Random Thoughts From TPAGIRL

Thankfulness: My Top 6

2011-11-20T15:35:00.004-05:00

I was exploring a variety of sources for daily scripture reading today and all seemed to provide verses and meditation on thankfulness. Of course that makes sense with Thursday being the US National Holiday for Thanksgiving. As such, it got me thinking about what I'm thankful for this year and in David Letterman style, following are my top 6:

6. Lessons Learned this Year

I could write an entire blog post on lessons learned this year - and maybe I will....later. For now, I am thankful in general for all of the lessons learned. It was probably my toughest year yet, but in some ways, my strongest. If I had to recap, I would highlight three lessons that I am thankful: 1) I learned to see the positive in everything and to celebrate - regardless of the circumstances or how I felt that day or that moment. 2) I learned that learning never stops - at any age, and to keep looking for the lesson in everything. The lesson is there - I just have to be willing to look for it and acknowledge it. and 3) I also learned that I am a better person today than yesterday. For these lessons, I thank and praise God.

5. Being Stretched Outside of My Comfort Zone

I've had a lot of personality testing over the years and each test comes out the same: I don't naturally gravitate to quick decisions and change. However, I've been aware of that for years; therefore, when I have the opportunity to experience change, I embrace it rather than run from it. Don't get me wrong, instinctively, I'd rather run, but I know in the end, that I will come out stronger and the change is generally not only necessary but a great experience, in hind site. At the end of last year, I changed employers. I stayed in my industry and the same type of position. I had no idea how different it would be from one company to another - even in the same industry. I've been stretched way outside of my comfort zone and I'm thankful for the challenges and new perspectives of looking at different practices, processes and outcomes. Thank you to my boss, company, clients, and my new friends for accepting me, teaching me, and helping me to be a better employee, co-worker, client partner and person this year.

4. Small Group

This is a small group of 8 - 10 people from our church that meets in our home every week. Some are in person and some Skype in, but we all have the same purpose: experiencing life together, supporting each other and studying together, building our foundation and knowledge of God and Christ in our daily lives. Our personalities, hobbies, background, careers, family dynamics, and interests are all varied, but we accept each other for who we were are and who we were created to be. We each add something special to the group and to each other. Thank you all for being real and authentic, teaching me about God and life, and allowing me to be just as authentic, regardless of my daily circumstances.

3. Friends

I am very fortunate that I have some really great friends. As I get older I realize their importance and how special they are to me. Very few live in the same city anymore, but we are still great friends from a distance. There are friends from high school, college, career, and others that were local at one time or another. They each reached out to me this year as I needed love, support and friendship. They loved me on both my good days and bad days. At times they kept me fully accountable and at other times, they let me slide when appropriate. They are my true friends; a gift from God. I thank you for who you are and I hope that I was as good a friend to you as you were to me this year - and for many years to come.

2. Family

My family is definitely at the top of my list this year. We've had a tough year losing one of our own way too early. Having said that, I'm very fortunate to have a husband, mother, brother, parents-in-laws, sisters-in-law, and nephews that each bring a unique impact and perspective on who I am. Thank you to each one for loving me, supporting me, accepting me as I am and allowing me to be a part of your life. I thank God for His gift of you to me and would not have made it successfully through this year without you.

1. My Mother

Yes, my mother is on the top of my family list this year. It's a pretty close tie with my husband as he has put up with a lot this year and has had a tremendous amount influence, love and support for me that hasn't gone unnoticed, but my mother deserves the top spot this year. I am so thankful that she is still here and is sorting through a new reality for life. She has always been my hero and this year she stepped up even more. As I reflect back over the years, she has always been the cornerstone of our family and this year is no exception. Thank you Mother - you are full of beauty, love and strength. I thank God everyday that He gave you to me. I love you and am thankful for you beyond what my words and actions can express.

What are you thankful for this year? I was reading one of my favorite blogs this morning and came across the 12 Most Special Ways to Say Thank You This Thanksgiving. It wasn't rocket science, but it was a great reminder to make sure that I let those that I am thankful for, know how much they mean to me. Go in peace and make every day a day of Thanksgiving!

Personal Branding and LinkedIn

2011-11-13T19:58:00.000-05:00

Branding is my new fascination. No, not livestock or human branding, although that would be an interesting read - or not. My fascination has taken me deep into reflection into my individual brand from both a business and personal perspective. It's more than who am I and who do I want to be when I grow up....it's also the question of how am I perceived and who do others think I am? This is not a new concept, people have been writing, training and blogging about it for over a decade now; but for me, it's a new attraction.

It became an appeal when I began diving deeper into social media and attempting to envision where it will take us into the future and how I want to take part in it, on the sidelines as a casual observer, in the middle of it as an engaging participant or ahead of it as a thought leader. I've learned quite a bit since delving into it, but as with every type of technological advancement, there is so much more to learn for all of us at any level.

My focus today is what I've learned on LinkedIn. I've been on LinkedIn for several years now and I've slowly added connections, recommendations and employment history - but all casually with no real purpose except to cater to the social part of my personality. As I began to explore different types of social media, I began to dig deeper into LinkedIn and I came across the book "The Power Formula for LinkedIn Success" by Wayne Breitbarth. It covers the basics, but it also brought to my attention some areas that I could begin utilizer better. Following are three of the many lessons highlighted in Breitbarth's book that I put to immediate use on my LinkedIn profile:

The Thirty Second Bumper Sticker

Most people use this as their current company and title. Although that information is important, I've revamped mine to demonstrate more than my position. As Breitbarth testifies, this is our opportunity to boldly broadcast who we are and our value to the person reading it with 120 characters. This is less than twitter, but more than is needed. It also allows us to include key words that can be used in critical key word searches. My bumper sticker now reads as follows:

AIReS | Global Mobility Solutions | Speaker | Author
Relocation Strategist | Talent Management Partner

I'm an expert in strategic development to ensure each relocation and global mobility program aligns with all corporate and talent management goals, current government regulations and is measured accordingly for return on investment. As such, I have the opportunity to work closely with corporations as well speak and write on the topic. This is a brief description of my personal and professional brand - who I am, what I do and the value that I bring to the table.

Applications and Tools

Breitbarth lists four must-have applications for all LinkedIn users:

Box.net files
Google Presentations or SlideShare
Reading List by Amazon
Events

Following are some of the files that my profile now includes:

US Transfer Volume & Cost Survey (Relocation Policy Stats)
AIReS Services
Relocation Taxability (what's taxable and not taxable in US relocation).

This is an area that will change throughout the months, seasons and years as trends and services continue to change.

Introductions

I also learned how to appropriately seek and provide introductions. There is a proper way and it's way more than a blind email or phone call. LinkedIn is not a free for all to invade anyone with an email or inmail. If fact, most people don't respond to this unless there is a valid connection. If done respectfully, introductions can be provided for me and by me as appropriate.

All in all, it was a good book to breeze through and even stop and meditate on some areas. Although I expect my LinkedIn profile to continue evolving over time, it is now more representative of my personality with my personal touch and should boldly and fearlessly demonstrate my personal and professional brand.

How about you? Does your LinkedIn profile reflect your personal brand?

My Story to Live - The Fabric of Me

2011-10-23T17:56:00.000-04:00

As I listen to a version of "It is Well With My Soul" today, I remember that it's my choice on whether my soul is well. I am reminded of some recent training that says my story is my story. For example, what happens to me, how it happens to me, circumstances, situations - everything within my life - is my story. It's also called my life's journey. I don't control my story - I can't change my story. My story is my story. It's the fabric of who I am. It's not your story. It's my story and only my story.

The way I interpret my story is up to me. It's my choice. I choose every day what I believe. Am I choosing a negative interpretation? And if so, does that negative interpretation bring me down, create a skeptic? Or am I choosing a positive version that frees me and let's me soar to any height? I can create thoughts and opinions of others - imaginary or otherwise - that shape me. For example, when I create an interpretation of what others are thinking or why they do something - again imaginary or otherwise - what perspective am I choosing - one that brings me down or one that's ultimately better for me? It's a choice. It's deep. It's what I believe to my core - in my soul. It's my story to live.

When I dig deep, it's more than just attitude. It sounds like attitude, but it's deeper....more than my attitude. It's something that I choose to believe deep in my soul. It's that belief - not just what I tell myself I believe - but what I really believe, that is the fabric of who I am. It's my story to live. I ask myself again, how am I choosing to live my story today?

When Is It Good Enough?

2011-08-13T21:41:00.000-04:00

I love the study of people and people watching. I have an analytical mind and I'm fascinated by various people behaviors. I've written a few posts about human behaviors (Observations From A Frequent Traveler and I'm Better At Being Me Than I Am At Being You as examples). And although I've never used it, I have a degree in Psychology - people fascinate me!

Unrelenting Standards is a concept that I was introduced to a year ago that I didn't realize had an official name or diagnosis. I learned about it from Reinventing Your Life, by Jeffrey Young and Janet Klosko. Unrelenting Standards is one of eleven life traps that are described. Young and Klosko write "If you are in the Unrelenting Standards life trap, you strive relentlessly to meet extremely high expectations of yourself. You place excessive emphasis on status, money, achievement, beauty, order or recognition at the expense of happiness, pleasure, health, a sense of accomplishment, and satisfying relationships. You probably apply your rigid standards to other people as well and are very judgmental. When you were a child, you were expected to be the best, and you were taught that anything else was failure. You learned that nothing you did was good enough."

I also learned that the perspective of high standards is from other people, not from the person who has unrelenting standards. For example, this person believes their standards are average and normal and they view their success as average and normal. However, to others, they are viewed as successful and a high achiever. Characteristics evident are the feeling of pressure and not being able to relax or enjoy life. This type is not comfortable unless they are striving for something more. My assumption is that they also think that you should be striving for something more too.

Do you recognize this person? You work with them on a project and to you, everything looks great - the data, the analysis, the preparation, the presentation, etc. but to them, they continue to drill down and analyze more and more, they strive for perfection. Their attention to the smallest details is fanatical - phrasing of words, utilizations of colors and fonts on the presentation, etc. All of these are important, but how much time is spent on each and how many times are things changed? Perfection. Sometimes it's needed in order to make it better and to pay attention to the details - yet other times, it's not relevant. There is a balance - always striving for perfection and the best product, service, etc., yet accepting when it's good enough and moving on. When is good enough?

Apparently there are four reasons someone can become an unrelenting standards type:

Their parents love for them was conditional on their meeting high standards.
One or both parents were models of high, unbalanced standards.
They are compensating for feelings of defectiveness, social exclusion, deprivation or failure.
One or both parents used shame or criticism when they failed to meet high expectations.

Awareness and patience are important when dealing with this type of person. Is this you or is this someone that you interact with daily? It's amazing what we do to ourselves and how we react to other people's opinion of us. It can have a life long affect on us and those interacting with us. So how do we deal with this type of person? I'm not a psychologist or even a counselor, but I do have opinions, and yes, some experience.

For those that do not have this standard but engage with this type, I'm making the assumption that you aren't an underachiever, and if that's the case, then awareness is important. Acknowledge that it's not about you and the criticism is not directed at you personally - it's more about them, then it is about you. You can balance it by taking the good from the situation to be better. You can also have an accountability partner for what is reasonable. If you are in a situation where you can (i.e. this is a peer and not a boss), then thank them for their input but express your acceptance for the situation as it is (and the acceptable completion of the project). You can also help to build them by complimenting and recognizing the good and success of this person.

For those who are stuck in an unrelenting standards cycle, learn to accept what others consider is enough as enough. Another important fact is that although you may not be asking other people to do something that you aren't willing to do yourself, understand that you still may be asking too much. You should also seek an accountability partner, who can be your check and balance in life to measure reasonableness. Learn to relax and enjoy life. Learn to laugh at yourself - genuinely. Sometimes it is good enough and you can learn to live in the moment, experiencing the joy of life to its fullest!

True confession time? How are your standards - are they high enough or are they too high? My confession time is that I have more experience with being this type than I do with interacting with them. I'm not proud of it, but it's how I became acquainted with this study in the first place. And for those that know me, it developed as a result of overcompensating; which wouldn't surprise any that know me well. It's something that can be worked through and for me, although it's a continuous process, thankfully it has been worked through.

People are people and we were all created differently - not right or wrong, just different. For every type of person, experience the most in life, learn when it is good enough and learn to enjoy life to its fullest!

My Personal Story: Excellent Customer Service or Not?

2011-08-06T17:27:00.004-04:00

Customer Service is one of those topics that's hard to define as a culture. We each have our own version of what's good customer service, excellent customer service or superior customer service or any other trending phrase for customer service. I've had the opportunity to reflect on customer service over the past week through a hospital experience. My mother came to visit me in Tampa, FL for ten days. However, on day three of her visit, she unexpectedly experienced a hospital stay for 4 nights/5 days - which included a smattering of medical tests and, ultimately, surgery to remove her gall bladder.

Our experience really got me thinking about what I expect as great customer service and what was expected of me as the customer. Some would say we had great customer service; but by other standards, some would say we didn't. From my experiences, I have high standards for what can be called excellent customer service - and I don't apologize for it. Although I don't always meet my own standards (a diagnosis of unrelenting standards is another post for another time), I do live by the same expectations when I'm providing customer service. I'm disappointed in myself when I don't provide it, just as I am disappointed in others when I don't receive it. Through our experience, questions surfaced: does my involvement as the customer help to define great or excellent customer service? Do I need to be an active participant or does my being active take away from getting excellent customer service? At one point in our stay, I was told that I need to be a squeaky wheel and it's ok to squeak when needed. My thought is that if I need to squeak, then something is not quite right with the expectations of customer service. If it's self service, it's not customer service - or is it? Thoughts to ponder.

Over the 5 days, we had contact with an army of nurses, nurses assistants, doctors and a variety of other medical professionals. Of these, two nurses stood out the most with providing top notch customer service:

ER Nurse - Rob was the ER Nurse when we first entered the hospital. We were nervous and quite anxious. He had a big warm smile that never left his face while he was talking to us. He was also what I call "deep south" friendly; which for me translates as warm and overly friendly. He quickly found a common ground with my mom - she has lived in Tennessee for the last 35 years and he had grown up in Tennessee, not far from her current home. He continued to find commonalities and also quipped jokes that helped eased our fears. He did all of this while keeping us informed on what he was doing, why he was doing it and then the results of what he found. I must also say that this was the best and fastest ER experience that I've ever had. This hospital knew how to manage an ER and get to the bottom of what was needed for next steps. Kudos to Memorial Hospital of Tampa! Now back to Rob as part of this great experience. He provided calmness and allowed us to be as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. By my high standards, Rob provided excellent customer service. Thank you Rob.

Day Shift Nurse - Meghan was assigned to us two of the four days. In my book, she was fabulous and hit the mark every time. There were many traits that Meghan exibited, but the two that warmed our heart the most were her credibility and patience. She did what she said she was going to do - and she did it every time! I understand unintentional errors or accidental forgetfulness, but it didn't happen with Meghan. We didn't have to follow up with her or go hunt her down, she followed through on everything. As to patience, my mother and I had a lot of questions and not once did Meghan make us feel like we were a hinderance or bother to her. She understood our questions, encouraged them, answered them and/or directed us how to ask the doctor when he came in to see us. She also followed up with us to make sure that we asked the questions after the doctor had visited. I expected the former, but the latter was above and beyond my expectations. By my high standards, Meghan provided excellent customer service. Thank you Meghan!

In reflection, there were many opportunities for excellent customer service this week. We received service from all of those which we interacted. Some provided good, others great and then there were those with excellent service. For those that provided excellent service, what stood out the most was that in addition to their medical capabilities they also provided the following: strong listening skills, proactivity, credibility, patience, a great bedside manner and the ability to make us feel valuable.

We are home now and on to something new. Until next time....more thoughts to ponder.

Out of Focus

2011-07-30T20:16:00.000-04:00

Do you ever feel like you are living out of focus? As I get older I find that I'm looking at blurry objects more every day. It can be frustrating not knowing the details of what I'm looking at or even being able to identify what I'm seeing at all. However, it can also be a little fun and an adventure.

It did get me thinking. Sometimes I feel like my whole life is out of focus. I'm living and I'm engaging in life every day, but something seems a little blurry. I can see, but not exactly clearly. So what does it take to live in focus? Is there really a true in focus? Is it a matter of the seasons of life - some seasons are in focus and some out of focus?

My mind then started to wander towards whether being in focus is tied to finding my purpose and meaning in life. Why was I put on this earth? I haven't quite figured that out yet, but I know that we were all put on this earth for a reason. At some points in my life, I felt I had meaning and was passionate about that meaning and purpose. That usually centered around helping others - whether in my job as a mentor, teacher or just plain productive which helped grow the company and ultimately kept people employed. Or in other areas of my life not work focused, for example, regularly volunteering in homeless shelters or teaching business and interviewing skills to lower income women who were seeking to improve their life. And at other times in my life, that purpose wasn't clear - possibly not as clear with my work value or volunteering participation. That's when life doesn't seem to be as focused. And I definitely don't know my purpose and meaning.

So what's the lesson? Good question, maybe that each season in life may bear something different than the last? And to keep seeking purpose and meaning in everything that I do? Or sometimes it's ok to be out of focus, but keep looking and eventually I'll be able to see life in focus again - maybe the same view, but most likely a different view? Questions to ponder....

So, what's your view - are you in or out of focus today?

A Voice to be Heard

2011-07-23T16:21:00.000-04:00

Everyone has a voice that wants to be heard. The way in which we seek to be heard is as varied as the people in the world. Take the restaurant where I currently sit as an example, the dominant voices to be heard are from little people "Mom..." or a scream from an unhappy child, or the piercing laughter of a joyous one - all which can be heard at any corner of the room. But there is also the couple deep in conversation, quiet to the world, but loud enough for their partner, both with serious expressions. Or the table of six, two of which have the most to say, but the one on the end who watches and starts to talk a few times, only to be interrupted, so the outward attempts cease. And of course the twenty something male that makes jokes so those around him will laugh - yet there is sadness hiding in his eyes, or is it really sadness or just the perspective of the onlooker? A voice to be heard.

And of course, facebook and twitter are great examples of voices to be heard. Some are heard hourly - others only monthly, but each saying something. And blogging is another facet of a voice to be heard. Do we blog for ourself or others? I wonder how much people - the generic we or you - read other people's blogs or websites. I know I don't take the time to explore as much as I'd like to explore. However, I've started reading again - as well as writing. With my varied interests, I follow varied sites. Here are a few articles that I read in the last few days while I was catching up on twitter (@tpagirl):

Search for Wierdest Car in America (USA Today)
Acai Berries: 1 of 10 Most Beneficial Foods (Healthy Eating Overview)
This Week's Top 10 Videos (Market Watch)
Social Media is A Culture - Not a Technology (Government in the Lab)
60 Signs Addicted to Social Media & Twitter (Business to Community)
9 Things Pilots Want You to Know (Women's Day)
Practice (Passion On Purpose - Ryan Estis)
BitRebels (Too Many great articles to name a top 1!)
Toilet Paper Emergency (BitRebels - an oldie but goodie!)
If A Leader Always... (Ron Edmondson)
Gen Rent - New Kids on the Block (Inman News)

There are a lot of voices to be heard in today's world. What voice are you hearing? What voice are you sharing? Is it all about you or all about others? Let's take the time to hear other voices today.

Saturday in the Park - Hyde Park

2011-07-16T10:13:00.004-04:00

Well not exactly the park - but it's in Tampa's Hyde Park and it sounded good! My husband and I go to movies just about every Saturday these days. It's something that we share together and a great way for us to relax. Cobb Cinebistro in Hyde Park is currently our favorite - we relax, enjoy lunch and watch a movie all at the same time. It's an all adult theatre, so it's not a family outing for those under 21, but it's a great way to spend a "date day/night." As we arrive, we place our food order, collect an ottoman to stretch our long (or not so long) legs, and we're ready to go - in our big cushy seats! The service is great and another reason to keep coming back!

The food options are really good. My current favorite is the seared tuna - doesn't it look fabulous! They have something for everyone from a big bucket of buttery popcorn to a steak and anything in between. They bring your food before the previews. If you want more after the movie starts, just go to the bar and they'll take care of you. For drinks, I recommend ordering a refill at the onset, that way you'll be covered! Glance at the entire menu here or following are a few of our current favorites:
Grilled Flatbread with Balsamic Figs and Brie

Crisp grilled Flatbread with Sweet Grain Mustard Spread, Caramelized Onions, Balsamic Figs and bubbling Brie Cheese.

Sesame Seared Tuna

Field Green Lettuce Salad, Ripe Avocado, Crisp Cucumbers, Crunchy Carrot, Tomatoes and Ginger Lime Dressing.

Fish Tacos

Crispy Fried Cod, Crunchy Cilantro Slaw, Feta Cheese, Pico di Gallo, Ancho Chili Ranch Tarter Sauce and Drunken Black Beans.

Cobb Salad

Romaine and Red Endive Lettuce, Hard Boiled Eggs, Nueske Apple Smoked Bacon, Avocado, Tomatoes, Blue Cheese Crumbles and Creamy Lemon-Basil Dressing. - I get mine with salmon - delish!

And of Course you can't forget about the movies! We are a huge fan of the TOMATOMETER, but lately, there has been a lot of green, and we haven't necessarily agreed! For example, although Transformer's, Dark of the Moon started out slow, we thought it was a red tomato, not green! It's still our measurement for selecting the movie of the day - but what do you think, do you agree with today's ratings? Nice to know some great ratings are predicted for the movies opening this weekend!

OPENING

97%	Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2	Jul 15
90%	Winnie the Pooh	Jul 15
88%	Tabloid	Jul 15
14%	Snow Flower And The Secret Fan	Jul 15
74%	The Tree	Jul 15
——	Gunless	Jul 15
9%	Salvation Boulevard	Jul 15
84%	Life, Above All	Jul 15

All in all, it's been a great way to recharge and relax for lunch while also supporting a local business. You can choose a matinee, like we do, or you can go all out for dinner. So what movie are you going to see today?

A Picture of Me and My Father

2011-07-09T17:05:00.001-04:00

I haven't blogged in a while. Let's say writer's block. However, life keeps going and so many things are swimming around in my head. I watched the video in my last post - from almost 2 years ago - and it made me cry. It's a vivid example of how life goes on and is constantly changing. My Father was in the video - healthy and alive. We had all just walked 60 miles over three days for breast cancer. It was a great time and a wonderful experience. I had no idea that would be one of the last major events that I would have with my Father. Now he is no longer living - 4 months and 19 days ago, he left in a matter of seconds as a result of a heart aneurysm, no longer to inhabit this earth. I still can't believe it, but yet people experience this every day - It's a part of life.

That doesn't really have anything to do with anything in the world right now, except that it's my world. I look around at people and wonder what's really going on in the lives of people around me. Do we really know? As thoughts continue to pop into my mind, I knew I needed to start writing again. Yet what to write about and my only venue or reader is me. And that's ok - then for me it is! I'll write what I feel and boy do I feel these days. So, here's to writing again and as a salute and in memory of my Father, I'll start with a picture of he and I from the 2009 Susan G Komen Tampa Bay 3-Day in memory of him. Here's to you and I Dad - I miss you and Love you!

60 Miles - $4M - 1400 Walkers - 300 Volunteers - 1 Cause - A Lifetime Experience!

2009-11-14T22:54:00.017-05:00

The 2009 60 mile walk has now come and gone. It was such an incredible experience that I couldn't possibly do it justice in a blog post. We walked 60+ miles and Team Tishie raised just under $11,000 for the Susan G Komen Foundation in order to find a cure for breast cancer. There were 1400 women and men that walked in the Tampa Bay 3 Day with us and together we raised over $4,000,000.

I was also humbled by the 350+ volunteers that supported the cause. We could not have successfully completed this event without their acts of love and support. They directed traffic, bandaged our feet, honked their horns in a salute as they passed us, provided dunking water for our bandanas and towels to keep cool and served us snacks, water and gatorade. They had hearts of servants.

Team Tishie consisted of myself, my husband (Mike Gilbreath), my mother (Trish Richards) and my father (Jerre Richards). I was honored to walk with them. I walked for my mother, a survivor and I walked for many friends - also survivors. I walked in memory of my aunt and my grandmothers. I walked for my mother in law, my two sister in laws and for me, so that we don't have to experience breast cancer. I walked because I could walk. I walked next to mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, grandparents, and friends. We all walk for someone and we all walk for everyone.

I want to thank those that supported us through donations and/or encouragement. It was a humbling experience to hear all of the stories of how we have all been touched by this horrible disease. 60 Miles was nothing compared to the many battles that have already been fought and are still being fought. My aches and pains were nothing compared to their bravery and courage.

The following video gives you a glimpse into our experience. It's a very small sampling of the 180+ pictures that were taken for an experience that we will never forget. It was incredibly inspirational and humbling all at the same time. We laughed and we cried - it was a range of emotions. It is set to one of my favorite songs "The Face of Love" by Sanctus Real. It is appropriate because we each walk for love - love for the ones that we have watched battle disease or want to avoid the battle. To view the video on you tube click on the following:

Team Tishie Slide Show

The 2009 Susan G Komen Walk for the Cure has come to a close. Now we are getting ready for 2010. Three of the four team members of Team Tishie have already verbally committed for next year. We are also recruiting additional team members so please feel free to join us in our journey. The following link is our 2009 team page - send me an email regarding next year.

Team Tishie's 3 Day Page

It's an experience of a lifetime and as we've heard throughout the 3 day: Everyone deserves a lifetime!

A Daughter's View: My Mother's Journey

2009-09-19T12:59:00.011-04:00

January 8, 2009. This day is a special day. My mother was born 64 years ago today. She is celebrating her birthday! Woo Hoo! Oh, and she shares the birth date with Elvis - but that's another story for another day!

She's a little anxious today. She has a follow up doctor appointment. In her heart and body, she knew the results. But frankly, as a "cup half full" girl, I saw it as the "cup is half empty" view until we knew something concrete. I had a valid reason for feeling this way but before going further with my mother's journey, we must go backwards 3 weeks.

It was Wednesday, December 17, 2008, I was sitting in the parking lot of a prospective client in Virginia. My phone rang and it was my father. I had five minutes, before I needed to go in, but he wanted to talk to me quickly. My father proceeds to tell me that he has just gotten back from the doctor and he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. I didn't even know there was a possibility. He is like me, the "cup is half full" so he didn't tell anyone and thought all would be well. He's never had cancer, and he had no reason to believe he did now. I was stunned. I stayed stunned for a while - and I don't really remember my appointment - but eventually my faith kicked in and I knew all would be well, regardless of what happened. Fast forward through emotions, decisions, and Christmas - the decision was made, dad's surgery was scheduled for January 23, 2009.

Now, back to January 8, 2009. My dad's diagnosis was the reason why I thought Mom was choosing the negative view, versus the one with hope and confidence. My parents had been married 47 years in August 2008. It hasn't always been rosy, but in spite of everything, they have a great marriage and have come through a lot together. I never dreamed they would experience being diagnosed with cancer together - at the same time. Talk about emotions! But, yes, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had known - partly because of her body, but both her mother and sister had breast cancer in the past and neither were still living. She had reason for anxiety. Fast Forward through more emotions and decisions, her surgery was scheduled for February 19, 2009.

Mother is a trooper. She is strong when she needs to be strong. Don't get me wrong - she is a pure prima donna too! Of course, this apple didn't fall far from that tree! Anyway, she read the books, the doctor told her to - she stayed away from the internet as her doctor told her to - she did what she was supposed to do! She was going to get through this.

We made it through my dad's surgery and she did very well. Once she knew he was fine, the cancer was removed and he was officially a survivor - then her anxiety for her process started. Although he was still in his recovery period, he was going to be ok! I have lots of joy and laughable moments during his recovery, but that's another story for another day! She now had about 4 weeks until her surgery! The doctor's appointments continued and the decisions were finalized.

Surgery Day came and she had a tremendous amount of support from family and friends. She came through it and the doctor felt very comfortable that all was well and all of the cancer had been removed. We were rejoicing. She was weak, but she was rejoicing too. I knew we were ok when she awoke the next morning in the hospital with orders in hand. The general was awake and we all had immediate tasks because the doctor was coming today! I knew she was going to be just fine! Come to find out, the doctor didn't come until late in the day, but the gift we had was the family of four (mother, father, brother, and me) were all together all day.....in one small cramped hospital room. We had fun as any normal (or not normal) family would do. We laughed and pestered each other as we waited. It had been 27 years since I had lived in the same town with them - so to me, this was a gift - just the 4 of us. The doctor came and she could go home to recover. All was well with this first stage of treatment.

Many doctors appointments occurred over the next few weeks. The immediate cancer was removed, but her drains were still in and decisions were still needed regarding further treatment to kill any remaining cancer cells that may be dormant now, but could surface later. The drains turned out to be in longer than anticipated. It's hard to know what's normal and what's not - is it blocked, is this amount normal or not? Turns out, it was a little bit of both. Sometimes it was blocked and sometimes it was normal. Unfortunately, the drains remained the maximum length allowable and caused both annoyance and pain. Mother was not interested in going out much or surfacing to see the world. The problem is that energy begets energy, so she needed to at times. The little general was born. Remember the apple, I mentioned earlier - yep, that's me!

Finally, the drains were out, more decisions were made and the first chemotherapy treatment began on March 25, 2009. This is where courage and strength really kicks in the most. Chemotherapy is hard. There really aren't words that can describe this process. The people are nice, compassionate and gentle but the drugs could never be described in this way. They are invasive, disruptive and painful. I was amazed because my mother would take to the chemotherapy pretty well (with some exceptions) as she was receiving it. But at some point within 24 to 48 hours, the reaction would hit. It was like all of the energy and health gathered together and as one decided to leave her body. She crashed and it took everything out of her. Her body ached and hurt with no comfort to be found and unfortunately, very little sleep. She was down for the count for days. It was a pain that I can't describe - maybe one day she will journal and put it into words for us. A week later she would begin to surface and she could live life - albeit slowly, until the next round. They were three weeks apart so that would generally be less than a week away from the time we surfaced again.

We were hoping the first round was the toughest. We realized after the fact that she waited longer than she needed to call the doctor. The doctor releases the next round of medicine (usually a day or two after the treatment) when he is called and that gets her through the rest of the process. She waited 4 days because she thought she was supposed to be handling this level of pain and it was normal. Wrong. We learned our lesson and a better interpretation of the symptoms. She is strong and a trooper but that lesson won't be repeated.

Another milestone is that we really thought her hair would remain until after the second treatment. That was my recollection from a friend in the past. Therefore, when her hair started falling out after the first treatment, it was devastating for my mother. We hadn't yet gotten wigs - so this was our first and immediate task when I came back in town, the day before her next treatment. This was really tough for my mother. Her view of herself was pretty low - she didn't feel well, she had more weight than she wanted and now she had no hair. I thought she looked fabulous and was cute as a button - but not Mother, she was depressed. This is not good for a chemotherapy patient. This is where friends and family come in. It's important to express a lot of love - during this time, there is never enough.

As each new round of treatment occurred, different pains and feelings occurred. It was hard to know how to prepare - at least from my perspective. What I did know and what was consistent is that every time between 24 - 48 hours, the reaction would hit and she was always down for the count. I was amazed because you could never see it coming. It hit at once, out of the blue. But, we learned that it will always hit, you just don't know exactly when. We were prepared and it would always pass through her body just in time for the next round.

Her last round was May 27th, 2009. Her last appointment for her chemotherapy rounds was June 17 - although thankfully, there were no drugs that day. She had survived. She could now rebuild and recover. She had made it. She is officially a survivor.

There are many things that I could describe further with this process - there were so many emotions, events and milestones. As I write this - 4 months later - there is one really big gift that I recall and cherish above everything. In spite of everything between both my mom and my dad, there was joy and learning through the process. The gift I received is the opportunity of a life time. I moved away from home to go to college in August of 1982 and I never returned to the same town again. My brother came back immediately after college, but my life took me else where. Through this process, I was able to live here with my parents more than I lived in my own house back in Tampa. My husband was a doll, very supportive and we still spent every weekend together - even if I wasn't able to be there during the week. The rest of the time, I was with my parents and my brother was close by. It is very different to live with my parents as a child and until 18, then when I am 44. We laughed, we cried and we bonded like we never had before. We've always been close, but this was different. I was an adult and on their same level. I am always their baby, but I'm the little apple that fell from their tree. At times they were proud and other times they wished I hadn't gotten a specific trait from them! This was a gift from God that I will cherish forever.

This part of the journey is over - with a new journey ahead. They are both survivors. I told my mother that I wanted to walk in her honor during the Tampa 3 day - Susan G. Komen walk for the cure. It's 60 miles in 3 days - 20 miles a day. I've never done anything like it before. In order to walk I have to raise $2,300. If you would like to support me and my mother, then please go to my page and donate whatever you feel led to give. http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/TampaBayEvent2009?px=3493073&pg=personal&fr_id=1301

The coolest thing about this is that I now have Team Tishie (in honor of my mother Trish Richards) and not only am I walking, but my mother, father, husband and one of my best friends is walking with me, as Team Tishie. We each have to raise $2,300 and we can't share donations, so if you or someone you know would like to donate to their walk, go to www.the3day.org - click on Donate, click on Search for Participant and key in Team Tishie. We are the 2009 Tampa Bay Team Tishie Team: Angie Gilbreath, Mike Gilbreath, Jerre Richards and Trish Richards.

What a miracle - What a gift from God!

I Am Better At Being Me Than I Am At Being You!

2009-09-12T12:06:00.009-04:00

It's been several months since I contributed to this blog. Funny, I have random thoughts every day. I just journaled on my daily devotional blog that my mind never stops. It's always going non-stop and the older I get, the shorter attention span I have. I, of course, get back to the same subject again in a few seconds. It's back and forth, back and forth, back and forth (you get the picture) between dozens of thoughts, tasks, etc until something - maybe only one of them - finally gets completed. I think the world calls it multi-tasking. I call it adult A-D-D. Of course that wasn't my intention when I started this blog.....so what was that intention? I'm sure I'll think of it shortly.

Until then, below is a draft that I found as I was trying to remember what I had been thinking about earlier today! I had forgotten all about this posting. It was started on August 23, yet today is Sept 12 and I truly don't even remember writing it. More confirmation of my A-D-D tendencies. Anyway, back to the draft:

I had a really cool worship service today. Pastor Matthew talked about God loving each one of us. He even had us quote scripture specific to ourselves: "For God so loved 'Angie'." I've learned to understand this. This was not a concept that I accepted easily. For years, I didn't like who I was but I've learned in the last few years that God loves me as me and I too should love me.

He Knows My Name

I have a maker

He formed my heart

Before even time began

My life was in his hand



He knows my name

He knows my every thought

He sees each tear that falls

And hears me when I call

I have a Father

He calls me his own

He'll never leave me

No matter where I go



He knows my name

He knows my every thought

He sees each tear that falls

And hears me when I call

Words provided by e-lyrics from Tommy Walker - Copyright ©1996 Doulos Publishing

Fast forward to today, September 12! These thoughts are still pretty amazing to me. It's definitely a comfort for me. I think often about what is my purpose in life? Everyone has one. We were not created without one. I'm often overheard saying "be who you were created to be, not who someone else was created to be." I didn't create this quote - I'm not sure who did - but I've adopted it because I think too many of us - myself included - have tried to be something that we were not created to be. And a misunderstanding is that certain profiles and talents have a ranking and are better than others. That is so misleading and so wrong! For example, I am not book smart. I am creative, logical, a listener, observant, analytical, strategic, detailed, organized and maybe even funny every so often - but I am definitely not book smart - never have been and doubtful that I ever will be! I also don't have the greatest memory, but that's where the detailed, organized and strategic (i.e. solutions oriented) comes in really handy! For so long, I found that the lack of these two traits were a hinderance to me accepting me and loving me - well even liking myself for that matter.

If I could encourage anyone today, I would say learn who you are, embrace yourself and be yourself. Learn who you are: what you like - what you are good at doing - what you are not good at doing - what you are passionate about - what you dislike - what you wish you liked - what you wish you didn't like, etc. Ask all the questions you can think of and then capitalize on who you are. It doesn't mean that you won't work on strengthening traits within yourself, it just means that you know and understand your strengths and weaknesses and you were created with these specifically for a reason - there is a purpose for you being you (and me being me). It doesn't mean that we are better than anyone or that they are better than us. It means that we were chosen to have these traits for a reason and they were chosen to have their traits too. And if you look closely, you'll see that you both need each other (figuratively speaking). I believe everyone needs others. We weren't built to have everything within us - all solutions or gifts and skills to accomplish everything on our own. We were created as a human race to support and complete each other.

Now, I understand that I have a very specific faith that supports this - but this isn't what this blog is about. I have another blog for that - that one is a more personal blog about my daily journey of successes and failures in my faith. No, it's on this blog with my random thoughts because I believe that being created as a human race to support and complete each other can support most any spiritual belief. Life examples are my proof. My observation of life is that at some point in life we all fail when we've tried to do everything on our own. Or maybe we've achieved success, according to the world, but happiness or peace is missing, or we've isolated people and in the end, it's just the one person standing. You generally have to look at life over a period of time - nothing really seems simple or quick; although, this world would like to convey that things can come quickly when you want it bad enough. Is that the real meaning of life?

Isn't it amazing to have the confidence that you were created for a reason? It is for me. One day I will know the purpose and reason but for now, I'm ok with learning to embrace me for who I was created to be and the traits and talents that I was given. I've learned that with all my faults, I'm still a better me, than I am at being you!

Until next time......but in the meantime, what do you think? I love to know what others think and that includes you!

Observations from a Frequent Traveler: Human Instinct

2009-06-01T20:42:00.001-04:00

I am a people observer. That shouldn’t surprise any of my friends – I watch and observe everything. I don’t necessarily notice the physical – such as what someone is wearing, or the color of their hair or eyes. No, I notice emotions, tempers, attitudes, expressions, body language, actions and behaviors. Being a frequent traveler, the hobby comes in handy – it serves as entertainment yet also has resulted in hours of reflection and contemplation. As a human race, why do we do what we do? As an individual, what makes each of us instinctively react?

Under most circumstances, when traveling we may never see the same people again and if we do, who would really remember? We may cross paths constantly but never even realize it. And if we do and decide to strike up a conversation, does it really matter if we like each other? We probably aren’t going to become friends outside of the airport. For that reason, we can be ourselves completely – good or bad.

I believe when people are traveling they are not trying to impress or to be something that they are not. They are who they are in route to the next task, adventure or show. Some people are the same at everything they do, others are on a stage and perform and have those moments when they are not on stage but are simply in route to the next performance – figuratively speaking.

After years of observation, I’ve drawn the conclusion that behaviors of airline travelers reveal the true heart of a person. I’ve also concluded there are two kinds of people: one who genuinely puts others first and one who puts themselves first.

Think about it for a moment. How many times have you seen someone rush into a line – elbowing their way, not making eye contact and cutting off someone just so they can get in line ahead of one other person? What about the person that stands in the middle of the aisle on a plane sorting through their suitcase while the rest of the plane is waiting behind them to board? Or during deplaning, the person that was on an aisle in a row behind and walks past people who are trying to get out of their row – that one really bugs me. Or the person who takes the seat by the window or aisle and they don’t legitimately have rights to that seat yet they refuse to move. I’ve seen them laugh it off, make a joke – but ultimately they don’t move. Parents who have children who have noisy games and they don’t require headphones. I’ve heard them say, “at least they are quiet and not crying.” They assume everyone will understand. I can continue with stories of poor etiquette for an entire book and so can you, but the action itself is not the primary focus. It’s what it represents that I am interested in at the moment.

There are those that naturally and genuinely allow other people in front of them and not only ensure that proper etiquette is followed, but go above and beyond with kindness. These people generally don’t think about it – it’s natural. Unfortunately, those that push their way on others don’t generally think about it either – it’s natural for them as well.

This goes back to the heart of the matter – the heart. I believe when I look into the eyes of those that are generally kind, they reveal pure joy, happiness, peace and contentment. The opposite is true also – those that are selfish and put themselves first generally reveal discontent, arrogance, defiance or other negative feelings. This saddens me. For those that share my same faith, then this is expected of you (and me) – it’s a calling – and shame on you (and me) if it isn’t our instinct.

My challenge to everyone is to make a difference where you are today. Slow down, let someone in front of you for no other reason than you are being kind and putting another before your own need. This is a challenge for all of us – but especially to those that don’t generally put others needs first. I know that we all do sometimes – when it’s calculated and convenient. This time, do it all day for no other reason than you choose to be nice. See how many days you can go with putting others first. I believe you will be a changed person, have an incredible experience and will make a positive impact on your world.

Comments regarding your travels and observations welcomed and encouraged!

The Art Work of My Mind

2009-05-21T22:35:00.000-04:00

I really wanted to sit down and write tonight. I have so many thoughts swirling around my head. I wrote several blog posts this week in my mind without a word being penned on paper. So here I sit ready to write and excited about what will appear. Yet nothing is forming or taking shape into anything of value for penning.

My thoughts leap from topic to dream to fragment pieces. My mind starts with me and jumps to past friendships, to family, to new friendships, and then quickly to the strangers conversing around me. It then soars to thinking about the good in people then to our diversity and our difference. I contemplate accepting routine and mull over embracing spontaneity. I take a sharp turn to ponder the harshness of judgment and the joy of acceptance. I then strangely brood over accepting judgment or judging acceptance – the conflict and reality of it all. My mind then races to living a life of abundance, or mediocrity, or complacency or contentment. It’s the choice we each make on our own and live out each day.

Tonight I feel as if I’m an abstract art – dancing across the room floating with the changing speed of the music. I dream, I pray, I map out my life. In this moment, I like who I am and the glimpse of who I will be. At least for now – it’s how I choose to see me.

But of course tomorrow is another work of art waiting to be drawn.....

A TRIBUTE TO MY MOTHER

2009-05-10T23:51:00.001-04:00

IN MY HOUSEHOLD, MOTHER IS QUEEN,
WITH HER CARING, I AM ABLE TO EXPERIENCE AND DREAM.
SHE’S MY FOUNDATION AND THE THREAD THAT HOLDS,
FOR WHICH HAS ALLOWED ME SUCCESS AT BOTH YOUNG & OLD.

MY MOTHER IS A LOVING, PROTECTIVE, MAMA BEAR,
AND A TRUE FAMILY WARRIOR WITH OR WITHOUT HAIR!
SHE IS TALENTED, CREATIVE AND AN INSPIRATION TO ALL,
SHE’S THE ONE WHO PICKS ME UP SO I’M NOT AFRAID TO FALL.

GOD BLESSED ME WITH MY MOTHER
FOR ME, AS HER DAUGHTER, IT WAS TO BE NO OTHER.
SHE’S GOD’S ARTIST HERE ON EARTH,
THAT SCULPTED ME AND SHOWED ME MY WORTH.

NOTHING I CAN SAY CAN EXPRESS MY GRATITUDE AND LOVE
THANK YOU MOM – YOU’RE A GIFT TO ME FROM THE GOD ABOVE.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY MOM!
I LOVE YOU AND I’M HERE FOR YOU ALWAYS!

Relocation as the Transferring Employee and Making Informed Decisions

2009-05-02T17:17:00.001-04:00

Are you transferring with your company or considering a future job transfer? I’ve been in the human resources and relocation industry for over 20 years and I’ve relocated both as a child and an adult. I have an opinion and I’ve been called an expert, yet I’m a lifetime student of learning; relocation is no exception! I’m in a position where I generally talk to corporations and government agencies and I don’t get many opportunities to speak directly with a transferring employee. Therefore, this random thought blog post is written specifically for you, the relocating employee.

The real estate market is one of the hottest topics all over the world. I’m asked about it often. I also overhear a lot of conversations such as “my company is moving me and they are providing a company to help me, but how do I know whether I can trust them and if they are telling me the truth? How do I know it’s not a scam?” These are all important questions and deserve to be answered.

My first word of advice: Don’t Believe Everything You Hear – But Believe the Experts! Your next question should be (all said together) who are the experts? I’m so glad you asked. The experts are those that have been full time in the industry and are long-time relocation management, real estate and appraisal professionals that have seen various markets. They are ahead of the market, think creatively, involve you in the strategy of selling your home and are not afraid to shoot straight and tell you the truth. They read updated industry information from a variety of sources and are active members of both local and national industry organizations. They pull in other relocation experts, such as relocation inspectors and mortgage suppliers that focus on relocation. They too are an on-going student of relocation that applies their learning to continuously adapt and succeed in the relocation industry.

My second word of advice: Interview the Experts and Make Informed Decisions! The days of putting the house on the market, testing the listing price, running an ad, holding an open house or two for it to sell are over. You must have an aggressive, creative strategy and it takes teamwork with multiple relocation experts! You need to have confidence in your experts! Listen, be open, ask questions and partner with them. Ask some of these common interview questions:

· How long have you been doing this job?

· What are your average days to contract (list date to contract acceptance) for the last 12 months?

· What is your variance (price you said a home sold for and what it actually sold for) for the last 12 months?

· What is the number of homes that you sold/appraised within the last 12 months? Where specifically are those homes?

· Name 5 creative marketing strategies that you have successfully employed within the last 12 months.

· Where is my biggest competition for my home and why?

· What kind of training have you had within the last 12 months?

· What were the last three things you read that relate to your industry and today’s market?

· What are your credentials and organizations that you belong? How does belonging to that organization(s) help you and me?

Work with your relocation management professional (if you have one) and interview several real estate and appraisal candidates until you are comfortable with their experience and strategies. Make sure you have an expert!

Last word of advice: Stay Involved and Collaborate with Your Experts. The industry has changed, but it doesn’t have to be a painful process. Your home will sell and you can make informed decisions. Make the right choice right out of the gate and you’ll shorten your selling time but still receive the highest price the market will bear.

Everyone wins when homes sell and transferring employees are settled with their families in their new destination quickly, successfully and happily!

Comments Welcomed & Have A Happy Relocation!

Giving Something to Others Without Expecting Anything in Return

2009-04-12T18:11:00.001-04:00

What a great day to blog my thoughts! It's Easter and a glorious day in every way! Today has been a day of reflection. For decades, I've celebrated Easter but it's typically hectic with a lot of people. Today is unusually quiet. This year is only 3 1/2 months old but I've had some of my greatest personal challenges this year. I am especially grateful today for my life, family and friends.

I learned something several years ago that I passionately believe as a result of my personal experience and seeing it in the lives of others: When things are tough - reach out and give to someone else. Take the focus off of me (or you). It's amazing how therapeutic giving to and helping others is for our own soul.

When I take a look around and see others - I mean really see them by looking into their eyes, watching how people respond to them and how they respond to others - I begin to see inside the person. Sometimes their response is a true picture and other times it's a mask to hide their true feeling. They've been hurt deeply or they have a need, but they don't want anyone to know it. I believe we weren't meant to experience life alone. We were created to engage and intertwine with each other to create the whole picture of life.

I sometimes feel awkward when giving to random individuals - have I read the situation wrong? - Will I offend them? - Will they think I'm weird? But the truth behind my feelings is that if I have had at least one positive impact on someone then I can deal with all of the "she's weird" thoughts. Are you that way too? Don't get me wrong - I have pride and lots of it! I have even read Joyce Meyer's book "Approval Addiction" - which is a book I highly recommend - but I keep going back to what's really in my inner being: I know with confidence my eternal future and I want to make a positive difference in today's world while I'm here in it.

My mind has now taken me to all of the many ways I can give to others. Yes, it's as simple as a word of encouragement, a smile, letting someone go in front of me - even when that parking space is rightfully mine! It's baby sitting, dog walking, lawn mowing, giving flowers, picking up trash along my running route, pulling weeds, or opening doors for others. All of these don't require spending any or much money - but only requires an intentional effort and possibly a small amount of time.

If there is more time to give, then volunteering at any numerous shelters or non-profits. I've never been turned down when I asked to serve and every time, without exception, I've been blessed in return. Some of my most favorite memories of the last year were when Mike and I peeled and cut over 1200 cucumbers so that cucumber salad could be served for the poor and homeless the next week. Another time I cracked over 1000 eggs. I have numerous stories that I could share over the years and although it wasn't elaborate, luxurious, clean or self-elevating, it was truly fulfilling in a way that can't be compared to anything else. For those that don't serve regularly or are in a new city, I am happy to get you in the right direction. For those that do, feel free to provide your experiences in the comment section - but remember this is not a platform for advertising or asking for money. However, I love hearing your serving experiences.

When I don't have time, but want to give, then there are many legitimate non-profits that help people. If that's you - then do your research! Know what they are about - peruse their mission and annual report. What do they represent? Talk to some of the people they serve. Guidestar is a resource that I've personally used in the past (http://www.guidestar.org/) but there are many resources to utilize. What's your passion? I'm passionate about helping the poor and homeless, single mothers, victims of domestic violence, and helping others to live in the world but not of the world. But there are many other causes and we each have a God-given passion within us that when put together, we really can tackle the world's problems one day at a time!

If you have the means, then what about hiring someone that needs to work to do some work - even if you know you could do it yourself! There is an elderly man that cleans and waxes our cars regularly. He doesn't accept money without working but he is limited in his ability so he details cars around town. Frankly, this is a luxury that I can do myself but that's not the point! What about tipping twice or three times the amount? Paying someone's mortgage or rent? Filling someone's car with gas or even giving them a car? What are your ideas? What have you done? I'd love to hear from you about your experiences.

Here is the kicker! It needs to be a gift - not expecting anything in return! Wow! Sometimes I get caught up in this one: "That ungrateful person!" And then, I've just messed everything up! It's a gift without judgment and without expecting anything in return. I have to keep myself in check. When my motivation is wrong, then I'm wrong. Don't misunderstand; there are legitimate times that conditions are set. What I'm speaking about now are the unselfish acts of kindness and there is definitely a difference!

Being caught up in my own personal challenges, my time this year has been limited to my family and in ways that it has never been in the past. As stressful as it may be, I'm very grateful for those moments. I hope I am also continuing to give in other ways while my time is currently occupied. I know people are giving themselves to me and for that I am thankful! And now a challenge for you: Go give something of yourself to someone else today!

Who are you and what thoughts do my random thoughts spur in you? I welcome your thoughts, comments and inspirational ideas.

Child to Alien to Adult - Can You Relate?

2009-03-19T17:05:00.001-04:00

I've been doing more of my philosophical thinking lately - I do that frequently. I'd love to know your thoughts in response to mine.

I'm not a parent. Yet I live parenting everyday through other people, especially when the children hit their teenage years. What is it about teenagers? Is it a gradual change or do all of a sudden they switch bodies with an alien creature pretending to be your child?

When is it that one is considered grown up and mature? Ha, the question, no one can really answer. When do we realize that we actually are our mother or father? It seems to happen to us all eventually - some take longer than others, of course!

When do we realize that the worries we have as a child have left us? And those worries were usually insignificant in the big picture of our own life - yet so life shattering at the time. Was it an overnight shift or a gradual fading in to a grown up? We've all been there. The emotions and challenges of a child are the same since the beginning of time. The events, vocabulary, style, environment, technology and education are all different - but the core need and challenge of the emotional being is the same from generation to generation. Yet, "it's different now" and "you couldn't understand" is the unified chant of every child, every generation since the beginning of time. And then one day, the realization hits "OH ---- MY ---- GOSH!" It's not really different, never has been different, and now you realize you are an adult.

I believe that eventually that shift occurs for everyone - but I can't say that I've experienced the knowledge of it while it was happening. I only recognized the end result - in myself and others that grew from children to teenagers to adults. It's the same cycle generation after generation after generation.

I would like to know the random thoughts of others on this challenging, mysterious topic. What is your experience? What are your thoughts? Please share. Until next time...

My First Blog

2009-03-17T00:01:00.001-04:00

Welcome to my first blog. What do I have to write about? Isn't this the question for all of us? What's on my mind and will people be interested? My truth - my mind works non-stop all day and all night long; therefore, everything is on my mind. Will anyone be interested, well I can't answer that question. You'll have to weigh in and provide your opinion.

I pondered a couple questions today about leadership. Why is it that some people want to be a leader and think they are a leader, yet they are unwilling to take the risk of a decision? I believe it's because they are not truly a leader. They are a leader wanna be. Can they change? I believe if they have some characteristics of a leader, although not fully developed, then absolutely yes! However, if the only characteristic they have is desire, then most likely no.

A leader must also be willing to learn. I believe learning doesn't end until an individual determines they no longer wish to learn. One can learn until death. What a great thought.

I wish to be a better leader. I wish to learn and I'm willing to take risks. Although those are not the only characteristics of a leader, those are a great start. Continue with me on my journey in exploring a variety of topics to include, but not limited to, leadership!