-Bob

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY!

"You will be what you will to be."

- James Allen

START SOWING!

You say to yourself, "I think I'll go shopping," - and you do.  You say, "I think I'll buy that new CD," - and you do.  You say, "I think I'll put it on my credit card," - and you do.

James Allen lived from 1864 until 1912.  As was popular in the early 1900's, he wrote a series of short essays known as pamphlets.  The best known, "As A Man
Thinketh," was his most famous work.  In it, he provided timeless inspiration on the value of thought as it motivates us to action.

In his pamphlet, Allen states that, "All that a man achieves and all that he fails to achieve is the direct result of his own thoughts."  Speaking of mankind, he continues with, "They themselves are makers of themselves."  Thought precedes all action; thus, he reasons that by controlling our thoughts, we also control our destiny.

Notice in the first paragraph above that the "I think" part always seems to lead to the action of "doing."  Rarely do we hop in the car, drive aimlessly around, accidentally arrive at a music store, plunk down our credit card, and then say to yourself, "I think I'll go shopping."

If we are the sole controller of our thoughts, it stands to reason that we can also control our actions - and our outcomes in life.    Our mind and our thoughts are the seedbed of our futures.  What a novel thought.  Plant some great thoughts in your mind.  Do it today!

Enjoy!

-Bob

"There's nothing as constant as change."

- Unknown

FEELING WIRED?

Feel on edge?  Not sure what to expect next? Nerves frayed?  Feeling overwhelmed by today's complex world situation?  How is it that some people are calm, fearless, and content, while others are frightful, worried, overwhelmed, and uncertain about the future? 

In the 1950's there were only three models of Chevrolet, about four dry cereals, two or three types of soap, etc.  Mom went grocery shopping weekly. There were no shopping malls, computers, cell phones, portable CD players (or CD's), 401(k)s, Internet, or co-ed dorms.  Life was simple and calm - and revolved around the family.  Technology didn't dominate daily life. 

Today, our choices have expanded exponentially.  There are hundreds of vehicle models, 50 different cereals on the shelf, software for every occasion, hundreds of cable channels, and millions of pages on the World Wide Web.  Think that might clog your thinking just a little?  Want to get back to simplicity, peace, and security?

Try a few of the following suggestions. Begin limiting your choices.  Spend less than you earn. Limit trips to the store. Spend the evening at home - with your family - with the television OFF.  Go directly home after work. Identify your principles - and live them. Count your blessings daily by entering them in a journal. Read. Treat yourself to a hot bath.

Think of your life as an extension cord with too many appliances plugged-in.  Each vies for the limited energy you have available until a short-circuit or fire occurs.  Start unplugging all those peripherals now, and you'll notice your life-light begin to shine.

Make it a great one!

-Bob

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY!

"It is of immense importance to learn to laugh at ourselves."

- Katherine Mansfield

PLAY THE FAMILY GAME!

Feel like you're losing touch with your children? Wish you understood your spouse better? Want to enjoy closer family ties without the background noise of X-Box games or loud music?  Does everyone seem to scatter the moment their last bite of food is swallowed? Introduce them to "the family game!"

It's a fun way to bring your family together at the dinner table and keep them there - without complaints.  Furthermore, you'll soon have them willingly sharing their dreams, disappointments, likes & dislikes, interests, successes, and innermost thoughts.  Finally, you will have created a new family tradition your children will delight in passing on to their own families.

Introduce your version of the family game at the end of a dinnertime meal when everyone is present.  Don't make a big production of it, just ask everyone to remain at the table.  Tell them you've heard of a fun game and would like to play it with them.  Explain that each person at the table gets one turn (and only one turn).  You begin by asking a question that everyone, including yourself, has to answer.  For instance, your question might be, "What's the most embarrassing moment you've ever had?"  Go around the table and let each family member contribute.

Once everyone answers, let the person at your left ask the next question.  It might be, "What's the worst birthday present you've ever received?" or maybe, "If you could go back in the past and live in a different time, when would it be and why?"  You'll be amazed at the sharing your family will suddenly experience. 

Once the "family game" becomes a regular part of meals, add this twist:  Before being seated, tell family members that they may sit in any seat at the table except their normal seat.  The catch is that they must also "act" like the person normally seated in the chair they choose.  This can produce hilarious results.

If your family seems fragmented and scattered, play "the family game."  It's a natural for bringing joy, depth, communication and understanding back to your loved ones.

Make it a great one - Bob

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY!

"Fear knocked at the door, faith answered. No one was there."

- Unattributed

REPLACEMENT THERAPY!

Ever received one of those emails that contains a touching message, then suggests that if you forward it to ten more people you'll receive a "special blessing" or "ten million dollars in three days"?  It usually also warns that the last person who didn't forward it met some terrible fate at the hands of unknown evil-doers.  Remember how that last part - the veiled threat - made you feel?  You didn't think something awful would really happen, but you resented being put in the position of wondering.

We've been told many times that our worst fears are of the "unknown."  An unidentified fear sends our imagination into high gear, conjuring up vivid mental pictures of dastardly plots against us.  We ruminate endlessly over the possibilities.  Such fear is disruptive to our well-being, and leaves us tired and wrung-out.

So, how do you handle fear?  One method is to identify the fear, so that once you do, it is no longer "unknown." That also means it is measurable, and can be logically quantified.  Once you know what it is, your imagination can no longer dream up worse things that it is not.  Once identified, it is possible to determine possible outcomes.

Most fears will never come to fruition.  Those that do are divided into two categories: those we can control, and those we can't.  If we have control, we also have the ability to survive our fears, and change their outcomes.  Most fall into that category.

One mother's lifelong advice to her daughter who worried too much was to replace the worry thought with another more pleasant thought.  The opposite of fear is hope, which also gives us courage.  The next time you experience fear of the unknown, try replacement therapy.  Think positive, hopeful thoughts when fear knocks at the door.  Then, when you open the door - no one is there!

Make it a great week!

-Bob

"When you come to the edge of all the light you have known, and are about to step out into darkness, Faith is knowing one of two things will happen - there will be something to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly."

- "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" by Richard Bach

LEARNING TO FLY!

In the 1930's and 1940's, there were numerous women's magazines.  Ladies' Home Journal and Good Housekeeping were two of them.  They showed women in the role of the day - housekeeping.  They suggested the number of times per week the home should be dusted, scrubbed, organized, and otherwise kept spotless.  They suggested ways to look good when the "man of the house" arrived home from a tough day at the office.  In short, those magazines and their publishers set up an impossible regimen of expectations for their readers.

Many of us know women who have spent much of their lives trying to live up to the model housewife role prescribed by those magazines.  The trouble is, many of them have (or had) dreams of their own, like wanting to write, or to travel, or to participate in the freedoms only men then enjoyed.

Today, any of us can achieve our dreams.  All too often, however, we are still denied our destiny by the expectations set by others.  We are bombarded by radio, TV, CD, DVD, and WWW messages that insist we follow their example, their guidelines, or their models.  We allow our dreams to wither and die - waiting in line for their turn to blossom - never receiving the water of encouragement needed to grow and bloom.

What about your dreams?  Need some encouragement to help you "think outside the box?"  Begin by spending time with others who have already achieved their dreams. Leave your nay-sayer acquaintances behind.  Read inspiring biographies.  Pick up a copy of "Think & Grow Rich" or "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People."  If you haven't yet learned to "fly," pick up "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" or "Illusions" by Richard Bach.

As Jonathan says in the book, "Don't believe what your eyes are telling you.  All they show is limitation.  Look with your understanding, find out what you already know, and you'll see the way to fly!" 

-Bob

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"The man who dies rich, dies disgraced."

- Andrew Carnegie

Make it a Great Year!

-Bob

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"We shall do much in the years to come, but what have we done today?
We shall give our gold in a princely sum, but what did we give today?
We shall lift the heart and dry the tear,
We shall plant a hope in the place of fear,
we shall speak the words of love and cheer, but what did we speak today?"

- Nixon Waterman

MAKE A PAIN-FREE RESOLUTION!

So . . . we're into the second day of our new year.  How are your new year's resolutions holding up?  You've added some new ones, and rejuvenated the one from last year about losing weight.  You've got some big plans for this year.

Having major goals like increasing sales, saving for a big trip, or buying a new vehicle is admirable. They'll require considerable time and effort to pull off, but think how good you'll feel when you achieve them.  Now, why not add a few small ones to your list - the ones that require no effort.

First, add praise to your list. Praise comes in small packages.  A simple "thank you" to a clerk or friend is praise for their help.  A simple pat on the back accompanied by "You're the best!" will brighten someone's entire day.

Next, give something away every day. That something might only be a spare 25¢ dropped in a jar at the convenience store for a local burn victim.  It might be an item of clothing rescued from the back corner of your closet.  It might be two hours of your time at a local soup kitchen.  No matter what the gift, add this habit to your daily activities.  At the end of the year, you will have affected many lives.

Send a smile toward those who frown. Talk positively to those who would rain on your parade.  Say "Yes!" when asked for a favor.  Kiss your loved ones like you mean it.  Ask a friend, "Is there anything I can do for you?" or "How can I help?"

Keep it simple, but do it often - and keep it to yourself.  A year from now it will be impossible to tally the impact you have had on your world.  Isn't it about time we all made this resolution?   

-Bob

This 4BD/2.5BA greenbelt home is stunning & move in ready! New carpet, paint & oil rubbed bronze fixtures thruout. Gourmet kitchen w/ new granite counters, s/s appliances & sink. Beautiful cherry cabinets. Bathrooms updated. New Ceiling fan/lights in great room & all bdrms! New 18 in tile in entry & kitchen. Dual zone climate cntl & sec system. 3 car tandem gar. Sparkling pool in tropical backyard w/mature palms & large patio. Next to park, trails & greenbelt. Highly acclaimed Roseville schools!

Please contact me if you would like to see this home.

Bob Nowack

What's best about this home? The heart...the wonderful, bright, spacious kitchen flowing into a huge, inviting family room! Entertainment is easy with this open, flowing, floorplan. Dual staircase from entry & kitchen to upstairs with huge bonus room and roomy bedrooms. And talk about a great neighborhood! Top rated elementary school & park right around the corner, friendly people, trails for walking & biking. Great shopping including Galleria within minutes! Don't miss this great property!

Make it a great week!

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!

Think there's any "moral crisis" going on in our country right now? What about in our city? Our schools? Our neighborhood? Where did it come from, and why are we facing these challenges?

We are a country - city - neighborhood - blessed with peace and prosperity. Our daily choices range from which SUV we will drive, to where we will dine next, to how we will redecorate our home this year. Our concerns include our child's upcoming soccer match, whether or not to refinance the house, making "Salesperson of the Year," and taking more time for golf or tennis.

With all the choices complemented by our affluence, we have also become compliant, accepting, and politically correct. We strive to please everyone, avoid "rocking the boat," and prefer the status quo. It's so much easier that way, isn't it?

In doing so, however, we may also abdicate responsibility for teaching our children the value of principle-centered living. What principles should we be teaching - and practicing? Why not adopt and teach the value of courage, diligence, faithfulness, generosity, cleanliness, honesty, encouragement, frugality, humility, industry, justice, moderation, order, resolution, silence, honesty, sincerity, temperance, and tranquility?

Imagine how the world around us would change if we taught and participated in more of these time-honored values. Remember that our country IS our cities, our neighborhoods, and our homes. What begins at the grass roots level - literally in our own backyards - can be spread throughout the world. Abandon neutrality and you can change the world!

Here is the Morning Coffe for this week, for your referrence.  This one really spoke to me and reminded me of a similar serntiment put into words by Mother Theresa:

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.  Forgive them anyway.

            If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway.

            If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

           If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.  Be honest and sincere anyway.

            What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.  Create anyway.

            If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.  Be happy anyway.

            The good you do today, will often be forgotten.  Do good anyway.

         Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.  Give your best anyway.

         In the final analysis, it is between you and God.  It was never between you and them anyway.

-this version is credited to Mother Teresa

Make it a great week!

ON MY HONOR . . . !

The Boy Scouts have long espoused the same set of principles. It goes like this: "A scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent." How simple life could be if we all practiced just that short list. Each in itself denotes a wonderful trait. When put into action, all can make the world a better place.

So, what happens between the age of scouting and age 30, 50, or 75? How is it that we turn from being a friendly 12-year-old to a suspicious, stand-offish adult? How do we turn the corner from being obedient to our elders to challenging the authority of our employers or government? Why won't we open the door for someone who can't? Did simple courtesy die with our youth?

Perhaps experience has taught us that others are not always friendly, courteous and kind. "Turn-about is fair play," we may respond. Why should we be thrifty, taking care to save for our future, when everyone around us has "maxed out" their credit cards? Reverence for all we know to be of value seems to have become the victim of political correctness. Why should we be any different?

The greatness of our country was built on the solid rock of "principles." The soft, easy life of an affluent society may be our undoing. Our forefathers had it tough. Most of us living today had a cake-walk, comparatively speaking. Our forbearers had to live their principles - or face the defeat of poverty, ill-health, and despair.

Our children can bring us back if only we will take the time to teach them those simple principles. More than teaching, we might help them practice those principles in their daily lives until habit makes them permanent. Begin while they are still playing in the sandbox. They will grow soon enough into men and women who live principle-centered lives!

Today's MMC message reminds me of something I heard a few years ago and it stuck with me; 'Character is who you are when no one is looking'.  I hope you find something useful in these Monday Morning Coffee Messages.  Here is today's message for your referrence.

Make it a  great week!

-Bob

HOW'S YOUR CREDIT?

Ever hear someone say, "I have good credit"?  They are probably referring to their credit "rating" - a score bestowed upon them by creditors, banks or rating agencies.  Simply stating, "I have good credit" changes nothing, nor does the statement merit the attention of creditors.  Credit can only be given by others for service to them, i.e. paying them on time.

So, credit is the result of serving others - in many ways.  You cannot claim education, victory, experience, success, reputation, or a suave demeanor.  Each of these is a gift from others, as a result of your service to them.  Friends recognize your courage as a result of your being cool under pressure.  Your success is recognized by others only once you have served them well.  Knowledge of your career field is recognized by others only after it's been applied to situations in the form of more service.

In the accounting world of income and expense, a debit is something paid out, while a credit is something received.  Thus all credits are received from others - not by our own making.  The debits - what we pay out - are our efforts, persistence, and service.  How they are rated is not under our control, but is determined by those served.

Without service, there are few rewards.  Yet, you've seen those who insist on getting more attention than they deserve.  They feel they're being short-changed, that they are not appreciated, that they are always the victim.  If you look more closely at their contributions, you are also likely to see the dearth of service they are offering.

With service, credit follows.  It may be subtle or quite visible - but it always follows.  Concentrate on what you have to offer and forget the rewards.  Those who are served will pick up the tab!

Here is a copy of today's Morning Coffee for your referrence.

-Bob

GO RETRO - SIMPLIFY!

You've heard that it's good to "take time to smell the roses." You may have also read how Steven Covey encourages you in "Seven Habits" to take time to "sharpen the saw." You no doubt have also experienced the frustration of trying to find even a spare moment for yourself.

Why do so many sources advise taking time off for yourself for thoughtful introspection? Don't they know it's impossible in today's fast-paced world of money, soccer games, career challenges, family responsibilities, church & school activities, and so much more?

In fact, our society is totally preoccupied with all of the above. For those living in a big city, or even the suburbs, the pressure is even greater. Those who live in the country at least enjoy a little peace and serenity at the end of the day.

How did this happen? It's simple - or at least it was in the 1950's. Back then there were two kinds of soap - Lifebouy and Ivory. There were four automakers - GM, Ford, Chrysler, and American Motors. There were no computers or Internet, and long-distance was used only to inform relatives of illness or death. A schoolteacher's most serious behavior challenge was passing notes in class. Families watched "I Love Lucy!" together. There was no MTV. Divorces were rare.

Today the choices that face us each day are awesome. Which of many Internet providers or long-distance services should you use? Which cell phone or notebook computer should you have? Where will you find the money for the special dress, chauffeur, and professional photograph required for your daughter's fifth-grade "Prom"?

The world is spinning so fast, and isn't likely to slow down soon. As usual, relief must come from within. While you can't change the world's pace, you are free to change and simplify your own life. Simplify, simplify, simplify. Most importantly, take time to create those special moments that "take your breath away."

READY TO BEGIN AGAIN?

Have a child or grandchild who graduated this last year?  Whether it's high school or college, commencement exercises mark the end of a full curriculum of education - or do they?  In fact, why not ask the graduate?

After four or more years of study, homework, reports, science projects, and exams, many graduates would quickly answer that commencement marks the end of their education.  In fact, you can often hear students reinforce that line of thinking in their lament, "I'll never pick up another book as long as I live!"

The definition of "commencement" leads, however, in another direction.  It is the beginning, not the end, of a bright future.  It is the beginning of a life-long quest for knowledge, not the slamming shut of the books that opened so many new doors.

If it's been a few years since you graduated, perhaps you might also benefit from a renewed commencement - by opening some new doors to your own life-long learning curve.  When's the last time you attended a workshop, bought a recorded educational series, or thought about taking college courses or embarking on a new degree track?

Enjoy!

THESE SHOES ARE MADE FOR WALKING!!

Remember one of the ancient sayings from your first-grade teacher?  It went something like this: "We learn to do by doing."  So . . . from "Chicken Soup" comes this story by John Holt:

"Not many years ago I began playing the cello.  Most people would say that what I am doing is 'learning to play' the cello.  But these words carry into our minds the strange idea that there exist two very different processes: 1) learning to play the cello; and 2) playing the cello.  They imply that I will do the first until I have completed it, at which point I will stop the first process and begin the second.  In short, I will go on 'learning to play' until I have 'learned to play' and then I will begin to play.  Of course, this is nonsense.  There are not two processes, but one.  We learn to do something by doing it.  There is no other way."

How do we learn to swim?  Do we get the basics in a classroom, taught to us on a chalkboard, and then hit the pool like Mark Spitz or Esther Williams?  How about riding a bike?  Do we study the laws of physics, the effects of gravitational pull, or other Einstein-like theories, and then launch ourselves into the top spot in the "Tour de France?"  No - we just fall down and scrape our knees a lot.

Want to add new direction to your life?  Begin walking in that direction.  Put one foot in front of the other.  In other words, "Just do it!"  It all begins with your imagination harnessing the power of your mind and the energy of your body.  Once you choose a new role for your life, don't learn the part - act the part.  One other thing - don't let that "single thorn of experience" deter you!

LEAVE A LEGACY!

In one of William Bennett's books, he tells a story about Ben Franklin's death. It seems that old Ben made a special gift in his will. In it, he left 1,000 pounds to the cities of Philadelphia and Boston with specific instructions. They were to set up a program of loans to young men under the age of 25, married, and who had successfully completed an apprenticeship, needing startup money for a trade or business. The money was to be loaned at 5% interest. The loan program was to continue for 200 years.

At the end of 100 years, the two cities were to withdraw $100,000 each for public projects, and continue lending the balance as stated above. At the end of 200 years, the fund was to be split between Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Boston, and Massachusetts. In the year 1990 there was $6,500,000 in the fund. For 200 years, Ben Franklin helped young men get started in business by making those funds available, and had $6.5 million left over.

Just think of the many ways you and I could benefit our families, the community, or the lives of total strangers if we just took the initiative exhibited by Ben Franklin. By setting up a similar fund that earns just 5%, it would contain $17,292,581 at the end of 200 years. The purpose could be educational loans for family members.

Set aside $1,000 now and add just $100 per month to it for ten years, earning 5% on loans made from the account, and the fund would have $17,157. After the ten-year period of adding $100 per month, no more money is added and it continues to be loaned at 5% for the next 190 years. At the end of 200 years, the fund would contain $181,141,192. At that point, it could be converted to an outright "grant" program to which family members could apply for education funds.

Instead of focusing on just your immediate family, think about the legacy you could leave by planning much further into the future. Thanks to the "future value of money" concept, you could provide valuable support to many future generations. It's just a thought, but why couldn't we give it a try?

Make it a great week!

-Bob

YOU CAN'T HIDE!

In an old "Peanuts" comic strip, Snoopy sits listening to Linus and Charlie Brown having a conversation. Linus asks Charlie, "Do you ever feel like running away?" Charlie answers, "Of course . . . sometimes I feel like I want to run away from everything." In the next panel, Snoopy is seen considering their conversation as he thinks to himself, "I remember having that feeling once when I was at the Daisy Hill Puppy Farm. I climbed over the fence, but I was still in the world."

If you've ever tried climbing "over the fence," a.k.a. getting away from it all, you undoubtedly also realized that you were "still in the world." It's actually quite difficult to get away from yourself, isn't it? The good news is - there's no need to.

The phrase "You have no problems, you only think you do," carries the solution. No matter what you consider a problem, it's really the way it affects you that is your concern. If someone has been short with you and you feel hurt, you might try running away from the hurt. If you do, you'll find that the feeling of hurt goes with you. Only when you stop, plant your feet, and say, "I'm not going to feel hurt," will the problem go away. In other words, it's not you that needs to go away, but the concern itself, and you are the one to send it packing.

Remember when Dorothy ran away to the Land of Oz? Her problems only multiplied. She was chased by a witch and strange flying monkeys. Her mind conjured up a Tin Man, a Scarecrow, and a Cowardly Lion to help her. Her imagination led her down a Yellow Brick Road in search of a Wizard who wasn't a wizard at all. Consider what great lengths she went to in order to solve her problems. Yet, only when she confronted the Wizard face-to-face did she realize there "was no place like home."

The next time you have the urge to run away, leave your "ruby slippers" behind. Just sit down face to face with your "Auntie Em." You'll be amazed at the outcome.

Make it a great week!

KEEP A YOUNG MIND!

Don't believe the phrase "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." Creativity isn't only for artists, writers, or musicians. Creativity isn't just what is represented by a canvas or a novel or a song. We can all be creative in our own way, and the most common way that we can all do this is through learning.

As long as we continue to learn and to try new things, we keep our minds fresh and young, and we engage in the act of "creating ourselves" continually. Today's world presents plenty of opportunities for learning, especially about the environment, other cultures, and technology. Technology itself provides ever-easier ways of accessing knowledge through computers and the Internet. And no one is too young or too old to start!

Look around you at the most vital and energetic seniors you know. What do they have in common? A continuing interest in learning and sharing their knowledge and experience with others - so they are engaged constantly in the process. They keep their minds challenged and young, and in so doing, feel younger in body and spirit. They are certainly different than in their youth, but they continue the learning that began there.

Each new phase of our lives brings us new challenges and opportunities for growth. Growing older necessarily means learning new things. We are constantly creating ourselves in this way, and we can adapt ourselves to any situation by that continuing act of creativity that keeps us young.