Somehow we should learn to know that our problems are our most precious possessions. They are the raw materials of our salvation: no problem, no redemption. – Laurens van der Post

Problems are not as bad as some people think. Problems are part of living. They are the spice that makes our lives interesting unless of course you only focus on the problem. That’s when it becomes problematic if you catch my meaning.

What I like about problems is the discovery of solutions. Solutions feel so good that problems don’t feel so bad. I love trying to figure out how to make something work. I have to say that every time is exciting. Of course, I dip into frustration every now and then, but I don’t stay there too long. The finding of a solution is much more enjoyable.

I grow a little bit more as an individual with every problem I encounter. Over time, the benefits are a more exciting life, increased wisdom, more fun, more creativity and a solid sense of satisfaction.

Next time you are faced with a problem, step back a look at it like a puzzle, game or challenge. This perspective will help you jump into the thought process of finding solutions.

Have a great day!

Michael

Major Clue for employee: Poor attitude can come from places other than work. Major Clue for employer: You can’t change people’s home life, but it’s to every employers best advantage to make the atmosphere inside the workplace a fun one. – Jeffrey Gitomer

Work is a common excuse for why people have poor attitudes. First, nothing causes your attitude problem. It’s a choice. Making that choice removes your ability to control your life because you have given someone else that power.

I think if you take the attitude of making the workplace more fun, then everyone benefits. It’s important to understand how much you as an individual can have a positive effect on the people around and the workplace in general. You don’t have to be the supervisor, manager or boss.

I try really hard to have a good time at work. The first thing I did was to find something I enjoy doing. That’s a great start, but it’s not necessary. Secondly, I take the time to smile at people, have conversations in person instead of email and generally be upbeat for the majority of my time at work. Third, I constantly find the humor in every situation and many times make a joke to get people laughing. I find that the more serious others are, the more impromptu jokes come out of my mouth. When people laugh, relaxation follows almost immediately.

Help yourself and your workplace by working on your “work” attitude. The day will seem to fly if you do this.

Michael

I do the very best I know how – the very best I can; and mean to keep doing so until the end. If the end brings me out all right, what is said against me won’t amount to anything. – Abraham Lincoln

What if each of us followed this simple yet incredibly powerful philosophy?

How would it change our lives?

How would it affect our family, friends and strangers?

What differences would we see in our local communities?

How would this affect the very world we live in?

Powerful change starts with a simple and powerful philosophy.

Start and end your day with this quote. Together, everything is possible.

Michael

The future belongs to those who see possibilities before they become obvious. – Author Unknown

If we can learn to not get distracted by what is going on around us, we allow ourselves to see future possibilities. When we worry, over think our lives, experience fear, deal with anxiety, see only the negative things or continually complain about our situation then the future is bleak. We don’t see what can change or what we can become. If we only look at what is, then we have difficulty looking at what can be.

One method to get out of this cycle is to tell a different story. Instead of talking about how things are, especially if it is a negative story, talk about how you would like things to be. Make it a story filled with hope instead of despair, joy instead of sadness, excitement instead of mediocrity. Tell the story from a place of what you want instead of from a place of what you don’t have. As you tell this new story, make sure you feel some positive emotion; i.e. a little bit of happiness, hope, excitement, anticipation of good things coming and etc.

Doing this “story telling” internally will begin to help you break the bonds of looking only at what you don’t have and how negative your situation is currently. You can also tell this new story to friends. Make sure it is something believable for yourself. For example, if you want to win the lottery but don’t really believe you will, then don’t tell that story. Instead, talk generally about what you will be able to do and how it will feel when you have more money than you do now. This is a much better approach mentally and will help you keep a more positive emotional state then making up a story that is impossible in your mind.

Over time your attitude will shift, your eyes will open more to future possibilities and less to what is going on around you.

Michael

The future comes one day at a time. – Dean Acheson

Taking life one day at a time can be a lot less stressful than other alternatives. Taking the future one day at a time takes it another step forward. What I mean by this is that most of us have a tendency to worry and fret about things, particularly the past and the future.

Worrying is never a good thing nor does it ever make you feel good. Its only purpose is to create anxiety and stress. When we worry about the future, we make our present moment not fun and at the worst unbearable.

An alternative to worrying about the future is to focus on making yourself feel better in the present. Ask yourself what can I do to feel a little bit better? Maybe it’s a fun activity or doing something relaxing. Ask yourself if there is some way to change or “tweak” what you are thinking that is more pleasant. If you can turn your focus away from thinking about possible future events, you will find that the worry will lessen.

One of the most interesting effects of turning your focus to the present is that your future just seems to work out fine. Everything starts to come together. Your outlook becomes brighter. It’s a self fulfilling prophecy.

Bottom line: If you want your future to improve, make sure you improve your present first.

Michael

Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else’s hands, but not you. – Jim Rohn

Jim Rohn’s quote is a great attitude shifter. It’s up to us to direct the course and content of our lives. All the little choices we make have the cumulative effect of determining who we are as a person. At any moment we all have a deep well of potential, ready to be utilized to create the life of our dreams. Our choices determine how much we dip into that well.

Think of the long distance runner where every step draws them closer to their goal. Every action we take and choice we make either takes us down the road of a fulfilling life or decreases our level of happiness.

Each of us knows better than anyone what choices are the best for us. Sometimes we listen to others and go down paths that are not really the one we desire. But, don’t worry. You can, at any time, change your direction. There is nothing holding you to your stated path except your own beliefs. Many will argue this point, but I’ve found it to be an important truth of living.

Take your future into your own hands. Go in a direction that makes you feel good and fulfils your dreams.

Have a great day!

Michael

Everyone and I mean everyone seemed to be out. I think we were all a little stir crazy up here. The beaches were packed and the roads were clogged with people going to the ocean.

The theme for me was relaxation. We typically don’t spend enough time to simply relax. It’s important for mental and emotional health. Most of the time our lives are moving at a fast pace and it never seems to end. So, taking time out for yourself to do nothing can be very therapeutic.

Relaxing for me meant hanging out with friends, eating good food, playing music, sitting on a boat in the Wickford Harbor and watching an awesome fireworks display.

I plan on doing some more relaxing tomorrow. I believe this round of therapy is working well.

Have a great day!

Michael

Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional. – Chili Davis

Youth is a wonderful thing. What a crime to waste it on children. – George Bernard Shaw

I’m sixty years of age. That’s 16 Celsius. – George Carlin, Brain Droppings, 1997

Well, it was a great day for me! Phone calls from friends and family. Some really cool gifts and lots of fun.

I didn’t have to work today which was an added bonus. So, I started off really slow and just stayed relaxed for the rest of the day. One of my favorite parts about birthdays is the calls from friends, family and this year B-Day messages on Facebook. I’m very fortunate to have the friends and family that I do. They are a great gift!

The kid in my really comes out on birthdays. I just want to do things that are fun and really fun.

Erica took me out to a great restaurant in Providence and then we went to see Cirque du Soleil, specifically their Alegria production. Alegria means jubilation in Spanish and let me tell you, this show was full of it. I can’t describe what I saw, but I didn’t know the human body was capable of some of things I saw tonight.

Cirque du Soleil was unbelievable and a perfect ending to a perfect day.

Thanks to everyone for calling, sending me messages or texting me. It made for a special time.

Michael

The important thing is not being afraid to take a chance. Remember, the greatest failure is to not try. Once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it. – Debbi Fields

I use to never take chances. Well, small ones definitely, but nothing really important or big. So, my life stayed more even keel. Nothing really bad happened but nothing really fantastic either. I liked the status quo. Change was scary.

I’m not like that anymore. I take more chances now. I think that is a key reason that I have found work that I love to do. Doing what you love to do is a wonderful feeling. I have a number of other things I love outside of work; mainly taking photographs and playing guitar.

Debbi Fields makes a very important distinction. She says that once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it. She doesn’t say you must be the best at the thing you are doing, just the best at doing it. So, it’s putting in the time, enjoying what you love to do, practicing your hobby, craft, skill or etc. It doesn’t mean you will be the best at the particular thing you love.

The point is “just do what you love to do”. Why hold back? It’s not about being the best. It’s about having fun and getting that intense inner satisfaction from doing what brings you joy.

So, get off the couch, out of your house or whatever it takes to do what you love to do.

Michael

Each day provides its own gifts. – American Proverb

It’s not the big things that make our day, but the little ones that pop in our lives all the time. Those are the gifts that enrich our existence and make us want to live another day.

The call from a friend at just the right moment. A smile made between strangers. Someone letting you turn at a busy intersection. The smell of freshly mowed grass. The aroma of a fresh pot of coffee in the morning.

The sound of waves pounding the shore. The wind blowing through the trees. Listening to your favorite song. Getting a little dance in when no one is looking.

Experiencing the unconditional love that only a dog can give. Holding hands for no reason. Reaching a solution to a problem. Flying a kite.

Getting a massage. Taking a long, hot shower. Driving on a country road. Reading a good book by the fireplace. Eating your favorite dessert. Watching fireworks.

Sleeping 30 minutes longer. Staying in your pajamas all day. Playing music with a friend. Enjoying your hobby or hobbies.

Cooking and then eating a wonderful dinner. Getting an unexpected hug.

Hanging out with the family. Going on an adventure within walking distance of your house. Watching your favorite movie.

Try to notice the small gifts throughout your day. It might surprise you how many there are.

Have a great day!

Michael