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Friday, June 18, 2010
Characteristics of Success - 'Life Skills' Part 15Welcome back on this fine Friday as we continue exploring 'Characteristics
of Success' and our latest series on: 'Life Skills'. We began
this series on Friday, May 14th, and established that although the last 21 months or so have been very difficult
for most businesses, a positive trend has emerged. This
trend seems to be that more and more companies are making their 'Training & Development' focus: 'Work/Home Life Balance or Life Skills' type training.
The first eight traits or attributes we have explored
in our previous posts were:
#1.
'Never Ever Stop Dreaming'
#2. 'Transparancy'
#3. 'Authenticity'
#4. 'Strength of Character'
#5. 'Face your Fears'
#6. 'Honesty'
#7. 'Life Choices'
#8.
'Faith'
I want to spend our time today continuing to explore the eighth trait 'Faith'. On Wednesday as we began discussing this topic I shared these thoughts:
* Many people define 'Faith'
differently.
* Some people don't believe in 'Faith' at all.
* Others believe in 'Faith' but tie 'Faith'
to a particular type of worship or religion.
On
Wednesday we also began by establishing some common
ground by going to Webster and defining 'Faith' as:
Confident belief in the truth, value,
or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.
Belief that does not rest on
logical proof or material evidence. Loyalty to a person
or thing; allegiance: keeping faith with one's
supporters. often Faith Christianity The theological
virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of
God's will. The body of dogma of a religion: the Protestant faith, Catholic faith
or Muslim faith. A
set of principles or beliefs.
In our last
post we discussed the first three aspects of the above definitions and now I would like to spend the rest of our time today
exploring definitions four through six......here we go!
I find it interesting that in today's world we are so afraid
to talk about 'God' and 'Faith in
God'. Why? How did we get to this place in society? I know.....I hear the mantra......'Oh what if I offend
someone else who doesn't share that 'Faith or Belief'.....I'm sorry but when did we become as a society so thin-skinned. I
appreciate hearing different beliefs and viewpoints.....I don't get offended. If we are not careful we will 'politically
correct' ourselves to the point where all we can talk about is the weather. Folks I realize that some people take their 'Faith and Beliefs' to the point
of feeling like it is their 'calling' to help everyone else see it their way and belief their way. I appreciate
their zeal but I also have enough knowledge and 'Faith' of my own that
I enjoy a 'Spirited' debate when thoughts and opinions differ.
With all this said I want to share why I think
having 'Faith' needs to be included as a key 'Life Skill'.
Let's re-visit the definition above: The
theological virtue defined as secure belief
in God and a trusting
acceptance of God's will. The body of dogma of a religion: the Protestant faith, Catholic faith
or Muslim faith. A
set of principles or beliefs. This definition starts with the statement 'a secure belief
in God'. Why is that important? Hebrews
11:6 states this: 'But without FAITH it is impossible to please him;
for he that comes to GOD must believe that HE IS, and that he is a rewarder of those that diligently seek him.'
Would you like to know one reason I have NO PROBLEM whatsoever having 'Faith
in God'? Because I spend time in nature! I was out on my boat the other day and meandered into a special cove
where I go and I just anchor the boat and sit. No music......no anything.....just the sights and sounds of nature. I should
have recorded it....it was spectacular. The area I was, has an abundant amount of 'Bull Frogs' and boy were they doing their
thing. One would call......and from across the cove another would answer. Some were so loud I wondered the size of the frog......I
sat there wondering what their calls meant......why did they answer one another......truly amazing.
As I sat there
for over two hours the sights just kept coming. I noticed way down the cove to ducks who were obviously a pair and in 'duck
love'....is there such a thing (Smile). These two meandered up through the cove for over two hours together, never venturing
more than five feet away from one another. One would dive and go after some food and then the other one would do the same.
Each time they re-surfaced they were within feet of each other. Then I watched them and all of a sudden they both took to
flight instantly. Again flying several feet apart as they cruised out of my sight.
In the same afternoon I heard
the wonderful call of a Loon and for those of you that have never heard that call echo down a lake it is incredible. As I
was listening to the Loon my eye caught motion on the water and here came a mother duck with her seven little ducklings in
tow. Those seven followed Mom wherever she went and if one got out of formation they quickly got back in line. (Who taught
those ducklings to do that?)
I also heard fish rising after something on the surface, Geese making their familiar
call and if my day wasn't complete I looked up and there he was circling above looking for lunch.......a full-grown Bald Eagle.
The sun hitting his gleaming white head as he soared high above riding the currents and barely flapping a wing. He didn't
find lunch while I was watching but I'll bet soon after, some unsuspecting fish found himself flying through the air back
to the Eagles nest.....what a sight.
What does all I just wrote have to do with 'Faith'........everything.
Can you honestly watch all those things and think that a big ball of fire exploded and just created all those items......I
love to hear people try and explain the big bang theory but they always get stuck with this question...........Where did the
first things come from?....They had to come from somewhere......if there isn't anything there, there is nothing to bang.......sorry
but I have never heard anyone explain where the first 'bang' came from......hmmmmm.
My point is this: When
I look at the intricacies of Nature in it's pure form and the amazing checks and balances, that is all the evidence I need
to say without a shadow of a doubt that there is a GOD......all these intricacies didn't just miraculously
happen out of a bang.....if you believe that......you have a form of greater Faith than I my friend. I find it quite easy
to have 'Faith in God' by simply viewing and appreciating Nature.
I
also want to tie the other parts of the definitions above together to continue to explain why I have 'Faith' and
why I think having 'Faith' is a key 'Life Skill'. Here is the other part of the definition: A trusting acceptance of God's will.
The body of dogma
of a religion: the
Protestant faith, Catholic faith or Muslim faith. A
set of principles or beliefs.
One of the other reasons I have 'Faith'
is because it gives me a principle to help me wrap my 'pea-sized' brain around life events. Folks I don't understand disease,
why a child dies, why someone loses their job, why innocent people are hurt and killed by natural disasters like volcano's,
earthquakes, tornado's and hurricanes. I'm sorry but I don't get those things. Now before you jump me, I'm not trying
to say everything is 'God's Will' and trying to be some Pollyanna type. I'm just saying I can't wrap my head around many,
many things in life. It is in and during those times that I find solace in the thought that a finite mind (Mine) is trying
to grasp an infinite God, and the two are light-years apart. I know we have to somehow find a balance between 'God's
Sovereignty' and 'Man's Responsibility and Obligations' and I guess for me that is where 'Faith'
fills the gap.
I was recently reading in the Old Testament
in the book of Jeremiah and God and he were having a chat......Let's say a disagreement of sorts. God spoke to Jeremiah and
said: Look at a Potter making a dish......if the dish gets marred for some reason the potter then
chooses to make it into something else.....to re-form it! Just because it is not a 'Dish' doesn't make it as important as
the dish.....it just serves another function. God was trying to remind Jeremiah that God is the Potter
and We are the clay. I guess I have to say......I really believe that.......that doesn't mean I don't struggle and
fight against things that happen in my life.....it doesn't mean I don't get sad or angry at God when things don't go my way.....I
do, but once I work through it I can see a 'reason'.....I may not get or have choose it to happen that way but it helps me
wrap my head around life issues and brings a calmness and peace to my heart.
I saw this poster the other day and
I really like the message, it said: 'If you don't feel close to GOD.......guess WHO moved?' I guess
that sums it up for me and also explains why I feel having 'Faith in God' is
so important in my life. Again, Hebrews 11:6 'But
without FAITH it is impossible to please him; for he that comes to GOD must believe that HE IS, and that he is a rewarder
of those that diligently seek him.' I guess for me........that reward is knowing
I am Loved by our Creator and that brings Peace to my life.
Again, I believe when we CHOOSE to make positive
decisions like trusting and having 'Faith in God' we can then truly begin to
'trust' the Potter......We aren't all dishes......aren't we glad about that! When we realize and embrace this truth I think
we are embarking on a life-long journey to becoming the person (The Potter) intended us to be. Why
not decide to make your 'Faith' come alive today.......that type of CHOICE, you will never regret.....you
simply won't!!!!!!
I'll see you again on Monday where we will explore a new trait or attribute in our 'Life
Skills' series. Have
a great weekend and as always, thanks for listening/reading and remember to:
'Dream Big and Dare
to Fail!'
(Again I would love to hear what 'characteristics/skills/traits' you believe should be incorporated
into the 'Life Skills' series. What do YOU think
are key 'Life Skills' necessary to not only 'survive but thrive'
in today's personal and professional world? Whether you have one idea or a whole list please hit the comment button underneath
this post or email me your thoughts. Holland@HollandMeads.com Also if you have just joined us and would
like to 'catch-up' on previous posts please hit the 'archive' buttons or this link will take you to the beginning of this
series http://www.hollandmeads.com/2010.05.16_arch.html Monday May 17th 2010 )
5:39 am edt
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Characteristics of Success - 'Life Skills' Part 14Welcome back as we continue exploring 'Characteristics of
Success' and our latest series on: 'Life Skills'. We began this
series on Friday, May 14th, and established that although the last 20 months or so have been very difficult for
most businesses, a positive trend has emerged. This trend seems to
be that more and more companies are making their 'Training & Development' focus: 'Work/Home
Life Balance or Life Skills' type training.
The first seven traits or attributes we have explored in our previous posts were:
#1. 'Never Ever Stop Dreaming'
#2. 'Transparancy'
#3.
'Authenticity'
#4. 'Strength of Character'
#5. 'Face your Fears'
#6. 'Honesty'
#7. 'Life Choices'
The next trait or attribute I would like us to explore is:
#8. 'Faith'
Now before we start a discussion on this topic I realize several
things:
* Many people define 'Faith' differently.
* Some people don't believe in 'Faith' at all.
* Others believe in 'Faith' but tie 'Faith'
to a particular type of worship or religion.
With
the above thoughts established I will say up front that I may be 'nuts' for even opening up a discussion on this topic as
the 'interpretation' will vary greatly and the ability to hit 'common ground' may be slight. However I believe it needs to
be addressed and here's why, When we started this series I stated that I wanted to explore traits or attributes that would
be interpreted as key 'Life Skills' and I asked you this question:
What do YOU think are key 'Life Skills'
necessary to not only 'survive but thrive' in today's personal and professional world. When I answer that question
the above trait is one that comes to the forefront of my mind! It is a trait that I would want my children to not only embrace
but learn, hold onto and keep as one of the pillars of who they are as a person.
With that said let's begin
by once again establishing some common ground by going to Webster and defining 'Faith'.
Webster defines 'Faith' as:
Confident belief in
the truth, value, or trustworthiness of a
person, idea, or thing. Belief that does not
rest on logical proof or material evidence. Loyalty to a person or thing;
allegiance: keeping faith with one's supporters. often
Faith Christianity The theological virtue defined
as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's
will. The
body of dogma of a
religion: the Protestant faith, Catholic faith or Muslim faith. A set of principles or beliefs.
I would like to spend the rest of
our time today exploring the first three aspects of the above definition and then continue our discussion on Friday by
exploring the latter sections, four through six.
When I look at the first three definitions above a
common theme seems to unveil itself to me. The theme or commonality I see is 'Faith
in Friends'. Let's re-visit the definition: Confident belief in the truth, value,
or trustworthiness of a person. Belief that does not rest on logical
proof or material evidence. Loyalty
to a person or thing; allegiance!
We
have all heard at some point or another that if we go through life and have four or five 'great friends' we are blessed. I
have to admit that when I first heard that statement many, many years ago from my mom I arrogantly thought: 'I have lots
of friends!' Now decades after I first heard that statement I realize how naive I was in my arrogance and how here I
am now and if I'm honest I can count my dear close friends on one hand and maybe have a finger or two left.
It
is funny how when we are young we think so and so is going to be my best friend forever......only to find out that things
change.....people change.....people go away.....life changes..... and the people we look at and thought were going to be our
best friends forever are probably no where in our lives currently.
When I look at the few people in my life
that I would put in this category I would do so because for me they embody the definition above. Today I want to comment about
two of these individuals in my life. The first one is truly a 'life-long' friend; 'Swammy'. (Sorry about that name is too
long of a story to tell.) I have known Swammy for almost five decades and for that I am blessed. We played football together
as kids, swam together, occasionally got into 'trouble' together but have maintained our friendship. We have been there during
hard times like divorce and the death of a parent to the many joys that life has brought each of us.
The one common
thread that binds us is 'trust' in each other. I have a Confident belief in the truth, value,
or trustworthiness of SWAMMY and he in I. I
have a Belief
that does not rest on logical proof
or material evidence, and we both have a mutual
Loyalty to each other, an allegiance
if you will! Now someone reading this might say I agree with everything except the middle portion....you
do have logical proof or material evidence. I guess I would say 'yes and no'.....yes
has his behavior and mine reinforced our friendship......yes.....but at the same times there have times in our lives where
we both repeatedly let the other person down by our actions......however......our friendship not only survived the times of
disappointment but those times probably have helped reinforce our friendship as we have both had to face our failures, learn
and through that learning grow and mature as people and also as friends.
What is so funny about Swammy is how much
Sierra and Mariah love him and his family. When we were talking about their up-coming move to Seattle one of the 'sad'
points both girls brought up in our discussion was: 'When will we see Swammy again?' What is the price
and value of a friendship like that? I promised them both that when they come back to the East Coast for a visit that the
visit will always include seeing Swammy!
The other friend I would like to talk about I haven't know for decades
but just for several years and his name is Joe. (That's his 'real' name unlike Swammy.) I had dinner with Joe and
his girlfriend Laura last night and what a wonderful time we had sitting out on the deck, watching the sun set over the
lake, sipping on a glass of wine and talking about 'life' in general. What is so interesting about our relationship is that
I am old enough to be both of their Dad's. Now, some people would think that with that many years between us, how could you have
a deep strong friendship.......I guess for that answer I have to go back to the definition above.
I guess I would have to
say that with Joe, the Confident belief in the truth,
value, or trustworthiness of him as a person came through spending time together on the water fishing. Joe and I have become fishing buddies over the last several years and even competed in some
local team bass tournaments together. I don't know what it is but I think there is something
about being on the water with some one for 10 to 12 hours that makes you talk and share about life. At lease for me there
is and that was and is how I have gotten to know Joe. During those days on the water I have shared some of my 'life' stories
with him and he has shared some of his 'life' stories with me.
Again just like Swammy, my friendship and Belief in Joe does
not rest on logical proof or material
evidence but on getting to know and understand him as a young man. Joe has faced
challenges in his life that I have never faced nor do I even have a basis that I can relate to them. But I know this.....he
has faced those challenges.....made mistakes along the way (as we ALL do!) owned his mistakes and has come out the other side
as a deep, respectful man.
One of the aspects of Joe that became very evident to me early on was his Loyalty to a person or thing;
his allegiance to the people who were his
deep, close friends and that loyalty was very impressive. As we sat there last night we had so much fun.....it wasn't
a relationship of the 'old guy' (me) and the children, Joe and Laura......it was friends......period. Laughing, crying, telling
stories about life in general and just having a wonderful time.
What does all this have to do with 'Faith'? I guess for me one aspect
of Faith is having a trust and deep belief in others and understanding the power of such relationships. Now I truly do understand
my mother's words when she said you will go through your life and meet lots of people.....but you'll only have a few good
true friends.....as usual, Mom was right! No matter how tough life gets there is something wonderful for me to know that I
have several people in my life.....who love and respect me for who I am.....with all me strengths and all my amazing weaknesses.
These people accept and support me and would be there for me in an instant......and for that I am truly, truly blessed as
a man.
Why is this aspect of 'Faith' important? I think because we ALL need someone who we know will be in our
corner through the good and bad times, the ups and downs of life.....someone who would readily jump in our fox hole or 'stand
-in-the-gap' for us. When we have that kind of faith that is demonstrated by the actions of a few other people; it is
in those times we seem to be able to muster the strength to get back up one more time and face the challenges ahead. Can we
be honest....I think everyone needs that type of 'Faith' don't you?......I
hope you have it and I hope you will take the time and reach out to those closest to you and express to them what they mean
to you!!!!! (Why not pick up the phone and call them, drop by for a visit or send them an email.......you'll
both be blessed by the action!)
Again, I believe when we CHOOSE to make positive decisions
like these we are on our way to becoming the person we were deeply intended to be. Why not decide to make your
'Faith' come alive today.......go
ahead make the call.....contact your few deep freinds and let them know what they mean to you.......go ahead......it will make a positive and maybe lasting impression on them and that type of CHOICE, you will never regret.....you
simply won't!!!!!!
I'll see you again on Friday and we will continue our exploration of 'Faith'. Have
a great rest of the week and as always, thanks for listening/reading and remember to:
'Dream
Big and Dare to Fail!'
(Again I would love to hear what 'characteristics/skills/traits' you believe should be incorporated
into the 'Life Skills' series. What do YOU think
are key 'Life Skills' necessary to not only 'survive but thrive'
in today's personal and professional world? Whether you have one idea or a whole list please hit the comment button underneath
this post or email me your thoughts. Holland@HollandMeads.com Also if you have just joined us and would
like to 'catch-up' on previous posts please hit the 'archive' buttons or this link will take you to the beginning of this
series http://www.hollandmeads.com/2010.05.16_arch.html Monday May 17th 2010 )
Monday, June 14, 2010
Characteristics of Success - 'Life Skills' Part 13Welcome back on this beautiful Monday. I hope your weekend
was fabulous and that the beginning of your work week is off to a wonderful start. Again for my 'faithful' bog readers, thanks
for joining me once again. If you are new, welcome and to catch you up we have been exploring 'Characteristics
of Success' and our latest series is on 'Life Skills'. We began
this series on Friday, May 14th, and established that although the last 20 months or so have been very difficult
for most businesses, a positive trend has emerged. This
trend seems to be that more and more companies are making their 'Training & Development' focus: 'Work/Home Life Balance or Life Skills' type training.
The first seven traits or attributes we have explored
in our previous posts were:
#1.
'Never Ever Stop Dreaming'
#2. 'Transparancy'
#3. 'Authenticity'
#4. 'Strength of Character'
#5. 'Face
your Fears'
#6. 'Honesty'
#7. 'Life Choices'
In my closing thoughts on Friday I asked/challenged you to think about the 'Life Choices' you make every day and determine that from now on you will look for
opportunities to make a 'Life Choice'......small or big......that you
KNOW will impact someone else in a positive and up-lifting way! Did you do it.....I hope so!
Today I want to share
two brief examples of wonderful 'Life Choices' in action. One
of the things I love to do is talk with my children about "LIFE' issues. The topics range from faith, to politics,
to exercise and being healthy, to being 'respectful' of others especially the elderly, just to name a few.
Several
months ago Sierra, Mariah and I had to stop by a local drug store to pick up several items. We were heading down
an aisle toward the back of the store when I turned to ask Mariah a question and low and behold she wasn't there. In a moment
of Dad type frustration I wondered how did I lose her all ready. When I looked back down the aisle I was so proud of what
I saw. Mariah had stopped and was helping a white haired elderly lady get some things out of a freezer to put in her
cart. I stood there and watched as Mariah picked out the items the lady needed and placed them one by one in her cart. When
she finished she came to the end of the row where we were waiting.
When Mariah joined us I was so proud of her
and thanked her for her kindness. Mariah looked up and said you're welcome Daddy, she reminded me of Grandma and I wanted
to help her. Now I am fighting back the tears and hoping some young person in Dallas extends the same kindness to their 89
year-old grandmother (My mom) when she is shopping.
We continued to shop and when we got to the checkout the woman
was in front of us in line. She checked out and was trying to push her cart through the two sets of entry doors. I made some
quick eye contact with both girls and they immediately sprang into action one opening each door for the woman. When we got
outside she thanked the girls so much for their kindness. Once we were in the parking lot I grabbed her shopping bags out
of the cart and placed them in her car. She again thanked me for the kindness of my daughters. I paused and said that
she reminded them of their Grandma who is 89....she smiled and said.....I got her beat.....I'm 94!
In our small
town there a 'Senior Citizen' high rise apartment complex that house many wonderful men and women. One of the gentlemen that
lives there we always comment about because of what he does year around; he exercises. During the winter he is outside with
his walker trudging through the snow and during the warmer months he rides a three-wheeled bicycle around town. He will ride
to a corner near our house and then rest on a park bench before he rides back. Every time we see him we honk and wave at him
and he waves and smiles back.
This past week I was in my truck with my one daughter Sierra running some errands
and we had to stop at her church to pick something up. On the way up to the church we saw this man riding his three-wheeler
up the side walk for his daily exercise. When we saw him we both commented to each other and waved accordingly at him. I parked
in the church parking lot while Sierra ran in quickly to retrieve what she needed.
After Sierra picked up her
thing she was coming out of the church and there was our 'freind' coming up on his bike. Next thing I knew he had stopped
riding and was talking with Sierra. As I watched from the car again I was overwhelmed with emotion as Sierra spoke to
him for three or four minutes. Next thing I know I see the man flexing his arm muscle as he is seated on the
bike and Sierra squeezes his bicep. Then before she says goodbye, she gives him a big hug, he kisses her on the cheek
and off he continues on his ride.
When Sierra got back to the truck she was giddy with glee. I asked her about
her conversation and she said: 'I told him that he was my 'hero' for how much he exercises!' Thats when he made the muscle
and he quipped: 'I have to keep in shape and keep this old heart pumping.' Sierra said; I introduced myself, told him
where we live and and found out his name is Charles. Sierra then went on to say how neat it was to meet him, get a big
hug and kiss on the cheek and hear him say; 'Thanks My Sweetheart'.
I share these two examples to illustrate
the point that when we make 'Life Choices', big or small, that benefit
someone else we receive just as much or more of a benefit. I couldn't have been more proud of both Sierra and Mariah
for the choices they made in each of these situations. I hope this quality of caring for others, especially those who are
elderly is a character trait that they will always embrace in their personal and professional lives.
Why not take
several moments and re-read the post from Friday and then once again send this blog link to others or hit the 'SHARE'
button at the top of this page. I truly and deeply feel you can tell a lot about a person and their character by how they
respond to others who are at a different place or station in life. I think to be truly 'Authentic' we
need to realize this thought: 'There but by the Grace of God go I.' If we keep that thought/premise
in the forefront of our minds I think we will then make choices that impact others positively. I guess I want you to
think about the small window of 'Joy' Sierra and Mariah brought into
these people's lives by their actions and kindness.....What is the 'price or value' of that to both of these individuals?
I believe when we CHOOSE to make positive decisions like these we are on our way to becoming the person
we were deeply intended to be. Why not decide to make 'LIFE CHOICES' every
day that you know will make a positive and maybe lasting impression on someone else......you may never, ever understand
the hole and need you filled by your action and that type of CHOICE, you will never regret.....you simply won't!!!!!!
I'll see
you again on Wednesday as we continue to explore the next trait/attribute in our 'Life
Skills' series. Have
a great week and as always, thanks for listening/reading and remember to:
'Dream Big and Dare to Fail!'
(Again I would love to hear what 'characteristics/skills/traits'
you believe should be incorporated into the 'Life Skills' series. What
do YOU think are key 'Life Skills' necessary to not only 'survive
but thrive' in today's personal and professional world. Whether you have one idea or a whole list please hit the comment
button underneath this post or email me your thoughts. Holland@HollandMeads.com Also if you have just joined us and would
like to 'catch-up' on previous posts please hit the 'archive' buttons or this link will take you to the beginning of this
series http://www.hollandmeads.com/2010.05.16_arch.html Monday
May 17th 2010 )
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