As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high
gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods --
merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This
year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine
concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift
giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes
there is!
It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in
a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates
from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some
health improvement.
Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned
detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a
book of gift certificates.
Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plunking down
the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift
receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or
driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.
There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift
certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about
a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this
isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town
Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or
motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a
local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is
struggling to get his repair business up and running.
OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin
their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery
and beautiful wooden boxes.
Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave
your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at
your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.
Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese
lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about
fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to
burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.
You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that
China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about
US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow
their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our
communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.
Forward this to everyone on your mailing list -- post it to discussion
groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in
your city -- send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations,
and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other,
and isn't that what Christmas is about?
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
The Price of Perfection
"A Man would do nothing if he waited until he could do it so well that no one could find fault."
There is nothing quite so costly to our productivity as the idea of perfection.
Do i believe in self-improvement? Of course. Do I advocate learning, testing, and refining our knowledge to help us become better at what we do? Always, every week. But this idea of "perfection" actually comes with an incredible price.
Ask yourself the following:
Have you ever missed a deadline because you were paralyzed by doubt over your decisions? Do your projects slow to a crawl because you feel the final product must be perfect? Would you rather do nothing than do something you know will have some flaws?
If you've had these feelings, you've likely felt the pinch of perfection compromising your productivity. On one hand, the drive for perfection sounds like a noble pursuit, that we are engaged in the search for excellence at every turn. But it could be that our urge for perfection is actually a convenient self-sabotaging strategy.
You see, when we force ourselves to "find perfection," we're more or less giving ourselves an excuse to delay action indefinitely. It's only when we try our ideas and provoke response that we learn, adapt, and invite change. But when we refuse to take those actions, we protect ourselves from change. We remain in a comfort zone of inaction, all in the name of "a better outcome."
Give it your all, but learn to recognize when you've given it. There's a point at which you must let go of perfection in the interest of results, risk, and learning. Pick one thing today and get it out the door, even if it falls short of your ideal. You might just find the process liberating and the results better than you expect.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Beyond Fear: Give Yourself the Power to Thrive After Failure
Beyond Fear Give yourself the power to thrive after failure.
"There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure."
--Paulo Coelho (b.1947) Brazilian writer
It is the fear of failing to achieve our dreams which convinces us to play safe. We are not so afraid of falling short as we are the perceived humiliation of failing to succeed. Our brains sometimes seize at the imagined pain of failing, of missing the brass ring, and admitting to our friends, families, and colleagues that, for whatever reason, we were unable to "make it happen."
To conquer this paralyzing fear, it seems to me that we must continue to visualize our lives beyond the moment of failure. We must entertain the idea, vividly, that what we most want will not happen on our first try, and then carry our visualization past failure.
I firmly believe that imagining a return to the ring after a crushing defeat gives us an inner strength to pursue our ambitions. Don't block the idea of failure. Don't say "failure is not an option." Take the sting out of failure by imagining how you will stand up again should you "fail" along the way.
Respect the lessons contained within failure... most notably the character it takes to try again.
"There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure."
--Paulo Coelho (b.1947) Brazilian writer
It is the fear of failing to achieve our dreams which convinces us to play safe. We are not so afraid of falling short as we are the perceived humiliation of failing to succeed. Our brains sometimes seize at the imagined pain of failing, of missing the brass ring, and admitting to our friends, families, and colleagues that, for whatever reason, we were unable to "make it happen."
To conquer this paralyzing fear, it seems to me that we must continue to visualize our lives beyond the moment of failure. We must entertain the idea, vividly, that what we most want will not happen on our first try, and then carry our visualization past failure.
I firmly believe that imagining a return to the ring after a crushing defeat gives us an inner strength to pursue our ambitions. Don't block the idea of failure. Don't say "failure is not an option." Take the sting out of failure by imagining how you will stand up again should you "fail" along the way.
Respect the lessons contained within failure... most notably the character it takes to try again.
Perpetual Change: Welcoming Change Means Welcoming Life
Over the years, Mark and I have heard from people who just hate change, they can't cope with change, and if there is just too much change they can't even begin, much less move forward or even finish. Truthfully, how we feel about change has little to do with the fact that change is inevitable and cannot be ignored. One's feeling toward change one way or the other has little to do with the plan and chosen attitude that must be put into place to adapt and then adapt again, and then adapt one more time. Consider the following:
"When you are through changing, you are through."
--Bruce F. Barton (1886 - 1967), author & Congressman
There are those in business who lament change--shifts in how we communicate, the speed of technology, the feeling that what we learned a few years ago is obsolete. But adapting to change is what keeps our minds sharp. Change brings new ideas, new perspectives on old ideas, and plenty of opportunities to see the world as a new
place.
I am not among those who see all change as a symptom of "the end of the good old days." I see change as a sign of perpetual reinvestment in the world, a sign that people are hungry for new experiences, and willing to embrace what change brings. While some of what is good may get lost, progress is almost always worth the cost.
I hope to be so lucky to be an old person who is still interested in newtechnology, trends, and shifts in thinking. It seems to me that the happiest among us maintain a natural curiosity. Those that lose it seem to age before their time. What Bruce Barton says is true: When you are through changing, you're through.
"When you are through changing, you are through."
--Bruce F. Barton (1886 - 1967), author & Congressman
There are those in business who lament change--shifts in how we communicate, the speed of technology, the feeling that what we learned a few years ago is obsolete. But adapting to change is what keeps our minds sharp. Change brings new ideas, new perspectives on old ideas, and plenty of opportunities to see the world as a new
place.
I am not among those who see all change as a symptom of "the end of the good old days." I see change as a sign of perpetual reinvestment in the world, a sign that people are hungry for new experiences, and willing to embrace what change brings. While some of what is good may get lost, progress is almost always worth the cost.
I hope to be so lucky to be an old person who is still interested in newtechnology, trends, and shifts in thinking. It seems to me that the happiest among us maintain a natural curiosity. Those that lose it seem to age before their time. What Bruce Barton says is true: When you are through changing, you're through.
Friday, August 26, 2011
The Dangers of Couch Potato-ing
The story of Gail Grinds may be an extreme example of a point being made about the dangers of becoming a couch potato . . . . however, my heart breaks for such a person to think that she came to a place in her life of such hopelessness that she sat down on life for the last time and stayed sitting for the next 6 years until her death at age 40. In times of difficulty . . . especially times like the ones we live in now, where friends and family are struggling economically, losing their homes, jobs, etc. and struggling not to lose faith, it is tempting to sit down, hunker down, stop looking and/or pursuing opportunities, stop pressing on, etc. and adopt the life of a couch potato . . . to the point a person's own body becomes one with the couch and the pain of that happening being less than the pain of reaching out for help, picking up the boot straps and personally changing to be better. Read on . . . . And beware of your own self and the power of depression creeping into your life. There are all levels of couch potato-ing and basically couch potato-ing is "escaping" . . . Question is what are we escaping to because we are escaping from what tugs on us to do, fix, endeavor in, or follow thru with? Get In The Game!! Guard Your Hearts . . . Never Lose Hope . . . the price is too great! lvj
Bible Verses to consider:
***Ephesians 5:15-17 "Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."
***Galatians 6:9-10 "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."
***Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
***Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
***Matthew 25:29 speaks of having abundance. Consider "have abundance" and its meaning: To superabound, have in excess, greatly surpass, excel. The word shows the generosity of God's grace, giving assurance that faithful use of one's talents and gifts sets the stage for one's own advancement.
Examples of Books to consider: ***read everyday for at least 15 min in a good book that motivates, teaches, and inspires YOU.
You Inc by Burke Hedges
Magic of Thinking Big
Hung By the Tongue by Francis P Martin
Put Your Dreams to the Test by John C Maxwell
A Good Study Bible (suggest to read this in addition to the book you read for 15 minutes a day).
Subject: The Story of Gail Grinds . . . 480-Pound Woman Dies After Six Years On Couch. Copy and Paste the below address into your Browser.
http://www.wftv.com/news/3643877/detail.html#.TlhZlmf09io.email
Bible Verses to consider:
***Ephesians 5:15-17 "Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."
***Galatians 6:9-10 "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."
***Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
***Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
***Matthew 25:29 speaks of having abundance. Consider "have abundance" and its meaning: To superabound, have in excess, greatly surpass, excel. The word shows the generosity of God's grace, giving assurance that faithful use of one's talents and gifts sets the stage for one's own advancement.
Examples of Books to consider: ***read everyday for at least 15 min in a good book that motivates, teaches, and inspires YOU.
You Inc by Burke Hedges
Magic of Thinking Big
Hung By the Tongue by Francis P Martin
Put Your Dreams to the Test by John C Maxwell
A Good Study Bible (suggest to read this in addition to the book you read for 15 minutes a day).
Subject: The Story of Gail Grinds . . . 480-Pound Woman Dies After Six Years On Couch. Copy and Paste the below address into your Browser.
http://www.wftv.com/news/3643877/detail.html#.TlhZlmf09io.email
Monday, August 22, 2011
RVL by MonaVie Nutrition Comparison List
You've heard that MonaVie RVL packs the most nutrition per calorie, right? Well this is why... You'd you’d have to consume all of the food listed below in one meal, twice a day, to equal the nutrition supplied by the RVL Nutrition Shake Mix. Wow! Read on...
Monavie Shake: Chocolate/Berry, and Vanilla:
Here is the vitamin and mineral breakdown with fiber and protein of one serving the RVL Nutrition Shake Mix and its equivalent in food:
Protein = 18 g = 2 ounces sirloin steak (broiled), or ¼ filet halibut, or 14 ounces pinto beans (cooked)
Fiber = 12 g = 2 cups oat bran (cooked), or 1 cup artichoke hearts, or 1 cup prunes (uncooked, pitted)
Vitamin A = 3,500 IU (1,050 µg) = 11 large eggs, or 2 carrots
Calcium = 300 mg = 8 ounces of milk or yogurt, or 1.5 ounces of cheddar cheese, or 4 cups cooked broccoli
Vitamin D = 180 IU = 16 ounces of milk, or 3 cups fortified cereal, or 3 ounces canned mackerel
Thiamin = .675 mg = 1.5 cups peas, or 3.5 cups long grain brown rice (cooked), or 7 slices of whole wheat bread, or 7 oranges
Niacin = 10 mg = 9 ounces turkey (light meat, cooked without skin), or 3 ounces salmon (Chinook), or 5 cups lima beans (cooked)
Folate = 180 µg = 12 ounces orange juice (from concentrate), or ½ cup asparagus (6 spears)
Biotin = 135 µg = 22 slices whole wheat bread, or 22 avocadoes, or 67 cups raspberries
Phosphorous = 300 mg = 6 ounces beef (cooked), or 3 ounces halibut (cooked)
Magnesium = 100 mg = ½ cup dry oat bran, or 4 biscuits shredded wheat, or 5 bananas
Selenium = 14 µg = 3 ounces walnuts (shelled), or 3 ounces chicken (light meat)
Manganese = .4 mg = ½ cup sweet potato (cooked), or ½ cup Navy beans (cooked), or ½ cup pinto beans (cooked)
Molybdenum = 15 µg = ½ cup walnuts
Vitamin C = 30 mg = 2 medium tomatoes, or 2 medium potatoes (baked)
Iron = 4.5 mg = 5 small boxes raisins (seedless), or 36 medium oysters, or 176 large shrimp (cooked)
Vitamin E = 15 IU = 5 tablespoons olive oil, or 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
Riboflavin = .85 mg = 3 ounces almonds, or 15 ounces of beef (cooked)
Vitamin B6 = .7 mg = 3 ounces hazelnuts (dry roasted), or 1 medium russet potato (baked with skin)
Vitamin B12 = 2.7 µg = 1 ounce crab (steamed), or 9 ounces rockfish (baked)
Pantothenic Acid = 4.5 mg = 13.5 ounces chicken (cooked), or 3.5 pounds lobster (cooked)
Iodine = 30 µg = 2 fish sticks, or 1 can tuna (canned in oil)
Zinc = 3 mg = 3 1/3 ounces peanuts, or 2 ounces cashews
Copper = .12 mg = 2 tablespoons peanut butter, or ½ ounce chocolate (semisweet)
Chromium = 120 µg = 5 cups broccoli, or 18 waffles, or 86 apples, or 1 gallon of grape juice
Remember, you’d have to consume all of that food in one meal, twice a day, to equal the nutrition supplied by the RVL Nutrition Shake Mix. And that would be followed by a 500-600 calorie dinner! That’s a lot of food.
So the RVL Nutrition Shake Mix (for breakfast and lunch) will provide you with a nutrient dense meal replacement (vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein), without having to consume so many calories in food.
Monavie Shake: Chocolate/Berry, and Vanilla:
Here is the vitamin and mineral breakdown with fiber and protein of one serving the RVL Nutrition Shake Mix and its equivalent in food:
Protein = 18 g = 2 ounces sirloin steak (broiled), or ¼ filet halibut, or 14 ounces pinto beans (cooked)
Fiber = 12 g = 2 cups oat bran (cooked), or 1 cup artichoke hearts, or 1 cup prunes (uncooked, pitted)
Vitamin A = 3,500 IU (1,050 µg) = 11 large eggs, or 2 carrots
Calcium = 300 mg = 8 ounces of milk or yogurt, or 1.5 ounces of cheddar cheese, or 4 cups cooked broccoli
Vitamin D = 180 IU = 16 ounces of milk, or 3 cups fortified cereal, or 3 ounces canned mackerel
Thiamin = .675 mg = 1.5 cups peas, or 3.5 cups long grain brown rice (cooked), or 7 slices of whole wheat bread, or 7 oranges
Niacin = 10 mg = 9 ounces turkey (light meat, cooked without skin), or 3 ounces salmon (Chinook), or 5 cups lima beans (cooked)
Folate = 180 µg = 12 ounces orange juice (from concentrate), or ½ cup asparagus (6 spears)
Biotin = 135 µg = 22 slices whole wheat bread, or 22 avocadoes, or 67 cups raspberries
Phosphorous = 300 mg = 6 ounces beef (cooked), or 3 ounces halibut (cooked)
Magnesium = 100 mg = ½ cup dry oat bran, or 4 biscuits shredded wheat, or 5 bananas
Selenium = 14 µg = 3 ounces walnuts (shelled), or 3 ounces chicken (light meat)
Manganese = .4 mg = ½ cup sweet potato (cooked), or ½ cup Navy beans (cooked), or ½ cup pinto beans (cooked)
Molybdenum = 15 µg = ½ cup walnuts
Vitamin C = 30 mg = 2 medium tomatoes, or 2 medium potatoes (baked)
Iron = 4.5 mg = 5 small boxes raisins (seedless), or 36 medium oysters, or 176 large shrimp (cooked)
Vitamin E = 15 IU = 5 tablespoons olive oil, or 2 tablespoons sunflower oil
Riboflavin = .85 mg = 3 ounces almonds, or 15 ounces of beef (cooked)
Vitamin B6 = .7 mg = 3 ounces hazelnuts (dry roasted), or 1 medium russet potato (baked with skin)
Vitamin B12 = 2.7 µg = 1 ounce crab (steamed), or 9 ounces rockfish (baked)
Pantothenic Acid = 4.5 mg = 13.5 ounces chicken (cooked), or 3.5 pounds lobster (cooked)
Iodine = 30 µg = 2 fish sticks, or 1 can tuna (canned in oil)
Zinc = 3 mg = 3 1/3 ounces peanuts, or 2 ounces cashews
Copper = .12 mg = 2 tablespoons peanut butter, or ½ ounce chocolate (semisweet)
Chromium = 120 µg = 5 cups broccoli, or 18 waffles, or 86 apples, or 1 gallon of grape juice
Remember, you’d have to consume all of that food in one meal, twice a day, to equal the nutrition supplied by the RVL Nutrition Shake Mix. And that would be followed by a 500-600 calorie dinner! That’s a lot of food.
So the RVL Nutrition Shake Mix (for breakfast and lunch) will provide you with a nutrient dense meal replacement (vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein), without having to consume so many calories in food.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
MonaVie Opportunity Breaking 18 Year Old Diamonds!!!
Frankie Lanosa, smoothie guy!! 18 years old and a new Diamond!! Watch his video and be inspired. Network Marketing is a great way for young adults to have their own business in today's market and MonaVie is THEE business opportunity built for today's young adult to have the opportunity to make six digit incomes right out of high school . . . . now that is Excellent indeed!!
Jill Carlisle
Jill Carlisle
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)