Mark McIntosh's Blog, page 30
May 20, 2012
Pep Talk: "Thus the Crush"
Despite the fact I have the most amazing girlfriend any knucklehead from Missouri deserves, there’s another woman. Yep, I’ve got a big crush on a gal named Thelissa Zollinger.We celebrated her birthday Saturday, in the chilly rain, with about 350 best friends. I love to sing, especially with a microphone in hand, and was honored to lead the throng in a rousing rendition of the birthday song. The crowd had gathered for the sixth “Gift of Life and Breath” 5K road race, run and walk on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical campus, which, with its impressive array of research, facilities and care, is emerging as the Mayo Clinic of the Rocky Mountain West.Despite lousy weather many appeared and endured in honor of a woman’s passion for life. This beautiful spirit - thus the crush - has a pretty darn good reason for not being so dynamic and effervescent. The way-to-early death of beloved hubby Gary. He was a good dude, successful businessman, devoted father and community leader, non smoker too. But somehow the oil and gas executive was diagnosed with cancer in each lung. This darling couple with six great kids, many darling grandkids and tons of friends fought the good fight for more than three years. They tried just about every treatment known to man, including a rare double-lung transplant.In an all-too-common theme, lung cancer won. It usually does. Do you know we lose 160,000 Americans a year to lung cancer? It kills more of us than breast, prostate, colon and melanoma combined. My father passed five years ago from it. If you’re diagnosed stage four, it’s usually one of those, “Get your affairs in order” kinda conversations.So after Gary, just before his 59th birthday, passed in 2007, Thelissa decided it was time to get busy. She refused to be a victim of the circumstance and focused on being a student of the experience. The blue-eyed bundle of energy sunk heart and soul into raising money to fund research for an early-detection test for lung cancer. Progress is being made but, unlike the four previously mentioned cancers, a reliable and affordable test remains elusive. Thelissa’s leading the charge in trying like heck to turn that personal lemon into a sweet and savory margarita for someone else. While watching her work a crowd your humble correspondent senses the spirit of late hubby encouraging, “You go girl.”As we prepared for the start of this year’s event, a bone-chilling rain poured upon participants, volunteers, vendors, sponsors and everybody else assembled for the cause. It didn’t seem to faze many. No, there seemed to be a spirit present taking attendees to a different spot: loving thoughts of loved ones lost to lung cancer.It was like, “Okay it’s rainy, cold and uncomfortable but considering what I witnessed my - fill in the blank - endure in fighting cancer. This is a walk in the park on a beautiful day.”I guess what I’m trying to say is this: it can always be worse. I can recall a recent moment while talking with a client about some marketing stuff and life. There are challenges on each front. I then remembered another buddy who, five weeks ago, lost a 25-year-old son to suicide.Life often has us wondering, “What the heck is going on around here?”Take a cue from Thelissa Zollinger. Her honorable quest to find an early-detection test for lung cancer attracts admirers - thus the crush. She’s on a mission to transform her pain into progress for others.Rarely is that not a noble endeavor. Could this be the week for you to try and transform pain into progress? What the heck, like terrific Thelissa, you might have success too! You don’t know till you try, right?Have a good week!
May 13, 2012
"Rise Above"
It was a Thursday night in the Mile High City. The town on the verge of Nuggets’ mania as the home town boys jumped to early lead against the Lakers in Game Six from Pepsi Center. I posted this to Facebook fellows:Might be one of those nights when Kobe, despite being sick as a dog, comes up with one of those gutty big games. That's what superstars do, rise above. It's true whether we're talking in basketball and beyond - home, work and elsewhere. Sorry, could resist. Thanks for letting me vent.:)Ultimately, Kobe did have a good game, scoring 31 points, but the Nuggets won to force a decisive seventh game in a series the Lakers eventually prevailed. But this Pep Talk ain’t about basketball, it’s about rising above.Sure easy to talk about ain’t it? Yeah, we can lay out the game plan for dealing with life’s challenges easily. It’s the execution of the game plan that gets tricky. This past week Mac and Doog hosted, along with Wystone’s Teas - great spot in Belmar - a fundraiser for the WilLiv Center and its founder, Marla Swanson.Life has thrown this fabulous lady several “What the heck is going on around here” moments. However, there’s resolve buried in her bones to try like heck to rise above - to use personal pain to promote progress for others. A few years back, the stay-at-home mom with two kids had the rug pulled from beneath when hubby decided marriage wasn’t his cup of tea. He disappeared from the family’s life.Marla’s world was rocked. For whatever reason, something inside whispered, “Rise above.” In 2007 Swanson founded the WilLiv - a blending of son Will and daughter Olivia’s first names - Center. The non profit’s mission is to help single moms and their kids thrust unexpectedly into one of those “WTH?” moments.WilLiv has helped many women and families over the years. It needs our help today. It’s founder, the beloved Marla, has tongue cancer. Doctors told her, “cut it out.” She queried, “Are there any other options?” There have been but they’re experimental, expensive and uncertain. Marla’s trying like heck to rise above right now but it’s damn tough. She’s lost all her money, most of her weight but little of her hope.She’s turned lemons into margaritas before and is trying like heck to prevail again. You might be in the same boat right now. The challenge might be physical, emotional or financial, who knows. The venues change but the strategy remains the same: rise above.It might be beneficial to rally with like-minded people at this time. Encourage - give hope and confidence to - one another to burrow deep into our soul’s for the perseverance to rise above the fray.Good luck!
May 6, 2012
"Better for the Effort"
It has been a while since Billy Joel blared in the background as the latest Pep Talk transferred from cranium to computer to you. I hope you find value in the messages. I sure enjoy writing thoughts about life and encouraging you and self, despite inevitable challenges, to play like champions - home, work and elsewhere.My mind wanders to earlier this warm, almost hot, 2012 Centennial State day. It happens to be Cinco de Mayo. Did you know, at least according to About.com, under Latin American history, the holiday commemorating an improbable 1862 Mexican war victory, is celebrated more in America than Mexico. As the old saying goes, “Truth is stranger than fiction” sometimes, right?Anyway, back to the story, perched upon bicycle I’m rolling downhill into Cherry Creek North for lunch with a dear friend, financial advisor and life mentor - a father figure. I admire him greatly. A few minutes before embarking on this five-minute spinI had put on the favorite weekend “at least he took a shower” golf shirt in anticipation of our meeting. It’s blue and comfy and proclaims “Louisiana College.” I love this shirt for comfort - physically and emotionally. Another of your humble correspondent’s stellar mentors coaches football at the small liberal arts school in Pineville, Louisiana. He’s coached me, and thousands of other young men, in more than 50 years of prep and collegiate coaching.These two men have always encouraged and supported my dreams and the dreams of many others. I love and value their friendship and want to inform them, considering, unfortunately, we never know when it might be too late to express such feelings.Football lost a special person this past week when Junior Seau terminated life with a shotgun blast to his heart. The future Hall-of-Fame linebacker starred for the San Diego Chargers and later played for Miami and New England in a 20-year career. He was admired by teammates, coaches, executives, fans and community. One of those “charge from the fox hole” kinda guys a buddy, Billy Mac from Hackensack, likes to talk about over mud and water.Watching the 12-time Pro Bowler’s grieving family, teammates and community pour their souls into testimonies rattled skeleton and chilled marrow concerning a prevalent theme: the apparent lack of knowledge to the 43-year-old’s desperation and despair. Grown men; big, strong and tough football players weeping, along with Seau’s heartbroken mother and others, often stating, “I wish I would have known. I would have reached out to him.”Who knows if it would have made any difference in this instance. I think we all have had, and will continue to experience, these types of situations. Those moments in life, rarely joyful, when we look back upon painful experiences and admit, “If I would have done this.....”The CU Buffs won three straight Big 8 football titles from 1989-91. Colorado also won its only national championship in that time frame, the greatest run in school history. Each of those terrific teams had the same starting quarterback. Darian Hagan. Today he’s the school’s recruiting coordinator. In the hearts of many Buffs to the bone, #3 will always be “Mr. Magic.” Anyway, during his playing days, after a Buffs victory one year back when covering the team, I recall asking the California native a question about an interception he threw. I’ll never forget the cat-quick quarterback’s response concerning not playing the “if” game: “You can’t count on ‘ifs’ because ‘ifs’ are no good.”Amen to that brother. This week let’s remember Hagan’s wise words and the powerful visual reminders of indescribable grief associated with tragic loss. Let’s try like heck to have our reticular activating system on high alert for someone near and dear to our hearts who might be discouraged right now. Let’s promise one another to call, write or visit - no texting or emailing allowed - one person who needs to feel our loving and encouraging touch. Who knows, it might give them hope and confidence to weather the storm. Maybe it won’t. This much I do know, we’ll be better from the effort.Have a good week!.
April 29, 2012
Pep Talk: "Not So Tough"
It had been a good final April weekend Saturday with workout, yard work, catching up with neighbors, nice stroll with 15-year-old daughter, securing donation from community-minded restaurant owner for daughter’s high-school volleyball team, first sighting of darling girlfriend in too long and short bike ride to neighborhood liquor store for weekly six-pack. Dang, so far so good. Last, but certainly not least, opening day for Pep Talk writing from Poor Man’s Porch. Oldies’ music on the radio and sounds of Congress Park in the background. It might be smart to buy a lottery ticket this evening. I’m feeling real blessed. And then my mind wanders to the before-mentioned wonderful soul who is teenage daughter. The volleyball setter has become, often, chauffeur. Yea, that’s right. The blue-eyed beauty has a learner’s permit and needs to drive, with a family member, about 50 hours before attempting to earn a license upon 16th birthday. She’s a good driver and recently achieve a major, at least in her mind at that time, milestone: successfully navigating the tight turns of a restaurant drive through. It’s a piece of cake for us old timers but for someone just starting out, a bit intimidating. It’s so cool to witness evolution. For whatever reason cranium venture to younger years. A favorite story in my first book, Kids Teach the Darndest Things, recalls a time shortly after the fashionista had learned to read. At night we had bedtime reading. Well, one night, and I know many, if not each, of you have been there, I was just not in the mood and was tempted to blow it off. I didn’t. Here’s where it gets interesting. So tempted to bag the reading and not wanting to sort through children’s books to find the right story, I just grabbed a framed copy of Life’s Little Instructions occupying a corner of my bathroom vanity. Simple little statements about, my words, playing life a champion in the game of life. Stuff like, “sing in the shower; compliment even small improvements, wave to kids on school buses, don’t expect life to be fair.” Simple statements that at Rachie’s reading level at the time, I thought she could handle. She had been sitting in a comfy reading chair a few feet away and zooming through them when we hit turbulent water. Toward the end of reciting the short but powerful phrases, there’s more than 50, the little lady got stuck: “Live you life as an.....x.....x......, not an x...........” The precious princess was stuck on words starting with “x”. She bounced into the bathroom with “Daddy, how do you say this?” She hands me the plaque and point a dainty finger to: “Live your live as an exclamation, not an explanation.” It was one of those moments folks. I love telling that story in live Pep Talk presentations. Here comes the question. Are we living our lives as an exclamation, not an explanation? If not, why? How could we this week do one thing to turn a lemon of life into a sweet and savory margarita? Make it a virgin margarita if desired. But where is it time to cease with the explaining and do some exclaiming? Wherever it might be, go for it. You can do it! Perhaps, just like a novice driver navigating a drive through, you’ll realize exclaiming not explaining is not so tough and so worthwhile. Good luck!
April 22, 2012
Pep Talk: "Better Each Day"
It was a recent Thursday spring day in the Mile High City. I’m hanging at Brandon’s Pub in Cherry Creek North. I love the restaurant’s salsa, chips, food and, except at lunch, margaritas. ESPN is on in the background. The big story is Pat Summit stepping aside as head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols’ basketball program after 38 incredible years and many championships. The 59-year-old is suffering from early symptoms of Alzheimer’s and, as her son said, “Wanted to do what’s right for the team.” In all my years of sportscasting I don’t recall ever meeting Summit but do know former CU head women’s basketball coach Ceal Barry always spoke highly of the winningest coach in NCAA basketball history - women or men. Coach Barry’s endorsement is good enough for me. If you need more proof about the reverence held for Summit, within a day of her announcement - she will remain involved with program as head coach emeritus - President Obama honored her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian award. And whenever I think of the Medal of Freedom, it takes cranium to Whitney Young. I speak of him often during live Pep Talk presentations. Young was born in 1921. His Kentucky childhood was rather uneventful and he earned a degree from Kentucky State University. Then he marched off to World War II and into the record books. Young was assigned to an all black regiment of soldiers responsible for repairing Europe’s bomb-ravaged roads. The war was over but to get people back to work and economies percolating, road reconstruction was necessary. The engineer and other black soldiers were supervised by an all white, Southern, officer crew. This was the 1940’s folks. However, Young stood out and was quickly promoted from private to sergeant, causing consternation on both sides of the racial divide of the time. That division planted a seed inside Young’s soul to, upon exiting the military, dedicate life to improving race relations in our country. He worked for the National Urban League office in Omaha; taught university classes on race relations in Atlanta; checked in with the NAACP for a bit and then, at the age of 40, was named the national president of the National Urban League. In the ten years he ran the organization it saw tremendous growth in size and stature. At the age of 47, then President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded Young the Medal of Freedom too. He was a stud who sadly drowned at the tender age of 49 while swimming on an African vacation. Young’s life mission statement was “There’s nothing noble in being superior to somebody else. True nobility lies in becoming superior to our former selves.” Wow. I have always loved that statement and hope you embrace it too. What’s the old saying, “There’s always room for improvement?” Ironically, the music being piped through the neighborhood pub just landed on Todd Rundgren’s Bang the Drum All Day and it’s lyrics, “I don’t want to work.” I promise that’s the truth. Anyway, the point is this: this week let’s focus on becoming superior to our former selves - home, work or elsewhere. Becoming superior to our former selves requires a passion for getting better. It requires work. That was one of Summit’s final thoughts on this transitional day for Tennessee athletics, she said, “I made a vow early in my career to always try and be a little better each day.” It worked for Whitney Young. It worked for Pat Summit. It will work for us too. I know, it ain’t always easy, stuff happens. However, this week let’s keep our eye on the prize of being a little better each day.
April 15, 2012
Pep Talk: "Embrace Shakespeare's Advice"
It’s early Sunday afternoon, Rockies going for sweep of Diamondbacks on the tube, cat in the face - her breath does stink - and writing you on my mind. I’d like to chat about chasing dreams.
The previous 24 hours of a fifty-fourth birthday weekend a perfect example of this exciting, frightening and unpredictable journey we call life and the importance of chasing dreams. It resonated within me deeply while dropping talented niece at airport. That moment culminated a visit centered on a, considered, move to the Mile High City once graduated next month from nursing school.
The standout basketball player had injuries curtail a promising collegiate career and turned attention to caring for others via nursing. I like to call that “turning lemons into - heck with lemonade - sweet savory margaritas.” Basketball and then nursing, two healthy and productive, potentially, endeavors. Quick to smile and laugh, this young lady has many gifts and seems to relish, like many of us, the Colorado lifestyle and its magic. Young adults dig Denver. I think that’s cool.
While watching her walk into the terminal, thoughts wandered back to watching #20 play basketball. A guard, my niece played with great passion. I have always admired others who pour heart and soul - call it passion - into their efforts. Whether home, work, sports or elsewhere, it really warms my marrow to watch others ooze enthusiasm in ways honoring, nurturing and adding value to communities served, wherever roaming. Just my opinion, but the energy emanating from folks like that is infectious and inspires me to better effort. You?
Anyway, back to the point. An uncle is observing a fabulous young lady, product of sister and good buddy from high-school basketball days, marinating in one of life’s defining moments: courage to put fear aside and allow wonderment to win.
It’s a favorite story shared during practically each live Pep Talk presentation. Long ago, when precious daughter, today a volleyball standout, was in second-grade she played some hoops. I’ll never forgot driving the now 15-year-old and two classmates to their first basketball practice. The three were in the back of my car, buckled in and discussing what most second-grade girls seem to talk about: fashion, boys and television shows. We’re about five minutes from practice when one of the girls blurts out, “Hey, when is our first game?” Remember, I’m driving them to their first practice. My daughter and the other girl respond, almost in unison, “First game? Oh, it’s tomorrow.”
The inquiring young lady’s face flooded with shock and fear. This came from mouth but originated in soul: “Tomorrow? I don’t even know how to play basketball!” Daughter and other gal fire back with this gem: “Oh, that’s okay. Here’s what we do. When we have the ball we put it in the basket. When they have it, we steal it. The coaches will teach us the rest.”
Next time we interview a basketball coach on Mac and Doog we’ll have to offer that advice: score, play good defense and learn. I can’t wait for that response!
Anyway, the body language of an inquiring young girl changed immediately as she confidently muttered, “Oh, okay!” Here’s where it gets really good. From the moment, five minutes later upon arrival, that terrific trio of young ladyhood marched into the gym each became good players. None better than a once frightened young girl, given wise instruction from teammates, putting fear aside and allowing wonderment to win.
It worked for a young girl many years ago. I wonder if she even remembers the moment like I do? Probably not and that’s okay. Putting fear aside and allowing wonderment to win will work for a darling niece considering moving west to the Centennial State. It will work for your humble correspondent. It will work for you too.
Where this week is it time? Time to put fear aside and allow wonderment to win? Home, work or elsewhere? Where is it time to take a leap of faith into the great unknown? Wherever that question rattles your bones, please remember, it ain’t happening unless wonderment wins the battle with fear.
If you think I’m crazy, perhaps Shakespeare’s take on it might resonate. Wikipedia calls the English poet and writer “the world’s pre-eminent dramatist.” Writing most of his work in a 24-year spurt beginning in the late 1500‘s, the dude considered the greatest writer in English language history, once declared: “Our doubts are traitors that make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.”
He’s right. Let’s promise one another the following: embrace Shakespeare’s advice. We must keep chasing dreams. It starts with wonderment defeating fear.
Good luck this week!
The previous 24 hours of a fifty-fourth birthday weekend a perfect example of this exciting, frightening and unpredictable journey we call life and the importance of chasing dreams. It resonated within me deeply while dropping talented niece at airport. That moment culminated a visit centered on a, considered, move to the Mile High City once graduated next month from nursing school.
The standout basketball player had injuries curtail a promising collegiate career and turned attention to caring for others via nursing. I like to call that “turning lemons into - heck with lemonade - sweet savory margaritas.” Basketball and then nursing, two healthy and productive, potentially, endeavors. Quick to smile and laugh, this young lady has many gifts and seems to relish, like many of us, the Colorado lifestyle and its magic. Young adults dig Denver. I think that’s cool.
While watching her walk into the terminal, thoughts wandered back to watching #20 play basketball. A guard, my niece played with great passion. I have always admired others who pour heart and soul - call it passion - into their efforts. Whether home, work, sports or elsewhere, it really warms my marrow to watch others ooze enthusiasm in ways honoring, nurturing and adding value to communities served, wherever roaming. Just my opinion, but the energy emanating from folks like that is infectious and inspires me to better effort. You?
Anyway, back to the point. An uncle is observing a fabulous young lady, product of sister and good buddy from high-school basketball days, marinating in one of life’s defining moments: courage to put fear aside and allow wonderment to win.
It’s a favorite story shared during practically each live Pep Talk presentation. Long ago, when precious daughter, today a volleyball standout, was in second-grade she played some hoops. I’ll never forgot driving the now 15-year-old and two classmates to their first basketball practice. The three were in the back of my car, buckled in and discussing what most second-grade girls seem to talk about: fashion, boys and television shows. We’re about five minutes from practice when one of the girls blurts out, “Hey, when is our first game?” Remember, I’m driving them to their first practice. My daughter and the other girl respond, almost in unison, “First game? Oh, it’s tomorrow.”
The inquiring young lady’s face flooded with shock and fear. This came from mouth but originated in soul: “Tomorrow? I don’t even know how to play basketball!” Daughter and other gal fire back with this gem: “Oh, that’s okay. Here’s what we do. When we have the ball we put it in the basket. When they have it, we steal it. The coaches will teach us the rest.”
Next time we interview a basketball coach on Mac and Doog we’ll have to offer that advice: score, play good defense and learn. I can’t wait for that response!
Anyway, the body language of an inquiring young girl changed immediately as she confidently muttered, “Oh, okay!” Here’s where it gets really good. From the moment, five minutes later upon arrival, that terrific trio of young ladyhood marched into the gym each became good players. None better than a once frightened young girl, given wise instruction from teammates, putting fear aside and allowing wonderment to win.
It worked for a young girl many years ago. I wonder if she even remembers the moment like I do? Probably not and that’s okay. Putting fear aside and allowing wonderment to win will work for a darling niece considering moving west to the Centennial State. It will work for your humble correspondent. It will work for you too.
Where this week is it time? Time to put fear aside and allow wonderment to win? Home, work or elsewhere? Where is it time to take a leap of faith into the great unknown? Wherever that question rattles your bones, please remember, it ain’t happening unless wonderment wins the battle with fear.
If you think I’m crazy, perhaps Shakespeare’s take on it might resonate. Wikipedia calls the English poet and writer “the world’s pre-eminent dramatist.” Writing most of his work in a 24-year spurt beginning in the late 1500‘s, the dude considered the greatest writer in English language history, once declared: “Our doubts are traitors that make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.”
He’s right. Let’s promise one another the following: embrace Shakespeare’s advice. We must keep chasing dreams. It starts with wonderment defeating fear.
Good luck this week!
April 8, 2012
Pep Talk: "Gentle and Forgiving"
It was a Friday night in the Mile High City. The cat at the door whining for the backyard, the Rockies, on opening night, battling Houston in a game Colorado eventually won and I'm finally getting around to reading Wednesday's Denver Post. An article in its front section rattles the skeletal system.
It's a story about, what appears, a tragic accident in the northern Denver suburb of Thornton. A distracted driver hit a man and two sons walking along a rural road. Father and one son perished, the youngest boy survived but experienced the passing of his father and brother. Tough stuff.
But here's what blew me away in reading the article by the Post's Jessica Fender: The presence of forgiveness. Yeah, the victims' kin, instead of unleashing anger and fury at the man who veered from his lane, chose to respond with: "Everybody's hurting. It was a perfect storm of things happening. We realize it was a horrific accident. Our hearts go out to him (the driver) and his family."
Wow. It sure makes me think of the power, and benefit, or letting go of negative energy expended when life's challenging moments leave us bitter, angry and resentful. Anybody winning there?
Now granted, this family's incredible response will be tested as the reality of its loss sinks in. The respected stages of grief suggest it's okay to be angry, your world has been rocked. The big question becomes, "How long are we gonna dwell in negativity?"
When blessed to be speaking with others in a Pep Talk coaching situation, I like to offer: "We have to decide whether we're going to be victims, or students, of life's unwanted and unexpected situations." And yes, while origins of "What the heck is going on around here" moments vary, I would like to suggest, strategies remain the same. There are four critical things we must do, as quickly as possible, in trying to turn these, as I wrote in my third book, lemons into margaritas:
Forgive and learn
Rally with like-minded folks
Encourage one another to move forward
Transform in ways honoring, nurturing and adding value to communities served.
When it comes to dealing with life's crap, I like to call it, just my opinion, the "Fantastic Foursome." What are the other options? We see them often don't we? Ten years post divorce, or other misfortune, we observe, or demonstrate, burrowed bitterness? It's just one example but you know what I mean. There is probably no greater gift than the one of forgiveness. In the world's best-selling book, in Colossians, it says, "be gentle and forgiving, never hold a grudge."
Where this week could we take a cue from a grieving Centennial State family? Where is it time to finally let go of the past and focus on the present and future - home, work and elsewhere? Again, venue doesn't matter, strategy does. It starts with being gentle and forgiving of others, and self.
Good luck!
It's a story about, what appears, a tragic accident in the northern Denver suburb of Thornton. A distracted driver hit a man and two sons walking along a rural road. Father and one son perished, the youngest boy survived but experienced the passing of his father and brother. Tough stuff.
But here's what blew me away in reading the article by the Post's Jessica Fender: The presence of forgiveness. Yeah, the victims' kin, instead of unleashing anger and fury at the man who veered from his lane, chose to respond with: "Everybody's hurting. It was a perfect storm of things happening. We realize it was a horrific accident. Our hearts go out to him (the driver) and his family."
Wow. It sure makes me think of the power, and benefit, or letting go of negative energy expended when life's challenging moments leave us bitter, angry and resentful. Anybody winning there?
Now granted, this family's incredible response will be tested as the reality of its loss sinks in. The respected stages of grief suggest it's okay to be angry, your world has been rocked. The big question becomes, "How long are we gonna dwell in negativity?"
When blessed to be speaking with others in a Pep Talk coaching situation, I like to offer: "We have to decide whether we're going to be victims, or students, of life's unwanted and unexpected situations." And yes, while origins of "What the heck is going on around here" moments vary, I would like to suggest, strategies remain the same. There are four critical things we must do, as quickly as possible, in trying to turn these, as I wrote in my third book, lemons into margaritas:
Forgive and learn
Rally with like-minded folks
Encourage one another to move forward
Transform in ways honoring, nurturing and adding value to communities served.
When it comes to dealing with life's crap, I like to call it, just my opinion, the "Fantastic Foursome." What are the other options? We see them often don't we? Ten years post divorce, or other misfortune, we observe, or demonstrate, burrowed bitterness? It's just one example but you know what I mean. There is probably no greater gift than the one of forgiveness. In the world's best-selling book, in Colossians, it says, "be gentle and forgiving, never hold a grudge."
Where this week could we take a cue from a grieving Centennial State family? Where is it time to finally let go of the past and focus on the present and future - home, work and elsewhere? Again, venue doesn't matter, strategy does. It starts with being gentle and forgiving of others, and self.
Good luck!
April 1, 2012
Pep Talk: "Riding the Storm Out"
It was another absolutely gorgeous Centennial State Saturday. I had just returned from the accountant's office. Humbling year for Victory Productions. Things must get better. The underachieving must end.
My focus was broken by a knock at the door. My buddy, Scott Canady, had stopped by to get the sprinkler and lighting systems fired up. The lawn is thirsty and worthy of hydration. The bulbs burned and needing replacement. A big CU fan, a Buff to the bone, the father of two has been taking care of sprinklers and lights around this modest abode forever. He's a good dude and does a good job. DayStar & Associates for those who might need a quality company in that area. About 45 minutes later, after great conversation and quality workmanship, the chat ends and I was back inside writing this Pep Talk.
However, there's trouble in the workspace. The cat, upon my abandoning the writing post and wandering outside, took advantage. She was dipping an aging paw deep into my glass and licking the water once paw returned to mouth. Bullet, 15 years running and growing more sly by the day. My thoughts return to writing and thinking of my accountant buddy. He's another good dude who is riding high right now considering his college-freshman daughter, a standout swimmer, and University of California teammates just won the NCAA swimming championships. "The team's going to the White House" he said with a sly grin.
Back to downloading thoughts from cranium to computer. Victory Productions must do a better job of effectively communicating its value to clients. When it comes to business development, we need to better inform others our trio of radio, social media and community-based marketing and advertising might be a good fit for them. I've been called a lot of things in life - smart rarely, native often - but hope tugs at flesh with belief in the following: there are business owners along Colorado's Front Range, within Mile High Sports Radio's signal, who would see value in radio advertising on Drive Time with Mac and Doog, recognition of good works in the community on Facebook and, finally, a Mac and Doog supported event inviting the public to a fun community gathering to network, learn more about the company and raise money for a worthwhile cause. Just my opinion, but it seems a marketing/advertising strategy centered around good works might move the needle and help companies play like champions in their endeavors.
But you know what? It doesn't matter what I think. The question becomes, will others see value in it? I sure hope so because it seeps from my marrow. It makes me think of you and others. We all have our challenges in life, don't we? Right now for your humble correspondent, it's a struggling business demanding a better way.
I think of so many others who I know, and don't know but know, are in the throes of divorce, illness, child sickness, job loss and other calamities that leave us wondering, "What the heck is going on around here?"
My good buddy, Billy Mac from Hackensack, would call these times, "tough sledding." He'd exhort we dig deep for resolve to overcome whatever ails us. I'd like to suggest the same.
Remember that song, Riding the Storm Out, by rock band REO Speedwagon? A band that has sold more than 40-million records had humble beginnings. It was a cover band, playing campus bars in Champaign, Illinois around the University of Illinois. I just YouTubed it and am listening now. That's what we gotta do, ride the storm out. There's high seas, howling wind and a question, "We will survive to fight another day?" Let's encourage one another this week to make sure the answer to that question is "Hell yes!"
Good luck!
My focus was broken by a knock at the door. My buddy, Scott Canady, had stopped by to get the sprinkler and lighting systems fired up. The lawn is thirsty and worthy of hydration. The bulbs burned and needing replacement. A big CU fan, a Buff to the bone, the father of two has been taking care of sprinklers and lights around this modest abode forever. He's a good dude and does a good job. DayStar & Associates for those who might need a quality company in that area. About 45 minutes later, after great conversation and quality workmanship, the chat ends and I was back inside writing this Pep Talk.
However, there's trouble in the workspace. The cat, upon my abandoning the writing post and wandering outside, took advantage. She was dipping an aging paw deep into my glass and licking the water once paw returned to mouth. Bullet, 15 years running and growing more sly by the day. My thoughts return to writing and thinking of my accountant buddy. He's another good dude who is riding high right now considering his college-freshman daughter, a standout swimmer, and University of California teammates just won the NCAA swimming championships. "The team's going to the White House" he said with a sly grin.
Back to downloading thoughts from cranium to computer. Victory Productions must do a better job of effectively communicating its value to clients. When it comes to business development, we need to better inform others our trio of radio, social media and community-based marketing and advertising might be a good fit for them. I've been called a lot of things in life - smart rarely, native often - but hope tugs at flesh with belief in the following: there are business owners along Colorado's Front Range, within Mile High Sports Radio's signal, who would see value in radio advertising on Drive Time with Mac and Doog, recognition of good works in the community on Facebook and, finally, a Mac and Doog supported event inviting the public to a fun community gathering to network, learn more about the company and raise money for a worthwhile cause. Just my opinion, but it seems a marketing/advertising strategy centered around good works might move the needle and help companies play like champions in their endeavors.
But you know what? It doesn't matter what I think. The question becomes, will others see value in it? I sure hope so because it seeps from my marrow. It makes me think of you and others. We all have our challenges in life, don't we? Right now for your humble correspondent, it's a struggling business demanding a better way.
I think of so many others who I know, and don't know but know, are in the throes of divorce, illness, child sickness, job loss and other calamities that leave us wondering, "What the heck is going on around here?"
My good buddy, Billy Mac from Hackensack, would call these times, "tough sledding." He'd exhort we dig deep for resolve to overcome whatever ails us. I'd like to suggest the same.
Remember that song, Riding the Storm Out, by rock band REO Speedwagon? A band that has sold more than 40-million records had humble beginnings. It was a cover band, playing campus bars in Champaign, Illinois around the University of Illinois. I just YouTubed it and am listening now. That's what we gotta do, ride the storm out. There's high seas, howling wind and a question, "We will survive to fight another day?" Let's encourage one another this week to make sure the answer to that question is "Hell yes!"
Good luck!
March 25, 2012
Pep Talk: "Pulling Others Together"
It's a warm Saturday afternoon, the Mile High City is starting to see, at least from the trees, new birth. Golf and NCAA basketball are on the tube, Denver's bone-dry March is in the headlines. So too, President Barack Obama's comments about the recent death, and cries of racism, of a Florida teenager.
Obama said: "I can only imagine what these parents are going through. And I think every parent in America should understand why it's absolutely imperative that we investigate every aspect of this and that everybody pulls together - federal, state and local - to figure out exactly how this tragedy happened."
First, let me, as a parent of two marvelous human beings now 22 and 15 respectively, say heartfelt prayers to the parents and family of an unarmed 17-year-old boy. And, until the investigation is complete, we should withhold judgement of a 28-year-old man who pulled the trigger, he says in self defense after being threatened. But this Pep Talk was inspired by something else in the Democrat's comments: his plea that "everybody pulls together."
We know the benefits, right? When a group - home, work and elsewhere - decides to put their individual agendas aside and pull together? My buddy, Billy Mac from Hackensack, would call that "being yoked." The power of unity of spirit. It has transformed families, teams, schools and other noble stuff. Here's an example. Many years ago, my son attended a Denver parochial school. He had, in third grade, a male teacher. At that time a rarity: men teaching parochial elementary school.
This fine young man left after just two years. Tearfully, he told me, "Mark, I love it here but I'm making $19,000 a year and have an opportunity to go to a public school and double my income." Let the record show, I had visited this dude's neighborhood studio apartment. He had a single-bed mattress over in the corner and called it "the bedroom." He lived simply.
Well, the realization that our children were losing quality teachers inspired a group of Good Shepherd parents to start a foundation in support of teachers. Our mission was to attract and retain quality educators and "care for them." Well, it's been a pretty darn good success since it's inception. At least for me, it's an example of what happens when those of like-mind rally around each other and, in healthy and productive ways, try and become superior to their former selves. You've been part of moments like that, right?
They sure warm the marrow don't they?
In reading the Saturday March 24, 2012 Denver Post there were many stories describing the challenges before us as communities - local, state, national and global. The question becomes, where might our time, talents and treasures make a difference in changing things for the better?
We all have our unique gifts. A second question becomes, are we utilizing those gifts in pulling others together in ways honoring, nurturing and adding value to communities we serve?
Perhaps it's a question for one of those late night, or early morning, chats we have with self while staring into the bathroom mirror. If you like the answer, keep it up. If the answer doesn't please you, do something this week to change it.
Have a good week!
Obama said: "I can only imagine what these parents are going through. And I think every parent in America should understand why it's absolutely imperative that we investigate every aspect of this and that everybody pulls together - federal, state and local - to figure out exactly how this tragedy happened."
First, let me, as a parent of two marvelous human beings now 22 and 15 respectively, say heartfelt prayers to the parents and family of an unarmed 17-year-old boy. And, until the investigation is complete, we should withhold judgement of a 28-year-old man who pulled the trigger, he says in self defense after being threatened. But this Pep Talk was inspired by something else in the Democrat's comments: his plea that "everybody pulls together."
We know the benefits, right? When a group - home, work and elsewhere - decides to put their individual agendas aside and pull together? My buddy, Billy Mac from Hackensack, would call that "being yoked." The power of unity of spirit. It has transformed families, teams, schools and other noble stuff. Here's an example. Many years ago, my son attended a Denver parochial school. He had, in third grade, a male teacher. At that time a rarity: men teaching parochial elementary school.
This fine young man left after just two years. Tearfully, he told me, "Mark, I love it here but I'm making $19,000 a year and have an opportunity to go to a public school and double my income." Let the record show, I had visited this dude's neighborhood studio apartment. He had a single-bed mattress over in the corner and called it "the bedroom." He lived simply.
Well, the realization that our children were losing quality teachers inspired a group of Good Shepherd parents to start a foundation in support of teachers. Our mission was to attract and retain quality educators and "care for them." Well, it's been a pretty darn good success since it's inception. At least for me, it's an example of what happens when those of like-mind rally around each other and, in healthy and productive ways, try and become superior to their former selves. You've been part of moments like that, right?
They sure warm the marrow don't they?
In reading the Saturday March 24, 2012 Denver Post there were many stories describing the challenges before us as communities - local, state, national and global. The question becomes, where might our time, talents and treasures make a difference in changing things for the better?
We all have our unique gifts. A second question becomes, are we utilizing those gifts in pulling others together in ways honoring, nurturing and adding value to communities we serve?
Perhaps it's a question for one of those late night, or early morning, chats we have with self while staring into the bathroom mirror. If you like the answer, keep it up. If the answer doesn't please you, do something this week to change it.
Have a good week!
March 18, 2012
Pep Talk: "Truth versus Fiction"
It's an absolutely gorgeous Centennial State Saturday. It's St. Patrick's Day. Considering I'm the offspring of a Perry woman and McIntosh man and it's past noon in my home state of Missouri, a beer is cracked.
While Kansas State and Syracuse battled it out in second-round NCAA tournament action, I had been chatting with a friend. We talk often and share much in common, including occasional frustration. On this day the frustrating topic focused on what appears to make perfect sense: Making it an obligation people speak the truth. That concept is being resisted around a pending bill in the Colorado legislature. It's a topic for another day, but doesn't it make sense that individuals testifying, in committee meetings, before policy makers should tell the truth so women and men elected to represent us and the common good - please hold the chuckles at that thought - pass policy based upon truth, not fiction?
Please tell me the answer to that question is yes!
But hey, let's be honest, sometimes in life the truth is too painful to bear, right? So we make stuff up. We have all done it, right? The transgressions range from minor to major but we've all had those moments in life when, because truth is too painful to bear, we choose a fictional course and usually skid off the path and crash - eventually.
And then that's where life gets interesting doesn't it? After the crash, while in the repair shop for physical, emotional or financial damage, the question becomes, "How will we emerge" from repairs? Perhaps another question should be, "Will we even seek repairs or just throw in the towel?" Please seek the former, K? If there's anything Victory Productions can do in that area, please let us know.
Anyway, we all know this is true. Life will take us on a roller coaster ride making the world's best twister seem like a limousine ride. For the record, according to teenage daughter, who had just awakened from a good night's rest while yours truly is sitting at the kitchen counter writing, the Mind Eraser is the best roller coaster at Denver's Elitch Gardens. The volleyball standout says it's "fast, long and twists and turns a lot." Back to the story, when life has us wondering, "What the heck is going on around here?" will we ask ourselves a critical question: "What is truth and what is fiction?"
If we don't deal with the truth about our relationships, health, finances or whatever else ails us, how in the heck do we expect to turn those lemons - heck with lemonade - into sweet and savory margaritas? Without a foundation to the situation's reality, how in the world can we bounce back and play like champions - home, work and elsewhere?
I know, simple not easy. But few things in life, truly meaningful, are easily accomplished, right? Help me out here, why is it moments in life when we have poured every ounce of energy into an endeavor, and achieved success, are the one's permeating our marrow? I'm just a simple dude from Missouri but it seems to me it's because those moments carry great value for exposing our potential. We have faced the storm, survived, rebuilt and became stronger from the experience. As my good buddy Bill McCartney would say, "Now THAT'S what I'm talking about!"
It all starts with separating truth from fiction. The venues may change but the strategy is always the same. When dealing with challenging times we start with the truth and decide to be a student, not victim of the experience; connect with like-minded folks and encourage one another to put fear aside and allow wonderment to win in overcoming whatever ails us; finally we make sure our effort honors, nurtures and adds value to communities served wherever roaming.
Truth versus fiction. Rarely is there a time when it's appropriate to choose the latter, not former. The recently-awakened 15-year-old princess noticed my half-empty beer on the counter and queries: "Dad, you're drinking at 12:30 in the afternoon?"
You bet sweetie. When it comes to truth versus fiction, I'll toast to that any day, time or place. "Bartender, another round for everybody!" I hope you agree, at least about the truth versus fiction. Have a great week!
While Kansas State and Syracuse battled it out in second-round NCAA tournament action, I had been chatting with a friend. We talk often and share much in common, including occasional frustration. On this day the frustrating topic focused on what appears to make perfect sense: Making it an obligation people speak the truth. That concept is being resisted around a pending bill in the Colorado legislature. It's a topic for another day, but doesn't it make sense that individuals testifying, in committee meetings, before policy makers should tell the truth so women and men elected to represent us and the common good - please hold the chuckles at that thought - pass policy based upon truth, not fiction?
Please tell me the answer to that question is yes!
But hey, let's be honest, sometimes in life the truth is too painful to bear, right? So we make stuff up. We have all done it, right? The transgressions range from minor to major but we've all had those moments in life when, because truth is too painful to bear, we choose a fictional course and usually skid off the path and crash - eventually.
And then that's where life gets interesting doesn't it? After the crash, while in the repair shop for physical, emotional or financial damage, the question becomes, "How will we emerge" from repairs? Perhaps another question should be, "Will we even seek repairs or just throw in the towel?" Please seek the former, K? If there's anything Victory Productions can do in that area, please let us know.
Anyway, we all know this is true. Life will take us on a roller coaster ride making the world's best twister seem like a limousine ride. For the record, according to teenage daughter, who had just awakened from a good night's rest while yours truly is sitting at the kitchen counter writing, the Mind Eraser is the best roller coaster at Denver's Elitch Gardens. The volleyball standout says it's "fast, long and twists and turns a lot." Back to the story, when life has us wondering, "What the heck is going on around here?" will we ask ourselves a critical question: "What is truth and what is fiction?"
If we don't deal with the truth about our relationships, health, finances or whatever else ails us, how in the heck do we expect to turn those lemons - heck with lemonade - into sweet and savory margaritas? Without a foundation to the situation's reality, how in the world can we bounce back and play like champions - home, work and elsewhere?
I know, simple not easy. But few things in life, truly meaningful, are easily accomplished, right? Help me out here, why is it moments in life when we have poured every ounce of energy into an endeavor, and achieved success, are the one's permeating our marrow? I'm just a simple dude from Missouri but it seems to me it's because those moments carry great value for exposing our potential. We have faced the storm, survived, rebuilt and became stronger from the experience. As my good buddy Bill McCartney would say, "Now THAT'S what I'm talking about!"
It all starts with separating truth from fiction. The venues may change but the strategy is always the same. When dealing with challenging times we start with the truth and decide to be a student, not victim of the experience; connect with like-minded folks and encourage one another to put fear aside and allow wonderment to win in overcoming whatever ails us; finally we make sure our effort honors, nurtures and adds value to communities served wherever roaming.
Truth versus fiction. Rarely is there a time when it's appropriate to choose the latter, not former. The recently-awakened 15-year-old princess noticed my half-empty beer on the counter and queries: "Dad, you're drinking at 12:30 in the afternoon?"
You bet sweetie. When it comes to truth versus fiction, I'll toast to that any day, time or place. "Bartender, another round for everybody!" I hope you agree, at least about the truth versus fiction. Have a great week!
