Mind Gass

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 04:04:00 +0000

Ok, guys - what if you started off February 14th by saying this to your significant other:

"THE ANSWER IS, YES - WHAT'S THE QUESTION?"

I'm not necessarily saying that I would start off the day that way - but what might happen if YOU did?

BOOK SALES GROWING

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:16:00 +0000

As you know, I hang out over at Book Mentor more than here but since this is more of a personal blog than a business one, it's one of the few ways I get to thank people. Sales of my three books have hit an all time high in January. No, I didn't make the New York Times list, nor is Oprah calling, but I have been pleasantly surprised at the 250% increase in sales over the previous three months - THANK YOU.
I suppose that one of the reasons is the increasing sales of e-readers and tablets, but that is also rubbing off in more sales of my first book, THE WEST COAST TRAIL: One Step at a Time.
Sales of MY SECRET MOTHER: an adoptee speaks to the girls who went away, continue to blow me away. Without any concerted marketing effort, people seem to be finding it and buying it. A friend told me a year ago that this book would be the one that might launch me as a bonafide writer, just because I was so reluctant to release it. I don't know if that is true but I do hope that people have found some comfort from it.
THE ONE HOUR AUTHOR: non-fiction book writing for busy people, is starting to get some traction and if I can get a few more comments from readers, I think it will begin to climb in sales, too. The neat thing is that Kindle sales represent about 60% of sales, but sales through Barnes and Noble and Apple are beginning to move up quickly.
It's a neat world, huh? I'm glad I'm around to witness the birth of an incredible upshot in communications - you too, I'll bet. More books, more authors, easier, faster and cheaper to find something to read. It's way better than reading the back of the Corn Flakes cereal box at the breakfast table when I was a kid.
THANK YOU AGAIN

HOW'S YOUR MENTAL HEALTH?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:09:00 +0000

I have been in many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone.
You have to be in Cahoots with someone.
I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there.
I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there.
I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work.
I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.
I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.
I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.
Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.
One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart!
At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!
I may have been in Continent, but I don't remember what country I was in. It's an age thing.

PLEASE DO YOUR PART!

Today is one of the many National Mental Health Days throughout the year.

You can do your bit by remembering to send an e-mail to at least one unstable person. My job is done!
Life is too short for negative drama & petty things.
So laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly!
From one unstable person to another...
I hope everyone is happy in your head - we're all doing pretty good in mine!

GO AHEAD AND FORWARD IT - YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO

WE ALL NEED INSPIRATION

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 16:37:00 +0000

I have very few followers on this blog - it's been more of a personal journal for several years now and I spend most of my time over at Book Mentor. However, I thought you might be interested in this.
I go through spurts of a morning ritual that includes reading something inspirational and I am sure that I will recommit to this practice now that the New Year is upon us. Actually, I just started the reading part about 10 minutes ago.
A friend just released his new book, that I have gladly purchased, and I am making it part of my daily practice and you might want to consider it, too. Larry Anderson's personal story is one that shows what a dream can really accomplish and that dream includes making a difference in the world - his book does that. It offers the true stories of people who have made a magnificent contribution and offers the possibility that each of us might do the same. Larry has committed his own life to doing exactly that. Take a look here or on Kindle here and consider making his inspiring stories part of the magic that you can create in 2012.

Larry has donated the profits from his book to charity - just the sort of thing he does!!

PURPOSE vs. DEPRESSION

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 03:21:00 +0000

The natural antidote for depression and anxiety, and pretty much every other negative is, purpose.
No matter what our spiritual flavor, or lack of it, we all share one thing in common, the overwhelming need for a purpose. What's yours?

SANTA CLAUS

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:38:00 +0000

So, as some you know, I like to tackle the big questions here. The questions about life and its meaning. Where the planet and its inhabitants are going, that sort of thing. In our marriage, this division of labor has worked very well; Leanne takes care of the mundane day-to-day things like what bills to pay, where to vacation, furniture to buy, cars, decorating, etc. I, on the other hand, take on the big ones, as mentioned earlier.
Here's today's question that is weighing me down with indecision and curiosity:
Does Santa take his sleigh all the way to the Southern hemisphere and begin distributing toys and work his way back home or does he start in the north and run his route to completion in the south and then dead head back to the North Pole empty?
You see what I mean. There are questions that beg for answers but who is going to look for them, if not me? I am open to other considered opinions, or even if the jolly old guy himself has the time to give us the answer, I'll publish it.

LIVING LIFE

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 19:23:00 +0000

A couple of things caught my eye recently. The first is a post from Seth Godin in which he talked about the experience of visiting a medical facility and then compares that "pre-digital" excursion (one which most of have taken) to other areas of life like shopping, working and so on - it's worth the 45 seconds to read it and the hour to contemplate how we are involved - go here.
The second thing arrived in my inbox this morning and reminded me about social networking and some of the basics that deserve to be recalled from time to time. Take a look here.

THE 12 HOWS OF HAPPINESS

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:12:00 +0000

reprinted with thanks from PHILOSOPHERS NOTES

The 12 Hows of Happiness

People often ask me what *one* book I’d recommend if they could only read one book. (Before I wrote this book ;) I had a hard time answering that question until I read Sonja Lyubomirsky’s brilliant The How of Happiness where she outlines the 12 scientifically proven ways we can boost our happiness.

We touch on most of them in various ways throughout this little book. Here they are:

1. Expressing Gratitude

2. Cultivating Optimism

3. Avoiding Overthinking and Social Comparison

4. Practicing Acts of Kindness

5. Nurturing Social Relationships

6. Developing Strategies for Coping

7. Learning to Forgive

8. Increasing Flow Experiences

9. Savoring Life’s Joys

10. Committing to Your Goals

11. Practicing Spirituality

12. Taking Care of Your Body: Meditation+Physical Activity + Acting Like a Happy Person

P.S. One of the coolest points Dr. L makes in the book is the fact that, as we decide what happiness practices to focus on, we want to avoid the “shoulds” and pick the ones that really inspire us! Why? Well, we’re much more likely to stick to the intrinsic goals that have deep personal meaning!

P.P.S. So, as you get inspired by all the Ideas in this book, focus on the ones that REALLY light you up! Not the ones you think you *should* do. Cool? Cool.

REAL TALK

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 04:09:00 +0000

Create real communication - RealTalk with the people who matter in your life.

I would like to personally recommend this to everyone who follows this blog. The organizers and presenters are personal friends and offer you the opportunity to truly make a difference in your own life and the lives you are surrounded by.

http://www.realtalk-now.com/

Please pass this along to others in your circle.

WRITE YOUR BOOK NOW

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Sun, 12 Sep 2010 18:41:00 +0000

There are no longer any barriers to writing your book. With a little help along the way, almost anyone can create a readable, informative and entertaining book and be able to reach their audience. If that is something you have been dreaming about, take a look at the video I just posted about a great, upcoming workshop.

GORD'S GAME FOR ALZHEIMER'S

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:22:00 +0000

Alzheimer's Disease devastates families and has remained a "hidden problem" in households for centuries. Once the source of bittersweet humor, Alzheimer's is starting to get the attention that it needs. As the population ages, we can all expect to be touched by this at some point. A few courageous people are bringing it out into the open including our friends, the Strandlunds. Congratulations to Gord and Brenda for making a difference in the world!

RAINY DAY

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 19:42:00 +0000

Today's nature quote seems very appropriate as it continues to rain here. The summer in Western Canada continues to be wet and cold while the rest of the world suffers from incredible heat. Labour Day weekend seems to filled with, well...labour, since there is not much we can do outside other than complain.

Just an update to some friends who have been following this space for some time (and if you haven't been following - why have you not subscribed to get the updates???). You may remember that we were putting together a golf tournament called Gord's Game, with proceeds going to Alzheimer's research. This was created to acknowledge the challenges faced by my friend Gord and his family and it was held last Thursday. Thursday turned out to be a postcard perfect day in the Rockies with absolutely ideal golf conditions. According to the pro shop staff, it was one of about 5 days all season that was this nice.

The event went off without a hitch and we raised over $21,000.00 that has been donated to the Alzheimer's Society of Calgary to continue research into a disease that will touch each of us in some way - if it hasn't already. Thanks to all of the friends and associates who helped out with donations and attending the event and here is hoping that we will do it again next year.

VIDEO UPDATES

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:10:00 +0000

I have updated some of my videos and that requires republishing them. I apologize if you have received a notice of a new video and found something that you have already looked at. I was trying to edit out some of the "weird" moments at the beginning, which I just learned to do. One person described those awkward seconds of silence as "creepy" and we just could not have that - could we?

INSPIRATION

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 23:17:00 +0000

Inspiration is that deeper part of our spirit that emerges when we give ourselves permission to live our dreams

JUST SAY YES

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:43:00 +0000

The adventure in life often begins with the word, "yes." I was asked a few months ago to be a guest speaker at 8 different Calgary Library branches this fall and said yes. The topic is based on my book of a few years ago, "THE WEST COAST TRAIL: One Step at a Time." What they are interested in is the adventure and how it affected me and what changes have occurred in my life as a result.

I have been busy creating and promoting a new workshop called "Write your book in 48 days" and have not given the Library talks much thought over the summer but a few ideas are beginning to percolate. All adventures have the word, YES at the beginning whether they are outdoor travel trips, life changing decisions or simply expanding the horizons of our mind. Many of my audience members will be seniors and I think I will title my talk, "JUST SAY YES" and encourage them to join the conversation that is going on all around us.

Many of us spend our later years watching the conversation as it grows larger and larger through new media sources with new ideas and methods of distribution. Yes, I am talking about the internet and Facebook and the hundreds of other conversations that are being held on YouTube and other places like blogs. We do not need to understand how it works, but just know that it does, and it allows all of us, young and old, to participate in the world and be part of the conversation.

Rather than stand idly by and watch television, I will invite and encourage my audience to join in and JUST SAY YES.

STORY BEHIND THE PICTURE

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:56:00 +0000

As a book writing coach, I am intrigued by the stories of people and their pursuits. A business person wants to increase sales or introduce a new product or service and often realizes that writing a book will create authority and credibility to support the endeavor. Professional speakers usually have a unique story to tell and a book is a vehicle that lends instant cache to their speaking topics and results in a nice additional source of income and more speaking engagements. My office wall is covered with pictures of various times and events and like the ones on your wall, there are stories behind all of them. the video that I have posted explains one of the stories on my wall.

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YES OR NO

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:10:00 +0000

WHAT WOULD BE DIFFERENT IN YOUR LIFE IF YOU HEARD "YES" MORE OFTEN THAN "NO?"

WHAT WOULD BE DIFFERENT IN THE LIVES OF THOSE AROUND YOU IF THEY HEARD "YES" FROM YOU, MORE OFTEN THAN "NO?"

as a friend of mine says, "Yes is the answer, what's the question?"

BOOK WORKSHOP CALGARY

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 18:02:00 +0000

The BOOK Workshop will be held in Calgary on August 21 and again on September 21 at different locations. If you have been thinking about the benefits of being an author but are not sure where or how to start, then this is the ideal half day workshop to get you moving toward your dream.

Both events can be found on EventBrite and here are the links to the August workshop and the September workshop. If you are going to be in Calgary on either of these dates and are interested in a Book Workshop designed to get you focused, motivated, inspired and organized, then we hope to see you there.

FEAR

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 20:45:00 +0000

THE FEAR THAT HOLDS US BACK CAN BE OVERCOME BY FINDING THE COURAGE TO MAKE A MISTAKE

MRI

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 18:01:00 +0000

I have been on the list for a bit to get an MRI on my shoulders due to a nagging vacation injury caused by luggage that was too heavy - and you know who is to blame for that!!!
Anyway, I was booked for December but also on the cancellation list and they called this morning with the option of going in immediately - which I did.

This is more about the power of visualization than anything else. They strapped me down, put headphones over my ears and slid me down the tunnel. Please God, give me a coffin with some room to move when the day comes, but I decided to ignore the confined space, close my eyes and imagine a morning that I spent in Hawaii a few years ago. My wife stayed in bed and I went down to the lobby and bought a coffee and headed through the open doors to Waikiki beach. Beside the pool was an open air bar and no one but staff in the vicinity so I saddled up to a bar stool, opened my book (Hawaii by Michener, interestingly enough) and proceeded to enjoy the warm ocean breeze, the smell of beach sand and an hour of quiet relaxation, Bob-style.

I used that memory this morning to ward off the inclination towards claustrophobia and it worked like a charm. Now, all I need to do is stretch the time from the 40 minutes in the MRI machine to 40 years of real life.

INSPIRE

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 14:28:00 +0000

INSPIRE others and let their success return the inspiration

DOING OR THINKING

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:50:00 +0000

We live in a culture that assigns a very large premium to DOING and a very small premium to THINKING

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT, ALFIE?

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 22:51:00 +0000

It is quite amazing how many people want to write a book. One of the first things I ask them is, "What's your book about?" That's when the talk starts, even from the people who are already well into the process of writing. I usually get some sort of long winded explanation of the problems, solutions, opinions and personal philosophy of the would-be writer.

The reason I ask this question first is because if you cannot answer it before my eyes glaze over from boredom, then you are not writing anything that someone will read. A brilliant business coach that I know says that explanations kill deals. It is certainly true in the book writing business. The answer needs to be one sentence long and leave space for the listener to be curious enough to ask another question, instead of remarking about the weather or your long lost second cousin - anything to get you off whatever the subject of your book is.

Many first-time writers write the book first and then try to find an answer - it is backwards. Answer the question "What's your book about first?" with a one sentence answer and the whole writing process goes forward much easier and you won't bore your party guests to tears. Interestingly enough (true confession time) I did not know that when I wrote The West Coast Trail: one step at a time or I would have made it much stronger in the adventure department and left the preparation and trail guide stuff behind. Of course, the fun thing for me now is that I get to speak about the adventure to various groups and the trail information is a bonus instead of the focus.

WRITING FROM HELL

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 01:30:00 +0000

Writers are a strange lot. They are motivated by things that the average person probably does not know exists like offbeat noises or swirls of color, or all sorts of strange things that go bump in the night.

Someone I know has had a very tough life to date, which includes alcohol and drugs and lots of court dates and jail time. Through it all, those who know and love him, have always felt a spark that glowed, however dimly at times, but glowed nonetheless. I just had a call from his mother informing me that he has just completed his first semester of college and that one of his teachers has recommended that he follow a path towards creative writing.

If he decides to pursue this route, then he can finally find a purpose for those years in the wilderness as he draws upon the experience to fuel his creative juices. He won't be the first writer that had to escape hell first, before finding the passion of their life.

In this case, I really hope that he finds peace and success - good luck.

WRITE YOUR BOOK IN 48 DAYS

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Bannon) — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:26:00 +0000

take your book from dream to reality

The B. O. O. K. Workshop

write yours in 48 days

Do you have a story to tell about a life-changing event?

Do you have a mission to create change in the world?

Do you want to leave a written legacy?

Are you looking for more recognition in your profession?

Would a book bring you or your business more credibility?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, then this half-day workshop, presented by author Bob Bannon, will have you organized, focused, excited and inspired to fulfill your dream of writing a book. You will leave with the tools, know-how and roadmap to successfully start and complete your writing project. The entire program has been designed to move your non fiction book from thought to reality with ease and joy, knowing that you are realizing a life-long goal.

Course content includes:

the dynamic 48-day B.O.O.K. system program
creating an effective roadmap so that you know what to do every day
the secrets to a successful process that you can use again and again
creating a support system that will make writing easy and fun
how to laser target your book's message and audience
using the 7 characteristics of a best-selling title to create yours
learn how to create your book to maximize ancillary earnings
tips, pointers and insider info to help you launch your success

Workshop being presented in Calgary on Saturday, August 21, 2010

cost: 299.00 register here now space is limited