Posts from — May 2009

In Appreciate the Moment, I mention how Life is made up of memories and to always remember the good ones.  This statement came to mind when I came across “Moments of Moments”, a video about different moments in life.

It’s nice to see that the artist uses his creative talent to convey a positive outlook of life.

I share this video with you as a reminder that life is what we make of it.

Today is a beautiful day.  Go out, create and share your own moments and above all  enjoy life!

Thank you Ali.

Michael J. Fox, the Canadian 47 year old actor, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991.  In 2000, he left the successful T.V. series “Spin City” and since then he’s become a forceful advocate for research to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

“Optimism doesn’t mean being in denial,”  Fox said.  “It’s not Pollyannish. It allows for the fact that things are tough. There can be tough optimism: an acceptance of obstacles, with a willingness to fight through them”.  Fox told a reporter last week.

Fox was in town last month.  He was working on a television special that aired last week, ”Michael J. Fox: Adventures of an Incurable Optimist.”

“I proposed doing a special where we just travel around, talk to people about optimism, go to places where optimism thrives and look at it from every different angle. It’s brought us to Chicago, the home of the Cubs — and the most optimistic fans in the world.”

I applaud Michael J. Fox for the positive difference he’s made.  Most recently he released a new book ‘Always Looking Up,’ the actor’s memoir about how his life was changed by Parkinson’s disease.  Previous to this, he wrote his first book ’Lucky Man: A Memoir’ which resulted as a best-seller.

Going somewhere?

Life is what you make of it.

We experience the same range of emotions, no matter our differences as individuals.  The outcome to any situation is a direct result of how we decide to handle it.

To help you ease some of the day-to-day tension, I have compiled a list of:

101 Ways to Manage Stress

(In no particular order)

1. Take 10 deep breaths.
2. Visualize a relaxing scene.
3. Learn to say “no”.
4. Stay clutter-free.
5. Read good books.
6. Stretch.
7. Write in a blog.
8. Try yoga.
9. Laugh often.
10. Watch clouds go by.
11. Look at a magazine.
12. Believe in yourself.
13. Prioritize tasks.
14. Get some fresh air.
15. Hug someone.
16. Get plenty of sleep.
17. Watch a movie.
18. Seek out positive people.
19. Make to-do lists.
20. Take a brisk walk.
21. Stargaze.
22. Sip a cup of herbal tea.
23. Put your feet up.
24. Enjoy a hobby.
25. Confront your feelings.
26. Exercise.
27. Plan ahead.
28. Talk with a friend.
29. Dance.
30. Laugh at yourself.
31. Count your blessings.
32. Be silly.
33. Set realistic goals.
34. Sing.
35. Squeeze a stress ball.
36. Eat right.
37. Take a nap.
38. Walk away.
39. Vary your routine.
40. Play with children.
41. Get a massage.
42. Ask for help.
43. Find a quiet spot to relax.
44. Take regular breaks.
45. Listen to soothing music.
46. See problems as challenges.
47. Smile.
48. Be faithful.
49. Avoid caffeine and tobacco.
50. Eat a good breakfast.
51. Cry if necessary.
52. Be flexible.
53. Play a sport.
54. Wear earplugs when it’s noisy.
55. Buy fresh flowers.
56. Spend time with loved ones.
57. Celebrate life.
58. Do one task at a time.
59. Meditate.
60. Plant a garden.
61. Avoid distractions.
62. Budget time and money.
63. Share jokes.
64. Play games with friends.
65. Look at the big picture.
66. Get up earlier.
67. Set limits.
68. Express your feelings.
69. Treat yourself to a gift.
70. Simplify your life.
71. Reflect on your joys.
72. Punch a pillow.
73. Go out to lunch.
74. Don’t dwell on the past.
75. Play with a pet.
76. Go to the park.
77. Take a shower.
78. Wear comfortable clothes.
79. Take off your shoes.
80. Forgive and forget.
81. Delegate work.
82. Love others.
83. Have plants at work and home.
84. Day dream.
85. Cook your favorite dish.
86. Savor meals.
87. Look at old photos.
88. Take a vacation.
89. Fly a kite.
90. Learn something new.
91. Volunteer.
92. Go out for frozen yogurt.
93. Join a group.
94. Rub your neck and shoulders.
95. Take the bus or carpool.
96. Have a picnic.
97. Recognize beauty around you.
98. Take it one day at a time.
99. Don’t procrastinate.
100. Make someone smile.
101. Think positively.

Make a positive difference in someones life.  Refer your friends and family to this blog.

Some people don’t know what they have until it’s gone.. Have you ever thought what life would be like for those around you if you never existed? Be sure to thank your mother for that. At one point you were carried in your mother’s womb for 9 months.. or less, if you you couldn’t wait much longer. From the beginning, our mother cared and nurtured us. A mother’s love is like no other, the least we can do is honor and cherish her till the end.

I’m not saying you should have her move in with you. Believe me, I love my mom but we are two different people (it wouldn’t work-out). It’s the little things you can do. Actions speak louder than words. Join her for breakfast, listen to her, make her laugh, hug her, call her from time to time just to tell her that you miss her cooking.

Don’t share any bad news with her, unless you really have to. She already worries wondering if you’re getting enough to eat. The point is to make your mom happy and not just on her day (Birthday & Mother’s Day) but every opportunity you get.. On that note, may this Mother’s Day be beautiful for you and that special woman in your life!

Mom, I love you.

Remember being asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”  Do you remember your answer?.. I bet you never said, “I want to be a manager”.  No matter what we aspire to be, at one point or another we will end up managing and supervising people throughout our career… and if you’re already at this point, you need to ask yourself, “Am I a good manager?  and before you can answer this question, you must first answer, “What makes a good manager?”

To help you with the last question:  I want you to remember all of the managers and supervisors you ever had.  Now, only think of the ones’ you had respect for.  Of these, think of the managers that showed an interest in your professional development and finally, only think of the managers you trust.  These are your good managers.. the leaders.

Being a manager isn’t about the hour lunch break, it isn’t telling people what to do, it isn’t about the suit and it isn’t about the tittle.  It’s about leading by example.  It’s about coaching and training your associates, it’s about building a winning team.  I’ll be honest with you, this isn’t easy.  The journey is long but you’ll know when you reach the end.  I guess I’m just passionate about what I do..

As leaders, we set the tone for the work place.  We lead, and our team-members follow.  So if you want to enjoy your work life, why not start with a positive attitude?  The rest will fall into place.

Just keep in mind that the position doesn’t make the person, it’s the person that makes the position.