Mark McIntosh's Blog, page 10

Pep Talk: "Painful Forces Shield"

“It’s like I’m riding a wave of prayer right now,” mentioned a beloved buddy battling cancer. The father of six was giving a journey update to fellow goofs gathered for our usual Friday morning fellowship.
It has already included surgery to remove a tumor from his neck. That left a scar running from behind the left ear, down the neck before taking a right turn and heading toward the Adam’s apple. I’ve written before about his kids joking, “It looks like Dad got in a fight with a shark.”
The fight against cancer is no joke and has entered a phase of intense radiation. The outstanding faith-based marriage counselor passed around a picture of him strapped into a Hannibal Lector-looking mask for the first blast of, we pray, cancer-killing radiation. For treatments to be effective he must remain perfectly still. A steel cage encircles his head and is bolted to a gurney-like apparatus. It ensures the noggin’ remains still and the laser can do its job. He cracks with a smile, “It’s a little bit uncomfortable.”
What’s been absolutely admirable is this man’s spirit. It comes from his faith. A belief that God has a plan. The tsunami of encouragement has certainly helped. “I received a wonderful hand-written card the other day from a guy I’ve never met,” offered this warrior. “He survived similar stuff and wanted to encourage me not to lose faith in miracles.”
The utterance of “encourage” warmed my marrow on this chilly and snowy Centennial State morning. Icy and slick roads kept attendance to a minimum. Usually there’s 10-12 dudes gathered around the large conference table. On this day, just four braved the elements to sharpen our faith. I’m damn glad to have been one of them.
Life a tad challenging right now? I would suspect the answer is yes. We all have “stuff” threatening our physical, emotional or financial health. We should never grow weary of encouraging one another to courageously confront the battles. Devoted Pep Talk readers know your scribe’s love for encouragement, defined as, “To give hope and confidence to.”
Can you imagine? What the heck would our world look like if we, empowered by encouragement, displayed more hope and confidence? Considering I’m running for political office, it’s impossible to resist: What would our country look like if we had more hope and confidence in our political system presenting candidates who truly represent the will of the people? A topic for another day.
Cancer-fighting buddy mentioned something else that still resonates. He talked of a preacher’s recent sermon about those who sniff out counterfeit money. “They only handle real money. They become experts in how it feels and smells. This way, they know what a fake looks like.”
This week, let’s not fake anything. Let’s be real and realize the importance of encouraging one another. It’s a shield of hope and confidence against painful forces blasting our world and well being. Miracles are welcome too.

Pep Talk: "We'll Win Often"

Peyton Manning’s emotional words during a retirement press conference still resonate almost a week after he walked away from professional football following 18 seasons. Especially ones concerning what will be missed most about playing football at all levels: youth, high school, college and the NFL.
The certain Hall-of-Fame quarterback did not mention any particular game, play or pass when speaking of the most difficult adjustment to life after the gridiron grind: “I will miss relationships forged in the locker room, weight room, film room and training room.” Relationships. For most of us, easy to initiate but challenging to sustain. Because of life-altering situations, like ocean tides, they seem to rise and recede.
Manning was a gifted quarterback. However, the Louisiana native’s greatest skill is the spirit he brought to football and brings to life. Success, money and fame born from #18‘s ability to dissect defenses pales in comparison to an ability to relate with others in a genuine and caring way. The 39-year-old talked about a “reverence” for football. He has it for relationships too.
My younger brother Matt possesses similar skills. Your knucklehead scribe had the pleasure of being reminded of this recently during a visit to south Florida to play in a tournament with the nine-handicap golf enthusiast. The father of two, grandpa to one and his lovely wife own a winter home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. My darling bride and I spent four wonderful days with them in the warm tropics playing golf and hanging out. Two brothers channeled the spirit of our late golf-loving father in winning our flight of the Coral Ridge Country Club’s annual member/guest tournament. We had a blast.
What’s it take to forge healthy and productive relationships? What is it about Manning, a sibling, his wife, my wife and others who, like magnets, seem to draw adoration and respect? It’s just one simple dude from Missouri’s opinion but it starts with their devotion to adoring and respecting others. The law of circulation rearing its beautiful head.
What’s the old adage? Treat others the way we’d like to be treated? I can only speak for myself, yet suspect it’s true of everyone referenced in this Pep Talk, but during formative years treating others with respect and dignity was emphasized and expected by parents and other mentors. All children need and deserve such wise counsel.
It’s a foundational principle to Victory’s A Stronger Cord wellness outreach movement. It does not matter where we live, color of our skin or nature of how we become involved with one another. We’re flawed and as we like to joke, “One step from stupid.”  However, ASC’s a program designed to encourage all to become more fit, connected and giving. Healthier. It starts with how we treat one another.

Desire dignity and respect? Start with reverently delivering those traits to others. I know, simple, not easy. Venues differ but the strategy’s the same. Never grow weary of it because we’ll win often. In football, golf, business and life!

Pep Talk: "Walking The Proper Path"

It has been an absolute blast walking neighborhoods on Denver’s near east side in the quest to get on the ballot in seeking to replace term-limited Lois Court in Colorado’s House District 6.
I think it appeals to the journalist buried within your knucklehead scribe and an innate curiosity to how people think. This much I know in meeting folks on the street, at their door or being invited into their homes: not many are happy with the state of politics in our communities, local and national.
But that’s not what this Pep Talk is about. It’s a message of thanks to those who take the time to walk with me. Not only for this campaign, but also in life. Canvassing’s a great way to get some exercise, talk about the issues and meet some new friends. If you’d like to join me, let me know.
I also learn a ton from friendly residents who open their doors and from those who stroll alongside. On a recent spectacular and sunny day a dear friend did just that for two hours. He heard the “pitch” presented to those who opened their doors and listened. It’s a simple message about, at this time, trying like heck to gather the necessary 1,000 signatures from registered Democrats in the district to gain entry onto the June 28th primary ballot. We’re just asking for a chance to compete for their vote.
The man who walked with me had a successful career in business and great acumen when it comes to sales. After listening to the RISE UP with Mark message for a few hours he offered some smart advice about the presentation. I took it to heart immediately. It’s wonderful to have a coach sometimes, right? Someone you know has your back and truly desires to help? It’s comforting and inspiring.
Toward the end of our walk, my mentor also pointed out something that troubled him. Quite frankly, it was laziness on my part. I had become sloppy and would occasionally walk across a lawn to the next house. “Mark, think about it. You’re not the only one walking on their lawn. Be respectful. It will leave a good impression.”
The devoted Kiwanian was spot on. I had temporarily lost focus in the rush to reach as many people as possible. It comes down to attention to detail. Doing the little things right. The two hours we spent together was fruitful for catching up on our lives and collecting signatures. But also, at least for me, of fine-tuning the canvassing game and more important, being reminded about a critical lesson of life: Attention to detail and walking the proper path.

This week seek out a mentor, spend time together and welcome a critique of your game. It might be just what the doctor ordered to help you become superior to your former self and keep you on the path to success!

Pep Talk: "Big Mac Attack"

“Where I come from we call those things “Big Mac” conversations.” The statement from a visitor to our weekly Friday morning gathering of knuckleheads stimulated a unanimous nodding of the head from dudes assembled around the conference table.
The words flowed from the lips of a dear friend, Chester, visiting from our shared hometown of Kansas City. He’s a smart guy, devoted husband, attentive father and one of those “brothers from another mother” of mine. I love this man dearly. We’ve known each other from our college days at Mizzou.
The successful medical sales pro had spent the night before visiting with the men, women and children who had assembled for our weekly Thursday night A Stronger Cord wellness outreach movement. There the 57-year-old shared thoughts about the importance of relationships and, always, trying like heck, “To take the high road.” Simple, not easy, right?
It has certainly worked for him in a long and successful business career, long and successful tenure as a husband, father and friend. The HUGE Kansas City Royals’ fan credits his father, now 88, for showing him the way with a very simple but highly effective strategy about life: “Hang out with the Positrons, avoid the Negatoids and recruit the Tweeners.”
It’s not as if Chester’s life has been without its struggles. Each hip has been replaced, back and neck issues have led to several surgeries and hamper his mobility. Familial, professional and friend relationships have ebbed and flowed over time, but this man’s spirit about life has never wavered from the teaching of his father. A man I know and respect like heck too. We all would benefit if, especially when aggravated, somehow figuring out a way to, “Take the high road and be a positive influence to those we touch.”
Now back to his comment about “Big Mac” conversations. The devout Missouri Tiger fan was talking about the critical importance of participating in “meaningful adult conversations,” or MAC. To put it another way, addressing the big ol’ elephant sitting in the middle of the room. 
For instance, in running for Colorado House District 6, I’m encouraging everybody to understand we need to have a meaningful adult conversation about having a Constitutional convention to clean up the mess that is the Centennial State’s most important document. I’ll get off my soapbox now. 
When is it time this week to devour a Big Mac? According to Wikipedia, the tasty burger was first introduced by McDonald’s in the Pittsburgh-area almost 50 years ago. It contains more than 500 calories and is high in fat and sodium. Bad for us.
However, when talking about “Big Mac” conversations, it would be very healthy for us to consume all the saturated fats and salt we can handle. Meaningful adult conversations make our lives better at home, work and wherever else we roam. They cost much less than the burger and add great social value.
Feast on Big Macs this week through inquisitive, respectful and constructive adult conversations. An overindulgence there broadens the mind and does no harm to the waistline.

Pep Talk: "Worthy of Attention and Effort"

“I scored my first hat trick right here,” were proud words flowing off my tongue. No, the topic was not hockey. Your scribe never learned to ice skate well enough to brag about such an accomplishment.
No, I was chatting up a friend as we stood in Denver’s Cherry Creek North (CCN) shopping district. I live nearby and frequently cruise through the pedestrian-friendly area looking for Democrats.
I’ve written a bit about running for Colorado’s State House District 6. It’s quite a chore to get on the ballot. This aging jock is trying through petition and needs to gather 1,000 registered Democrat signatures. All from District 6 and before April 4th. The clock is ticking. The persuasive shoes are on.
I was sharing that on a CCN street corner, a rookie politician had won the lottery after running into long-time friends and their daughter. Democrats, registered in the district and willing to sign! A cord of three strands not easily broken. Hat Trick!
It’s been an interesting few weeks. The window to gather signatures opened February 1st. Since then I’ve been walking neighborhoods. The district stretches, north to south, from Colfax to Florida and, west to east from Downing to Havana.
The journey has been an absolute blast. Mother Nature has helped tremendously. Denver’s weather has been fantastic. Canvassing neighborhoods in brilliant sunshine, warm temperatures and the positive hangover of the Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 title? Folks, not exactly torture. 
People are fascinating. My mind wanders to one of the first to open their door and hear the “I’m am empty nester, passionate about serving others and believe I have the skill set to be an effective lawmaker, “ spiel. The message was to Gerry, 92 years young, feisty and eager to tell a story of being a woman who loves to work on cars and root for the Rockies. 
Many folks don’t answer the knock, are too busy, or, upon hearing of the political slant to my appearance, slam the door. There are many (maybe you’re one) quite disappointed with our nation’s political process. At all levels, local, state and national. Count me in that group. We can do better. That’s why I’m running. I have a history of encouraging others to rise up and come up with creative solutions to the challenges before us. I’d like to bring that spirit to public service.
A most heart-warming moment came on one of the final door knocks of a fruitful canvass effort. The evening sun was setting and providing the “Purple Mountain’s Majesty” that makes living in Colorado so special. A friendly middle-aged man had answered his door, signed the petition and said, “Come back in about 30 minutes. My husband will be home and I’m sure he’ll sign too.” 
Progress. A good thing. Whether gathering signatures, who we wed or another slice of life tender to your soul. The pursuit of becoming superior to our former selves. 
Noble and worthy of attention and effort this week!

Pep Talk: "Timeless Advice"

Anybody remember the name Lloyd Shearer? Perhaps a better question is, “Do you remember the name Walter Scott?”
Don’t scramble your brain too much. Here’s some info straight from Wikipedia: Lloyd "Skip" Shearer (December 20, 1916 – May 27, 2001) was a celebrity gossip columnist. From 1958 to 1991 he wrote “Walter Scott’s Personality Parade" in Parade magazine. In this column he used the name Walter Scott and discussed rumors about celebrities using a question and answer style. Today, it sounds like he would have been perfect to write for Star, Us or People. Hey, darling wife makes me read them each weekend.
Anyway, Shearer began writing in high school, continued through collegiate studies at the University of North Carolina and then, in 1941, was drafted into the U.S. Army. The New York City native continued to write for the military magazine YANK. After the Second World War, Shearer became a correspondent for the NY Times before landing at Parade and starting the gossip column under the Walter Scott name. He wrote the column for more than 30 years before the progression of Parkinson’s disease forced him to retire.
I had never heard of the man until a recent speaking engagement. I was delivering remarks about Victory’s A Stronger Cord wellness outreach movement to members of the University Hills’ Rotary Club. One of the club members, responsible for delivering weekly inspirational thoughts, offered up this gem, attributed to Shearer from late 1984. It was directed toward motivating folks for the upcoming year of 1985. 
The truth of Shearer’s words still ring true today. He starts with: “No one will ever get out of this world alive. Resolve, therefore, to maintain a reasonable sense of values.”
Take care of yourself. Good health is everyone’s major source of wealth. Without it, happiness in almost impossible.Resolve to be cheerful and helpful. People will repay you in kind.Avoid angry, abrasive persons. They are generally vengeful.Avoid zealots. They are generally humorless.Resolve to listen more and talk less. No one ever learns anything by talking.Be wary of giving advice. Wise men don’t need it and fools won’t heed it.Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and wrong. Sometime in life, we have been all of these.Do not equate money with success. There are many successful moneymakers who are miserable failures as human being. What counts most about success is how a person achieves it.

Eight wise thoughts about productive values and winning this roller coaster journey we call life. Let’s live them this week. Thanks Lloyd, aka Walter. Regardless of your name, the advice is timeless!

Pep Talk: "Wise To Emulate"

It’s the usual Sunday afternoon time when this weekly musing about life makes it way around the globe. But this is no ordinary Sunday. It’s Super Bowl 50, with the Broncos trying to upset the favored Carolina Panthers.
The competition for your attention is formidable, but I sure hope many find time to read a story about perseverance. It recently unfolded in front of my eyes while in Chicago to host a corporate event. As a motivational speaker, author and consultant, it’s my job at these types of gatherings to get the crowd, as College Hall of Fame football coach Bill McCartney would say, “Wired, fired and inspired.”
I did get paid afterward, nobody was throwing rotten tomatoes at your knucklehead scribe and the crowd seemed energized. But it had little to do with my effort. No, the kudos must go to a pretty cool lady, Kim Gottschalk. A senior executive in the staffing world, a friend and an inspiration to many. During the broadcast of the big game from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, announcers will boast of the toughness exemplified by the players, but trust me folks, ain’t none of them any tougher than this dynamo.
The Chicago native set the tone for her company’s 2016 kickoff event by sharing a wonderful testimony to the power of having a purpose in life. It’s just my opinion, but it seems to sure help us persevere, defined as,  “to continue steadfastly especially in something difficult.”
The devoted wife and mom about five years ago began experiencing headaches, numbness in extremities and a feeling that things “Were just not right.” Doctors found a large mass, thankfully benign, inside her skull. Surgery removed the mass and began the long process of rehabilitation. A rising star in the staffing world, despite the health difficulties, continued steadfastly in her purpose. Sensitive to light in the early stages of recovery, the energetic leader would even work in the darkness of her office. 
Life throws us curveballs all the time. Physical, emotional and financial challenges arise when we least expect it. We wonder, “Why in the heck is this happening to me? The question always becomes, “We will learn from, or become a victim of, the experience?”
This week, let’s take a cue from Kim. Or, a cue from Peyton Manning. In what is probably his final game of a certain Hall of Fame career, the 39-year-old has endured injuries, a demotion and criticism for declining performance. But the Broncos’ quarterback has, despite the difficulties, continued steadfastly in purpose.
Purpose and perseverance. Which comes first? Which is more important? Questions far beyond my pay grade. This much I know, two highly successful people, Gottschalk and Manning exude them in abundance. We’d be wise to emulate!

Pep Talk: "If We Look Close Enough"

“That was a horrible night,” joked the handsome dude who works and lives in New York City. He’s my son, Kyle. He works on the writing team for NBC’s “Late Night With Seth Myers.”  Please tolerate an old man exalting the hardworking 26-year-old. It was recently announced the network renewed the show till 2021. Bravo!
He and his beautiful girlfriend were recently visiting the Mile High City.  I brought up the source of consternation. About a decade ago, my late father, older brother, featured teenage son and yours truly were crammed into a hotel room in Lincoln, Nebraska. The Cornhusker Inn was packed with fans on Thanksgiving night in preparation for the next day’s battle between the visiting Buffs and the hometown Huskers. At the time, I was a sportscaster at Denver’s CBS4 and assigned to follow the Colorado Buffaloes wherever they roamed. I loved every minute of it.
It had become a family tradition for the Kansas City-based McIntosh sports’ nuts to make the modest drive to Nebraska’s state capitol city the day after Thanksgiving. There to unite with Kyle and yours truly. It was a family foursome’s job to cheer on the Buffs in the sea of red that is Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium. On football days, with almost 90,000 in attendance, it’s the third-largest city in our nation’s 37th state, admitted in 1867.
Memory begins to fade with age, but I’ll never forget waking up on game day and having Kyle complain of a restless night. “Dad, I didn’t sleep worth a darn,” he groaned. “It sounded and smelled like a bunch of farm animals in here!”
I guess that’s what happens when hunkering down with a Grandpa past 70, an Uncle pushing 55 and an old man nearing the half-century mark. We make noises while sleeping. Few are melodious and some singe nostrils. Oh well. It’s the price paid for an all-expense paid trip - lodging, meals and ticket - to the big game. This was back in the early 2000‘s when CU head coach Gary Barnett’s Buffs were winning often. At the time, the program’s spirit oozed, “The games to remember are played in November.”
I’ll quit taking a pleasant trip down memory lane and get back to the story. Fast forward to 2016. Son is visiting from New York City. Family has gathered for dinner, having fun and his old man brought up the story of his sleepless night. Most important, the lesson Kyle’s father took from it.
I had no clue of the adverse noise or aroma permeating Kyle’s domain. I’m deaf in one ear and prone - must negate audible distractions - to sleep on the good one. Like a baby, I had completely snorted and snoozed through the tortuous overnight.
What a blessing!
It reminds me of something heard recently: “Beware of going back to what you once were, when life wants you to be something you’ve never been.” Is it just me, or do we sometimes focus too much on the negative aspects of this roller coaster we call life? I’m lucky. Deaf in one ear from a freak head injury? I’ll keep it. I can sleep anywhere. Anytime.
This week, try like heck to find some magic from life’s misfortune! Often, it’s there if we look close enough.

Pep Talk: "Pinpoint Control"

“When I have something to say,” whispered a beloved man, “People have to be quiet to hear it.”
Those powerful words came from a man with a fresh scar running from below his left ear downward across his neck and ending below his Adam’s apple, the aftermath of recent surgery to remove a large tumor in a valiant battle against thyroid cancer. Gone is a jugular vein - we have more than one - and his voice for now, but not his sense of humor.
“The kids are joking that it looks like a shark attack bite.”
The prognosis is less than optimistic. A Friday morning Bible study buddy, who I have grown to love like a brother, has Stage 4 cancer. It has spread beyond his thyroid and moved into the vascular system. An upcoming PET scan will determine strategies for moving forward. I so admire the husband and father of six for the spirit and courage he brings to this battle.
It was only fitting that the focus of our gathering of knuckleheads this particular morning was on what we can control in life. There was much banter around the table from 11 dudes in attendance. Finally, we boiled it down to pretty much this: All we really control is our attitude and actions.
Hall of Fame pitcher Greg Maddux was used as an example. He’s the first pitcher in major league history to win four consecutive Cy Young Awards (1992-95) in recognition as the best pitcher in the game. Maddux was known as the “Professor” for his skinny build and scholarly attitude.
Often after a game, when asked about his performance, Maddux would say something like, “It was good for 73 of the 78.” Now 49, the San Angelo, Texas native was referring to the fact that 73 of the 78 pitches came off his hand the way he had planned.
The 18-time Gold Glove winning pitcher realized that once the ball left his fingertips, fate was in charge. All he could control was how the pitch was delivered. After that action, weather conditions, alertness of the hitter, skills of the catcher, judgment of the umpire and abilities of teammates in the field were going to dictate the outcome.
After the rawhide sphere left his highly trained right hand, all control was gone. Maddux won 355 games (8th all time) in his long and storied career. He’s the only pitcher in major league history to win more than 300 games, have more than 3,000 strikeouts and less than 1,000 walks.
What do we control? Our attitudes and our actions, that’s about it. Most thought Maddux was too slight of build to make it to the majors. Doug Wittenberg has cancer and an uncertain future. We have our challenges, too.
This week, let’s learn from Maddux and Wittenberg. Whether demonstrating it with our hand, whisper or hearts, when it comes to our attitude and actions, let’s display pinpoint control.

Pep Talk: "Mahula, Thanks For The Reminder"

“I was standing here in 1990 in disbelief,” said the woman. “I never thought I’d live to see the day we were free.”
An attractive tour guide’s heartfelt words warmed my marrow on a brisk, wind-swept morning as we stood outside the Presidential Palace in Prague, Czech Republic. Along with darling wife and good friends Kim and Jim Gottschalk, we were wrapping up a tour of the beautiful European capitol city in a country that knows a thing or two about adversity.
“The 20th century was not the best for us,” laughed Mahula, our guide and native Prague daughter. “World War II bombed much of the city and then the Communists took control. It was a bad 50 years.”
As we stood in a grand plaza separating Czech government buildings from Saint Vitus Cathedral, a marvelous and grand structure almost 1,000 years old, I tried to imagine the moment. It was 1990, communism had failed and the Czech Republic’s first post-revolutionary president, Vaclav Havel, stood on a second-floor balcony and addressed hundreds of thousands of liberated souls. Our excellent tour guide was one of them.
We stood in silence, gusty winds chilling our bodies, but no match for the warmth felt for a woman and nation that had persevered. For whatever reason, that brief moment in time, with no words said, sent a powerful reminder to the feeble brain of your knucklehead scribe: Don’t ever give up on our future.
Throughout the three-hour tour of Prague the mother of three and I had talked about life under the close eye and restrictive hand of Soviet Union politics. “My family lost everything when the Communists took over after the war.” Everything became property of the state, including businesses, schools, churches and Mahula’s family grocery store. “My grandfather was given a salary to run the store but lost title to the property.”
Prague now bustles with tourists. It wasn’t that way before the 1989 revolt. I highly recommend a visit. The city and country’s history and the Baroque, Gothic and Classical architecture is amazing. The Vitava River runs through the middle of a city of about a million folks. The nighttime lighting is spectacular, especially the illuminated Prague Castle. Construction started in the 9th century. It sits high on the same hill where we were standing while reflecting upon that historical moment in Czech and world history.
Life not going exactly as planned right now? Does it feel as if someone else is dictating matters? That you’ve lost the ability to control your destiny? Unfortunately, it happens too often, right? Relationships crumble, loved ones perish, jobs are lost or a plethora of other calamities crash into our comfortable world and disrupt order.
A simple but truthful phrase comes to mind: “This too shall pass.”
If the going gets tough this week and it seems like someone or something is threatening  your future and your vision of a better tomorrow, remember the Czech people. Communism controlled their lives for almost half a century but nothing could quench their spirit.
We would be wise to emulate them. Never surrender dreams. Mahula, thanks for the wonderful reminder.