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