OH, THANK GOODNESS, IT’S NOT JUST ME! was written by BJ Gallagher, one of my favorite authors and Lisa Hammond, founder and owner of Femail Creations catalog. It is a book by women, about women, for women (but I’m still allowed to like it!).
My wife and the women at our office just read it, and the verdict is in…they all love it! Lisa Hammond said it best…This book is a celebration of the circle of strength women share – the common experience in all of our lives.
The undeniable fact is that there is comfort and reassurance in knowing we’re not alone.
Here’s a sample story by Lisa titled:
‘MARTHA STEWART … NOT!’
by Lisa Hammond
It was October, so it was time for me to start talking about having a Halloween party – something I have done for at least half a dozen years. I don’t actually end up having a Halloween party; I just talk about having one. It has become a running joke around our house.
Entertaining and having friends over for dinner always seems like such a good idea but the truth is, I just never feel like I am good enough to actually do it.
I have ongoing chatter in my head that goes something like this: What are you going to make? Who are you going to invite? You don’t have the time. You will say you are going to do this and then you won’t get out of the office in time.
I have plenty of friends who seem to be able to manage both a successful career and entertaining frequently. They race home from work, whip up three course meals, and serve the perfect wine. They look calm, cool and collected when guests arrive. I am both impressed – and depressed – by this.
Recently, I wanted to be a thoughtful dinner guest at a friend’s home so I decided to at least bring dessert. Although I had a jam-packed day at work, I didn’t want to be a slacker, and figured I could handle making a cake. I did what I have done countless times – I decided to make a favorite family recipe, Raspberry Cream Cake.
Once I started to make the cake, I remembered why I don’t do it very often – half of the ingredients can only be found in the state where the recipe came from! So I had to wing it and substitute ingredients. Then the mixer fell apart as I was using it and whipped cream went flying all over the kitchen. Then the cake burned while I was stuck on a conference call. When I finally got the cake into the fridge for the mandatory five hours of chilling prior to being served, I decided to rename it the Raspberry Curse Cake and vowed never to make it again.
When my husband and I arrived at the dinner party – crappy Curse Cake in hand, our gracious hostess was looking relaxed as she put together a simple salad. And there I was – frazzled, with raspberry juice still in my hair. As we sat down to dinner I asked her for the recipe for the delicious rice dish she was serving. She laughed and handed me her phone as she said, “Are you kidding me? I didn’t have time to cook all of this – it’s take-out!”
Oh, I have so much to learn from other women! I had been stressing out all day, trying to simultaneously work and bake a cake, juggling mixers and conference calls and cursing like a sailor – while my wise friend had been at work phoning in take-out!
The entire episode made me realize how much pressure women are under to be all and do all – almost all of it self-imposed! How much are we missing out on because of our insecurity and fear?
By the time you read this I will have invited friends over for margaritas and dinner at our place – paper plates, take-out food, and fun will be had by all!
Reading this book is like sitting down with Lisa and BJ over a cup of coffee – or a dish of ice cream – and connecting with the heart and soul of what it means to be a woman. Women of all ages will love the wonderful stories, amusing anecdotes, and heart-felt poems, as well as the fabulous photos.
Today, we’re proud to offer Oh Thank Goodness, for only $10.00. Our regular price is $15.95, a savings of over 37%.
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All the Best,
Mac Anderson
Founder, Simple Truths
It’s not the date you were born, or the date you died, that really matters. It’s “the dash” between those years and what you do with it, to make a difference with your life.
I read The Dash, by Linda Ellis, for the first time on June 10, 2003, when it was sent to me by a friend, Anna Lee Wilson. She said, “Mac, you’re going to love this poem.” How right she was! I knew at that moment that I had to find a way to share these words with the rest of the world. So, I picked up the phone and called Linda about creating a beautiful gift book featuring her poem, The Dash. In addition, I told her that I’d love to write nine short chapters about how each of us can make a difference with “our dash.” Each chapter, I said, would reinforce each verse in the poem. She loved the idea, and the rest, as they say, is history. Since we published the book three years ago, I’m proud to say we’ve sold hundreds of thousands of copies. We also created The Dash in the form of a short inspirational movie that over 30 million people have viewed on the internet. We’ve received thousands of emails confirming that The Dash touched hearts and changed lives around the world.
Today, however, I’d like to share the story behind The Dash, as told by the author, Linda Ellis. It’s a wonderful story that I think you’ll enjoy.
An Excerpt from The Dash
by Linda Ellis
While it still amazes me, a simple poem I wrote one afternoon forever changed my life. It all began when I faxed a copy of this poem to a syndicated radio show in Atlanta. Soon after receiving it, the host of this popular show read it on the air. Little did I know how much my life would change from that day forward. Titled The Dash, these 36 lines have touched millions of lives and have literally taken on a life of their own by traveling all over the world. I call it uncomplicated poetry in a complicated world.
People are always asking me what, in particular, inspired me to write this poem. I believe it was a combination of things in my life at the time. It was during a period when I was working for the top executives of a very large and successful corporation. It was a strict company with a tense working environment.
I began to watch how the priorities in many lives there had become misaligned. It seemed to me that the bosses were worrying far too much about that which was inconsequential in the scope of life.
Also, resonating in the back of my mind were the words from a letter which had been previously routed around the office. It had been written by the wife of an employee who was aware that she was dying. I was so moved by that letter that I saved a copy of it and continue to live by her words:
Regrets? I have a few. Too much worrying. I worried about finding the right husband and having children, being on time, being late and so on. It didn’t matter. It all works out and it would have worked out without the worries and the tears.
If I would have only known then what I know now. But, I did and so do you. We’re all going to die. Stop worrying and start loving and living.
Her words stuck with me. Her letter made me stop and think. This is it. This is all we get.
I remember where I was when I first truly realized the significance of the piece that I had written. I was on a business trip in Minnesota, alone in a hotel room. I received an emotional email thanking me for sharing the message of the Dash from a student who had recently heard it as part of a memorial gathering for the Columbine High School students. I sat on the bed and cried.
Several years later, I found myself engulfed in the thoughts and feelings created by my own words as I listened to them read aloud, for what seemed like the very first time, at the funeral of my father…my best friend.
From being performed in an elementary school play somewhere in the heartland of America to being part of a State Supreme Court Justice’s speech, from being printed in best-selling novels to high school yearbooks, The Dash has truly affected millions. I may not be able to change the world with these words, but I have certainly been able to influence a portion of it! The poem’s words have convinced mothers to spend more time with their children, fathers to spend more time at home, and reunited long-lost loved ones.
The words have changed attitudes, and changed the direction of lives. They have, in their own way, made a difference. I know writing The Dash has changed my life. I hope reading it, in some way, may change yours.
Today we’re offering The Dash for only $10.00 (normally $15.95) and free UPS ground shipping with qualifying orders of $50 or more. We’re also offering our exclusive The Dash journal (a $19.95 value) for FREE with the purchase of two copies of The Dash. Click here for more information and to watch our three minute inspirational movie.
Take two happy people –one male and one female–and separate them from their parents. Add the following ingredients in generous proportions:
Love
Acceptance
Respect
Communications
Patience
Kindness
Gentleness
Self Control
Commitment
Faith
Hope
Truth
Mix together, then thoroughly sift in daily life. Strain out jealousy, arrogance, selfishness, procrastination and accounting of wrongs. Bake in the trials and tribulations of life for 50 years, and then celebrate when golden.
The 100/0 Principle, by Al Ritter
Excerpt from The 100/0 Principle
By Al Ritter
You’re probably familiar with the old adage “it takes two to tango.” But to have happier, more productive relationships, you’ve got to stop dancing. The 100/0 Principle is the simplest, most direct and most effective way to create solid relationships; relationships that will benefit you both personally and professionally.
While it may take two to tango, it only takes you to commit to creating a relationship with the people in your life. Take full responsibility for your relationships and consciously choose to suspend judgment of people. Indeed, treat them with respect and dignity whether deserved or not.
Think about to whom you can apply The 100/0 Principle. Almost all parents easily and naturally have a 100/0 relationship with their children and grand-children—a state of unconditional love. Parents might not love how their children behave, but regardless of the tantrums and stubbornness, the fits and idiosyncrasies, at the end of the day, parents still have a fierce love for their children.
Most of us also have 100/0 relationships with our close friends. Our friends have proven themselves to us, so it’s fairly easy for us to take full responsibility for our friendships in good times or bad.
It’s in the other important relationships in my life, and probably yours too, where our track record needs improvement:
- Marriage. The divorce rate in the United States has been around 50% for a long time. Yet research has shown that virtually all marriages have challenges. Why does one person stay with a challenging marriage, while another looks for happiness in another mate? Certainly one valid explanation is The 100/0 Principle—whether someone chooses to take real responsibility for the relationship rather than depending on their marriage partner as their primary source of happiness. Remember that no one can make you happy, happiness is a response that you choose.
- Extended Family. Brothers, sisters, in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews. Most of us tend to have a spotty record here too. We tend to forget that our family members are the only ones we have—my Aunt Edna is my only Aunt Edna. It behooves me to create and sustain a relationship with her, and with my other extended family members too.What someone allegedly said or did to someone else 10 years ago shouldn’t impact your happiness today. It’s your choice whether you let it or not. When you hold onto ill feelings you’re victimizing yourself. Let it go and take responsibility for making a positive future. You’re in charge of you and your actions.
- Coworkers, Customers, Suppliers. All the research, plus my 20 years as a consultant to thousands of business people, proves without a doubt that the success of an individual, a team, or an entire organization depends largely on the quality of the relationships. Remember, actions + relationships = results. When it comes to your coworkers, customers and suppliers, practice 100/0: take responsibility for those relationships, period.
To see inside the book click on the banner below.
100/0 Principle
enjoy
jHodgepodge
Daily action towards our goals in our personal and business life will determine our success in all roles of our life. Today, give yourself the gift of becoming proactive in making your life exactly what you want it to be.
Simple Truths has over 60 titles, ranging from books about attitude, discipline, goal setting, time management, appreciation, teamwork and building better relationships.
Now is the time to stock up on training books for employees, customer appreciation gifts and of course, the titles you have been wanting for yourself or a friend.
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Self Defense for Women
In the past sometimes, attacks on ladies ‘n women associated crimes have heightened manifold. It is because of this developing a self protection strategy has become exceptionally critical for women. Here are a few ideas which will help you with the same.
The 1st and the most essential thing for a girl to do is usually to develop a keen feeling of awareness to defend themselves effectively. Your alertness and agility with regards to your surroundings could help you stay away from most unpleasant situations. A distracted female seems a tender target to most attackers ‘n so, you need to be informed about your environment at all time. Try and concentrate on a single job rather than doing multiple jobs simultaneously ‘n getting diverted.
Try not to go alone, especially at odd hours. It may not always be probable for you to have someone around when you’re going out. However whenever possible, make sure that you’ve a person to accompany you. Even if you are going out with a female chum, you will have feel of safety. Furthermore, criminals seldom assault ladies in groups. So, have some company when you go out. After all, it’s better to be secure than sorry.
With the present day approach to life, going out during erratic hours may appear as a normal chore to many women. However in case, you wish to avert crimes you ought to stay clear of going out in night or in the evening hours. This is primarily for the reason that in the past, most assaults on ladies occurred in evening or night. Attempt to finish away all your chores in the sunlight.
1 of the very best procedures to make certain protection is to carry self defense items with yourself always. You may opt between several items including pepper sprays and stun guns that can help you defend yourself if the need arises. However, simply carrying these tools around isn’t enough and you need to learn how to use them properly. This will ensure that you don’t ought to struggle to apply them when you need them the most.
Last but not the least, join a self protection course. It is the sure shot means to fight aside tricky occasions. These courses generally aim to teach you numerous self protection approaches ‘n mechanisms. If you do not have time to join a genuine self defense span, you can buy many DVDs of the identical too. This will help you learn all the tricks in no time.
So, what are you waiting for? Simply adhere to the given tricks and be assured you will be not be an easy target for the criminals any more
Here are a few more ways to know about Learning to Dance In The Rain Movie . And The Wisdom of Wolves Movie.Also, get detailed information on Living a Five Star Life.
Enjoy
jHodgepodge .
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It almost sounds too simple to feel important, but understanding the power of gratitude
can change your life forever. Sarah Breathnach said it best…
“When we choose not to focus on what’s missing from our lives
but are grateful for the abundance that’s present…
we experience heaven on earth.”
Enjoy this 2 minute inspirational movie, Learning to Dance in the Rain. The words, the
photographs and the music are beautiful!
Kind regards,
jHodgepodge
Today we have a special guest post from blog reader Bruce Hall:
Self-Discipline: Source of Achievement or Self-Delusion?
”No horse gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No stream or gas drives anything until it is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled. No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined.”
-Harry Emerson Fosdick
It’s 5 a.m. and cold as a meat locker. Outside, the gloom of winter darkness presses against my sliding glass door. A few feet away, here in the house, the dining room table is filled with stacks of reference books. A freshly prepared steaming hot cup of coffee waits on the table, which I must drink quickly, or risking losing the advantage. To my left, a small black desk lamp casts a strong beam of light, which cuts diagonally across the keyboard of an elderly, painfully slow laptop. This is the destination of my writing pilgrimage every morning.
I quickly turn up the thermostat and slide into my chair, muttering something about resolve. I take a sip of coffee, unload a sigh, and begin to plunk keys. If a few coherent sentences take root each day, I might have a blog by the end of the week. Inevitably, however, questions arise. What if I can’t? What if my goal is clearly untenable, and all I end up with is a bowl of alphabet soup? What if the whole thing is mere hubris? Whew! Well, those questions are traveling in dangerous territory, aren’t they? Besides, I’ll know more after editing, rewriting, and egocentricity kick in.
Writing is not a rare experience for me; however, my decision to blog once a week has bent some edges of confidence. That level of commitment raised the issue of strong belief. Would I be up to the task? Am I self-disciplined enough? Sure, why not, I reasoned. Self-discipline is in my nature, along with an ability to mobilize resources for achieving an ultimate purpose, regardless of time. However, since I also value goal setting, I impose a schedule each day. I consider topics, mood, and language. I dream about similes for emphasis and creating powerful metaphors. I began to drink more coffee. How can I not succeed?
On the other hand, even the best of intentions are easily submerged under comfy layers of heavy blankets, safe and secure in my bed from worldly responsibility. In the beginning, I found I did not want to get up. I was not interested in self-discipline, self-awareness, self-discovery, or any other possibilities. I began to imagine a wide variety of procrastination techniques. I even confess entertaining notions of mental telepathy or automatic writing; not resources I really want to draw upon!
Successful people share one thing in common: an ability to mobilize themselves and their talent to achieve goals. Accomplishment is not a passive entity. One must work at it. History reveals self-disciplined individuals with an impulse to connect their imagination actively in fields like science, philosophy, psychology, religion, art, and technology have led to extraordinary accomplishments.
So now I practice what I coach others. Every day, very early, I arise from bed, shuffle down the hall, feed my hungry, barking dogs, make coffee and worry about grammatical troublemakers.
Do you have an image of achievement to call your own? That’s a powerful vision to carry around. Do you possess the strength, persistence, and perseverance to develop the skills and experience to make it real? That’s equally potent.
The drive for accomplishment often requires overcoming deficiencies in knowledge, physical or emotional complications, dogma, criticism, and persecution. More than idle curiosity, more than love for wisdom, more than truth for its own sake, self-discipline is the force behind the power of purpose.
As described in The Neuropsychology of Self-Discipline, “It is your ability to systemically and progressively work toward the goal until you have reached it. It includes acquiring knowledge and skills. It is your ability to become positively obsessed, single-minded and efficient; to strive without giving up, to work consistently, day after day, until your purpose is fulfilled.”
Admittedly, self-discipline is not easy. It takes time to master. It requires retraining the way you think and organize your life. Sometimes, when thoughts are distanced and convenient alternatives like fear, anxiety, and procrastination emerge, it’s far easier to wander, call it quits, and walk away.
On the other hand, self-discipline can help you ask questions, seek answers, set goals, and achieve them. Most important in doing so, you will also discover how quite wonderful it is to know what you want in life, how to plan achieving it, and actively move forward in that direction.
Bruce Hall is a Personal and Small Business Coach in Port Angeles, WA. You can visit his website at http://brucehallcoaching.com.
The son of the late “Last Lecture” speaker Randy Pausch is following in his father’s footsteps.
Almost two years after his father’s death at age 47 from pancreatic cancer, 8-year-old Dylan Pausch is campaigning to raise awareness about the deadly disease, lobbying on Capitol Hill and walking the same halls as his father, the Carnegie Mellon professor who touched lives with his inspiring “Last Lecture.” The elder Pausch pushed for increased pancreatic cancer funding in the final days before his death in July 2008.
“So many people are dying from pancreatic cancer and the survival rates are so low,” a precocious Dylan told ABC News. “If we keep studying, we might be able to change that.”
Joined by his mother, Pausch’s wife Jai, and hundreds of members of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Dylan met with Washington lawmakers this week, urging them to increase funding for pancreatic cancer, the fourth-leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. and one of the most underfunded due to its low survival rate.
“I think it’s wonderful for him to see, individually we have the power as an American to make a difference,” Jai Pausch told ABC. “I think that this helps them say, ‘Wow, I can do something, maybe I can’t bring my dad back to life, but I can help other people.’”
With approximately 10 tumors in his body and mere months to live, professor Randy Pausch created his “Last Lecture” to urge his students to chase their childhood dreams, value their loved ones and perhaps above all, have fun. The charismatic Pausch became an Internet sensation as his lecture went viral and eventually became a book.
I love stories that can engage our hearts and our souls! This is one of many that I share in Charging the Human Battery…50 Ways to Motivate Yourself. My goal with this little book is to create many “a-ha moments” that can inspire, encourage and motivate you when you need it most!
Just click here for more information or to look
All the Best,
Here’s part 2 of the story. Again, if you know the lecturer, share his or her name with us in the comment section! Enjoy these tips on how to deal with stress:
And then he shared some ways of dealing with the burdens of life:
1. Accept that some days you’re the pigeon, and some days you’re the statue.
2. Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.
3. Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of it.
4. Drive carefully. It’s not only cars that can be recalled by their maker.
5. If you can’t be kind, at least have the decency to be vague.
6. If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.
7. It may be that your sole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
8. Never buy a car you can’t push.
9. Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won’t have a leg to stand on.
10. Nobody cares if you can’t dance well. Just get up and dance.
11. Since it’s the early worm that gets eaten by the bird, sleep late.
12. The second mouse gets the cheese.
13. When everything’s coming your way, you’re in the wrong lane.
14. Birthdays are good for you. The more you have, the longer you live.
15. You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person.
16. Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once.
17. We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty and some are dull. Some have weird names, and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.
18. A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
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