Thursday, December 31, 2009

Thursday: Goals

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.” ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Resolution #5

I will live my life to the fullest. I will enjoy my family and friends, laugh, have fun, and remember that life’s meant to be lived, not watched.

Happy New Year my Friends. I wish you love, prosperity, good health, happiness and all the success you can possibly handle.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Wednesday: Positive Attitude

“Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see possibilities - always see them, for they're always there. “ ~Norman Vincent Peale

It really is all in how we look at things.

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Tuesday: Focus

“Every man's life lies within the present; for the past is spent and done with, and the future is uncertain.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

So, in what may seem a contrary post to what I wrote about yesterday, today I am choosing to write about focusing on the present. I don’t actually believe it’s contrary; for me, I need to both plan for my future and focus on today. And, I often need to be reminded of both as well. I read something a long time ago, and while I couldn’t find its origin, it went something like this, “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.” I wish to learn from my past, look forward to the possibilities, plan for what I can, and live in the here and now.

One of the greatest gifts you can give to another person, and frankly to yourself, is to truly be present when in conversation, whether it’s during an interview, at a networking event, or over dinner with your spouse or kids. So, focus on today, be present, and grant yourself this gift.

Monday, December 28, 2009

Monday: Preparation

“Those who are unwilling to invest in the future haven't earned one.” ~H.W. Lewis, Technological Risk, 1990

Planning for the future seems like a good topic for this last “Preparation” Monday of 2009. And while over-preparation may crimp inspiration, I strongly believe that without a plan, we are sure to flounder. An investment can be as simple as a contribution of time, energy, or effort, so one of my investments in my future is my plan for 2010. It’s simple. It’s realistic (with a pipe dream thrown in for good measure) and it stems from my “small successes” of 2009. And, it has significantly helped me to prepare; for next week, next month and the year to come.

So go for it! Make a plan!! (You can always adjust it later!)

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Thursday: Goals

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” ~T.S. Eliot

Resolution #4

I will get out of my own way. I know what I am capable of. Now I need execute.

What will you resolve to do today?

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Wednesday: Positive Attitude

“The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it.” ~C.C. Scott

“Either way, things are a lot better - either a lot better than they were or a lot better than they're going to be.” ~Robert Brault, www.robertbrault.com

So – here we are. The Eve of Christmas Eve. Not yet the actual holiday, but filled with anticipation nonetheless. And, I have a leak in my kitchen ceiling. Water is dripping through the light fixture. And I will be preparing Christmas dinner for 10 in that kitchen tomorrow. Good times.

I am reminded of several Christmases past… The Christmas morning where we woke up late to no power in the house and were expecting my husband’s entire family for breakfast; the Christmas Day that the tree fell across my driveway taking power lines with it and blocking us all in; I could go on.

Well, on the bright side, we have wonderful memories of working together to get things done and fun (funny) stories to tell over and over. They never get old.

It really is all in how you look at it.

Another quote for today: “Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.” ~Maurice Setter

And an affirmation: I always see the silver lining and am frequently thrilled by the gold.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Tuesday: Focus

“I'm a great believer in luck, and I find that the harder I work, the more I have of it.” ~Thomas Jefferson

Like with a child where sleep begets sleep… it is also true that hard work begets results. So, it may be the holidays, and my focus may be on taking care of myself and being responsible for myself so that I can better be there for others… but I’m also making sure that I keep some focus on the work at hand, and on getting things done! I’m still striving for those results! So, I’m off to make things happen!