Word Power!!

"I'm Proud of You!!" I know I got your attention with those 4 simple yet powerful words. Take a moment and say that sentence, feel how it feels to say that. Now go find a mirror, and look yourself in the eyes and say it to you. Say it again this time with more sincerity - not just in passing. Don't add anything, no comments, no nothing else just say I'm Proud of You.

 See how powerfully this simple sentence affects you when you read it, say it, see it being said?


 OK when was the last time you said it to someone? When was the last time you said it to your children, How about your spouse? My wife said this simple sentence to me yesterday, and her words still echo in my memory.


 If you’re not sure when the last time was . . . it’s been to long.


 I'm in Santa Clara, it's a Friday 5:00am , I'm at Ernie Reyes school on El Camino, I've just finishing my testing for 5th Degree  and am on the deck standing in front of the judges. I'm sweaty, breathing heavy, but composed. Tom Callos says to the 27 UBBT members watching me test "I am so proud of this guy, you don't even know . . . ". That was over 5 years ago and it's still etched in my brain.


 Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I may not ever forget you. – William Arthur Ward


 If you’re using this simple little sentence regularly you are creating ties that bind people together forever. The kind of bond other people don't understand or believe exist.
One of the greatest gifts you can give people is to show appreciation for something they have done. You are thereby giving them support, which often is all they need to keep them on the path they have chosen.


How often have you had someone come up and ask you for encouragement? Most of the time we have no way of knowing when someone needs a little push, a little encouragement, a small sign that they are on the right track. 


People don't ask us they ask God . . . so be his Messager. 


Appreciate everything your associates do for the business. Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed, sincere words of praise. They're absolutely free and worth a fortune. – Sam Walton


We all appreciate a sign that what we are doing is good. Why not give it to others freely? All we have to do is think more about the other person than about ourselves.


Be careful. . .  What I'm talking about is genuine appreciation – not that empty smile accompanied by empty words. Not the quick sentence said in hast with little focus or sincerity. 


I'm talking about “Getting Their Attention”, look right at them, from the deepest part of you. . . I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!!, or how about DO YOU KNOW HOW PROUD I AM OF YOU?


Taking Action:
Who have you Praised today? Make it a point to start thinking about who you are going to give praise to today. Plan it out, practice it a little, making sure the timing is right so that you have maximum effect and positive results.


Making this part of your day will bring you rewards beyond your ability to understand.


Hey. . . . I AM SO VERY VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!!


God Bless - Stay Healthy and Strong

What Am I??

It is not made of precious stone, or metal, just thread.  

It is not beautiful and vibrant in color, rather it takes on all color, 

and after a while reminds us of the soil

 found in a prosperous gardens, rich in darkness.  

It is not to be worshipped, but begs the owner practice humility.  It is not

awarded because of time, favor or chance but bestowed after it is earned.  

It is recognized by others who have one because they know the journey, and 

yet it is respected by those who do not have one because of the journey’s reputation.

It is indicative of the challenge that eventually conquers fear, ego, and pride, 

but not mankind; a journey that builds character and discipline, not monuments.  

It is not exclusive but available to whoever wants to make the commitment

and see it through to the finish. It gets better with aging and becomes

threadbare because of continual practice.  

It is an end that is a beginning, and brings to mind service, self respect, 

and a celebration of the greatness mankind is capable of.  If I lose it I will not 

be lost, because it is an outward symbol of an inward quest.

The Cab Ride

I walked to the door and knocked. 'Just a minute,' answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. 

After a long pause the door opened.  A small woman somewhere in her 90's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie.

By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years.  All the furniture was covered with sheets.

There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.

'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.

She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.

She kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing,' I told her. 'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated'.

'Oh, you're such a good boy,' she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, and then asked, 'Could you drive through downtown?'

'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly.

'Oh, I don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice.'

I looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't have any family left,' she continued. 'The doctor says I don't have very long.'  I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.

'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.

For the next two hours, we drove through the city.  She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.

We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.

Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing.

As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now.'

We drove in silence to the address she had given me.  It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico.

Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her.

I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.

'How much do I owe you?' she asked, reaching into her purse.

'Nothing,' I said.

'You have to make a living,' she answered.

'There are other passengers,' I responded.

Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.

'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said. 'Thank you.'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift.  I drove aimlessly, lost in thought. For the rest of that day I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift?  What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away?

On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.

We are conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.

But great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one.

People may not remember exactly what you did or what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel.