Happy Birthday Daughter

Do You Feel Lucky Punk? A Thought on Luck.

Luck doesn't exist. I'm  not a believer in luck in the sense of it being some externally provided leg-up - any fool would succeed with it - contribution to life.  What I do believe in are two very real experiences: Opportunity and Preparation, and if you combine these two you will get something that looks remarkably like LUCK.

Preparation - hard and regular work to develop ability and wisdom. Time practicing, studying and experiencing life-on-life's terms can make us ready for success.  We become able - to mow a lawn in a speedy and immaculate manner (ok so not a real complicated skill, but work with me here).

Opportunity - the availability of a space (time and place) to use one's skills to be successful.  We have a chance - the neighbor  asks us to mow the lawn hours before they return from vacation and have a large party (again, a bit simplified, but you get the idea)

When opportunity meets preparation - as 'luck' would have it you are able to mow the lawn beautifully and subsequently, the head of rapidly growing gardening company attends the party and decides to hire you to train his 100+ member crews - for a nice salary (I know - but it could happen).  Some would say you got lucky - I say opportunity met preparation.

I'm not really saying I don't believe in LUCK - I'm saying we can view it differently. Do you feel lucky, Punk? Well, do you?

In Between

dusk and flickering 

candles. 

sensations of 

in between

gentle caresses

the last scent

yesterday's 

cookies, baked 

and eaten. 

in between

a leaf falling 

upward, riding on 

the breeze 

summer's heat

in between

silent breath

your voice 

pausing between 

words

measured with 

care

in between

the end

the beginning

the alpha

the omega

the dream

the reality

we can't live here 

for more than

a moment

in between

Dusting Off An Old Saying

Do you ever hear someone cut loose with an old saying or figure of speech that brings a blast from the past?

I heard a man say to a colleague last week, "Your getting a little long in the tooth for that." I haven't heard that one in a long while.

Do you know what "long in the tooth" refers to? No fair searching Google - ok, go ahead - I won't tell. 

To Tweet or Not to Tweet - 5 Tips

Twitter is a rapidly growing platform. I enjoy using Twitter both personally (@WilliamsKim) and professionally (@BEMinteractive). A recent Tweet from (@PracticalWisdom) about tweeting in a meeting got me thinking: As more people value Twitter for communication and information sharing, when is it ok to Tweet in a meeting and when should we refrain?

I'll share a personal prejudice and then 5 tips for your consideration. I'm over 50, so my educational era (error?) is one that preceded much of the technology that we enjoy today. I was exposed to classrooms, lectures and presentations when the speaker was due unwavering attention. To talk, shuffle papers, or read something other than handouts/outlines was disrespectful. I'm accustom to something akin to lofty respect for those who stand before you to teach, inspire and guide. Multitasking electronic communication - even electronic note taking - fractures this paradigm.  I've experimented with tweeting in a variety of settings and had some useful and some embarrassing (that's another post) results. So, what of tweeting during meetings and other gatherings?

 I think there are certain environments that are more appropriate than others for tweeting. Here some suggested guidelines:

1. Consider the setting. If it is a Tweet-Up event, then a certain amount of twitter activity is expected. However, don't assume that everything is up for grabs. There may be moments when someone is presenting or speaking and needs you attention. If you are meeting with your boss, tweeting about the conversation might be a bit much.

2. Ask the Speaker/Leader. If an event has a formal speaker scheduled, ask about their preference regarding tweeting.

3. When in doubt don't tweet. You can always make notes to tweet or blog/tweet about later.

4. Consider your followers. If you are a 3-4 tweet a day person, you can alarm your followers if you start sending 10-20 meeting notes or quote snippets out while attending a 1 hour Tweet-Up.

5. Determine your goal for the event. If you are there to promote or share information "real-time" via Social then your use of Twitter is helpful. However, if you are attending to learn something new, there is some research that seems to indicate that electronic multi-tasking (especially via twitter) may interfere with your ability to hear and retain complex information. 

Flight

Flight

Flight is best when

The sky is blue

Your course is clear

The Wind is gentle

and

Friends are at your side

Ordinary Man vs Happy Idiot

A few weeks back while mowing the lawn I concluded that everyone should want to be me.

Here's the scene. I'm pushing  the mower across the front lawn in 90+ degree heat, drenched with sweat, listening to some iPod music - exhausted - it occurs to me that I have a modest life. I have a modest home and car both with loans. I'm doing my own lawn work. I'm short, have arthritis, am going bald and I'm over 1/2 a century old. But here's the kicker - I'm deeply happy.

From the outside looking in you might miss it, but I have a wonderful, enjoyable, modest, ordinary life. More of my days are about peace, laughter, satisfaction and joy than not. Yes, I've concluded everyone should want to be me.

Of course, it could be I was permanently affected by the heat and am now just a "happy idiot." I like it.

Since You Asked

Someone, who reads my blog regularly, asked me today "Don't you EVER have a bad day?"

Yes - truly I must confess sometimes I do. Yet, those bad days become blips on my joyful life, mere moments of disconnect and soon my life is back again.

Just as proof - I'll share a few words penned in the midst of one of those disconnected moments.


Please

please, leave me alone
be gone you deafening blanket of despair
be gone

leave, and vacate my soul
let there be emptiness, darkness, nothing, void

please, let there be room for the light again
come, come spirit of hope, feather-light
brilliant presence an uplifting touch
come

please take my down turned chin
lift my face again to the sun. please.

They Work Forward and Backwards - BackWords

It may technically be called a palindrome, but I think it's just "backwords." Backwords is my made-up term for words that spell a word in either direction.

Some of my favorites are:

lived - devil

desserts – stressed

redrawer – rewarder

deliver – reviled

gateman – nametag

leveler – relevel

evil - live

Do you know of any other "backwords?"

Fast Company Social Influence Experiment

I recently discovered this Fast Company experiment. It looks most interesting not only for the ‘contest’ nature of the program, but as an exercise in using Social to Market to those committed to Social. Take a minute and follow the link, let the page load and check out the cool collage!

Fast Company is searching for 2010's Most Influential Person Online. You are more influential than you think. http://fcinf.com/v/dan4

They tell me ...

"Kim,

Thank you for participating in Fast Company's The Influence Project.
You're about to find out how influential you really are.

Your unique, personalized 'influencer' URL is:

http://fcinf.com/v/dan4/welcome

Click on the above link, and start influencing!

Remember:
1) You can use any means to spread your unique link to your online network.
We shortened it for you so you can share on Twitter and Facebook.
2) Your goal is to influence as many people to click on it as possible.
3) You want those people to sign up as well, since they will be spreading
your influence along with their own.
4) You can track how your influence has grown, where it's led, and where you
stand at any time on the site.
5) Your picture is going to be in the November issue of Fast Company
magazine, where we'll reveal the most influential person online!

Thank you,
The Fast Company team"

You're Welcome???

10 Day Changers - #10

There are things I do and say that make my day great. This 10 day series is about those things.

10. Saying "I Thank You". When I say "I thank you" to others, I feel more grateful. Plus, when people hear the 'I" it impacts them more. People do care about others. When I let people know I respect and appreciate them, we all seem to fare better. So, I Thank You for being here today and for sharing in my little 10 Day Changers series.

10 Day Changers - #9

There are things I do and say that make my day great. This 10 day series is about those things.

9. Drive Carefully. When I lock my phone in the glove box and focus 100% on driving. I'm a better driver and when I'm a better driver, I'm a happier person. I can do more to make the roads a better place and, although I might be a bit delusional about this part, it might just catch on and help others change.

10 Day Changers - #8

There are things I do and say that make my day great. This 10 day series is about those things.

8. Random act of kindness. I can do more of this. Leave a note thanking someone for helping you. Offer some assistance to a stranger. Open a door for someone. Give a more 'rookie' colleague a word of encouragement. Stay 15 minutes late at work - working. Pay for the food of the people behind you at the drive through. Have fun helping without being asked.

10 Day Changers - #7

There are things I do and say that make my day great. This 10 day series is about those things.

7. Eat fresh fruit. As simple as it sounds, eating something fresh is a game changer. there is a trick to it, of course. I have to stop everything else and be aware of the moment. If I pay attention to the peeling of the banana and the act of biting and chewing and the fact that I'm taking the time to fuel my body with something healthy  - then, it's a game changer.

10 Day Changers - #6

There are things I do and say that make my day great. This 10 day series is about those things.

6. Take a hike. I do hike often, but what I'm referring to here is more of a simple walk. I will get up from my work and walk for 5 minutes. A brisk walk down the hall or around the building always rearranges things. It is a great stress reliever and a powerful perspective changer. Stand up and walk away - just remember to walk back, too. 

10 Day Changers - #5

There are things I do and say that make my day great. This 10 day series is about those things.

5. Call for back-up. Life isn't meant to be taken on alone. I have a short list of people whose wisdom and opinion I trust. I call and visit with them. I talk over my challenges and victories with them. Most importantly, I don't make significant decisions without them.  When life on life's terms is getting the best of me, I call for back-up.

10 Day Changers - #4

There are things I do and say that make my day great. This 10 day series is about those things.

4. Use a 'mantra.' I have a small plastic card of positive affirmations that I have memorized, so I often recite (yes, out loud) them as I drive. Recite one of them 10 times and they work. Every time. Every single time. Here are a couple of them: 1. Today I will win. Why? I'll tell you why - because I have faith, courage and enthusiasm. -Tom Hopkins 2. I have the exact tools I need for the exact challenges of this day. I'm well equipped. 3. Today is a gift. I am immensely grateful for it.

10 Day Changers - #3

There are things I do and say that make my day great. This 10 day series is about those things.

3. Read. Just read for readings sake. When I take 15 minutes and read - without listening to music, watching my email come in, or being tempted to answer the phone - I learn something and then (get this part, it is important) I take 5-10 minutes to let what I read sink in. I just sit and think about what I read. there is something magical about down-time in between exposure to new information.

10 Day Changers - #2

There are things I do and say that make my day great. This 10 day series is about those things.

2. Smile more. Do it now. Stretch that face with a big 'I'm up to something FUN" grin. I try to smile a lot every day. Yes, sometime people wonder what I'm up to, but more often than not - they smile with me. Who couldn't use a community of grinning people every day?

10 Day Changers - #1

There are things I do and say that help make my days great. This 10 day series is about those things.

1. Begin with some silence. Each morning after I shower, dress and am ready for the day, I sit for a minute or two in the chair by the bed. With my eyes close, I remind myself of why I am living today, of the things that are important, truly important to me. Then I ask the Divine to make me aware of the design for my life and give me power to carry it out.

10 Things You Learn When You're Home Alone

My wife is traveling in Europe. While I am enjoying the time alone at home, I'm learning some interesting things:

1. Brown clothing is best washed in the dark load.

2. We use a lot of water on the plants - Thirsty little things.

3. A fish can go days without being fed, apparently (note to self - feed fish)

4. There are many things I obviously don't remember without a reminder.

5. I really don't read the newspaper - I just bring it inside.

6. Absence (abstinence?) does make the heart grow fonder.

7. I will eat about anything if it is handy, doesn't smell rotten or look too fuzzy.

8. My dogs are neurotic and needy (another note - feed the dogs).

9. Things get dusty.

10. I like the bed being made before I climb in at night.

A Glimpse at My Weekend

Reflections On Yourself

reflect on

this

can you gaze

in the mirror where

you will find

yourself

gazing into

yourself

with

kindness

yes

you can

Top Five FAILS You're Doing in Life - Number 1

A quick series of posts on the 5 things that are "DONT'S" in life, in descending order. I know this for a fact. Let's just leave it at that.

1. Failure to Dream Your Dream.

At the heart of our life is the passion we carry for life itself - our dreams. Too often we get busy doing and don't take the time to be - to believe in ourselves and what is important to us. Who or what cause is of core importance to you? What are your forgotten passions?

Penitence for this loss of dreaming is as follows. Remember that time when you tingled with lie and joy? Write it down right now. Capture in words on paper that moment of life and promise yourself you will find it again. Then, complete this little exercise by sharing that moment with someone else (maybe even here in the comments).

Top Five FAILS You're Doing in Life - Number 2

A quick series of posts on the 5 things that are "DONT'S" in life, in descending order. I know this for a fact. Let's just leave it at that.

2. Resting the Body and Mind too Seldom.

Studies tell us that we need sleep. For some of us we need 6-8 hours each day of restful, safe sleep. We neglect our body and mind's need for down time and push, push through life consuming artifical stimulants and frantically engaging digital prompts - and along the way we get too tired. We shut down the more creative and liberating moments of ourselves.

Penitence for this overworking of your mind and body is as follows. Shut everything off an hour early tonight. Drink a cup of warm tea and then get your  tired body in a dark comfortable bed and sleep. Do it and come back here for more tomorrow.

Top Five FAILS You're Doing in Life - Number 3

A quick series of posts on the 5 things that are "DONT'S" in life, in descending order. I know this for a fact. Let's just leave it at that.

3. Speaking too Few Kind Words.

Our criticisms and curses are ready to leap from our mouths when given a pause in the conversation. We whine about people, places and things - effortlessly. How often do we speak kindness into our places of work, family or recreation? From a simple 'thank you' to a sincere compliment - our words have great life giving power to others.

Penitence for this lack of kind speech is as follows. Right now, walk up to the nearest person and give them a compliment. Do it now and come back here for more tomorrow.

Top Five FAILS You're Doing in Life - Number 4

A quick series of posts on the 5 things that are "DONT'S" in life, in descending order. I know this for a fact. Let's just leave it at that.

4. Listening too Casually.

Did you really hear what was said today? To listen, unrestricted, to the words, tone, and emotions of someones' speech is a profound gift and the only real way to connect. Did you hear the world around you today? The sound of the wind or the buzz of the crowd signals us that we are alive. Listen to the rhythm of your workplace. What is it telling you?

Penitence for this deafness to life is as follows. Close your eyes and listen until you can identify 10 different sounds around you. Do it now and come back here for more tomorrow.

Top Five FAILS You're Doing in Life - Number 5

A quick series of posts on the 5 things that are "DONT'S" in life, in descending order. I know this for a fact. Let's just leave it at that.

5. Playing too Little.

Face it. We don't play enough. We laugh too seldom, run too little, jump over curbs and duck under branches way too infrequently. We need play to be fully alive.

Penitence for this lack of FUN is as follows. Call a friend and make a funny sound over the phone. Yes, THAT sound. Do it and then come back here for more tomorrow.