Start With Yourself



When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But, it too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed my self first, then by example I would have changed my family.

From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.
Author Unknown


The above words are said to be written on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in the crypts of Westminster Abbey in London, England.

For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Triumph Is Just "umph" Added to Try

 

Monica Seles had just won her first tennis tournament in more than two years since she had been stabbed in the shoulder by a fanatical fan.

Withstanding 100-degree heat and tendinitis in her left knee, she roared through the Canadian Open to defeat three Top 20 players enroute to a finals match that lasted only 51 minutes.  Her nightmare recovery had truly come to an end.

To help in her recovery, Monica asked Olympic champion Jackie Joyner-Kersee and her coach/husband, Bob Kersee, to put her on a strict workout routine.  While on this physical regimen she also worked to overcome the emotional problems that accompany such an attack.

Her father and coach, Karolj, who had been stricken by prostate and stomach cancer, was her continual source of inspiration.  She said, "I was down and he came into my room and said he couldn't stand to see me that way.  I decided then that I had to try and put it behind me and move on."

Have you ever felt "stabbed in the back" while doing good?  Withdrawal is often our first temptation, but with a creative and loving God, who continually inspires us, we just can't quit!  Our detractors will have to say about us what was said about Monica, "She's back!"

And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Galatians 6:9

Living a Passionate, Inspired Life

As a teacher or a leader or any kind, it is necessary for you to be able to reach the people you are responsible for in a way that ignites a fire in them.  Some people have this ability innately.  They can't really tell you what they do that is any different from the next leader, but they know that it works. Others learn how to do it by watching friends or colleagues and practicing very hard.  What is it that they have or what do they do that makes them so successful?  Let's take a closer look...

The first trait you will find in these leaders is passion.  Passion isn't something that you have and hold on to.  Passion is something that flows through you.  When you know in your heart that what you are doing is exactly what you're on this earth to do- no doubts, no questions, this is it- then you have found your passion.  This is not to say that you are not afraid, for when you step into your passion, in many cases the work in front of you is overwhelming.  You may not have any idea how you're going to climb that mountain, but you know that you must!

The second trait you will see is inspiration.  Inspiration is what happens when we have found our purpose, when we are "in-spirit."  When we are living our lives passionately, we find inspiration in most everything that we do.  It is impossible not to do so.  We are intended to listen to that still, small voice within us that will tell us, unequivocally, that what we are doing is right or wrong for us.  Inspiration and passion create courage to face the challenges and the unknown. 

So the third trait you will see is courage.  You see, each of these traits builds on the other.  When you are living a passionate, inspired life, you won't have to look far for the courage to do what you've determined you must do.  You know, you have faith, that you are taking the correct steps, that you're on the right path for your own purpose.  You are committed, with every fiber of your being, to your that goal.

The fourth trait is commitment.  A passionate, inspired life will lead you to a commitment to do whatever it takes to follow your dream.  You won't allow anything or anyone to deter you from your mission.  It's not just your head telling you to do this thing, your heart won't allow you to do anything less.  You'll be able to set your priorities and reach your goals.  When you fall short, as we all do on occasion, you'll allow yourself the grace to accept that failure knowing there is no stopping.

The fifth trait is grace.  When you hit those roadblocks, grace will show you a new way.  Innovation and creativity will become second nature to you.  After all, failure is not an option.  You've just learned another way NOT to get where you want to go.  You move on, ready for new challenges knowing that you will meet them and succeed.

Finally, when you are living a passionate, inspired life you will generate integrity and trust.  Because you are living your dream, there is no need for deceit and greed.  Your courage will allow you to remain true to yourself in ways you didn't even know you were capable of.  Your lesser self no longer exists.  You have banished it to the past.  You have reached a new plain of enlightenment, never to return to a world of lack and of not being all that you were intended to be.

Being a leader is living a life of passion and then lighting that spark in others around you, simply because you show by example.  Your friends and family see how happy and content you are and they want the same for themselves.  They follow your lead.  Remember, Margaret Mead said, "Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."  Let it begin with you!

Learning to Dance in the Rain...The Power of Gratitude

My friend, Mac Anderson, at Simple Truths shared a post with me this morning that I'd like to share with you. I think we all tend to forget just how blessed we are until we get a reminder. Here it is on this Monday morning:

Your Reminder...


The date was July 16, 2008. It was late in the afternoon and I was sitting in my hotel room in Louisville, Kentucky. I was scheduled to speak that evening for the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA).
I was a little "down in the dumps." I hadn't gotten to exercise lately because of my traveling schedule and recently I'd experienced some mild bouts of vertigo (that inner ear condition that can cause the room to start spinning.) You got it...speaking and "spinning" are not good partners!

My keynote presentation was scheduled for 7:00 PM, but I had been invited to show up at 6:00 to see a performance they said I'd enjoy. Little did I know that I was about to see something I would never forget.

They introduced the young musician. Welcome...Mr. Patrick Henry Hughes. He was rolled onto the stage in his wheelchair, and began to play the piano. His fingers danced across the keys as he made beautiful music.

He then began to sing as he played, and it was even more beautiful. For some reason, however, I knew that I was seeing something special. There was this aura about him that I really can't explain and the smile...his smile was magic!

About ten minutes into Patrick's performance, someone came on the stage and said..."I'd like to share a 7-minute video titled, The Patrick Henry Hughes story." And the lights went dim.

Patrick Henry Hughes was born with no eyes, and a tightening of the joints which left him crippled for life. However, as a child, he was fitted with artificial eyes and placed in a wheelchair. Before his first birthday, he discovered the piano. His mom said, "I could hit any note on the piano, and within one or two tries, he'd get it." By his second birthday, he was playing requests (You Are My Sunshine, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star). His father was ecstatic. "We might not play baseball, but we can play music together."

Today, Patrick is a junior at the University of Louisville. His father attends classes with him and he's made nearly all A's, with the exception of 3 B's He's also a part of the 214 member marching band. You read it right...the marching band! He's a blind, wheelchair-bound trumpet player; and he and his father do it together. They attend all the band practices and the half-time performance in front of thousands. His father rolls and rotates his son around the field to the cheers of Patrick's fans. In order to attend Patrick's classes and every band practice, his father works the graveyard shift at UPS. Patrick said..."My dad's my hero."

But even more than his unbelievable musical talent, it was Patrick's "attitude of gratitude" that touched my soul. On stage, between songs, he would talk to the audience about his life and about how blessed he was. He said, "God made me blind and unable to walk. BIG DEAL! He gave me the ability...the musical gifts I have...the great opportunity to meet new people."

When his performance was over, Patrick and his father were on the stage together. The crowd rose to their feet and cheered for over five minutes. It gave me giant goose bumps!

My life was ready to meet Patrick Henry Hughes. I needed a hero, and I found one for the ages. If I live to be a hundred, I'll never forget that night, that smile, that music, but most importantly, that wonderful "attitude of gratitude."

I returned to Chicago and shared Patrick's story with my wife, my friends, and our team at Simple Truths. About two weeks later, I received a letter from a friend. He said, "Mac, here is a quote from Vivian Greene that I think you'll love!"

"Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...
it's about learning how to dance in the rain!"

I thought...that's it! We all face adversity in our life. However, it's not the adversity, but how we react to it that will determine the joy and happiness in our life. During tough times, do we spend too much time feeling sorry for ourselves, or, can we, with gratitude...learn how to dance in the rain?

It almost sounds too simple to feel important, but one word...gratitude, can change your attitude, thus, your life, forever. Sarah Breathnach said it best...

"When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present....we experience heaven on earth."
~~~~~~
What I just shared is the introduction to my book, Learning to Dance in the Rain...The Power of Gratitude. My co-author is BJ Gallagher and she is one of the most talented and creative writers I've every known. It was an honor to work with her on this beautiful book that can truly change the way you think about life.

Keep Dancing,

Mac Anderson
Founder, Simple Truths