Tomorrow at 3:15 our flight out of Kansas City will lift off and we'll be on our way to India. We'll land in Dehli about 24 hours later, spend the night and then get back on a plane the next morning for the flight to Siliguri. It will be Friday afternoon in Siliguri when we arrive, and although that is where most of our time will be spent, we won't stay in Siliguri on Friday night. We will do some sightseeing and spend the night in a lodge a couple hours north of Siliguri.
On Saturday morning we plan to take a ride on an elephant! That should be exciting! I have no idea how you "climb up" on an elephant, but I'm pretty sure we won't step onto its trunk and let it lift us up. (I've seen that in movies but I'm hoping that isn't what they do for tourists!) There will be pictures when I get back.
I am also looking forward to seeing the completed Immanuel Aademy. The last time I saw it was a year and a half ago when it was just barely more than a hole in the ground. Now it is complete and ready for its first students. Our job on this trip is to provide additional training for the teachers at Immanuel. This is an amazing opportunity and I am constantly aware of what an awesome experience and responsibility it is. Why God has blessed me with such an opportunity, I don't know. But I do know that each time I go and work with these teachers I come away with so many blessings and with a heart full of gratitude for the opportunity.
I am also very excited that we will be able to participate in their opening ceremonies. There is an inauguration ceremony on Tuesday before the first day of school on Wednesday. We will also get to be at the school as the students come in on the first day and watch everything start to take shape and see teachers and students begin their relationships and routines.
On Saturday we leave Siliguri to begin the trip back home. And while we'll all be tired and ready to come home we will also be sad to leave our friends from India behind. That is always the hardest part.
However, much has changed since I went to India for the first time six year's ago. Communication vehicles like Facebook have made it much easier to keep in touch. Through Facebook I can see pictures of my friends and share pictures of my family and myself. We have even used the chat feature to have real time conversations. It is truly and amazing technological world we live in.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Traveling to India: Part Two
OK It is T-4 and counting! I just made a list of all that needs to be done and I'm pretty sure I'll be ready by next Friday. Uh Oh we leave on Wednesday. Oh well! It always looks that way when you make a list of everything that needs to be done before a trip, doesn't it. The list seems larger than life and "nigh unto impossible." However, what I have also discovered is that everything that needs to be done always gets done. Once something is on the list then I have two choices. I can decide that it is truly necessary to do and do it or I can decide it isn't all that important and I just cross it off the list. Either way, the list keeps me focused and I see progress as things are either checked as completed or crossed off as not necessary.
So,what are some of those truly important things? Well the most important thing is to remember why I am going on this trip. When I remember that it puts everything on the list in the right perspective.
My reason for going on these trips is because I have been touched by the passion and commitment of people I have met. First there was Gary, who shared his love for the people of India and a man named Peter whom he had met there. Then I met Peter and I knew I also wanted to go to India to get to know the wonderful people he told us about. I wanted to meet his family and his friends and I wanted to see the beautiful tea gardens, ride an elephant and see the Himalaya mountains with my own eyes. Then there was the young woman, Kanjan, I met at one of the schools we visited on my first trip. We talked several times while I was there and she expressed her disappointment when people came to visit but never came back and didn't stay in touched. I made a promise to her that I would come back, and that I wouldn't forget her.
This time we will be there for the opening of Immanuel Academy, the school that Gary and his founders have built in Siliguri. We will hold a 3-day teacher workshop for the staff before their very first day of school on Wednesday, March 31, 2010. This will be a real thrill! I first saw the school in November of 2008 when they were just starting to pour the footings. Now the construction is completed and opening day is less than 2 weeks away.
There is still much to pray about: 1) enrollment is lower than expected and less than is what is fiscally required to operate in the black. 2) Classroom set up isn't contracted out to a local mover, it is done by Peter's employees in addition to their regular duties. 3) The health and welfare of all of our visiting team to stay healthy and energetic during the visit. And, of course, be thinking of us as we ride our first elephant. WOW who would have thought one day I could show my grandkids pictures of "Gramma Barb" on an elephant!
So,what are some of those truly important things? Well the most important thing is to remember why I am going on this trip. When I remember that it puts everything on the list in the right perspective.
My reason for going on these trips is because I have been touched by the passion and commitment of people I have met. First there was Gary, who shared his love for the people of India and a man named Peter whom he had met there. Then I met Peter and I knew I also wanted to go to India to get to know the wonderful people he told us about. I wanted to meet his family and his friends and I wanted to see the beautiful tea gardens, ride an elephant and see the Himalaya mountains with my own eyes. Then there was the young woman, Kanjan, I met at one of the schools we visited on my first trip. We talked several times while I was there and she expressed her disappointment when people came to visit but never came back and didn't stay in touched. I made a promise to her that I would come back, and that I wouldn't forget her.
This time we will be there for the opening of Immanuel Academy, the school that Gary and his founders have built in Siliguri. We will hold a 3-day teacher workshop for the staff before their very first day of school on Wednesday, March 31, 2010. This will be a real thrill! I first saw the school in November of 2008 when they were just starting to pour the footings. Now the construction is completed and opening day is less than 2 weeks away.
There is still much to pray about: 1) enrollment is lower than expected and less than is what is fiscally required to operate in the black. 2) Classroom set up isn't contracted out to a local mover, it is done by Peter's employees in addition to their regular duties. 3) The health and welfare of all of our visiting team to stay healthy and energetic during the visit. And, of course, be thinking of us as we ride our first elephant. WOW who would have thought one day I could show my grandkids pictures of "Gramma Barb" on an elephant!
Friday, March 19, 2010
Traveling to India: Part One
On Wednesday of next week I will travel to Siliguri, India. This is my third time to visit this part of India, so I know how to prepare and what to expect. Well, sort of. Although each trip is similar, there are also many differences.
One of the things that is the same is the arduous nature of the travel itself. Getting to India is just not an easy thing to do! It actually takes two calendar days to get there. We will board the plane in Kansas City about 3 pm and we don't arrive at our final destination until early Friday afternoon. Take a look at the schedule and you'll have a better understanding of all that is involved in the trip over:
- Kansas City to Chicago 3:15 to 4:30pm
- Chicago to Dehli 7:30 pm (Wed) to 10 pm (Thur) (Actual flight time is 15 1/2 hrs but you lose 12 hours because of the time difference.)
- Spend the night in a Dehli hotel and back to the national airport the next morning
- Dehli to Bodogra - 10:30am to 1:30 pm
- Board a bus for a 30-40 minute ride to Siliguri
The good news about all of this is that coming home, you can leave on Saturday from Siliguri and arrive in Kansas City on Sunday about noon. That 12 hour difference works in your favor coning back.
Packing is always a challenge because you can only check one bag now and it can't weigh over 50 pounds. Each time I go, i find I can take fewer clothes which allows me to put more things in to give to the school and the teachers we work with.
In my next post I'll talk about some of the things we do in India and the people we have gotten to know. I plan to do at least two more posts before we leave on Wednesday.
One of the things that is the same is the arduous nature of the travel itself. Getting to India is just not an easy thing to do! It actually takes two calendar days to get there. We will board the plane in Kansas City about 3 pm and we don't arrive at our final destination until early Friday afternoon. Take a look at the schedule and you'll have a better understanding of all that is involved in the trip over:
- Kansas City to Chicago 3:15 to 4:30pm
- Chicago to Dehli 7:30 pm (Wed) to 10 pm (Thur) (Actual flight time is 15 1/2 hrs but you lose 12 hours because of the time difference.)
- Spend the night in a Dehli hotel and back to the national airport the next morning
- Dehli to Bodogra - 10:30am to 1:30 pm
- Board a bus for a 30-40 minute ride to Siliguri
The good news about all of this is that coming home, you can leave on Saturday from Siliguri and arrive in Kansas City on Sunday about noon. That 12 hour difference works in your favor coning back.
Packing is always a challenge because you can only check one bag now and it can't weigh over 50 pounds. Each time I go, i find I can take fewer clothes which allows me to put more things in to give to the school and the teachers we work with.
In my next post I'll talk about some of the things we do in India and the people we have gotten to know. I plan to do at least two more posts before we leave on Wednesday.
Monday, March 1, 2010
An "Odd" Book Review
An Odd Book
I chose this book at random, not by design; I just happened upon it. First, the title caught my eye, and the very descriptive description further convinced me to take the book home and see for myself what was contained within its pages.
I picked up the book again, some days later. In the last paragraph of page one I read, “But these days I do not sleep as well as I did when I was young. I am twenty-one and much older than when I was twenty.”
I thought what an odd statement for a twenty year old! I flipped back for another look at the title. Ah! I wondered how the title came about. A little later I found that Odd was the main character’s given name. Oh!
Odd is possessed of an unusual ability; a super extra sense that most of us don’t have. I, for one, feel fortunate not to share this ability, though it makes for interesting reading. Hmm! This Odd book seems to provoke thoughts such as Ah! Oh! Hmm!
Odd has no available family, but has acquired a family of friends who love him and support him through the precarious episodes his unusual ability compels him into.
I find Odd very endearing, a splendid character.
Now that I have found the Odd fellow, I see that the book I’ve just read is the second one featuring Odd Thomas, which is the name of the first Odd book , plus two more that follow. Now my search for same will be intentional and not random.
I won’t say more, I’ll just pique your curiosity by saying, “You’ll find out,” when you read it for yourself.
The name of the book is Forever Odd by Dean Koontz, who has a host of other books to his credit.
I chose this book at random, not by design; I just happened upon it. First, the title caught my eye, and the very descriptive description further convinced me to take the book home and see for myself what was contained within its pages.
I picked up the book again, some days later. In the last paragraph of page one I read, “But these days I do not sleep as well as I did when I was young. I am twenty-one and much older than when I was twenty.”
I thought what an odd statement for a twenty year old! I flipped back for another look at the title. Ah! I wondered how the title came about. A little later I found that Odd was the main character’s given name. Oh!
Odd is possessed of an unusual ability; a super extra sense that most of us don’t have. I, for one, feel fortunate not to share this ability, though it makes for interesting reading. Hmm! This Odd book seems to provoke thoughts such as Ah! Oh! Hmm!
Odd has no available family, but has acquired a family of friends who love him and support him through the precarious episodes his unusual ability compels him into.
I find Odd very endearing, a splendid character.
Now that I have found the Odd fellow, I see that the book I’ve just read is the second one featuring Odd Thomas, which is the name of the first Odd book , plus two more that follow. Now my search for same will be intentional and not random.
I won’t say more, I’ll just pique your curiosity by saying, “You’ll find out,” when you read it for yourself.
The name of the book is Forever Odd by Dean Koontz, who has a host of other books to his credit.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Parenting that Develops Good Character
As I posted on my New Year's Facebook page, this is the year that I will finally write "that book" that I've thought about for 30 years. Over time, the topic has evolved but there has always been this consistent, internal voice that has kept whispering, "Write a book, write a book." Well, now, that voice is yelling at me, "WRITE A BOOK! WRITE A BOOK."
The book I plan to write, OK strike that out. It should say the book I am writing is a book on parenting. I've given this a lot of thought this past week, and I have gotten great input from several of my "young" teacher friends and others, who have kids at home, that has helped me find the perspective from which the book will be written.
Most of the books I read when I was parenting gave good and sometimes excellent advice on how to handle specific behavior or situation challenges. There are many more of those books available today. So my question was, what did I have to say that would make my book stand out from the others? What did I have to offer that would provide something uniquely beneficial and interesting?
Then I remembered the day I brought my firstborn daughter home. I recall sitting in the rocking chair, holding her and marveling about this "perfect" miracle that I had been given. It occurred to me that in truth, at that moment she was perfect. Not only was physically perfect, she was completely perfect in mind, body and spirit. I was suddenly aware of the awesome responsibility I had to write on this beautiful, perfect canvass of a life. For several moments I was overwhelmed with those thoughts. "How in the world could I keep from 'messing up' this perfect little life?" As I continued to think about this, I realized that the best thing I could do would be to raise this child as a gift to the world. (Yes, I actually thought those exact words!) What that meant to me was this: God had given me this child "on loan" from him. My job was to think about the type of adult who could and would make a difference in the world. That meant I thought about the type of character traits I wanted to encourage and develop in her. Thinking from that point of view gave me a foundation from which to make better day to day choices. I now realize that was also how I learned to plan a lot of things. It's called, "Begin with the End in Mind." And that is what this book on parenting will be about!
I'd love your feedback and thoughts. Just click on the comment button below!
The book I plan to write, OK strike that out. It should say the book I am writing is a book on parenting. I've given this a lot of thought this past week, and I have gotten great input from several of my "young" teacher friends and others, who have kids at home, that has helped me find the perspective from which the book will be written.
Most of the books I read when I was parenting gave good and sometimes excellent advice on how to handle specific behavior or situation challenges. There are many more of those books available today. So my question was, what did I have to say that would make my book stand out from the others? What did I have to offer that would provide something uniquely beneficial and interesting?
Then I remembered the day I brought my firstborn daughter home. I recall sitting in the rocking chair, holding her and marveling about this "perfect" miracle that I had been given. It occurred to me that in truth, at that moment she was perfect. Not only was physically perfect, she was completely perfect in mind, body and spirit. I was suddenly aware of the awesome responsibility I had to write on this beautiful, perfect canvass of a life. For several moments I was overwhelmed with those thoughts. "How in the world could I keep from 'messing up' this perfect little life?" As I continued to think about this, I realized that the best thing I could do would be to raise this child as a gift to the world. (Yes, I actually thought those exact words!) What that meant to me was this: God had given me this child "on loan" from him. My job was to think about the type of adult who could and would make a difference in the world. That meant I thought about the type of character traits I wanted to encourage and develop in her. Thinking from that point of view gave me a foundation from which to make better day to day choices. I now realize that was also how I learned to plan a lot of things. It's called, "Begin with the End in Mind." And that is what this book on parenting will be about!
I'd love your feedback and thoughts. Just click on the comment button below!
Monday, November 30, 2009
One Nice Thing
My mother saw this on a morning TV show and then shared it on her Face book page . (Yes, my mother is 83 years old and is very "techno-savvy! Way to go Mom!) OK back to One Nice Thing. If you click on the "One Nice Thing" logo at the right of this blog it will take you directly to their home page. There you will find a variety of suggestions for the "One Nice Thing" you could for someone this week. Some of the suggestions are time sensitive; like the one for female soldiers in Irag, so you don't want to wait too long to check it out.
When you do something nice for someone you know it is a way of saying, "I love you." When you do something nice for someone you don't know, it is a way of saying, I value you as a human being. So whether you choose to do your "one nice thing," for a loved one or a stranger, the message you send them will mean a lot.
When you do something nice for someone you know it is a way of saying, "I love you." When you do something nice for someone you don't know, it is a way of saying, I value you as a human being. So whether you choose to do your "one nice thing," for a loved one or a stranger, the message you send them will mean a lot.
Monday, November 23, 2009
The Source of Strength
If you followed me during the month of September you will remember the 30-day goal setting challenge that I completed. That process has sparked a variety of results and has opened my eyes to a host of new opportunities. I have set a new goal for the month of December; a big goal, well actually a huge goal that is both exciting and challenging. That's all I'm going to tell you about it right now...but there will be more later!
One of the things a very bight lady recently reminded me of is that while there is certainly much that I am responsible for if I am to achieve my goals, I can't do everything. There are many things that I personally cannot do because they are out of my control. These are the things that I give to God to do for me. He is always there as my partner but sometimes I'm sure He is wondering why I seem to have so much more to do than He does. The problem is that I don't ask for His help and don't let Him take care of things that are really His to do for me and with me.
I have been reading a chapter in Psalms every morning and today I read a portion of chapter 18. It goes like this:
My personal goal throughout this next month is to remember every morning that God is the source of my strength and to give Him all the things that He can do, and wants to do, to enable me to reach that goal.
God IS the Source of my strength!
One of the things a very bight lady recently reminded me of is that while there is certainly much that I am responsible for if I am to achieve my goals, I can't do everything. There are many things that I personally cannot do because they are out of my control. These are the things that I give to God to do for me. He is always there as my partner but sometimes I'm sure He is wondering why I seem to have so much more to do than He does. The problem is that I don't ask for His help and don't let Him take care of things that are really His to do for me and with me.
I have been reading a chapter in Psalms every morning and today I read a portion of chapter 18. It goes like this:
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to stand on the heights.
He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.
You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn. Psalm 18:32-36
My personal goal throughout this next month is to remember every morning that God is the source of my strength and to give Him all the things that He can do, and wants to do, to enable me to reach that goal.
God IS the Source of my strength!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thursday Afternoon!
On Thursday afternoon this past week, I stopped at Culver's to pick up hamburgers for my daughter, my two grandkids and and me for lunch. It was about 11:30 when I drove to the school where Lisa worked to meet her and her kids. Lisa is a teacher and it was a parent teacher conference day. That means her kids are not in school but she is not.
When I called her earlier in the week and asked if the kids' schedule would allow me to pick them up to go with me to see the movie, "Where the Wild Things Are," sometime soon, her immediate response was, "How about Thursday?" I knew immediately I could do that. So, at 1:15 on a Thursday afternoon, I took Kaitlin and Brayden to the show.
For years my alarm went off at 5:15 am and I would spend every day at my job. A job I enjoyed but it took all my time and energy and did not allow me to be flexible or available to my daughter or son and my six grandkids.
But now I am retired.
That does not mean that I don't have things to do. I still have a busy life and I have many things that I do. But, now I have options and I have flexibility and availability. I don't think we realize how important it is to have the privilege of being available and being flexible.
I enjoyed Thursday afternoon. I thought about the fact that it was Thursday when I picked up the hamburgers. I thought about the fact that it was Thursday when I bought the movie tickets. I thought about the fact that it was Thursday when I drove the kids back to their house and enjoyed talking about the movie with them.
And I thought about the fact that I was retired and it was a Thursday afternoon and I loved it.
When I called her earlier in the week and asked if the kids' schedule would allow me to pick them up to go with me to see the movie, "Where the Wild Things Are," sometime soon, her immediate response was, "How about Thursday?" I knew immediately I could do that. So, at 1:15 on a Thursday afternoon, I took Kaitlin and Brayden to the show.
For years my alarm went off at 5:15 am and I would spend every day at my job. A job I enjoyed but it took all my time and energy and did not allow me to be flexible or available to my daughter or son and my six grandkids.
But now I am retired.
That does not mean that I don't have things to do. I still have a busy life and I have many things that I do. But, now I have options and I have flexibility and availability. I don't think we realize how important it is to have the privilege of being available and being flexible.
I enjoyed Thursday afternoon. I thought about the fact that it was Thursday when I picked up the hamburgers. I thought about the fact that it was Thursday when I bought the movie tickets. I thought about the fact that it was Thursday when I drove the kids back to their house and enjoyed talking about the movie with them.
And I thought about the fact that I was retired and it was a Thursday afternoon and I loved it.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Friendships Renewed
My husband and I have lived in five different towns located in three different states over the course of 43 years of marriage. Each place that we lived stands out in my mind for a variety of reasons, but there is one thread that is common to all five of those places: that is the friendships that were formed during our time there. And from each place there has been at least one or more friendships that have held on through each move and that are still a meaningful part of our lives today.
This afternoon my husband and I had a call from a friend we hadn't seen for at least 20 years. We met this friend early in our marriage and enjoyed many good times with him and his wife. However, as some times happens, they were divorced and he moved away. While we had kept in touch with his wife over the years we had lost track of him. So, it was with a great deal of surprise and pleasure when he called and asked if we had some time to get together while he was traveling through our city.
There is something very satisfying when you see someone after 20 years; immediately recognize them and see the smile in their eyes. The joy of the lingering hug that says, "It is so... good to see you again" cannot be described! In an hour we caught up on each other's lives, our kids, our jobs and all those details that took years to experience but take only minutes to bring everyone up to the present.
Friendships are some of the best blessings we have in our lives and my life has been richly blessed with many, many wonderful friends. All of these friends are special and always will be. But today we were doubly blessed with a friendship we thought we had lost! I'll recall that smile of greeting and that hug that lingered for a long, long time.
This afternoon my husband and I had a call from a friend we hadn't seen for at least 20 years. We met this friend early in our marriage and enjoyed many good times with him and his wife. However, as some times happens, they were divorced and he moved away. While we had kept in touch with his wife over the years we had lost track of him. So, it was with a great deal of surprise and pleasure when he called and asked if we had some time to get together while he was traveling through our city.
There is something very satisfying when you see someone after 20 years; immediately recognize them and see the smile in their eyes. The joy of the lingering hug that says, "It is so... good to see you again" cannot be described! In an hour we caught up on each other's lives, our kids, our jobs and all those details that took years to experience but take only minutes to bring everyone up to the present.
Friendships are some of the best blessings we have in our lives and my life has been richly blessed with many, many wonderful friends. All of these friends are special and always will be. But today we were doubly blessed with a friendship we thought we had lost! I'll recall that smile of greeting and that hug that lingered for a long, long time.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Acquiring Wisdom
I was reading a blog from another site this morning and decided to make a comment about it. As I was writing I realized I had more to say than what might usually be in a comment and decided to post that comment along with a few additional thoughts. If you would like to read the other blog that triggered this one you can click on the link to mmrite's blog listed at the side of this page and then go to her other blog (The Way I See It) which is listed on the right hand side of that blog.
I have often been concerned recently with what seems like a great lack of wisdom on the part of our society. I hear people say things as if they are stating facts when they are actually just repeating someone else's opinion. We used to teach kids in school, that just because something was in writing did not make it a fact. Today, many people need to know that just because something is on the Internet does not make it a fact.
I have also always thought it was important to learn from our experiences; however, I don't see evidence of that happening in ways that are productive. It seems to me that in order to learn from our experiences and to acquire wisdom there must be two things present: First, there must be a willingness to reflect on what you have experienced. If you don't take the time to think over what has happened, there will be no learning. Second, I think you also have to step out of the emotions that are connected to the experience in order to learn from the experience in a wise way. If the emotion of that experience is the only thing driving what your thoughts, your learning will be limited and will probably not result in becoming wiser. For example, if I am with a group of people that I don't know and I feel uncomfortable and intimidated because no one is talking to me, I might decide to never go to another gathering unless I already know most of the people there. That response is tied directly to the unpleasant emotions associated with the experience. The focus of the reflection is only on yourself in order to never repeat that experience. If you change the focus from yourself, to a more analytical viewpoint, then you would look at all of the reasons the situation was uncomfortable and consider a variety of things you might do differently. For instance, you might reflect on what made you uncomfortable. Were you afraid someone would ask you a question you might not be able to answer? Or, were you afraid you wouldn't know what to say to someone if they did come over to meet you? If so, then you might think about strategies to try that will help you begin conversations rather than waiting for someone else to come to you. Is being with a group of new people something that you need to do because of your job or social commitments? Who do you know that might help you get acquainted with some of the people in the group. When you change the focus from self and your emotions, you broaden the possibilities for acquiring new skills or insights, and you become wiser in the process.
I have often been concerned recently with what seems like a great lack of wisdom on the part of our society. I hear people say things as if they are stating facts when they are actually just repeating someone else's opinion. We used to teach kids in school, that just because something was in writing did not make it a fact. Today, many people need to know that just because something is on the Internet does not make it a fact.
I have also always thought it was important to learn from our experiences; however, I don't see evidence of that happening in ways that are productive. It seems to me that in order to learn from our experiences and to acquire wisdom there must be two things present: First, there must be a willingness to reflect on what you have experienced. If you don't take the time to think over what has happened, there will be no learning. Second, I think you also have to step out of the emotions that are connected to the experience in order to learn from the experience in a wise way. If the emotion of that experience is the only thing driving what your thoughts, your learning will be limited and will probably not result in becoming wiser. For example, if I am with a group of people that I don't know and I feel uncomfortable and intimidated because no one is talking to me, I might decide to never go to another gathering unless I already know most of the people there. That response is tied directly to the unpleasant emotions associated with the experience. The focus of the reflection is only on yourself in order to never repeat that experience. If you change the focus from yourself, to a more analytical viewpoint, then you would look at all of the reasons the situation was uncomfortable and consider a variety of things you might do differently. For instance, you might reflect on what made you uncomfortable. Were you afraid someone would ask you a question you might not be able to answer? Or, were you afraid you wouldn't know what to say to someone if they did come over to meet you? If so, then you might think about strategies to try that will help you begin conversations rather than waiting for someone else to come to you. Is being with a group of new people something that you need to do because of your job or social commitments? Who do you know that might help you get acquainted with some of the people in the group. When you change the focus from self and your emotions, you broaden the possibilities for acquiring new skills or insights, and you become wiser in the process.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Day 30: The Final Day
This has been a great journey for me. Each day of the challenge has brought something new or opened up a new understanding. One of the most challenging aspects of this challenge was making the commitment to report my progress or struggles via this blog. Knowing that I was going to describe what I was experiencing and the progress I was making, or not, as the case might be, kept me going. I did not want to have to start over and making this public commitment helped me to keep focused. That doesn't mean that I didn't struggle some of the time; I often did. But I didn't quit and I didn't let negative thoughts take over.
So, now that the 30 day challenge is completed, what is next? Well, at the end of the book, "Strangest Secret to Success," it says this:
So, now that I have finished the first 30 days, I will start over. This time, I will set a more specific and challenging goal. This time I will focus more on taking action than on attitude. Attitude is still important, but now I realize how much change there is in attitude when you take more action. One of the quotes I have posted on my refrigerator says this, "DO the thing you fear and death of fear is certain!" Doing--taking action--is key to controlling your thoughts and key to achieving your goals.
This will be the last post I will make regarding this challenge. I don't plan to do daily posts about the next 30-day challenge; although it may from time to time become a part of something that is posted. If you have taken this challenge with me, let me know. I will benefit from knowing how you did. If you would like to begin a new 30-day challenge, let me know and we can become a support system for each other. Whatever you do, thank you for allowing me to share my journey with you. I'll leave you with this quote from Ryan Montgomery, who is one of the CEO's in Reliv International, "It isn't where you start that is important, it's where you end."
So, now that the 30 day challenge is completed, what is next? Well, at the end of the book, "Strangest Secret to Success," it says this:
Take your 30-day test, then repeat it, then repeat it again. Each time it will become more a part of you until you'll wonder how you could have ever have lived any other way. Live this new way and the floodgates of abundance will open and pour over you more riches than you may have dreamed existed. Money? Yes, lots of it. But what's more important you'll have peace....you'll be in that wonderful minority who lead calm, cheerful successful lives.
So, now that I have finished the first 30 days, I will start over. This time, I will set a more specific and challenging goal. This time I will focus more on taking action than on attitude. Attitude is still important, but now I realize how much change there is in attitude when you take more action. One of the quotes I have posted on my refrigerator says this, "DO the thing you fear and death of fear is certain!" Doing--taking action--is key to controlling your thoughts and key to achieving your goals.
This will be the last post I will make regarding this challenge. I don't plan to do daily posts about the next 30-day challenge; although it may from time to time become a part of something that is posted. If you have taken this challenge with me, let me know. I will benefit from knowing how you did. If you would like to begin a new 30-day challenge, let me know and we can become a support system for each other. Whatever you do, thank you for allowing me to share my journey with you. I'll leave you with this quote from Ryan Montgomery, who is one of the CEO's in Reliv International, "It isn't where you start that is important, it's where you end."
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Day 29: Lessons Learned
This may sound like I'm rambling, but I thought I'd just list some of the lessons I've learned during the past 30 days.
I've learned that:
--I can control negative thoughts...IF I want to and IF I try. (Which means it is my choice to make.)
--the quicker I replace a negative thought with a positive one, the easier it is to get rid of it.
--when I keep positive thoughts in the front of my mind, I get more done.
--it is easy to slip back into old attitudes, if you don't pay attention.
--I like me better and I am in a better mood when I stay positive
--learned that I need to be more specific with the goals that I set
--and I've learned to be patient with myself--sometimes!
Tomorrow is Day 30 and I would love to hear from you. What have you learned?
I've learned that:
--I can control negative thoughts...IF I want to and IF I try. (Which means it is my choice to make.)
--the quicker I replace a negative thought with a positive one, the easier it is to get rid of it.
--when I keep positive thoughts in the front of my mind, I get more done.
--it is easy to slip back into old attitudes, if you don't pay attention.
--I like me better and I am in a better mood when I stay positive
--learned that I need to be more specific with the goals that I set
--and I've learned to be patient with myself--sometimes!
Tomorrow is Day 30 and I would love to hear from you. What have you learned?
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Day 28: Your Biggest Asset
Wow! Do you realize there are only two more days to go! I am amazed at how fast the 30 days has gone. If you have joined me on this challenge, I'm sure you have learned a great deal about yourself. I know I have. One of the most important things I have learned is that I am both my biggest asset and my biggest obstacle. When I stay focused and believe in myself, I am my biggest asset. When I start doubting myself, and think about the ways I'm probably going to fail, then I am my biggest obstacle. This whole challenge has been about seeing yourself as a success and believing in your ability to succeed.
I know that I have changed in some significant ways. However, I also know that I still struggle to maintain a positive focus from time to time. I will need to continue to grow in this area. Here are six steps from "The Strangest Secret to Success" that will help all of us continue to grow in our belief in ourselves and in our ability to succeed.
I know that I have changed in some significant ways. However, I also know that I still struggle to maintain a positive focus from time to time. I will need to continue to grow in this area. Here are six steps from "The Strangest Secret to Success" that will help all of us continue to grow in our belief in ourselves and in our ability to succeed.
1. Set a definite goal.
2. Quit running yourself down.
3. Stop thinking of the reasons you can't be successful and think of all the reasons why you can.
4. Think about where you got the idea you couldn't be successful.
5. Change the image you have of yourself by writing out a description of the person you would like to be. And...
6. Act the part of the successful person you have decided to become.
Dr. David Harold Fink, West Coast psychiatrist
"Then, pay the price--by becoming the person you want to become. It isn't nearly as difficult as living successfully."
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Day 27: Enriching Others
How are you measuring your success? Most of us measure our success in one of two ways: by tracking how much we have done or by tracking how much money we have earned. The author of our guide tells us that the true measure of success is the quality and quantity of the service you render, and money is the yardstick for measuring this service. He then makes this emphatic statement, "No man can get rich himself unless he enriches others." He also states, "there are no exceptions to this law."
If we fully understand this law, then we will realize that the size of our fortune is based on the amount of service we provide to those from whom we are receiving our return.
Yesterday, I suggested that you write down how you are providing service to others. If you did that you'll have some things to reflect on in relation to this law. One of the things I had on my list was "follow-up" which is a part of the product service on which the business I am pursuing is based. And what I have realized is that frankly, I'm not doing very well with follow-up, and follow-up is a significant part of the service! So, if I use my income to measure how much service I am providing, I see a definite connection. I'm not getting the income I want because I am not providing the service that is needed.
Therefore...I now know exactly what I need to do to raise my income! All I have to do now, is to do it.
If we fully understand this law, then we will realize that the size of our fortune is based on the amount of service we provide to those from whom we are receiving our return.
Yesterday, I suggested that you write down how you are providing service to others. If you did that you'll have some things to reflect on in relation to this law. One of the things I had on my list was "follow-up" which is a part of the product service on which the business I am pursuing is based. And what I have realized is that frankly, I'm not doing very well with follow-up, and follow-up is a significant part of the service! So, if I use my income to measure how much service I am providing, I see a definite connection. I'm not getting the income I want because I am not providing the service that is needed.
Therefore...I now know exactly what I need to do to raise my income! All I have to do now, is to do it.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Day 25 and 26: A Fundamental Principle
One of the fundamental principles of this "Strange Secret to Success" is that "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." The author of this book describes it this way:
"Prosperity....is founded upon a law of mutual exchange. Any person who contributes to prosperity must prosper, in turn, himself. Sometimes the return will not come from those you serve, but it must come to you from someplace because that's the law." If you recall what you learned in school in science you'll recognize this law as a fundamental law of physics, too. This principle permeates every aspect of our lives, but we often forget about it.
One of the reasons we forget is that we don't always see the results of our actions immediately. When that happens, we do one of two things: we either forget about the action we have taken and don't look for any result or we assume that nothing has happened. Both perspectives are wrong.
As we complete this 30 day challenge it is important to remember that our success will always be measured by the quality and quantity of service you render, and money is a yardstick for measuring this service.
I am going to share more of what the author has to say about how service is connected to success over these last few days of the challenge. But for today I would encourage you to think about how your actions serve other people. I would suggest that you keep a list of ways you have served others and then start looking for how the service you gave comes back to you. The point of this is not for you to give a service in order to get something back. The point is to help you become more aware that there are good things coming back to you that are a result of the good things you are doing. I will end today's blog with this quote from the book, "No man can get rich himself unless he enriches others." And, that is where we will pick it up tomorrow.
"Prosperity....is founded upon a law of mutual exchange. Any person who contributes to prosperity must prosper, in turn, himself. Sometimes the return will not come from those you serve, but it must come to you from someplace because that's the law." If you recall what you learned in school in science you'll recognize this law as a fundamental law of physics, too. This principle permeates every aspect of our lives, but we often forget about it.
One of the reasons we forget is that we don't always see the results of our actions immediately. When that happens, we do one of two things: we either forget about the action we have taken and don't look for any result or we assume that nothing has happened. Both perspectives are wrong.
As we complete this 30 day challenge it is important to remember that our success will always be measured by the quality and quantity of service you render, and money is a yardstick for measuring this service.
I am going to share more of what the author has to say about how service is connected to success over these last few days of the challenge. But for today I would encourage you to think about how your actions serve other people. I would suggest that you keep a list of ways you have served others and then start looking for how the service you gave comes back to you. The point of this is not for you to give a service in order to get something back. The point is to help you become more aware that there are good things coming back to you that are a result of the good things you are doing. I will end today's blog with this quote from the book, "No man can get rich himself unless he enriches others." And, that is where we will pick it up tomorrow.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Day 24: A Small Example of Success
Yesterday's post ended with this quote from the book, "The Strangest Secret to Success:"
"It's like the story of the man who sat in front of the stove and said to it, 'Give me heat and then I'll add the wood'....We've got to put the fuel in before we can expect heat. Likewise, we've got to be of service first before we can expect money. Don't concern yourself with the money. Be of service, build, work, dream, create. Do this and you'll find there is no limit to the prosperity and abundance that will come to you."
This morning I have a personal example of this to share with you. I have been staying at my son's home for the past few days. My daughter-in-law had minor surgery and I've been helping to get the kids off to school and with other stuff around the house. Yesterday morning I decided to make chocolate chip cookies and needed to pick up a couple of things from the grocery store. Of course, nothing is quick in a store you aren't familiar with, so while I was trying to find what I needed, I over heard a store employee talking to another customer about a health issue his son was having. I couldn't find the brand I was use to, and while I stood there trying to decide which brand was the best buy, I continued to listen to the conversation that was taking place just a few feet behind me. After a couple of minutes, the store employee came over and asked if I needed help. After he helped me find what I was looking for, I commented on his conversation, saying I couldn't help but over hear what they had said. He was very nice and we talked briefly about his son and the issue he was concerned about. I found it was a very simple thing for me to ask if I could call him and tell him about something that might help his son. He readily gave me his name and number.
There was no money involved in this conversation. There is no commitment on his part to do anything. However, this small exchange between two people whose paths crossed for a brief few minutes is an example of success. The success lies in the interest expressed in the need in another person's life and the offer to share something that might help him. This is the kind of thing that yesterday's blog was explaining. Did I earn any money yesterday? No. Was I a success yesterday? Absolutely!
(And the cookies were a success, too!)
"It's like the story of the man who sat in front of the stove and said to it, 'Give me heat and then I'll add the wood'....We've got to put the fuel in before we can expect heat. Likewise, we've got to be of service first before we can expect money. Don't concern yourself with the money. Be of service, build, work, dream, create. Do this and you'll find there is no limit to the prosperity and abundance that will come to you."
This morning I have a personal example of this to share with you. I have been staying at my son's home for the past few days. My daughter-in-law had minor surgery and I've been helping to get the kids off to school and with other stuff around the house. Yesterday morning I decided to make chocolate chip cookies and needed to pick up a couple of things from the grocery store. Of course, nothing is quick in a store you aren't familiar with, so while I was trying to find what I needed, I over heard a store employee talking to another customer about a health issue his son was having. I couldn't find the brand I was use to, and while I stood there trying to decide which brand was the best buy, I continued to listen to the conversation that was taking place just a few feet behind me. After a couple of minutes, the store employee came over and asked if I needed help. After he helped me find what I was looking for, I commented on his conversation, saying I couldn't help but over hear what they had said. He was very nice and we talked briefly about his son and the issue he was concerned about. I found it was a very simple thing for me to ask if I could call him and tell him about something that might help his son. He readily gave me his name and number.
There was no money involved in this conversation. There is no commitment on his part to do anything. However, this small exchange between two people whose paths crossed for a brief few minutes is an example of success. The success lies in the interest expressed in the need in another person's life and the offer to share something that might help him. This is the kind of thing that yesterday's blog was explaining. Did I earn any money yesterday? No. Was I a success yesterday? Absolutely!
(And the cookies were a success, too!)
Friday, September 25, 2009
Day 23: You Don't Make Money...You Earn It
Today's title relates to an important point that the book, The Strangest Secret to Success, wants to be sure we understand. The goal that I wrote for this challenge is at least in part, intended to bring more money into my life. Nothing wrong with that. My guess is that many of your goals also have a similar end result in mind. But, have you ever said, "I need to make more money?" Earl Nightingale would tell you that the only people who make money are the ones who work in a mint. The rest of us have to earn it. The book goes on to say,
"The only way to earn money is by providing people with services or products which are needed and useful. We exchange our time and our product or service for the other person's money. Therefore, the law is that our financial return will be in direct proportion to our service.
Now, success is not the result of making money; making money is the result of success--and success is in direct proportion to our service. Most people have this law backwards. They believe that you're successful if you earn a lot of money. The truth is that you can only earn money after you're successful.
It's like the story of the man who sat in front of the stove and said to it, 'Give me heat and then I'll add the wood'....We've got to put the fuel in before we can expect heat. Likewise, we've got to be of service first before we can expect money. Don't concern yourself with the money. Be of service, build, work, dream, create. Do this and you'll find there is no limit to the prosperity and abundance that will come to you."
"The only way to earn money is by providing people with services or products which are needed and useful. We exchange our time and our product or service for the other person's money. Therefore, the law is that our financial return will be in direct proportion to our service.
Now, success is not the result of making money; making money is the result of success--and success is in direct proportion to our service. Most people have this law backwards. They believe that you're successful if you earn a lot of money. The truth is that you can only earn money after you're successful.
It's like the story of the man who sat in front of the stove and said to it, 'Give me heat and then I'll add the wood'....We've got to put the fuel in before we can expect heat. Likewise, we've got to be of service first before we can expect money. Don't concern yourself with the money. Be of service, build, work, dream, create. Do this and you'll find there is no limit to the prosperity and abundance that will come to you."
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Day 22: I think I can? I think I can!
So, which way do say those four words when you repeat your goal? Do you say, 'I think'...meaning, 'I hope' I can reach my goal? Or, do you say 'I think I can do this!' meaning, 'I believe I can do this and I am doing it!' Saying it the first way is wishful thinking with more doubt than confidence. Saying it the second way expresses confidence. In another book I looked at recently, (As you may have guessed, I do a lot of reading), I came across this quote, "Confidence is the first step to getting what you want or need."
Confidence is what you believe about yourself. Sometimes we get that confused with trust. Both qualities are important but they are not the same thing. I have some fear of heights. So, before I use a ladder, I always make sure that the ladder I'm going to use is sturdy. I check to make sure that I have all four legs set on level ground and I test it out before I start to climb. When it is all set up, I have complete trust that the ladder will hold me. However, I am still nervous and a little shaky on that ladder because I don't have confidence in me. I know that I will start to get a little dizzy and I am afraid that I will lose my footing and fall. So,because I don't have confidence in me, I don't do well on ladders.
When you first set your goal, it was important that you knew that what you were focusing on was worthwhile and achievable. You needed to know that so that you had trust in where you were going. The purpose of setting this focus wasn't to build your trust in the target; the purpose was to build confidence in yourself. If you don't believe in you; you won't reach your goal.
One of my favorite books as a kid was "The Little Engine that Could." That little engine had to pull a big load up a very steep hill. All the way up that hill he kept repeating, "I think I can....I think I can..." At first he said it slowly but gradually he said it faster and faster..."I-think-I-can..IthinkIcan...IthinkIcan................AND he did! So can you!
Confidence is what you believe about yourself. Sometimes we get that confused with trust. Both qualities are important but they are not the same thing. I have some fear of heights. So, before I use a ladder, I always make sure that the ladder I'm going to use is sturdy. I check to make sure that I have all four legs set on level ground and I test it out before I start to climb. When it is all set up, I have complete trust that the ladder will hold me. However, I am still nervous and a little shaky on that ladder because I don't have confidence in me. I know that I will start to get a little dizzy and I am afraid that I will lose my footing and fall. So,because I don't have confidence in me, I don't do well on ladders.
When you first set your goal, it was important that you knew that what you were focusing on was worthwhile and achievable. You needed to know that so that you had trust in where you were going. The purpose of setting this focus wasn't to build your trust in the target; the purpose was to build confidence in yourself. If you don't believe in you; you won't reach your goal.
One of my favorite books as a kid was "The Little Engine that Could." That little engine had to pull a big load up a very steep hill. All the way up that hill he kept repeating, "I think I can....I think I can..." At first he said it slowly but gradually he said it faster and faster..."I-think-I-can..IthinkIcan...IthinkIcan................AND he did! So can you!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Day 21: "Letters"
Sorry, but I was out of town for a couple of days and could not get to the computer. But, while I was away--visiting my mother--I did some reading and have a book that I would recommend you read. The name of the book is Letters written by Luanne Rice and Joseph Monninger. Letters is a fictional account of two people whose marriage has fallen apart following the sudden death of their 20 year old son. They are emotionally and geographically separated and the only form of communication they have is through letters. They find it is easier to share their real thoughts and feelings with each other in the letters they write than it was to talk to each other as they grieved over the death of their son. As they open up to each other and listen to each other, they begin to recall all the good things they had in their life; the day they met; the love they shared and the joy it brought them. At first I didn't think of the book as something connected to this challenge; but, as I was driving home yesterday, it occurred to me that it has a significant connection.
As this couple became more open with each other, they became more focused on the positive pieces of their lives and the qualities they loved in the other person. In other words, the more they thought about what they had that was good, the more good they recognized and they began to recognize how much they needed and wanted that person back in their lives.
You might remember that one of the first important benefits of staying focused on your commitment was that your mind and your focused energy would attract positive and beneficial experiences to you that will help your reach your goal. This book is an example of that. I have shared this commitment with my mother, and she regularly reads this blog. She recommended this book to me. Since I have my mind focused on my goal, I saw a connection in the book that I might not have seen otherwise. The connection for me is another layer of conviction of the importance of what our mind thinks. The people in the book were separated emotionally for almost three years. During that time they thought about all the ways the other person wasn't meeting their needs. But when they began writing the letters, and started to understand what had been happening to the other person; they began focusing on the good in that person and not the negative. It changed everything for them. Controlling your thoughts and staying focused can change everything for you, too.
As this couple became more open with each other, they became more focused on the positive pieces of their lives and the qualities they loved in the other person. In other words, the more they thought about what they had that was good, the more good they recognized and they began to recognize how much they needed and wanted that person back in their lives.
You might remember that one of the first important benefits of staying focused on your commitment was that your mind and your focused energy would attract positive and beneficial experiences to you that will help your reach your goal. This book is an example of that. I have shared this commitment with my mother, and she regularly reads this blog. She recommended this book to me. Since I have my mind focused on my goal, I saw a connection in the book that I might not have seen otherwise. The connection for me is another layer of conviction of the importance of what our mind thinks. The people in the book were separated emotionally for almost three years. During that time they thought about all the ways the other person wasn't meeting their needs. But when they began writing the letters, and started to understand what had been happening to the other person; they began focusing on the good in that person and not the negative. It changed everything for them. Controlling your thoughts and staying focused can change everything for you, too.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Day 20: Persistence
We are 2/3 of the way through the challenge. If you have been running along side of me in this experience I know you have seen significant changes in your attitude and in your actions. One of the key words that is an important component of your success is persistence. The book describes persistence as a demonstration of faith; without faith you would not persist. The ability to persist and demonstrate faith comes from several sources. For me, the first source is knowing that what I am pursuing is part of God's plan for my life, since that is the fundamental basis for all that I do in my life. It is also extremely important that you read inspirational books as you pursue your goal. You may have favorite authors but John Maxwell and Zig Ziegler are good places to start. The book reminds us also of three fundamental strategies to help you persevere:
1. Don't worry...worry brings fear, and fear is crippling.
2. Don't try to do this all by yourself.
3. Keep your goal in front of you every day.
4. Stay calm and cheerful. Don't let petty things annoy you and drag you off course.
If you are struggling with "persistence," perhaps you need to put a visual picture of this word in your mind. One of the synonyms for persistence is "doggedness." If you have ever tried to pull a bone out of a dog's mouth you will understand how this word fits. That dog has that bone clenched between his teeth; his feet are firmly planted and every muscle in its body is tensed so resist the pull of that bone away from him. So picture yourself as the dog with your goal firmly fixed between your teeth, with your feet firmly planted and your mind mentally focused and determined to stay on course. Recall that visual every morning and every time you encounter an obstacle. That should give your ability to remain persistent a real boost!
1. Don't worry...worry brings fear, and fear is crippling.
2. Don't try to do this all by yourself.
3. Keep your goal in front of you every day.
4. Stay calm and cheerful. Don't let petty things annoy you and drag you off course.
If you are struggling with "persistence," perhaps you need to put a visual picture of this word in your mind. One of the synonyms for persistence is "doggedness." If you have ever tried to pull a bone out of a dog's mouth you will understand how this word fits. That dog has that bone clenched between his teeth; his feet are firmly planted and every muscle in its body is tensed so resist the pull of that bone away from him. So picture yourself as the dog with your goal firmly fixed between your teeth, with your feet firmly planted and your mind mentally focused and determined to stay on course. Recall that visual every morning and every time you encounter an obstacle. That should give your ability to remain persistent a real boost!
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