• Song: “Lifesong” by Casting Crowns

    Great song that makes you think about your life.  How do I react in certain situations?  What does my lifesong look like?

    Our families probably see our “lifesong” more clearly than anyone else.  Let’s remember that we the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our spouse, kids, extended family, friends, neighbors, and anyone we come in contact with throughout our days.

  • Book: “The Power of a Positive Mom” by Karol Ladd

    This is my second time reading the book Power of a Positive Mom by Karol Ladd.  As a Mom of twin daughters it is important to me to be the best Mommy I can.  Life is full of surprises and I want my home to be a fun, safe and enjoyable place where the girls will continue to grow and flourish. The author, Karol Ladd, has a series of books on the “Power of Positive”.  In this book Karol Ladd offers positive ways we can make an impact of the lives of our children.

  • (Part II) Making Your Commitments – Well Done

    Beef Kabobs - Well DoneEvery day we makes choices on how to spend our time and energy.  It is important to the people in our lives that we  follow through with the commitments we make both personally and professionally.  Great satisfaction comes from a job that is  done well and wonderful feedback is given when a relationship is built on quality characteristics.  We all have vital roles in life and you will make a huge impact on the people your life touches.  The question is will your impact be positive one for the people in your life?  What are some of the common the characteristics of people who keep their commitments to others:

    • Integrity – adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character (Dictionary.com) Someone who does the right thing no matter what especially when they make a mistake or miss a deadline.  Take responsibility for your actions.
    • Honesty – whether it is someone in your personal or professional life you will quickly learn who do and those who do not tell the truth.  The truth can sting and be hurtful, however, it is the best way to handle any situation.  You can try to cover something up but eventually the truth will be revealed.  Make sure to always speak the truth in love.  Be honest today in your relationships.
    • Dependable – do what you say you will do and be where you say you will be.  Be punctual as much as possible.  A dependable person demonstrates to  others that they are valuable and their time is appreciated.  When you tell a friend you are coming, it’s pretty simple…..come.  Unforeseeable things can happen and if that is the case contact them as soon as possible.  Be considerate of the person who is expecting to see you or receive something from you.
    • Trustworthy – when someone shares with you they are opening up their hearts and minds to you.  Whether it is a client you are helping complete a project or a friend going through a tough time.  Listen and help.  If someone shares with you in confidence it simply must remain in confidence.  When you make a promise follow through.  It takes work to build healthy relationships with the people in your life.

    We all desire to be appreciated and know who we can trust to be honest, trustworthy, and dependable.  It is important to have people in your life you can count on to come through for you both personally and professionally.  Life is short and we need the positive impacts in our lives.  Take time to evaluate the characteristics that shine through in your life to your family, friends, business partners, etc…  Make sure you have commitments that are – well done.  What are some positive characteristics you have that help you build positive relationships and keep your commitments?  Do you have areas you need to improve in as well?

  • Spread the Entrepreneurial Spirit

    team Are you a contagious entrepreneur?  Have you considered starting a business?  Do you own a small business?  I love spotting the entrepreneurial spirit in people.  They are excited about their business and their passion shines through in their lives.

    Growing up in a family business instilled the passion for entrepreneurship in me at an early age.  I felt compelled to start my first business in junior high school with my siblings doing custom hay and harvesting work for local farmers.  Again in college I started a residential cleaning company to help pay for college.  I am excited to have the opportunity to interact with some of the most amazing entrepreneurs through my current business InSource Executives and Enterprise Launch.  I want to encourage those who are entrepreneurs, small business owners, or new startups because you can accomplish anything you want.

    Signs you are a contagious entrepreneur:

    • Share your Excitement – as an entrepreneur you are passionate about the products and services you have to offer.  When someone sees your excitement they will want to know more.  Many entrepreneurs are passionate about what they do and it shows!
    • Help Others – when you have the opportunity to pitch in and help someone do it.  Whether it is in your personal or professional life you need to be a part of their journeys as well.  Be giving of your time and energy when you can.  Everyone needs to be treated with respect and we all have times when help from a friend is the perfect pick-me-up.  Bring a meal to a new Mom, help a friend move, spend time to help a client complete a project, babysit so your friends can have a night out, share contact information that will be beneficial to someone else, etc…
    • Spread the Positive – what comes around goes around.  I truly believe that sharing the positive will stimulate a positive chain of reactions.  Always remember to spread good cheer to those around you.  Life is full of hurdles so try to look at the bright side of every situation.  Positive attitudes are contagious and much more encouraging to be around.

    The entrepreneurs that I have the opportunity to meet are incredible!  Seeing their entrepreneurial spirit shine through is encouraging.  I am thrilled to be a part of the business community and look forward to meeting the more great people this week.  Are you a contagious entrepreneur?  What are ways you spread the entrepreneurial spirit?

  • “Flip the Coin”

    “Heads” orFlip the Coin “Tails”?!  Then….pause….with a moment of excitement before finding out if you are the winner of the toss.  We do not like to admit it, but there are  times when the coin lands in what appears to be our disadvantage.  Unfortunately, our first thoughts in these situations are not always encouraging or positive.

    A few weeks ago on a clear sunny day my husband was in a car accident.  The person that hit his car failed to stop in a timely manner.  My first reaction was of concern for him quickly followed by thoughts of  “we do not have time for this extra inconvenience right now.”   After several days I began trying to figure out ways to “Flip the Coin” and look at the positive side of the situation.

    • Thankfulness – Although the car is totaled my husband is still with us.  The car is much easier to replace!
    • Together Time – More time in the car together for communicating during the busy days.
    • Creativeness – You can creatively coordinate and balance an entire family’s schedule even when you only have one vehicle.
    • Appreciation – For Jake because he is a great Husband, Daddy, Friend and contributes to the family in so many ways.  Also, an appreciation for family and friends who encourage during the challenges of life.

    Find ways to “Flip the Coin” and make even the difficult circumstances a positive experience.  It will not always be easy to change your mindset but by being proactive and taking the time to think of ways to see the good will benefit you both personally and professionally.  We will still face obstacles along the path of life and situations out of our control so let’s remember to encourage one another especially during the tough times.  Do you have an example of how you were able to “Flip the Coin”?