Motivation: Are you living your life?

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” ~~Judy Garland~~

Being yourself, when you’re not really sure who that is, is not an easy task. I’ve been participating in a lot of conversations around this topic lately. It seems more than worth exploring. Who are you?

Who are you in regard to a role? Who are you in regard to a job? Who are you in regard to your family? Do those things really make up who you are at all? Maybe the better question to ask is, “Who are you in regard to yourself?”

I was finally able to articulate something yesterday that has been on my mind for a while now… Who I am is evolving. Not only do we evolve as a species, but we evolve as individual people. Who I am today is not entirely who I was yesterday, and that’s a good thing. We are “continuous learners”*. We change, adapt, adjust, learn, grow, and do it again. Our dreams change. Our goals change. Our priorities change. And, as a result of all of this change, the lessons we have to share with others become greater, and more helpful.

So many people have been discussing Oprah’s last show. What stands out for me the most is that she gave her viewers a call to action. She challenged us to go do what we were put on this earth to do; to accomplish what we were born to accomplish; to share our knowledge and our passion, and fulfill our purpose; to live our lives.

Are you living yours?

*Great quote attributed to Margo Rose, founder of #HireFriday, and so much more.

Motivation

“In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” ~~Albert Schweitzer~~

Today’s call to action: Rekindle someone’s inner spirit! Be part of their “positive posse”!

I want to take this time to thank all of you who rekindle my inner fire every day. Some through reading this blog, some through inspiring its posts, some by just being there… I am grateful for you all.

Motivation

“Even if there is nothing to laugh about, laugh on credit.” ~~Author Unknown~~

There are days when nothing seems to go right. This morning was starting out that way. But I followed a car home from dropping my son off at day care, and there was a bumper sticker on the back that read, “Laugh Every Day!” That inspired me. 5 minutes ago I certainly did not feel like I had anything to laugh about. And then I thought of you. Those of you reading this at least make me smile. So, thanks. And then I thought of the GREAT group of people I spoke with last night at my presentation on Social Media for the Job Search. You all made me smile, and at times last night, we definitely laughed. So, thanks! And my friends; you all help me laugh so often that there is certainly enough laughter “on credit” to last a lifetime. So, thanks! A little motivation for my day today… laughter may really be the best medicine, and remembering that is a great way to choose my attitude!

What can you laugh about today?

Attitude & Gratitude: AThanksgiving Post

“Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude.” ~E.P. Powell

My 4 year old did a Thanksgiving art project in school yesterday. His teachers asked him what he was thankful for, and they helped him write his thoughts on his masterpiece. (I can’t wait to see it!) He told me he was thankful for me, Daddy, and his old and new friends. WOW! I love my kid!

So, typical Thanksgiving-style post here I go!

I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for my friends. I am thankful for my colleagues, my clients, and my readers. I am thankful that my business is successful. I am thankful for each and every one of the people with whom I network, have networked, have helped, or in some other way have helped me.

I am thankful that my son often wakes up singing. I am thankful that he loves to learn and that I am learning the patience I need to teach him. I am thankful that my husband is my partner. I am thankful that I have friends who care about me enough to reach out to me when I get so busy that I go “radio silent”. I am thankful that I get reminded to stop and take care of myself.

I am especially thankful that it doesn’t take a holiday for me to express my gratitude.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving full of laughter, joy, peace and gratitude.