READY8 “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” ~ Oprah Winfrey
AIM8 Birthdays are the perfect opportunity to gather with family and friends, play games, eat cake and have fun. When you are planning a special celebration, do you get stressed out about all the details, decorations and desserts? Are you worried that your party won’t be as lavish as the neighbor’s or that the treat bags won’t be filled with the right treats? Did you invite all the right friends and spend the most money? Stop right there! Where is the focus of your party? The birthday boy or girl? Let me encourage you to take time to evaluate what is truly important for your child’s birthday celebration. Spending boatloads of cash on an expensive location, piles of gifts and the best cake in town doesn’t always equal an amazing birthday. Simplify your efforts. Rejoice with your child about her accomplishments this past year! Celebrate the unique likes and dislikes about the person your child is becoming! After all the bows, bags and balloons are tossed away, what remains is really the most important gift of all: The gift of your love. Make sure that above all else, this year you give your children the gift of your love before you worry about giving them anything else. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving their whole life long.
FIRE!8 Make yourself a promise to simplify your celebrations this year. Enjoy spending quality time together and having fun, not worrying about the little details. Be sure everyone leaves your presence feeling loved and you will have given him or her the best present.
Be Excellent!
Lori
February 1, 2011
January 25, 2011
Simplify
READY8 “If the devil can’t make us bad, he’ll make us busy!” ~ Sheri Rose Shepherd
AIM8 Simplify. Lately there’s been a quiet voice reminding me that I need to simplify my life. I couldn’t agree more, so I’m trying to listen and make the appropriate changes in my life to get my priorities back in balance. Have you ever felt like you’ve got too much going on or that your life is out of balance? The only way to get a handle on it is to simplify.
Truly, our society does not know how to be still. We are constantly in motion; running from one obligation to the next. Are you saying yes to too many requests for your time? If you have children, are your kids overscheduled with extra-curricular activities? We are doing ourselves and our families an injustice if we are over committing. Do we spend more time with our commitments than we do with our families? Your children have their whole lives to be busy adults. Let them enjoy some freedom to be kids, to have time to play and rest. Don’t sign them up for too many activities. Teach them to take unstructured time for themselves. I understand there will be exceptions to every situation. However, where you can be in control, do your due diligence to be aware of the stress and strain you are placing on your family members. And don’t worry about the neighbors or the other kids at school and what those families have scheduled for their kids. If they want to be crazy busy, that’s their choice. You don’t have to live with their chaos and the consequences of exhaustion and frustration. All that leads to is anxiety, illness and dissention in the home.
Stop. Listen. Quit beating yourself up over the things you didn’t get accomplished today. Tomorrow is a fresh new start with twenty-four more hours. Learn to pay attention to your body’s warning signals. Clear your mind from all the outside noise. Listen to your spirit. You need to have time to be still, to rest and to be available to do the greater things you are called to do in life. Begin today and simplify with me.
FIRE!8 Take a look at your calendar. Do you have too many things scheduled during the weekdays and the weekend? Make a pact with me to eliminate at least ONE activity or commitment from your life and begin simplifying. It may take a little extra courage to say no, but you will feel refreshed and free. Trust me.
Be Excellent!
Lori
AIM8 Simplify. Lately there’s been a quiet voice reminding me that I need to simplify my life. I couldn’t agree more, so I’m trying to listen and make the appropriate changes in my life to get my priorities back in balance. Have you ever felt like you’ve got too much going on or that your life is out of balance? The only way to get a handle on it is to simplify.
Truly, our society does not know how to be still. We are constantly in motion; running from one obligation to the next. Are you saying yes to too many requests for your time? If you have children, are your kids overscheduled with extra-curricular activities? We are doing ourselves and our families an injustice if we are over committing. Do we spend more time with our commitments than we do with our families? Your children have their whole lives to be busy adults. Let them enjoy some freedom to be kids, to have time to play and rest. Don’t sign them up for too many activities. Teach them to take unstructured time for themselves. I understand there will be exceptions to every situation. However, where you can be in control, do your due diligence to be aware of the stress and strain you are placing on your family members. And don’t worry about the neighbors or the other kids at school and what those families have scheduled for their kids. If they want to be crazy busy, that’s their choice. You don’t have to live with their chaos and the consequences of exhaustion and frustration. All that leads to is anxiety, illness and dissention in the home.
Stop. Listen. Quit beating yourself up over the things you didn’t get accomplished today. Tomorrow is a fresh new start with twenty-four more hours. Learn to pay attention to your body’s warning signals. Clear your mind from all the outside noise. Listen to your spirit. You need to have time to be still, to rest and to be available to do the greater things you are called to do in life. Begin today and simplify with me.
FIRE!8 Take a look at your calendar. Do you have too many things scheduled during the weekdays and the weekend? Make a pact with me to eliminate at least ONE activity or commitment from your life and begin simplifying. It may take a little extra courage to say no, but you will feel refreshed and free. Trust me.
Be Excellent!
Lori
January 18, 2011
Amazing Women
READY8 “The supply of good women far exceeds that of the men who deserve them.” ~Robert Graves
AIM8 Last week we evaluated who we were spending most of our time with on a regular basis. When you recognized those people, did any individuals stand out specifically? Did you realize that you hang out with any amazing women?
Everywhere I go I encounter amazing women who are doing amazing things. I am so blessed to know a tremendous amount of incredible ladies. There are days I am simply in awe of the things these women, my friends and acquaintances, are accomplishing. Emily is an amazing 15 year old 1st degree black belt. Michelle is amazing as one of the first female elders of her church. Alexis and Jan amazingly ran their first half-marathon in 2010. Ginger is a breast cancer survivor and an amazing teacher and volunteer. Rachelle designs and publishes an amazing free magazine for parents. Amy is an amazing full time seminary student and mother of a beautiful baby boy living with spina bifida. My mother, Irene, is an amazing woman who is still working as an operating nurse, her original and life-long calling.
I could go on and on listing reasons why each one of you is amazing. Please know, that I think very highly of you. How do you think about yourself? What makes YOU amazing? That might be a hard question for you to answer, but even if you’re humble, you know you are amazing in your own way. No matter where you are in life or what you’re doing, you were created for an amazing purpose. Recognize it. Embrace it. Enjoy it. Be amazing!!
FIRE!8 Email or call at least one amazing woman today. Tell her why you think she is amazing. Be the encouragement she needs to continue living her life as an amazing woman.
Be Excellent!
Lori
AIM8 Last week we evaluated who we were spending most of our time with on a regular basis. When you recognized those people, did any individuals stand out specifically? Did you realize that you hang out with any amazing women?
Everywhere I go I encounter amazing women who are doing amazing things. I am so blessed to know a tremendous amount of incredible ladies. There are days I am simply in awe of the things these women, my friends and acquaintances, are accomplishing. Emily is an amazing 15 year old 1st degree black belt. Michelle is amazing as one of the first female elders of her church. Alexis and Jan amazingly ran their first half-marathon in 2010. Ginger is a breast cancer survivor and an amazing teacher and volunteer. Rachelle designs and publishes an amazing free magazine for parents. Amy is an amazing full time seminary student and mother of a beautiful baby boy living with spina bifida. My mother, Irene, is an amazing woman who is still working as an operating nurse, her original and life-long calling.
I could go on and on listing reasons why each one of you is amazing. Please know, that I think very highly of you. How do you think about yourself? What makes YOU amazing? That might be a hard question for you to answer, but even if you’re humble, you know you are amazing in your own way. No matter where you are in life or what you’re doing, you were created for an amazing purpose. Recognize it. Embrace it. Enjoy it. Be amazing!!
FIRE!8 Email or call at least one amazing woman today. Tell her why you think she is amazing. Be the encouragement she needs to continue living her life as an amazing woman.
Be Excellent!
Lori
January 11, 2011
Your Companions
READY8 “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” Proverbs 13:20 NIV
AIM8 While we’re all taking notes on our fresh new start in the new year, how many of you have taken note of the people with whom you’re spending your time? Who do you text, email, facebook message, talk to on the phone and hang out with outside of your home? It has been proven that we become like the five people we spend time with the most. If you’re willing to do a little personal inventory, answer these questions honestly about your companions:
Do those people make you feel good about yourself when you’re together?
What are their top three character qualities?
Do those people encourage you to pursue your dreams or criticize your efforts?
Do those people seek ways to bless you ‘just because’?
Do you actually like those five people?
The answers to your questions may be eye-opening. If you want to succeed and be a person of integrity, you may need to evaluate those five influential people in your life. If you realize that you’re being dragged down by too many negative Nellies, start limiting your time with those gals. If you recognize you feel great and empowered when you’re surrounded by positive Pollyanna’s, start adjusting your schedule to spend more time with them. You are in control of your environment and attitude. Why not make it enjoyable and exciting with encouraging people of excellence? It’s your year; it’s your life; it’s your turn to choose the companions who are influencing the rest of your life.
FIRE!8 Choose to be an excellent companion! If you realize that you’ve been the negative Nelly of your closest companions, make a conscious effort to choose words of praise and encouragement; however, be sincere in your effort or you won’t be taken seriously. Then, watch your own life change in a positive direction as a result of your uplifting words and actions.
Be Excellent!
Lori
AIM8 While we’re all taking notes on our fresh new start in the new year, how many of you have taken note of the people with whom you’re spending your time? Who do you text, email, facebook message, talk to on the phone and hang out with outside of your home? It has been proven that we become like the five people we spend time with the most. If you’re willing to do a little personal inventory, answer these questions honestly about your companions:
Do those people make you feel good about yourself when you’re together?
What are their top three character qualities?
Do those people encourage you to pursue your dreams or criticize your efforts?
Do those people seek ways to bless you ‘just because’?
Do you actually like those five people?
The answers to your questions may be eye-opening. If you want to succeed and be a person of integrity, you may need to evaluate those five influential people in your life. If you realize that you’re being dragged down by too many negative Nellies, start limiting your time with those gals. If you recognize you feel great and empowered when you’re surrounded by positive Pollyanna’s, start adjusting your schedule to spend more time with them. You are in control of your environment and attitude. Why not make it enjoyable and exciting with encouraging people of excellence? It’s your year; it’s your life; it’s your turn to choose the companions who are influencing the rest of your life.
FIRE!8 Choose to be an excellent companion! If you realize that you’ve been the negative Nelly of your closest companions, make a conscious effort to choose words of praise and encouragement; however, be sincere in your effort or you won’t be taken seriously. Then, watch your own life change in a positive direction as a result of your uplifting words and actions.
Be Excellent!
Lori
January 4, 2011
New Year, New You
READY8 “So many fail because they don’t get started – they don’t go. They don’t overcome inertia. They don’t begin.” ~ W. Clement Stone
AIM8 Happy 2011! It’s a new year and I’m certain you’re being bombarded with tv commercials, radio spots and junk mail filled with ideas on how to become a better person and keep your resolutions. Did you resolve to do anything new? I accepted my own “Fire!” challenge last week and took time to write down fifteen things I want to accomplish in 2011. I am looking at my list as more of a victory chart than a bunch of resolutions. Too often resolutions are associated with negativity because people get down on themselves if they don’t follow through with them or if they had good intentions but never get started. This year, it’s going to be different for us all.
If you haven’t done it yet, jot down fifteen new things you want to try or accomplish this year. Your list can be full of major goals or simply a bunch of small activities. Put your list in a place where you will see it often. Each time you do something positive that moves you in the direction of successfully fulfilling one of your items, draw a star next to that number. Visually, you will see yourself succeeding on paper! Even if you are only making small movements in the right direction, you are still moving ahead. It’s a new year; congratulations on doing what’s best for YOU!
FIRE!8 If you are really serious about making some positive changes in your life this year and accomplishing the goals on your list, ask a trusted friend to keep you accountable. Your friend will not only help you stay on track but she will be a personal cheerleader to help you celebrate along the way.
Be Excellent in 2011!
Lori
AIM8 Happy 2011! It’s a new year and I’m certain you’re being bombarded with tv commercials, radio spots and junk mail filled with ideas on how to become a better person and keep your resolutions. Did you resolve to do anything new? I accepted my own “Fire!” challenge last week and took time to write down fifteen things I want to accomplish in 2011. I am looking at my list as more of a victory chart than a bunch of resolutions. Too often resolutions are associated with negativity because people get down on themselves if they don’t follow through with them or if they had good intentions but never get started. This year, it’s going to be different for us all.
If you haven’t done it yet, jot down fifteen new things you want to try or accomplish this year. Your list can be full of major goals or simply a bunch of small activities. Put your list in a place where you will see it often. Each time you do something positive that moves you in the direction of successfully fulfilling one of your items, draw a star next to that number. Visually, you will see yourself succeeding on paper! Even if you are only making small movements in the right direction, you are still moving ahead. It’s a new year; congratulations on doing what’s best for YOU!
FIRE!8 If you are really serious about making some positive changes in your life this year and accomplishing the goals on your list, ask a trusted friend to keep you accountable. Your friend will not only help you stay on track but she will be a personal cheerleader to help you celebrate along the way.
Be Excellent in 2011!
Lori
December 28, 2010
Reflection
READY8 “An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” ~ Bill Vaughn
AIM8 As 2010 comes to a close, many people are looking forward to a fresh, new start with a brand new year. Before you jump ahead to 2011, have you taken time to think about what you did this year? Pause a moment to answer these few questions about 2010:
- What was your most memorable moment this year?
- What was your favorite laughable experience?
- Was there a situation that made you sad? What did you do about it?
- What was your proudest moment?
As you reflect on your experiences and memories, is there anything you would have done differently? My hope is that as you look back through 2010 you enjoyed more blessings than regrets and more laughs than tears. If you aren’t happy with your reflection, take a look in the mirror. Only you can change the course of the new year. Let’s walk together and choose excellence as people of integrity in 2011. I’m looking forward to sharing many more merry moments with you and hearing all about your successes and triumphs. Cheers to us!
FIRE!8 Take out a sheet of paper, or open a new document on the computer and jot down at least 15 new things you want to try or accomplish in 2011. You can be practical or creative, big or small. Save your list and periodically check back to see what you’ve actually accomplished. What a great way to physically see your personal victories!
Be Excellent in 2011!
Lori
AIM8 As 2010 comes to a close, many people are looking forward to a fresh, new start with a brand new year. Before you jump ahead to 2011, have you taken time to think about what you did this year? Pause a moment to answer these few questions about 2010:
- What was your most memorable moment this year?
- What was your favorite laughable experience?
- Was there a situation that made you sad? What did you do about it?
- What was your proudest moment?
As you reflect on your experiences and memories, is there anything you would have done differently? My hope is that as you look back through 2010 you enjoyed more blessings than regrets and more laughs than tears. If you aren’t happy with your reflection, take a look in the mirror. Only you can change the course of the new year. Let’s walk together and choose excellence as people of integrity in 2011. I’m looking forward to sharing many more merry moments with you and hearing all about your successes and triumphs. Cheers to us!
FIRE!8 Take out a sheet of paper, or open a new document on the computer and jot down at least 15 new things you want to try or accomplish in 2011. You can be practical or creative, big or small. Save your list and periodically check back to see what you’ve actually accomplished. What a great way to physically see your personal victories!
Be Excellent in 2011!
Lori
December 22, 2010
Winning Christmas
READY8 “Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.” ~Author unknown, attributed to a 7-year-old named Bobby
AIM8 Have you heard the Target holiday commercials about Christmas shopping and “winning Christmas?” The gal is talking about finding the perfect gifts for everyone on her list and implying that she’s going to secure the trophy for best present this year. Seriously? Is this what Christmas has come to? Sigh…editorial disclaimer ahead…
It appears to me that our society has gotten so caught up in materialism that Christmas has become nothing more than a commercial holiday. To some, it’s not a real Christmas gift unless it is purchased at a well-known department store and wrapped in expensive paper complete with required bow. Really? We’re not children any more; we’re grown-ups and we’re supposed to be mature and understand the true meaning of Christmas. I think there’s something about keeping up with the Joneses that gets into our heads (not our hearts) and we become materialistic maniacs during the holidays. I’ll admit I often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping as much as the next person. However, my eternal quest is to spend quality time with my family and friends during the holidays. This is a gift to me and to each of them.
So, if you’re on a budget this year, why not give homemade gifts? A homemade gift, whether it be food, clothing or decorations, is really a gift of your most precious commodities – your time, talent and love. Who wouldn’t want a gift that was handcrafted specifically with them in mind? Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that the true meaning of Christmas does not come with a price tag.
I propose to you that in order to “win” Christmas favor this year, you do the following:
1.) Give generously and sincerely no matter where you bought the gift, how much it cost you or how long it took you to make it.
2.) Be a gracious receiver regardless of how big, how little or how unconventional the gift is that you are given.
3.) Carve out a few moments Christmas morning to find peace in the midst of the hurried pace of this week. Let the birth of a tiny baby, Jesus, rest in your soul as you reflect on all the gifts you’ve been given all year long. More importantly, be thankful for the gift God gave you long ago…the gift of life.
FIRE!8 Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and Joyous Winter Solstice! (Did I miss any? LOL!) Honestly, I truly wish you and your families the best of everything this year. As I celebrate Christmas, your gifts of friendship, loyalty and love are what I cherish most of all.
Be Excellent!
Lori
AIM8 Have you heard the Target holiday commercials about Christmas shopping and “winning Christmas?” The gal is talking about finding the perfect gifts for everyone on her list and implying that she’s going to secure the trophy for best present this year. Seriously? Is this what Christmas has come to? Sigh…editorial disclaimer ahead…
It appears to me that our society has gotten so caught up in materialism that Christmas has become nothing more than a commercial holiday. To some, it’s not a real Christmas gift unless it is purchased at a well-known department store and wrapped in expensive paper complete with required bow. Really? We’re not children any more; we’re grown-ups and we’re supposed to be mature and understand the true meaning of Christmas. I think there’s something about keeping up with the Joneses that gets into our heads (not our hearts) and we become materialistic maniacs during the holidays. I’ll admit I often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping as much as the next person. However, my eternal quest is to spend quality time with my family and friends during the holidays. This is a gift to me and to each of them.
So, if you’re on a budget this year, why not give homemade gifts? A homemade gift, whether it be food, clothing or decorations, is really a gift of your most precious commodities – your time, talent and love. Who wouldn’t want a gift that was handcrafted specifically with them in mind? Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that the true meaning of Christmas does not come with a price tag.
I propose to you that in order to “win” Christmas favor this year, you do the following:
1.) Give generously and sincerely no matter where you bought the gift, how much it cost you or how long it took you to make it.
2.) Be a gracious receiver regardless of how big, how little or how unconventional the gift is that you are given.
3.) Carve out a few moments Christmas morning to find peace in the midst of the hurried pace of this week. Let the birth of a tiny baby, Jesus, rest in your soul as you reflect on all the gifts you’ve been given all year long. More importantly, be thankful for the gift God gave you long ago…the gift of life.
FIRE!8 Have a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and Joyous Winter Solstice! (Did I miss any? LOL!) Honestly, I truly wish you and your families the best of everything this year. As I celebrate Christmas, your gifts of friendship, loyalty and love are what I cherish most of all.
Be Excellent!
Lori
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