ThanksGIVING
We say the word, often, as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches. We talk about “where” we’re going, “who” is coming, “how” we’re coordinating everything and “what” we’re planning to eat. How often do we talk about “why” we’re celebrating and discuss what we’re “giving”? It can get quite hectic. We certainly have plenty to be thankful […]
210-Year-Old Lesson
Photo Credit: Wikipedia In October of 1805, British Admiral Horatio Nelson faced a daunting threat in an effort to defend the British Isles from a Franco-German armada focused on defeating his lesser force and opening the way for an invasion of Britain. Nelson had 19 ships against the enemy’s 33. The Battle of Trafalgar loomed… […]
Day’s End
What makes for a worthwhile day when it’s Day’s End? How do you judge a success, or evaluate a failure? It’s important to have a clear idea in mind of what a productive and successful day looks like, each time the sun makes its appearance in the east. They don’t always go that way, but […]
Sensational Summer
We can embrace the summer season, or not. Depending upon where you live, reactions often vary. What seems incredibly hot to residents in northern Illinois might strike Floridians as being very tolerable, even on the cool side. Your perspective makes a difference. Summer is the season when Mother Nature gives us a major dose of […]
Third Time’s the Charm
In cases where the first or second attempt doesn’t work, do you try again? Sometimes the third time’s the charm. Several recent experiences have revealed the importance of determination in achieving desired outcomes. It took a third prospective buyer to close a real estate transaction. It also took a third effort to produce exactly the […]
Questions Without Answers
Throughout our lives we are faced with situations where there are questions without answers. Or at least it seems that way at the time. Some of these situations can be truly tragic and involve illness and untimely death. They are incredibly hard to wrestle with and even harder to understand. That’s where faith, family and […]
26 Strong
Last week I had the distinct pleasure of watching the U.S. Air Force’s twenty six newly-minted pilots receive their wings, upon completion of a grueling pilot training program that has spanned more than a year “at the edge of America” (Laughlin AFB, Texas). This was the capstone training for a journey for each of them […]
Gratitude
Gratitude is the Number One Ingredient in Happiness. If you’re not grateful, it’s impossible to be happy. Finding pleasure in small things makes all the difference, because the effect is cumulative. It’s easy to take day-to-day experiences for granted, but doing so is to miss out on the greatest opportunities for appreciation. A smile, a […]
At The Summit
It is such a glorious moment when you make it to the top! The ascent can be literal, as in climbing a mountain, but it can also be figurative in many aspects of life and business. Whatever the pursuit, climbing is hard work; not only do you need to move steadily and maintain your footing, […]
Good Day!
What’s your definition of a good day? When you look back at the day, as the sun goes down, do you have a set of criteria that you can use to evaluate what made it good, or not? You should know the answer without a great deal of reflection. Each of us only have so […]