10 Day Changers - #8

There are things I do and say that make my day great. This 10 day series is about those things.

8. Random act of kindness. I can do more of this. Leave a note thanking someone for helping you. Offer some assistance to a stranger. Open a door for someone. Give a more 'rookie' colleague a word of encouragement. Stay 15 minutes late at work - working. Pay for the food of the people behind you at the drive through. Have fun helping without being asked.

10 Day Changers - #7

There are things I do and say that make my day great. This 10 day series is about those things.

7. Eat fresh fruit. As simple as it sounds, eating something fresh is a game changer. there is a trick to it, of course. I have to stop everything else and be aware of the moment. If I pay attention to the peeling of the banana and the act of biting and chewing and the fact that I'm taking the time to fuel my body with something healthy  - then, it's a game changer.

10 Day Changers - #6

There are things I do and say that make my day great. This 10 day series is about those things.

6. Take a hike. I do hike often, but what I'm referring to here is more of a simple walk. I will get up from my work and walk for 5 minutes. A brisk walk down the hall or around the building always rearranges things. It is a great stress reliever and a powerful perspective changer. Stand up and walk away - just remember to walk back, too. 

10 Day Changers - #5

There are things I do and say that make my day great. This 10 day series is about those things.

5. Call for back-up. Life isn't meant to be taken on alone. I have a short list of people whose wisdom and opinion I trust. I call and visit with them. I talk over my challenges and victories with them. Most importantly, I don't make significant decisions without them.  When life on life's terms is getting the best of me, I call for back-up.

10 Day Changers - #4

There are things I do and say that make my day great. This 10 day series is about those things.

4. Use a 'mantra.' I have a small plastic card of positive affirmations that I have memorized, so I often recite (yes, out loud) them as I drive. Recite one of them 10 times and they work. Every time. Every single time. Here are a couple of them: 1. Today I will win. Why? I'll tell you why - because I have faith, courage and enthusiasm. -Tom Hopkins 2. I have the exact tools I need for the exact challenges of this day. I'm well equipped. 3. Today is a gift. I am immensely grateful for it.

10 Day Changers - #3

There are things I do and say that make my day great. This 10 day series is about those things.

3. Read. Just read for readings sake. When I take 15 minutes and read - without listening to music, watching my email come in, or being tempted to answer the phone - I learn something and then (get this part, it is important) I take 5-10 minutes to let what I read sink in. I just sit and think about what I read. there is something magical about down-time in between exposure to new information.

10 Day Changers - #2

There are things I do and say that make my day great. This 10 day series is about those things.

2. Smile more. Do it now. Stretch that face with a big 'I'm up to something FUN" grin. I try to smile a lot every day. Yes, sometime people wonder what I'm up to, but more often than not - they smile with me. Who couldn't use a community of grinning people every day?

10 Day Changers - #1

There are things I do and say that help make my days great. This 10 day series is about those things.

1. Begin with some silence. Each morning after I shower, dress and am ready for the day, I sit for a minute or two in the chair by the bed. With my eyes close, I remind myself of why I am living today, of the things that are important, truly important to me. Then I ask the Divine to make me aware of the design for my life and give me power to carry it out.

10 Things You Learn When You're Home Alone

My wife is traveling in Europe. While I am enjoying the time alone at home, I'm learning some interesting things:

1. Brown clothing is best washed in the dark load.

2. We use a lot of water on the plants - Thirsty little things.

3. A fish can go days without being fed, apparently (note to self - feed fish)

4. There are many things I obviously don't remember without a reminder.

5. I really don't read the newspaper - I just bring it inside.

6. Absence (abstinence?) does make the heart grow fonder.

7. I will eat about anything if it is handy, doesn't smell rotten or look too fuzzy.

8. My dogs are neurotic and needy (another note - feed the dogs).

9. Things get dusty.

10. I like the bed being made before I climb in at night.

A Glimpse at My Weekend