Yes, I'd Love a Phone Call From Heaven!

Life has a funny way of always putting things in your path just when you need it.   As I was thinking about my next blog post, which I knew would be about my mother, I was working in my home office and the inspiration came like a gift from above.   As I work, I like noise and usually will watch the Today show or Good Morning America in the morning for any news or relevant stories that might be interesting.   This morning, as I was going about answering emails and such, I looked up and saw a segment on the Katie show, where she was interviewing Mitch Albom who wrote the book, "the first phone call from heaven".   Why at that particular moment would this segment come on?  Why today?  There's always so many questions and not enough answers, but, sometimes you simply don't ask the why.  Today was one of those days.  

I found myself turning up the volume and listening intently to the interview.  I googled the book and knew immediately that I would download it and read it.  One of the questions that the author asked Katie was who she would want to get a phone call from heaven from... and she replied, that she'd like to hear from her husband, Jay and maybe her sister and Dad.  She asked if she could have a conference call.  (ha!)  As I laughed at her response,  I realized tears were falling.  Not from sadness, but, from the joy of thinking about getting a phone call from heaven.  

http://youtu.be/_ENSBc3FajY  (click the link and you'll see what the book is all about.) 

Four years ago today, my mom passed away and not a day goes by that I don't think about her (or my Dad either.)  My parents passed away exactly 6 months apart and it was a difficult time, for me, especially.   I am the youngest of 3 children and as I've mentioned before, I was close to my parents.  The older I got, the more I wanted to be around them.   This segment seemed to be on at this exact moment just for me.   It was almost like my mother could hear me and she was helping.   As I was watching the interview... I found myself imagining my phone ringing and my mother being on the other end.  (There was nothing she loved better than a good long phone conversation!)  Yes, the more I thought about this... the more I thought...   I would gladly welcome a phone call from heaven and yes, I would need a party line.  I would want to talk to my momma and my daddy, both.  My dad would have perfect hearing now, because in heaven life has to be perfect.  My momma would listen (okay, probably not).  I would listen and laugh at her stories and instructions just like we used to do.  My dad would tell me how pleased he was with the Ole Miss Rebels and so on.  For a few moments this morning... as I closed my eyes and envisoned the phone call and conversation, a great peace came over me.  I can't describe the feeling.  I've had it before and felt their presence.  Some might say I'm crazy.  I don't know.  All I know, is they are both with me each and every day.  They are in my heart and when I find myself thinking of them, I look up... and know that they are there.  

During the course of the interview with Katie, the author shares the story of his mom, who has had a stroke and she can no longer speak.  He can touch her but he doesn't know if she can really understand.  He said that the one thing he missed was hearing her voice.   He went on to say that a lot of people save messages on answering machines or cell phones because of this one thing.  They missed the person's voice.  I was a bit dumbfounded.   Was this man talking directly to me?   I thought I was crazy because I saved my mom's cell phone, simply because it had her voice on it and whenever I felt down or needed to know she was there, I would play the recording on it.   

Immediately following the segment on this author and his book, Katie made the transition with ease... to comfort food.... I just sat there a moment.  I found myself smiling... because if there was one thing my mother knew it was.. comfort food.  

So today was a good day.  It was unexpected.  I decided that I wanted the hard copy of this book, so I drove to town to pick it up and know that on my business trips this week, my idle time will be spent with this book.  I can't wait to read it.  

So... Mom and Dad, if you're listening and I know you are... my phone number is still the same and I'd love to have a conversation.  We have a lot to catch up on.   

Take Me Back to Mayberry, Please.

 Over the holidays,  I had the opportunity to watch television and one of the shows that I am always drawn to is 'The Andy Griffith Show".   As  I was flipping channels and saw it playing…  my remote instantly stopped.  I'm laughing now as I even write this thinking of it.  I truly enjoy watching the antics of Andy, Barney, Aunt Bee, Opie, Floyd, Helen, Goober, Gomer, Otis, the Mayor… and basically feel like I know them all on a personal basis.  

Who doesn't know the theme song to the show?  Who hasn't tried to whistle it?  (and while you're whistling it, who didn't get that feel good all over feeling?) Now, you'll be whistling this all day... and I can guarantee, you'll be smiling while doing it.  

As I was watching a recent episode, I thought about why I found it so appealing and enjoyable.  Was it the wholesomeness of the show?  The characters?  The stories?  Was it the fact that life seemed to go by at a slower pace with a lot of southern hospitality?  Was it the small town charm that was conveyed in every episode?  Was it the humor in watching Barney's antics…. with the biggest dilemma being 

whether he would be able to find his  "single bullet"  if the day ever came when he needed to use it?   For me... it was all about Andy.   Andy was easy-going, calm and a leader not just as a boss and father, but as a friend, a companion and neighbor.   Whatever the situation, Andy found the right solution and always provided us with a good dose of "learnin'".   

Andy Griffith is an icon and the role he played on the show became part of our daily lives.  Andy and Mayberry represent a part of my childhood .... and now, as an adult, bring great memories but also enjoyable television time.  (Aren't re-runs, the greatest? )  Andy wasn't always perfect and what was so great about the show was that even when he was wrong.. he made sure that he made amends.  

The show is a vault of life lessons that are delivered with such realism and humor, that you feel, like you're a member of the community when you're watching the show. You feel connected to the characters.  You find yourself rooting for Otis to get clean; or Barney to not be so clumsy; or Aunt Bee to find a companion.   You are invested into getting to know all of them.   Mayberry, North Carolina is part of American culture and it has left a lasting impression for most of us.    Every episode shares values and a message that would make all of us a better person.  (Not just personally, but professionally, as well.)  It would be interesting to create a leadership course based on Andy.   

"Be honest; Work hard; Respect your family, friends and community; Take care of each other; Don't sweat the small stuff; Smile; Be kind; Be a mentor and coach; Never judge… and the one lesson that seemed to be a staple during the television's run… "do the right thing".   

As I thought about making this the focus of my post this week,  memories came flooding back of coming home from elementary or junior high school every day at 3:30 p.m. and walking in and going straight to the television.  There without fail,  Sheriff Andy Taylor and company would take up 30 minutes of my day and provide me with teachings that I honestly didn't know I was getting at the time. 

 Today, our culture has become obsessed with another television show (even with all the controversy) --   Duck Dynasty.   Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that Uncle Si could ever outdo Andy or Barney, but, I think the reason so many people are drawn to beards is that there is a certain amount of realism within the show that the majority of american's find appealing, as suggested by their viewing numbers.  The Robertsons are willing to share their faith, their family and values without feeling like they have to hold back.  They brought prayer back to television when everybody else was trying to take it away.  Sure, they have edited it so that Si is hysterical and that there is a certain amount of comedy in each episode, but the family stays true to who they are in the series.  I think our country is hungry for it with all of the senseless tragedies and turmoil that we see every day on the news.  

For me, I will welcome Andy, Barney and the gang into my life at any opportunity and find myself laughing out loud over and over again, regardless of how many times I've seen the episode.   It reminds me that every day we will all face challenges and problems (even tv characters)  but we can solve those with patience, understanding, trust and love.   Sheriff Taylor is a fictional character and the town of Mayberry may not exist but those life lessons learned are very real.   Take Me Back to Mayberry, please.  

cue…. the whistle.  





   

A Kick in the Pants

Here we are the first full week of January (without a holiday) and I already feel like I need to place a sign on my back.   A big huge sign that says "Kick me"!  Don't we all need that every now and then... a good, swift kick to the behind to get us UP and MOVING.    Today was one of those days.  The temperature was a steaming 7 degrees and the high for Mississippi was... are  you ready, yep... 15 degrees.   I just wanted to get back in my bed and stay warm.  I seriously stuck my toe out and at one point thought it had froze.  (Yes, I know there are people in the mid-west and north-east who are dealing with -40 below and snow drifts of 2-3 feet... but I live in the South... we aren't supposed to have Arctic blasts of weather!)   Yes... where is that sign!  

                                                      

Motivation!  We all need motivating from time to time, don't we?   The holidays usually give you time to sit back relax, enjoy family and friends, eat a lot and take time away from your work mode.  For me... they provide that opportunity to launch into what I like to call hibernation.  Sounds odd, right for someone who travels a great deal of the time.   I don't know what "willed" me from that warm cocoon of the down comforter, but I got up and made it to my home office.  

Today, as I opened my computer and looked at my list of priorities, I felt overwhelmed.   I felt like I had been gone away on a 3 month voyage.  So, as I sat there staring at my list... I remembered my post from last week... My Road to 50 and my "be" list.    I pulled the list back up and read it to myself to serve as a reminder of what I want to accomplish this year.  I printed it out as well and placed it near my desk-top so that if I ever felt like I couldn't get going again... the list would be there staring at me... willing me to get going.  

I took a deep breath and slowly starting looking at the list and started to check off a few of the easier items which were follow-ups to emails.  Once those were done, I checked them off and re-evaluated the list and chose the next couple of items, and then the next and next.  By mid-afternoon, as I looked at my list, I realized I had actually become productive and gotten quite a bit accomplished.  

My reward.... a hot cup of tea.   For me, there is nothing better around 2-3 p.m. than a a cup of hot tea.  It soothes the soul and re-energizes me.   I felt better than I had earlier in the day and as i sat back down with my computer, realized that I had only 5 more items to get finished for the day.  Several phone calls later, I had completed my list for the first official Monday in January 2014.  

Motivation comes in all forms, shapes, sizes and ways.  For me... it was as simple as remembering my goal I set for myself last week and slowly easing myself back into work mode.   Instead of allowing myself to feel overwhelmed, I started out slowly and took each item on the list one by one.  By breaking down the list, it became more manageable.  So... for today... I got up and moving and motivated and cleared the list.    Have a great week and stay warm!  

Nifty "50"

so... my journey begins... the road to 50.   I have been pondering this huge milestone in my life for quite sometime.  will i feel 50?  will i look 50?  will i feel old?  am i old?  when i look in the mirror, will i see more gray?   what does turning 50 actually mean?  

yes... the questions are endless and the answers are all different depending on who you are talking to about the magic number.   I must admit... I don't feel like I'm a mere 10 months away from the "half-century" mark.  (geez... that does sound old!).  With all of these thoughts and ramblings going on, I decided to mark 2014 as "the road to 50" and to create a "be" list  to help me as I journey into the next chapter.  It's never too late, right?  So... what's on my map as I try to navigate to the nifty "50"... 

1.)  Be healthy.  My number one priority in 2014 is to have a healthier lifestyle, which is not always easy when you travel.  The time is now... to make the change and to STICK with it.  (Trust me, that does not mean I will be passing on the glass of wine... but, I have learned it's about choices and I am not always one to pick the best choice when eating properly!)  

2.)  Be kind.   This sounds odd, right?  But... I've realized as the years have slowly added up and the changes in hormones have hit... that I am not always the nicest person on the blog.  I have allowed my patience to dwindle and at times, I find myself thinking very "unkind" things.  (Yes, this happens when I'm driving and I'm cut-off; or I am at the airport and there's someone sitting next to me chatting for what seems like hours on end; or when I am shopping and the salesperson is on my heels... I will try my very best to be a kinder, gentler version).  

3.)  Be inspired.   This one is probably the easiest on my list as I am so very fortunate to love what I do and adore the people I work with on a daily basis.   There are so many amazing individuals in our industry who have such passion and creativity.  It's hard not to get caught up in it and be inspired yourself.  My goal is to inspire others as much as I am inspired myself. 

4.)  Be charitable.   This year I want to be more supportive of the charities that I support and endorse and to help in any way I can.  We are all very fortunate and blessed to be able to do the things we love to do but there are many who are not... and we should all give back more.  (Some of my favorites are CORE; Helen David Relief Fund ;  St. Jude and American Cancer Society).  I also hope to get more involved with some type of charity that has a focus on COPD.) 

5.)  Be adventureous!  This is the year where I want my journey to involve checks off my bucket list.  I want to experience as many wonderful memories as possible and to move toward 50 with adventure and spontaneous moments.  Life shouldn't be a planned activity... for every moment we breathe.  We should embrace what life gives us and take it! 

6.)  Be present.  (I'm sure you're thinking... what on earth!)   As we all move through our daily lives.. and sometimes just go through the motions... are we really present?  Are we focused?  Are we centered and grounded on the tasks at hand?  For me... I am a multi-tasker... but, its not always a good thing.  One of my goals this year is to be present with everything I do and to try and make sure that I am enjoying life and not going through the motions.) 

7.  Be authentic.   I always want to be the person I am whether its home or at work.  I want to be genuine and make sure that I am never quoted as being fake or insincere.  Be original!! 

8.  Be a leader.  As I move toward a new year and new opportunities, I want to drive new levels of excellence and standards within my own business but those relationships that I am very fortunate to be a part of their business.  I want to set the bar higher and to under promise and overdeliver.   I want to lead by example.  

9.  Be humble.   Life is too short to take things for granted.  I want to appreciate my life more and be more thankful for each person in it.  I truly believe that people are placed in your path for a reason and I want to be take time to smell the roses and to enjoy my family, my friends, my work and most of all know.. that it can all be taken at a moment's notice.  

10.  Be happy.   My final item on my road to 50 is to simply be happy.   I want to wake up every day with a happy thought and to end every day with one.  I want to embrace the challenges, the trials, tribulations but to keep a positive attitude.  

Turning 50 is a huge milestone for me.   For awhile, I thought about hopping in bed, pulling those covers up and spending the entire year in bed... until the day passed... but, I have decided to take a new approach.   I will embrace the number, the year, the milestone.  I will look forward to the journey and appreciate waking up toward it each and every day.  

After-all, age is just a number.  It doesn't define us, right?   As we go about our daily lives and we meet someone who is enjoying life and embracing it... we should not question it, we should applaud it.  

So... join me on my journey for the next 10 months and come October... I plan on marking the milestone in a big way!  

Nifty 50!  Ready, Set, Go!!!!!

This Little Light of Mine...

Lately, the world has gone amuck.  Is that even a word?   Basically… I've been so down and depressed about the world that  I haven't been motivated to update my blog, share my thoughts or convey what was on my heart.   Why?

I've asked myself that over and over… and the answers are different each and every time.   I can't turn on the news because of all the horrendous stories happening in our culture today.  There are no reasons… just countless acts of violence and senseless tragedies.  People that you don't know, yet… you feel an immediate bond for some reason that you can't explain.   The government continues to toy with all of our emotions trying to control our insurance, our military pensions and countless other avenues that I find disgusting.   

Life… just seems to be more difficult lately because it's become a depressing place to venture out into… and radiate that inner glow of sunshine that you want surrounding you at all times.   Then, there are events that occur… that have no meaning whatsoever and you're left with your faith to pull you through the darkest hour of doubt and despair.  Today was one of those days when that doubt and despair hit closer to home.   It's always more difficult when it's someone you know… a sudden tragedy that occurs and you have no answers.  My heart is breaking for some friends today and I feel helpless.  We cannot take away the pain or change the course… all we can do is have faith and trust.   

It's days like today when you want to hold your grown children… hear those that love us speak it just a little louder, feel those hugs a lot harder and let the kisses and terms of endearment flow more often.   It's a day when we realize how truly blessed and lucky we are in this life… and we should count our blessings each and every day.   Why does it take a tragedy to help us see that we should cherish our family and friends and love them with all our hearts.   

Sometimes… the world is simply an ugly place… and our job is to survive it.   We have to navigate through feelings of loss, anger, frustration, hurt, worry, disbelief, shock to truly appreciate those days when there is happiness, love, laughter and life.  

Christmas is upon us.. and it's a season of giving, but most of all,  a season of hope.  It truly maddens me when corporations bow to the demands of being politically correct.   When we allow others to change the way we greet each other during the holidays… we are allowing society to influence our beliefs when we should simply respect the differences.   "Merry Christmas" is a greeting that warms my heart each and every time I hear it.   When someone says to me.. "Happy Holidays"… I often sit there for a moment, without knowing how to respond and then I realize because it feels cold and uncaring.    Why should I feel that way?   I don't know.    I understand that not every person celebrates the same as I do, but… why should I have to change my beliefs?  Why can't they simply be respected…. just as I respected whoever says Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas.   

So… for the first time in a very long time… I decided to just be myself and stop worrying about if I was offending anyone.  If you say Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays or whatever… the response from me will be the same -- Merry Christmas and you know what… I feel good when I say it.   It makes me smile when the world is ugly with bickering, senseless tragedies and violence.   I find that it warms my heart and soul during a time.. when as a country.. we all need it.  It reminds me of the song… This Little Light of Mine… I'm Gonna Let it Shine.  It brightens my day, my heart and my soul.   

We live in troubled times and maybe we should all embrace the #showkindess and #bekind attitude.  Maybe we should erase the ugly with a world of yesteryear when times seemed to generate the good i all of us.  We should all strive to be better human beings, to love one another and respect each other regardless if we are different.  We should all feel comfortable in our own skin… and be able to be who we are… without thinking we've offended somebody for simply being ourselves.    

  May God Bless each of you during this season of giving.  May He fill our hearts with light and joy and renew our spirits with hope, faith and happiness.

Til' next time…

GET BACK ON THE HORSE... 

It's time for me to get back on the horse, so to speak... in writing my blog.   I have no real reason why I ever stopped except life.   Isn't that something?  LIFE getting in the way... of sitting in front of my computer... pounding out my heart and soul.    We all have work, family obligations, hobbies and more...we all wake up every day... and go about our life.   As I sit here writing now... I realize how much I've missed putting my thoughts down on paper and seeing them come to life.   Writing is my therapy, my happy place... my way of sharing part of myself with others.   Who cares if nobody reads it?  Who cares if things that I say are unimportant?  Who cares... if I offend somebody?  Well... actually, I do care, but then again... I can't control everything, can I?

So... what now... basically, I dust myself off... forgive my lapse... and get back on the horse and start my writing again.   As I thought about that phrase... I thought there had to be a story behind it.   I mean... truly.... how many people have actually been on a horse to get back on?   So... I looked it up.

You wouldn't believe how many items in the search came up... but after much reading... I decided that this might be the best definition.

Def. 1 (verb) To attempt the same challenging action after failure. Apparently derived from an old adage: "You have to get back on the horse that threw you."
Def. 2 (verb) To get back into a habit. Traditionally this would refer to a good habit.  

So... now that I have that all cleared up... I'll go about my business of writing my blog after my year long absence.   I don't want you to think that I've just been doing nothing, though.  I have been quite busy building my company and doing what I love to do.   

I've also been on vacation recently... Alaska.. and that warrants a blog all by itself.   Beautiful place... and so inspiring, although, I do have to wonder how you live somewhere it's daylight all the time... or its dark all the time.  I am not sure I could have enough will-power to do that.  

So... now, that I've saddled back up, got my new reins... and am ready to go... I'll end this week with a quote that I found that really relays my life on a day-to-day basis.   

Isn't that enough to just make you think?  Go enjoy your week, watch the Duke... and know that every day if  you fall back or have a lapse... you just get back up again!  

Choices

“You may think that in life, a lot of things happen to you along the way. The truth is, in life, you happen to a lot of things along the way.”

Choices... how many do we actually make in 24 hours a day?  

Every day we wake up... and we make a choice to either get up or stay in bed.  

From that moment... we are presented with choice after choice all day long.    The quote that I've chosen for this particular blog seems to put things into perspective regarding choices.  I think that we all faces times when we honestly don't know what to do or how to do something.  I think that we all try to make good choices, but that's not always the case.  Sometimes.. we may simply be having a bad day or we may turn left when the reality is we should have taken a right.  

Regardless... it's our responsibility to take ownership of our choices and make the best of them.  If we make a bad choice... then, admit it, accept it and move on.    The other thing we should realize is that sometimes our choices have direct impact on people that we interact with every single day.   By no means, am I suggesting that we should determine choices because of other people, but I do believe that we should all be aware of how a choice can impact someone else.  For example.. if I am a chef at a restaurant and I make the choice to change the menu on a daily basis.   It's my responsibility to know the impact that this will have on those sharing the kitchen and helping to prepare the food.   If they have been accustomed to doing things a certain way and are suddenly asked to change things, they need to be shown 

the respect and time to accomplish the task.  

It's our choice to get up and make the most of every single day that we are given.  It's our choice to find blessings in the small things and share our gratitude for those.   It's our choice to open our hearts and minds to the impossible and reach for our goals with a renewed sense of hope each and every day.   It's our choice to never give up and never have regrets.  


Sometimes I will read an inspiring story about someone who had a very difficult life... because of choices that someone else made which were a direct impact to them..... then when they were able to start making their own choices... they turned things around and became a true success.     

Choices. 
Ours to make.  Ours to change.  Ours to impact.  Ours to be accountable.  Ours to share.