember that endurance pays off...then find something you enjoy and do it!


Blessings,


Sharon

Raising the bar....

"With greatness comes responsibility." -- Winston Churchill


I've had the privilege to be part of many different organizations over the years and one thing I've noticed that the really great ones have in common is the acknowledgement that once the standard has been set high for a conference, a task or a performance, people expect you to maintain that same high standard in everything you do!


We seem to measure each new task, performance, seminar or conference by our past experiences. Furthermore, as an organization represents its members and others, it is  "responsible" for maintaining that high level of satisfaction among its members and participants!


High standards are set by highly successful people in all walks of life.  If your standards are not set as high as they should be, take some time today and think about your personal and professional priorities.  Have you been "responsible" when it comes to maintaining high standards for yourself?  Are you a part of a team that helps maintain high standards for an organization?


To be a great person, and to be involved in a great organization, you must hold yourself and your coworkers responsible for that "greatness."  


We welcome your comments!

Happy Valentine's Day!

“Life's greatest happiness is to be convinced we are loved." -- Victor Hugo I think human beings were made to love and be loved.  It's that simple!  Our personal relationships are very important to our general sense of well being and time invested in making those relationships better is never time wasted. Whether it's your spouse, significant other, or your best friend, take time today to remind that special someone that you care.  The benefits of loving and being loved will make a difference in every aspect of your life. Studies show that people who never feel alone and have a general sense of safety and security with their family and friends have a better chance of success personally and professionally.  We also know that, statistically speaking, people in close relationships live longer! So, enjoy life today!  Call someone you care about and tell them why they are important to you! Happy Valentine's Day!

Achieving Success

"The backbone of success is usually found in old fashioned, basic concepts like hard work, determination, good planning and perseverance."

Merlin Olsen

Merlin Olsen graduated summa cum laude with a degree in finance from Utah State University.  He was drafted into the NFL by the Los Angeles Rams and played for them  for 15 years.  During his football career he missed only two games and played in 14 Pro-Bowl Games.  Even more interesting to me is the fact  that while he was at the height of his football career he earned a masters degree in economics and an honorary doctorate in business.


Following his very successful football career, Olsen earned continued success as a broadcaster, actor and businessman. (Who can forget his years as pitch man for FTD Florists?  The big, tough football player loved flowers!)


Clearly, Mr. Olsen understood the value of  hard work, perseverance and good planning.


Make time today to look at your goals and your reality.  Be determined to make a good plan and be prepared to persevere to accomplish personal and professional goals.  You may have to go to work earlier, spend more time at the gym, or even make a career move, but when you make a good plan and set achievable goals, you can make a difference in your career, your family life and your relationships with friends.


Have a good week!  

I'm too busy!

"How soon 'not now' becomes 'never'." -- Martin Luther It amazes me that over 500 years ago, the Augustinian monk, Martin Luther,  figured out that when we say to someone,  "Not now," what we really mean is, "I may never do this!" In the whirlwind lifestyle most of us lead, it's hard to imagine  what kind of "busy" the inhabitants of the 15th century were dealing with!  It's clear there were struggles, disease, and terrible hardships, but I can't help but think they may have been better equipped to focus on the task at hand.  No TV, iPods, phones or text messages!  And, they certainly weren't bombarded with thousands of advertising messages every day! Nevertheless, Martin Luther saw fit to record his comments about putting things off and never getting things done. (Of course, there's the possibility that when we procrastinate, we're just being stubborn, or even lazy, about getting that unwanted task completed!  In that case, just remember that it does not get easier or more pleasant due to the fact you've delayed it!) If procrastination is a struggle for you, find someone who will help you be accountable and won't mind reminding you of goals you've set, tasks that need to be completed, and priorities that must be established. Have a great week!

Quotes that make me feel stronger

“Imagine, a Being with a mind as great as God's, with feet like trees and a voice like rushing wind, telling you that you are His cherished creation.” 
― Donald Miller


Faith is important.  People of faith live longer, are happier, and when times are difficult, they thrive better than the one who has no faith.  


Rather than write something more  about this quote, I'm just going to recommend that you read, "Blue Like Jazz" by Donald Miller....


A great read!


Have a great Sunday!

Call a friend today!

But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life, and thanks to a benevolent arrangement the greater part of life is sunshine.

Thomas Jefferson

How many times have you run into an old friend and realized that it had been years since you last talked?  


Have you ever told someone about one of your good friends, reiterating how close you've been over the years, only to realize you hadn't spoken with that special friend for months?

Friends have been the glue that  held me  together socially, spiritually, and mentally on many different occasions!  When I've faced tragedy, problems, or just a stressful, busy time, it's been my friends who show  up and help!  I have friends who have helped my clean house, get an event off the ground at work, offered advice and wise counsel, and friends who simply promise to pray for me. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that without them, my life would be very different. 

Think of a friend you haven't talked to in a while.  Now, make a phone call!

Take It Easy

"Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop."  ~Ovid


Doctors, athletes, corporate leaders, religious leaders, and moms will all tell you that rest is important!  Leonardo da Vinci said, "Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer."


Every new mother  figures out quickly that she needs to rest when her infant rests!  


I believe that during times of  rest our minds and bodies "re-group" and heal from the physical, mental, and emotional stress that weighs us down.  


Take some time for yourself this weekend.  Read. Listen to music. Spend time doing something you truly enjoy.  Sometimes it's good to just sit quietly and practice some deep breathing!  Most people get so caught up in their busy lives, they actually spend a good deal of time holding their breath!  (Thus, the heavy sigh when a task seems too monumental to accomplish, or even as a task is completed....)


I plan to listen to a couple of Jack Johnson & Van Morrison CDs, finish reading a book I started last week,  hold my new baby granddaughter, share lots of hugs with my 3 year old grandson, and love life this weekend! You should try that, too!

Sticks and stones......

A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.
David Brinkley

It's difficult to succeed when you focus on the things people say, or do, that are meant to discourage or maybe even halt your forward progress!

My dad used to say, "It only takes a little bit of cold water to ruin a hot bath, but it takes a whole lot of hot water to fix a cold bath!" He knew that a little bit of "negative" could be very harmful and that at times, it seems next to impossible to assuage the effects of negativity with "positives".

When you've been hit with those "bricks" thrown at you by others, don't focus on them. Instead take one look at them, determine whether or not they have merit, then either learn from the situation and move on, or take your focus off the situation and move on.  

It has been my experience that sometimes the people who talk about you, only talk about you because they can't (or won't) talk to you.  Is that the case? If so, make the difficult call -- take the first step-- face your detractor and have that crucial conversation about your aims and purpose.  Let that person know that you are focused on success for yourself and your organization.  Let them know that although words can be hurtful, they will in no way stop your forward progress!

Personal Accountability

“Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, maybe you should set up a life you don't need to escape from.” 
― Seth Godin

It's a great thing to set your goals and have them written down and visible. Too often, though, we set unreachable goals and become so focused on them we forget our "now" -- our "present reality".

We focus on that dream vacation, or that new car, or new home but forget that we are struggling to make ends meet, or struggling in a personal relationship that is hindering our forward progress toward the goal, or that something needs to be done to fix our business, or increase sales so the goal is truly reachable.

Choose today to figure out where you stand personally and professionally. Write down where you are in your personal relationships and set three small, specific achievable goals to improve them.  Make it YOUR responsibility. Do what YOU need to do to be kind, generous and compassionate. Then do the same  for your professional life.

Be a memorable, remarkable person TODAY!

Thought for the Day

Entrepreneurs are simply those who understand that there is little difference between obstacle and opportunity and are able to turn both to their advantage.
Niccolo Machiavelli

I've faced many obstacles in the past year and  although I would like to say I've turned them all into opportunities, I have not.As a matter of fact, I've learned that if the obstacle isn't dealt with in some way, each new obstacle just seems larger because it is, in fact, "piled on top of" the previous one.  Unresolved issues/obstacles swept under the rug, simply "pile up" and eventually we stumble and fall over them!


Turn your obstacles into opportunities before you stumble over them and fall!