Derrick Hayes
The Official Blog Of Derrick Hayes
The Derrick Hayes Blog is a community driven forum that will feature a question of the week that is designed to uplift others to greatness. Read the question below and answer to the best of your ability in 50 words or less. Each post will be read for subject matter before it is listed. Here is a chance for you to shine and share your story and expertise with educators, entrepreneurs and others with big ideas.
Question of the week for September 6th:
How did you spend your Labor Day?
16 Comments
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#1
I spent the Labor Day resting, relaxing, dreaming and searching for ways to help others succeed.
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#2
I spent Labor day working towards my dreams of helping other overcome severe emotional trauma. Yes, I am a woman and have a woman's story. But I started out as a child in pain, into a teenager and finally a very troubled woman. If I could climb out of the depths of these disorders, anybody can if they will listen to the voice of God. Depending on who I'm talking to, I'll calm the God infuence part. But never the less, He's the one that helped me survive.
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#3
Several members of our Rotary Club of Sherman Oaks Sunset volunteered a four-hour shift at the Los Angeles studio for the annual Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Association Telethon, fielding calls from donors; a good day to spend with friends...and make new ones...and help a worthy cause outside of just our own worthy Rotary causes. Our friends in the Rotary Club of Tarzana-Encino pulled a four-hour shift on Sunday evening. Good to fold giving-back time into a weekend of family time.
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#4
I took a long walk with my wife, enjoying the sunshine and noticing the trees beginning to change for fall. I advocate daily physical activity like this as a vital component of wellness. But some exercises are dangerous, so I offer a free report called The 5 Most Dangerous Exercises You Need To Avoid on my website http://www.thedowntoearthdoctor.com.
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#5
Labor Day weekend at my friend’s was pure bliss. On Sunday, after church, we enjoyed a leisurely lunch and played scrabble all afternoon. On Monday, we took a break for a scrumptious meal at a restaurant, and continued playing scrabble. Lacking access to a PC had its beneficial sideline: relaxation.
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#6
I spent part of Labor Day Weekend at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry presenting to groups attending their annual Reptile/Amphibian Show. The pancake tortoises in my study group demonstrated how they have learned things never attempted before with a reptile. You can learn more than anybody thinks, too!
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#7
I spent the afternoon at my local blood bank and donated platelets and red blood cells. I have a rare blood type and these products are highly valuable to cancer patients and premature babies. I figured any discomfort I have in donating (which is rare) pales in comparison to these recipients.
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#8
I've decided that I am in LOVE. I'm in love with life. I'm moving out of state from Arizona where I've lived for 20 years back to my native Northern California. Yes, there is packing and so much more to do. I leave in 6 days, but I decided to take a breather and spend part of the time just enjoying and appreciating all that these past years have offered. I know that spiritually I am a better person now than when I arrived in Sedona in 1989. At 61, I am joyful and happy. This weekend I also sold copies of my book. It is so rewarding to hear someone say that this book has helped them. Our book is entitled Happiness Awaits You! And Yes, I'm lovin' life....so can you. Blessings!
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#9
I spent labor day weekend BBQ'ing in my backyard with my friends and family. We received via UPS organic NY steaks from Rocky Mountain Organic Meat Company, www.rockymtncuts.com and we barely seasoned them because they are truly the best meat since the cows are grass fed and roam in the wide open Wyoming spaces, grilled them and yum, yum.
Made homemade potato salad with roasted red bell pepper, celery and olives, had fresh fruit salad and grilled an organic butter nut squash that we picked from our garden.
We took a hike in the neighborhood woods and settled in for great conversation, laughs and silliness. -
#10
I spent Labor Day enjoying God's splendor - the amazing weather! I ran 10 miles, went to the park with my beautiful German shepherd Beau, and took time for reflection and gratitude. As a full-time human resources professional, a part-time author and a marathon trainee, I am busy, but blessed.
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#11
Hi Derek,
My wife and I spent the day finishing off this new page about our work here in Guatemala. Debora also hosted a skype conference between a sponsored child and her godparents in the states.
http://www.mickquinn.com/uncommon.projects.guatemala.htm
Thank you,
Mick Quinn and Debora Prieto -
#12
I spent Labor Day weekend getting caught up and getting control of my life. And I finally got my blog back up so I'll be ready for a webcast on Wednesday! Whew!
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#13
I had dinner with two old friends of mine at an Italian restaurant. Then we met for drinks with friends and colleagues at the Moonrise rooftop terrace in Saint Louis. It was a beautiful night, and the terrace has a great view overlooking Saint Louis.
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#14
We're going to have to start taking a vacation on Labor Day. Last year we were called to rescue a horse in Tennessee. This Labor Day we were notified of a horse in northwest Arkansas that was bound for slaughter.
I wish I'd have known about it last week, I could have saved ourselves a trip. Last Wednesday we went to the same place and rescued a horse that was going to be shot if the guy couldn't find him a home.
Yesterday we found out about another horse on this guy's place that he was going to take to a sale barn. Sale barn horses often end up in slaughter houses. That is something we simply cannot abide.
The first trip was a costly one. I lost the brakes in my truck on the way down the mountain and had to baby the truck and trailer three hours back home.
This last trip wasn't so bad. We arrived to find a registered and papered Missouri Fox Trotter that "only ten men in the country could ride." This horse is simply gorgeous. Unlike most of the horses we rescue this one wasn't skin and bones. By the pound he would have brought top dollar at a slaughter house. We cannot abide that.
We loaded Quigly Big Jake into the trailer and headed home, minus a few hundred dollars. We stopped several times on the way home and checked on Jake, we gave him some lovin' and continued on down the road. When we got him home I tied his lead rope to the other side of his halter and climbed on him bareback. Tonight I rode him under a trail saddle, and he's already bonded with my wife and I.
This is what we do. Plenty of vacation for us. The rescue business has its rewards. Most of them come from watching the horses change from scared and abused to content and affectionate.
Happy Holidays! -
#15
I spent the entire weekend on the top of Mt. Palomar just outside San Diego on a yoga retreat. As a professional organizer I expend a great deal of energy on behalf of my clients. I have to do exactly what I tell my them to do: replenish the well within. If it runs dry you can't give to anyone.
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#16
I spent the day packing to move because my house sold in one day! Yikes, I wasn't prepared for it sell the first day. The reason I'm moving is because we merged with another business (both quilt shops) and we need to be closer to the new store because we're expanding into larger space. I
guess I'm ziggin while the economy is still zaggin. -
#17
Question Of The Week for August 30th:
Where and How do you volunteer in your community?
41 Comments
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#1
I volunteer at Friendship Baptist Church in Columbus, Ga. The Brotherhood ministry. Brotherhood does events to mentor youth and feed others during times of need.
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#2
Having moved to Brattleboro, VT five years ago, as a 35-year public relations practitioner, I am president, Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, secretary, Brattleboro Rotary Club, and board member, Arts Council of Windham County. Additionally, I help promote events for Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and Historical Society of Windham County.
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#3
I volunteer weekly at The Family Place in St. Paul, MN, a day shelter for homeless families. The Family Place serves three meals a day, seven days a week, and provides activities for the children not in school. The Family Place is a safe, clean environment for homeless families during the day and works with Ramsey County to provide housing and other services.
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#4
Hi Derrick,
Yes, indeed, I DO volunteer in my community. For years my church ran a "Community Meal" every fourth (or last) Sunday of the month. We literally threw open the doors and fed whoever walked through them.
My church, the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Norwich, was one of the first I'd ever seen do this - with no requirement to stay for a sermon, accept the church's doctrine / opinions, or any need to admit / deny / whatever the circumstances in people's lives. They simply showed up, took a plate and a seat, and we fed them.
This lasted for years until we sold our old building, but the church who bought it continues the tradition.
As an Image Consultant, I worked with a friend who started a non-profit organization (The Connecticut Pardon Team - www.connecticutpardonteam.org) which counseled ex-offenders on how to apply for and recieve a pardon for past crimes as long as they had successfully completed their parole and / or probation, and been offense-free for at least 5 years. My expertise on personal presentation, wardrobe and personality assessments helped people to put their best foot forward in front of the pardon board, and I like to think I was a part of the success of some of our participants.
Every volunteer opportunity brings with is the opportunity for growth, to get out of your comfort zone, and to get practice in setting and keeping boundaries. They are wonderful learning and experiential opportunities and I can't recommend them enough to new and existing entrepreneurs and educators. -
#5
I volunteer at church 5 hours a week singing
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#6
I volunteer with SHARE, a food-buying co-op that provides less costly food, and I am a volunteer auxiliary police with training for most regular police work, such as the use of hand cuffs, baton, the squad car. I've even been pepper sprayed! I've also done a ton of volunteer work with my daughter's schools and her activities. She's now a Fulbright scholar then will pursue a career in community service. How's that!
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#7
Volunteerism is in my blood. My parents, married 54 years last week, have 70 years of volunteering in their history, so for me, it's been 42 years of giving back. Most recently, I volunteer for my local PBS station. What I do, is that annoying 'in the middle of great program', begging for money thing. I'm one of a few on air fundraising talent. I do it because of my love for PBS. But since I have been in the media biz for a while, I haven't had enough money to be a member, so I found another way to tie back, and I LOVE IT.
This however, motivated me to to further, so as of early this year, I am producing a national tv show to celebrate and showcase volunteerism across the country. We have a goal of registering 1 million new volunteers to e national service ranks.
It's not enough, in my mind, to just talk about it, but rather, to TAKE ACTION - INSPIRED ACTIONS.
That's what I do....and with the effort and belief of myself and my team, we WILL show America and the WORLD, what giving back is all about, and HOW to get involved.
Thanks for the forum Derrick
Akiba -
#8
I volunteer in 2 places in Los Angeles, CA. I volunteer for the speakers bureau at Heal the Bay and I am VP of Membership for Spirit Speaks Toastmasters.
For Heal the Bay I talk to people about how to reduce litter and pollution to keep our oceans and beaches clean and safe for people and animals.
As a VP of Membership for Spirit Speaks Toastmasters I help to grow our membership by using social networking and speaking to local groups in my area. Plus I ensure that our members are getting the benefits they want from Toastmasters.
I love doing both and have met amazing people who are powerful and successful and have become amazing mentors and friends. Plus it feels so good to be able to make a difference.
If each one of us volunteered 1 hour per week in the USA that is about 307,006,550 hours. Wow we can all make a difference in our neighborhood in a short period of time.
Cheers and thank you for asking. -
#9
Hi, Derrick
Just this past weekend I was blessed to have been able to take part in the Stop the Violence march and activities organized by Traveler's Rest Church in Columbus, OH. It was an awesome event. I was there passing out flyers in support of the Anthony Jamal Morgan Scholarship Foundation. Anthony was murdered in the area of the march three years ago on Mother's Day. His murder has gone unsolved. Even though there were two eye witnesses in the car, the murder has gone unsolved. A baby was even in the back seat, left there while Anthony fought for his life and the two witnesses ran...unresolved. It has to stop. The killing has to stop...this no snitching business has to stop. Even if it means passing out a thousand flyers, not just for Anthony, but for all the other victims in the community, it has to stop! -
#10
My wheelchair-bound dog, Frankie helped me understand what really matters in life and volunteering is now an important part of what I do. Along with Frankie, we volunteer as a therapy dog team three times a month splitting our visits at a senior assisted living facility, hospital and hospital.
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#11
With my Rotary Club; we help in our local community and internationally. The days of Rotary being only old white guys are over--we encompass all cultures and do what it takes to put service above self. We who can help...must.
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#12
I am one of the lead organizers of a back pack giveaway where we provide over 3,000 students with all the school supplies they need to start school. I organized a triathlon called Tri For Kids Sake where we raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters and The YMCA youth swim program. I mentor a class as part of the Toastmaster Youth Leadership program. I also give free motivational speeches to schools, adoption programs, hospitals and other organizations in our surrounding communities. I look for the biggest need in my community and I bring all of my talent as an entrepreneur to address the need.
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#13
I feel blessed and proud to say that I am the coordinator for the Good Samaritan Project at Sacred heart Church here in Bowie, MD. I began the project 2 years ago and since then we have helped so many people in the parish in many different ways ranging from respite care for caregivers to driving people to the doctor to working with a learning disabled child and much more such as yard work, shopping,bereavement help.
The men and women who volunteer are fantastic! Other parishioners who cannot donate their time and talents have donated large sums of money which have enabled our pastor to help families in need during these tough economic times. One person was so impressed with our work that a donation of $20,000 was made anonymously.
"If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts." My volunteers have responded to that Voice and our corner of the world is a much better place as a result. -
#14
Volunteering at "Art's The Spark," a program at the Orlando Museum Of Art (FL) for Alzheimer's patients, humbles and gratifies me. This 2-hour program, held once or twice a month, demonstrates that "cultural arts" are a valuable part of treatment for these challenged individuals who are shells of who they use to be. The program is divided into two segments, and each program has a unique theme. In segment #1, the associate curator of Adult Programs takes the Alzheimer's participants to view specific exhibits in the Museum and leads them in open discussion. In my observation, truly, these barren people come alive, talking, laughing, connecting to each other and, of course, the art works. My participation occurs in segment #2, working one-on-one with an Alzheimer patient as he/she creates an art project related to the theme. The classwork is taught by a professional art instructor, meaning this is NOT typical silly arts & crafts for old people. Being a part of the Alzheimer's "artists" journey to connection is an experience beyond what words can describe. It is much an awakening for me as it is for them!
Sheryl Kurland
Orlando Patient Advocates -
#15
I volunteer up to 3 times a week, one hour from my home, to rehabilitate orphaned and injured North American wildlife. The center is completely volunteer run and our goal is to release wildlife back into their natural habitats and often as possible. When it is not possible, we use the animals to travel around the community to schools and events to help people understand how much we depend on animals and their environments and how they can lend a hand in ensuring all animal's survival. Volunteering to help those who cannot help themselves is the hardest and most rewarding work I've ever loved. It fills my well each day I am there and feel a connection with the animals.
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#16
I volunteer in Chicago, IL. and for August 2010, I have volunteered in four parks and two were as a nurse and two were giving away free food to the needy. I have visited a shelter and took toys, books and clothes for kids, but I often visit a nursing home too. SHOW YOUR HEARTS!
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#17
I work for a publishing company and requested they start a non profit organization to help homeless veterans. I went through such an experience after serving in Southeast Asia as a Marine in 1971. I believe like the experience we shared in our day many of today's warriors will wind up on the street due to addiction, mental health issues, and PTSD. It usually occurs after the veteran has been back a while such as 6 months to a year. We are able to find them, pick them up, clean them and feed them while we process the required paperwork for the Veterans Administration to take them for medical care. The organization is new and based in Baton Rouge, LA. but we plan on a national effort.
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#18
Steering Committee - Center for Attitudinal Healing
President - Bay Area Independent Publisher's Association
Past Vice President- Women's National Book Association - SF
Marketing Advisor- SofTECH (North Bay Software and Technology Assoc.)
Marketing Consultant - Marin AIDS Project
President - S.F. Chapter International Association of Business Communicators
Councilwoman - American Red Cross (ARC), Golden Gate Chapter
Regional Leader - ARC Disaster Communications Task Force
Commissioner - San Mateo County Advisory Council on Women
Board Member/Publicist - American Cancer Society -
#19
I volunteer for many organizations, from CAEYC (raises money for St. Jude's) to homeless shelters to the Port of Los Angeles Summer Intern Program. I've also done over 20 workshops for LA Youth at Work, which is sponsored by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. I do a three-hour workshop on job interviewing, resume writing, and rapport skills, for youth from 16-24 years of age. The participants are motivated and hungry for knowledge to improve themselves, and gives me hope for the future.
Being of service to others, especially youth, I feel is one of the best things someone can do for themselves. To paraphrase Emerson: “… to know even one life has lived easier because you lived, this is to have succeeded.” -
#20
Hi Derrick:
My daughter teaches 2nd grade in Lakeside, CA.
I give her almost every Friday helping with the slow readers and writers, sharpening pencils, correcting papers, giving individual tests, tacking up art work or helping with art projects and keeping an eye on kids to be sure they are on task . I also take lunch for my daughter which gives us a few minutes to catch up on family items.
I'm a retired English teacher and now an author and professional speaker. Giving a day to a teacher and a class is a rewarding way to spend some of my retirement hours. -
#21
I conduct a successful motivational program called "Life Change Discussion Group" for inmates in a Connecticut medium security prison, using my book, "Hiking Out: Surviving Depression with Humor and Insight Along the Way" for some of the issues we discuss in class. Effective communication starts with compassionate listening and conversation.
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#22
I volunteer at Mercy Corps Northwest, Portland OR. I teach business development classes to people looking to start their own business and become self-employeed. I give them the tools to make informed decisions about starting a business and deciding if they "are ready to be an entrepreneur.
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#23
I volunteer 3 mornings a week at a Christian Homeless Shelter in Harford County, Maryland. Of the 52 homeless people we serve, 30 of the them live in the woods in various places. We serve breakfast and lunch and provide bible study daily to nourish both the body and the soul.
It is a privilege to serve the homeless as their needs are great and diverse. I am an RN by background, but have a neuromuscular condition that requires that I am on a BIPAP respirator 14-17 hours per day, and use a walker. I treasure volunteering during the hours when I am moblie. I am also an author of the upcoming self-help book, "7 Pathways to Hope." -
#24
I volunteer locally both monthly and annually. Monthly, I find a new agency/non-profit to support with my time. Annually, I work one special exhibit volunteer project with the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. I love both the monthly infusion of new information about a local agency and the annual return gig at the DMNS to join an established community of people who already know me for in-depth learning about a new topic.
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#25
I started volunteering with a animal rescue league in Decemeber. Since then, I have fostered five dogs while they await adoption. I am also an artist and began painting portraits of the foster dogs and other adoptable dogs as a side project. Turns out the animal portraits are very popular and I have sold prints and gotten commissions based on my foster dog portraits. I continue to donate a portion of my proceeds to an animal rescue organization. This has filled my soul with compassion and love for these animals. I am better for it too.
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#26
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#27
Hello Derick,
I volunteer in children's education at The Dayton International Peace Museum, Dayton, OH. My last project was conducting a week long "summer peace camp" for youngsters 3rd grade to 6th. There were about 30 in attendence and I used one of the stories I've written and illustrated along with other projects and help from other volunteers. The objective was to teach that violence is destructive power, but the positive power of peaceful relationships works to everyone's benefit. The Museum has permanent and rotating exhibits, but is also very active with educational programs and guest speakers for adults and children. The original art for my story will be on exhibit there beginning about Sept. 11. -
#28
After twenty years in the Navy, I now volunteer at a local veterans assistance center, where we help all vets--from as far back as World War II to the Afghan/Iraqi war. We mainly focus on PTSD and readjustment to civilian life. I also plan to become a Big Brother again (I did it for almost two years).
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#29
The downtown Public Hospital on the island that I live sees hundreds of thew poorest, sickest people each and everyday. They stand in line, or if they are lucky, sit and wait until a doctor can see them in hot, humid and overcrowded rooms.
The heads of the hospital contacted me knowing I did a lot of volunteer work on the island anytime I could. Contributions have been way down because of the economy. They faced a huge shortfall trying to help these people on the island who have no where else to go.
Being on an island in a third world country makes it very easy to make a very positive impact as a volunteer. The heads of the hospital asked me to help them raise money so they could continue serving the hundreds of poor people they treat everyday, I came up with the idea to do a world class concert.
2 1/2 months later and after many hours of work by a very talented team of volunteers, the concert was performed by Guillermo Anderson and his band, the top entertainer in Central America. The co-headliner was JhayTea, a native of Roatan who traveled up to NYC to break into the music business. He agreed to return for the first time after his hit “Closer Baby” rose on the R & B Billboard charts to #6. Several other local bands performed as well.
The concert was a huge success. Perhaps 1000 people attended. Everyone enjoyed the evening. Ample funds were collected to help the hospital. We hope to produce an even greater event next year to raise even more money. -
#30
For 11 years I have volunteered with AWBW.org, a non profit that uses the creative arts to help battered women and children end the cycle of domestic violence. Although community based, our work also extends to the larger community of battered women and children in 24 states. We train shelter staff and provide art supplies. One workshop can change a life forever!
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#31
I am helping with the development of children's classes in west Los Angeles and Brentwood, CA. Those classes will focus on simple virtues--what they are and how a child can practise using a virtue.
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#32
While my children are merely toddlers, I believe it is important to instill in them an appreciation of volunteerism. We volunteer almost weekly at a local food pantry that services low income patrons. We sort and bag food, clean, and I help carry groceries for those who need the assistance. I am teaching my children that volunteering is one very important way that they can serve and love God's people.
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#33
My husband and I became volunteer puppy-raisers for The Seeing Eye in 2004 and are currently working with our fourth puppy through our local 4-H Club, which exposes us to children and families throughout our area.
We are responsible for socializzing the puppies, introducing them to novel environments, and teaching them basic obedience and manners.
In addition, from 2001 - 2009, I volunteered for my town on the Environmental Commission for nine years, the Land Use Board for four years, and the Open Space Committee for three years, putting in 20 - 40 hours each week.
My volunteer work was a conscious decision to do philanthropic work for about ten years, while I was still healthy enough to do a great job and enjoy it. While I have moved on to the next phase of my life, The Seeing Eye puppies will remain a part of it for the foreseeable future.
The secret to long-term successful volunteerism is to choose charitable work that speaks to your soul -- that holds deep personal meaning and aligns with your closely-held values.
In the U.S., there are so many varied non-profits that depend upon volunteers for their survival, that there is surely somewhere for everyone to donate their time. -
#34
I volunteer my psychotherapy services to all the residents at Children of the Night, a shelter for sexually abused teens in Los Angeles. Been doing this for about 13 years, and it is the light of my life. It actually effected a career epiphany for me, and I went on to write a nonfiction about midlife transitions as a result of volunteering in the community (YOU-TURN: CHANGING DIRECTION IN MIDLIFE).
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#35
I voluteer with Food and Friends in Washington DC. I prepare and deliver meals to sick and shut-in residents in Washington DC.
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#36
I volunteer with our Relay for Life project every year which includes speaking to survivors and caregivers, distributing information around the community and being available to listen when caregivers are at the end of their rope.It's very humbling to be around that kind of courage and strength; to be a listener when no one else has the time or space;to feel that I can make a bit of a difference for someone else. No matter what's going on in my life, when I'm doing things for other people, I somehow get my perspective back and my challenges don't seem nearly so insurmountable. Helping others, no matter how large or small the help, always seems to do much more for my growth and healing than I could ever imagine or intend.
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#37
I get volunteered into before I have a chance to make up my mind. Most volunteer community organizations run on low fuel and need a helping hand. Whether it is writing a press release for an event, cooking in the kitchen, giving a speech, being called to review a book, becoming a treasurer or a trustee on the church board, I seem to be the perfect candidate, whether I am qualified or not. It looks like I inspire more confidence than I possess, or people are desperate for a helping hand. If time is available I will accept the job. Yes, these activities keep me on the run but usually the satisfaction received exceeds the contribution efforts. The resulting social network is an additional blessing.
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#38
I love to mentor young people. Last year I was introduced to an organization called "Winning Futures" in Warren Michigan. I signed on as a mentor immediately. The first year of working with them was life changing for us all. I will be doing it again and again as I am able. The benefit I receive more than offsets the time I commit!!!
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#39
I volunteer through my church - The Rock Church - in San Diego. It's motto is "Do Something" and encourages all it's members to volunteer and reach out to others in our community. An example is just last weekend the Rock sent out volunteers to spruce up 4 fire stations from cleaning to painting to landscaping. In these hard economic times cities across the country are having to cut back on services with increasing budget cuts. Our firefighters serve our communities and it's only right that we serve them and give back by doing the kinds of upgrades the city simply doesn't have the budget for. As a church, the pastor has committed 600,000 volunteer hours to the mayor for the year 2010. We're two thirds of the way there and it really feels good to be part of such a noble cause.
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#40
I was so overwhelmed with grief after watching a horrific story on the news about a young girl who was kidnapped locally that I envisioned creating a "Li'l Bit Of Heaven" on earth away from all the evil going on in this world.For the past 17 years this ministry has been run by volunteers only,
Each one of us has been able to use our God-given gifts to glorify God and be a blessing to others. -
#41
I volunteer at 'Li'l Bit of Heaven" with Samantha.A wonderful place to use my God given talents to bless people from "in the womb to 108" and of all different backgrounds. A safe place to come alone or bring a friend or make new friends.Previously I had worked in Children's church. Volunteered at the V.A. Hospital,and as a puppy walker for the Guide dog foundation.All very rewarding.
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#42
Question Of The Week for August 23rd:
When was your AH HA moment?
44 Comments
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#1
My Ah Ha moment was in 1999 when I realized I could turn someone's name into a positive message right before their eyes and within seconds.
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#2
My aha moment came while interviewing Holocaust survivors for Steven Spielberg's Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation between 1996-2000. In a word, I gained perspective.. perspective that I should celebrate every day of my life; perspective that there is hope in every situation, regardless how hopeless in might seem at the time.
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#3
Hi Mr. Hayes,
For your blog on Ah Ha moments, we thought that you would be interested in John Shegerian, founder of Electronic Recycling International (ERI), whose passion lies with recycling and living an eco-conscious lifestyle.
Right after the Rodney King Riots in 1993, John recognized the need to give young people influenced by gangs another option for making money. So, he started Homeboy Tortillas, adopting the motto, “Nothing Stops a Bullet Faster than a Job,” which became the most popular and discussed post-riot social business venture in Los Angeles. It was then that he had an epiphany – all his business ventures from that moment forward had to be about more than making money; they had to serve a social purpose.
Since his realization that success and benefitting society go hand-in-hand, he’s never looked back. Today, ERI sponsors "urban renewal," or giving second chances to people who have been incarcerated. Mr. Shegerian currently employs 50 such individuals.
For additional information or to schedule an interview, we can be contacted at aly@dm-pr.com or (646)785-9594. Thank you!
Cheers,
Aly Rowe
DM Public Relations -
#4
I had my Ah Ha moment along with my best friend, Tammy. We both owned small Advertising Agencies and were looking for an affordable media buying software. We couldn't find one, so we looked at each other and said, "Let's create our own". AH HA
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#5
After we wrote Angel Animals, our first book about the benefits of human-animal relationships and emphasized the journey of each animal, we realized that animals don't buy books. If they did, we'd never leave the best-seller lists. So in our next books (now we have 13 in the series), we did parallel explorations of the people's journeys in relation to the animals. It was a successful shift because people love animals but they also like to read about their species. Now people tell us that our books are about animals but even more, they are about life. www.angelanimals.net
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#6
Hi Derrick!
My Ah Ha moment was when I was watching a video by a successful online marketer and it hit me what my unique selling proposition should be. I had been struggling with that for a while and at that moment I knew, so I was able to move forward and have accomplished a lot since then. -
#7
My life had evolved into—too busy, too tired, and too overwhelmed to schedule time for myself. I saw it as another “thing” on my list. The big “ah-hah moment” came when I realized that there needed to be a more obtainable entry point into health and fitness improvement.
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#8
My AH HA moment was when I realized that in order to get anywhere in this life we need other people. No one person can do it on their own and attempting to do so will only bring you frustration. Don't be afraid to reach out when you need help.
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#9
In 1979,I was studying to be a medical doctor but then saw a documentary about chiropractic health care on the 60 Minutes television news show. This opened my eyes to the reality that there is much more to health than taking prescriptions and having surgery. I soon investigated holistic health further and then enrolled in chiropractic school and never looked back.
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#10
My Ah-Ha moment came in 1997, when a friend sent me a copy of "The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood." When I finished reading it, I slammed the book shut and exclaimed, "That (b-word) wrote my book!" Within weeks, I quite my job in Corporate American and set out to write, "Husbands May Come and Go but Friends are Forever." The book was published last year and was recently optioned for the big screen. The best decision I've ever made.
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#11
When the Green Bay Packers traded Brett Favre to the New York Jets. I was hurt, but I was also 30. I realized I was paying too much attention to something that didn't matter and not enough to something that did- the book about ADHD that I'd picked up at the library 60 days earlier and only read 14 pages into.
I resolved to cut my time spent on NFL in half and use that time to start educating myself about ADHD and the results have been incredible. -
#12
As an artist I’ve had many “Aha” moments. The latest: I was recycling a flawed pendant - soaked it, was rubbing the paper off the glass and discovered a new process! The transparent ink layer remaining was incredibly gorgeous with foil backing – took my jewelry-making to a whole new level!
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#13
My AH-HA moment occurred a year ago, when I started Orlando Patient Advocates. I truly believe it is my destiny because every chapter in my professional career and events throughout my personal life, many of which seem unrelated, have been a stepping stone to this company. The company growth presents continual ah-ha moments as I draw upon my decades-long "foundation" to help others today navigate the medical maze and get the right health care for their specific needs!
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#14
My 'ah-ha' moment? When I understood that children need to learn HOW to learn and that it is pointless trying to teach them 'stuff' until they have the basic learning skills they need to be able to learn the 'stuff'. this 'ah-ha' changed my life and the way I help children learn. It also lead to me starting my own business, supporting parents who want to help their children develop these skills.
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#15
It was 20 years ago. I was in my kitchen talking to my husband about things we don't know that we don't know. I said, "A dog doesn't know it can't talk." In that moment, I realized that there must be things that I CAN do that I don't know I can do, but will one day find out. I've been open to newer and bigger ideas ever since.
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#16
While in college I entered a Scholarship Pageant for a campus organization; during which we were required to perform a talent. My talent was spoken word. It was at that moment that I observed how powerful and influential words, communication, and telling a story could be. My AH HA MOMENT!
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#17
My ah-ha moment came on a dull, cold, dreary day in March in Wisconsin. I sat in a Walgreen's parking lot, frozen.
I wasn't frozen with the cold, although I was surrounded by dirty grey snowbanks everywhere I looked.
I was frozen by the prescription in my hand for 4 (FOUR!) prozac a day, just handed over by my doctor.
I was miserable and I was 240 lbs and, as I went over my doctor's appointment in my head -- the perfunctory way she wrote the script without really hearing me talk, the precise way she ripped it off and handed it to me -- I realized that NO ONE was going to handle my life and my weight issues, EVER, but me.
It was going to be up to me. I had dieted enough to know no diet would ever fix what was wrong. I knew I had to find and meet myself, maybe for the first time in my life, and take charge.
And I did.
Pat Barone, CPCC, PCC
"America's Weight Loss Catalyst" -
#18
My AH HA moment came back in 1978 when I learned how to use the power of my subconscious mind. I took a Silva class and learned that my thoughts were directing the path of my life. Over the years I've learned how to teach others to change their thoughts and improve their life.
While I can't help everyone now, I do my best to give people simple ideas and tips in my weekly newsletters. -
#19
My biggest Ah Ha moment happened when I discovered my mission: Honor God, and my core values: God, Family, Health and Work - in that order.
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#20
My moment happened shortly after I recited my list of unmet needs for my husband. I loved him, but I wanted out. He died, quite unexpectedly, the next day, and the needs stayed. Aha! Won't let my needs blind me to my second husband's love.
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#21
After 1460 days as an engineer major, I realized I detested every day. The love of the potential salary was the wrong focus. Needing a career aligned with my natural gifts, I walked into City Hall, and immediately left as a HR intern. HR professional and business coach was born!
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#22
My aha moment was when someone said to me:
You are not a human having the occasional spiritual experience, you are a spirit having a temporary human experience.
This made me realize that the fraction of time we spend on earth is a gift to us and we must spend our time here wisely. -
#23
My ah ha moment came in February 2006. After weeks and months of trying to come up with a business I found one.
I am now an affiliate marketer offering information products. Is it easy? No. But the satisfaction of having my own business is very rewarding. Plus it is NOT A SCAM!
Mark Ward
http://www.privatemall.net -
#24
My AH-HA moment for edRover came when I figured out a way to mesh schools’ fundraising needs with the desires and resources of big businesses. EdRover allows me to combine my passion for education and in-depth knowledge of mobile marketing in a way that will benefit schools nationwide.
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#25
I had been skiing with my church youth group. Being the leader meant I had to watch a lot of kids. But who was watching me? Within an hour I was in the emergency ward having just been paralyzed in 30 minutes by a rare neuro-auto-immune disease.
Aha! It was then that I knew God was moving my life in a whole new direction. But what? My motto soon became, "don't get angry, get curious".
Sally Franz
Author, Scrambled Leggs -
#26
For 5 years of I wrote hundreds of pages attempting to figure out what my book was to be, while I recommended that my clients keep success journals to speed their progress. One day I realized I could help everyone if I just wrote the book! My guided success journal "A Balanced Heart: 10 Weeks to Birth Your Dream" will be available at www.balancedheart.org in September 2010. It offers you the experience of successfully using all the tools and strategies you will ever need to manifest your dreams.
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#27
My Ah-Ah moment came when our website creating website could be re-sold to printing, marketing and even web developers - in fact, ANYONE looking to create websites - from the highly skilled to the amateur.
By utilising our affordable system the time-consuming programming problems we were experiencing were instantly solved.
RentASiteReseller.com is a website that creates websites - slashing website development costs without cutting quality.
Uniquely, the creation of re-selling opportunities has given ALL website development companies and even aspiring developers the ability to get rid of their website worries for good with technology they can trust. -
#28
Once, curiosity led me into the wilderness of tropical Congo alone. Unperturbed, I experienced a deep communion with God, ensconced in the bosom of nature. A similar aha moment took me off guard in Glacier Bay, Alaska, watching blocks of ice break away with an explosion. Then . . . pure silence. falling into the sea.
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#29
In terms of business and getting new clients, the "ah ha" moment was when I stop telling people what I did and started using stories to engage and sell my services. I had to learn the message the hard way and it was only after seeing how others were able to sell almost invisibly that I realized the power that stories had. Learning to tell them in a concise and engaging manner was a challenge but eventually I realized how to communicate my own unique sales stories.
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#30
My moment was when I was baptised! I knew I was forgiven and that I had "put on Christ". I also knew that being God's beloved child also meant the cross, but then resurrection!My life would never be the same! Thanks be to God!
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#31
It hit me like a ton of bricks.
Wham.
Nothing will ever be the same.
That was the day my sales trainer said
"Everything Is On The Other Side Of Fear."
Man, he was right on.
I realized right then and there all the things I feared were stopping me dead in my track.
The fear of success
The fear of failure
The fear of whatever...
I've since, changed the way I look at any challenge or problem.
Not as something to fear, but as something to motivate me to succeed.
Something to leap over and hit the ground running.
Everything IS on the other side of fear.
And it’s waiting for you to arrive, ready, willing and able on the other side.
Enjoy the leap and Dare Something Great
Sandy Barris
www.FastMarketingPlan.com -
#32
During several transitions, divorce, job loss, etc. I spent money on a gift I couldn't afford. With buyers remorse I concentrated on anything valid to justify my purchase. It occurred to me, people might pay for someone to be in the right place/right time...I opened a concierge service in '07
I have successfully operated Love Your Time for 3 years this Nov, offering purchases of time.
Families/corporations decide what they need assistance with.. I LOVE MY JOB!!
Marilyn Tanet
Love Your Time, Bay Area Lifestyle Management Solutions, LLC -
#33
Is it possible to follow your dreams with five forms of arthritis and a severe birth injury to my arm. When I first got sick, 26 years ago, I thought any hope of living a normal life was gone, much less pursuing my dreams. I must admit I did allow my disease to define who I was for many years. I had more pity parties than I care to admit. I gained over 100 pounds. My life was spiraling out of control. Everyday seemed to be worse than the day before. My pain levels were 8 - 10 on pain meds. Most days consisted of laying on the couch eating peanut butter, crying and just plain being mad at myself and the world, not that the world did anything mind you. The problem was I really wanted to be a part of it .One morning as I hobbled to the bathroom in pain from yet another major flare. I looked into the mirror and had no idea who was looking back at me. I was sickened! My hair looked like a bird had habitated in it and brought some friends with him, my body was huge. My face looked like a pumpkin from roids and of course the peanut butter , OK and the cake , fast food and anything else I could get my hands on. But really mostly the peanut butter. The pain was so bad I could not pull my own pants down, nor if I could manage to get them down I could not sit on the toliet without help getting there, any diginity I had was gone. I thought after my first major flare which was unbarable pain; I was unable to roll over , walk, sit or move in anyway short of an injection of morphine and two paramedics I thought THAT was the worst day of my life, WRONG. Little did I know I was going to have a lifetime of these days, or was I . A very wise friend said to me if you do not get up and move you are going to die. I really did not want to hear it. I had so much pain and was so big any hope of a normal life was gone in my eyes. As I returned to my favorite spot on the couch, with yet another enormous spoon of peanut butter, I began to think about those words. I watched my son playing on the floor knowing I could not get on the floor with him. Hell, I never could have gotten up. I often watched him play through tear soaked eyes. Sometimes because the pain was so bad and others was because I hated my life and who I had become , but more importantly I hated this disease called Rheumatiod Arthritis that came calling in the wee hours of that cold , cold December morning and stole my life, like a thief in the night... The RA is the worst of my five forms of arthritis. It has caused substantial damage to my body over the past 25 or so years . RA, landed me in a wheelchair for over a year and lead to several operations. Looking back on that day I realize that very moment as I ploped onto the couch with my peanut butter, it was my light bulb moment. My life was passing me by. I had to change but how could I , the pain and fatuige made it impossible for me. Little by little, thats how I was going to do it. Baby steps, its just like a new life, I had to re-learn everything from the way I thought, eating ,walking managing pain to how to enjoy life with limits. That day I gathered up my 3 year old and went outside to take a walk. I could not walk far. I was in so much pain and so very out of shape! I remember making it about 1/8 of a block before I thought I was just going to die. As I held my baby's hand in mine I looked at his eyes they were filled with excitment and adventure, I remember thinking his eyes are twinkling brighter than any star I had ever seen. Something as simple as a three minute walk ment so much to him and I. The next day came , I walked again, I did not make it much further maybe a few steps I felt a little pride because at least I tried . That was more than I had done in a very long time . I also did not eat my daily dose of peanut butter (about 1/2 cup) on this day. Over the next month I continued to walk, everyday adding a few feet. I also cut out a different fatty food. At the end of the month, I had lost nearly 10 pounds. I then replaced my breakfast and dinner with a fresh fruit smoothie. I was now walking over a mile. At the end of two months, I had lost over 30 pounds. The more weight I lost, the better I felt. I joined a support group for arthritis,, talked with my doctors and began a new med, a biologic drug. The weight continued to melt away as the months went by. I was able to come off the steroids, this also helped with the weight loss. I began to have dreams and feelings of happiness that had been gone for so long. By the time a year passed, I had lost over 100 pounds. I lost an entire person! That was almost 15 years ago and I am still 128 lbs. Losing the weight and finding the right meds did not make my diseases go away but it has given me my mobility back and made my life managable . However; my life style changes allowed me to have dreams that I have pursued and achieved. I have written two books, won over 50 national recipe contests, cooked off on the food network, and became a public speaker and advocate for arthritis. The damage that was caused from my auto immune system diseases is still there, it will never go away. The damage caused from auto immune arthritis can not be reversed this is why it is so important to get the right treatment early, stay as active as physically possible and find your personal balance . I am not making light of this awful disease or trying to tell you life is going to be a breeze. Its not for any of us. Everybody is different and how the disease affects each person is different, this is why finding your personal balance should be a top priority. I am simply saying, find your dreams and never lose sight of them. Anything is possible when you believe!
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#34
My "Ah-Ha" moment came when I realized that designing websites wasn't about making the most beautiful site or the one with the most bells and whistles. I realized that websites should be designed with the idea of serving the client's business goals. That's when our motto became "results-driven solutions."
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#35
I woke up fat! The scale read 265 lbs. In that moment I realized that I had lost everything. I decided to become an Olympic distance triathlete. Only I didn't own a bike, couldn't run 2 blocks, and didn't know how to swim. In one year, I lost 85 lbs and completed a triathlon in under 3 hours. This past Saturday I was a race director for a triathlon. You can change your life!
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#36
My life had evolved into—too _busy_, too _tired_, and too _overwhelmed_ to schedule time for myself. I saw it as another “thing” on my list. The big “ah-hah moment” came when I realized that there needed to be a more _obtainable entry point_ into health and fitness improvement.
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#37
My a-ha moment came when I was surfing the Internet. I started reading self help blogs years before I came to college. A certain blog caught my eye. It was the Four Hour Work Week. It was then that I knew that in order to achieve happiness, I had to forget the "American Dream". I had to throw away the carrot on the stick of getting a "hot wife and nice mansion". From that day forth, I decided to take control of my life. I would never become a doctor. Instead I would start a blog that would change my life forever. A blog that would inspire thousands to action. And this is just the beginning.
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#38
AFTER 1460 DAYS AS AN ENGINEER MAJOR, I REALIZED I DETESTED EVERY DAY. THE LOVE OF THE POTENTIAL SALARY WAS THE WRONG FOCUS. NEEDING A CAREER ALIGNED WITH MY NATURAL GIFTS, I WALKED INTO CITY HALL, AND IMMEDIATELY LEFT AS A HR INTERN. HR PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS COACH WAS BORN!Regeneration! Life and Busines Coaching.
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#39
My Ah Ha moment came when I was lying in the emergency room hooked to an EKG while having oxygen supplied through tubes in my nose. My corporate job has caused me so much stress I began having panic attacks. In that moment I knew, leaving was my only option. Fear had kept me there for to many years. When I was released from the Hospital I put in my notice and now I own my a leadership consulting company. Best decision I ever made!
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#40
At the age of 29 I was an aspiring model. My uterus had "dissolved" according to the specialist. During a meditation intensive, I had an enlightenment experience of "Who I Am" and miraculously, my uterus grew back! My life was changed forever. I was not my body, emotions etc, I was... Once you experience the Truth, you can't go back and live the lie so I devoted the rest of my life to deepening and integrating this experience. I ended up writing a book about this (and other enlightenment experiences I'd had) and shared what I'd learned as well as well as what I gleaned from studying with numerous teachers and guru's, including spending over 16 years with the same guru as mentioned in Eat, Pray, Love. I went from modeling to mentoring; from self-absorbed to seeing us all as one.
www.themagicdoorway.com -
#41
My biggest Ah-Ha Moment was the day my son was killed. It was an event that shifted my consciousness about what is possible. I was immediately catapulted to a new reality about what is important. I came to realize in a moment that life is too short to put your purpose on hold and that whatever you feel you are called to do you should do it now, not later, because later may never come. I closed my business to focus on my purpose and subsequently began anew. Today, I am a published writer, publisher and motivational speak to others, with the goal of helping other young adults to overcome limits and to achieve outrageous success.
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#42
I've had two major 'ah ha' moments. The first came from an accounting student who sarcastically queried, "If you know so much [about business] then why aren't you out there running one?" It was just the jolt I needed to get on the entrepreneurial path. The second came while musing over how to grow the business without stretching my resources. The answer? Automation!
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#43
Recognizing that there were no online communities for boat lovers in Florida. Started boatflorida.com and became the largest online meeting place for boating enthusiasts.
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#44
In 2003 I finally realized that my experiences with other people were about me, not them. If I'm upset with someone's behavior, the first question to ask isn't "Why did he do that?", it's "Why am I responding to his behavior like this?" That's the golden question. And it will set you free!
Fran Harris is America's No Excuses Coach and recently hosted her own show on HGTV, "Home Rules". A business & life coach she's appeared on hundreds of TV and radio shows including CNBC, CNN, FOX Business, TLC, HGTV, The Today Show, Oprah's Radio Network and many others. A WNBA Champion and fitness, lifestyle & teambuilding expert, Fran's clients include Fortune 100 companies, organization and teams worldwide. -
#45
Ouestion Of the Week for August 16th, 2010:
What do you need to survive?
18 Comments
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#1
Love is all I need to survive. Love never fails.
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#2
Website to be up and running in Sept., 2010. New book coming out Sept. 2010 called The Loving Heart: Navigating the Journey from Conflict to Peace. Look for it on website. Look for a forward by Gerald Jampolsky. Over 30 years of observations written in inviting format - easy to read -personal life experiences, inspiration, wisdom, and thought provoking substance to live a peaceful, happy, fulfilling, purposeful and harmonious life.
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#3
Numerous studies show that it is a sense of accomplishment and a feeling of control, not money, that gives a person a sense of satisfaction and contentment. Family, friends and community make life worth living.
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#4
In order to survive I need divine help, unswerving faith, unlimited hope, unfathomable conviction and muscles of steel to bear the brunt. Establishing a roadmap for priorities and working down the line with realistic expectations work best for me. Facing the challenges squarely is the shortest way to survival.
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#5
Having a sense of humor is one of the biggest keys to survival. It has the positive outlook of optimism but also includes learning to make the best of any situation. As Gandhi said: "If I had no sense of humor, I would long ago have committed suicide." Happy to share more.
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#6
To survive, and thrive, in a step or blended family, you need: THE SECRETS TO STEPFAMILY SUCCESS: REVOLUTIONARY TOOLS TO CREATE A BLENDED FAMILY OF SUPPORT AND RESPECT by Gloria Lintermans
For most couples, trying to build a successful remarriage can mysteriously bring out their deepest personal fears, longings, shames, and hopes. The key to not only survival, but living this journey well, begins with discovering opportunities to heal and to succeed; it is not about blame or badness. With the right preparation and resources, a multi-home step or blended family can be a stable and solid foundation for co-parents and children.
The Secrets to Stepfamily Success offers tools that can significantly lower the alarming rate of step and blended family divorce, helping families evolve into highly nurturing, reliable refuges of warmth, safety, encouragement, strength, caring, and joy. Step and blended families have a unique dynamic with which couples must cope, along with all the other normal challenges of life and marriage. See how these families differ in up to sixty structural and dynamic ways from typical intact biological families--including consisting of two co-parenting homes and ex-spouses―and learn how to successfully recognize and manage these challenges.
Review Excerpts:
“[Secrets for Stepfamily Success] is the most thorough work on stepfamilies I have seen . . . a handbook of great value for both professionals and stepfamily members in navigating the complex territory of stepfamily life.”—Joan Sarin, M.S., Founder, Stepfamily Solutions (www.StepmomSOS.com)
“This book is a valuable resource that I will recommend to everyone I meet who is either divorced and starting a new relationship or who is already part of a stepfamily.” —Natalie Franklin, Administrator, Life in a Blender
“This is probably the most comprehensive book I've read in a very long time. . . . easy to read and to understand. I can definitely see this as a great tool for professionals working with stepfamilies as well and individuals and couples contemplating forming one.”—Claudette L. Chenevert, Stepfamily Life Coach, Coaching Steps LLC
“Secrets to Stepfamily Success will certainly lead to positive change in step and blended family members’ lives. Not only is it rich with valuable tools, learnable skills, and resources to enable a successful remarriage, but it is also inspirational . . . For those who want a lasting and happy remarried life, this book is a must-read.”—Paula Bisacre, CEO, Remarriage LLC, Publisher, reMarriage Magazine, Creator, “On Remarriage” column in The Washington Times
For complete reviews, information on this book and Gloria: www.GloriaLintermans.com
For excerpts and interviews: Lintermans@aol.com -
#7
We begin our earthly existence the moment we take our first breath. When that breath ceases, our physical being dies. The breath is the spirit of God inside, who is whole, eternal and encompasses everything, making all possible. Therefore, the only thing needed to survive is the breath of God.
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#8
I need time to myself in order to survive! When I don't make sure to reserve even a few minutes a day to myself and for my own needs, disaster looms!
I know this to be true in my own life but I also train my clients every day to do the same: Either formally carve out a half hour a day to just do nothing, be nothing, smoke nothing, etc., or make it an intention to find the cracks in the day where one makes it happen, but one way or another, time and space to oneself is a matter of survival!
www.jeffreysumber.com -
#9
Millions of years of natural selection, combined with the intelligent design of The Great Creator has given each and every one of us the most perfect survival mechanism imaginable. God gave us all an "inner compass" which is activated in times of crisis by our simple intention when we invoke God to show us the way because we do not know the answer.
--Author of When Technology Fails: A Manual for Self-Reliance, Sustainability and Surviving the Long emergency -
#10
If you consider Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, the base survival needs includes having food, shelter and safety needs met. The question you posted about what one needs in order to survive is a good self-reflective question, especially when we consider the current economic climate. As a society, we have become obsessed with material things. If you think about it – how many pairs of jeans does one person really need? As a society we have been conditioned to live way beyond our means. Although we are now shifting away from that, it can be easy to blur the lines of want versus what we actually need to survive.
I personally choose to focus my attention beyond mere subsistence. If we look at the higher needs that Maslow defines, specifically, experiencing love and belonging; addressing self esteem needs through such things as job mastery, and the transcendence piece of being able to give back is where we should ideally be, as opposed to focusing our energy and attention on meeting survival needs.
As a career expert, I encourage anyone who is making a career change to first prepare for the change financially. Pay off debt, don't make extravagant purchases, and live modestly. It is stressful to need money to pay for housing, food and clothing, especially if you have loved ones to care for. Love alone doesn’t pay bills or feed people. Having a solid financial foundation is critical. I also think it is important to become resourceful when money is tight. For example, gardening. After years of being an urban dweller, we decided to plant a small organic garden. It’s been a learning curve, but what a great feeling to be able to pick your produce – PLUS it tastes incredible (and saves money on groceries). -
#11
What we actually 'need' is very simple. To be able to breathe, be fed with regularity, to warm or cool enough, be keep clean, and to be able to reach our and touch our world.
Given these are all being taken care of, just to be totally
clear, everything else ends up being a want or desire. And there is nothing wrong with wanting a positively great life, full of abundance, an ability to contribute, to go along with true found happiness. It's just that it is much easier to manifest such wants & desires from a place that transcends any more compulsive resort to 'neediness'. -
#12
HUMILITY - As others have sttested to, if you have love for and from god, family, and friends you will survive all that life throws at you. But if
you are not humble enough to appreciate and accept
that you need those valued relationships, it's all
for not. Therefore one needs humility to survive. -
#13
A while ago I stopped trying to 'survive' and started choosing to thrive... and so much more has entered my universe and become possible as a result! So all I need is some space where I can create and generate everything I desire my life to be... bliss!
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#14
To survive anyhting you have to be able to think the way you want to think. No matter the situation is all you need is 95% thought and the other 5% is physical.
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#15
Many things are critical for survival, but what has helped to mold me is a transparent connection to Jesus Christ, receiving revelation of the Word of God that establishes a sure foundation in my thoughts and world and the grace that comes from the Holy Spirit. This releases a personal vision in my heart to love others and serve mankind through the truth, inspiration and revelations I receive. Every other attribute or need manifests as I fulfill the "who" that I Am in Christ!
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#16
Most people never consider preparing for the possibility of a disaster – UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE. With this year's hurricanes, floods, power outages, and ice storms the need to be prepared is essential. Even the Department of Homeland Security suggests getting prepared. Whether in the home, car, boat, or RV, every person should get prepared and be ready for whatever disaster may be looming. And now the best way to get ready is with a Ready Freddy Emergency Preparedness Kit.
Ready Freddy Emergency Preparedness Kits are the first emergency kits available on the market requiring NO BATTERIES whatsoever. In case of an emergency, most people never think about how they will power radios, flashlights, or even their cell phones, but Ready Freddy has solved the problem forever.
Besides being completely battery free, Ready Freddy is enclosed in an easy to store backpack and is the most unique kit in that it is organized into five clearly marked and color-coded bags.
Available on-line at www.ReadyFreddy.com, Ready Freddy Emergency Preparedness Kits come equipped with an over-the-door storage hook to enable the user to hang the kit in a convenient location, or the Ready Freddy kit can be opened and stored flat, under the bed, for easy access.
For more information on Ready Freddy Emergency Preparedness Kits, SEE PICTURES AND VIDEOS please visit www.ReadyFreddy.com. -
#17
We all think we need so many things to survive in this life when all we really need is to be one with the earth. That may sound like a cliche' but if humanity as we know it comes to an end, we will all learn very quickly what that really means. Food from the earth, water from the sky, skills learned from the animals, shelter from the trees, and all the essentials to staying alive from Mother Earth.
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#18
After almost dying from cancer I knew I would only survive if I had a reason for living. Hope only goes so far. I chose to live to accomplish the help I offer to others going through terrible circumstances. Still alive 9 years on, to the surprise of the surgeon who saved my life with emergency middle of the night surgery.
My 2 books 'Cancer - a Journey' and 'After Cancer - the Journey Continues' have just been re-released, with additional material about my personal circumstances leading up to and moving beyond the cancer. Feedback tells me they do help others reach beyond what they thought they could do, so I'm offering them through my website.
I'm about to begin radio interviews across the US to extend the help I know people value.
That continues to give me a reason to get up in the morning - surviving for a long time yet I'm sure, because I really love what I do.
My prior books and public speaking have been out there since early '80s. -
#19
Question Of The Week for August 9th, 2010:
What is your testimony that will inspire others?
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#59
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#58
Whatever you see think it is perfect. Easy when looking and birds and flowers. When you see something that you would ordinarily think is horrid, think about what is good about the situation. What has it shown you, what do you now know that you will do to make things different. You now know that you can make a difference. Everything has a place and a benefit. Your task is to find both. When you have sorted this you have sorted life. Motivation comes from knowing things are OK or that you can make them so. Good luck!
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#57
Enjoyment Counselor Sacha Muhammad has released the answer to the happy ever after in marriage with her debut title The Science of Getting Rich in Marriage. Taking old wisdom and creating the needed imagery for marriages. After ten years of marriage, Sacha and her husband Sherman hit rock bottom. “One night he jumped on me and separated my shoulder and collapsed my lung 20%. I was rushed to a trauma center to see if they had to operate. As I lay in the bed I realized I was not scared and I knew I had to forgive him." With the power of God and two creative souls Sacha and Sherman turned their entire lives around and revamped and repackaged their lives and marriage at 36 and 41 years of age.” Read the principals of the Law of Attraction or Universal Law that Sacha Muhammad uses in The Science of Getting Rich in Marriage. Muhammad tells couples that all marriages must struggle because struggle is ordained. However, there is an exact science on how to get rich in love peace and happiness, and bring all the wealth of the world to you if you just take the time to act deliberately. She is not offering a vitamin that might increase you in marriage and life, Sacha Muhammad offers the cure to the rising divorce rates. Anyone can do anything if they put their whole mind, body and soul into it.
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#56
I was born and raised Jewish, baptized with fire by a 108 year old Hindu Yogi and whisked out of my body for a meeting with Jesus back in 1979 when I was a junior engineer fresh out of MIT. Few have an easy path, myself included, but the guidance and inspiration are there when you listen and ask for it.
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#55
I am an ex-offender (incarcerated five times). I spent/did time in both state and federal prisons. During my last bit (stay) in prison I found God; confessed Christ; the death, burial, and ressurection of Jesus. At 63 years of age I am blessed to be a published author of the book, A Soul Redeemed. I am married to a wonderful woman, Althea Fox, and by the grace of God I am gainfully employed.
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#54
On my way to work one morning, I was hit head-on by a drunk driver. The steering wheel hit my face and my bones were crushed to powder. After six surgeries to rebuild my face, I never looked the same. God showed me that true beauty is on the inside.
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#53
After believing in Christ and attending church for 32 years, I still felt distant and alone, apart and/or separate from God. What was wrong? Why didn't I feel at Peace? Why was I still sinning? Why did I feel guilty? Wasn't I fully forgiven for all my sins?
After attending a bible class on "7 Deadly Sins" I felt even more miserable the following morning! On the way to work I started to cry, saying to God, "I can't do this anymore!"
I heard the words very clearly, "No, Gary, You can't but I can!" Almost without thinking, I said, "What? How?" I then heard: "Because I now live inside of you."
It was a day of change. I began to realize that it wasn't up to ME,.. it was up to HIM! I started yielding and letting HIM live through me! It's been amazing. I am at peace. I am forgiven,
and God is loving me and working through my body every day! I love it! -
#52
My husband was dying from the fatal Crutchfield Jakob disease. For five long weeks I sat by his side in the hospital. I wrote in two spiral notebooks. One contained by feelings, with tears smearing many words on the pages. In the other I named the problems I would be facing after he died. I listed practical ideas as to how I might survive. He died, but I continued writing until there were six notebooks full. These became a book, “Grief Expressed When a Mate Dies.” It continues to help others in their journey through grief. I believe writing actually saved my life.
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#51
By learning to live in one's self-interest, making decisions based in logic and reason while considering all consequences powered by high self-esteem, one can thrive in physical life and transcend into the metaphysical seamlessly. Logic and reason are powerful tools to be set free of blind emotional reflexes or blind beliefs that can imprison the beauty of the self.
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#50
A week ago on a Tuesday, I was on my way from the Flint, MI area to an evening class in the Troy, MI area. I pulled off the highway to purchase some fast food. As I left the restaurant and got onto the merger I noticed that there was paper blowing in the wind in the street, breezed by the vehicle that were in front of me. Immediately I thought that it was liter in the street, but, as I got closer I noticed that it looked like play money. So, I pulled over to the side of the road just before I merged to let the cars behind me pass by. Then I parked my vehicle and got out. I looked from across the street and there was a bunch of it, but it didn't look like real money. So, first I literally pinched my hand, because I have had this dream more than a few times (I find money in my dreams and then wake up). Quickly I noticed that it was not a dream - well, the pinch hurted, and I was definitely on my way to school. So I approached it and yes it was money. It was $20s and $50s blowing all other the grass and street. I began to pick up the money as fast as I could before it all blew away. Then when my hand were full and I had gotten all I could see, I began to run to back to my car. As I ran I notice that there was something acros the street that look like a wallet, so I ran over to get it and to my car I ran. At this time I was totally nervous. I put my car in drive and took off, hand and knees shaking. I thought who could loss this much money?, and what happened to this person? So i called my husband to asked him if I should call 911 emergency, and he said yes. So, we decided that I would wait until I got to school to call so that there would be a meeting place with other people there. My husband immediately said, "honey this is like one of those dreams you have all the time." I said "yes I know." He also said, "honey this was your test." It was like a conformation to me because even before I found the wallet, I said to myself, "Wow God is this a test." But I also immediately wondered how I could find out who owned this money. Then I found the wallet on my way to the car. So when I hung up the phone from speaking to my husband, I pondered on how I could find this person, and could i trust this person. So i went with my heart, and called the information to see if there was a listing for this man. The information gave me the phone number and I called it. To my surprise and relief, a woman answered. I politely spoke,gave her my first name, and asked for the man on the licensed ID. she stated that he was not home and that she was his wife and would be happy to help me. So, I began to tell her the whole story about finding this money and then the wallet. There was no doubt that the money went with wallet. She was so happy. she stated that it was indeed her husband's and that he had just lost it. She asked me if she could meet me. I said yes, and decided to meet her a bank that was just off the highway. As I approached the meeting place I could not find the bank that she wanted to meet at and I called her back to say that I would be at the mall near another bank. She began to tell me that she would not be able to meet me, but her husband would meet me instead. Although, I began to get a little uneasy, I still had a good feeling about it, so I waited there until he showed up. As I waited there and talked with her on the phone, she asked me if she could pray with me and for me. I said yes. But I immediately thought to myself - let me roll down the windows of my car so God can hear me. At that time stated - roll down your windows so the prayer can be heard. "Oh My God - I got the chills." She began to pray one of the most awesome prayers I had heard in a long time. She stated, "Linda, this was your test," (2nd conformation). She went on to say, "the money that you found is nothing compared to what God is going to bless you with." It was truly awesome. As she finished praying her husband was pulling up. She asked me to call her back when I was done speaking to him. I got out of my car and gave him his wallet full of credit card and other precious and important htings, and his money. The man was floored. He asked me how did I find it - and I thold him the whole spill. So, I asked him, how did he loss it. His story went like this. He was at the same restuarant that I was at near the same time, but he was pumping gas into his car. His cell phone rang and it was his father. So he placed the wallet on top of his car while talking on the phone to his dad, (he said that he immediately thought - this is a dumb thing to do),and when he had finished pumping gas, he got into his car and took off. (Not too long after that I came along). Well he didn't miss his wallet until he got to the grocery store and he said that he knew exactly what had happened. He called his wife (who is a prayer warrior) to tell her what happened. So after our meeting was over he thanked me and took 5 - $20s and handed them to me. I refused. I said "no thank you; i believe that God wanted me to give this back to you; I am glad that i found it and was able to return it; this was a blessing for me." He was really floored. However, I couldn't fully understand why. anyone could have done the same thing. So he placed the $20s on my car seat, and I accepted. As I left, I called his wife back and she began to tell me the details. When he had called her to say that he lost his wallet, she prayed for him and said to him, "you will get it back - I prayed about it and I serve a big God." Within 20 to 30 minutes he had it back. This blessing surely inspired me to believe. That's my testimony.
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#49
Love is more than just a possibility.
It is REAL. -
#48
"I am exactly where I am supposed to be right now for what I am to learn in this life." In other words learn from each moment and each encounter to truly become who you are authentically.
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#47
No matter what you are facing, no matter what you think is wrong in your life, rest assured that there is hope and there is help for you.
I lost my mother, my man, my money, and my health -all within a matter of months. Yet I bounced back.
Now my mission is to help others to do the same. I am fortunate, my financial loss and my physical injury were reversible. And I have healed from a devastating relationship betrayal by my ex-fiance.
One key is to be thankful for what you have and what you CAN do - and not to let what you can't do hold you back.
Adopt the attitude of gratitiude and you have taken the first step in bouncing back from relationship, financial, health, or career setbacks.
Now is the perfect time to get started. Are you ready? -
#46
A little bit about Lindsey Isham:
Lindsey was the girl who the guys made bets about. From Jr. High through the first two years in high school, Lindsey cried every day in the bathroom stall. Why was she crying? She was constantly the center of jokes and bets simply because she was saving sex for her husband. She, like many singles who are trying to stay pure, felt very alone. But when she got to college things started to change. As a college athlete, word got around quickly that she was not a girl who “got around” and instead of people teasing her, they respected her.
“If any guy tried to mess with me, the entire O-linemen was all over him. They quickly let the guy know, ‘She is different; don’t talk to her like that.’ I realized that because I knew that my body didn’t belong to me, it belonged to God, others started to realize that too.”
Lindsey is a thirty-one year old virgin, and admits that “it is hard to wait for sex,” so she talks about why it’s worth the wait and why God is so good. All she ever heard about sex growing up was "don’t have sex; sex is bad." “I had no idea that the Bible said anything about sex other than ‘Don't have sex until you are married,’ she recalls.” Lindsey’s goal in speaking to audiences is to provide a Biblical view of what sex is supposed to be like, and show individuals why God is worthy of being trusted with their dating and sex lives.
Last year her book- NO SEX IN THE CITY, One Virgin's Confessions of Love, Lust, Dating, and Waiting- was released. Since then she has been traveling and speaking to singles everywhere about what it is like to be a thirty-one year old virgin. Since its publication, her book has been nominated for Foreword Magazine’s 2009 Book of The Year, it has frequented Amazon’s Best Sellers List, and she has appeared on programs like: Family Life Radio, KUSI News, TBN's JCTV, and has been highlighted in various magazines and newspapers.
Audiences everywhere have said that her message is inspirational, helpful, and a refreshingly honest approach to this topic.
I would be happy to provide you with pictures as well!
To set up an interview contact:
Lindsey N. Isham
Author & National Speaker
NO SEX IN THE CITY
One Virgin's Confessions of Love, Lust, Dating, & Waiting
www.LindseyIsham.com
Lindsey@LindseyIsham.com
303. 483. 3847 -
#45
I was born during the second world war to a farm family in so. MN. I was raised with 6 other siblings and learned to take responsibility for work in the house and on the farm. This is important to my story because in a book I have authored I draw agolden thread from one life experience to another to show how we are adding to our health account or depleting it. As I traveled through life I experienced extreme infection in my gums and very decayed teeth as a child,which added a tremendous burden to my immune system.In the preteen years I experienced becoming carbon monoxide poisoned,and thus a near death experience. After this experience I was allergic to perfumes and scented body products, but did not realize what this meant. All of my life traumas were causing an overload to my immune system . I was able to bring 4 wonderful people into this world and as I did I was very sick each time with kidney and bladder infections that required antibiotics in large doses and for long periods of time. As I went on my journey not realizing how compromised my health was becoming I over worked and strove to accomplish more and more that the world would deem successful. As I worked and continued my education and wen through a divorce ,I was not listening to my body talk and ignored signs that I needed a break to take care of myself.I eventually crashed and developed pneumonia. From that point on I was never able to come up again,and I went to 12 different specialists searching for answers as to why I was sick and couldnt seem to get better. I was diagnosed with fibromayalgia, chronic fatigue,kidney failure,liver failure,crohns,autoimmune disease,arthritis,depression,adrenal exhaustion and mono. At this time I had become allergic to the medicines the Drs. tried to give me and also chemicals in our homes. Life seemed hopless and very bleek.We knew we had to leave MN to find a healthier place to live and so our journey started on a qwest for health. The word of God directed me in the comfort that God does want to heal us, He cares about every detail of our life.In AZ the air was drier and was encouraging but I could not find a house I could tolerate and lived for a time in my car. Homeless and without any comforts of a home it was a time of self searching and drawing close to God,He was my lifeline.I was able to watch the 700 club and was led to truths about God s will for my health.I studied every naturalhealth modality from many excellent teachers in AZ and slowly regained my health. I began to do Health Coaching and teach others how to cook to heal. I have seen many awesome health issues turn around and vitality returened to others lives. God has given me this passion to coach YOU to a vibrant life with energy to be a part of your family in an energetic way. Also my passion is to challenge YOU to come along with Me to obtain Olmpic Gold Health! As we go for the gold we can prevent many illness from coming your way. Send YOUR questions to my e mail and I will respond, maesrooms@yahoo.com I have authored a book entitled "Consider Your Ways" Discover Your Health Potential. This book is like no other because it covers all the areas of accumulation and detoxification that can lead us back to health. You can obtain the book on my web:maeshealingrooms.com I invite you into the healing rooms in my book.
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#44
Fourteen years ago, while working a psychotherapist in crisis care, an imbalanced patient cornered and attacked me leaving me disabled with a brain injury. Daily life became a monumental struggle. The doctors said I would not get better.
I chose to heal and proved them wrong. -
#43
I was brutally beaten by a sadistic father and got no protection from my cold distant alcoholic mother. You can rise above any abuse. Remember God loves you and you can learn to love yourself by picking out goals and working to achieve them.
I was certified as a lifeguard at 16, went surfing in a hurricane at 17 and took off by myself on my motorcycle on a summer long tour of this country. I have been achieving goals ever since and have precluded my posionous parents from my life.
Blessings on you and yours
John Wilder -
#42
On the 5th of February (2007)
I give my life to God
He has a better idea of
what to do with it than I do;
Truth is,
I never had a clue.
On the 20th April I understand
there is nothing to give:
My will is His.
It's OK to let someone else decide what to do with your life.
“Return your part to Him, and He will give you all of Himself in exchange for the return of what belongs to Him and renders Him complete.”<br>
(T-9.VII.8, A Course In Miracles)
I was bedbound for 14 years with Severe M.E. For that time I had a commode by the bed, drank through a straw and needed to be fed. My speech was limited. In May 2008 I received healing through faith and the Lightning Process. On my website www.a-spiritual-journey-of-healing.com I share Scriptures For Healing and my spiritual poetry.
I send love to all on this thread. May you continue to let God/Spirit/the Divine flow through you. You are serving the world. Thank you. -
#41
I have survived the death of my son, and then my own death experience whereby my son was with me. I can tell you that without God, there can be no Greatness but with Him, Greatness flows in and around me. Neurosurgeons tell me that I am the only adult survivor of a very serious tumor in the brain and am recorded in all the medical journals as such. Nearly 25% of my brain had to be removed and it took nearly 13 months to learn to walk, drive, and paint again. Through it all, I realized what is important, what is necessary and what is real Greatness. God drew the right people, the right circumstances to surround me and even that my son had died two years previously, He let me have just a little "peek" at His plan by having Scottie with me. Our lives are like a beautiful, intricate spider web where every piece is so delicate, yet so strong and so supportive of the next "piece". I have learned that when we surrender to our loving Creator's plan for our lives, then we can inspire and transpire this world and our own lives for living, breathing change. It is a message of gratitude that I give to this world. Thankfulness and love create gratitude and that is the beginning of allowing His greatness into our lives.
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#40
I just published my autobiography: AS CLEAR AS CLAIRE GETS, A CONVERSATION WITH THE PAST. I was born in Colombia and by the time I was 2 years old I was orphaned. Relatives from my father's side of my family came in and tore up my family after my father passed away; I am the youngest of 8 children and the relatives broke up my family by sending all of us to live with different relatives and we were never allowed to stay in touch. Five of us came to the USA and I have 3 brothers whom I have not seen since I was 2 years old. While I waited to come to the USA legally, I was sent to 2 different homes where I was sexually abused. By the time I was able to come to the USA I was 6 years old. Once in the USA I never saw my other siblings again except for my oldest sister. The first half of my story deals with my traumatic childhood. As I wrote the book I felt God taking me by the hand and leading me to revisit those broken places of my past that He healed as I wrote about it. I really feel as if I was able to bury the ghosts of my past in this book. The second half of the book deals with how my faith in God has brought me to where I am today. I married and my husband and I have been through many things; both good and bad that have helped to mold us both into the people we are today. I wrote the book with my husband's blessing and we trust that our trials and how we've overcome them by trusting God, will help others who struggle out there. Lastly I wrote the book to honor the memory of my parents; 2 wonderful people whom I never had the chance to know. Also many people have told me that my testimony is powerful and that God is using it to help others;I have seen this first hand and I believe it.If you are interesetd in learning more about me or my book, you are welcome to visit my website,evasantiago.ning.com. I also have a fan page on FaceBook,just search Eva Santiago/ author. God bless you and may His blessings simply over take you!
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#39
In September of 2003, my husband Kenneth had to undergo two blood transfusions in hopes of strengthening his emaciated body and to prepare him for brain surgery. He received a kidney transplant in August of 1996 after being on kidney dialysis due to renal failure since November 1992. The transplanted kidney failed in August 2003. He started dialysis again – three times a week, 4-1/2 hours each time. He actually sticks himself with the 16-gauge needles. When I took him to the emergency room in September, he was first diagnosed with double pneumonia. Then the doctor said his heart was enlarged. I received an evil report everyday for the next sixty days. An MRI detected a golf-ball sized tumor embedded in the occipital area of his brain. They discovered that it was inoperable after operating. The tests results, from the chips that they obtained, revealed cancer. He bled profusely for 3 days after the first brain surgery. I was informed that neither of the two surgeons in town would answer their phones. Two more brain surgeries had to be performed in order to cauterize the leaky vessels. Seizures and convulsions began to manifest after the second brain surgery. I witnessed a seizure that he had for 45 minutes in Alabama. Because of the lack of concern of the hospital staff at our hospital in Mississippi, I opted to transfer him to UAB in Birmingham. The hospital in Mississippi would not send his records to UAB until 6 days later. He coded and was placed on life support. However, I was encouraged by a chief doctor to pull the plug. The specialist said when they are that far gone, they never come back. My husband warned me two days before he coded that this would happen. My instructions were to ‘STAND.’ Each day and every chance that I was allowed, I went into the ICU room and laid hands on him, prophesied life, sang songs of healing from our cd (my daughter and I) over him, read scriptures over him and talked to him. On the third day he rose. On that same Wednesday evening of his resurrection, a heart surgeon informed me that he would have to have surgery on his heart or he would die. I knew that God did not bring him back from the dead for nought. On that Friday, they removed a liter of fluid from his heart. Two days before he was to finally be released from the hospital, I felt a nudging in my spirit that it was not time to leave yet. My husband started feeling much pain in his abdomen. Further examination revealed that the transplanted kidney had swollen to the size of a nerf football and would have to be extracted, because it was infected and would have cracked in his body leaking all the toxins. My husband had five surgeries in the space of six weeks. He died twice. Our friends call him iron man. He certainly is our family’s hero. He has an opportunity everyday to go and be with Jesus. One of his favorite scriptures is, “The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity.” Proverbs 18:14. We are thankful to God for Ken’s tenacity to complete every task that God has purposed for him. It is his love for telling the world about Jesus, in demonstration and power, that fuels his desire to remain on planet earth. See more of his testimony here: http://www.mannaministries.net/Bishop-s-Testimony.html
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#38
At a time in my life when I thought I had everything I needed to make me happy, I realized I was very unhappy. It was only when I looked inside myself that I discovered the reason. I was only doing the things I felt I needed to do to have the things I wanted. I was not doing what I really, really, in my heart-of-hearts desired. From that moment on, I vowed I would only do what I wanted when I wanted. It changed my life! Instead of being a selfish thing, it made me whole and fully attuned to my intuition. As I live a joyful life, I am able to help so many more people find their true happiness. My book, "The Art of Heartaculture:Enrich your life, relationships, work, and the planet by choosing to do only what you want to do every moment," is a manual that can help anyone lead a more meaningful, productive life. Once you begin making every choice consciously aligned to your heart, you begin to live in sync with the universe and the greater Will. Your heart is an inner map that leads directly to self fulfillment.
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#37
I found the "missing link" in health care for most people. If someone is struggling with a health problem, or just not confident they are doing everything possible to ensure their vitality and longevity, my new book, Whole Health Healing - The Budget Friendly Natural Wellness Bible for All Ages has the answers. And the best news - optimum health is not that difficult!
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#36
My testimony is that I conquered Attention Deficit Disorder in 60 days, without Ritalin. In fact, I conquered ADD while lying flat on my back, with my eyes closed. I eventually wrote a book on this subject. In my research, I discovered 5 brain boosters for conquering ADD. Plus, 3 ways that Ritalin stimulates and arouses the brain, and how you can reap the same benefits w/o swallowing pills. Also, my book reveals a brainwave rhythm that has been scientifically proven to reduce ADD. It is taught in brain training clinics across the country, but now you can practice this same rhythm in the comfort of your own home. If you're interested, check out my website and download the first chapter of my book absolutely free http://www.trainyourbraintransformyourlife.com/Book_Excerpt.html
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#35
My husband is in prison for having an affair with our adopted daughter. My MS has deteriorated, our children are prodigals - yet my faith has soared! My book giving my testimony and the 40 lessons The Father had taught me through my "Job experience" has been out for two years. There is so much to share, too much to share here. Know that The Father has healed our marriage in a miraculous way and there is so much more to share. (book: Dearest Children, Why Have You Abandoned me by TZ.R. Lipscomb)
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#34
Inspite of losing my mom & my abandonment at birth, death of wife & grandson, rejection by every adult I met, given death sentence at 64, I was determined to survive. I worked my way thru college. Searched world over for a doctor with lab who could cure me. I try to encourage everyone I meet.
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#33
Three years ago my life completely changed on account of my angel,Roy Nelson. I was working as a doctor of psychology with people with eating disorders and addictions but could not get well personally. I suffered from emotional eating compulsive overeating) and various other addictions. My life was a complete sham. I lived in complete secrecy and led two separate lives. If I stopped one addiction the others would flare up, and my weight always paid the price. I was literally sick (allergic if you will) to the life I was living and that is why I was hurting myself with food and all the other addictions. Before I met Roy I thought there was no hope for me because I was the specialist but had no clue how to heal personally_._NOW...I am 60 pounds lighter and did not need to diet, exercise, weigh my food, use medication or surgery to have this gift. It was spiritual weight loss from the inside out and freedom from all addictions. When I was introduced to a new way to live that far outweighed the life I was living, my psyche simply decided to go a different way and it let go of all of the addictions. I owe my life, my health (and my waistline) to my angel, Roy Nelson. He is a remarkable soul through and through and deserves to be honored...please help me do so!
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#32
I obtain BSc (chemistry - 1984), and MSc (1993). I got a very nice job from 1995 to 2000. Then I became jobless for 7 years. I thought that was the end of me. I am a Christian. First I thought those years without a job were lost. But During that time I discovered a writing talent. GOD HAS USED ME. Check this:
http://www.ketchpublishing.com/BrightonKaonga.htm
The other book "The Church Today: A blessing or a Curse" will soon be included on the site.
DO NOT DESPAIR -
#31
I had a perfect life. No problems of any kind. My preacher had always warned us that one day our call would come. Always be prepared and stay close to God. Like everyone else I listened, but because tragedy had not yet struck I still didn't relate. On June 28th 2008 my call came at 2:00 a.m.
My son who had accepted God's Call into the ministry only 6 months earlier had been falsely accused of Murder. When my life was turned upside down my faith was not strong enough to turn it right side up, I went on a 10 month journey thru the Book of Psalms and started "Claiming a Miracle" for my son. Psalm 91 became my "Life Support". While treading thru the torments of hell and all of the wickedness of men and snares from Satan, I finally built my faith to the size of a grain of mustard seed and on April 16, 2009, 3:40p.m., 3rd Floor Courtroom, I heard:"Has the Jury reached a Verdict", we have your Honor, the Defendent please rise" AND GOD SHOWED UP...NOT GUILTY! For the rest of my life I will Shout it from the Mountaintops, Our God can do what no other man or woman can do. He alone can take the devices of the wicked and make it to NONE EFFECT!
Praise The Lord! -
#30
When I was born doctors said I would die. At six years old my parents divorced. By thirteen I was running w street gangs and selling drugs because of the pain of the divorce. At sixteen mom kicjed me out of her house for purchasing a 1962 Chevy with illegal money - while maintaining a 3.86 gpa in private school. By seventeen I was making $3000/hr selling crack cocaine. By eighteen I was almost killed at point blank range. From nineteen to twenty two I was in and out of jail. A t twenty my life changed....I now have two college degrees, a beautiful family and a successful business....
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#29
We believe that everything in this world belongs to our Creator.
Therefore we own nothing and that includes money.
We have temporary custody of it and we do the best we can with what comes our way.
“We will always give away as much as we can” said Johan Buitendach (Owner of Bumbo International) ‘At this moment in time Bumbo gives away all of the profits generated by Bumbo sales. So it is well to say that everyone who purchases a Bumbo Seat or Bumbo products are not just spectators but participators in a prestigious and elite community who care wholeheartedly for the less fortunate children, youth and elderly of this world.
Our belief has led us to vow as a believer to give as much away as we possibly can works for us. Maybe it would for you too……Try it!
If companies treated their employees more equitably on the whole, they’d have a happier, productive workforce – which means happier consumers, who don’t need to feel guilty they’re supporting an exploitative industry. “Anyone can give money, but those who actually care will go farther than that” said Donald Pillai. People should seriously consider just breaking down and coming to the realization that there are lots and lots of good, caring, charitable companies who would give the shirt off their backs to help those in need. “The issue is not about giving money, the issue for us as citizens of families, communities, societies is about what human commitment we are prepared to make to change what we believe to be injustice” said Donald Pillai, International Marketing Executive at Bumbo. We are sick of the obsessions with money in the fight for justice. “Money is concrete but it is not what fosters real change – only a human commitment can do that” he continued. This is why we write to tell you it is a fact that there are millions of people on this earth who have nothing. If we can help we should. Fortunate people should just stop and realize how lucky they are and think of others who are desperate for help. It gives such great satisfaction to be able to do something worthwhile. Everyone should try it! We here at Bumbo International believe as individuals we should most importantly give a greater proportion of our growing wealth to charity and the spreading the Kingdom of God. Anything else is short term and selfish. Well, you know what they say? “Actions speak louder than words!” It is more blessed to give than to receive! This is definitely the secret of our success, what about you? The more you give the more you receive! -
#28
Allison Tammy Moore’s own rise from being labeled a habitual offender to prominence deems her an expert on personal success. Born to teenage parents and ending up being adopted, Allison lived a life plagued with abuse, addiction and crime. With a criminal history, low self esteem and no one to guide her, Allison went to prison and developed her own method of recovery by redefining success. Through persistence and determination, this ex-offender to extraordinary woman, immediately used her past to fuel her passions, became a published author, speaker and entrepreneur. She is dedicated to help educate people to new levels of involvement in the lives of ex-inmates, victims, and their families. Often being called “Joseph”, after Joseph in the Bible, Allison is known as an over comer and inspires all she comes in contact with.
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#27
No one wants to hear the words, "You have cancer." Family and friends can feel helpless when a loved one is battling a serious illness.
Helen Kellers quote: "I am only one, but still I am one; I cannot do everything; but still I can do somethings; and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the somethings I can" resonates with me....I am not one to throw up my hands and say, "I cant do anything"
Rather than feeling helpless, I wanted to influence fate. I started by taking steps...LITERALLY...to end breast cancer by participating in a Susan G Komen Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk.
The better part of my adult life has revolved around giving children the best start possible. Whether it was in my role as preschool teacher or parent, I believe a child does best and is given the best chance for future success in a loving home with involved and interested parents. And if it truly takes a village to raise a child, its the females in families--the mothers, daughters, and sisters--that keep extended family members connected. As far as I see it, the health of women directly impacts the health and well-being of children.
Walking 60 miles in 3 days to fight breast cancer is an incredible experience, but I wanted to do more. It was while training for the 2009 Seattle 3 Day Walk that the idea for Embrace Activism was born. Embrace Activism provides premium yoga accessories. Studies have shown the risk of developing certain diseases can be reduced with regular exercise. YOGA is an ideal form of exercise for everyone and every body. Embrace Activism donates 10% of product prices to non-profit organizations dedicated to research, treatments, and CURES. I walked for 11 women in the 2009 Seattle 3 Day Walk; each and every one of them remains in my heart. So naturally, pink was chosen for the first mat color. Rolling out an Embrace Activism mat shows a commitment to making a difference; transforming yoga practice into purpose-driven yoga. -
#26
Jesus Christ, the center of my life, challenged Lynn to write. A shy girl, she shows excitement when she speaks about her book, Our Lifeship: A Study in Proverbs for Women. AllBooks Review said, "You do not have to be a deeply religious person to enjoy this book...I do not hesitate to Highly Recommend reading this book."
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#25
My son Quentin was diagnosed with leukemia three years ago. My daughter Jory, who was an unexpected pregnancy, was his bone marrow transplant donor. First of all, to have a sibling already on the way be a match, must less the perfect match she was, is the equivalent of winning the lottery, our doctors said. Additionally, Quentin is the world's first ever cord blood AND placenta blood transplant recipient. Finally, what should have been a 5 to 7 year chemotherapy process wrapped up in about 18 months. I have written a book called The Summer of Superheroes and the Making of Iron Boy about our miracle-filled cancer journey. It's available at Amazon.com and www.createspace.com/3458326.
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#24
Sheila Summers (Roddy) knows first-hand the power of negative words and the consequences of dangerous choices that can result from having 'a hole in her heart in the shape of her father.' Born in Edinburgh, Scotland and despite her own shyness, Summers had a passion for dance that won her a place at the coveted Scottish Theatre Ballet Company, a role in the movie classic 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brody' and winner of the title of Miss Edinburgh. Yet despite the accolades, Sheila grew up struggling to overcome her otherwise loving father's declaration that she was 'nothing but an idiot'. That wound contributed to her fall into relationships that left her isolated and ultimately a victim of abuse at the hands of an American Sailor she had come to America to marry hoping for a second chance at love. In her own fight to survive, a faith she'd been searching for all through her life was rekindled and Sheila Summers discovered from her Heavenly Father, whom she calls Papa, that she was precious and worthy of so much more. After six years her break for freedom saved her and her children from the torment of domestic abuse and her life long search for her Papa brought about their ultimate healing. Today, Sheila Summers and her daughters make their home in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where she works in television production at CBN, the International Christian Ministry and Humanitarian Relief organization that reaches the lost and hurting in more than 200 countries around the world.
My book which is a novel based on my life journey and testimony to God is called Broken to Beautiful. -
#23
As my wife of 30 years neared death, she confessed to me that she had been deceiving me our entire marriage. The deception was such that if I had known the full truth when I met her, I'm sure we would have never married. How can a decades long deception inspire our encourage someone? The inspiration comes from realizing that God was able to bless our lives together and enable us to be a blessing to others despite the fact my wife was living a lie. In the end, she received God's forgiveness, my forgiveness, and I can now see a tremendous example of how God is able to turn evil to good. I'm now inspired to share my story and encourage others to keep moving forward to that hope and a future that God promises each of us!! Blessings to all of you and this great inspiring stories.
Jim
www.itwasoutoflove.com/home -
#22
Hello Derrick, and thank you in advance for your valuable time, energy, and attention.
My name is Hal Elrod (a.k.a. "Yo Pal Hal") and at age 20, I was on top of the world as one of the best sales reps for a 200 million company. My world came to an abrupt end one night when my car was struck head on by a drunk driver and I was found dead at the scene...
After breaking 11 bones, being diagnosed with permanent brain damage and told I may never walk again, I used the power of Unwavering Faith to overcome my most unimaginable adversity and turn my tragedy into triumph.
I am now a bestselling author, hall of fame business achiever, international motivational speaker, and as I life coach, I teach my clients how to apply the power of Unwavering Faith in a practical way to achieve extraordinary results, both personally and professionally.
You can see videos of my TV appearances and speeches on my website at http://www.YoPalHal.com and on my blog at http://www.MiracleMorning.com
I look forward to connecting with YOU soon! :)
Always with Love & Gratitude,
"Yo Pal" Hal -
#21
I was ill with Hepatitis C back in 2001 and 2002. I got on the raw food diet and have been feeling fine ever since! What also went away was athlete's foot, toe fungus, herpes outbreaks, and other minor things. My hair isn't gray (well, except for a few stands) though I am 54 years old. I also have the same weight now that I had in high school. I am no longer afraid of aging, or getting diseases such as cancer (which is very common in my family). I even wrote a book about the power of a raw food diet: The Live Food Factor.
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#20
Many people pretend to be something that they are not. They pretend to be successful, educated, organized and even healthy. When the truth is everything is not perfect and sometimes all hell is breaking loose. We wear these masks so that we can appear that everything is perfect. We care about appearances and what people think about us. When actually everyone has skeletons that they are praying will never fall out of the closet.
I learned this lesson the hard way after my husband and family lost everything we had and were homeless with no place to go. I continued to pretend that everything was ok and I never asked anyone for help. I was wearing a mask. After a serious bout with depression and suicidal thoughts, I let go of my failures and began to embrace my future.
My calling and mission since then has been to share my story with the world, so that others can also find the freedom to Take off the Mask.
In my book Take off the Mask I talk about:
How to find out if you are wearing a mask
How to accept your failures and let go of guilt and shame
How to embrace your authentic self and walk in total liberty -
#19
During the past three years I've made strides in conquering prostate cancer physically, emotionally and spiritually. To do this requires faith in my Higher Power, in my doctor and in myself. Just affirming your resilience, - your capacity to bounce back, can propel you from the darkness to the light with relative ease. But I remain a work in progress, with daily ups and downs. I believe that in time I will prevail.
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#18
The sudden death of my parents changed me! I now LIVE life, enjoy it, and follow the passion that is in my heart. I work daily to help others feel comfortable in their own skin, to value themselves and to take care of their personal wellness, because they deserve it.
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#17
A phoenix is a mythical bird that is a fire spirit with a colorful plumage and a tail of gold and scarlet (or purple, blue, and green according to some legends). It has a 500 to 1000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(mythology)
For 30 years I was plunged deep into the ashes of my childhood; the victim of childhood sexual abuse. However, out from those same ashes I was born into the individual I am today.
That in itself is reason to motivate others.
Thank you. -
#16
Jeffrey Gitterman is an award winning financial advisor and the founder and CEO of
Gitterman & Associates Wealth Management, LLC. www.gawmllc.com. In these challenging economic times, Jeff recently co-founded Beyond Success, www.BeyondSuccessConsulting.com, a coaching and consulting firm that brings more holistic values to the world of business and finance. His first book, Beyond Success: Redefining the Meaning of Prosperity, was recently published by AMACOM, the publishing house of the American Management Association.
Over the past several years, Jeff has been featured and interviewed in several national and local print, TV, and radio programs, including Money, CNN, Financial Advisor, New Jersey Business Journal, and News 12 New Jersey. In 2004, he was honored by Fortune Small Business Magazine as One of Our Nation’s Best Bosses. Jeff also serves as chairman of the advisory board to the Autism Center of New Jersey Medical School, an organization that raises significant monies each year for autism research and support services. -
#15
Medical doctors have told me, and many others, that you cannot recover and heal from PTSD. I am here to testify that you CAN.
I was brutially attacked and strangled to death by a serial rapist. Afterwards I was spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically very damaged. I was on disability and had attempted to kill myself a few times. I lost my house, went backrupt, got divorced and felt hopeless. Needless to say...I had issues ;')
When I realized that staying on disability and staying a 'victim' would do just that....make me stay sick and victimized...I decided to do something about it. I went off disability and with the help of many, many wonderful souls, I have totally healed myself and have a wonderful happy self-sufficient life of joy and magic. The best part is the giving back....I helped the police and FBI to put the rapist behind bars for the rest of his life....now I'm in the media and have a private practice guiding and giving to those who need a leg up.
What a joy to complete the circle!!!!
Thanks for listening. I know my story will touch who it needs to....if I can be of any further inspiration, please contact me....
Sandi Athey
www.sandiathey.com
410-747-6510 -
#14
I travel the world to inspire people to heal themselves naturally on their own and dramatically change their lives for the better, body, mind and spirit. We can't change others, only inspire them by changing ourselves, and that's exactly what I did... and in the process saving myself from many illnesses. This Youtube clip shows the transformation- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRFl4ERBOrs&feature=player_embedded
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#13
In 2004, I was diagnosed with a rare immune deficiency disease. At the time, I was coughing up blood and felt like I had the flu. I had NO energy and my muscles, joints and lymph nodes hurt constantly. I also developed carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve pain in both arms. Despite being treated for the disease for several years, I continued to have excruciating pain. In 2006, I was in so much pain that I was seriously thinking about ending my life. Numerous doctors treated me, but standard western medicine, although it did help some, was not alleviating my pain. Despite having carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve surgery, it was still necessary to wear splints 24/7 in order to ease the pain. When doctors first diagnosed me with my immune disease, the immunologist told me that it would take at least 3 to 6 months before I would notice a change. It took over 2 years before I noticed ANY change in my pain, which was only a SLIGHT change and therefore, was still very, very painful.
Then, in 2007, my best friend invited me to accompany her to a local fair. While there, an angel (yes…an actual angel) guided me to seek out a shaman working the fair. Working with the shaman has changed my life for the better. Although I still have health issues, my health has improved and my pain has decreased. It is no longer necessary to wear my splints. In addition, the year before I met the shaman, I had six infections, despite that I was being treated for my immune disease. However, since working with the shaman, I have noticed a continuing decrease in those infections. Doctors have told me that there is no cure for my disease. However, as time goes by, I feel very strongly that I may be cured and that I will be totally pain-free one day.
The shaman helped me understand that a simple adjustment in thinking could help...one where I fully understood that the spirit of God was within me (not just outside of me) and therefore, I had the power to alter my life. I have always been spiritual...but it has been further enhanced since having this realization. Now, I seek to help others heal from adversity and find joy! Anything is possible with the spirit. -
#12
What May Seem To Be An Obstacle, Could Be A Launching Pad
I have lived with Type 1 diabetes for 40 years—since I was 7 years old. Fortunately for me I had parents who taught me that I could be whoever I wanted to be as long as I worked hard at it. Working hard was necessary in order to manage my diabetes as well as excel in school and later in work. But managing diabetes since I was 7 years old gave me an advantage—yes, having diabetes gave me a work ethic advantage.
I excelled in high school academically and was even a cheerleader. After graduation I attended the University of Michigan where received a double majored bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree all in 5 years. I went to work for my father’s automotive supplier company for 8 years and then he died suddenly. I have always been a Daddy’s Girl, and losing him was the deepest pain I had ever felt. At the same time I was faced with yet another challenge. What happens to the business? With God’s grace, I was able to compartmentalize my grief and begin the company’s transition from a leader with more than 40 years of automotive engineering experience to a 31 year old, diabetic woman’s 8 years of automotive experience. What we lack, God will provide.
Over the next 8 years, I grew the business and on more than a few occasions felt like my dad watched over my shoulder as I made decisions for the company—no doubt both of my dads, daddy and my heavenly father. If this sounds like strength beyond belief, it was. It was incredible for two reasons. Diabetes strengthened my work ethic because since I was 7 years old, I have always had to do extra, work harder, stay longer, study deeper in order to keep up with my colleagues. And because I began this training at 7, my muscles and intellectual agility has enabled me to excel. The second and most important reason is because of God’s grace and strength, because without it no amount of work could have accomplished the things that were done.
There are more examples in my book Blessed Assurance: Success Despite the Odds. -
#11
The only important elements of life are our relationships with God and with one another. Everything else simply describes the detail of our circumstance. I use the horse-human connection to mirror that of man and God. God values only our character, actions, and relationship with Him. Ditto the horse.
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#10
Homeless, No Business Plan & Bad Credit Entrepreneur Goes From Broke to Half Million & Made Corporate Concepts Elementary!
James Bird Guess went from being homeless to building a half-million dollar enterprise based out of the trunk of his car, starting with only $1,000, poor credit and a dream to become a millionaire.
In his author debut titled, How I Made a Quarter Million Dollar$ From the Trunk of My Car, street savvy entrepreneur James Bird Guess created a 99% risk-free business model and turned complex corporate concepts like risk management, leverage and financial arbitrage into elementary tools to build his small empire. In his new book, he also reveals how to turn your passion into profit and what you must have to get through what he calls “The Success Process.”
Now considered a global expert on change, leadership and fiancial empowerment, James details the emotional qualities and skills required to blossom as an entrepreneur and that made him an overnight six-figure success, despite starting out broke, living paycheck-to-paycheck, having no business plan, no bank loans, and poor credit.
James "Bird" Guess was once homeless after high school, yet he personally financed his way through college and graduated with hopes of climbing the corporate ladder and becoming a rich executive. But after only working a year in "Corporate America," James’ ambition and goals outgrew his corporate career plan and he decided to quit his job and risk everything to go after wealth, success, and the "American Dream."
Starting with only $1,000 saved from college, James single-handedly built a quarter million dollar enterprise selling products from the trunk of his car. After expanding his business model from retailer to wholesaler, he made over a half million dollars, cashed out and invested in rental property, and decided to pursue his passion more than profit.
James is now the President & Founder of JBG International Success Academy, a personal and organizational development company that trains and develops working professionals, entrepreneurs, students, and organizations to achieve their greatest potential. He is also a world-renowned speaker on change, leadership, and financial empowerment, as well as the best selling author of the book How I Made a Quarter Million Dollar$ From the Trunk of My Car. -
#9
I am the perfect example of the saying, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade." I was at the top of my career when a motor vehicle accident changed my life forever. I was never able to return to work. Here is my story and what I'm doing to help others in pain.
www.tmjpainsolutions.com/personal-story-of-gail-falzon/
Question Of The Week for August 2nd, 2010:
If you were in charge of planning your company's next meeting what would you do differently to inspire the employees to move into action?
14 Comments
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#1
The key: PREPARATION! Take the key players and clarify exactly what the desired outcome of the meeting is, and what they would like to get from the participants - prepare the agenda addressing those issues only. End 15 minutes early - inspire employees by letting them know you respect their time!
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#2
Too many meetings in my earlier business career were 'talking heads meetings'...here's what you didn't do last week and should do this week - which at the end inspired most of the sellers to invite me to go with them to the nearest restaurant to commisserate on the bad, de-motivating meeting!
To turn that around, I'd be sure the next meeting is ENERGIZING, begins with a WIIFT (what's in it for THEM - my audience), is ENGAGING - interactive (groups, teams, pairs activities) and ends with two activities: 1. WRITE the specific actions to apply the information now - this week to make a difference to my job/customers/colleagues (2)SHARE - verbalize it- to others - whom would become my stakeholders! -
#3
I would make it mandatory that the speakers at the meeting sit at the tables of the attendees, not a head table, if there is a meal served. Also, company officials should sit with the workers, not the managers. Makes little folks feel better!
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#4
Send an agenda with a clear purpose for the meeting. Include topics to be covered and the length of time. Ask people to be ready to discuss the topics on the agenda - ask very specific questions. Have a fun, engaging ice-breaker activity that is relevant to the meeting
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#5
I would do exactly what you just did: send out a question or topic that each person individually and as a team would need to respond to or be prepared to work on for part of the meeting. Spending time doing rather than just listening or talking gets people moving forward.
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#6
I would inform everyone they have 1 minute to present, elevator-pitch style, whatever they need to get across. A wooden sand timer would be present. So much for long-winded presentations!
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#7
Creativity and creative thinking is such an integral part of success. I would begin the meeting with an interactive activity that gets your employees connecting, communicating and jogging some creative juices. Add a few laughs and you have the beginnings of a very motivational meeting.
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#8
I would start by identifying the employee who tends to be the most disruptive and/or negative at meetings and give them two days' advance notice that they will be chairing the meeting and that their job is to come up with an agenda and to make sure everyone participates fully and comes up with new and creative ideas. I would meet with them the following day to review and critique the agenda and their ideas for maximizing creative input. Then I would function as an observer at the actual meeting. Dr Stuart Jeanne Bramhall, author of THE MOST REVOLUTIONARY ACT.
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#9
If I were planning an upcoming meeting and felt my employees needed a little motivation, I would book a motivational speaker.
Just like children who get tired of hearing their parents "preach" to them, employees become bored and tired of hearing their boss and/or upper management talk. New ideas and new faces are enough to "light that fire." -
#10
Ideas to Inspire Co-Workers that Actually Work!
When having a company meeting the end result should be to have employees leave with great morale. Evidence shows that engaged workers who have high morale are more productive, therefore, the company has higher profits.
The entire goal of a meeting should be to celebrate employees and to acknowledge and honor their performance behaviors. Meetings should be "wow" celebrations of employee achievements and suggestions, no matter how minor they might seem. Employees will then look forward to attending meetings and get value from the meetings.
You can not motivate people as motivation comes from within - comes from self. However, you can inspire people to perform better. You do this by enhancing their self-esteem, showing appreciation, and making them feel heard.
I suggest every meeting is a chance to let employees share ideas to help the company and that each idea is fully embraced and heard. The employees should be thanked for their ideas and given small rewards (even packs of gum work!).
Then, ideas that can be put in action need to be and ideas that can't need to be explained as for the reasons why not. -
#11
Inspiring for Action Means Making Connection with Inner Potential or Spirit of Persons You are Working With…
If inspiring is the name of the game, as this question indicates, then inspiration needs to be elicited and that means we got to touch the heart and art each person carries with them and make sure they recognize this quality within themselves. I have a plethora of tools for this.
The one I'd suggest here is this - I'd whip out my Creative Whack Pack by Roger von Oech. I'd state our objective or result that we were coming together to create into being for this particular meeting. I'd ask for brainstorming ideas. We'd jot them down for collective review. Then, I have each person pick a card from the deck, read it to the group and then respond from the point of view their card presented. We'd all chime in any thoughts it evoked from us. And, so we'd go around the room. All our input would be focused on the one idea we started with as our agenda to meet.
Of course, the emphasis is always on the idea that there is no wrong answer - only amazing, funny, clever, interesting, etc. insights that open our minds to new vistas of thinking! We definitely get outside our boxes, too! Being lighthearted is encouraged and mocking, attacking or degrading anyone's ideas is strictly off limits and not tolerated as acceptable behavior in our organization. Period. This is vital to our inspiring work place that is inspiriting and respectful of our diversity.
It is the absurdity of some of the viewpoints that actually get us laughing or impressed with how creative our actual responses can be, and more surprisingly how they can be useful in ways previously "unimaginable". With each pass of the deck, people get more comfortable with the process and it eventually becomes their suggestion to whip out the pack and see what happens.
We are enlivened for the creativity which is always refreshing and that in and of itself leads to inspiring their inspirited selves into some action. Usually, this leads them to lead themselves through their work with more assurance of their talents how they bring value to our team efforts. We always think and work in terms of co-creating our goals into realities!
As I'm fond of saying, "You got to be brave enough to act quite differently than the set standard or status quo if inspiration is to become your companion!"
All to Love,
Sharon -
#12
To make your meeting outstanding, begin by starting at an odd time, like 8:53 or 10:17. Tell everyone that whoever is late will have to sing a song.
Send out an agenda of the proposed topics and invite everyone to bring their suggestions and ideas. Whoever has the best idea(s) for that meeting receives a free lunch.
If you plan to have a very early meeting time or a late afternoon time, have everyone stand, or take a walk and have your meeting outside. -
#13
Ever since Marshall McLuhan pitched "The medium is the message," the business world has been preoccupied with buying something to support meetings, as the trade's then-three freebie (ad-supported) magazines advised. And still do.
Actually, "The message is the message" (Cavalier: 1970 article and 1973 book). Proofs of validity of that concept are only now being seen ("Final Thoughts," below.) But that upsets the meetings-industry and allows questions such as "What would you do?" As in "Anything goes. .
You should do what's necessary and required to achieve the competence levels of performance dictated by the objectives of the given message--not much more and absolutely nothing less:
Determine your main message and what's needed to support it, if anything; create an intelligent agenda; support it with expertise and the minimum audio-visual (or other) equipment that will do the job, if needed; provide all needed tools for their practice and/or job performance; and then determine whether all of that is stated/presented clearly and succinctly enough so that the participants can know what's expected of them and can do it. Finally, measure the results achieved and compare those to your objectives! Then act to correct any discrepancies and/or applaud the achievements.
For a free, quickie look at major and immediate helps, check the website of the University of California Santa Cruz Extension/Silicon Valley: svprojectmanagement.com; search "Cavalier."
The "PERT" article is mine and usable, as are several of the 'related' items at the base. One original seems to be missing (today's glitch?), but the whole group of five articles can be sent intact on request, with e-mail address.
Generalities: www.meetingsCavalier.com. Click 'Business Writing'; then 'Titles.' For a scary view of problems for users (as created and assiduously maintained by the meetings-industry), see "Final Thoughts" segment, at the asterisk below the "ISD" book. -
#14
YEARS AGO I WORKED FOR A JAPANESE COMPANY THAT LITERALLY WOULD HAVE MEETINGS TO DISCUSS WHEN WE WOULD HAVE A MEETING TO DISCUSS WHAT WE WOULD TALK ABOUT AT THE MEETING WITH THE BIG SHOTS. HAVING COME FROM A MILITARY BACKGROUND, WHEN IN A POSITION TO DETERMINE WHAT MEETINGS WOULD BE LIKE, I FOUND THE KEY PRINCIPLES CONTAINED IN THE SMEAC SYSTEM [THE MARINES DO IT RIGHT] WORKED PERFECTLY:
S _SITUATION_ - DETERMINE WHERE YOU ARE AND THE PLUSES AND MINUSES
M _MISSION_ - WHERE DO YOU WANT THE ORGANIZATION TO GO
E _EXECUTION_ - LAY OUT THE SPECIFICS OF HOW YOU ARE GONG TO GET THERE.
A A_DMINISTRATION _ - HOW WILL YOU CONTROL THE PROGRESS AND HOW WILL YOU DIRECT THE OUTCOMES
C _COMMAND AND COMMUNICATION_! - TAKE CHARGE CLARIFYING WHAT EACH PARTICIPANT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR AND MAKE SURE THE LINES OF COMMUNICATION ARE OPEN FULLY, PRECISELY AND THE CHAIN IS UNBROKEN KEEP IT SHORT, SWEET, DIRECT, PRECISE, AND DO NOT DEVIATE FROM YOUR OBJECTIVE. -
#15
Question of the week for July 26th:
July 26th is my birthday, and I would like to know what do you still wish for?
28 Comments
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#1
I wish my mother was still alive to celebrate my birthday with me. I understand that she is in a better place.
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#2
Happy Birthday Derrick! I hope it's a good one.
My wish is for a steady state of peace and calm within my being, at all times, no matter what is going on in my life. To be so hooked up to God, that I remember everything's okay, I'm taken care of, and in good Hands every moment of every day. -
#3
First, I wish you a Happy Birthday, Derrick. Next, I wish for good health (without it, nothing else matters), and lastly I wish for my recently-optioned novel, HUSBANDS MAY COME AND GO BUT FRIENDS ARE FOREVER, to make it to the big screen. Thanks for letting me state my wishes here.
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#4
Happy Birthday, Derrick!
I wish for my kids to always be happy & healthy. -
#5
For my three children to have strong walks of faith in God, for them to eventually have spouses that do the same, and for their health and well being to continue as God has allowed it to this day.
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#6
My wish is for the continued good health of myself and my family.
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#7
I wish I could have my career back - I once was challenged, joyful, creative and energized. Technology has made me into a bored hack, overpaid for what I do and longing to be retired.
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#8
I wish for the mental strength to continue to live the new helthy lifestyle I adopted a year ago.
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#9
Happy Birthday Derrick! My mom passed when I was 11 and I'll be 40 on August 4th. Although I still miss her, I guess it's a little different for me as I'm a Medium.
My wish? That all life forms would respect, understand and honour each other. I know it's a big wish...but here's hoping! -
#10
Happy Birthday Derrick.
I wish for all the women of this world to look into the mirror and see the wonderful, loving, vibrant, powerful person they are. -
#11
Happy B'day Derrick. I wish for the opportunity to make my dreams come true while protecting my health, being of service to others and encouraging everyone to use their gifts. I have spiritually matured from the days of wanting my Mom to bake an angel food cake shaped like an "M" for Marguerite.
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#12
Hi Derrick,
You were kind enough to post my reply when you solicited responses to one of your previous questions, so the only thing I'll wish for today, is that you have a happy birthday! -
#13
I have published a mobile application called KAMASUMA in iTunes for iPhone and iPad users. It is a brain teaser and I wish that a lot of people will download the game and enjoy it.
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#14
I wish I could find my passion so work would actually mean something to me.
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#15
I turned 60 on 7/18. I wish, no I pray, that I live long enough to see grandchildren, enough time to give them memories and enough wisdom to teach them how important time really is. Happy Birthday Derrick!
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#16
It is my birthday also. I wish to be more greatful for what The Lord has done for me, looking forward to receiveing more and being more helpful to others.
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#17
Happy Birthday, Derrick. I pray that all young people would get to know and understand their history and quite possibly bridge the gaps in society. I am also working toward ranking within the top 100 people on Forbes Richest Americans list.
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#18
It's funny...I read your wish, and here I was about to post that I wish I had seen Paris with my mother. She used to go on and on about it, but we never went together. Now she's gone. So I must find my own way there. It is my wish to see the City of Light. Really to see all of Europe... all the world. But first, above all, Paris.
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#19
Happy Birthday! I wish the promise made to me 25 Sept 2003 by a staff member of Ellen DeGeneres would be granted!
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#20
I wish that I will find the time and money to finish my college education. I stopped a few short years ago because my heart wasn't in it and I didn't want to spend all that money on something I wasn't sure of. I now know what I'd like to study so I am ready to dive back in!
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#21
I wish I could turn my memoir into a movie - not for my ego, but to share a love story about a wonderful man I lost over 40 years ago - I was only 17 years old. Vietnam stepped in to take him away. Five months later, his friend - and my best friend's boyfriend - let life interfere with his own.
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#22
I'll be 78 August second. I still wish, as I have most of life, for world to find peace and for my family to find life as interesting and challenging as I found mine but with less stress. I'd like none of my 5 grandkids to have to be soldiers.
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#23
I still wish for more equality and acceptance among people with disabilities. In addition to your birthday, July 26th is the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. We've come so far, yet we still have a ways to go and I'm excited for what is to come. I am a lifelong wheelchair user, amputee and survivor of depression. I also wish to be a motivator and inspiration for all others going through challenges and traumas in their lives as a coach, speaker, writer, trainer, as well as an accessibility and advocacy consultant.
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#24
I wish to get on a national teleivision show for my birthday, August 5th. I signed up for Steve Harrison's RTIR magazine, but have only been asked to be on a few radio shows as my autobiographical novella, Lucifer Rising, was listed as fiction rather than nonfiction, although it is based on a true story which happened to me. Barbara Fifield
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#25
Happy belated Derrick, may God bless you with many more......
I wish for a magic cake, I wish for it to be the size of the earth, so that everyone can bite it and become happy and peaceful from the magic in the cake, no more hatred, killings, or war, I'd call it a Peace O Cake....... -
#26
happy birthday (belated) Derrick! I wish for greater mental clarity and more opportunities to fully use the talents and gifts with which I have been blessed. By becoming the best person I can be, I can make greater contributions to humanity. We are all in this together
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#27
Happy Birthday!
I wish that more people would understand that we are put on this earth to enjoy each other, fulfill dreams, explore creation, revel in beauty, create magic... -
#28
Happy belated birthday Derrick!
My birthdays are a time for emotional spring cleaning. I view life from the broader perspective. I try to weed out crippling feelings of anger, hatred, revenge, misgivings and replace them with understanding, appreciation, tolerance, hope. My ultimate goal is to self-actualize, by pursuing writing. -
#29
Question of the week for July 19th:
What is your favorite commercial and why?
24 Comments
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#1
The old Mean Joe Green Coca-Cola commercial is best ever.
1-We remember the product (how rare is that?!)
2-Amazingly shows how we can positively impact each other across race/age/status... -
#2
My favorite commercial is the 2010 Kia Soul Rapping Hamster ad. It is fresh and fun, and each time I see it I can't help but laugh. Creative and upbeat...kudos to the advertising team on this one!
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#3
The best commercial of all time is the Nike commercial where a cab driver dressed as a Montreal Canadians goalie takes on a couple clients and asks them if they're are Swedish, because he hayes Swedes and thats because he says Mats Sundin, a great Swede hockey player whom played for the Leafs ended his career by basically scoring too many goals on him. Its part of a series, and the there are many. Once he writes on a dressing room wall "Sundin like ABBA"... and the funniest part is the goalie doesnt realize he is dressed as a goalie. In the cab they ask why he's wearing a mask, and his reply is "what mask?". There are also, in the series, goalies from other teams who all have a nemesis. A few years old now, but awesome!
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#4
The funniest may not be on TV, but rather on the Internet. Go to http://www.johnny-light.com/and click on the "View the Johnny-Light Video". It is a 60-second story with 3 characters and an unusual product -- a device that lights up the commode when the seat is lifted . . . preventing disturbing lights at night and emale "splashdowns" when the seat is left up.
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#5
My favorite commercial is the Nike commercial that follows Lance Armstrong training, encouraging a cancer ward full of children, racing bike messengers in SF, and finally letting a young cyclist draft behind him.
I love this commercial because I see it as a metaphor for life. You have to work hard to be successful. You may be out there all alone in difficult conditions competing to survive but no matter what you face you have to keep going. If you pay it forward by encouraging others your life will become better. Hard work pays off when you are faced with stiff competition.
Finally, it's important to share what you have learned with others to help them be successful too. There is not a word spoken in this commercial and yet all of those messages are shared very clearly by this commercial. -
#6
My favorite commercial is the Old Spice commercial that begins with a handsome man in a bathroom, with a towel around him, asking ladies to "Look at your man; now look at me; now at your man; now back to me". Myself, and all my girlfriends LOVE this commercial for sooo many reasons, some include:
* Handsome man, in good shape, wearing a towel
* Confident voice
* Attention grabbing reflection in his voice
* Has "2 tickets to that thing you love"
* Scenes change effortless
* Actor does not respond to scene changes and remains calm, cool, and collected -
#7
AFLAC Jack! Its AFLAC hands down, now that's a funny sunny!
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#8
The Baskins and Robbins, "Ice cream and cake", fun, hip, attention grabbing, and the kids LOVE it!
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#9
Apple Macintosh's "1984" ad had the most impact in my life. Ridley Scott directed and within 60 seconds, you were transformed into a movie trailer style pitch hinting that the days of IBM and Microsoft were numbered. That Apple has continued to creatively change the landscape is no accident. To view the spot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYecfV3ubP8
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#10
The most powerful commerical is the one where a single cigarette is burning. The words for the ad run the lenght of the cigarette. Nothing else is on the screen except for words burning down as the cigarette gets smaller.
As it burns captions and a voice talks about quitting" you were going to quite when you graduated college, got married, had your first child etc..In the end, the person does not quit and has poor health as a result.
It is very true to life and powerful. -
#11
My favorite commercial is E*Trade, any of the ones with the babies talking into the camera. It makes me laugh out loud everytime. The writing and voices are amazing, and the babies are the cutest.
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#12
My favorite commercial is Apple's 1984 Super Bowl commercial.
At its time, it was one of the most revolutionary television commercials ever made. In fact, it still is today. It immediately grabbed you by the throat and forced you to watch with its dark and very creepy sci-fi images and the fanatical speech being made to brainwash people. It made you think that Apple had developed the most life changing product in history. It made you feel as if you were witnessing history as you watched the commercial. It took on the extremely powerful position that Apple's Macintosh will set you free from the chains of an oppressive government that wants to control you (also a strong pop shot at IBM). With the Apple Mac, you are not just buying a computer. You are choosing freedom. -
#13
My current favorite is the new M&M Commercial. The wife asks Husband to get snack. He opens cupboard, and food starts flying out at him. Finally, we see it's giant M&M's, not wanting to be eaten. It ens with the red in a bowl, being carried to the wife.
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#14
The Gekko~ he is the BEST EVER! He melts the heart with his smooth Assie voice and humor. I LOVE HIM! I still look for his commercials!
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#15
It's got to be the Orkin bug commercial with the couple in the hot tub. The bug comes up wanting to join in and just as he drops his towel, the Orkin man shows up. The bug is shown speeding off on his motorcycle!
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#16
As much as I dislike AT$T products and services...their currently running black and white commercial with skyscrapers and a city skyline is most unique, imaginative and unusual. Childishly drawn colored figures are shown floating and skimming through the city while a lone man sits reflecting on a city park bench. The theme is imagination....and it really makes its point, particularly with the melodic theme song in the back ground.
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#17
My favorite commercial is Jack-in-the-Box's for Mini Surloin Burgers!Well crafted,humorous without being heavy handed. Just plain fun! For me, that's a great commercial. Too many are just plain ridiculous.
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#18
By far my favorite commercial ever is an Ad Council PSA for Fatherhood Involvement... you have to see it for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A2Ap3DyvLg
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#19
I don't know why but the eyeglass commercial with the woman calling in her cat and her eyesight is so bad it is a raccoon that comes to her call. I have to watch it everytime I hear it come on.
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#20
It's definitely the new UPS commercial that's animated and done with the environment and all characters created constructed with corregated packaging cardboard. Every time I see it I think "it's brilliant".
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#21
The Heineken Light 'See the Light' commercials are hilarious! Nothing like watching old guys teach young guys a thing or two. These definitely have the sleeper hit potential of the Dos Equis Most Interesting Man In the World campaign.
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#22
I love all the animal commercials (as a dog walker/pet sitter-no surprise there!!). Love the commercial about dog food where the Golden Retriever is a pup, running around his owner's chair, grows up and becomes a big lap dog! So cute and very comical! (not to mention, typical!) :)
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#23
"Geiko," and "Jack-In-The-Box."
Both are smart, clever, entertaining, and great examples of brilliant advertising, and branding. They are both unforgettable and watchable over and over again. Reruns to look forward to. You can never get tired of them. -
#24
It is definitely the new old spice comercial! The guy in the commercial is also answers twitter questions through youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owGykVbfgUE -
#25
Question of the week for July 12th, 2010:
If you had a million dollars what would you with it?
43 Comments
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#1
Save some, spend some, give some away.
First, pay the taxes to get that nuisance out of the way.
Then -
Endow the group at my high school that has started a nonprofit for students/alums with disabilities with at least 25% of it.
Blow a few percent on an extravagant vacation or two.
Invest the rest, use the income to endow more giving, pay the unexpected bills, finance retirement. -
#2
I would spend half of it buying water wells ($8000 each) for communities in Zimbabwe where women and children now walk 1+mile to their oft contaminated water source. I would use the rest to move somewhere with a lower cost of living and better schools, and save for retirement.
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#3
With a cool million I would take $200,000 of it towards marketing my memoir, "Diary From the Dome, Reflections on Fear and Privilege During Katrina", detailing my experience trapped in the Superdome during the hurricane and the levee failures. This would include full page ads in the LA Times, NY Times, and Washington Post for starters. Even if I didn't make my money back the lessons learned from the book about human behavior during a disaster I believe are worth every dollar to those who choose to read it.
The rest of the money would allow me to retire and give to numerous charitable organizations such as Habitat For Humanity and Doctors Without Borders. -
#4
If I did not (legally) have to pay taxes and could use the whole amount as I would like -- I would FIRST pay my Tithe to God through my local church ($100,000) and then I would pay my house off in full ($325,000) and then put aside money for my son to finish college and also cover a possible 2 yers of Grad School ($40,000) and then pay off my wife's car ($35,000) and then buy a car for my sona nd a truck for myself ($50,000) and then give an offering to my church ($50,000) and then give some money to my sister to help take care of my elderly mother ($25,000) and then put a LARGE chunk in a safe investment so it could draw interest ($350,000) and then donate some money to the inner-city Cub Scout program ($25,000)
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#5
I would buy a new engine and transmission for my 1982 van, so I could tour the country, trying to get the word out through my book that there is hope for the souls in the corner who struggle. I desire to offer hope, inspiration, and empowerment to these people.
Carolyn CJ Jones
Author/Photographer "Opening the Gates of the Heart"
http://www.gatelady.com -
#6
If I had a million dollars, what would I do with it?!
PLAN OF ACTION:
1) 1ST AND VERY IMPORTANT... TITHE... IT ALL COMES FROM GOD, SO IT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO GIVE BACK TO HIM!!!!!!!
2) Pray and ask God to help me be a good steward with this money He has chosen to give me. He's wanting to use it thru me.
3) When you hear of a need, and you're able, meet it. PRAY ABOUT IT.
4) GIVE, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again... Luke 6:38
God and Jesus Bless,
Joelle -
#7
I would use the money to transform US education. How? you might well ask. I've worked on classroom methods since 1971 and have developed a method for turning around or accelerating any classroom in a couple weeks--because students are motiveted instantly by current conditions. We only need to teach in the manner they are ready and anxious to learn. My method works K-12 and is explained in my book The Silver Bullet Easy Learning System: How to Change Classrooms Fast and Energize Students for Success, which I now send free as an ebook to anyone who asks for it. With a supply of money, I would 1) publish my next book that is nearly ready, 2) contact all college booksstores and education professors to get the book in their hands, 3) seek out all districts about to hire new staff and/or start a new school, 4) and with the money left get a copy of my two books into the hands of all curriculum and staff development administrators in the country. We should turn the nation's education around in a single year.
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#8
If I had a million dollars I would pay off my one remaining credit card and my house. I would take my kids (in Texas) to see my family (in the Pacific Northwest). I would save the rest - approximately $850,000. A million dollars doesn't go far anymore. Now that I'm in my fifties, I would want to keep that money in accounts that would assure me that I would be able to eat more than just cat food after I retire. If I were younger I would invest in rental property, but I don't have any interest in dealing with the hassles that go along with owning rentals at this point in my life.
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#9
I would donate the money to Step by Step Ministries in Porter, Indiana. In underdeveloped countries, a million dollars would buy the printing and paper for over 400 million Gospel tracts and hundreds of millions of souls would be saved. This ministry has hundreds of thousands of eager Christian witnesses who only need tools like this to do a great deal more witnessing in Asian, African, and Latin American countries.
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#10
1. Pay the taxes -- about $350,000 to the IRS for federal taxes & about $110,000 to the State of California where I live for state taxes.
2. Invest $250,000 in the online marketing business I'm working on with the expectation of it generating a $500,000 per year income. (But until it brought in double my job income reliably, I'd keep my job -- though for five million dollars, I would not.)
3. Give our daughter and son-in-law $40,000 to help them get their careers started better.
4. Put $100,000 into dividend paying stocks and REIT's that would pay about $7200 a year as a start on financial independence.
5. Spend $150,000 -- $75,000 for me and $75,000 for my wife.
With my $75,000, I'd pay off what little I owe; buy a white, used but relatively new Honda Civic Hybrid, and upgrade my clothes in newness as that's a bit ovedue; & I'd help us move to a better location. -
#11
I'd pay off my mortgage. I'd set up my brother - who has Cystic Fibrosis - in a small, furnished house of his own. I would set up a fund for adults with CF who need loans for school, start-up businesses, or crises. I'd give my parents a little $$ cushion. I'd thank God.
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#12
I would thank whoever gave it to me, pay the taxes on it, tithe 10% to my church, put some away for each of my five children, make some renovations to the house, save some for retirement, and look for local projects to help out with.
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#13
I would start a non-profit organization that would cater to youth, seniors and the disabled in an outdoor setting to teach and provide hunting, fishing and outdoor experiences. Those not fitting the criteria could also attend if accompanied by those in the outlined criteria guidelines. I would provide housing, meals, and staffing for those who participate at no cost. Guests of those qualifying for the program would pay a fee to participate and/or use the facility.
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#14
If I had a million dollars, I would pay off my house, pay off my daughter's and son's college loans and last but not least donate money to my favorite charity: www.lambifund.org. I am Haitian American, my native homeland of Haiti can use the financial support.
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#15
"Honestly I would invest, pay off bills, donate to charities & supporting causes, I'd live better, and finance my career as a literary artist (publish more books), I would help to put my baby brother through college, since hes the first in over 20 years to graduate from high school........
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#16
...aka... that would be being a PHILANTHROPIST for the LORD... :)
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#17
I already have enough money to enjoy the path I am on, but with $1million I'd lead a revolution to restructure the Federal government's organizational chart, Articles 1, 2, 3, and 4. What started out to be "checks and balances" has become "gridlock, compromised solutions, and solutions favoring special interests." Politics is broken. Let the revolution begin. Elect me for President for 100 days in 2013 - read at my website.
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#18
The very first thing even before taxes would be to donate 10% to 15%. Then I would pay off all the bills and begin to plan a strategy that would allow me to continue to donate the same percentage of the remainder annually to keep the process of giving going.
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#19
Pay the taxes associated with the Million. Then pay off the current debt collectors. Then I would buy some food...I am hungry and used up Food Bank privileges. I would find a “safer” place to live. I would donate to 3 of my favorite charities....Second Wind Dreams and Colorado Make-a-Wish, C3initiatives. I would then start a non-profit I have actually written down plans for....this is a non-profit that would help people who are in the “gray area” like myself that make too much in their job to get public assistance (like food stamps, low income housing, etc), yet do NOT make enough to make ends meet. I would utilize some of the funds to help “jump start” the home business that has never “gotten off the ground” due to no funds for marketing. Three products near and dear to me....the core product developed out of “necessity” while I was primary caregiver (for nearly 20 years) for my late Mother (one page emergency medical sheet...THE PINK SHEET), the 2nd product was created to inventory household and/or business items BEFORE I moved from Colorado to Florida (June 2004), my life was destroyed by 4 hurricanes in just under 6 wks. FEMA told me they “could not help me” BUT..went on to comment about the inventory product “if the people I have seen AND the people I am yet to see...had this product AND had it filled out...it would make their lives easier, my life easier and the lives of the insurance companies easier”. Since then I have IMPROVED the product to be more “user friendly”. The 3rd product is an ebook I wrote about my 20 years as primary caregiver for Mom aka The Little Woman. I want to help people PREPARE themselves BEFORE the time comes...whether it be caregiving or a natural disaster. I want to help them while their lives are calm, they are not RUSHED and in PANIC mode. This business means a great deal to me...I BELIEVE in my products, I BELIEVE in my business, I BELIEVE in myself...I just need help to get it “jump started”. The non-profit is at the other end of the spectrum...helping folks who have been thru the disaster, the hard times...I know all of this FIRST hand. I know what I needed at the time of the hurricanes, shortly thereafter and still now...almost 6 years later.
Thank you for listening....I think you can tell I am rather PASSIONATE about both my projects! -
#20
I support Life Skills Institute, which, for 28 years, has empowered patients to become active in healing. If people learned to use inner wisdom, they could better participate in healing, becoming powerful partners with their doctors. http://lifeskillsinc.com
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#21
Having already founded and developed the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, I would like to have a million dollars to further create a transcontinental, 7700-mile Sea-To-Sea Route. I believe that the best way to develop the next generation of conservationists is to build trails to introduce young people to the wonders of Nature.
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#22
A Million Dollars would certainly get my project caringforhaiti.org moving in the right direction. I would attempt to reduce poverty in Haiti and prepare the population for future disasters with carefully designed programs, skillful planning, reforestation, education, housing,job creations at the same time protecting the environment. As a private and independent organization with my own team on the ground, we would definitely achieve
quicker results by eliminating most of the government's red tapes. Six months after the earthquake Haiti still looked like if it was hit yesterday by the disaster. The people in charge have the courage to try to justify so casually their failure to provide basic care for the population. Haiti still need your help! -
#23
A million dollars? Hmm...I would first spend a lot of money hiring a firm to market my new romance novel (Secrets On Lake Drive), then I would spend a lot of money to hire a firm to market my new romance novel, (Secrets On Lake Drive), then I would spend a lot of money to hire a firm to market my new romance novel. After all that, I would do what everybody else does - donate to charity and buy a bunch of junk I really don't need but forced to buy because of being a slave to all of this TV marketing. Just typing this comment has given me the sudden urge to buy a Snuggie, the ShoesUnder shoe chest or better yet, the Sham Wow. There goes this week's check...
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#24
I would thank God for this gift and remember His word in Deut.8-18. Itis God that gives us the power to get wealth. I am a health coach and so I would build a place for people to come and learn how to cook to become healthy and vibrant and pass on health truths to as many people as possible. God designed us to be able to heal if we just take our responsibilty and follow the health laws in the Bible. I see many amazing things change for those who take the challenge and go for real health.You can do it !!!!!!!!!
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#25
Most have said they would pay a tithe to God and so would I. I'd pay taxes, too, of course. But, I would look for people who have potential, giving $1,000. to each of maybe 100, and see what they each did with their $1,000. The remaining money would go to those individuals who showed the most intelligence, using their $1,000. the wisest ways, and invest in those people, helping them acheive their dreams, with a percentage coming back to me from each one, and with those percentages, continue to find other worthy individuals, and do the same with them, etc.
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#26
Loved it Derrick great relate very much/what would I do with a million dollars use it to motivate and assist those who do care about others compassion, with passion I want to be motivate others to be feel worthy to honour who they are as individuals love is what we are ..GOD BLESS ..
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#27
This is so easy! Been planning it for years.
If I had a million dollars, I'd first thank my lucky stars, then pay my bills & taxes...then pay my ex's bills & taxes. Yes. Yes I would.
Next, I'd split the rest into 4 parts:
Invest 1/4
Keep 1/4
Spend 1/4 on living expenses while I finish my book series.
The rest? Split it 60 different ways...literally--all to 55 worthy people (individuals) and five organizations [Wounded Warriors, Make It Right (Katrina), a local animal sanctuary, a local library & a local food bank]I know could use the boost.
And then I'd give thanks again. Hallelujah! -
#28
Save the world from it's self-imposed limitations. $1 million would be catalyst money to ramp our efforts into full gear. Concurrently: 1. I'm going to be running for President for 2012 and will bring a very uplifting and unique platform with tons of implementable solutions that has never been brought before and raise tons of awareness for efforts I'm involved in. 2. I've got a growing group determined to buffer every small town in the free world from the collapse of the monetary system. 3. Our group would be able to provide for the business supported (owned by our non-profit), cost-free retirement of millions of seniors thus eliminating the need for social security. 4. Our group, through the same mechanism, would also be able to launch a network of free top quality colleges around the world. That just scratches the surface of our goals. Thank you.
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#29
I would first pay off all of my debts, including pay-off my home. Then, I would invest the rest in a variety of wealth-producing accounts. I would then set aside $10,000 to invest in my next creative project: Writing a book that includes many of the world's grief and death rituals and customs. I would also begin to develop my plans for a national body-mind-spirit, holistic healing center for people who are dying or critically ill. Eventually I plan to see branches of these holistic healing centers around the world -- one in Arizona, one in Japan, one in Hawaii, and one somewhere in the Netherlands (or somewhere in Europe).
Thank you for this opportunity to dream!!! Love & Blessings, Dancing heart~~~ -
#30
If I had a million dollars, I would spread my message of hope through my public speaking, television/radio appearances, on the web, and through my up and coming book about my life and my survival of an airplane crash. I would tell people that we all have tools to get us through situations and tragedies that we have in life. And that we can use these tools. We may have dealt with traumas in life. We may have lost our jobs or we've been bankrupt or we've become disabled or we're ill or we have lost a loved one. But at that point, we need to make a choice. We could choose to let it over power us or we can choose to move forward. We all have value. We all have worth and each one of us has something to offer this world. And when you know that, you will be a better person for it.
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#31
I would first tithe 10% to church. I know that there are taxes taken out, so not sure how much I would have left. I would pay bills, get a place for me and my disabled mom (I am going through a divorce)and I would focus on the dreams God placed in my heart. I would be involved in some kind of ministry work. I want to help a children's home or local ministry. I want to help with the human trafficing problem we have to help save girls from slavery. I would like to do another mission trip. I also know so many single moms who need help. If I really could, I would have a home for single moms and widows.
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#32
I would use my money to travel the country visiting high schools with my multiple award winning, anti-bullying, leadership/success curriculum Strategies for Success and movitational talk I'm now creating. I would pay off my debts so that I would not have to worry about those as I traveled. I would help fund the making of the DVD "High School BULLY" which I helped write and which I've been performing in for the past 6 months so that more teens could be exposed to the lessons within which came from the Strategies program (which I wrote after the hanging death from bullying of one of my students)
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#33
A million dollars! WOW! Quite frankly I would pay off my debts about $160,000.00. Then I would set aside 6 months living expenses for my family & I ($19,500). Tithe 10% to my church. I would use the rest to start my company to develop the software for schools to promotes Successes. Our society teaches us to get something done and then forget about it - just think of the next thing to do or what we haven't done good enough yet. I want to change the spirit of society to appreciate the Successes of our lives, even the "simple" item of learning to tie your shoe laces. My software would be an integral part of schools, businesses and personal computing systems. Teaching, guiding and encouraging people of all ages to set goals, make a plan to achieve those goals and a way to express and share their Successes everyday. Current people using the manual system are reporting a significant increase in their sense of well-being, happiness and find that they are accomplishing more faster with the system.
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#34
First, Uncle Sam would get his cut. Then I'd start a local chapter of Alley Cat Allies to help stray cats, buy more ducks for the Searcy Lake and if there's anything left, I'd add to my DVD collection!
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#35
If I had a million dollars I would start with tithing then debt and house payoff. Then I would buy three rental homes to rent to pet owners who would otherwise have to give up their pets because so many landlords won’t allow pets. I would pay for my son’s next two years college tuition. Then I would donate to the Southwest Wildlife Foundation and several other animal and children causes. With any left I would invest in a horse property a few miles out of town.
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#36
First, I would help my family, then I would contribute a large portion to several charities close to my heart, then I would travel and see the world! At my age(47) I have lived a normal but somewhat charmed life and I have tried to do as much as I could with what I've had. I'm not one of the ultra-rich but I have been blessed with good family and friends which I cherish. I've been a mother, wife, daughter , sister, aunt, friend, nurse, photographer, and now a first time author, I've traveled a little, got to bring new life into this world and be there to hold a hand when a person has left this world, so I have been richly blessed with life experiences that money could never buy.
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#37
I would do whatever I could to bring Spiritual Awareness to as many as possible. People are miserable because the lack God Consciousness. They have not direction so they focus on things they cannot CONTROL. This becomes a recipe for disaster.
I am doing the best I can with layfulconfessions.com Hundreds have told me that it got them headed in the right direction. Kindly explore this and let us know your thoughts. Thanks forever ..... But I still want the million !! -
#38
It would enable me to semi-retire. I would give up most of my one-to-one Palmistry and healing work, and devote my time to writing. It would enable me to pay others to help me heal the land and thus help heal the Planet. Much of the land in the UK, USA and elsewhere carries negative energies through war, plague and other nasty happenings, which is effecting negatively the people who live on it. I would also be able to help very poor friends in India and Sri Lanka, by educating their children.
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#39
With a million dollars I could offer the world free electricity. I have invented a generator that produces a current based on its properties and how the components are arranged. The beauty of this device is that it will work to power a vehicle, a house or store, you name it. Your local utility co. can't pull its old tricks to stop the consumer from receiving this like they did Am-Gen in Newbury Park Calif. in ventura county, because these are devices sold outright to the consumer so that we will no longer pay a monthly rate which means our tax dollars will no longer go toward paying govt. office electric bills etc...
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#40
"I would spend, spend, spend!" That's what Oprah said when asked that question during a beauty pageant long before she had any money. That honest and heartfelt answer won the contest for her! What would I do? I would continue doing what I'm doing, but with peace of mind that my bills are paid and I have the freedom to travel with my message... "Invest time in yourself to figure out what you REALLY want in life, not what you think you want."
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#41
I would set up a fund so that I could anonymously give money to hard working people who fall through the cracks of the system, that never complain about their financial struggles but instead work harder, and give them a chance to breath again.
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#42
Pay off house and cars, put college tuition away, and buy new cars!
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#43
This is a true story. Years ago Paul Tell came to Northeastern Ohio with no money. He went into business with Fred Albrecht (Acme Stores). They built stores and warehouses and dealt with food storage and delivery...to other stores as well as their own. When Paul died he had a twenty million dollar trust fund that he and his wife lived on. He had one for his son, one for his daughter, and one for God....charitable, which he oversaw in his own way. Hiring ships and crews, stocking them with food supplies, sending them to needy countries...and personally seeing that the food was delivered into the hands of the needy, and not to dictators, governments or crooked politicians. Now thats tithing! He returned 1/4th of everything he earned to God's purposes.
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#44
Question of the week for July 5th:
What makes you laugh?
36 Comments
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#1
What makes me laugh?
Cleverness. Something that took some thought, rather than the obvious.
Being a stand-up comic I suppose I have different tastes in comedy. Comedy's about surprise and I generally see the surprise coming, but I appreciate a well-crafted joke. Making fun of a stereotype? Good. A joke that relies just on restating a stereotype? Not so good. For example, the typical I'm Half This and Half That So I... followed by a combination of two ethnic stereotypes. Not my thing. -
#2
I love watching comedy programmes and cartoons.
They are extremely uplifting.
I also enjoy hearing my Mother laugh.
It's not the situation that made her laugh that makes me laugh, it's her vocal reaction including wiping the tears from her eyes while explaining the situation, in a high pitched voice. -
#3
I smile all the time and I laugh at what is funny and silly. Worriers, politicians and doctors make me laugh. Whenever in a serious situation I always look at the silly-ness of it and laugh. Whenever I must choose between frustration or fascination, I pick the latter and laugh.
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#4
I do.
http://www.youtube.com/user/dnfrosegmailcom -
#5
My husband and I laugh every day at our spontaneous plays on words. For example: Should he say something somewhat unbelievable, I would likely reply, "Are you cereal? Corn flakes or Froot Loops?" Obviously, corn flakes is actually being serious...Froot Loops is kidding. I'm cereal!
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#6
Dogs with bad hair! I mean I love good satire and all dogs make me smile, but a dog with bad hair that’s a bonus!
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#7
I was going to get something, and in front of the store is a table, wanting to help people with school funds. The lady has a neckbrace. I inquired
with compassion why she had the neckbrace. I told
her a MERRY heart does good like a medicine. it seemed to relieve her some. Nowami.org -
#8
I laugh at horror movies! I've studied the paranormal for more years than I'm willing to admit and today's movies are so far off the "truth" that they are just comical. Ha! Even the vampires on Vampire Diaries say that the Twlight series has it all wrong. Dark Shadows in the 60's was camp but it was more realistic to paranormal history than today's media.
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#9
The best writers make me laugh, like Bobert Benchley and his send ups of everyday life and his observations of silly people and things. The Greatest Humorist. www.glendowermedia.com
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#10
In this order, these are the things that make me laugh: Something new, something unexpected, something smart, sexy (but rarely sexual) and subtle—no hard sell. Being clever is the soft sell. And laughter makes me laugh, too.
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#11
Unconventional, off-the-wall humor, turning something around that is ordinary and giving it a bizarre spin, makes me laugh. I use this style in creative writing and as a teaching method in an upcoming book.
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#12
My twin sister makes me laugh. Since we really do not have twin telepathy - dang it anyway - , I am never sure what she is going to bust out with. For our humorous fitness advice column, Fun and Fit, she says she is fun, she is fit, I am "and." Yes, she is my evil twin, skippy.
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#13
At Corporate Funny, we see a lot comedians and comedy entertainment in various forms. One thing that always seems to get unanimous laughter from our staff is a WELL TIMED physical gag or reaction.
"If They Laugh...It's Funny" - George Burns -
#14
On a good day? Myself.
When I need a push I love New Yorker cartoons, the comics my mom still cuts from the paper to send me, abunch of movies and TV shows that are from the 80s and early 90s, and I have a couple of big joke books where I can usually count on a giggle or two! -
#15
Many things people do make me laugh. I love hearing stories of stupid criminals, and people who do crazy things (which often attempt to defy gravity and sanity) also keep me in hysterics.
As a speaker and a comedian, these are my favorite stories to tell when I am on-stage. -
#16
My boyfriend makes me laugh so hard when we are in bed together before making love. There are times I tell him to stop because my stomach muscules hurt so much! He has his own unique style of impersonating himself with an alter ego voice. He says the funniest things which are so obvious and does it like no one else can.
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#17
What makes me laugh.
I once had an unexpected merangue pie in the face. It was one of the funniest experiences I ever had. Peering through the topping and someone eating it off my face was funny too.
Funny animal jokes sent to me by friends on the net. And like Nola Lee Kelsey, I love bad hair on dogs. The two dogs in Zohan that he does 'do's' on really make me cackle. -
#18
Wise cracks, dry humor with proper timing, white lies told with a straight face, stories with unexpected punch lines, exaggerations to make a point, or polite insinuations in a nutshell, like:
“Did your tenant leave?
“Yes, to her benefit and ours”
carry me from a mere smile to gargantuan laughter -
#19
The innocence of children in questions they ask and the decisions they make inresponse to their perceptions of life. I laugh at myself in silly occurences of the day,when the food in the blender flies all over the ceiling when I take the lid off too soon and my face is covered in veggies. God has a sense of humor.
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#20
What makes me laugh is the divine essence that flows through me. It is a source of laughter that originates from pure happiness, pure joy and pure delight that is not signaled from anything external. Rather the laughter is is signaled from an internal "funny bone". I even went as far as to create an MP3 audio called Divine Wavelengths ~ Laughter At It's Finest which is a recording of my laughter and the story of where my laughter originates.
Angelically, Catalina
Catalina's Angel Inspirations -
#21
Recently, for the first time I got to hear the voice of a gps guide who made an honest attempt to pronounce the street names written in Hawaiian. It was a good laugh.
Like the guide, I too must sound strange (chuckles) when I use my newly acquired Chinese language. -
#22
The thing that makes me laugh the most in the world is people, mainly me, falling over. I find it utterly hilarious. Its pure slapstick comedy, Im ashamed to say, and far from any level of sophisticated humour but it makes me laugh to point of belly aches and tears. Anne-Marie Lodge
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#23
What makes me laugh is a well-written and well-told story that exposes the human condition; things people do and say--even seriously or earnestly--that are just ridiculous. EX: I had a teacher who used to say: "I'm going to call up your mother and speak to your father." He was deadly serious and didn't even know how funny he was.
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#24
what makes me laugh?....most human behavior....not the "dark" side but almost everything else we do that makes us uniquely and peculiarly human....and if I can relate it to my own humanity all the better....better to laugh than get annoyed or worst.....
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#25
I did my dissertation on cartoon appreciation and found that shame and humiliation are the things people laugh at most especially when they can identify with the character Freud called this tendentious humor
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#26
Words make me laugh. I like to try to figure out why a particular word hits the funny bone, while other choices might make us yawn.
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#27
True embarrassing life experiences caused by my error or misunderstanding, that forces me to laugh at myself which in turn gives people around me permission to laugh with me. I.E. While going through airline security, my big bag of marbles spilled and someone yelled..."She lost all her marbles!"
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#28
Almost anything; but especially when something happens that seems so unreal you have to ask yourself if you're dreaming...and then laugh because you're not.
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#29
It's my nature to laugh a lot, not to take life so seriously. Many things make me laugh but the best one is mixing very realistic fruits (or veggies) in a bowl with real fruit. Even if I don't serve the fruit, it still makes me, as an artist, laugh to think of "fooling the mind". When served and discovered, it's more laughter of course!
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#30
Intelligent humor makes me laugh. Hard to come across these days. Emo Philips, David Brenner, Bob Newhart,the Smother Brothers.
Sometimes the sheer stupidity of something will crack me up. -
#31
What makes me laugh? Any baby that smiles, laughs or especially if you can get them to belly laugh,makes me laugh!
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#32
What makes me laugh, Derrick?
Inanimate objects playing with me. Whether it's the fork that gets stuck in my sleeve, or a chair that falls into me, a piece of fluff, tickling my nose, or my glasses playing hide & seek....and all my Humour Students, and Funny Friends, and just being asked, what makes me laugh...brings a smile to my laughter...
I live to create laughter for others, it feels soooo gooood!
Finishing my "Humour-Therapy, Instantly!!!, E-book; if you love to laugh, you'll love the book. Please check out my website: Miss-SUZETTE.com.
Thank you.
Hey Derrick, what makes YOU laugh? -
#33
AS A FLIGHT ATTENDANT, ABOUT ONCE A WEEK I SEE PASSENGERS TRYING TO ENTER THE AIRCRAFT CLOTHES CLOSET THINKING IT IS THE LAVATORY! ONCE THEIR HIT THEIR HEAD ON THE 16 HANGERS IN THERE, THEY REALIZE IT IS NOT THE LAV AT ALL! AUTHOR: "ATTITUDES AT EVERY ALTITUDE."
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#34
Aside from John Stein beck's "Cannery row" and "Sweet Thursday" and almost anything by Pat Conroy, I've given myself a lot of laughs by interviewing people about their hellish house guest experiences. I was furious after entertaining a borrish (former dean of colleges, super jock full of himself new husband of my former college roommate)> I decided there were no books out on this subject, so I started interviewing people and writing. My book, Host or Hostage? A Guide for Surviving House Guests" turned out to be quite funny because of the outrageous anecdotal material that I collected. Check out my website at www.hostorhostage.com.
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#35
My kids. They are 6 and 1 and they sure do say and do the funniest things! Last night my 1-year old tried to drink from the pool like the dog!
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#36
WATCHING KIDS THEY just do they are free and total Love and guidance that freedom allows them to grow into brilliant rich adults, you know there is a fun side to life we all need the joy of laughing and happiness that's what its about. ENJOY A BALANCE OF WHAT IS GIVEN AND TO APPRECIATE THAT IS A BLESSING IN ITSELF ...X
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#37
Question of the week for June 28th, 2010:
What one thing is on your business bucket list?
26 Comments
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#1
Great idea, I love it,however,I do not have a business bucket list.
The reason being is my home based business is not dying, quite the opposite.
Loved the movie. -
#2
One can dream a day, weeks or many years but the true test of that dream is to ensure that it becomes a reality, which requires masterful goal setting that is consciously defined by being realistic and attainable.
God has blessed me with an ability to create and transform and with my travel agency called Sands-by-the Sea Travel I hope to take the mold of what has been given to me and ultimately transform it to become a international agency that supplies clients with honest, affordable yet luxurious travel services. We want to extend rates that are comparable if not better than any other agency and create a family of clients that will have a lifetime relationship.
I desire to work with other gifted women and network my business with their business and help to catapult each other to another level of success in our respective businesses. -
#3
Hoping to share all the inspiring stories of others by writing a best seller. Off to a start with the first try. http://onemoreserving.com. Come follow the blog and we can help one another's bucket list
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#4
There are so many things that I want to accomplish. But I appreciate that many people create these lists with the hope of inspiring others. So one thing I want to do is help 100 people overcome their public speaking fears so
they can use the power of speaking to benefit
and inspire others. -
#5
My business bucket list is wide and deep since I just recently launched my new site, books, packages, and training. My list includes revenue, revenue, revenue and oh did I say revenue.
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#6
I feel I have some significant answers on how corporations can save money on their employees health care costs. I want to talk with at least 10 CEOs of major corporations and explain my solutions. I only need 20 minutes of their time.
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#7
Number one on my business list was to attend the Academy awards. A daunting task as I am neither an actor or involved in the film industry. So I came up with the idea to write a New York Times bestseller book that is made into an Academy award winning movie. The book is called "The Father of Hollywood." It is the true life story of my great-grandfather H J Whitley. I guess I was lucky that he named and founded such an amazing city. His life story will be an academy award winning movie comparable to Gone With The Wind and the Titanic. Learn more about him at www.TheFatherOfHollywood.com. See you at the academy awards!
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#8
A book that I have been working on for five years with a co-author in Israel has finally been published-Strategy Leadership and the Soul. It is my wish that the core concepts in the book -- self reliance, intuition, and respect for others--be picked up and taught in MBA programs across the US. It is also a wish of mine to present at the Devos World Economic Forum sometime in my life.
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#9
In the seventies and eighties I was a pioneer and foremost expert regarding wilderness expedition backpacking. I now wish to get paid for walking across the country, promoting a message of social balance while on a "quest for social and natural beauty" across the nation.
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#10
As an informational marketer, that offers positive self help inspirational messages to Corporations, Church's and various Organizations; through my self help book entitled; "SUCCESS, HOW I ENDED UP HERE!" and my Public Speaking business, I enlighten, empower and up lift those to which I am speaking to. In doing so I have alrady fulfilled most of my dreams. However, there are two remaining items on my "Business Bucket List." They are as follows:
1) To create/start a cologne and perfume line
2) To become an executive producer of a Tyler Perry movie -
#11
My goal used to be to make a million dollars, I changed it to help a million people. The more you help people the better your life becomes.
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#12
I don't like to think about it, but when I do, I think of what I want prepared before I leave, not just what I want to do before I die. My bucket list is building an organizational structure to strengthen world compassion. Then build a home on 50 acres.
Many times searching for that right person means cutting out things in your life when you find them. Sometimes it means preparing yourself to do those things without having to leave for too long. Fifty acres of land provides space to build what I need and creates the ability to do without
having to leave home for much. -
#13
What tops our business bucket list? Making life better for artists and creatives.
We are a socially based company of artists that provides information and support services to artists. Our company name is "Getting Your Sh*t Together", or "GYST Ink" as the official title, and it's name says it all. Getting your sh*t together is an ongoing process for all of us, hence we use getting instead of get.
Founded officially in 2008, we create software for artists, an artist guide and a teaching manual to teach professional practices to artists in universities or organizations. This has been a controversial topic over the years, as most schools did a lousy job of providing basic information for artists. We did a recent survey of gallery dealers, and most of them told us that artists were "only good for making art" and that they were the ones who should control an artist's career since artists were not able to." We feel this is an antiquated model, just like the record industry thought of itself. Now with multiple tools and information available, artists now have access to information often kept quiet by those in the know.
When I graduated with an MFA in the early 80's, almost no one was showing the work of emerging artists (or women or people of color) and you had time to figure it all out by trial and error. Now, artists are being grabbed up by dealers before they get out of school, and most of them are not yet making their own work. If they don't know how things work, they can get into trouble real fast, and the pressure is incredible. Our job is to change that.
By providing resources and information (we have over 500 pages of free information on our website) and a professional practices blog, we make sure that vital information as well as correct information is accessible to artists. We also provide support services such as image scanning, archiving, consulting, workshops, video editing, websites and much more. These are all services that are hard to find. And we offer really reasonable rates. We only hire artists who work as independent contractors and each have their own practice. We give them time off for their own exhibitions or projects and work together toward our bucket goal.
We primarily work with visual artists, but have worked with all kinds of careers. We are interested in hybrid careers for artists, where the artist can create their own career on their own terms, and through DIY strategies, engage the art world with a knowledge of choices.
I have founded nonprofit organizations in the past, and decided to try a "for profit" model in order to change the perception that artists should work for free, as well as invest in themselves like most professionals. It is a grand experiment with social implications. So artists, who have been treated fairly poorly by many institutions and individuals, can get a better idea of what their options are as artists. There is no one way to do anything.
With the recent advent of reality shows with artists, "our" perception of artists is not going to get much better in the near future. Artists are some of the lowest paid workers in the US. Most people think artists should do everything for free. As long as we keep up this mentality, we will be a very busy company for a very long time. Artists are workers too.
So, if you are an artist, and have something to say, please contact us and help us fill this big 'ol bucket.
Your can find out all about us at http://www.gyst-ink.com. You can download a free software trial for mac and pc or a sample of our publications which are also available on amazon.
We work with artists across the country, so come join our mailing list to keep up with our services and spread the word. Thanks, and please let other artists know we are here to support a multiplicity of careers.
Karen Atkinson, founder -
#14
In 2008 I watched CNN from Baghdad and was mortified to see small businesses failing by the thousands. Then I watched as the new president rolled out a recovery plan that pumped billions of dollars into the economy in the way of government spending/contracting. I knew that with my 25 years of gov contracting experience of working with small businesses, that if small businesses could grab a slice of the stimulus pie they would not only hang-on but also grow. So I decided to help.
In late 2009 I published "Don't Bid! Insider secrets for small businesses to benefit from government spending". I help small businesses grow quickly by entering the world of government contracting.
So far I have helped save over 200 businesses, personally, and my book has helped thousands enter the government contracting work without bidding on contracts.
My business bucket list is to help a large portion of the 28 million small businesses get a foothold into government contracting, and survive. I have a long way to go! -
#15
After practicing law for almost 7 years in Florida, I closed my law practice to become an executive coach for lawyers and business owners. The one thing on my bucket list is to help lawyers, business owners, and professionals to bridge the gap between their conscious and subconscious mind to get more out of their careers, to get more profits, more clients, and more free time. I want to guide them to realize that they can overcome any obstacle in their way, reach higher levels of success in their professional and personal lives through balance and harmony between the practical and the instinctive.
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#16
Because my business as The Marble Lady is a little bit unconventional,(www.themarblelady.com) I have quite a unconventional bucket list. My husband and I have already donated our extensive marble collection to the Kansas City Toy and Miniature Museum....that was on the list. To be the first woman to compete in the National Adult Marble Tournament...The Rolley Hole Tournament....I did that in 1992 and I set the Guinness record for the most people playing marbles at one time and I have helped two groups break it since then. Those were all on my list. NOW, I would love to have a fundraiser for The Dream Factory which caters to the wishes of children dealing with terminal illnesses. I would love for that fundraiser to be a celebrity marble tournament.....so that is the next thing on my bucket list! And then, maybe we can get marbles into the Senior Olympics some day!
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#17
My ultimate Business Bucket List item is to travel around the world conducting training and/or speaking to groups on personal and /or organizational success strategies.
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#18
I was laid off in August, 2008 from a very lucrative career and I took the time to search for my new career. I wanted it to be something that I could help more than my wallet...I wanted it be life changing for others. I never had to network before January of this year and had great fear of doing so. What my networking groups have done for me...they have given me the confidence to move forward, to once again be a leader and mentor and networking also found my new career AND is saving me $85K...I want to express gratitude to everyone who has taken the time to mentor me and to help me grow. My bucket list is already being fulfilled because I am now able to help others feel empowered regarding their finances and see that they too can have financial freedom! My Best to Everyone!
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#19
Great question, thanks for asking! You asked for ONE thing on my business bucket list. It's to donate at least $50,000 to organizations helping to increase worldwide literacy through my company, Zen Rabbit.
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#20
Our Bucket List is long! We have so many goals and what a pleasure it is to be a Humane Education Advocate. We launched our own radio show, The Responsible Pet Owner and are helping to raise awareness to others on the importance of responsibel pet ownership. Our ultimate goal is to promote lifelong homes for pets. So when I say our bucket list is long, it means that its very full of all the lost and forgotten pets that have died because they were left behind, abandoned and then suffered death as a result. By the time we accomplish our bucket list, there will not be the need for shelters. We will be working for a long time at our bucket list and I believe it is worth every ounce of time and effort! Passion drives a good bucket list to greatness.
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#21
Everyone has the capacity to change. With the right support system, dreams can be actualized. I am passionate about connectedness and connecting to others who believe in the power of positive thinking.
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#22
You asked in relation to business, and write a mystery series about a forensic handwriting expert (which is the other half of my career). So now that my series is published by a major publishing house, I'd love to see the books become big bestsellers and go to film (many of my readers say what great movies they would make). This is my totally selfish bucket list item.
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#23
Anything that my inner wisdom tells me to do is on my bucket list. When I feel a passion and an inspiration to achieve something, I know it is something that I am meant to do, here on assignment to accomplish.
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#24
Work from home as a Social Media Maven!
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#25
Achieving as I go on my list.Author of my first book, apart from my poetry . Love of all creatures Great and Small . We are the planet each of us so make the best of who you are and keep on going until that day we go home Love all of you now ....
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#26
To speak to audiences of 5,000 plus entrepreneurs, aspiring through to veterans, consistently sharing the wisdom and insights gleaned over my past 50 years of being a creative and profitable entrepreneur. To inspire this next generation of adventuring entrepreneurs in the art of becoming a creative entrepreneur.
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#27
Question of the week for June 14th:
How has faith helped you in business?
67 Comments
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#1
Faith has help me in my business to believe that new ideas will work if you just take action and apply the knowledge you already have.
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#2
MISSION STATEMENT FROM GOD
Like many companies over the past ten years, the company that I worked for in Los Angeles was downsizing – offering buy-out packages as an incentive for employees to leave the company. What a great deal! I had been unhappy in my job for quite some time, and this looked like the perfect way out. My severance package would provide the financial cushion (a rather small cushion, but it would do) required to start a new business of my own. I was nervous about leaving the security of a big corporation, especially since I was single and over 40, and the country was in the midst of a recession. There was no husband to bring home a regular paycheck while I was building my business. I was completely on my own.
I had heard that one should have enough money to live on for two years when you start a new business, and I only had enough to last about nine months. But still, it was a start. My nervousness was mixed with excitement and anticipation.
I set up my home office in the basement, and ordered inexpensive business cards and stationary from my local Kinko’s. I bought a fax machine and a computer. I made up a list of various business ideas -- the kinds of things I thought I’d like to do. I was ready to begin.
As the weeks rolled by, I spent my time doing research on my list of business ideas. I would do interviews with entrepreneurs and ask them questions about their businesses. I read books and trade journals. I read the Wall Street Journal and magazines for entrepreneurs. I pursued each of my ideas with thorough research and dogged determination.
One by one, I explored each of the ideas on my list. And one by one, I crossed them off the list, as each one turned out to be not right for me.
As the weeks turned into months, my list of possible business ideas got shorter and shorter, and I got more and more discouraged. It seems each idea led me down a blind alley to a dead end. I was running out of ideas -- my fear and dread grew stronger. What was I going to do?
Finally the day came when I had exhausted my list of ideas. None of them had worked out, nine months had gone by, and I was almost out of money. I was terrified.
I woke up one morning, sat on the edge of my bed, bowed my head, and began to pray:
“Well, God, you had better tell me what to do because I am absolutely clueless. I don’t have the first idea of how to start a business, or even what business to go into. I’m turning my career and my future over to you, because I don’t know what to do. God, I’m putting you in charge of my career and my business – from now on, you’re the boss.”
I got dressed and went about my household chores and errands . . .
As I went through my day, a simple question softly made its way into my awareness. “What are your gifts?” the gentle voice asked.
Stopping my activity to engage in conversation with this still, small voice, I thought for a minute and then replied, “My gifts are teaching and writing.”
“Then do that,” the gentle voice replied. It was as simple as that. The conversation was over. A quiet peacefulness came over me. The fear was gone; I felt clear and calm. I had a mission.
The next morning, my phone rang, and a woman’s voice on the other end asked me if I would be interested in designing a new employee orientation program for her company. This woman had known me when I was the training manager for the company that had given me the severance package. She knew the quality of my work and had called the old company to get my phone number. We had a short conversation, made an appointment to meet and discuss details, and then hung up the phone.
I got on my knees and began to pray again – this time a prayer of thanks. I finally knew who was really going to run my business, and my mission was clear: I would teach and write, making my contribution to people’s lives through the seminars that I teach and the books that I write. With my mind and heart finally open to divine guidance, I knew I was in business. -
#3
I approach my work the same way I approach other things in my life - to use my abilities to create something of value to others. With that in mind, I always seem to have the strength to summon up the faith I need to succeed.
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#4
Faith the size of a mustard seed!
Hello, my name is Terry Grahl, and I'm the Founder and President of Enchanted Makeovers. I'm also a wife and mother to four wonderful children and a award-winning interior decorator.
''A polka-dotted pillow changed my life and my journey.” When I tell people this, most will say, "what?" and then envision a pretty, feminine, polka-dotted pillow, trimmed with a big flowing ruffle. Well, that is exactly what my heart saw when I viewed the photo (below), but not exactly what my eyes saw the very day I took this photo.
You see, on January 15, 2007, I received a call from a gentleman asking for help. He was the black tie event coordinator of a local shelter. He said, "we would be so grateful even if you just painted one wall." Honestly, I was somewhat fearful of going. I really didn't know what to expect. I had never been to a shelter. I decided to make the visit and, as with consultations with my private clients conducted with my decorating business, I needed to take photos to assist with any necessary planning and visualization. That is, if I would actually accept the volunteer job.
A week had passed since my first visit to the shelter. I hadn't given it much thought. All I know is that I had this lingering feeling of despair knowing the living conditions of the women and children. I began to reflect upon my own expectations for my life and the dreams of a child. I was a big dreamer; my mother instilled this upon me and my siblings. Had I forgotten my own dreams?
"Once upon a time, there was a little girl who believed in the magic of her own imagination. Her parents were wise and caring adults who encouraged the little girl to follow her pixie-dusted dreams."
My mother taught me that decorating didn't need to be motivated by money and that by relying on your own creativity and vision – each home improvement was a selfless act of love. For my mother, making a home where her five children felt safe and where their spirits could soar was as important as keeping us fed and clothed.
How could I have forgotten my own big dreams, given my stable circumstances. But, more importantly, how could the women and children in the shelter realize that they were worthy of so much more? They too had dreams, but where could they be found again?
"The pictures, the pictures — I must look at these pictures." As I downloaded them to my computer, there it was, THE picture. There amongst black metal posts, a stained mattress and an unfinished sheet rock wall was an answer. There amongst the harshness was something dear to my heart: a polka dot, a safe pattern that has no sharp edges. There on that seemingly ordinary pillow was an answer. It was an answer from within me but not directly from me. When I saw the polka dots in that picture, I heard, "Trust me." From that moment, I knew I was prepared to do whatever I could to bring hope to those women and children.
Soon, I was back at the shelter presenting them with a design plan and a vision of what was to come. There was no turning back. I vowed to see this project to completion. With no funds and no volunteers lining up at the door, I had only to put my trust in God, keep the faith and, most importantly, I needed to step away from my ego. These women and children must not be disappointed again. As I presented the plan to the group of women and staff, I was overcome with emotion. I again was that vulnerable child wanting their acceptance. I realized the thin wall that separated our lives. We all deserved and desired the same things. It was simple, but seemingly so complicated in its simplicity. I would find a way to break through this thin wall.
Transforming the shelter took more than just my decorating skills. It required finding and organizing enthusiastic volunteers and donors nationwide to help me carry out my vision. Six months later, the makeover was complete and it was amazing. Even more amazing to me was that I had found my true calling. I wanted to use all of my talents and skills to provide refuge, solace, and hope to people in need.
As I continued accepting work from private clients, I felt something was missing. I had taken on additional shelter projects in 2007, but continued to hold onto the security of my paying clients. December, 2008, I decided to close my decorating business, Terry's Enchanted Cottage. I knew without a doubt that God had much bigger plans for my life, and He needed to use me for His glory. We made a deal with each other on that day. I asked that He would continue to provide the needs for my family (food and a roof over our heads) and His request was, "Glorify Me".
In January of 2009, Terry's Enchanted Cottage, established back in 2005, ultimately became Enchanted Makeovers, a non-profit organization. Today, my vocation is to transform shelters into beautiful sanctuaries that heal the spirit. I am passionate about this cause.
Many Blessings,
Terry Grahl
Founder and President of Enchanted Makeovers -
#5
Faith is the foundation of my business. I am a spiritual counselor. I believe the right people come for my services . God is doing the work; I am in service. If I were running the show, I would be in fear of enough money, the right clients, and liability issues.
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#6
It is impossible to be an entrepreneur or small business owner without faith. Faith keeps you believing that no matter what difficulties you face in your business, they are only temporary and things are going to turn around and work for your good. When I started my Internet marketing business in 2004, I didn't know where the money I needed or the customers where going to come from but I kept believing and working on my business with the hope that things would turn around. Slowly but surely, the money came along with the customers but I had to keep the faith and keep working. It's easy to give up but it takes a special type of person to hang in there and hold on to his/her faith. Faith is a verb which requires that we do those things that are within our power and trust and believe that God will take care of the rest.
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#7
Faith causes me to try something I know I can't achieve on my own, then it empowers me to not give up. Because faith comes from hearing, I turn on my favorite "build my faith" music and let it take me over. When stereo's were pieces of furniture I would lay on ours and turn the music up so high it would vibrate through my body. When my young daughter first saw me sprawled across the stereo, she yelled "Mother, what are you doing?" I yelled back over the blaring music--"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! God inhabits the praises of his people!" However, I understood that it was hard to explain to her friends that she did NOT have a crazy Mother. There was one project in particular that caused my daughter to say, "Now, you've gotten yourself in way over your head Mom--what are you going to do? I answered "I'm going to sing" and I started singing "Praise the Lord, He works through those who praise him..." She was so frustrated with me she sobbed. Fast forward 20 years: My daughter faced a serious decision concerning an overwhelming challenge, I asked, "What are you going to do?" She said, "I know what I'm going to do. I'm going to sing" and she started singing that very faith song that had been my theme song so many years before. Although I don't have space to go into detail here--the above episodes--both hers and mine--- had very happy and blest conclusions. PTL
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#8
Being a born-again Christian means that Jesus lives in me through the Holy Spirit. As a result, I receive the gifts of access to His wisdom and infinite knowledge. As a management consultant, I can draw on those resources to create better methods and solutions for clients. I can also write books about how ordinary people can make breakthroughs by aligning with Jesus. My next book, 2,000 Percent Solution Living, explains how everyone on Earth can accomplish more than 20 times as much while spending no more time, money, and effort. I couldn't have written this book without the Holy Spirit who dictated the contents. Praise God!
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#9
Faith has helped me in my business whenever I act on the ideas that come to mind. I'm a logical person, and tend to over think things, getting in my own way. Now that I'm in business for myself, it more important for me to trust my intuition and take inspired action even when it doesn't make sense, because the holy spirit sees the big picture. My prayer is "Holy Spirit, take charge of my thoughts and take charge of my day." When I remember to say this powerful prayer, things always work out better. It's simple, but it isn't easy.
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#10
Turning Tragedy Into Triumph!
19 years ago a young girl was kidnapped on Long Island. The details were gruesome! As I watched the news I couldn't stop crying.
FInally , I cried out to God, Can't there just be a place for "good people"
The reply was "That's Heaven"
My response? Well, can't there be a "Li'l Bit Of Heaven" on earth??
From that moment on The Lord gave me the vision for everything. It was to be an oasis, a haven, a refuge from the world. It was to be for all ages and all backgrounds so that we could celebrate our differences and stop being divided by them.
We were to have anointed music that would encourage and lift the spirit. Classes , workshops and support groups to help sooth the soul, and help people live a more victorious life in Christ.
In addition, squeaky clean comedy to help heal the body (Proverbs 17:22)
I was sure this vision was for someone else..lol, so for 2 years I waited for the Lord to bring the "equipped" person to carry out "my" dream.
One day, my spiritual mentor asked me why I was not doing it.
I explained it couldn't be me. She said "When you can't God can" Those words spoke life into me!
So, with no money, no clue and alot of prayer, I founded a "Li'l Bit Of Heaven" on earth.
A non -denominational oasis and haven where faith and friendship grow! Over 100,000 guests have visited from all over the world!!!
I have seen hearts mended, bodies healed and salvation sealed. I have seen God do the impossible with a "mustard seed " of faith.
Samantha's "Li'l Bit Of Heaven" just celebrated 17 yrs!
A little dream, a BIG God and the rest is history!! -
#11
Faith is serious business. Faith is like a compass in my business. It helps me determine which direction to go. It helps me maintain integrity. It helps me apply the golden-rule. It gives me a philanthropic edge in the marketplace.
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#12
Faith is the object of determination (faith in God, means determined to please God, determined to trust Him) and if you are determined to do anything, that exercises the faith that you have in God that you will succeed! God has seen me through.....
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#13
Faith is the only thing that works, actually. Connecting with one's Trusted Source (God, higher self, spirit, source, whatever you call it) and LISTENING to the guidance, is what can help each of us through our journeys, in business and in life.
I call on faith to "download" information on programs, who to work with, what direction to be moving, etc. I use it all the time and the more I pay attention, the better things work. -
#14
"Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though
not beheld". This quote from Hebrews 11:1 in the
Bible (NWT) highlights what the true quality of faith is. Though it's something that encompasses
every facet of our life, in business specifically
we need to have a strong faith to survive. In order
to overcome obstacles, doubts, negativity, and even
recessions, faith will help us to keep going and to
achieve our goals. Our success is so real we can
taste it and faith enables us to stay the course and endure knowing the end result of our endeavors.
It is not a question of if we'll succeed and thrive
but when. -
#15
Faith is everything in business to me. My motto is Faith
Creates! What we focus on is what we get. Faith is the
ability to stay focused on something as if it is there,
until it is. I am endeavoring to put a state-of-the-art
greenhouse dome on the White House lawn. It is all about
faith and it is coming into
form. http://www.youtube.com/user/eating2heaven -
#16
It is interesting to think on that question because I don't know if I really care how faith has helped my business. The reason I don't care is that the purpose of my faith is to strengthen my relationship with God, period. Having faith strengthens me, and as a result the relationships in my life are strengthened which as a result affects my business. If I look at it closely however, the way I approach my business and the decisions I make, the way I treat the people I work with and my customers is shaped by my faith because my faith has helped shape me.
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#17
Connecting to Source: Everything in this world is
a movement of energy. The more aligned we are with the Source energy of the universe, the more we can accomplish. Our book, Beyond Success; Redefining the Meaning of Prosperity speaks a great deal about the role of faith in business. The book is based on four CORE concepts or pillars - the first one being "Connecting to Source." -
#18
Faith is the compass that steers all decisions - business and otherwise. Faith isn't something you DO - it's something you ARE. You can't separate the two. I've declined clients with big budgets simply because I won't help certain organizations or products gain ground in my community or in America. Conversely, it's helpful to know
what you're all about in terms of selecting causes or companies to work with that I can be passionate about. I can do my best work when I'm passionate about who I'm working with/for. :-) -
#19
Faith is very important to our business my wife and I started our business 25 years ago. Thru the ups and downs of business we have learned about the faithfulness of God and even been able to share our faith. Faith helps you to
believe that you can do the impossible. During good times, faith keeps you grounded and helps you to remember what is really important . During times of struggle faith keeps you moving forward and enables you to never give up. Faith
brings a balanced optimism to business. Sound faith is grounded in facts and it grows through hard work, an optimistic attitude and hard work. -
#20
Last year, faith guided me in attempting to purchase the company I was working for. When that fell apart, I was confident that God still wanted me to move forward so I decided to start my own
business competing directly against my old employer. Our success can be attributed to nothing other than God's hand guiding us in making good decisions and connecting with good
people. I seek God's direction as regularly as I can and He has yet to steer me wrong.
Often, when I worry that I have made a misstep, I remember the verse "Have faith in the Lord your God, and you shall be upheld" (2 Chronicles 20:20). Inevitably, God works in some supernatural way to let me know that all is well and to keep moving forward. -
#21
My businesses are entirely the result of faith. They run on faith and I depend on faith to drive them and prosper them...or upend and change them.
It was not always so. I had successful careers in printing and publishing, and later in wellness care; both for more than 20 years. All of it was run by my wits and resources. Today, my wife and I run two publishing companies, a wellness consulting business and a "coaching" ministry, all built from faith and run on faith.
We did nothing to make them happen on our own. We followed four simple rules, that seem to apply to everything that is
built on faith:
1) SHOW UP, by faith, where and when we are
led
2) PAY ATTENTION to what faith will show, once we show up
3) TELL THE TRUTH, when asked, no matter what
4) LET GO OF THE OUTCOME. This is where faith meets its greatest test! Having done all, will we have faith, even if the outcome seems unknown or uncertain?
The result of the journey is a freedom and peace I've never known before. Rather than an exercise of striving, prosperity becomes a natural outflow. It is a daily experience of awe, wonder and gratitude to the one true God, who is Himself faith-full. -
#22
I have enjoyed publishing our Christian titles including Why God Matters: How to Recognize Him in Daily Life (http://www.whygodmatters.com) with Deacon Steven Lumbert and his daughter, Karina.
I also enjoyed With God There Is Hope: Hope for Humanity by Ellen Chaksil which was a USA News/Best Books Award Finalist (http://catholiccharismaticprophecies.blogspot.com).
And of course our children's title Nine Things Nathan Noticed at Night which explains the story of creation through verses from the Bible accompanied by gorgeous artwork. -
#23
Faith has helped my business through obedience!
I had been listening to all the "worldy or spiritual" coaches on their view. Since the word spiritual now means more that a relationship with Jesus Christ I should have been cautious.
One day driving to south county the Lord say "Be Bold", from that day forward I re-invented how I market & defined a micro-niche with boldness in my faith and the Lord has increased my business 200%!
If we (I) walk in faith in life, business & relationships the Lord will bless! And He has, abundantly! -
#24
I love having FAITH becaused it is the only place you can be restored!!!!!
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#25
Faith is not only a key ingredient to my business it is what launched my business. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my mid 30s. During a crisis in my treatment. God spoke to me and said, "I lay before you life and death, blessings and curses." I was so sick and incapacitated, I truly couldn't answer, but God answered for me and said, "Choose Life." Then he breathed on me and said, "I have given you my Zoe, my Life bring it back to my people." My company is Zoe Life Publishing, we publish the work of Christian authors with the goal of bridging the gap between the theology of the bible and reality people live in each day. Every day has been a miracle. When other business we failing all around we continued to push forward by faith.
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#26
The number one value of both personal and professional success. For me that is God and Jesus Christ--for you it might be Buddha, Allah, Hindi, and the Universe--whatever you choose to call it. It is naive to think that we are on this world by ourselves without supreme direction. Faith in higher source allows you the comfort to understand the ups and downs of business and its subsequent relationships. All things are possible through him!
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#27
We've now moved to Hawaii by faith and are expecting
to help some millionaires to market their homes
and businesses. Nowami.org (read Mission Statement page) -
#28
Wow, I cannot imagine not having faith in business. Without God and the ability to lift up my goals to Him, they really just don't seem to happen. When I get to talk with Him during prayer, I feel that He wants me to receive the blessings He has given me. I know that I'm going in the direction He wants me in. The blessings are amazing. It's just too cool!
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#29
Were it not for faith, I would not have gotten past the first week in business, much less 24 years!
I always remember something Edgar Cayce said, "Trust in the Divine, apply what you know and the next step will be given." That, and the Serenity prayer have gotten me through some pretty challenging times.
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can and wisdom to know the difference." (It's that last one that's tricky:-) -
#30
Faith is the reason that I have been successful in business, and in the other areas of my life. Faith in the knowing that all I have to do is to decide on a goal that I want and as long as I am making a regular conscious contact with my Creative Source in quiet time and in the moment, all the resources I need to accomplish anything will be revealed to me. I started this faith practice blind, and have since proven to myself its value over and over again. And I just keep finding new challenges to work with it.
Without faith, you only have your own mind to work with. And even though our minds are all magnificent, without faith it is left to its own imperfections. Faith allows a stretching to conceive that all IS possible - because it is! It drops the limits that one puts on oneself. -
#31
I believe in Divine Purpose and am fulfilling mine. I went through a lot of trauma (including surviving domestic violence, an eating disorder, family estrangement and more). Each experience brought me to where God wanted me to be: teaching others to heal their pain and live in peace. My entire career resulted from these experiences. I have had things happen professionally that have clearly been Divinely orchestrated (such as getting a huge celebrity endorsement on my latest book, The Secret Side of Anger). I have complete trust in God as things continue to unfold in my business. When you do the Lord's work, everything falls into place.
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#32
Jesus Christ is the foundation of my life. He is, therefore, the source of my personality, the basis of my confidence, and the cause of my success. Without obedience and trust in the Lord I would have no business.
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#33
Answer: My faith in Jesus is a major factor in my business. I'm now
49 years old and here is a summation of my life experience -
"Do everything to glorify God." This includes all business
activity. -
#34
Faith in business is essential. I had a situation with a recently awarded three (3) year contract for my firm; for some reason the actual contract was being delayed.
I prayed for a solution and was directed to make contact with a colleague who in turn put me in contact with a decision maker. Not only were changes made to the insurance requirements - from a $5M CSL policy back to my original $1M CSL; but this same contact was able to make several calls and have the contract completed.
I was asked how I had won the contract in the first place as it is so difficult for small firms to even win these contracts, I shared that it was not me but God's grace that allowed me to be in a position of obedience. I owe all of the praise and glory to Jesus Christ for this contract! -
#35
Faith helps me keep going when the going gets rough (financially, for example) in a tough business climate and in a field that's tough to "crack" in our culture. Faith helps me know (and remember) that no matter what's going on, I can count on God to be there, listening to my struggles, hopes, and concerns. Faith reminds me that God will help me through the "firsts" and the unknowns of my business, no matter what! (It was not my original intention to become a business woman after graduating from seminary and doing ministry for years. However, sometimes God has other plans for us, and we must follow the call.)
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#36
Faith in business does so many things. Where it has
specifically helped me in the past is to take responsibility for my company's error and trust that God will mend a damaged client relationship and protect my reputation.
Faith has also helped me in business to take risks that seemed scary or too large to conquer.
Finally, I actively use Faith in my business to obtain discernment on all hiring that I do for my company and my clients. -
#37
Things hoped for took on substance; things not seen are now evidence, because I believed that with God these things were possible. Now I have a book about to be released and a CD by which I can share my songs.
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#38
One morning you get a call… your husband has been killed walking across the street. I found myself going from wife to widow in twenty seconds. Now I was instantly alone, saddled with debt, required to make decisions, and completely clueless about most of what it takes to manage personal and family affairs single-handed.
One of the most important things I learned from the grief process was that faith and courage are so significant in developing inner strength. It took courage to wake up each morning and get out of bed, even with tears streaming from my eyes. It took faith and fierce determination as I relearned to live as one in a society meant for two but I become skilled at the tenacity I needed to not only get things done but also to succeed in the journey I was embarking on.
As I got stronger so did my children. We discovered new family traditions and through faith we learned that death is not the end; it is a continuation of love, traditions, honor and respect that transcends time and death.
My personal goal after healing was to write a book that everyone who loses a spouse could read before or after the death to help them through the transition. The ABC’s of Widowhood is my voice of experience and my new beginning to share what I discovered along the way. I realized the most important lesson is that all women must have faith to know that they have the free will to pursue a vision of freedom and spiritual awakening…and the journey can be astonishing if you let it. -
#39
I will make a bold statement. True faith will guarantee success in business. OK, before you say something ugly about me, let me explain.
1-We know that God has given us all that we need to be prosperous, right?
2- We are led by The Holy Spirit,who gives us the insight of what our purpose in life, right?
3-When we have the discernment of our purpose, and we activate our passion and purpose, this guarantees success with fulfillment of other people's needs with our purpose.
When we solve the needs of others, this is the true formula to achieving success through our faith.
It is as simple as that. -
#40
I am a self-employed Certified Public Accountant and an author of the Escape from Debtors Prison book series. I consult with publicly traded companies in the area of internal control and risk management. Less than 2 years ago I was able to bill well above $100 for my services
and had little trouble obtaining clients. In the current market climate, I've been forced to reduce my hourly rate by nearly sixty-five percent and clients have been rather difficult to come by.
I am also a licensed minister. I've spoken to many people who've had even more devastation in their finances. I encourage them to remember the
promises that God has given us in the Bible. These promises are the foundation for the faith that sustains me during trying times, as such, I follow my own advice. The Bible declares that God's thoughts toward us are good and not evil. His intentions are to give a future and a hope (this
hope never disappoints). And while not all things that happen are good, all things work together for our good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose. So, as I conduct my business, I remind myself of my love for God and that I am operating within my God given
purpose. www.pottsinternational.com -
#41
Faith is the foundation for how I live. I don't separate my business from my personal life. Rather, I integrate all aspects of my life to form a whole. Living this way has lead to consistency, order and a certain fluidity.
So, what this means - what others can expect - is an encounter with someone who treats ALL people (whether they are business connections, friends or family) with equal regard, respect and dignity. There is no "business persona" that differs from the "personal persona". Trying my hardest to be a walking embodiment at all times of the faith that I profess, there are no surprises, no hidden agendas and no pandering.
The bottom line is that my faith has helped me in business because it has taught me the importance of treating everyone exactly the way that I am called to treat them. Therefore, I find that others enjoy doing business with me because of their confidence in my intentions and purpose. -
#42
The Universe/Higher Power/GOD LOVES us. Minute by minute sign posts are displayed giving us the path to follow. TRUST these sign posts and believe we are here to have FUN and to provide GREAT benefits to others via our LOVE.
My idea to focus in individuals who reside or work with two or more pets came from the The Universe/Higher Power/GOD. Everyone has a story to share and my mission is to hear these stories. My radio show has over 4 thousands listeners in just nine months!!!! I never imaged to achieve this number but when you LOVE what you do and DO what you LOVE...I know ALL IS WELL.
Follow your passion and you will be guided to joy and fun. Remember The Joy Is In The Journey and that FUN is #1. -
#43
Faith plays a huge part in my business, because I am the founder, author and publisher of Ball Publications Christians Books which are christian books for children. My books are bible study reference books that are designed to help your kids answer questions that they have about God, life and the bible. Faith is what gets me through when I'm writing and ministering to children and their parents. Because of the difficulty of the world and Satan, faith is the key to keep doing what God has asked us to do. Without faith, we can do nothing! God tells us that we will have difficulties in this life, things that make us feel that we can't possibly go on, but with faith and hope that the Holy Spirit also gives us, we are able to make it. Also when reading and studying God's word, his spirit gives us hope to encourage ourselves and one another to continue in His will. We have to believe that God is for us and not against us, and with this belief we can conquer all!
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#44
Thanks to faith, I have completed a book Jesus My Son:Mary's Journal of Jesus' Early Life. This book has strengthened my faith tremendously. Just by completing it, I have proven that God doesn't always let us retire as we plan to. He has greater plans than of us could ever imagine. We have to learn to listen when he speaks and follow His lead.
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#45
Faith is an essential ingredient in my business. I coach my clients to have faith when making life changes and choices. Faith gives me the ability to sit back and trust my intuition. It removes stress from the unknown and I always know that everything is taken care of. I act on my business
hunches and they always return something wonderful. Faith activates the ability to trust the process of life. -
#46
At the Proverbs For Business Meetup Group, we read through and discuss how Proverbs apply to our businesses. As we share examples of ways we have seen the application of wisdom or of foolishness, we receive encouragement to make good choices that will build a strong foundation for our businesses as well as enable us to be the Ambassadors for the Lord, that we have been called to be. Seeking advice from wise counsel, discerning the path of life, and patiently working to earn income/versus trying to get rich quick are some of the principles we discussed today from the 1st 1/2 of Proverbs 13.
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#47
As a women owned business, I am constantly being challenged to inspire and constantly challenging myself to be inspired. Inspiration is the fuel that ignites the soul and moves the feet. I work daily through my meditation practice to remain centered and find new inspiration.
While not "religious", I work to maintain and deepen my spiritual practice. Being authentic and living life with a loving consciousness is the daily goal I set for myself. I look to Servant Leadership as a way of stewarding our company and our client relationships. I am always motivated for allowing space to have the people around me grow and find their rightful place and their reflection. Understanding the works of Rudolf Steiner and Ernest Holmes helps me to define my purpose and inform my work.
I was always a "goal" oriented individual, believing that if I struggled mightily enough that I would "succeed". After many life challenges, including a very sick child and several surgeries myself, I realized that "struggling " was not sustainable. I looked inwardly and spent time defining how I was to continue. I prayed for wisdom and searched for answers. My days were cloudy and my nights were long.
Who knew that my direction would come from a flyer hanging in a window in Hillsdale New Jersey. Looking for a caller for my husband's 50th birthday square dance surprise party, my angels found Susan on this flyer. She was looking for square dancers and I for direction. Susan promised to help me with the party, if I would go with her to a "Church" and discover Ernest Holmes' work. Desperate and with Susan not taking no for an answer I surrendered for he first time. At this moment, I gave up struggle and turned to a faith that I did not know I had. This ah ha moment has changed my life and that of all the thousands of people I meet as I journey through my life.
I could go on, but I will leave it here and if there is more to say, please let me know. Blessings in finding your story. -
#48
My business was started by faith. One day I was gainfully employed, driving my own vehicle, doing deliveries for an office supply company. I delivered packages for them, direct to their customers. One evening they called, just after supper, and said, "Your services are no longer required." That was it! Suddenly I was un-employed! The next day I filed for un-employment. I did a lot of driving around, looking for work, but, I was over 50, and after filling out a lot of applications, and getting no interviews, I said to my wife one evening, "I already have a delivery van, why not just start my own delivery business and see if I can make money working for myself." I got some business cards printed up and began passing them out. I walked into one business, and asked if they ever sold things to customers, who needed those things delivered! They put me right to work as they "Delivery Man" and put my cards on their counter and began calling me almost daily, to transport their stuff between their stores and to be available to do Pick-ups and Deliveries for their customers! I had my first contract, then another company called and wanted me to do pick-ups and deliveries for their company, too,.. then a third and then a fourth! God saw that I was going out, pounding the pavement, getting the word out about my new delivery business, and He provided the work! Without faith in Him, I don't believe it would have happened as quickly! "Faith without actively working at it, is dead!" I continue to this day to believe that God is my Boss and I am listening to His words and following His advice, and my success is entirely upon Him.
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#49
Things hoped for took on substance; things not seen are now evidence, because I believed that with God these things were possible. Now I have a book about to be released and a CD by which I can share my songs.
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#50
Having faith that there is God created value in each human being; has facilitated leading 12 organizations to turnarounds saving over 15,000 jobs. Their employees, when encouraged to "let their light shine", have been instrumental in both the solutions and their implementation necessary to show God's design for his people as victors and not victims.
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#51
Faith and my business are one in the same. I'm author of
Color Your Life Happy: Create the Success, Abundance and
Inner Joy You Deserve. As I work with people through my
radio show, coaching, speaking and writing, I stress the
importance of working on life from the inside out--finding
your spiritual path and following it. -
#52
Faith helps me in business because by knowing that everything comes from God, it really helps me to do the best thing, the right thing (instead of an "okay thing")for the client, even though it could initially mean less money for me. And the beauty of this is that when the client knows you are acting in THEIR best interests,not mine, they tell other people about me!
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#53
Faith helps me in business by bringing Godly character,
humility and success principles to my interactions and
services.
It also helps me to focus on making a difference in the lives of others and on collaboration; not just on making money or having a competitive spirit.
In our lives, we would do well to be consitent with who we are in all situations. Too many have the "God box," the "work box" and the "relationship box" set up in their lives. Be a person of faith 24/7. Bring it through your integrity, inner joy, heart of love for others, and effective, Godly actions.
Krista Dunk,
Koinonia Business Women -
#54
Faith has helped me in business by starting my business. My passion to follow God has led me to launch a business assisting others in finding and walking in their purpose and passion. Faith pleases God, and operating in our purpose is acting on faith; therefore, Life That Matters Ministries exists.
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#55
Faith is the driving force in my business. It is where I get my inspiration and motivation. It guides me to make the "right" decisions and to ensure that my business is existing as a tool to make a positive difference in the world. When I am able to make a customer smile or hear that a student is doing better because of something he/she learned from me, I believe that is a "touch" from God. I don't see business existing in spite of faith, I see most businesses existing BECAUSE of faith. (Yeah, there are some poor business people out there, but they truly are the minority.)
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#56
I used to think I'd gone into business for myself because I was a divinely wired entrepreneur and had more to offer (and gain) through my own business than I did working for someone else.
I still believe that's true but How Has Faith Helped Me In My Business?
Over the years I've come to understand that my business and entrepreneurship has been more of a tool to for God to teach me to HAVE faith and to know that God will deliver. So rather than relying on faith IN my business - God is using my business to CULTIVATE my faith developing growing more intimate and make me more useful.
The most important areas I've learned to have faith in as a business owner are:
1. Time: Being a good steward of it and managing it faithfully
As a business owner the time clock doesn't stop. There's always more than 24 hours of stuff (even just the business stuff) that has to be crammed into a 24 hour period.
I've had to learn to set reasonable business hours that let me be a responsible bread winner and when those business hours are over I have to be disciplined enough to stop and take care of the other responsibilities God has entrusted to me (husband, father, self, etc...). Many times I have to make this decision when cash flow is not where it should be and there's still a mountain of work to do.
In these times I have to remember that God expects us to be productive but he also expects us to rest, take of more than "just business" and trust him.
After planting Israel in the promised land he called them to leave their work behind and go into the wilderness to worship together for an extended period of time. He instructed them to do this annually - even during the busy times. He promised that if they would trust him and follow his instruction he would bless them beyond what they could have done themselves if they'd stayed home to take care of business.
If we want to trust God we have act on it. Saying it is worthless. I’ve learned to carve out space for God to work in my life. I respect those boundaries even when it doesn’t make sense and God has always provided. That doesn’t mean things haven’t been tough… God has allowed things to get very difficult at times but every windfall, break, etc… that lifts me out of those circumstances has God’s fingerprints all over them.
It doesn’t matter how hard I work… every breakthrough that has had a measurable impact on my life and business is an unmistakable God-send, which makes it exceedingly easier to maintain a disciplined balance (even when it doesn’t make good sense) and know that God will handle the things I can’t.
2. Money: Trusting in God as a provider
I can’t tell you how many times God has provided exactly the amount of cash I need at precisely the time I need it. These windfalls have come in the form of a new client, additional business and opportunities to earn. They’ve come out of the blue as a gift, unanticipated escrow check, etc… God has even moved friends and relatives to call and say “I felt like you needed help – how much?”.
A few years ago I was on the phone with my mortgage company trying to make an arrangement to avoid foreclosure. After reviewing my finances the rep informed me that there was nothing they could do unless I could demonstrate an additional $1500 per month in income. At that exact moment I received email notification that a new client who’d been “on the fence” had sent me an initial installment to kick off an ongoing project. I told the rep about the email and she was able to make arrangements.
God has me right where he wants me. He continues to give me opportunities to exercise my faith and disciplined time management. He continues to deliver. -
#57
Faith has enabled me to stand strong in the Lord on any given day, through those days of success and those days where I can't find the words to help someone in a way that will impact them for life.
Every day I am reminded how little or how much faith can achieve and through the eyes of others, faith brings me down to size because no matter how much I invest myself into what I do, credit always has to go back to God because He is after all the author of the faith I have within me to stand on, to stay strong in, and to share. -
#58
Faith has helped me keep what little sanity I have left. Lost most of the sanity in the 2004 hurricanes. Faith has helped me to NOT close down my internet-based business as I believe in my products, I believe in my cause, I believe in myself. I believe that FAITH will allow the "right" people to realize my products are valuable and many people need to learn about the products and how they can help them PRIOR to them going thru a natural or manmade disaster.
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#59
My company tithes. We work with Christians, Christian based groups, churches for our affinity and affiliate product lines. It's good to go with God...
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#60
I use PHP in ALL my business decisions, especially the prickly, sticky ones (like talking to an employee about their personal odor problem, for example). Stands for "purity, humility, and patience." Guaranteed to yield absolutely perfect decisions when used properly. (Book is being published in May, 2011 by Morgan James)
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#61
Quite honestly: if I didn’t have faith in God, I doubt if I would have been writing this today.
I was involved in a severe motorbike accident in my matric-year (1986) that left me in a coma for 7-months. F.y.i. any coma that lasts longer than an hour is classified as “serious”. Since then, I’ve achieved my matric (albeit over 4 years), University qualifications (x6), released a motivational CD “5%” (because that’s the chance I was given to survive the first night I spent in ICU) and I have been delivering inspirational speeches since 2004 because I know that anybody can do anything “…if they can give it some meaning” - Dr^56 Viktor Frankl. I’m sure that Mandela also falls into this category. -
#62
Faith has helped me believe God's promises regarding prosperity even when situations in the natural say otherwise. Faith has helped me move forward with ideas God has given me when with men it seemed impossible. Faith has helped me take the first step when I couldn't see the entire staircase (a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.).
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#63
Faith and business go hand in hand, literally. You've got to have faith in yourself and faith in your "product." More than any of that however, you've got to have faith that serving others will eventually be noticed.
People are hungry for genuineness in a world where reality and handshakes are seldom preached. If you can find a way to be genuine and take care of the people you provide a good or service for, those individuals will find a way to take care of you. Their faith in you is what will sustain you and allow you to serve others to the best of your potential and gifts.
If we're talking spiritual faith here, well then, spirituality, in it's truest form, is about acknowledging another as worthy of your time, love, respect, and dignity. Too many business pursue the all mighty dollar at the expense of their customers when mutually beneficial partnerships are available. When I respect and acknowledge your worth, I build loyalty with you as a person rather than simply a commodity to be used. These are the types of relationships that drive ingenuity, creativity, and ultimately profit as well.
It's not about the bottom line, it's about faith in yourself, faith in those you serve, and having faith that with a little hard work it's possible to run a successful business and care about people at the same time.
Give. Get. Give.
Chase Brumfield
http://www.thegiveproject.com/blog -
#64
As Jesus directed us:
“You shall love your neighbor as Yourself.” ~ Matthew22:39
Faith is our motivation! Business is our daily opportunity to interact with others and be the Holy Spirit’s loving hands and feet- whether it’s collecting mail, or servicing accounts, we interact with others and loving prayerful interactions bless people.
This quote from e-book God for Everyone chapter 9 explains:
“Jesus told us that this was the second greatest commandment. God the Father sent His
son to represent Him here on earth; to love others for Him, and tell them about His love
for them. Likewise, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit into us to re-present Him to us; to
continually love us, and remind us, and teach us about Divinity. Now, we are sent into
the world. We have become God’s representatives in our world. We are here to love
others for God, and tell them about our experience of God’s love. We are to keep
building on the foundation of God’s love which Jesus began and the Holy Spirit
perpetuates in us. God is allowing us to be the conduit of Divine love pouring into the
lives of others through relational interactions. As this Divine love pours through us,
we experience it. We are blest and healed, and enabled by it, even as God “uses” us to
bless others. Godly political activities, teaching and preaching, serving your family, helping your neighbors, reaching out to a stranger, supporting widows and orphans, visiting the sick
and imprisoned, doing your job well so others are blest; these are all empowered,
relational actions that God is wanting to work in us. These are the “fruits” of our faith,
the visible actions that prove the internal combustion of God’s power at work in us
and through us.” -
#65
Scott Schmaltz and Custom Workout Videos <scott@customworkoutvideos.com>
(Tuesday, 29 June 2010 19:19)
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Faith is the ability to see what is unseen. This concept can be applied to many areas of life whether it is personal or professional. In my business as a fitness trainer, I deal with many overweight individuals who want to lose weight potentially for the first time in decades. Faith becomes a very integral part of their weight loss program. They are working to lose weight and have no idea how long it will take, or if it can even happen. These clients, my clients need faith in their weight loss program as much as they need to know which foods to eat. The reason for them needing faith is that they need someone to believe in them until they can believe in themselves. This is very important because these clients, most of the time, cannot remember the last time that they were at their ideal weight.
Like my clients, we all want someone to believe in us and our ideas, but how do we stay true to our goals even if we have a support team. The answer is faith. Faith allows us to see what is unseen. When I was starting out in business, I had no money, no investors, no location, no clients, and no equipment. It was very easy to look around and assume that I was not going to have a successful business. In fact, most people thought that I was more than a wee bit crazy. I heard comments like, “How are you going to be a successful trainer without clients or a location.”
Faith allowed me to achieve all of this. Because with faith, it did not matter whether or not I had clients to train at the time, I would find clients. Faith allowed me to see what I wanted my business to be like. I could see the clients and I could see the location. What this did for me was to free my mind and creativity. Without creativity and imagination, without faith, a freeze is put on the creative process. Any label tends to serve as a shortcut and reduces thinking and awareness. The tendency is to believe that once we have labeled something or someone, we understand it. However, faith serves to challenge our assumptions and behaviors, and it opens our minds and hearts to new possibilities. Faith allows us to take failure as feedback instead of defeat, and faith becomes the key to success.
Faith is similar to watching a basketball game. If you taped your favorite team’s basketball game that you haven’t watched but already know the score. Then, even if your team appears to be losing with no chance of victory, you are not fazed because you know the score and how the game will end. Faith allows you to do the same thing. Faith allows you to see the bigger picture even when others cannot. The rest is really just a matter of desire; that is how bad do you want to do what is necessary to realize your dreams and goals. After all, sometimes success is not easily attained; yet we have this consolation, that the harder the conflict; the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives things its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods. -
#66
Just when I get discouraged and things seem to b going the wrong way He opens another door for me!
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#67
Like many readings today thank you for sharing.Like so many abused at a young age, total sensitive to all, swallowed by Sadness/grief felt to love all died so has taken many years to know my God AGAIN SLOWERLY PEELING THE LAYERS BACK FAITH BOUGHT ME TO WHERE I STAND TODAY AND faith will take me home again. Love all be all and enjoy the journey ...xxx is what we make of it it FOR is my heart does say. I believe ....
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#68
Question Of The Week for June 7th:
What business book other than yours are you reading and what one thing can your share from it?
64 Comments
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#1
I'm currently reading "I Can Do Anything" by Carolyn R. Mattocks. It is an inspirational and educational book that will help inspire teenagers to find career paths that will lead them to their destiny.
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#2
I am currently reading Crisis of Character - Building Corporate reputation in the age of skepticism by Peter Firestein.
In light of what corporations are doing right now, this is a really good tool. -
#3
I just finished the just-released "Predictable Success" by Les McKeown. It is the must read business book of the year for anyone interested in the stages of the business lifecycle and how you can take your organization, big or small, to a state of predictable success. He has free chapters available on his website for you to take a test drive too (http://predictablesuccess.com/)
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#4
I am reading Howard Bloom's THE GENIUS OF THE BEAST. While not precisely a business book, the ideas Mr. Bloom espouses can help one's business endeavours, such as the two rules of science that helped Mr. Bloom succeed in the business world: “(1) The truth at any price including the price of your life, and (2) look at things right under your nose as if you’ve never seen them before, then proceed from there.”
Have fun ... Tony. -
#5
I am currently reading "Be The Media: How to Create and Accelerate Your Message...Your Way" by David Mathison. This book has practical advice to spread your message and build your platform. As a public relations professional, this book is a must-read.
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#6
As a marketing consultant/author, I've read several books on naming. At the moment, I'm reading POP! by Sam Horn (known for her clever product names like Tongue Fu). It's gotten my creative juices flowing on creating standout names for products, services, and companies, complete with several exercises to try.
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#7
The Secret Language of Money (McGraw Hill) is a guided tour to the subconscious meanings we give money, the conflicted ways our brain deals with money, the reasons we tend to make the same money mistakes over and over – and most importantly, how you can change all that. It explores your relationship with money and how to change your money stories.
www.TheSecretLanguageofMoney.com -
#8
I am wrapped up in Natural Capitalism by Amory & Hunter Lovins and Paul Hawken. Out-of-the-box thinking on resource-based economic models. While many companies recognize human and materials resources in their corporate framework, we must also recognize environmental, or natural, resources as a critical component that supports all of the other resources a business uses to operate and thrive. Just look at the mess in the Gulf of Mexico to understand why this is such an important book for our times.
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#9
"The Go-Giver" by Bob Burg and John David Mann. With an inspiring story wrapped around their '5 Laws of Stratospheric Success', I am continually reminded that 'giving' is the key to receiving. This short parable packs many powerful lessons which can be manifested in everyday life.
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#10
I'm reading "Made to Stick" by brothers Chip and Dan Heath about why some ideas survive and others die...six relevant and thought provoking tools to use to make our messages "stick."
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#11
I just finished The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande. Then, my husband read it.
This is a straightforward case for our brains. We need to support ourselves with a reminder system, and Gawande has studied what that should look like.
There are two types of checklists; a specific number of items that should be listed; specific types of tasks to check; and specific ways checklists should be used.
My favorite part of the book is the last chapter where Gawande, a surgeon, describes in detail a patient of his who would have died had the surgical team not been using a checklist that day.
Good info and motivation. -
#12
I am reading Here Comes Everybody by Clay Shirky. It offers a fascinating survey of social media tools past, present and future.
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#13
I'm reading "A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers will Rule the Future" by Daniel Pink. The workplace covets, and hence is dominated, by people who think in a linear, analytical fashion, so-called left brainers. Pink presents research on the brain that shows how emphasizing the characteristics we associate with the right brain -- creativity, compassion, intuition to name three -- we'll all be much better off.
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#14
Ainslie Waldron's The Ultimate Secret for Business is my favorite for this year so far. She has 10 things that most business people don't do, but should. The best? What is the one thing that makes you angry when you arrive in the morning, frustrates you all day, and irks you on the way home? THAT is your biggest success barrier; fix or eliminate it immediately.
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#15
Beyond Selling Value - Mark Shonka and Dan Kosch. Great book to understand Value Based Selling instead of price. it all comes down to the presentation and this book nails it. I recommend this to all sales professionals, Sales Managers, and business owners.
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#16
The book, Be The Media by Dave Mathison is helping me to strategize my marketing efforts with out spending a fortune. I consider it a "must" for small businesses, authors and musicians.
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#17
I am reading "People Buy Brands, Not Companies." Written by John Tantillo, aka The Marketing Doctor, it provides excellent advice about how marketing has been consistently misunderstood for many years. Dr. Tantillo explains how all of us can use the same marketing principles that Fortune 500 companies employ and use the tactics to promote our much smaller businesses, our personal brands and even our social activities such as weddings. He is a regular guest on various national programs and networks, including Fox.
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#18
I'm currently re-reading Hypnotic Writing by Joe Vitale. It shows the importance of copy writing. It shows how changing just one word can make a huge difference. y
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#19
Boring to Bravo by Kristin Arnold. It's a fun read on how to pump up your presentations and speeches. She offers tips that are really easy to use and interesting for the audience, like having people tweet messages during the presentation. The author gives some cool free downloads at www.BoringtoBravo.com and some other tips!
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#20
I am almost finshed reading Success Acceleration by Tony Jeary. I recently met and talked with Tony about some of his points in the book. Tony emphasizes that we see our present circumstances through a window of beliefs. As our beliefs are refined, we respond differently in our approach to becoming successful. Very well written.
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#21
I'm reading, and leading a study group on, "Integrity Selling" by Ron Willingham. It combines a "win-win" selling philosophy with a study of what successful people do differently than the rest...
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#22
I am reading Book Yourself Solid by Michael Port. I am a Massage Therapist and am always looking to get more clients.
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#23
I just finished reading The Go-Giver and Go-Givers Sell More by Bob Burg and John David Mann. Both books are must-reads for anyone, not just for those who are in sales.
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#24
I'm in the middle of "The Diamond Cutter -
The Buddha on Managing Your Business and Your Life" by Geshe Michael Roach and Lama Christie McNally. It's one of those life-changing books that opens up your mind to why things sometimes work out perfectly for us, and why other times they blow up in our face! Eye-opening, to say the least. -
#25
The business book I'm reading is "Too Lazy to Work, Too Nervous to Steal" by John Clausen. It's about freelance writing, and the message is, KEEP GOING, DO NOT GO BACK TO A DAY JOB! Persistence pays. Many people give up just before things turn around because things often get hardest before the breakthrough.
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#26
I am reading "The 8th Habit" by Stephen Covey. It is defined as "find your voice and help others find theirs". Brilliant look at true leadership.
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#27
I just finished reading "Switch" by Chip and Dan Heath. This is the best book I have ever read on effecting both personal and corporate change. It was recommended to me by a friend who is a life coach and he recommends it to all of his clients.
"Switch" will help everyone better understand why people do what they do and guide you to getting the results you want in both your business and personal lives. -
#28
I am currently reading Church is A Team Sport. It was sent to me by my brother. He is a leader in his church; I am an organizational development consultant developing leaders in values-driven cultures. He shared this book with me based on the valuable leadership strategies that align with the work I do.
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#29
The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss
It inspires me to stream line my work and my company with not only an exit strategy but a distant strategy. -
#30
One of the books I'm reading is more of a basic how-to, Facebook Marketing: An Hour A Day by Chris Treadaway and Mari Smith.
It is a very comprehensive framework for businesses large and small in using this social media site wisely and effectively. Since I leapt onto the site without really knowing what I was doing, I highly recommend it to all to read before doing the same. -
#31
I'm reading "Superfreakonomics" by Levitt and Dubner. It examines the way we think, using behavioral economics. The principles can be applied to business as well as everyday life.
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#32
I'm reading "The Golden Compass - The Heart & Soul of Remarkable Leadership" by Dr. Keith Merron. Instead of a directive about how to be a great leader, Merron extrapolates 25 years of research and interviews he conducted over a three year period with successful leaders in all walks of life. He comes up with the theory that it's not what we do that makes great leadership, it's who we are (and who we work hard to become). A great read.
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#33
I have been reading and re-reading Dianne Crampton's team culture book:<a href = www.tigersamongus.com>"TIGERS Among Us: Winning Business Team Cultures And Why They Thrive"</a>.
We've all been reading that "motivating people is not all about money" (from Daniel Pink) and "if you have the culture right, the rest (revenues, and having a strong brand will follow" (Tony Hsieh of Zappos), this book will show entrepreneurs and executives of small-to-large size organizations how to create a winning company culture and high business performance.
It will challenge your old mindset about the 'reality' in the workplace. -
#34
"Facebook Marketing: an Hour a Day" by Chris Tweadaway and Mari Smith.
This book gives practical advice from two proven Facebook professionals. One of the best features is a schedule to help you actually apply it!
~Dr Deborah Barry -
#35
I am reading Influencer by a group of writers who also wrote Crucial Conversations. One of the take away thoughts is that, in order to change, people need two concerns addressed: Is it really worth it? and Can I really do it? Interesting reading!
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#36
I'm really enjoying 'Rescuing the American Dream' by G Web Ross. Its a true story of 2 business start ups and celebrates the challenges and triumphs of being an entrepreneur.
Key lesson for me was to seek help from a mentor or ideally an advisory board.
Great book. -
#37
I read several books at a time, but one that I've really enjoyed so far is The Imagineering Workout by Peggy Van Pelt. Its a series of tips and exercises by the Disney Imagineers on developing creativity. I don't usually read creativity books, but this one has many applications for business. I particularly like the tip that says instead of thinking, "No, because..." think "Yes, if..." to work through obstacles.
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#38
The Expert's Edge by Ken Lizotte. A great how-to book on the five pillars of becoming a thought leader: publish articles and books, public speaking, fresh thinking, creatively using the Internet and email, and media relations. Everything you need to get started is here.
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#39
Just finished "Understanding Other People -- The 5 Secrets to Human Behavior". Author Bev Flaxington gave me insights about knowing my behavior style and values -- and how to 'know' this about others. By knowing mine, and adapting to others, communication and empathy is greatly enhanced. VERY powerful!
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#40
The Four Noble Truths
We all have an innate desire to be happy. Happiness is a given for everyone. The challenge is that we offset that desire for happiness with discursive thoughts that support suffering on many levels. The discursive thoughts create an imbalance that leads to unhappiness. Knowing how to effectively let go is the key. -
#41
Web Analytics 2.0: The Art of Online Accountability and Science of Customer Centricity
As an online marketer web analytics is the new gold rush of knowledge and accountability.
The Pitch: As the owner and CMO of a small online marketing and web design firm, web analytics is definitely becoming the new gold rush of marketing. It shows marketers exactly what is working and what is not, taking marketing to a whole new level, and making it more of a science instead of a shot in the dark. Web Analytics 2.0: The Art of Online Accountability and Science of Customer Centricity is probably the best guide on how to do it and what's available to all different sized marketing firms.
Peter Marino
Senior Partner and CMO,
http://reelWebDesign.com -
#42
The Design of Business by Roger Martin (Rottman School/U of Toronto) defines design thinking as a discipline and it makes the case for companies to use design thinking, together with their analytical tools, to achieve uncommon outcomes and higher returns.
Available on Amazon at: http://www.amazon.com/Design-Business-Thinking-Competitive-Advantage/dp/1422177807/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276016005&sr=8-1 -
#43
How do you handle delinquent accounts? Employ Humor and Charm – Sometimes, it pays to get tough with past-due accounts, but sometimes you’ll get better results by turning on the charm. As the saying goes, you’ll catch more flies than honey than vinegar. For example, one of the entrepreneurs in my peer groups writes “love” poem to his delinquent customers, like this:
“Roses are red, Violets are blue,
When will I receive payment from you?”
from:
The Small Business Survival Guide
Ray Silverstein (author) -
#44
Becoming a Category of One by Joe Calloway.
Standing out from your competitor is vital to capture a market that is reluctant to spend on anything that doesn't immediately add value. My best idea: "You do not own your brand. Your brand is owned by your customers and anyone else who has an impression of your company."
Take the time to read this!
Randy Pennington -
#45
Business Book: Social Entrepreneurship: The Art of Mission-Based
Venture Development by Peter C. Brinckerhoff.
I am working on a social media “5k facebook likes” project this summer
for the nonprofit, GlamourGals. Mr Brinckerhoff emphasizes that many
mission-based organizations include successful not-for-profits. His
book emphasizes a significant need that we hope to achieve; reaching
out to different audiences through the social media realm. -
#46
Back of the Napkin, by Dan Roam.
A great book about how visual thinking can help you think outside the traditional box and solve problems in new, efficient and exiting ways. -
#47
I am reading: 101 Things You Didn't Learn in Harvard Business School
by Laura Bell
http://www.bellbusinessreport.com, 2009
I was interested in what Bell had to say about rising costs, warning how we should keep an eye on prices. 'Retailers have become sneakier than ever in an attempt to get our dollars.' She specifically addresses the skyrocketing prices of addictive items – alcohol, cigarettes and fast food. -
#48
The Business of the 21st Century
Robert Kiyosaki has built several multimillion dollar businesses. As such, he is a good person to objectively critique the business of network marketing.
In this book, he lays down the reasons why network marketing is the best way for the average person today to build a significant asset that will permit them to live and retire in freedom.
He spends the first half of the book explaining why the old path to Industrial Age financial success -- "get a good education, find a good job, work hard for forty years, invest in stocks and real estate, etc." -- no longer works in the Information Age.
The second half of the book explains what network marketing is, what it is not, and why it is the best option to create personal income security today.
Kiyosaki lends his substantial credibility to this much-misunderstood business to clear away the misconceptions that keep many prospects from joining. He demolishes objections one by one so that those who are determined to succeed in "The New Economy" will see that only network marketing offers all the benefits of a huge business, with none of the risk, expense, and complexity.
Network marketing is a revolutionary business format that relies more on communication, leadership, and team-building skills than it does sales skills. It doesn't require a college education or large investment to build a six-figure (or higher) income. There is no glass ceiling. There is no need to abandon a J.O.B. to start a network marketing enterprise.
The Business of the 21st Century is a quick read which explains the business, without the usual hype about the magnificent potential incomes, but rather, in the context of what makes any business a success in our current economic situation.
The final chapter of the book, where Kiyosaki describes network marketing as a democratic force for increasing world peace and prosperity is especially enlightening. Network marketing is leveling the playing field, making the opportunity of building a successful business available to all.
More than "just another business book", this is truly a message of hope for those looking for the opportunity to create their own income security in this period of global economic transition. -
#49
"Iacocca" An Autobiography by Lee Iacocca
Not only is this book well written, it is sprinkled with one-liners. Lee Iacocca did a great favor and putting down his thought processes as he moved up the managerment ladder.
http://www.kathycondons.blogspot.com -
#50
I am currently reading The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey.
With recent corporate scandals and economic challenges, it makes you wonder “who can you trust?” This has made for an uneasy caution about who you can trust. The deeper question is who trusts you? It is more important than ever for you to give people someone they can trust. Starting with yourself, by behaving and leading in ways that inspire trust creates a ripple effect of influence. Trust makes the playing field really fast and becomes a performance multiplier that has a ripple effect in your personal life as well as your business life and impacts the results of your team and company.
Covey’s book is a great read and provides the tools and models for building personal and corporate trust. -
#51
I'm reading Holy IT! A guide to finding and doing your thing --- your 'IT' by Scott Wittig (www.holyitbook.com) As Wittig points out, everyone has an ‘IT’ --- whether that is your purpose in life, a passion you have, or just a project that you have been putting off. The question is: What are you willing to do about it?’ If the answer is ‘nothing,’ then this book isn’t for you. If the answer is ‘I don’t know but I’m darn sure going to find out,’ then I encourage you to read HOLY IT! which will help you identify and start acting on the thing you know you should be doing, but aren't.
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#52
Transformational leadership consultant Dr. Cleve Stevens, with a book coming out next year, has this fascinating post in Harvard Business Review: "Four Things Employees Need From Leaders" http://blogs.hbr.org/cs/2010/05/four_things_employees_need.html
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#53
"Start with Why" by Simon Sinek.
People may buy a product, but they will inspire others to buy if they buy into the "why" a product / service was created.
The key to success if often a partnership between someone with a vision (why), and a trusted someone who has the knowledge / ability / capability (how) to turn that vision into reality.
Ilene Davis CFP, MBA
Cocoa FL -
#54
The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino
I have learned (actually been reminded again) in reading the scrolls--that it is the one more phone call and the one more action--that I take now-not later- that will have me be a success in my business; yhat others will stop when I will not. It is up to me to make the choices for my success. -
#55
Guerrilla Marketing on the Front LInes
by Jay Conrad Levinson and Mitch Meyerson
Let me say up front, I am not a Levinson disciple. In fact, I've never read a "Guerrilla" book before. I'm typically skeptical of the usual rah-rah success stories. But this book was different. It seemed like you were getting information from 35 people who were willing to tell you what they REALLY did to reach their version of success. Not what they thought you should hear. And, the fact that what you intend plays a major role in that success is always intriguing. -
#56
I just finished reading Kelly Cutrone's first book, "If You Have to Cry, Go Outside (and other things your mother never told you)". I found her bout it bout it' approach on her own triumphs and follies to be sobering and motivational. There's something very soothing about the human experience of trial and error and inevitable success. Keep knocking and the door will be opened for you... It has to :)
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#57
Dan Kennedy’s No-B.S.Time Management for Entrepreneurs – If you’re always running late and short of time this book is for you. Dan teaches a whole new way of organising life and relationships with time, and how to eliminate time vampires. The reader will learn how to fully utilise time to make money.
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#58
I'm reading Lynn Grodzki's "Crisis-Proof Your Practice." Kicks me in the butt, and refutes the excuses that sometimes I would hide behind to avoid the success of which I'm so ready and capable.
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#59
“Dream B.I.G in 3D ( How to pursue a Bold Innovative God-Inspired Life)” by Paul J. Wilson Jr. has captivated both my mind and spirit. Mr. Wilson’s wisdom, faith and cunning business acumen challenges us to embrace change,innovation and creativity. 3-D consists of Discovering, Developing and Driving your Dream.
- #60