Erin R.’s Post

Greetings to you on this Monday Morning!!! Below is the philosophy of Charles Schultz , the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions (these may have been adapted from the original) Just read straight through and you'll get the point. 1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last five Wimbledon winners. 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss India). 4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. 5. Name the last half dozen Filmfare Award winners for best actor and actress. How did you do ?? Even if the number is reduced to 1 only you won't probably answer all the questions. The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners . Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one: 1. List a couple of teachers who aided your journey through school. 2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time. 3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile. 4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special. 5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with. How do you feel even now ? Easier ?? Just think for a while about the person and you will be filled up with something which seldom comes and incomparable . The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, the most awards or the most appealing or handsome personalities. They are the ones that care for you. So please care for those who care for you. Please do care for others to make a difference in their lives and ..........................................Make it a great week ahead!!!!

Give President Biden a Break by Dorothea Hubble Bonneau Last night, before I fell asleep, a question burned in my mind. What could have caused President Biden to falter and fail in his debate with Donald Trump? Were advocates, who days before had argued that in meetings President Biden was in command of the facts and the room, lying? What about foreign leaders who reported the debater Biden seemed like a different person than the president with whom they had recently conferred..President Biden’s poor performance couldn’t be a result of his travel schedule, argued CNN’s Abby Phillip: President returned from his whirlwind activities in Europe twelve days before the debate. And, added Jake Tapper, prior to the debate, Biden spent a full week at Camp David with family where he had ample time to rest. David Axelrod countered, even so, the poor debate performance may have been episodic. I woke up with a possible answer for Biden’s flawed performance which was verified when I googled the question, “What is the effect of grief on cognition.” The following is the answer that popped up: Grief can have profound effects on brain function123. Here are some of the ways grief can affect the brain3: effects of grief on the brain - Search (bing.com) ·      Memory and attention: Grief often leads to difficulty concentrating and lapses in memory. ·      Decision-making: Grieving individuals may find it challenging to make decisions. ·      Cognitive fatigue: Grief can be mentally exhausting. ·      Processing speed: The processing speed of information may slow down during grief.  Isn’t it likely that witnessing a son’s conviction, on June 11, 2024, days before the debate, would cause a person to grieve?  I am reminded of the passage in TS Eliot’s Hollow Men: “Between the idea and the reality falls the shadow.” The reality is that during President Biden’s term, ground-breaking achievements have propelled America into a hopeful future.

"It may not be immediately apparent how complaining, say, about a traffic jam, about politicians, about the "greedy wealthy" or the "lazy unemployed," or your colleagues or ex-spouse, men or women, can give you a sense of superiority. Here is why. When you complain, by implication you are right and the person or situation you complain about or react against is wrong. There is nothing that strengthens the ego more than being right. Being right is identification with a mental position - a perspective, an opinion, a judgment, a story. For you to be right, of course, you need someone else to be wrong, and so, the ego loves to make wrong in order to be right. In other words: You need to make others wrong in order to get a stronger sense of who you are. Not only a person, but also a situation can be made wrong through complaining and reactivity, which always implies that "this should not be happening." Being right places you in a position of imagined moral superiority in relation to the person or situation that is being judged and found wanting. It is that sense of superiority the ego craves and through which it enhances itself." ~Eckhart Tolle Good Morning. Have a blessed Thursday .

Brett Jolly's Thought for Today (What does the New Year mean for you)? This is a new year and with most new years we often experience changes and new beginnings. I have "already encountered new changes in my life" and there may be more on the horizon. One of the changes I want to make in the new year is to depend less on what I hear in social media and to assume less from what is posted. Years ago many people relied on newspapers (and even magazines) to give us our information. It seems as though newspapers are slowly becoming extinct. Now it appears that "more people" are getting their news from social media (and often this news can be "tainted, exaggerated or just completely false"). In fact, it seems like more people on social media are "manufacturing and conjuring up facts" and because of this many people don't know what to believe anymore. It would be nice if social media could be "regulated" and subjected to more "accountability." Until that happens, we will need to do our own "fact checking." In this new year I will have different views on many things as well as people. Considering the allegations I have already heard, I have less faith in people like TD Jakes, P Diddy, televangelists, politicians and more. As a professional musician, I have come to know that famous people are only regular people like us who happen to have the benefit of being in the limelight. It doesn't make them any better than we are (and it doesn't mean they are more talented). I also came to the conclusion that fame (and also fortune) often comes with a "price." There have been many "alleged stories of personal sacrifices by Will Smith, Jay-Z and others for their rise to fame. These stories are mostly unproven but verifications seem to be coming out. Years ago I wanted to have that fame. Now that I am grown up I realize I am better off right where I am. If we don't learn from our past then we are doomed to repeat it. Open our eyes and look beyond the surface at the stories you hear. You might become even wiser from what you "don't" listen to. Thank you for checking out my Thought for Today, and as always I wish you the very best that life has to offer.

As we enter the new year, we have 366 days (2024 is a leap year) to make wise choices about how and with whom we spend our time. Here's a thought-provoking reminder to guide these decisions. Wishing you a happy and healthy new year! ⭐ Probably the most important thing you will read this year…. The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. Reflect on these questions (no need to answer them, just think): - Name the world's five wealthiest people. - Name the last five Ballon d'Or winners. - Name the last five Miss World winners. - Name ten Nobel Prize or Booker Prize winners. - Name the last six BAFTA winners for best actor and actress How did you do? Most of us don't remember yesterday's headliners, even though they were the best in their fields. Now, try this quiz: - Name a few teachers who guided you through school. - Name three friends who supported you during tough times. - Name five people who taught you something valuable. - Recall those who made you feel appreciated and special. - Name five people you love spending time with. Easier, right? 🌟 The Lesson The people who make a difference in our lives aren't necessarily the ones with the most credentials, money, or awards. They are simply the ones who care the most. ❤️ Adapted from a LinkedIn post by Maureen Rabotin and I was inspired to share it with some small changes. 

Lessons I learned from the movie "it's a wonderful life" "It's a Wonderful Life" is a classic movie from 1946 that tells the story of George Bailey, a man who becomes despondent and contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve. An angel named Clarence intervenes and shows George what life would have been like if he had never been born. Here are ten major lessons I learned from the film: 1. Every life is important: George Bailey learns that even though he may not feel like he has made a difference, his life has had a significant impact on those around him. 2. Appreciate what you have: George Bailey's struggles make him appreciate the good things in his life, like his family and friends, more than ever before. 3. Money isn't everything: The film shows that happiness and success are not solely dependent on financial wealth. 4. Family is important: George Bailey's love for his family is what keeps him going, even when things are tough. 5. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference: George Bailey's selfless acts of kindness towards others throughout his life have had a ripple effect and touched many people's lives. 6. Be grateful for your blessings: The film encourages us to be grateful for what we have and to recognize the blessings in our lives. 7. Life is precious: The film reminds us that life is a gift, and it's important to cherish every moment. 8. Don't give up: George Bailey learns that it's important to keep fighting, even when things seem hopeless. 9. Your actions matter: The film shows that every decision we make can have a significant impact on the people around us. 10. We are all connected: The film highlights the interconnectedness of all people, and how one person's actions can have a ripple effect on many others. It is a heartwarming film that teaches us to appreciate the people and things we have in our lives, to be kind to others, and to never give up hope. I highly recommend you watch it. #LifeIsWonderful

"It may not be immediately apparent how complaining, say, about a traffic jam, about politicians, about the "greedy wealthy" or the "lazy unemployed," or your colleagues or ex-spouse, men or women, can give you a sense of superiority. Here is why. When you complain, by implication you are right and the person or situation you complain about or react against is wrong. There is nothing that strengthens the ego more than being right. Being right is identification with a mental position - a perspective, an opinion, a judgment, a story. For you to be right, of course, you need someone else to be wrong, and so, the ego loves to make wrong in order to be right. In other words: You need to make others wrong in order to get a stronger sense of who you are. Not only a person, but also a situation can be made wrong through complaining and reactivity, which always implies that "this should not be happening." Being right places you in a position of imagined moral superiority in relation to the person or situation that is being judged and found wanting. It is that sense of superiority the ego craves and through which it enhances itself." ~Eckhart Tolle Good Morning. Have a blessed Friday.

Do you say thank you enough? In our often fast-paced lives, it can be too easy to forget to acknowledge small things that happen every day that make the day a good one, and the people who did them. We remember, and hopefully thank, the person who gave us that amazing referral. We remember the grand gestures and milestone moments. But what about the little things and the people who make them happen, that bring a smile to your face, brighten your day, and bring you joy? Acknowledging and appreciating the small stuff promotes a mindset of gratitude, which has been scientifically proven to enhance overall well-being and resilience. And thanking someone for their part in it is a great way to give them a small stuff moment, too. They likely didn't do it to get any thanks, and maybe they don't even realise the impact they had, but what the hell, thank them anyway and put a smile on their face! In the spirit of #thankfulthursday, here are just a few thank yous from me for those positive and upbeat moments from the last few days. My RT tribe, Kaye King, Marketing Mentor, Diane Banister, 🎤Sarah Archer, Sparketing Coach (FCIPD), and Emma Hopkins, for getting so excited about finding a date that we're all free to get together (actually so much harder than you'd think it would be!). My client, Jon Oakes, who sent me a message last night, which just said, "You little beauty! in response to an email from me saying I worked out what my predecessor had done and knew how to fix it. Bryan Avery for his infectious enthusiasm when I suggested some fundraising activities. It made me feel like I could make a positive contribution. My tribe at BNI Read (West Swindon), who made me laugh out loud with some of their comments in response to my tale about a prospect who had decided not to work with me. Jason Quaife for an energising 121 yesterday, whom I would never have met if it wasn't for the power of LinkedIn. A great conversation with a like-minded person in a slightly different but related field is always good for stimulating thought processes and generating ideas. Who can you thank for some of your small stuff moments this week? #gratitude #positivity #smallbusinessowner

Greetings fellow thought bubblers... Here's me starting my 54th year where I earn money for what I do, and the 13th year where I do that in my own practice. It's a great privilege and a wonderful feeling to create such a life. I saw a même on Twitter (X) saying: "I'm opening a Resolutions Bar, which will operate for the first two weeks of January after which it will re-open as a Wine Bar." I start 2024 with no resolutions but clear intent. I'm intent on three things: 1) Making progress publicly - these last 3 years of COVID gave me space in my hermit kingdom to embrace my thinking on how to shift thinking patterns, anchor on value and close the gap between knowing and doing. We know enough to fix the problems of the world. We have the technology we need. Our patterns of thinking and our conceptions of value are blocking how we move from knowing to doing. I've enjoyed all that, but too few know. So, it's time to make progress publicly. 2) Speaking out against injustice - I've been "shouty" and angry on some social platforms at the injustices I see perpetrated on innocent people; and, on the lack of humanity shown by many in our political class. We need a new conversation on value and new patterns of thinking to connect value with everything we do. My voice must shift to align with my new patterns of thinking about value. How else will people see the connection if I don't make it visible in plain sight? 3) Living life by example. A life of enduring love, deepening every day is possible. I'm grateful to experience that with Vicki and my family. It's a deeply trusted relationship, the kind I'd wish for everyone who seriously wants such. Nothing kills trust more than behaviour that does not align with the value spoken. I look in the mirror and say: - I want less anger in the world: so, stop being angry at the world. - I want less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere: so, reduce the amount you're putting out there. - I want more connection and care: so, connect with people and care. - I want leaders to show more courage and address tough issues: so, be more courageous yourself in making progress publicly.  These are my intentions. Let's see how we go. For it's not just me: we're all in this together. Have a great year thought bubblers! Much love, Richard

Wow .. Powerful stuff ! To all those who have made a difference in my life during challenging times .. you know who you are .. Thank you 🙏🏽💜 Possibly the Most important thing you'll read this Year... The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just ponder on them. Just read it straight through, and you'll get the point. 1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world. 2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners. 3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant. 4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize. 5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress. 6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners. How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish ... Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners. Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one: 1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school. 2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time. 3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile. 4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special. 5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with. Easier? The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money ... or the most awards. They simply are the ones who care the most. #extraordinarynotordinary