READY8 “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.” ~ Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NKJV
AIM8 Who remembers how to play the game Charades? It’s the game where you have to act out a word, phrase, or show title without using words in order for your teammates to guess the correct answer. Have you ever felt like your life is just one big charade? You know, you go through life from one experience to the next and after awhile, you are just going through the motions. It’s easy to put your life on autopilot and just let it all cruise on by one day after the next. It’s just as easy to play charades with your emotions. I’m sure we’ve all played this charade card before; you know the one, when someone asks, “How are you today?” and you answer, “Fine!” Are you really fine or is it just a good way to dodge answering the real question at hand? I would venture to guess that many of us have put our lives on autopilot so often that “fine” just becomes an automated response, when the truth of the matter is that we are far from “fine.” So why don’t we answer that question honestly? Perhaps we are in a situation where we just don’t have the time to explain why we aren’t fine. Sometimes, we truly don’t want to open up and be transparent to the person asking the question. More often than not, our life appears just like the lives of those around us and “fine” is as sufficient an answer as any. God doesn’t want us to live life on autopilot. He wants us to do life together and share each other’s burdens. If your life has been stuck on autopilot, or you’ve said you’re fine when realistically you are not, take a stab at being honest with the next person who asks how you are doing. You might be surprised at the advice you’re given or the empathy you’re shown. Remember, life is meant to be enjoyed together so jump in and buckle up! The ride might be bumpy but we’ll share some great stories, make some lasting memories and hopefully arrive at to the finish line together feeling more than “fine.”
FIRE!8 Call or email a friend and ask her how things are going in her life. If she answers “Fine”, be sure to probe for a more definitive answer. She may need to know you care and want to be there for her tough times, or she may need an extra cheerleader to help her celebrate life’s joys.
Be Excellent!
Lori
September 28, 2010
September 21, 2010
Today Is Special
READY8 “Start living now. Stop saving the good china for that special occasion. Stop withholding your love until that special person materializes. Every day you are alive is a special occasion. Every minute, every breath, is a gift from God.” ~ Mary Manin Morrissey
AIM8 How many times have you refrained from wearing an outfit or using the good china because it wasn’t a special occasion? I mean, after all, we only pull out those special items for the holidays or perhaps a milestone anniversary or highbrow event, right? Why? Who told us that the china we received as a wedding gift was only to be displayed in the china hutch or remain packed away in boxes only to be used for Christmas dinner? We get so caught up in the many demands on our lives that every day becomes a challenge where we simply make it through another day. We succumb to repetitive routines and schedules because they are comfortable, familiar and easy to remember. When our lives become mundane, predictable and ultra stressful, how exciting would it be to spend the day looking forward to something special waiting for us at home…just because? We all need a little sunshine and spice in our lives to shake things up. Today really IS just as special as tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day. It shouldn’t take much for you to find something small to get super excited about. Get the picture?
FIRE!8 Make yourself a promise this week: Do at least one special something each day for seven days in a row. Use your fancy china for chicken nuggets and french fries. Wear your favorite perfume or cologne. Watch your wedding or family videos. Put on that lacey piece of lingerie. Take a ride on your motorcycle. Wear one special piece of jewelry. Drink the vintage wine. Play a board game with your children. Eat pizza by candlelight. Slow dance in your living room. Whatever you decide to do, I KNOW, you will be grateful for the opportunity to have a “special occasion” on an ordinary day.
Be Excellent!
Lori Bodkin
AIM8 How many times have you refrained from wearing an outfit or using the good china because it wasn’t a special occasion? I mean, after all, we only pull out those special items for the holidays or perhaps a milestone anniversary or highbrow event, right? Why? Who told us that the china we received as a wedding gift was only to be displayed in the china hutch or remain packed away in boxes only to be used for Christmas dinner? We get so caught up in the many demands on our lives that every day becomes a challenge where we simply make it through another day. We succumb to repetitive routines and schedules because they are comfortable, familiar and easy to remember. When our lives become mundane, predictable and ultra stressful, how exciting would it be to spend the day looking forward to something special waiting for us at home…just because? We all need a little sunshine and spice in our lives to shake things up. Today really IS just as special as tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day. It shouldn’t take much for you to find something small to get super excited about. Get the picture?
FIRE!8 Make yourself a promise this week: Do at least one special something each day for seven days in a row. Use your fancy china for chicken nuggets and french fries. Wear your favorite perfume or cologne. Watch your wedding or family videos. Put on that lacey piece of lingerie. Take a ride on your motorcycle. Wear one special piece of jewelry. Drink the vintage wine. Play a board game with your children. Eat pizza by candlelight. Slow dance in your living room. Whatever you decide to do, I KNOW, you will be grateful for the opportunity to have a “special occasion” on an ordinary day.
Be Excellent!
Lori Bodkin
September 14, 2010
Go Outside And Play!
READY8 “The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man.” ~Author Unknown
AIM8 Over the weekend, our family spent time outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather. We have a place off the beaten path that’s been in the family for years that has an old barn, an old farm house and is surrounded by a yard, fields and woods with trails where you can run and play. Everyone enjoyed riding 4-wheelers, walking in the woods along the trails and building pretend campfires with sticks and stones. (Unfortunately, it rained and we couldn’t build a real campfire.) It wasn’t until the last few hours before it was time to leave that our children finally realized they could have tons of fun playing outdoor games such as: Hide and Seek, Tag and Swinging Statues. Unfortunately, they had been previously distracted by the modern conveniences of portable video games, DVDs and music players. Technology, while helpful, had captured the young minds of our children and flashy games and catchy beats had become more attractive than simple outdoor play. Once we insisted the electronics be put away, the novelty of finding acorns, hiding behind big trees and running through the crunchy leaves gave way to earfuls of giggles and laughter. It was nostalgic for me to open the house door and holler across the yard, “Dinnertime!” Yes, as a kid, I remember my parents yelling for me to come home for dinner because I was outside playing games with the neighbors or looking for pretty rocks and playing in the creek behind our house. Kids today cannot know and cannot appreciate the outdoors if they aren’t given the opportunity to be outside away from city or suburban life. Sadly, most of children don’t even know what they are missing. Simply going to one of the state or national parks is an excellent way to safely expose your kids to big grassy fields where they can run around, wooded trails to explore and ponds or lakes to fish. It is our responsibility, as adults, to provide opportunities for our children to experience nature in ways that are similar to our childhood. No, they will never see or do the things we did as kids exactly the way we once did. However, if you can unplug yourself and your family long enough to enjoy God’s creations, you will create family memories and instill a love of nature that your children will hopefully appreciate well into adulthood.
FIRE!8 As we enjoy the last few official days of summer, be sure to take advantage of the mild temperatures and climate. Put away your cell phones, computers, and modern conveniences. Recall some of your favorite childhood games, grab your family and go outside and play, already!
Be Excellent!
Lori
AIM8 Over the weekend, our family spent time outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather. We have a place off the beaten path that’s been in the family for years that has an old barn, an old farm house and is surrounded by a yard, fields and woods with trails where you can run and play. Everyone enjoyed riding 4-wheelers, walking in the woods along the trails and building pretend campfires with sticks and stones. (Unfortunately, it rained and we couldn’t build a real campfire.) It wasn’t until the last few hours before it was time to leave that our children finally realized they could have tons of fun playing outdoor games such as: Hide and Seek, Tag and Swinging Statues. Unfortunately, they had been previously distracted by the modern conveniences of portable video games, DVDs and music players. Technology, while helpful, had captured the young minds of our children and flashy games and catchy beats had become more attractive than simple outdoor play. Once we insisted the electronics be put away, the novelty of finding acorns, hiding behind big trees and running through the crunchy leaves gave way to earfuls of giggles and laughter. It was nostalgic for me to open the house door and holler across the yard, “Dinnertime!” Yes, as a kid, I remember my parents yelling for me to come home for dinner because I was outside playing games with the neighbors or looking for pretty rocks and playing in the creek behind our house. Kids today cannot know and cannot appreciate the outdoors if they aren’t given the opportunity to be outside away from city or suburban life. Sadly, most of children don’t even know what they are missing. Simply going to one of the state or national parks is an excellent way to safely expose your kids to big grassy fields where they can run around, wooded trails to explore and ponds or lakes to fish. It is our responsibility, as adults, to provide opportunities for our children to experience nature in ways that are similar to our childhood. No, they will never see or do the things we did as kids exactly the way we once did. However, if you can unplug yourself and your family long enough to enjoy God’s creations, you will create family memories and instill a love of nature that your children will hopefully appreciate well into adulthood.
FIRE!8 As we enjoy the last few official days of summer, be sure to take advantage of the mild temperatures and climate. Put away your cell phones, computers, and modern conveniences. Recall some of your favorite childhood games, grab your family and go outside and play, already!
Be Excellent!
Lori
September 7, 2010
Making Mountains Out Of Molehills
READY8 “One way to get high blood pressure is to go mountain climbing over molehills.” ~Earl Wilson
AIM8 For most of us, we have recognized that “life happens” around us every single day. Some days, we encounter situations that can, and should, simply be shrugged off. However, depending on what kind of attitude you’re carrying, you can take those petty occurrences and blow them completely out of proportion. Don’t you remember your mother telling you not to make mountains out of molehills? The glass of milk that got spilled at the dinner table = a molehill. The driver who cut you off because he was going to miss his exit = a molehill. The mounds of laundry, sink full of dishes and cluttered pile of school papers or unopened mail = a molehill. Your efforts to be a stellar employee being overlooked for a promotion = a molehill. How many times has your attitude made the aforementioned situations major mountains to climb? Makes you want to check your emotional status before reacting to life experiences, huh? If you stop and think about your mountains, in the grand scheme of things, are they life threatening, an emergency or extremely vital to the success or failure of your day to day operations? I know I have days when I need to view life with a little more light-hearted approach. How about you? Next time you experience a situation where you become emotional, ask yourself if it is a simple molehill or worthy to be considered a mountain?
FIRE!8 As you approach life in a more controlled manner this week, frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?"
Be Excellent!
Lori
AIM8 For most of us, we have recognized that “life happens” around us every single day. Some days, we encounter situations that can, and should, simply be shrugged off. However, depending on what kind of attitude you’re carrying, you can take those petty occurrences and blow them completely out of proportion. Don’t you remember your mother telling you not to make mountains out of molehills? The glass of milk that got spilled at the dinner table = a molehill. The driver who cut you off because he was going to miss his exit = a molehill. The mounds of laundry, sink full of dishes and cluttered pile of school papers or unopened mail = a molehill. Your efforts to be a stellar employee being overlooked for a promotion = a molehill. How many times has your attitude made the aforementioned situations major mountains to climb? Makes you want to check your emotional status before reacting to life experiences, huh? If you stop and think about your mountains, in the grand scheme of things, are they life threatening, an emergency or extremely vital to the success or failure of your day to day operations? I know I have days when I need to view life with a little more light-hearted approach. How about you? Next time you experience a situation where you become emotional, ask yourself if it is a simple molehill or worthy to be considered a mountain?
FIRE!8 As you approach life in a more controlled manner this week, frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?"
Be Excellent!
Lori
August 31, 2010
Life Happens
READY8 “The difference between school and life? In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.” ~ Tom Bodett
AIM8 You know, sometimes life just happens. Last week, my daughter woke up with extreme leg pain. She didn’t have any accidents, she didn’t have growing pains but yet my non-wussy girl was in tears. Needless to say, day three of the new school year was spent at the pediatrician’s office, getting an x-ray of her leg and resting on the couch. There goes her perfect attendance award! Yep, life happened. The good news is that they think she simply strained her hip and it was treated with ibuprofen, rest and hot baths. Great, it was totally manageable and her condition improved as the week progressed. Unfortunately, a dear friend of mine had a more serious “life happens” moment a few weeks ago. Her son is a senior in high school this year. He is a star athlete and a starter on a high-profile, Division 1 football team in Ohio. During pre-season practice, he was struck during a play by a teammate which resulted in a concussion. After six hours in the emergency room, they were faced with the reality that his football career was most likely over. He had just experienced his third concussion in two years and therefore, for his future health and safety, he was going to have to give up one of the loves of his life: football. Life happened for that young man.
Life happens to all of us every single day. It looks different to each one of us. It could be a flat tire, a bad hair day, a grumpy boss, a bad report from the doctor, an unexpected bill in the mail, a missed promotion; you name it, life looks like many things. However, it’s not so much what truly happens to us, as it is how we respond when life happens to us. When things don’t go your way do you throw a temper tantrum, have a pity party for yourself or scream and shout in anger and frustration? Or, when things don’t go your way do you reflect on the bigger picture, pray for God’s clear direction or cry it out and move on? More than anything, we simply need to understand that life is going to happen to each one of us at some point in our lives. How we handle ourselves may contribute towards the success or failure of the outcome of our experience. Not to mention, others are always observing our behaviors and how we react to the situations we encounter in life. Most of us would choose to respond in a positive manner if we can keep our wits about us and remember we are influencing others with our responses. Let me encourage you to see your challenges as opportunities to grow your character and develop the areas in your life where you are weak. Overcoming your character flaws will allow you to become a stronger individual, to become a better role model and to become a person of excellence. Yep, life just happens, and when it does, I hope you’ll be ready.
FIRE!8 When life happens to you this week, pause for a moment. Take a deep breath. Put your life in perspective. More than likely, that brief, silent moment will allow you to keep your response positive and full of hope.
Be Excellent!
Lori
AIM8 You know, sometimes life just happens. Last week, my daughter woke up with extreme leg pain. She didn’t have any accidents, she didn’t have growing pains but yet my non-wussy girl was in tears. Needless to say, day three of the new school year was spent at the pediatrician’s office, getting an x-ray of her leg and resting on the couch. There goes her perfect attendance award! Yep, life happened. The good news is that they think she simply strained her hip and it was treated with ibuprofen, rest and hot baths. Great, it was totally manageable and her condition improved as the week progressed. Unfortunately, a dear friend of mine had a more serious “life happens” moment a few weeks ago. Her son is a senior in high school this year. He is a star athlete and a starter on a high-profile, Division 1 football team in Ohio. During pre-season practice, he was struck during a play by a teammate which resulted in a concussion. After six hours in the emergency room, they were faced with the reality that his football career was most likely over. He had just experienced his third concussion in two years and therefore, for his future health and safety, he was going to have to give up one of the loves of his life: football. Life happened for that young man.
Life happens to all of us every single day. It looks different to each one of us. It could be a flat tire, a bad hair day, a grumpy boss, a bad report from the doctor, an unexpected bill in the mail, a missed promotion; you name it, life looks like many things. However, it’s not so much what truly happens to us, as it is how we respond when life happens to us. When things don’t go your way do you throw a temper tantrum, have a pity party for yourself or scream and shout in anger and frustration? Or, when things don’t go your way do you reflect on the bigger picture, pray for God’s clear direction or cry it out and move on? More than anything, we simply need to understand that life is going to happen to each one of us at some point in our lives. How we handle ourselves may contribute towards the success or failure of the outcome of our experience. Not to mention, others are always observing our behaviors and how we react to the situations we encounter in life. Most of us would choose to respond in a positive manner if we can keep our wits about us and remember we are influencing others with our responses. Let me encourage you to see your challenges as opportunities to grow your character and develop the areas in your life where you are weak. Overcoming your character flaws will allow you to become a stronger individual, to become a better role model and to become a person of excellence. Yep, life just happens, and when it does, I hope you’ll be ready.
FIRE!8 When life happens to you this week, pause for a moment. Take a deep breath. Put your life in perspective. More than likely, that brief, silent moment will allow you to keep your response positive and full of hope.
Be Excellent!
Lori
August 24, 2010
I Just Don't Want To
READY8 “Today is just a good day in disguise.” ~ Paul Venghaus
AIM8 Ever have a day where you just don’t want to do anything? That’s the day when you need that extra cup of coffee or for the radio to play a song you just have to sing along with in order to get that jump start you’re lacking. If we feel this way on occasion, then why do we question our children about why they “just don’t want to do things?” Truth be told, they are young, impressionable and are still learning what’s right, what’s wrong and what they can get away with in life. As adults, we know what’s right, we know what’s wrong and we know, mostly, what we can and cannot get away with. For children, their parents are their main motivators and the ones who keep them on track and moving ahead. For you, what, or who, is YOUR motivator? If you’re honest with yourself, you know that YOU are your own motivator. You cannot rely on others to keep you moving forward. So, what’s holding you back today? To quote Disney World’s Carousel of Progress attraction, “There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day.” What are YOU waiting for? GO! Seize the day! You are the only one standing in your way, so step aside and look out world! Here you come!
FIRE!8 Put on your big kid pants, grab coffee if you have to, and step head-strong into today! I’m certain that whatever challenge you are predestined to face, or whatever opportunity you are attempting to unfold, you will approach it with enthusiasm, success and a silly victory dance will be in order this evening.
Be Excellent!
Lori
AIM8 Ever have a day where you just don’t want to do anything? That’s the day when you need that extra cup of coffee or for the radio to play a song you just have to sing along with in order to get that jump start you’re lacking. If we feel this way on occasion, then why do we question our children about why they “just don’t want to do things?” Truth be told, they are young, impressionable and are still learning what’s right, what’s wrong and what they can get away with in life. As adults, we know what’s right, we know what’s wrong and we know, mostly, what we can and cannot get away with. For children, their parents are their main motivators and the ones who keep them on track and moving ahead. For you, what, or who, is YOUR motivator? If you’re honest with yourself, you know that YOU are your own motivator. You cannot rely on others to keep you moving forward. So, what’s holding you back today? To quote Disney World’s Carousel of Progress attraction, “There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day.” What are YOU waiting for? GO! Seize the day! You are the only one standing in your way, so step aside and look out world! Here you come!
FIRE!8 Put on your big kid pants, grab coffee if you have to, and step head-strong into today! I’m certain that whatever challenge you are predestined to face, or whatever opportunity you are attempting to unfold, you will approach it with enthusiasm, success and a silly victory dance will be in order this evening.
Be Excellent!
Lori
August 17, 2010
Am I Invisible, Part 2?
READY8 “Life is short, but there is always time for courtesy." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
AIM8 Several of our readers responded with enthusiasm regarding last week’s message about cashiers acknowledging your presence in the check-out line. It goes without saying that our observations apply to anyone in a position who deals with the public on a face-to-face basis. Interestingly enough, it was brought to my attention that we must be aware of the other side of the coin. In other words, it’s possible that the cashier, or service employee, may feel invisible if the customer is not attentive.
Surely, when you approach the check-out line in a store, you have your items ready, your payment method is easily accessible and you are giving your full attention to the cashier. In a perfect world, you would have light conversation, all your items would ring up accurately (because you are paying attention) and both the cashier and you would part ways with a joyful farewell. However, it’s not a perfect world, and more often than not, the customer is the cause for a less-than-satisfactory experience. Why, you ask? Two words: cell phones! Oh yes, you know the ones, they insist on talking on their phones while the cashiers or fast food attendants are attempting to repeat orders or give important instructions for payment. Heaven forbid they ask the other party to hold on during their transaction, or better yet, call the other party back after they leave the store. Seriously, is there anything THAT important that it can’t wait an additional 2-5 minutes until you are finished with your business? Even if your phone rings while you are in the middle of a transaction, the person on the other line can leave a message or you can call him back when your business is completed. If there is an emergency situation, the caller will continue to reach you; guaranteed. Choosing to talk on your cell phone sends a loud and clear message to the cashier that you do not care about her enough to give her your full attention for the next few minutes, and now, she is more likely to become irritated and perhaps even, make mistakes. Hmmmm, sounds like an easy decision to make to me. When you are dealing with public employees in any venue, be polite. Use common courtesy and leave your cell phone in your pocket or your purse until you leave the store. All parties involved will be happy with your decision.
FIRE!8 The next time you are at dinner with your family or friends, leave your cell phone in your purse or pocket. Give the important people in your life your full, undivided attention. Resist the urge to text or talk during your visit. Your connection will be so much more meaningful as a result of your courteous choice.
Be Excellent!
Lori
AIM8 Several of our readers responded with enthusiasm regarding last week’s message about cashiers acknowledging your presence in the check-out line. It goes without saying that our observations apply to anyone in a position who deals with the public on a face-to-face basis. Interestingly enough, it was brought to my attention that we must be aware of the other side of the coin. In other words, it’s possible that the cashier, or service employee, may feel invisible if the customer is not attentive.
Surely, when you approach the check-out line in a store, you have your items ready, your payment method is easily accessible and you are giving your full attention to the cashier. In a perfect world, you would have light conversation, all your items would ring up accurately (because you are paying attention) and both the cashier and you would part ways with a joyful farewell. However, it’s not a perfect world, and more often than not, the customer is the cause for a less-than-satisfactory experience. Why, you ask? Two words: cell phones! Oh yes, you know the ones, they insist on talking on their phones while the cashiers or fast food attendants are attempting to repeat orders or give important instructions for payment. Heaven forbid they ask the other party to hold on during their transaction, or better yet, call the other party back after they leave the store. Seriously, is there anything THAT important that it can’t wait an additional 2-5 minutes until you are finished with your business? Even if your phone rings while you are in the middle of a transaction, the person on the other line can leave a message or you can call him back when your business is completed. If there is an emergency situation, the caller will continue to reach you; guaranteed. Choosing to talk on your cell phone sends a loud and clear message to the cashier that you do not care about her enough to give her your full attention for the next few minutes, and now, she is more likely to become irritated and perhaps even, make mistakes. Hmmmm, sounds like an easy decision to make to me. When you are dealing with public employees in any venue, be polite. Use common courtesy and leave your cell phone in your pocket or your purse until you leave the store. All parties involved will be happy with your decision.
FIRE!8 The next time you are at dinner with your family or friends, leave your cell phone in your purse or pocket. Give the important people in your life your full, undivided attention. Resist the urge to text or talk during your visit. Your connection will be so much more meaningful as a result of your courteous choice.
Be Excellent!
Lori
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