We all have symbols that remind. Motifs that stir senses. Beautiful and colorful and moving. Ugly and dark and fixed. Emblems serving as gestures. Patterns announcing thought. Souvenirs of what was, indication of what is, hints of what will. Modest even.
Your lens distinct, keen. Your architecture complex, astute. Definitive expressions, images of opportunity, power embodied. Your compass? Freedom even.
The precision of our patterns express the detail of our soul. The specificity is revealing. Definite impressions, inspiring relics. Thoughtful explanations and shallow confessions. Tokens even.
Your attributes, your character, your badge, your symbol represent something worth sharing.
Amplify who’s listening.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Wherever you go, there you are.
Your surroundings create the context of your life. How something sounds or tastes changes with the environment you wrap yourself in. How you feel, what you think, all a product of what is all around you. What you see or what you do is directly proportionate to where you are.
Change you thinking... change your environment.
Think about the best cup of coffee you have ever had. Where was it? Who was it with? How was the service? What did the cup look like? What did the shop smell like? Were you inside or outside? What time of the year? What was on the walls? All of it matters. All of it context.
Change you learning... change your surroundings.
Simple enough, so you think. Harder than you know. Giving yourself to the environment you currently stand in, not easy. Basking in the product that surrounds you, difficult at best. Participating in backdrop of you see all around you, creativity at worst. Dressing yourself in the movie you’re starring in, exhilarating at best.
The surroundings we provide or live to create are out there for us to thrive in. Be present in what you do, be patient in who you’re with, and be involved with where you are.
Change your lens... change your view.
Change you thinking... change your environment.
Think about the best cup of coffee you have ever had. Where was it? Who was it with? How was the service? What did the cup look like? What did the shop smell like? Were you inside or outside? What time of the year? What was on the walls? All of it matters. All of it context.
Change you learning... change your surroundings.
Simple enough, so you think. Harder than you know. Giving yourself to the environment you currently stand in, not easy. Basking in the product that surrounds you, difficult at best. Participating in backdrop of you see all around you, creativity at worst. Dressing yourself in the movie you’re starring in, exhilarating at best.
The surroundings we provide or live to create are out there for us to thrive in. Be present in what you do, be patient in who you’re with, and be involved with where you are.
Change your lens... change your view.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Premium
Not standard, conventional, or general. Not ordinary or routine. Not regular or common. Think exceptional, remarkable, or scarce. Expect uncommon or extraordinary. Be phenomenal and unique. That’s premium.
Often people do work in the former, not the latter. They work to get by, be the norm, or stay out of harms way. Playing the game not to lose and giving average performance or minimal effort. It’s about giving the absolute most that is convenient for the job, the work, or the chore. They offer least amount of effort with the highest possible return. It’s about half way, never fully committed to their success or others.
Time to change your fuel. No regular needed, premium only.
Premium could be the new standard. Premium should be the next expectation. Premium is about surpassing what is common. It’s about pushing beyond what is comfortable. Partnering to reach new heights in effort and setting course on the undiscovered. Premium is about playing to win, positioning yourself or others for maximum performance. It’s quality work next level, every time. Forget step goals or tiers, easing in or toe dipping. This is ultimate effort on the most remedial of tasks. It’s obliterating today’s definition of success.
Not standard, conventional, or general. Not ordinary or routine. Not regular or common. Think exceptional, remarkable, or scarce. Expect uncommon or extraordinary. Be phenomenal and unique. That’s premium.
Often people do work in the former, not the latter. They work to get by, be the norm, or stay out of harms way. Playing the game not to lose and giving average performance or minimal effort. It’s about giving the absolute most that is convenient for the job, the work, or the chore. They offer least amount of effort with the highest possible return. It’s about half way, never fully committed to their success or others.
Time to change your fuel. No regular needed, premium only.
Premium could be the new standard. Premium should be the next expectation. Premium is about surpassing what is common. It’s about pushing beyond what is comfortable. Partnering to reach new heights in effort and setting course on the undiscovered. Premium is about playing to win, positioning yourself or others for maximum performance. It’s quality work next level, every time. Forget step goals or tiers, easing in or toe dipping. This is ultimate effort on the most remedial of tasks. It’s obliterating today’s definition of success.
Not standard, conventional, or general. Not ordinary or routine. Not regular or common. Think exceptional, remarkable, or scarce. Expect uncommon or extraordinary. Be phenomenal and unique. That’s premium.
Friday, March 30, 2012
One More
That’s it… not five or ten, just one more makes all the difference. Trust me.
Our goals or targets or levels can be overwhelming. They sound big, look even bigger, and perhaps are the biggest ever set in front of you. There are ideas and plans and processes to help us achieve them. You may have people there to remind you of commitments, the work that still needs to be done, even point to the gap that remains. Accurate as some of this may be, the work gets complicated. The targets and goals, plans and processes, commitments and gaps all get lost.
Think smaller. Think really small.
There isn’t much that separates us from making things happen and lettings thing happen. It’s about decisions made, taking the initiative to control an outcome. It’s seeing something through versus leaving something to chance. The variance is minimal, the outcome is substantial. It’s as simple as taking one more step, digging in one more layer, and advancing your next...once more.
Ask one more question.
Have one more conversation.
Engage one more person.
Practice one more time.
Be one more, even just for today. Imagine the possibilities.
Our goals or targets or levels can be overwhelming. They sound big, look even bigger, and perhaps are the biggest ever set in front of you. There are ideas and plans and processes to help us achieve them. You may have people there to remind you of commitments, the work that still needs to be done, even point to the gap that remains. Accurate as some of this may be, the work gets complicated. The targets and goals, plans and processes, commitments and gaps all get lost.
Think smaller. Think really small.
There isn’t much that separates us from making things happen and lettings thing happen. It’s about decisions made, taking the initiative to control an outcome. It’s seeing something through versus leaving something to chance. The variance is minimal, the outcome is substantial. It’s as simple as taking one more step, digging in one more layer, and advancing your next...once more.
Ask one more question.
Have one more conversation.
Engage one more person.
Practice one more time.
Be one more, even just for today. Imagine the possibilities.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Food & Music
There aren’t many things that transcend our cultural backgrounds, native languages, or worldly influences more than food and music. No matter what language the song or menu is in, your senses help you connect to the emotion and feeling of both. What you see, hear, taste, smell, or feel have no boundaries, no limit to the expression or sensation they give you.
Still amazes me how simply a little cuisine and harmonies help us connect. They provide context with those that we have never met, give us depth to those we have never seen. They create a conversation that may have never been. Music and food organize a cause, bringing like-minded together. They give us substance, even meaning, represent a belief or transmit emotion. They express your art in so many ways. Regardless of who you are, where you are from, food and music are the great equalizer.
Thanks to the Internet our ideas of music and food can be shared with more audiences than ever. A platform to connect our feelings and emotion reaches further and associates with more people than artists ever dreamed. We can discover more, influence more, and learn more. Create new, experience new, feel new. Virtually travel to a time or place that gives us more. That is cool. We need more.
Food and music evoke emotion from each of us. We all have that song (or six) that shaped what we think or how we act. There is something that we cook that represents where we have been or what we have experienced. Who we are could be brought to life through song, created by a meal. Think about the influences in your life. What is your soundtrack? What is your dish? Share it with the world.
Still amazes me how simply a little cuisine and harmonies help us connect. They provide context with those that we have never met, give us depth to those we have never seen. They create a conversation that may have never been. Music and food organize a cause, bringing like-minded together. They give us substance, even meaning, represent a belief or transmit emotion. They express your art in so many ways. Regardless of who you are, where you are from, food and music are the great equalizer.
Thanks to the Internet our ideas of music and food can be shared with more audiences than ever. A platform to connect our feelings and emotion reaches further and associates with more people than artists ever dreamed. We can discover more, influence more, and learn more. Create new, experience new, feel new. Virtually travel to a time or place that gives us more. That is cool. We need more.
Food and music evoke emotion from each of us. We all have that song (or six) that shaped what we think or how we act. There is something that we cook that represents where we have been or what we have experienced. Who we are could be brought to life through song, created by a meal. Think about the influences in your life. What is your soundtrack? What is your dish? Share it with the world.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Unless
Sometimes the most important learning is so untimely, so deceptive, so indirect. Sometimes we aren’t adequately prepared to comprehend the lesson, distracted by the color or sound or production happening in the background. Sometimes we can’t see the forest beyond the trees.
Unless…
Unless the most important learning is untimely, deceptive, and indirect. Unless we adequately prepare to comprehend the lesson, not distracted by the color or sound or production happening in the background. Unless we can see the forest beyond the trees.
Unless we modify our lens, unless we learn fiercely, unless we alter our thinking, unless we listen diversely life may pass us by.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” - Dr. Seuss
Unless…
Unless the most important learning is untimely, deceptive, and indirect. Unless we adequately prepare to comprehend the lesson, not distracted by the color or sound or production happening in the background. Unless we can see the forest beyond the trees.
Unless we modify our lens, unless we learn fiercely, unless we alter our thinking, unless we listen diversely life may pass us by.
“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” - Dr. Seuss
Monday, March 12, 2012
Day 2
There is always day 1. The first day to begin something, take a leap, start work. In fact most days are day 1, brilliant thoughts that arise and come to life. Anyone can do that. Everyone does that. It’s the next day that means something.
The second day is the beginning of your next. The second day of creating, of learning, of studying, and constructing a foundation. It’s practicing a skill and initiating a routine. It’s being healthy and making good choices. It’s getting back in that seat, taking another swing, or making an additional call. A fight through the aches and pains knowing your molding and shaping your new habit. Successive days… Repeated performances… Building.
Perhaps life is about a series of day 2’s. We all have our choices on what happens next. Sure there is day 17, and day 47, and day 91… but first there is day 2. Make day 2 matter.
The second day is the beginning of your next. The second day of creating, of learning, of studying, and constructing a foundation. It’s practicing a skill and initiating a routine. It’s being healthy and making good choices. It’s getting back in that seat, taking another swing, or making an additional call. A fight through the aches and pains knowing your molding and shaping your new habit. Successive days… Repeated performances… Building.
Perhaps life is about a series of day 2’s. We all have our choices on what happens next. Sure there is day 17, and day 47, and day 91… but first there is day 2. Make day 2 matter.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Thank You.
Two simple words, powerful in meaning, yet often forgotten.
Perhaps we take thanks for granted, assume that everyone does as their told just because, already knows their own milestones, or shares your exact same vision. Maybe our audiences are not worthy and haven’t earned enough to get their praise. Possibly this is a sign of weakness, fear of providing some gratitude will be the inch before someone takes a foot. Simply, they can read your mind and there isn’t a need.
Somehow I think some or all of us could use a few more thanks thrown our way. Better yet, we probably have an opportunity to dole out a few more ourselves. Surely we can make the time. Practice saying it today.
Mean it. Say it. Let it be.
Thank you.
Perhaps we take thanks for granted, assume that everyone does as their told just because, already knows their own milestones, or shares your exact same vision. Maybe our audiences are not worthy and haven’t earned enough to get their praise. Possibly this is a sign of weakness, fear of providing some gratitude will be the inch before someone takes a foot. Simply, they can read your mind and there isn’t a need.
Somehow I think some or all of us could use a few more thanks thrown our way. Better yet, we probably have an opportunity to dole out a few more ourselves. Surely we can make the time. Practice saying it today.
Mean it. Say it. Let it be.
Thank you.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
In the Moment…Live for it!
You blink, you miss it. A moment to alter your next can change in a split second. Hesitate and the moment shifts, takes on a new flight, perhaps lost forever. Your moment can come and go just that fast.
On the other hand, you step into that moment, firmly in the light of what is about to happen… bliss. It feels like a moment that should have been, the justification of a struggle, an unexplainable euphoria. That moment is something meant to be, energetic & exhilarating!
Some moments can be prepared for, others come unannounced. They offer suspense, agony, thrill, excitement and pain. A moment can both give you a breath and take it away. A moment can win it all or leave you wondering what could have been. A moment can create legacy, expand learning, or ignite your movement. A moment can stifle a relationship, hinder communication, or impede progress. They accelerate thinking and defer knowledge, spur on change and hold back different. Moments are amazing.
Moments define us, the decisions we make in them and what happens after they occur. You can’t live in the moments that already occurred but you can set your eyes on the now and beyond. Trust me those moments are there and will be going forward, the question is… Will you live for it?
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
"Get Up... Get Into It... Get Involved..."
Great lyric written by the famed James Brown, sampled and brought to life in many songs ever since. Arguable it’s meaning when it was initially written, but impossible to deny the impact these words have had. Reading these lyrics, regardless of the context, their meaning challenges us to do something different. It’s all about making things happen.
Think about how you can “Get up. Get into it. Get involved.” All it takes is one person, one little poke at the status quo, mundane, even predictable day that stands before you to change the trajectory of what is possible. Crank it up further and challenge your neighbor to do the same. Think about the impact you could have by leading the charge, influencing your peers, or rallying those who surround you to do the same to tackle something bold.
Go make something happen. Go be different. I dare you.
"Get Up… Get into It… Get Involved!”
Monday, March 5, 2012
The Weather
There is always chance of something or a percentage of that or an opportunity for this. It seems the weather is always unpredictable and the weather person never seems to be right. Not to mention how often the weather changes throughout the day. Those who live here in the Pacific Northwest can probably relate.
What if I said the weather was actually your choice? What if you could be the one to choose how clear the skies are? What if you had a 100% chance of something, a 100% of that, or a 100% opportunity for this? I think you do.
The weather is about perception, yours and mine. Some of us have scattered showers, some have a chance of rain, while others have clear skies. All of which is a choice. We decide how clear or perfect our weather can be. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of “rain clouds” in this world waiting for you, perhaps even looking for you to succumb to their negative weather. Don’t let someone else’s weather affect yours. We control how clear our skies are.
What if I said the weather was actually your choice? What if you could be the one to choose how clear the skies are? What if you had a 100% chance of something, a 100% of that, or a 100% opportunity for this? I think you do.
The weather is about perception, yours and mine. Some of us have scattered showers, some have a chance of rain, while others have clear skies. All of which is a choice. We decide how clear or perfect our weather can be. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of “rain clouds” in this world waiting for you, perhaps even looking for you to succumb to their negative weather. Don’t let someone else’s weather affect yours. We control how clear our skies are.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
How do you stack your numbers?
We all have some number we review, examine, or dissect. We create what if scenario’s based on projected outcomes or re-evaluate a target, bask in the security they provide or question the actions taken. Numbers often define our success or failure. Not that simple, numbers say more.
Numbers are directional, pointing you down a path to engage more or change course. They paint a picture, define behaviors, or highlight leadership. They provide a tale of trials and errors, very specific evidence of actions taken or avoided. Its numbers that define our choices made, showcasing our level of involvement or lack thereof. Your numbers tell your story.
As you digest the numbers in front of you, how do you stack them? Where is the #1 spot located? What spot is your eye drawn to? Whose name, result, or input do you look to first? How you answer these questions (if yer honest) says a lot about where you spend your time, seeking out success or finding failure. How you stack your numbers is about how you take on the day, it helps build your mission next. What could happen if you changed the way you stacked your numbers? Do share.
Numbers are directional, pointing you down a path to engage more or change course. They paint a picture, define behaviors, or highlight leadership. They provide a tale of trials and errors, very specific evidence of actions taken or avoided. Its numbers that define our choices made, showcasing our level of involvement or lack thereof. Your numbers tell your story.
As you digest the numbers in front of you, how do you stack them? Where is the #1 spot located? What spot is your eye drawn to? Whose name, result, or input do you look to first? How you answer these questions (if yer honest) says a lot about where you spend your time, seeking out success or finding failure. How you stack your numbers is about how you take on the day, it helps build your mission next. What could happen if you changed the way you stacked your numbers? Do share.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Inner Fight
We have something inside of us that makes us do what we do… an inner fight.
It’s a book, a song, or a movie in our head that hasn’t been written yet. Maybe it’s a math problem, a painting, or a blueprint that hasn’t been authored. Or it’s a clothing design, an invention, or an amazing meal that hasn’t been created. Perhaps it’s something else… Regardless it’s an idea. Your very own oasis. It’s your inner fight.
Your drive, the flame that never burns out, an ache in our gut that advances us forward. Our inner fight gets us up in the morning and keeps us up at night. Makes us day dream, thinking about the “what if’s”. Our inner fight is perfect, clear, and beautiful. It’s rational, original, and creative.
Name your inner fight. Believe it. Share it. Be it.
It’s a book, a song, or a movie in our head that hasn’t been written yet. Maybe it’s a math problem, a painting, or a blueprint that hasn’t been authored. Or it’s a clothing design, an invention, or an amazing meal that hasn’t been created. Perhaps it’s something else… Regardless it’s an idea. Your very own oasis. It’s your inner fight.
Your drive, the flame that never burns out, an ache in our gut that advances us forward. Our inner fight gets us up in the morning and keeps us up at night. Makes us day dream, thinking about the “what if’s”. Our inner fight is perfect, clear, and beautiful. It’s rational, original, and creative.
Name your inner fight. Believe it. Share it. Be it.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Are You a Teammate or Team Member?
What’s the difference? Participation.
True that just by including the name TEAM into the title there is a sense of being a part of something. There is some inherent involvement included. Understand there is more to it. Think a point guard, distributing the ball, droppin dimes, or chalking up assists. Think involvement, partnering, working together. Think small, between the spaces, filling gaps. Think teammate.
Teammates show up differently.
Teammates study and analyze, strategically anticipate what’s next. Teammates help the next customer in line. Teammates say what they can do. Being a teammate is hard.
Team members show up differently.
Team members cram and react, tactically execute in the moment. A team member reluctantly involves others. Team members choose their next customer. Team members say what they can’t do. Being a team member is easy.
Are you a teammate or a team member? Would those around you agree? What could you do (differently) today to make sure you are who you or others want you to be? How could you be a better teammate and less a team member? Think hard and go do. Now!
True that just by including the name TEAM into the title there is a sense of being a part of something. There is some inherent involvement included. Understand there is more to it. Think a point guard, distributing the ball, droppin dimes, or chalking up assists. Think involvement, partnering, working together. Think small, between the spaces, filling gaps. Think teammate.
Teammates show up differently.
Teammates study and analyze, strategically anticipate what’s next. Teammates help the next customer in line. Teammates say what they can do. Being a teammate is hard.
Team members show up differently.
Team members cram and react, tactically execute in the moment. A team member reluctantly involves others. Team members choose their next customer. Team members say what they can’t do. Being a team member is easy.
Are you a teammate or a team member? Would those around you agree? What could you do (differently) today to make sure you are who you or others want you to be? How could you be a better teammate and less a team member? Think hard and go do. Now!
“The participation in the success of others is my single driving force.”
(V- Thanks for being a great teammate!)
Monday, February 27, 2012
Silence Is Golden
Sometimes it takes a break from talking, asking, engaging to confirm understanding. Sometimes it’s vibing to music, scouring a book, or viewing a movie that helps to gain understanding. Sometimes it takes silence to understand.
Silence has power. Silence has wisdom. Silence is learning. Silence is inspiring. Silence won “Best Picture”. Silence won world records. Silence makes sales. Silence makes connections.
Think about the role silence plays in your day. Maybe more is needed to think clearly, even objectively. Perhaps it’s just action not words that help you learn. What could listening, reading, or watching in silence be for you?
A cool quote (one of my favorites), now has a new and different meaning.
Go be silent.
Silence has power. Silence has wisdom. Silence is learning. Silence is inspiring. Silence won “Best Picture”. Silence won world records. Silence makes sales. Silence makes connections.
Think about the role silence plays in your day. Maybe more is needed to think clearly, even objectively. Perhaps it’s just action not words that help you learn. What could listening, reading, or watching in silence be for you?
A cool quote (one of my favorites), now has a new and different meaning.
“What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
Go be silent.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Dig
A good friend of mine frequently reminds me the importance of this. You cant just consume what is offered to you.
See the surface is the norm, it's standard, the status quo. There's something very safe about staying on the surface. Just do what she does, say what she says, write what she writes.... yer good. Taking things for "face value" is easy, no need to involve, just follow the directives issued. Comfortable. Basic. Straightforward. Like cruise control on life. _______! (Go ahead you name the blank...)
There are layers to everything, everyone. Yeah it can be difficult, even hard. You have to engage, ask, involve, or participate. Explore the unexplored, complicate the uncomplicated, flex the inflexible. It's uncomfortable, painfully so at times. It's frustrating, in-explainable, even undefined. It's paths that don't cross and answers that aren't predictable. ___________! (Go ahead name this blank...)
See I studied "digging" in college, some call it History. Inquisitive was my mind, obsessed with finding out why people did what they did, what and who influenced them to do so. I was, maybe still am, driven to find out why and how something occurs. It's in my DNA so maybe its easier to explain and see, but trust me, now more than ever there are tools to assist. Get crazy and Wiki, Google, or Yelp something. Don't take life for what's just on the surface. Don't do just because someone says to or its convenient. Ask what else it could be. Learn what is possible. Involve yourself. Engage.
"The best MC's will never be heard." or so I have been told. I get reminded of this often in different forms throughout my days. Many of us error on the safe, easy, or path of least resistance for fear of rejection, disappointment, or failure. We go with what's advertised or what others say is acceptable as to fit in or be accepted. Of course there is some boldness required to step out from behind a curtain and perform, but there wouldn't be any new or next if somebody didn't. If we only stayed on the surface we wouldn't learn. There is so much more out there to be heard, seen, experienced than just what gets dished up to you. Cease those opportunities. Ask one more question. Take one more step. Write one more page. Play one more note. Explore. Live. Dig.
See the surface is the norm, it's standard, the status quo. There's something very safe about staying on the surface. Just do what she does, say what she says, write what she writes.... yer good. Taking things for "face value" is easy, no need to involve, just follow the directives issued. Comfortable. Basic. Straightforward. Like cruise control on life. _______! (Go ahead you name the blank...)
There are layers to everything, everyone. Yeah it can be difficult, even hard. You have to engage, ask, involve, or participate. Explore the unexplored, complicate the uncomplicated, flex the inflexible. It's uncomfortable, painfully so at times. It's frustrating, in-explainable, even undefined. It's paths that don't cross and answers that aren't predictable. ___________! (Go ahead name this blank...)
See I studied "digging" in college, some call it History. Inquisitive was my mind, obsessed with finding out why people did what they did, what and who influenced them to do so. I was, maybe still am, driven to find out why and how something occurs. It's in my DNA so maybe its easier to explain and see, but trust me, now more than ever there are tools to assist. Get crazy and Wiki, Google, or Yelp something. Don't take life for what's just on the surface. Don't do just because someone says to or its convenient. Ask what else it could be. Learn what is possible. Involve yourself. Engage.
"The best MC's will never be heard." or so I have been told. I get reminded of this often in different forms throughout my days. Many of us error on the safe, easy, or path of least resistance for fear of rejection, disappointment, or failure. We go with what's advertised or what others say is acceptable as to fit in or be accepted. Of course there is some boldness required to step out from behind a curtain and perform, but there wouldn't be any new or next if somebody didn't. If we only stayed on the surface we wouldn't learn. There is so much more out there to be heard, seen, experienced than just what gets dished up to you. Cease those opportunities. Ask one more question. Take one more step. Write one more page. Play one more note. Explore. Live. Dig.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Heart
It's not a stat, a metric, or a number. There isn't a test or a score. It’s not tangible, or something you can touch, or even something you can always comprehend. There's no magic formula, no book, no instructions. It's not a specific word, phrase, or speech memorized. You know it when you see it.
It's the champions, the winners, the record holders, but not the ones that are supposed to be. The best come from those who aren’t supposed to win, not supposed to achieve, the one everyone doubts. It happens when the deck is stacked against them. It's winning when everyone counts you out. It's defying the odds, annihilating a point spread, and driving your TEAM down for the winning touchdown (Eli). Just know it shows up when it matters most.
Trust it's in the undrafted and the #1 draft pick, the unsigned and the biggest of contracts, the unwanted and the coveted. Their measurement however comes when opportunity is presented and how they react. It’s what someone puts on display when they are backed up, counted out, or forgotten. Bottom of the ninth or the last round, seconds left or the last hour, it’s about what happens as time expires that defines.
Everyone has a little. Arguable whether it's taught or something you are born with. Coached or God-given? Studied or spontaneous? Learned or DNA? Hard to know for sure… but believe it when you see it.
Forget the stats, forget the metrics. Forget the favored or the expected. Give me the underdog. Give me the forgotten. Give me heart.
It's the champions, the winners, the record holders, but not the ones that are supposed to be. The best come from those who aren’t supposed to win, not supposed to achieve, the one everyone doubts. It happens when the deck is stacked against them. It's winning when everyone counts you out. It's defying the odds, annihilating a point spread, and driving your TEAM down for the winning touchdown (Eli). Just know it shows up when it matters most.
Trust it's in the undrafted and the #1 draft pick, the unsigned and the biggest of contracts, the unwanted and the coveted. Their measurement however comes when opportunity is presented and how they react. It’s what someone puts on display when they are backed up, counted out, or forgotten. Bottom of the ninth or the last round, seconds left or the last hour, it’s about what happens as time expires that defines.
Everyone has a little. Arguable whether it's taught or something you are born with. Coached or God-given? Studied or spontaneous? Learned or DNA? Hard to know for sure… but believe it when you see it.
Forget the stats, forget the metrics. Forget the favored or the expected. Give me the underdog. Give me the forgotten. Give me heart.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sledding
Some of life's best lessons come from the simplest of activities.
This dawned on me as I watched my children hit the sledding hill for the twentieth time of the day. It was the excitement in their eyes, the ear to ear smiles, and the laughter that ensued as they came to a stop. The pure joy that came from such an innocent activity.
Admittedly I began the day by coaching my kids to go down a certain way and stay away from certain jumps. I realized after the first five runs this was their time to sled, not mine. Half their fun I think was getting stuck, trying something new, or seeing how far down the hill they could make it before they came to a stop. There was strategy involved as I often would see my kids watching other kids and eyeballing the next path to blaze or sledding position to emulate. They tried feet first, hands on either side of the sled to steer. There was tandem with one sled, with multiple riders or hanging on to multiple sleds each with one rider. Then was my personal favorite, face first, hands tucked, and as fast as the sled would take you. (There were even times the sleds became optional, served a purposed, but not advised.) All of which brought smiles and laughter to each of their faces. Pure joy.
As our time on the hill passed one thing really began to set hold, everyone needs to take a "sledding day". Heck maybe its an hour of a day, nonetheless, everyone needs to go "sledding". You see we take life too seriously, too scheduled, too careful, too advised. Sometimes we need to take the time to let our hands and feet up, jump on to our sleds, and see what happens. Better yet, take the fastest track, face first, hands tucked and go as far as the sled will take you!
This dawned on me as I watched my children hit the sledding hill for the twentieth time of the day. It was the excitement in their eyes, the ear to ear smiles, and the laughter that ensued as they came to a stop. The pure joy that came from such an innocent activity.
Admittedly I began the day by coaching my kids to go down a certain way and stay away from certain jumps. I realized after the first five runs this was their time to sled, not mine. Half their fun I think was getting stuck, trying something new, or seeing how far down the hill they could make it before they came to a stop. There was strategy involved as I often would see my kids watching other kids and eyeballing the next path to blaze or sledding position to emulate. They tried feet first, hands on either side of the sled to steer. There was tandem with one sled, with multiple riders or hanging on to multiple sleds each with one rider. Then was my personal favorite, face first, hands tucked, and as fast as the sled would take you. (There were even times the sleds became optional, served a purposed, but not advised.) All of which brought smiles and laughter to each of their faces. Pure joy.
As our time on the hill passed one thing really began to set hold, everyone needs to take a "sledding day". Heck maybe its an hour of a day, nonetheless, everyone needs to go "sledding". You see we take life too seriously, too scheduled, too careful, too advised. Sometimes we need to take the time to let our hands and feet up, jump on to our sleds, and see what happens. Better yet, take the fastest track, face first, hands tucked and go as far as the sled will take you!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Service
Today is a day for just that.
Your service may be different than others, it may have deep rooted meaning or it may just be a simple gift. Your service could be thoughts spoken or words read. Perhaps your service is organized and with a group of like minded, or maybe its individual, focused on a specific cause. Regardless, your service is needed.
Serving is about contributing. It's about helping others, doing for others, thinking of others. Your service is honoring those who you serve. Your service creates, challenges, even instigates action of others. Your service provides different thinking, different doing, and different results. Your service is needed.
My service is not always shared with others by physical nature, nor is my service always organized or specific. My service is often deep rooted in thoughts and ideas, challenging the norm and being different. My service is passionate, involved, and inspired. My service is personal.
It's possible that today may not mean the same to you as it does to me. In fact my service started because of today, nearly 25 years ago. A person, a movement, a legacy... so profound, so enduring.
Today is a day for service.
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others?" - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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