“Every man should be born again on the first day of January. Start with a fresh page. Take up one hole more in the buckle if necessary, or let down one, according to the circumstances; but on the first of January let every man gird himself once more, with his face to the front, and take no interest in the things that were and are past.”
Henry Ward Beecher
I’ve Been Thinking . . . about the New Year. A fresh page. A blank slate. Another hole in the belt buckle – one way or the other.
Prior to 1995 the Northwestern Wildcats football teams were the most notorious losers in the Big Ten, and probably in college football. They set an NCAA record by losing thirty-four consecutive games between 1979 and 1982. Although each year brought the possibility of a “fresh page," they didn’t have a winning season in twenty-four years.
Then in 1995, the Wildcats finished the season 10-2, won the Big Ten Conference title, and participated in the Rose Bowl ranked eighth in the nation.
In an essay entitled “Good Guys Finish First (Sometimes),” Andrew Bagnato relayed this experience.
Following a rags-to-riches season that led them to the Rose Bowl – their first in decades – Northwestern University’s Wildcats met with Coach Gary Barnett for the opening of spring training.
As players found their seats, Barnett announced that he was going to hand out the awards that many Wildcats had earned in 1995. Some players exchanged glances. Barnett does not normally dwell on the past. But as coach continued to call players forward and handed them placards proclaiming their achievements, they were cheered on by their teammates.
One of the other coaches gave Barnett a placard representing his seventeen national coach-of-the-year awards. Then, as the applause subsided, Barnett walked to a trash can marked “1995.” He took an admiring glance at his placard; then dumped it in the can.
In the silence that followed, one by one, the team’s stars dumped their placards on top of Barnett’s. Barnett had shouted a message without uttering a word: “What you did in 1995 was terrific, lads. But look at the calendar: It’s 1996.”
No matter what your past has been, you have a spotless future. The past isn’t your present and the present doesn’t determine the future. The future is a blank canvas waiting to be fashioned, designed and constructed one piece at a time. The only way to create an original future is to leave the past behind.
The successes, challenges, joys, disappointments, failures and awards of the past are history. Learn from them. Leave them there. Look to the future. This is the time to create your future – you’re going to live the rest of your life there.
Don’t be like the guy who walked by a little shop with a sign reading “Fortune Teller.” Discouraged, disappointed with his past and curious about his life, he decided to consult with the mystic and ask for a glimpse into his future.
The fortune- teller looked in her crystal ball and slowly raised her eyes to meet with her client’s.
“What did you see?” he asked.
“You’ll be poor, unhappy and miserable until you’re fifty.”
“Then what?” asked the man with desperation in his voice.
“By that time,” the fortune–teller said, “You’ll get used to it.”
The future isn’t something to ‘get used to.’ Determine today that your spotless future will be filled with aspirations, adventures, action, and anticipatory energy. Don’t allow the past or the present to sideline your future potential. Let the wisdom of Spanish essayist, novelist, poet, playwright and philosopher (multi-tasker) Miguel de Unamuno rattle your thinking a bit. He asserted, “We should try to be the parents of our future rather than the offspring of our past.” Powerful!
Get specific about where you are going this year. What pieces of the past do you need to let go? What do you want to experiment with? Who will you build a relationship with? What risks are you willing to take? What is it you’ve wanted to do but just haven’t had the get up and go to do? How will the future be different from the past?
It is time! Your best days are still ahead. . . Create a fresh page. Today.
“Though no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.”
Carl Bard
Andrew Bagnato, Chicago Tribune Magazine, September 1, 1996
Friday, December 30, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
How’s Your Gratitude Aptitude?
Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most."
Ruth Carter Stapleton
I’ve Been Thinking. . . it is the perfect time of the year for me to refine my attitude of gratitude.
I can’t believe that Christmas 2011 is knocking at our door. It has been quite a year of local, national and international roller coaster experiences. Sometimes we might feel like we just want to stop the ride and get off. At other times we enjoy the thrill each day brings despite the discouraging news that invades our lives. We’re all at different stages, perspective, and demands in our lives.
The economic uncertainty, international unrest and political contentiousness have impacted everyone to some degree. The paper, television and internet are loaded with exasperating stories of financial challenge, ravaging devastation, personal ruin and the collapse of governments. Stress and anxiety about the future have penetrated the hearts of millions. In some way, all of our attitudes, emotions, plans for the future and perception of today have been challenged.
And yet, there is reason to celebrate. Christmas is a time for joy, despite the circumstances. Sure, the family celebrations, traditions, decorations and the memories we create are important. But, there is even a greater opportunity to impact and enrich our lives. There is an overriding message in every Christmas moment and it began when God decided to GIVE us the gift of Jesus. That gift alone should prompt our generous spirits and grateful hearts.
Anne Keegan’s article “Blue Christmas” was a collection of Christmas stories told by Chicago police officers. One was the story of George White.
George lived in a rented room at the YMCA. He had one set of clothes, shoes wrapped with rubber bands to keep the soles from flopping, and a threadbare black overcoat. He spent his mornings napping in an old metal chair by the heater in the back of the 18th District office.
Two officers, Kitowski and Mitch, took an interest in the old man, occasionally slipping him a few bucks. They found out that Billy the Greek over at the G & W grill gave him a hot breakfast every morning, no charge.
The two policeman and their families decided to have George as their guest for Christmas dinner. They gave him presents, which he unwrapped carefully.
As they drove him back to the Y, George asked, “Are these presents really mine to keep?” They assured him they were. “Then we must stop at the G & W before I go home,” he said. With that, George began rewrapping his presents.
When they walked into the restaurant, Billy the Greek was there as always. “You been good to me, Billy,” said George. “Now I can be good to you. Merry Christmas.” George gave all his presents away on the spot. Chicago Tribune Magazine (12/24/95)
Generosity is natural when a grateful attitude prevails. It is amplified when we realize our responsibility to give as we have been given. How’s your gratitude aptitude? Consider these penetrating thoughts as we enter the Christmas season.
Attitude of Gratitude
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep... you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace... you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
If you woke up this morning with good health you are more fortunate than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle unfolding all around you, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of persecution, harassment, arrest, torture, or death... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If your parents are still alive and still married...you are very rare, even in the United States.
If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
Author Unknown
Don’t let the condition of a fickle world rob you of the incomparable blessing to Give with a grateful and generous heart. Develop, nurture and encourage a life of gratitude and generosity no matter what the circumstances. Even if your situation or condition never changes, your attitude toward them can change -- and this can be life-changing.
Determine to make this Christmas truly special by giving to someone in a way you’ve never done before. Amplify your Gratitude Aptitude by giving of yourself. . .
Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.
Eric Sevareid
Ruth Carter Stapleton
I’ve Been Thinking. . . it is the perfect time of the year for me to refine my attitude of gratitude.
I can’t believe that Christmas 2011 is knocking at our door. It has been quite a year of local, national and international roller coaster experiences. Sometimes we might feel like we just want to stop the ride and get off. At other times we enjoy the thrill each day brings despite the discouraging news that invades our lives. We’re all at different stages, perspective, and demands in our lives.
The economic uncertainty, international unrest and political contentiousness have impacted everyone to some degree. The paper, television and internet are loaded with exasperating stories of financial challenge, ravaging devastation, personal ruin and the collapse of governments. Stress and anxiety about the future have penetrated the hearts of millions. In some way, all of our attitudes, emotions, plans for the future and perception of today have been challenged.
And yet, there is reason to celebrate. Christmas is a time for joy, despite the circumstances. Sure, the family celebrations, traditions, decorations and the memories we create are important. But, there is even a greater opportunity to impact and enrich our lives. There is an overriding message in every Christmas moment and it began when God decided to GIVE us the gift of Jesus. That gift alone should prompt our generous spirits and grateful hearts.
Anne Keegan’s article “Blue Christmas” was a collection of Christmas stories told by Chicago police officers. One was the story of George White.
George lived in a rented room at the YMCA. He had one set of clothes, shoes wrapped with rubber bands to keep the soles from flopping, and a threadbare black overcoat. He spent his mornings napping in an old metal chair by the heater in the back of the 18th District office.
Two officers, Kitowski and Mitch, took an interest in the old man, occasionally slipping him a few bucks. They found out that Billy the Greek over at the G & W grill gave him a hot breakfast every morning, no charge.
The two policeman and their families decided to have George as their guest for Christmas dinner. They gave him presents, which he unwrapped carefully.
As they drove him back to the Y, George asked, “Are these presents really mine to keep?” They assured him they were. “Then we must stop at the G & W before I go home,” he said. With that, George began rewrapping his presents.
When they walked into the restaurant, Billy the Greek was there as always. “You been good to me, Billy,” said George. “Now I can be good to you. Merry Christmas.” George gave all his presents away on the spot. Chicago Tribune Magazine (12/24/95)
Generosity is natural when a grateful attitude prevails. It is amplified when we realize our responsibility to give as we have been given. How’s your gratitude aptitude? Consider these penetrating thoughts as we enter the Christmas season.
Attitude of Gratitude
If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep... you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace... you are among the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
If you woke up this morning with good health you are more fortunate than the million who will not survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle unfolding all around you, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend a church meeting without fear of persecution, harassment, arrest, torture, or death... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.
If your parents are still alive and still married...you are very rare, even in the United States.
If you can read this message, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.
Author Unknown
Don’t let the condition of a fickle world rob you of the incomparable blessing to Give with a grateful and generous heart. Develop, nurture and encourage a life of gratitude and generosity no matter what the circumstances. Even if your situation or condition never changes, your attitude toward them can change -- and this can be life-changing.
Determine to make this Christmas truly special by giving to someone in a way you’ve never done before. Amplify your Gratitude Aptitude by giving of yourself. . .
Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves.
Eric Sevareid
Monday, December 5, 2011
The Good Life
“The good life is when you wake up in the morning and can’t wait to start all over again.”
Some Smart Person
I’ve Been Thinking. . . about the Good Life.
Some things never change. What day of the year did I always wake up early as a kid? Christmas Morning! I loved Christmas morning!
Why?
Dah! Presents.
When I went to bed Christmas Eve I knew tomorrow was going to be a great day. I believed, without a doubt, my parents had found the perfect present for me and I couldn’t wait to unwrap it to see what it was. Positive anticipation prompted me out of bed.
How does the Christmas morning experience compare to the way you woke up this morning? What does Christmas morning have to do with living the good life?
What if we viewed each new day as a specially selected gift for us to unwrap and discover? We might be on to something.
Let me draw from the wisdom of a few wise people to provide a glimpse of what might help us experience the Good Life. Mark Twain lamented, “I can teach anybody how to get what they want out of life. The problem is that I can’t find anybody who can tell me what they want.”
How true Mr. Twain! It would be a lot easier to achieve what you want out of life if you knew what it was you wanted. If you get up in the morning excited about starting all over again; Congratulations! If you’re looking to drag your way through another day; my condolences!
Figure out what you want and you’re well on your way to the Good Life.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Payne Stewart play golf. His flamboyant outfits, highlighted by knickers along with his equally flamboyant personality, complimented by his passion for the game endeared many fans. Payne definitely stood out from the norm. So did his attitude about life.
He’s my next wise person. Payne once reflected: “I’m going to a special place when I die, but I want to make sure my life is special while I’m here.”
I once heard someone describe their life like this: “Each day is just yesterday warmed up!” Same old people. Same old problems. Same old work. All just disguised a little differently than the day before. That is not the kind of ‘special’ Payne Stewart was referring to.
There is a mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aptitude difference between each day being ‘special’ and yesterday’s leftovers ‘reheated’. The best part is . . . we get to determine what our aptitude will be.
Choose carefully.
Roger Dawson is my next wisdom contributor. “Good things don’t happen to you. Bad things don’t happen to you. Life is what happens to you. The more you examine the events in your life and categorize them into good things and bad things, the more messed up you’re going to become.”
Life isn’t good! Life isn’t bad! Life is life! Stuff happens!
One day, Joe came home from work and his wife greeted him with a passionate hug and warm kiss. “I’ve got good news and bad news,” she said as they ended the embrace.
Joe swallowed hard and suggested she give him the good news first.
His wife managed a slight smile as she said, “the good news is, the air bag works.”
Indifferent. Unfortunate. Blessing. Travesty. Glorious. This is a sampling of the adjectives we could use to describe the events in our life. Instead, look at them for what they are – events, and then determine ways to use them to shape your destiny.
Circumstances do not determine the Good Life or lack of it. Capitalize on the knowledge, insight and wisdom gained from these valuable experiences as a springboard to thinking about how you want things to be.
Ruth Boorstin reminded us, “Our days are identical suitcases – all the same size – but some people pack more into them than others.”
Pack your suitcase with good life ‘stuff.’
“The good life, as I conceive it, is a happy life. I do not mean that if you are good you will be happy; I mean that if you are happy you will be good.”
Bertrand Russell
Some Smart Person
I’ve Been Thinking. . . about the Good Life.
Some things never change. What day of the year did I always wake up early as a kid? Christmas Morning! I loved Christmas morning!
Why?
Dah! Presents.
When I went to bed Christmas Eve I knew tomorrow was going to be a great day. I believed, without a doubt, my parents had found the perfect present for me and I couldn’t wait to unwrap it to see what it was. Positive anticipation prompted me out of bed.
How does the Christmas morning experience compare to the way you woke up this morning? What does Christmas morning have to do with living the good life?
What if we viewed each new day as a specially selected gift for us to unwrap and discover? We might be on to something.
Let me draw from the wisdom of a few wise people to provide a glimpse of what might help us experience the Good Life. Mark Twain lamented, “I can teach anybody how to get what they want out of life. The problem is that I can’t find anybody who can tell me what they want.”
How true Mr. Twain! It would be a lot easier to achieve what you want out of life if you knew what it was you wanted. If you get up in the morning excited about starting all over again; Congratulations! If you’re looking to drag your way through another day; my condolences!
Figure out what you want and you’re well on your way to the Good Life.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching Payne Stewart play golf. His flamboyant outfits, highlighted by knickers along with his equally flamboyant personality, complimented by his passion for the game endeared many fans. Payne definitely stood out from the norm. So did his attitude about life.
He’s my next wise person. Payne once reflected: “I’m going to a special place when I die, but I want to make sure my life is special while I’m here.”
I once heard someone describe their life like this: “Each day is just yesterday warmed up!” Same old people. Same old problems. Same old work. All just disguised a little differently than the day before. That is not the kind of ‘special’ Payne Stewart was referring to.
There is a mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aptitude difference between each day being ‘special’ and yesterday’s leftovers ‘reheated’. The best part is . . . we get to determine what our aptitude will be.
Choose carefully.
Roger Dawson is my next wisdom contributor. “Good things don’t happen to you. Bad things don’t happen to you. Life is what happens to you. The more you examine the events in your life and categorize them into good things and bad things, the more messed up you’re going to become.”
Life isn’t good! Life isn’t bad! Life is life! Stuff happens!
One day, Joe came home from work and his wife greeted him with a passionate hug and warm kiss. “I’ve got good news and bad news,” she said as they ended the embrace.
Joe swallowed hard and suggested she give him the good news first.
His wife managed a slight smile as she said, “the good news is, the air bag works.”
Indifferent. Unfortunate. Blessing. Travesty. Glorious. This is a sampling of the adjectives we could use to describe the events in our life. Instead, look at them for what they are – events, and then determine ways to use them to shape your destiny.
Circumstances do not determine the Good Life or lack of it. Capitalize on the knowledge, insight and wisdom gained from these valuable experiences as a springboard to thinking about how you want things to be.
Ruth Boorstin reminded us, “Our days are identical suitcases – all the same size – but some people pack more into them than others.”
Pack your suitcase with good life ‘stuff.’
“The good life, as I conceive it, is a happy life. I do not mean that if you are good you will be happy; I mean that if you are happy you will be good.”
Bertrand Russell
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