Well, I'm back after a weeklong break and I awoke this morning to a three inch blanket of much appreciated snow. There's something interesting about snow. Even just a little of it changes everything.
Three inches of snow changes the entire look of your neighborhood. Houses have a softer edge to them. Streets and sidewalks are no longer brash grays and blacks, but a beautifully textured mix of white and charcoal.
Three inches of snow changes your schedule. You have to get up a little earlier to brush the powder from your car. You have to allow a little more time for your commute. You may have to make entirely new plans if school gets cancelled.
Three inches of snow changes your mood. Snow seems to be one of those polarizing things in life. People generally love it or hate it. Regardless of the side of the coin on which you fall, it's very difficult to ignore it altogether.
So, what is it in your life that changes everything when you get just a little of it? It may be relationships, special time with loved ones, prayer time with God, quiet time, etc.
The events in your life that change the way you see the world are not always obvious, but it's worth taking the time to figure them out. Knowing your day-changing events will help you determine why your mood changes suddenly or why you're "in a bad mood" before your day even begins. And more importantly, it will help you figure out how to get out of those ruts that we all get stuck in from time to time.
Think about it today. Figure out what your day-changing events are. And if you're in the northeast, enjoy the snow!
This is a place for my writings about ideas, family, philosophies, business, faith, and making the world a little brighter.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Saturday, December 24, 2011
3 (last minute) steps to a Merry Christmas
- Stop stressing. It's too late. It's not going to do you any good now. The people that love you will enjoy your company enough that they don't care if your house is dusty. The people that are visiting for the wrong reasons are going to find something wrong no matter what you do. Cater to the first group; spread joy to the second.
- Don't focus on just making everyone else comfortable. While it's important, you shouldn't miss out on a wonderful celebration. The people that care about you want to enjoy it with you.
- Stop reading this and go find someone to share your time with. It doesn't matter if it's a phone call, a letter, an email, a Facebook message or face-to-face. Connect with someone today.
Friday, December 23, 2011
That gift only matters if...
I'm sure the gifts you bought this year are fabulous. I'm sure you spent a lot of time, money and stress making sure of that (I know I did).
The thing is, the gift only matters if there's love in the hands that give it.
When you hand those gifts over in a few days, fight the urge to stress about the bow being just right and the paper clashing with ribbon. Instead, try taking that moment to really think about what you're doing.
You spent all of that time at the mall. All of that money that you worked hard for. All of that stress for this single moment.
Take that moment in as much as you possibly can. It's not about the gift, it's about that moment.
The thing is, the gift only matters if there's love in the hands that give it.
When you hand those gifts over in a few days, fight the urge to stress about the bow being just right and the paper clashing with ribbon. Instead, try taking that moment to really think about what you're doing.
You spent all of that time at the mall. All of that money that you worked hard for. All of that stress for this single moment.
Take that moment in as much as you possibly can. It's not about the gift, it's about that moment.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
"Kids are smarter now than they used to be"
Well... maybe.
They're generally better an high-level math. They know how to use a computer and cell phone. And they can spell words in third grade that I didn't learn until middle school. But are they "smarter"? I've heard it said that kids today "don't have any common sense." And I would generally agree because, quite frankly, we don't give them a good reason to have it.
My grandfather, about whom I've written before, is in his 80's. He has a 5th grade education. He's not a math wiz and he would rather use a computer as a make-shift welding table than submit his taxes online with it. But the man can think and reason like no other. He has mind like a black hole and he's helped me solve more engineering problems than the "professionals" have been able to solve.
My fear is this. With on-demand address books, mobile calendars synced to every Internet-enabled device we own and GPS devices directing our every turn, the way of the memory, critical thinking and reasoning is going out the window.
We aren't creating people like my grandfather any more.
I'm not saying technology is a bad thing. Hey, I'm a software nerd; I love technology. I'm just saying that we need to be sure to create opportunities for our children (and ourselves) to continually learn, to think critically, to solve problems, to reason deductively, to memorize and to fail and get back up.
As parents, it's our job to equip our kids to be successful. My goal is raise my kids to be "smart" like my grandfather. And if you knew him, I'm pretty sure that would be your goal too.
They're generally better an high-level math. They know how to use a computer and cell phone. And they can spell words in third grade that I didn't learn until middle school. But are they "smarter"? I've heard it said that kids today "don't have any common sense." And I would generally agree because, quite frankly, we don't give them a good reason to have it.
My grandfather, about whom I've written before, is in his 80's. He has a 5th grade education. He's not a math wiz and he would rather use a computer as a make-shift welding table than submit his taxes online with it. But the man can think and reason like no other. He has mind like a black hole and he's helped me solve more engineering problems than the "professionals" have been able to solve.
My fear is this. With on-demand address books, mobile calendars synced to every Internet-enabled device we own and GPS devices directing our every turn, the way of the memory, critical thinking and reasoning is going out the window.
We aren't creating people like my grandfather any more.
I'm not saying technology is a bad thing. Hey, I'm a software nerd; I love technology. I'm just saying that we need to be sure to create opportunities for our children (and ourselves) to continually learn, to think critically, to solve problems, to reason deductively, to memorize and to fail and get back up.
As parents, it's our job to equip our kids to be successful. My goal is raise my kids to be "smart" like my grandfather. And if you knew him, I'm pretty sure that would be your goal too.
My Christmas Wishlist
I know you didn't ask, but I'm going to tell you anyway. This is a list of what I truly want for Christmas:
[Oh, one last thing. If you don't mind, share this post (there are buttons below the post that allow you to share it directly to Facebook, Twitter, Email, etc.). Thanks!]
- I want us to help out when we see someone struggling. It may mean a handshake, a simple meal or donating some clothing. Just do something.
- I want families to stop yelling at each other. It's just not worth it.
- I want parents to listen when their kids talk. It's just worth it.
- I want us to be passionate and inspired about the things we truly care about... and do something about it
- I want us to forget about everything that has us stressed out for a day... an hour... the length of a conversation... whatever you can do.
- I want us to realize that feeding a homeless man is more important than upgrading our cell phone... again
- I want us to learn more from our children; they have so much to teach us
- I want us to evaluate whether our motives are pure, and stop what we're doing if they're not
- I want us to realize how blessed we truly are and stop pretending that our lives are so hard; it's insulting to those whose lives are actually hard
- I want us to take some quiet time this Christmas and just do nothing but breathe
- I want you to make your own Wishlist
- I want you to read this list and pick a few things that you're good at and pat yourself on the back
- I want you to read this list and pick a few things that you're bad at and try to get better
[Oh, one last thing. If you don't mind, share this post (there are buttons below the post that allow you to share it directly to Facebook, Twitter, Email, etc.). Thanks!]
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
How long does it last?
When you walk away... that feeling that people had when you were around, how long does it last after you leave?
If you make someone mad, it will generally last awhile. Days, weeks, even years! People tend to replay whatever it was that made them mad over and over in their head, which often drudges up that same anger again and again.
What if our goal was to leave behind a positive influence that was so strong that it had the same effect? That when we walked away from a person or a group of people, they replayed their encounter over and over. And in doing so they were able to feel that emotional high again and again.
What happens if we pour into our family so deeply today that every time they have a spare moment, their mind is drawn to you? How long could it last?
Let's find out!
If you make someone mad, it will generally last awhile. Days, weeks, even years! People tend to replay whatever it was that made them mad over and over in their head, which often drudges up that same anger again and again.
What if our goal was to leave behind a positive influence that was so strong that it had the same effect? That when we walked away from a person or a group of people, they replayed their encounter over and over. And in doing so they were able to feel that emotional high again and again.
What happens if we pour into our family so deeply today that every time they have a spare moment, their mind is drawn to you? How long could it last?
Let's find out!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Why can't we lose weight?
It's not that there aren't enough options.
It's not that the programs that we choose don't work.
It's that we're not committed to our goal.
It seems like a good idea until the work starts. Or maybe even until the work is half way done. But there are some things that take constant, focused, meticulous, relentless work. That's the kind of work that separates the successful from the unsuccessful.
It's not that the programs that we choose don't work.
It's that we're not committed to our goal.
It seems like a good idea until the work starts. Or maybe even until the work is half way done. But there are some things that take constant, focused, meticulous, relentless work. That's the kind of work that separates the successful from the unsuccessful.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
You should do this NOW
Take a breath. Take 5 minutes... right now and do nothing but breathe.
With Christmas coming soon and all of the stress that goes along with wrapping presents, preparing meals and visiting family, take right now to do nothing but breathe.
With Christmas coming soon and all of the stress that goes along with wrapping presents, preparing meals and visiting family, take right now to do nothing but breathe.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Who's laughing at you?
When's the last time you had a good laugh? You know, the kind where you can barely breath, tears rolling down your cheeks and you can't stop no matter how hard you try.
We need to make sure that happens a little more often. We concern ourselves so much with what other people think and how they're going to judge us that we forget to have fun.
So, don't worry about who's laughing at you. Instead, laugh along with them. It's good for all of us!
We need to make sure that happens a little more often. We concern ourselves so much with what other people think and how they're going to judge us that we forget to have fun.
So, don't worry about who's laughing at you. Instead, laugh along with them. It's good for all of us!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Why I want it to snow
When you think about it, it doesn't matter why. In fact, it doesn't matter that I want it at all. I can't make it snow. It's kind of like wanting your favorite football team to win. It doesn't really matter what you want because you have no control over the outcome.
Instead of focusing on the things you can't change, focus on the things that you can. It's obvious when you're talking about the weather, but what about in your relationships? What things do you have control over? Your attitude. Your actions. Your reactions.
Forget about the things you can't change and focus on the things you can. And if you could, make it snow for me!
Instead of focusing on the things you can't change, focus on the things that you can. It's obvious when you're talking about the weather, but what about in your relationships? What things do you have control over? Your attitude. Your actions. Your reactions.
Forget about the things you can't change and focus on the things you can. And if you could, make it snow for me!
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