Curious about Certainty: What Role Does Certainty Play in Your Life, Direction, and Career? Or Can We Ever Have Certainty?

Definition of Certainty: The quality, state, or condition, of being certain. A fact or truth unquestionably established. Clearness; freedom from ambiguity; lucidity.

“In these matters the only certainty is that nothing is certain.” - Pliny the Elder, Roman author

“I never imagined it wouldn't work out for me. I had that absolute certainty in myself that has seen me through, I think, and my parents were absolutely behind me all the way.” - Ewan McGregor, Scottish actor

I decided to pick certainty for this week’s theme after hearing Annie Jennings, topnotch publicist, mention the importance of certainty. When a media specialist – radio, TV, publications, the Internet – wants to interview an authority, he or she wants to have the certainty that the interviewee will be smooth, sharp, informative, and highly credible.

Even though I lean toward Pliny’s belief that “nothing is certain,” I do have enough certainty about individual authors who have never failed to delight me. It is the same with actors, storytellers, artists, designers and many other talented stars. The same has happened for me on the Internet.

There are marketers, bloggers, programmers, writers and speakers that I am certain will be worth pursuing. I even have a seminar/conference/webinar list of those who hold certainty of excellence for me. I read their e-mails, listen to their MP3s, and take part in their teleseminars.

The other side of this week’s theme holds a huge variety of thoughts and beliefs about certainty. Here goes:

• “To believe with certainty we must begin with doubting.” - Stanislaus I, Polish Royalty
• “To counter the avoidance of intellectual challenge and responsibility, we must reduce the domination of certainty in education.” - William Glasser, American psychologist
• “The demand for certainty is one which is natural to man, but is nevertheless an intellectual vice.” - Bertrand Russell, British philosopher
• “The quest for certainty blocks the search for meaning. Uncertainty is the very condition to impel man to unfold his powers.” - Erich Fromm, American psychologist
• “I feel, sometimes, as the renaissance man must have felt in finding new riches at every point and in the certainty that unexplored areas of knowledge and experience await at every turn.” - Polykarp Kusch, German scientist
• “Benjamin Franklin said there were only two things certain in life: death and taxes. But I'd like to add a third certainty: trash. And while some in this room might want to discuss reducing taxes, I want to talk about reducing trash.” - Ruth Ann Minner, American politician

Three more that will keep us thinking:

• “It is far better to foresee even without certainty than not to foresee at all.” - Henri Poincare, French mathematician
• “I am certain there is too much certainty in the world.” - Michael Crichton, American director
• “If you develop the absolute sense of certainty that powerful beliefs provide, then you can get yourself to accomplish virtually anything, including those things that other people are certain are impossible.” - William Lyon Phelps, American educator

"So, what are you certain about? I submit to you that it is OK to certain at times, but not so certain that others avoid you with certainty.

Curious about the Power of “Yes”: One Three Letter Word that Can Make a Difference in Our Lives, Our Careers, and So Many More Ways

“Too many of us fail to fulfill our needs because we say no rather than yes, or perhaps later in life, yes when we should say no.” - William Glasser, American psychologist

“The oldest, shortest words - 'yes' and 'no' - are those which require the most thought.” – Pythagoras, Greek mathematician

I chose the word “Yes” for this week’s theme, because I realize that I have always been quick to say, “Yes” when asked to take on a job (usually non-paying). I realize that even though a lot of these “yeses” have brought me a network of friends and a huge amount of learning and experiences, I need to take a bit more time and thought before jumping to a yes answer.

Do you, like me, have a problem with saying, “No”? If you do, you probably have also experienced that uncomfortable feeling of overwhelm. It is hard to say no, but often it is the best choice.

Another area where the power of yes is important is in sales. As a sales person – and we are all sales persons whether we accept it or not – if we have a “Yes” attitude it will rub off on our clients and prospective clients. It has been known in sales that if you can get the prospect answering, “Yes” many times, he or she will be ready with a yes when asked to buy.

In marketing, it is also suggested that we include “Yes” in our headlines and titles. I am going to test it in several of my sales letters and e-book titles.

I was amazed to find 14 pages of quotations using “Yes”, so here are a few:

• “When people ask for time, it's always for time to say no. Yes has one more letter in it, but it doesn't take half as long to say.” - Edith Wharton, American author
• “A 'No' uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a 'Yes' merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble.” - Mohandas Gandhi, Indian leader
• “When your mother asks, 'Do you want a piece of advice?' it is a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to get it anyway.” - Erma Bombeck, American journalist
• “The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes. It is very easy to say yes.” - Tony Blair, British statesman
• “Never allow a person to tell you no who doesn't have the power to say yes.” - Eleanor Roosevelt, American First Lady
• “Learn to say 'no' to the good so you can say 'yes' to the best.” - John C. Maxwell, American clergyman

And, of course, I especially love this next quotation by Jack LaLanne, American athlete, “Yes, exercise is the catalyst. That's what makes everything happen: your digestion, your elimination, your sex life, your skin, hair, everything about you depends on circulation. And how do you increase circulation?”

So, if you say “Yes” to anything this week, month and year, it should be exercise!

Curious about Continuity: What Does this Mean in Your Life, Business and Internet Marketing?

Definition of Continuity: the state of being continuous; uninterupted connection or succession; close union of parts; cohesion; as, the continuity of fibers.

“The thing is, continuity of strategic direction and continuous improvement in how you do things are absolutely consistent with each other. In fact, they're mutually reinforcing.” – Michael Porter, American educator

“Man has always needed to believe in some form of a continuity of achievement.” - Robert Vaughn, American actor

I chose the word “Continuity” for this week’s blog because it is all over the Internet now. Why and What do those using it mean? Continuity refers to paid and usually monthly membership sites, forums, newsletters, training back offices, mastermind groups, and any other site or setup where you are enrolled and pay on a regular and continuous basis.

Continuity programs offer advantages to the enrollee(s) and to the owner(s) because of the cohesion and close union of parts. They create strong communities and those who take advantage of membership receive the benefits of in depth learning, sharing of special information and cost effective coaching.

The owner(s) also benefit financially because of the regular – usually monthly – income, which grows as more and more enrollees join. Think of it as a gym or club membership where those who take advantage of the facilities pay an on-going fee. Generally, if a member wants to drop out, it is merely involves a call or fax to the group. However, there is little attrition as long as the benefits are strong.

Of course, I did find many interesting quotations that involved continuity, but weren’t related to the programs I have just described. Here are a few:

• “Vision is perhaps our greatest strength... it has kept us alive to the power and continuity of thought through the centuries, it makes us peer into the future and lends shape to the unknown.” - Li Ka Shing, Chinese businessman
• “The little religion that I have clung to - that what matters most is the continuity of life, and its improvement from one generation to another.” - David O. Selznick, American producer
• “If you associate enough with older people who do enjoy their lives, who are not stored away in any golden ghettos, you will gain a sense of continuity and of the possibility for a full life.” - Tom Stoppard, English dramatist
• “For many of us, sport has provided the continuity in our lives, the alternative family to the one we left behind. It gives us something to talk about, to preen about, to care about.” - John Thorn, American historian
• “Identity in the form of continuity of personality is an extremely important characteristic of the individual.” - Kenneth L. Pike, American sociologist
• “Continuity does not rule out fresh approaches to fresh situations.” - Dean Rusk, American diplomat

And one more from Michael Porter, American educator, who had several of the best quotations: “Finally, strategy must have continuity. It can't be constantly reinvented.”

And, if you have had or presently have interaction with a continuity program, let us know how it is working for you.

Curious about Lifestyle: Is Your Lifestyle Fulfilling Your Dreams and Goals? Or Do You Need a New and/or Different Lifestyle?

“A lifestyle is what you pay for; a life is what pays you.” - Thomas Leonard, American businessman

“My definition of success is to live your life in a way that causes you to feel a ton of pleasure and very little pain - and because of your lifestyle, have the people around you feel a lot more pleasure than they do pain.” - Tony Robbins, American author

I chose the theme of “Lifestyle” for this week’s blog, because I love my life and lifestyle. I realize, however, that there are many people who don’t have a lifestyle that brings them happiness and fulfillment. They have work that they don’t enjoy – even detest – and are dissatisfied with their surroundings and the people in their life.

I feel strongly that whether or not we have wealth and material possessions, if we are not passionate and in love with our lives and lifestyles, we should investigate how we can make it better.

One of my favorite Internet gurus, Yanik Silver, wrote today about “Big Lists” in his blog. He wrote, “And that's everything you want to see, experience, people you want to meet, things you want to own, accomplishments, etc. etc. It's a great exercise to write up your own.” Once you have this on paper, or in a bound journal, you can start to re-adjust your lifestyle to make sure you accomplish everything on your list.

As you can imagine, I found many excellent quotations from the experts:

• “I think one can achieve a very pleasant lifestyle by treating human beings, fellow human beings, very well.” - Rene Rivkin, Australian businessman
• “I thought, you know the food and the diet thing is one way to start yourself onto a healthy lifestyle, but if you don't move, if you don't start exercising you're gonna deteriorate.” -Warren Cuccurullo, American musician
• “I'd like to provide information, inspiration, and access to whatever goods and services are needed to make it super easy for everyone to change their lifestyle to a sustainable one.” - Daryl Hannah, American actress
• “The lifestyle that an artist can have, the freedom to wander in the landscape with no real pressure or deadlines, was a very attractive one.” - John Dyer, Welsh poet
• “It's the kind of clothes that mothers and daughters can wear, in terms of concept... It's not about age. It's about taste, and it's about lifestyle. I believe women of all ages can wear anything.” - Ralph Lauren, American designer
• “Well, jazz is to me, a complete lifestyle. It's bigger than a word. It's a much bigger force than just something that you can say. It's something that you have to feel. It's something that you have to live.” - Ray Brown, American musician

I suggest you think about your lifestyle. Also, have the fun of making a big list. I am going to, even though I have already been doing a re-evaluation of my direction.

And, then two more quotations to think about that can set the mood and inspiration for you.

“Adopting a new healthier lifestyle can involve changing diet to include more fresh fruit and vegetables as well as increasing levels of exercise.” - Linford Christie, British athlete

“However, lifestyle intervention requires discipline with a tangible end result that is within reach. It requires personal resolve, a lifelong commitment.” - Tim Holden, American politician

Curious about Yoga: The Results and Benefits from Practicing Yoga Are Much More than I Ever Expected

“Yoga's an amazing release.” - Monica Keena, American actress

“Yoga is a way to freedom. By its constant practice, we can free ourselves from fear, anguish and loneliness.” - Indra Devi, Latvian celebrity

I am a group fitness instructor and have been having a blast teaching “SilverSneakers” classes for seniors. It is a terrific program offered by Health Insurance Companies at hand-picked fitness facilities. Besides focusing on preparing participants for ADL (Activities of Daily Living) functioning, one of the goals is to have fun.

The instructor training is excellent and the classes range from strength and range of motion exercises, cardio circuits, water aerobics, and in the past two and a half years, Yoga. When they were launching it, I signed up for YogaStretch – a modified Yoga class for seniors. I thought it would offer a welcome change, and I admit that I was curious about the benefits touted by so many Yoga enthusiasts.

Was I pleasantly surprised! Being an A personality type go-go being, I worried that Yoga might prove to be too slow for me. A big wrong! My classes have grown in size as I have grown to realize all of Yoga’s wonderful results and to love every minute. Many comment about how calm and relaxed they feel. One woman said it makes her feel “taller.”

American model, Christy Turlington, expresses it perfectly, “Yoga has brought me closer to myself. It's helped me realize the interconnectedness of the mind, body and spirit, in the Buddhist sense of the word.”

So many experts have expressed their feelings. Here are a few:

• “Yoga is wonderful. It clears up most health problems. It also gives you an overview.” - Helen Reddy, American musician
• “I mean the whole thing about meditation and yoga is about connecting to the higher part of yourself, and then seeing that every living thing is connected in some way.” – Gillian Anderson, American actress
• “Though the names karma yoga and sannyasa are different, the truth at the heart of both is the same.” - Vinoba Bhave, Indian educator
• “It's been my experience that the longer I do yoga, the more I want to know, the more I am able to understand and the less judgmental I am.” - Ali MacGraw, American actress
• “The deeper you get into Yoga you realize it is a spiritual practice. It's a journey I'm making. I'm heading that way.” – Sting, British musician
• “For me, first, it's finding quiet in my life - and I do that through yoga and meditation. It's also been a matter of changing the way I eat, because I think what we eat can inform who we are; food is a chemical and a drug to a certain extent.” - Mariel Hemingway, American actress

My suggestion to you is to take a chance and try Yoga if you are not already hooked. And, if you start attending a class, give it some time before it will begin having an effect. Do let me know how it works for you.

Curious about Pillars: They Are Referred To in Many Ways. How Do You See Them and Use Them?

Definition of a Pillar: The general and popular term for a firm, upright, insulated support for a superstructure; a pier, column, or post; also, a column or shaft not supporting a superstructure, as one erected for a monument or an ornament. Figuratively, that which resembles such a pillar in appearance, character, or office; a supporter or mainstay; as, the Pillars of Hercules; a pillar of the state. A portable ornamental column, formerly carried before a cardinal, as emblematic of his support to the church.

“Hope is the pillar that holds up the world. Hope is the dream of a waking man.” - Pliny the Elder, Roman author

Lately, the word “pillar” or “pillars” had shown up as a theme in self improvement writing and teleseminars. Once you have read the definition above, you, as I, can see why the word has become popular.

I have heard that someone is described as “a pillar of strength.” Jim Rohn has written “Twelve Pillars” with Chris Widener. I haven’t read it yet. A friend just told me that when he started reading it, he “couldn’t put it down.”

One of my favorite blogger gurus, Yaro Starak, gives the following blog writing advice: “Write at least five major “pillar” articles. A pillar article is usually a tutorial style article aimed to teach your audience something. Generally they are longer than 500 words and have lots of very practical tips or advice. This article you are currently reading could be considered a pillar article since it is very practical and a good “how-to” lesson. This style of article has long term appeal, stays current (it isn’t news or time dependent) and offers real value and insight. The more pillars you have on your blog the better.”

So, let’s share some pillar quotations from the experts:

• “Seeing much, suffering much, and studying much, are the three pillars of learning.” - Benjamin Disraeli, British statesman
• “The spirit of truth and the spirit of freedom - these are the pillars of society.” - Henrik Ibsen, Norwegian poet
• “The administration of justice is the firmest pillar of government.” - George Washington, American President
• “Women's natural role is to be a pillar of the family.” - Grace Kelly, American actress
• “In journalistic terms, syndication is equivalent to ascending to heaven on a pillar of cloud.” - John Skow, American author
• “Medicine rests upon four pillars - philosophy, astronomy, alchemy, and ethics.” – Paracelsus, Swiss scientist

In addition a timely quotation:

“The bicycle is a former child's toy that has now been elevated to icon status because, presumably, it can move the human form from pillar to post without damage to the environment.” - Brock Yates, American editor

So, I challenge you to make use of the words pillar and pillars this week. I plan to write a couple of articles using them as metaphors. And, I ask you, are you a pillar of strength? We need to be in times like this.

Curious about Fortitude: What Does It Mean to You? Do You Have and/or Practice It?

Definition of Fortitude: Power to resist attack; strength; firmness. That strength or firmness of mind which enables a person to encounter danger with coolness and courage, or to bear pain or adversity without murmuring, depression, or despondency; passive courage; resolute endurance; firmness in confronting or bearing up against danger or enduring trouble.

“I know of no higher fortitude than stubbornness in the face of overwhelming odds.” - Louis Nizer, English lawyer

Do you ever feel like you and your fortitude are being tested? I just had a week like that. I strongly believe, however, that this usually is an indication that this is the “storm before the inevitable opportunity appears.” I also have faith that there will be a solution to most adversities.

Last Saturday I got news that one of my fitness classes was being cancelled at the end of the month because of a lack of funding. However, in the meantime, at another club I was informed that I would be given a new class at the beginning of next month, along with more time teaching two of my current classes at a third club.

On Tuesday morning, my car disappeared. Many commented – even at the car rental place – about how calmly I was taking it. I accepted the fact that the car was taken for parts. However, it turns out that today I received a call from the police that it had been found and had obviously been used by some kids for joy-riding. Phew!

I did not find a lot of quotations from the experts, yet, the ones I did are great:

• “Affliction is the wholesome soil of virtue, where patience, honor, sweet humility, and calm fortitude, take root and strongly flourish.” - David Mallet, Scottish dramatist
• "Character contributes to beauty. It fortifies a woman as her youth fades. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude, and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful.” - Jacqueline Bisset, English actress
• “Fortitude is the guard and support of the other virtues.” - John Locke, English philosopher
• “Fortitude is the marshal of thought, the armor of the will, and the fort of reason.” - Francis Bacon, English philosopher
• “I learned a lot in those first years in Miami, while struggling just for survival, by observing my father's fortitude.” - Desi Arnaz, American actor
• “I pray they will carry on in spite of that dreadful monster prejudice, and with patience, courage, fortitude and perseverance achieve success for themselves.” - Major Taylor, American athlete

And one to bring a smile to your face:

“Nothing is more admirable than the fortitude with which millionaires tolerate the disadvantages of their wealth.” – Jean Rostand, French scientist

The word fortitude just sounds like strength. Get used to having and practicing it. You will be glad you did.

Curious about the Power of Why: Do You Start with It? Do You Use It? And Why?

“For true success ask yourself these four questions: Why? Why not? Why not me? Why not now?” - James Allen, British author

“You have to think anyway, so why not think big?” - Donald Trump, American businessman

When I first decided to use this three letter word for this week’s theme, I was mainly influenced by one of my favorite gurus, Eben Pagan. He was talking about learning styles and suggested that we start training, books and sales letters with a focus on Why. Why we need to learn this and why it will make a difference in our lives.

However, the more I thought about Why and started investigating the quotations using Why, the more I realized its power. Let’s think about the answers to some of the many Why questions we ask ourselves and others.

Why does something work? Why do goals that are founded and grounded with serious intentions produce results? Why are we motivated to take action? And, why do we procrastinate? Why are some people positive and others negative?

I am sure that you can make up a huge list of why questions that are common to you. Our children and grandchildren always have plenty. Why?

I found so many interesting quotations with so many different approaches, I want to share as many as possible in our time and space:

• “Many people die with their music still in them. Why is this so? Too often it is because they are always getting ready to live. Before they know it, time runs out.” - Oliver Wendell Holmes, American writer
• “Curious people are interesting people, I wonder why that is.” - Bill Maher, American comedian
• “Why are we so full of restraint? Why do we not give in all directions? Is it fear of losing ourselves? Until we do lose ourselves there is no hope of finding ourselves.” - Henry Miller, American author
• “If you have ability in a certain area, why not capitalize on it and improve it and use it?” - Wilt Chamberlain, American athlete
• “The reason why worry kills more people than work is that more people worry than work.” - Robert Frost, American poet
• “If you never change your mind, why have one?” - Edward de Bono, English psychologist

And three more to think about:

• “To live is to choose. But to choose well, you must know who you are and what you stand for, where you want to go and why you want to get there.” - Kofi Annan, Statesman from Ghana
• “I have never smuggled anything in my life. Why, then, do I feel an uneasy sense of guilt on approaching a customs barrier?” - John Steinbeck, American author
• “Why don't they pass a constitutional amendment prohibiting anybody from learning anything? If it works as well as prohibition did, in five years Americans would be the smartest race of people on Earth.” - Will Rogers, American writer

Think about the power of why in your life and business. I feel it will surprise you. Why?

Curious about Responsibility: How Affected Are You By It? And, Are You Willing to Take Responsibility?

“Life is a gift, and it offers us the privilege, opportunity, and responsibility to give something back by becoming more.” - Tony Robbins, American author“

"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.” - Eleanor Roosevelt, American First Lady

I chose the above quotations because both Tony Robbins and Eleanor Roosevelt have been great influencers in my life. I chose the theme for this blog – Responsibility – because of another influencer that I have been following for the past year – Mike Dillard, master network marketer.

In a recent “Ask Mike” e-newsletter, he pointed out that what transpires in our lives and businesses is our responsibility.

He had received an e-mail letter in which the writer was complaining and whining about the fact that his upline had not helped him and he wondered what Mike would suggest how he should handle this obstacle to success. After all, it was the upline’s fault.

I loved Mike’s answer. Basically, he told the letter writer that it was his own lack of responsibility that was holding him back. In no uncertain terms, Mike talked about the choices we make. He told about his own slow ascent to “making it” in the network marketing industry. It took him five years of responsibly working at it, not giving up and learning everything he could to become a success.

If I have learned anything over the years, I know that we are responsible for the choices we make. We can blame others and cite circumstances beyond our control. However, we are responsible for how we handle setbacks and those external events that give us challenges.

The experts all agree:

• “Success on any major scale requires you to accept responsibility... in the final analysis, the one quality that all successful people have... is the ability to take on responsibility.” - Michael Korda, American writer
• “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” - Abraham Lincoln, American President
• “Big pay and little responsibility are circumstances seldom found together.” - Napoleon Hill, American journalist
• “The happiest people in the world are those who feel absolutely terrific about themselves, and this is the natural outgrowth of accepting total responsibility for every part of their life.” - Brian Tracy, American speaker and motivator
• “Responsibility walks hand in hand with capacity and power.” - J. G. Holland, American novelist
• “There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.” - Denis Waitley, American author

And, just a couple more – there were so many excellent choices:

“The greatest day in your life and mine is when we take total responsibility for our attitudes. That's the day we truly grow up.” - John C. Maxwell, American clergyman

“Responsibilities are given to him on whom trust rests. Responsibility is always a sign of trust.” - James Cash Penney, American businessman

In these challenging times, we can easily become victims of the “doom and gloom” of the recession, or we can take the challenge and be responsible for our outcomes. I am not saying it is or will be easy. It is our responsibility and choice. Let me know how you are doing.

Curious about Structure: Do You Use It to Advantage? How Does Structure Figure in Your Life and Business?

“I must stress here the point that I appreciate clarity, order, meaning, structure, rationality: they are necessary to whatever provisional stability we have, and they can be the agents of gradual and successful change.” - A. R. Ammons, American poet

“For pragmatic reasons, I love the routine. I love the structure of it. I love knowing that my days are free. I know where I'm going at night. I know my life is kind of orderly. I just like that better.” - Andrea Martin, Canadian actor

This weekend I attended our O.O.P.S! (Ohio Order for the Preservation of Storytelling) annual Conference. Besides having a blast reconnecting with many storytelling friends, I attended all of the helpful workshops. The one that initiated my attention on “Structure” was presented by our featured teller, Bil Lepp.

Bil shared how he structures his fantastic tall tales (he won West Virginia’s Liars’ Contest five years in a row). He even took his workshop an extra step by illustrating one structure in a story he told later at our evening concert.

As I drove home, I concentrated on all of the ways structure figures into my life and business along with the lives and businesses of others. I was considering the fact and idea that even though structure plays a role in my stories and story performances, it also helps with daily routines.

My group fitness classes are made up of structures that emphasize preparation for ADL (Activities of Daily Living), strength, endurance, agility, co-ordination, balance, and cardiovascular fitness. We lift weights, twist and move, perform squats, enjoy play balls, work with the large stability ball and even practice Yoga poses and deep breathing. My time is flexible and yet possesses a structure that works. Yes, the computer vies for my attention and does get a lot of it, but I do feel that I have control because of a workable structure.

How about you? How do you make use of structure? How about the experts? What do they say? Read on:

• “Structure is more important than content in the transmission of information.” - Abbie Hoffman, American activist
• “A scene has to have a rhythm of its own, a structure of its own.” - Michelangelo Antonioni, Italian director
• “Beware of over-confidence; especially in matters of structure.” - Cass Gilbert, American architect“
• Color is a very critical thing. I've found that architects don't like colors. Engineers too. And so somebody has to stand in. Because this is the finish of it. It is the emotional part of a structure. I had great satisfaction in doing that.” - John Hench, American artist
• “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.” - Martin Luther King, Jr., American activist
• “It's possible to become so comfortable with one's style and structure that one ceases to grow.” - Lynn Abbey, American author

And, two more for fun:

“I work with structure, but I go outside the box and give it my own spin. I adore the challenge of creating truly modern clothes - where a woman's personality and sense of style are realized.” - Vera Wang, American designer

“With sixty staring me in the face, I have developed inflammation of the sentence structure and definite hardening of the paragraphs.” - James Thurber, American comedian

Does structure work with and for you? Let me hear how?

Curious about Participation: How Do You Use It? How Important Is Participating – and Where – In Your Life and Business?

Definition of Participation: The act or state of participating, or sharing in common with others; as, a participation in joy or sorrows. Community; fellowship; association.

“Life it is not just a series of calculations and a sum total of statistics, it's about experience, it's about participation, it is something more complex and more interesting than what is obvious.” - Daniel Libeskind, Polish architect

Many of my Internet involvements lately have included Web 2.0 and loads of Participation in Social Media. I am an active user of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Plaxo Plus and Digg. I started thinking about the time involved because of this participation and how worthwhile it is.

I know that many skeptics feel it is a huge waste of time. I beg to differ. I feel strongly that it will only continue to grow because of the participation. Even though we have had forums, discussion groups and membership sites in the past, we did not build the both fun and serious participation I am experiencing in Social Media.

I have also experienced more traffic to my websites along with more people taking my Portfolio Career assessment and signing up for my e-newsletter.

Let’s shift our thinking to other means and advantages of participation. Do you participate in clubs, associations and organizations? Some of my best friends I met in Toastmasters, computer user groups, Chambers of Commerce and Mensa. Basically, it all happened because of my participation.

As you probably know by now, I teach group fitness classes. Those who participate, not only improve their fitness level, they also become friends with other “regulars” and cheer each other on.

When as a speaker and storyteller I give workshops and other presentations, if I can get the listeners to participate with feedback and other interaction, I notice that they appreciate what they are learning so much more than if I were just flashing PowerPoint slides on a screen.

Let’s find out what the experts think about participation:

• “Such happiness as life is capable of comes from the full participation of all our powers in the endeavor to wrest from each changing situations of experience its own full and unique meaning.” - John Dewey, American philosopher
• “Participation, I think, or one of the best methods of educating.” - Tom Glazer, American musician
• “Many activities and team play participation will give you a training that will prove invaluable later on in life.” - Walter Annenberg, American businessman
• “I envision a future where there'll be 300 million reporters, where anyone from anywhere can report for any reason. It's freedom of participation absolutely realized.” - Matt Drudge, American celebrity
• “Conflict cannot survive without your participation.” - Wayne Dyer, American writer

And, one to take with you – especially if you are a storyteller or speaker.

“Participation is easily obtained with Latin chant.” - Richard Morris, English clergyman

Have a wonderful week and do let me know how you participate – and, with life!

Curious about Foundation: The Necessity for and the Importance of – No Matter What the Endeavor

Definition of Foundation : The act of founding, fixing, establishing, or beginning to erect. That upon which anything is founded; that on which anything stands, and by which it is supported; the lowest and supporting layer of a superstructure; groundwork; basis.

“A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.” - David Brinkley, American journalist

“The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty.” - Zig Ziglar, American author

One of the most valuable tools I have learned over the years is the creation of a foundation for every project. If I am working on a business or marketing strategy, I must stop and ask myself what I need for a strong foundation. What are the basics that will build the foundation? The different parts and details must all fit together for a strong whole.

During this exciting global time, there is so much happening daily and so much to learn that we can easily be swept into overwhelm. My advice to you is to take your time, step back a bit and determine what are the foundational basics, because once they are established and are a solid part of your arsenal, the rest will flow smoothly.

We are so often in a rush to learn and try the new programs and subjects, we skip the beginning steps. Unfortunately, we are setting ourselves up for failure and frustration. I even find this with my fitness participants. Rather than starting at their own pace, they want to jump right in with both feet (forgive the pun) and end up with an injury and/or debilitating pain. Those who start slowly, building that foundation progress with speed and success.

Let’s find out how our experts feel about foundations:

• “The health of the people is really the foundation upon which all their happiness and all their powers as a state depend.” - Benjamin Disraeli, British statesman
• “The thing that lies at the foundation of positive change, the way I see it, is service to a fellow human being.” - Lee Iacocca, American businessman
• “To succeed, you will soon learn, as I did, the importance of a solid foundation in the basics of education - literacy, both verbal and numerical, and communication skills.” Alan Greenspan, American economist
• “If we would build on a sure foundation in friendship, we must love friends for their sake rather than for our own.” - Charlotte Bronte, British novelist
• “If you build that foundation, both the moral and the ethical foundation, as well as the business foundation, and the experience foundation, then the building won't crumble.” - Henry Kravis, American businessman
• “Optimism is essential to achievement and it is also the foundation of courage and true progress.” - Nicholas M. Butler, American philosopher

And a few more:

• “I've come to believe that all my past failure and frustration were actually laying the foundation for the understandings that have created the new level of living I now enjoy.” - Tony Robbins, American author
• “Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you desire to construct a vast and lofty fabric? Think first about the foundations of humility. The higher your structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation.” - Saint Augustine, Roman Saint
• “Education is the foundation upon which we build our future.” - Christine Gregoire, American politician
• “Good order is the foundation of all things.” - Edmund Burke, Irish statesman
• “I think it will be found that experience, the true source and foundation of all knowledge, invariably confirms its truth.” - Thomas Malthus, English economist
• “Idealism is like a castle in the air if it is not based on a solid foundation of social and political realism.” - Claude McKay, Jamaican writer

So, I urge you to get into the habit of foundational planning. Once you have a strong foundation in place, you will be amazed how the rest takes shape. Let me know how this works for you.

Curious about Mastery: When Can We Consider Ourselves Masters? How Long and How Much Effort Does It Take?

Definition of Mastery: The position or authority of a master; dominion; command; supremacy; superiority. Contest for superiority. Specifically, the philosopher's stone. The act process of mastering; the state of having mastered.

“Ah, mastery... what a profoundly satisfying feeling when one finally gets on top of a new set of skills... and then sees the light under the new door those skills can open, even as another door is closing.” - Gail Sheehy, American writer

Having a “Portfolio Career” – many careers at the same time – I have heard and been told time and again, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” Well, I disagree. I know several entrepreneurs with Portfolio Careers who are masters of many.

What does it take to become a master and have mastery over a skill? I have read that we get close to mastery when we have at least 1000 hours of experience in a skill or field. Personally, I feel it takes more that time.

To become a master – and I do feel one can be a true master of many different skills - I think that the most important ingredient is absolute passion for what you are pursuing. You love your field so much, you can’t get enough of it. You have a plethora of books and magazines on the topic. You attend workshops, seminars, teleseminars and webinars in the field. When you find them, you hang around with people who also have a passion for your field.

You are never, never bored!

Let’s see what the experts have to say:

• “The happiness of a man in this life does not consist in the absence but in the mastery of his passions.” - Alfred Lord Tennyson, English poet
• “An artist must possess Nature. He must identify himself with her rhythm, by efforts that will prepare the mastery which will later enable him to express himself in his own language.” - Henri Matisse, French artist
• “If fear is cultivated it will become stronger, if faith is cultivated it will achieve mastery.” - John Paul Jones, American soldier
• “If people knew how hard I worked to get my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful at all.” – Michelangelo, Italian artist
• “Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason mastery demands all of a person.” - Albert Einstein, German physicist
• “Roman civilization had achieved, within the bounds of its technology, relatively as great a mastery of time and space as we have achieved today.” - Arthur Erickson, Canadian architect

And three more to make note of:

• “We talk of our mastery of nature, which sounds very grand; but the fact is we respectfully adapt ourselves, first, to her ways.” - Clarence Day, American author
• “Order and simplification are the first steps toward the mastery of a subject.” - Thomas Mann, German writer
• “With all our mastery over the powers of Nature we have adhered to the view that the struggle for existence is a permanent and necessary condition of life.” - Frederick Soddy, English scientist

So, how about you? What have you mastered and what on you working upon mastering? I would love to hear how you are doing.

Curious about NOW: What Does this Strong Word Mean to You, Your Life and Your Business?

“Go for it now. The future is promised to no one.” - Wayne Dyer, American writer

“Your big opportunity may be right where you are now.” - Napoleon Hill, American writer

I was watching a short video today where Kevin Nations was sharing seven strong words. These words weren’t what a marketer usually suggests. They are words that influence a buyer to buy or a potential client to sit up and pay attention. I am not going to share all seven at this time, but I am going to address the strength of NOW.

If there is anything I have learned during my many years, it is that doing, saying, and planning now - rather than waiting until later – pays off big time. My tagline includes the word “speed” and we definitely live in a time period where speed becomes more and more important daily.

Do you answer pressing problems now? How about urgent e-mails and phone calls? Do you get right down to working on the unpleasant tasks now? Or do you do the laundry instead?

How about that new plan of healthy eating and daily exercising – now or tomorrow? What have you been putting off that you know needs to be started now? I submit to you that we all tend to avoid the unpleasantries and the difficult tasks. The good news, however, is how extraordinary we feel when we have tackled and completed them NOW.

Of course, I found a plethora of now quotations to share with you:

• “The time to save is now. When a dog gets a bone, he doesn't go out and make a down payment on a bigger bone. He buries the one he's got.” – Will Rogers, American actor
• “The past is a ghost, the future a dream, and all we ever have is now.” – Bill Cosby, American comedian
• “We are all, right now, living the life we choose.” - Peter McWilliams, American writer
• “I've done a lot of things and I've been a lot of people, but now I've come to realize who I am.” - Bobby Darin, American musician
• “If you're not failing every now and again, it's a sign you're not doing anything very innovative.” - Woody Allen, American director
• “Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is to make others so.” - Robert Green Ingersoll, American lawyer

And, several more:

• “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” - Henry David Thoreau, American author
• “I thought, if ever there were a time to write a book about hope, it's now.” - Studs Terkel, American journalist
• “The time for action is now. It's never too late to do something.” - Antoine de Saint-Exupery, French novelist
• “Begin to be now what you will be hereafter.” - William James, American philosopher
• “A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week.” - George S. Patton, American soldier
• “I got only one thing to say. Whatever you're thinking right now, do it. Do it!” - Eamon, American musician
• “We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now.” - Martin Luther King, Jr., American activist

I suggest getting a piece of cardboard and write on it, “DO IT NOW!” Post it in full view of where you work and anytime you find yourself procrastinating, check out your sign and do it!

Curious about the Bottom Line: What Does It Mean to You – In Your Life, Career and Business?

“You must consider the bottom line, but make it integrity before profits.” - Denis Waitley, American writer

The Bottom Line may seem like an odd theme to pick for this blog. I started thinking about it after hearing so often that everything depends on “the bottom line.” And, in the majority of statements, the bottom line meant money and profits.

It has been eye and mind opening, however, since I started hunting for quotations and found that many refer to outcomes and goals that do not refer to money and profits while others do.

Let’s start with some quotations that are not just talking about money:

• “And for the past 10 years I've been in a real commercial setting where people are all about numbers, they're all about that bottom line. So it's nice to step out of that and hang out with a bunch of people who play music just because they love it, as you can imagine.” - Lee Ann Womack, American musician
• “The bottom line is that there is a lot more that could and should be done to help people with nutrition and exercise.” - Parris Glendening, American politician
• “I also tell them that your education can take you way farther than a football, baseball, track, or basketball will - that's just the bottom line.” - Bo Jackson, American athlete
• “People just take your kindness for weakness sometimes, and that's just the bottom line.” - Ruben Studdard, American musician
• “But to me the bottom line is the more education you can give yourself, and the more preparation you can do, the less chance of failing.” - Stuart Pearce, English coach
• “Great leaders have a heart for people. They take time for people. They view people as the bottom line, not as a tool to get to the bottom line.” - Pat Williams, American athlete
• “Bottom line: if you show a genuine interest in learning about how others became successful, you can open up a world of opportunities.” - Armstrong Williams, American journalist

And, now some that equate money and profits with the bottom line:

• “We expect all our businesses to have a positive impact on our top and bottom lines. Profitability is very important to us or we wouldn't be in this business.” - Jeff Bezos, American businessman
• “I have always believed helping your fellow man is profitable in every sense, personally and bottom line.” - Mario Puzo, American novelist
• “The manager has his eye on the bottom line; the leader has his eye on the horizon.” - Warren G. Bennis, American psychologist
• “I have made the tough decisions, always with an eye toward the bottom line. Perhaps it's time America was run like a business.” - Donald Trump, American businessman
• “The big companies and their short-term bottom line rule this country.” - Alexandra Paul, American actress
• “So I come before you with a budget that is honest in its discussion of our challenges, creative in its possible solutions, compassionate in its commitment to our most vulnerable, and balanced on the bottom line.” - James H. Douglas, American politician

Plus two more quotations that appeal to me:

“Wise are those who learn that the bottom line doesn't always have to be their top priority.” - William A. Ward, American writer

“We measured our success not just by how much money we made, but by how much we contributed to the community. It was a two-part bottom line.” - Jerry Greenfield, American businessman

So, how do you define the bottom line? And, if you are in business, how important is money and profit to your bottom line? I would love to hear your feelings about this.

Curious about Work: Do You Love and Welcome What You Do? What Is Your Definition and Feeling about Work?

Definition of Work: Exertion of strength or faculties; physical or intellectual effort directed to an end; industrial activity; toil; employment. That which is produced as the result of labor; anything accomplished by exertion or toil; product; performance; fabric; manufacture; in a more general sense, act, deed, service, effect, result, achievement, feat. To exert one's self for a purpose; to put forth effort for the attainment of an object; to labor; to be engaged in the performance of a task, a duty, or the like.

“The dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price.” - Vince Lombardi, American coach

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” - Confucius, Chinese philosopher

WOW! I hit the jackpot with this week’s theme of “work.” There were 28 definitions and 14 pages of quotations.

The main theme that flowed through the quotations is the importance of loving and enjoying what you do for work. Unfortunately, I know that a lot of people hate their “jobs” but stay in them for the stability.

For many years I worked in a restaurant – which, by the way, I did love and enjoy. I found, however, that the one night I didn’t enjoy was Sunday night, because the guests were usually in bad moods. My theory was that they were reacting to the fact that the next day they would be back at work, doing something they hated.

Another theme running through the quotations was the importance of working with people you like and get along well with. It reminded me of how many complain about their bosses and managers.

Many of the experts also stressed the value of “hard” work. So, let’s get to some of those enlightening quotations:

• “Every person born into this world their work is born with them.” - James Russell Lowell, American poet
• “I have worked all my life, wanted to work all my life, needed to work all my life.” - Liz Carpenter, American musician
• “I've always believed that if you put in the work, the results will come.” - Michael Jordan, American athlete
• “It's great to work with people that you like, any job, no matter what you do.” - Judd Nelson, American actor
• “Whatever your life's work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better.” - Martin Luther King, Jr., American leader
• “Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.” – Buddha, Indian leader

And a few more:

• “I'm a great believer in luck and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” - Thomas Jefferson, American President
• “Anybody can do bad work, but not everybody does good work.” - Paul Simon, American musician
• “A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” - Colin Powell, American statesman
• “When you play, play hard; when you work, don't play at all.” - Theodore Roosevelt, American President
• “I never did a day's work in my life. It was all fun.” - Thomas A. Edison, American inventor“
• If the work is going well and it's something that has value with some meaning to it, it gives back a lot.” - Richard Gere, American actor

And two to take with you – I know that I am:

“Work harder on yourself than you do on your job.” - Jim Rohn, American businessman

“A professional is someone who can do his best work when he doesn't feel like it.” - Alistair Cooke, American journalist

I hope that you love your work. And, I do worry for those of you who are presently out of work. If I can just encourage you by letting you know that whatever direction you go, you will find work that you will love and enjoy more that what you were doing in the past. That’s how I got into the restaurant business, which turned out to be one of my careers that I loved the most and worked the longest at.

Curious about Wisdom: How Do We Achieve It? Or Can We? How Important Is It?

Definition of Wisdom: The quality of being wise; knowledge, and the capacity to make due use of it; knowledge of the best ends and the best means; discernment and judgment; discretion; sagacity; skill; dexterity. The results of wise judgments; scientific or practical truth; acquired knowledge; erudition.

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” - Confucius, Chinese philosopher

“In seeking wisdom thou art wise; in imagining that thou hast attained it - thou art a fool.” - Lord Chesterfield, British statesman

I chose “Wisdom” for this week’s theme because I feel, as a Senior, I should be wise. Not only because of my years of living, but also because I have filled those years with reading, studying, taking courses, attending seminars, and learning from a plethora of experiences. However, I don’t feel that I am wise. As in the words of the Greek philosopher, Socrates, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”

What I do know is that as I have matured in age, I have become willing to try new endeavors, to take more risks, to listen to advice – and not take it if my heart and gut say not to – to make more mistakes and to experience more failures that eventually lead to successes.

And, even though I have formed strong opinions over the years, I am hesitant to expect others to take my advice without applying their own wisdom to it. As I hope all of you will as you read the variety of quotations that I am share – there were dozens!

General thoughts about wisdom:

• “Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.” - David Starr Jordan, American writer
• “The older I grow the more I distrust the familiar doctrine that age brings wisdom.” - H. L. Mencken, American writer
• “The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.” - William James, American philosopher
• “Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.” - Samuel Taylor Coleridge, English poet
• “Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers.” - Alfred Lord Tennyson, English poet
• “He dares to be a fool, and that is the first step in the direction of wisdom.” - James Huneker, American writer

A few with a different twist:

• “Every man is a damn fool for at least five minutes every day; wisdom consists in not exceeding the limit.” - Elbert Hubbard, American writer
• “Some folks are wise and some are otherwise.” - Tobias Smollett, Scottish writer
• “Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk.” - Doug Larson, American cartoonist
• “He who devotes sixteen hours a day to hard study may become at sixty as wise as he thought himself at twenty.” - Mary Wilson Little, American writer
• “Nine-tenths of wisdom is being wise in time.” - Theodore Roosevelt, American President
• “Wisdom doesn't necessarily come with age. Sometimes age just shows up all by itself.” - Tom Wilson, American cartoonist

And the two that I like the best:

“Patience is the companion of wisdom.” - Saint Augustine, Roman Saint

“Wisdom outweighs any wealth.” – Sophocles, Greek poet

So, how do you visualize wisdom? Let me hear from you.

Curious about Imagination: Everyone Has It, However, We Don’t Always Put It to Good Use

Definition of Imagination: The imagine-making power of the mind; the power to create or reproduce ideally an object of sense previously perceived; the power to call up mental imagines. The complex faculty usually termed the plastic or creative power; the fancy. The power to recombine the materials furnished by experience or memory, for the accomplishment of an elevated purpose.

“This world is but a canvas to our imagination.” - Henry David Thoreau, American author

“I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death.” - Robert Fulghum, American author

There now are millions of people on the Internet. Many are starting or maintaining businesses. Many are writing, creating, marketing, chatting and interacting. Many are coaching, consulting, buying and selling. Many are making money while others are trying to make money. The list could go on forever.

I submit to you that no matter why you are on the Internet, the secret to success in whatever endeavor you are pursuing is calling upon your imagination. Even if you think you don’t have imagination – you do. You just have to realize that your imagination is what will differentiate you from the crowds.

How you use your imagination will produce happiness, wealth and WOW in your life. You may feel that I am going too far and strongly with this statement. However, I know that when we are true to ourselves, our uniqueness will surface as we make use of our imagination. And, when we combine our imagination with emotion, visualization and positive thoughts, there will be no limits on what we will experience in our lives and futures.

Of course, you can imagine how many quotations I found from the experts. It was a challenge to pick the ones I am going to share with you:

• “First comes thought; then organization of that thought, into ideas and plans; then transformation of those plans into reality. The beginning, as you will observe, is in your imagination.” - Napoleon Hill, American writer
• “Formulate and stamp indelibly on your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding. Hold this picture tenaciously. Never permit it to fade. Your mind will seek to develop the picture... Do not build up obstacles in your imagination.” - Norman Vincent Peale, American clergyman
• “The moment a person forms a theory, his imagination sees in every object only the traits which favor that theory.” - Thomas Jefferson, American President
• “The man who has no imagination has no wings.” - Muhammad Ali, American athlete
• “The man who will use his skill and constructive imagination to see how much he can give for a dollar, instead of how little he can give for a dollar, is bound to succeed.” - Henry Ford, American businessman
• “Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere.” - Carl Sagan, American scientist
• “Live out of your imagination, not your history.” - Stephen Covey, American businessman

And, three more to think about in the weeks to come:

• “I believe in the imagination. What I cannot see is infinitely more important than what I can see.” - Duane Michals, American photographer
• “I doubt that the imagination can be suppressed. If you truly eradicated it in a child, he would grow up to be an eggplant.” - Ursula K. Le Guin, American writer
• “Imagination has brought mankind through the dark ages to its present state of civilization. Imagination led Columbus to discover America. Imagination led Franklin to discover electricity.” - L. Frank Baum, American author

My suggestion to you is to start using your imagination in as many ways you can conjure up. Write down what you are learning and what are the results. Have fun and let yourself go.

Curious about Follow: Follow, Following, Follow Through and Follow-up

“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls.” - Joseph Campbell, American author

“Follow the path of the unsafe, independent thinker. Expose your ideas to the dangers of controversy. Speak your mind and fear less the label of 'crackpot' than the stigma of conformity. And on issues that seem important to you, stand up and be counted at any cost.” - Chauncey Depew, American politician

The word “follow” and “followers” has been on mind for quite awhile, because of my involvement with Twitter. As I have mentioned before, I am enamored with social media networking. One of my most recent goals has been to become knowledgeable about Twitter, and learn how to use it to advantage. When I was first introduced to Twitter, I didn’t “get it” and what advantages it offers. However, after checking out the “follow” quotations and considering the scope, I decided to think about the different ramifications of “follow.”

We all have values and beliefs that we follow. And, whether they are good for us or not, we have habits – usually daily – that we follow. Then, there are the people in our lives – those we know and those we don’t know personally – whom we follow. And, if we are doing any kind of marketing and/or selling, we know the importance of follow-up.

So, I ask you, what does the word “follow” conjure up for you? Is the path you are following providing you with health, happiness, wisdom and wealth? Or could it be better?

Let me share some of the wonderful quotations I found in my search:

• “High achievers spot rich opportunities swiftly, make big decisions quickly and move into action immediately. Follow these principles and you can make your dreams come true.” - Robert H. Schuller, American clergyman
• “The most important thing is to follow your instinct and get involved with some friends who have similar tastes and aspirations and like music as much as you do.” - Mick Taylor, English musician
• “It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through.” - Zig Ziglar, American writer and speaker
• “You must know in your heart before anyone else does what is going to be good and then follow through.” - Bill Budge, American businessman
• “To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” - William Shakespeare, English dramatist
• “Never treat anything you do as a stepping stone. Do it fully, and follow it completely.” - Mira Nair, Indian director

And a few more for good measure:

• “A life lived with integrity - even if it lacks the trappings of fame and fortune is a shinning star in whose light others may follow in the years to come.” - Denis Waitley, American writer
• “I'll tell you one thing: Don't ever give anybody your best advice, because they're not going to follow it.” - Jack Nicholson, American actor
• “Seek out that particular mental attribute which makes you feel most deeply and vitally alive, along with which comes the inner voice which says, 'This is the real me,' and when you have found that attitude, follow it.” - James Truslow Adams, American historian
• “Action is a great restorer and builder of confidence. Inaction is not only the result, but the cause, of fear. Perhaps the action you take will be successful; perhaps different action or adjustments will have to follow. But any action is better than no action at all.” - Norman Vincent Peale, American clergyman and writer
• “Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.” - Albert Camus, French philosopher
• “Don't follow a trend. Follow your heart.” - Krist Novoselic, American musician

Again, what or whom do you follow? Has your life been enriched by it? Let me hear from you.

Curious about Reaction: What Kind of Reactions Do You Have to the Vicissitudes of Life?

Definition of Reaction: A regular or characteristic response to a stimulation of the nerves. Any action in resisting other action or force; counter tendency; movement in a contrary direction; reverse action. An action induced by vital resistance to some other action; depression or exhaustion of vital force consequent on overexertion or overstimulation; heightened activity and over action succeeding depression or shock.

“A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results.” - Wade Boggs, American athlete

“It's not stress that kills us, it is our reaction to it.” - Hans Selye, Canadian scientist

I chose “Reaction” for this week’s theme, because I noticed that I had an unpleasant reaction to a situation at the gym. Being on time – or even early – is important to me. The woman who teaches a fitness class before mine usually runs over her time. Because I teach the next three classes in a row, even five minutes can throw off the schedule. Once she stopped, my students started into the studio.

Her reaction was to admonish us for rushing them. I didn’t say much, but I am sure that my displeasure was evident, and I didn’t start my class on my usual high note. In Selye’s words above I did react to the stress of the moment. Later, when I rethought the reaction, I realized that letting myself react wasn’t helpful to anyone.

This may seem like a trivial incident, but it did make me realize how important it is to be aware of our reactions to the many ups and downs we experience daily. I do feel that we should check ourselves for reactions – both good and bad.

I know that when I am driving, I encounter many opportunities to react negatively to other drivers. Instead, I listen to audio self-help programs. To avoid negative reactions to long lines, I always carry reading material. Best of all, when I find I am reacting – especially to something my computer is doing or not doing - I call on my Yoga breathing and the hand position called “heart center.”

My advice to you is to know your “hot reaction buttons” and devise ways to avoid them and/or overcome them.

Some thoughts from our experts:

• “By action and reaction do we become strong or weak, according to the character of our thoughts and mental states. Fear is the deadly nightshade of the mind.” - Edward Walker, English athlete
• “A life of reaction is a life of slavery, intellectually and spiritually. One must fight for a life of action, not reaction.” - Rita Mae Brown, American writer
• “Every revolutionary idea seems to evoke three stages of reaction. They may be summed up by the phrases: 1- It's completely impossible. 2- It's possible, but it's not worth doing. 3- I said it was a good idea all along.” - Arthur C. Clarke, English writer
• “Every generation renews itself in its own way; there's always a reaction against whatever is standard.” Sol LeWitt, American artist
• “Excess generally causes reaction, and produces a change in the opposite direction, whether it be in the seasons, or in individuals, or in governments.” – Plato, Greek philosopher
• “The only honest reaction and true loyalty we get is from our animals. Once they're your friends, you can do no wrong.” - Dick Van Patten, American actor

Three more that I thoroughly agree with:

• “Any reaction is better than none.” - Gavin Rossdale, British musician
• “I always trust my gut reaction; it's always right.” - Kiana Tom, American model
• “It's not the situation... It's your reaction to the situation.” - Robert Conklin, American educator

Let me know your reaction to this blog. I love hearing from you!

P.S. The next time the other instructor runs late, I will just wait along with my students, smile pleasantly and avoid "sweating the small stuff."