Mark McIntosh's Blog, page 36
March 27, 2011
This week's Pep Talk: "Prove Them Wrong"
It was a Wednesday evening of mid-March, the weather is spring-like as temperatures hit almost 70 in the Mile High City. The Drive Time with Mac and Doog chat centers on the resurgent Nuggets, promising Rockies and snubbed Colorado men's basketball team.
The NCAA tournament selection committee had decided, to almost unanimous disapproval, the Buffs were not worthy of the national tournament. The outcry sparked by CU's impressive resume, highlighted by three victories over a team – Kansas State - the committee proclaimed a fifth-seed. Wait a second, I'm just a simple dude from Missouri but when you beat a team, seeded fifth and you – talking about CU – don't even make the tournament? That's when it's time for the old high-school chant after your team got robbed: "Elevator, elevator, we got the shaft."
Anyway, the Buffs had, in a first-round NIT game, just beaten Texas Southern before another big crowd in Boulder. I picked up my phone and sent a text in an attempt to get CU's head coach Tad Boyle on the show the next day to talk about the importance of proving 'em wrong.
You know, there are many moments in life when we are shocked, disappointed and broken hearted. It's not exclusive to a team deserved of membership in this year's national collegiate tourney. No, it's something each of us must deal with constantly.
What's the only constant in life? Change, right? There are moments – home, work and elsewhere - when we sit there and proclaim: "What the heck is going on here?" But then it's our choice: be a victim of the circumstance or student of the experience. It's our choice. I'd like to recommend – and trust me I've screwed up as much as anybody – the latter, not former.
We learn from it, connect with like-minded folks, encourage one another to put fear aside and allow wonderment to win in trying to move forward. But, moving on is done in ways that honor, nurture and add value to the communities we serve. I know, easy to say, almost as easy to affirm but let's be honest, far more difficult to execute, right?
When disappointment hits, and there are detractors, wouldn't it be cool to prove 'em wrong? We rise above, not shrink from, the adversity? We turn life's lemons into – the heck with lemonade – sweet and savory margaritas?
It's tough. There will be moments when that "why me, or us" whine will try and creep into our psyches. Don't let it. Trust me, satisfaction, defined as "gratifying a honorable feeling," of proving 'em wrong - whether it's a basketball team, another group or each of us personally, is well worth the effort.
The NCAA tournament selection committee had decided, to almost unanimous disapproval, the Buffs were not worthy of the national tournament. The outcry sparked by CU's impressive resume, highlighted by three victories over a team – Kansas State - the committee proclaimed a fifth-seed. Wait a second, I'm just a simple dude from Missouri but when you beat a team, seeded fifth and you – talking about CU – don't even make the tournament? That's when it's time for the old high-school chant after your team got robbed: "Elevator, elevator, we got the shaft."
Anyway, the Buffs had, in a first-round NIT game, just beaten Texas Southern before another big crowd in Boulder. I picked up my phone and sent a text in an attempt to get CU's head coach Tad Boyle on the show the next day to talk about the importance of proving 'em wrong.
You know, there are many moments in life when we are shocked, disappointed and broken hearted. It's not exclusive to a team deserved of membership in this year's national collegiate tourney. No, it's something each of us must deal with constantly.
What's the only constant in life? Change, right? There are moments – home, work and elsewhere - when we sit there and proclaim: "What the heck is going on here?" But then it's our choice: be a victim of the circumstance or student of the experience. It's our choice. I'd like to recommend – and trust me I've screwed up as much as anybody – the latter, not former.
We learn from it, connect with like-minded folks, encourage one another to put fear aside and allow wonderment to win in trying to move forward. But, moving on is done in ways that honor, nurture and add value to the communities we serve. I know, easy to say, almost as easy to affirm but let's be honest, far more difficult to execute, right?
When disappointment hits, and there are detractors, wouldn't it be cool to prove 'em wrong? We rise above, not shrink from, the adversity? We turn life's lemons into – the heck with lemonade – sweet and savory margaritas?
It's tough. There will be moments when that "why me, or us" whine will try and creep into our psyches. Don't let it. Trust me, satisfaction, defined as "gratifying a honorable feeling," of proving 'em wrong - whether it's a basketball team, another group or each of us personally, is well worth the effort.
March 19, 2011
This week's Pep Talk: "It's Rewarding"
One of the wonderful things this condition called life has brought into my stratosphere of late is coaching kids, teams, businesses, coaches and others on how to play like champions in the game of life.
Life is challenging to say the least. Man, rarely does it go according to plan, right? Well, I'm blessed to be able to encourage others to lead a successful life. And for me, just my opinion, a successful life focuses on thoughts, words and actions that honor us, nurture those dependent upon us and add value to the communities we serve. I know, it's not the only way to success, but I think it's effective.
Anyway, I've been working with an athlete who plays on a team that really could use somebody to step forward as a leader. From our discussions, and from what I've seen in person, the coach is not really providing that right now. There's plenty of butt chewing going on but little encouragement. This team needs a chief encouragement officer. I've suggested – planted the seed if you will – "If not the coach, why not you?"
It's not easy to always be encouraging, right? There are times when, being encouraging, defined as "to give hope and confidence to" is the LAST thing we desire. And there's no guarantee our efforts will bear any productive fruit, right? Do it anyway. We know, from moments in our own lives, when there was somebody – especially in our tough times – who believed in us, it was transforming.
It's a Saturday afternoon as I write this, basketball, thanks to the Nuggets, Buffs and Bears dominate the sports talk world and for whatever reason, my mind wanders to my very first high-school football game. The Raytown South Cardinals hosting the North Kansas City Hornets. I'm a sophomore - back then high school was sophomore through senior – making my varsity debut. The Cardinals are marching, on the very first drive, inside the opponents' ten-yard line when I screwed up big time. On a play, "T-36 Pass", I failed to executive properly and threw the ball right to a defender who raced 99 yards in the other direction for a touchdown.
As I jogged off the field, head down in disappointment, Ray-South's head coach Vance Morris met me before reaching the sidelines. "You know what you did wrong don't you? He said with a grin. "Yeah coach, sorry" was my lame response. Then he added, with an even broader grin, something I'll never forget. "That's okay. I know it will never happen again."
Coach Morris was, when I really needed it, a chief encouragement officer. The player I'm coaching about challenging times could be a team chief encouragement officer. We could be the same for somebody this week. It ain't always easy, but I promise you, it's rewarding.
Life is challenging to say the least. Man, rarely does it go according to plan, right? Well, I'm blessed to be able to encourage others to lead a successful life. And for me, just my opinion, a successful life focuses on thoughts, words and actions that honor us, nurture those dependent upon us and add value to the communities we serve. I know, it's not the only way to success, but I think it's effective.
Anyway, I've been working with an athlete who plays on a team that really could use somebody to step forward as a leader. From our discussions, and from what I've seen in person, the coach is not really providing that right now. There's plenty of butt chewing going on but little encouragement. This team needs a chief encouragement officer. I've suggested – planted the seed if you will – "If not the coach, why not you?"
It's not easy to always be encouraging, right? There are times when, being encouraging, defined as "to give hope and confidence to" is the LAST thing we desire. And there's no guarantee our efforts will bear any productive fruit, right? Do it anyway. We know, from moments in our own lives, when there was somebody – especially in our tough times – who believed in us, it was transforming.
It's a Saturday afternoon as I write this, basketball, thanks to the Nuggets, Buffs and Bears dominate the sports talk world and for whatever reason, my mind wanders to my very first high-school football game. The Raytown South Cardinals hosting the North Kansas City Hornets. I'm a sophomore - back then high school was sophomore through senior – making my varsity debut. The Cardinals are marching, on the very first drive, inside the opponents' ten-yard line when I screwed up big time. On a play, "T-36 Pass", I failed to executive properly and threw the ball right to a defender who raced 99 yards in the other direction for a touchdown.
As I jogged off the field, head down in disappointment, Ray-South's head coach Vance Morris met me before reaching the sidelines. "You know what you did wrong don't you? He said with a grin. "Yeah coach, sorry" was my lame response. Then he added, with an even broader grin, something I'll never forget. "That's okay. I know it will never happen again."
Coach Morris was, when I really needed it, a chief encouragement officer. The player I'm coaching about challenging times could be a team chief encouragement officer. We could be the same for somebody this week. It ain't always easy, but I promise you, it's rewarding.
March 13, 2011
This week's Pep Talk: "No Piling On"
I am wonderfully blessed with two great kids, a 21-year-old son and his younger sister, 14. But let's be honest, parenting ain't an easy job, right? I like to joke, but it's the truth, "I've been a 14-year-old boy; father of a 14-year-old boy, but never the father of a 14-year-old girl, I need some help!"
I'm inexperienced in raising a teenage daughter, determined to improve and have been reading, The 10 Greatest Gifts I Give My Children, in trying to become superior to my former self.
I recently digested many pages on a flight home to Denver from Las Vegas where I had spoken to employees, of Mitch Murch's Maintenance Management (MMMM), at their annual operations, sales and awards meeting. MMMM is a St. Louis-based facilities management company led impressively by Tim Murch, a college buddy. In our two hours together, the discussion focused on, especially in challenging times, keeping the faith, leading by example and caring for others, including our selves.
In modern-day America, integrity-based corporate leaders like Murch – he learned well from his dad, the company founder - would love to fret more about expansion of business and less about expansion of employee's waistlines. Our economy is contracting but our bodies are expanding along with the challenging byproducts: high blood pressure, heart ailments and diabetes, to name just a few.
MMMM is dedicated to providing world-class services to its employees, clients and communities. This team is united, but if the employees, which MMMM calls Team Members, don't have their health, it's tough to serve others, isn't it?
As the plane began its descent into the Mile High City I was reading about the importance of, when talking with kids, using "forward-thinking" words and emphasizing the positive. The thinking being if we want to encourage healthy and productive decision-making from kids – and employees for that matter – it's wise to focus on what they're doing right, not wrong.
The author's reminder of that truth took me back to a short conversation I had, the night before, with one of MMMM's star employees as they patted their protruding belly: "I have been with this company for almost 30 years and have expanded along with it."
Focusing on the negative is really counterproductive. Whether it's a Team Member who knows it's time to lose some weight or a parent who can't resist criticizing a child, do your best to avoid it. Take the author's advice and utilize a forward-thinking, positive outlook.
Quit beating yourself up, okay? Life, with its tendency to throw unexpected, and unwanted, twists and turns our way does a fine job by itself. We don't, through negative self-talk, need to pile it on.
I'm inexperienced in raising a teenage daughter, determined to improve and have been reading, The 10 Greatest Gifts I Give My Children, in trying to become superior to my former self.
I recently digested many pages on a flight home to Denver from Las Vegas where I had spoken to employees, of Mitch Murch's Maintenance Management (MMMM), at their annual operations, sales and awards meeting. MMMM is a St. Louis-based facilities management company led impressively by Tim Murch, a college buddy. In our two hours together, the discussion focused on, especially in challenging times, keeping the faith, leading by example and caring for others, including our selves.
In modern-day America, integrity-based corporate leaders like Murch – he learned well from his dad, the company founder - would love to fret more about expansion of business and less about expansion of employee's waistlines. Our economy is contracting but our bodies are expanding along with the challenging byproducts: high blood pressure, heart ailments and diabetes, to name just a few.
MMMM is dedicated to providing world-class services to its employees, clients and communities. This team is united, but if the employees, which MMMM calls Team Members, don't have their health, it's tough to serve others, isn't it?
As the plane began its descent into the Mile High City I was reading about the importance of, when talking with kids, using "forward-thinking" words and emphasizing the positive. The thinking being if we want to encourage healthy and productive decision-making from kids – and employees for that matter – it's wise to focus on what they're doing right, not wrong.
The author's reminder of that truth took me back to a short conversation I had, the night before, with one of MMMM's star employees as they patted their protruding belly: "I have been with this company for almost 30 years and have expanded along with it."
Focusing on the negative is really counterproductive. Whether it's a Team Member who knows it's time to lose some weight or a parent who can't resist criticizing a child, do your best to avoid it. Take the author's advice and utilize a forward-thinking, positive outlook.
Quit beating yourself up, okay? Life, with its tendency to throw unexpected, and unwanted, twists and turns our way does a fine job by itself. We don't, through negative self-talk, need to pile it on.
March 5, 2011
This week's Pep Talk: "Irv, Thanks Buddy"
'Twas a Saturday in late February, one of those spectacular Centennial State days that make you pause, mutter "wow", and give thanks for living in Colorado. I'm reflecting on a chat, earlier in the day, with a friend. The conversation covered many topics but, at this time, was dialed in to the radio show I co-host weekdays, along with Jimmy Doogan, from 3-6PM on Mile High Sports Radio, AM1510 and FM93.7.
Our show is called, "Drive Time with Mac and Doog: Ain't about us, it's about YOU!" We really try and walk that talk in providing a forum where our listeners know their opinion is truly valued and respected. It's like we're a bunch of folks sitting around the bar, having a beer and, in a fun and competitive way, talking sports, and other stuff pertinent to playing like champions – sorry couldn't resist the temptation.
Anyway, back to the story. I'm telling my friend how much fun its been to connect with Irv Brown and Joe Williams. The "Irv and Joe" show is on right before us, from 1-3. They are legendary Denver sports talk radio hosts and even better guys.
I knew Irv long before I met him. Back in the day when I'm was dreaming of big things in athletics, the Colorado native was considered one of the nation's top basketball officials. Irv was always referring the big games. And as a young kid who wanted to play in those "big games" some day, I watched 'em all. Irv was there. I saw him on television. He was respected by all and officiated seven national championship games, more than any referee ever.
After moving to Colorado in 1988, I've gotten to know Irv in different roles: husband, father and community leader at the top of the list. The father of three is one of those "fox-hole" kinda folks you like to hang with.
Irv played, through referring those big games, a part in forging my dreams. I will forever be grateful. And now today, his show with Joe - 30 years strong – airs live right before Doog and I take over at three. We see each other all the time while they're departing and we're entering the studio.
And then it hits me. This reflection on the condition we call life takes me to Irv Brown and, perhaps more important, to saying "thank you" to someone who helped shaped me. It takes me to being grateful, defined as: "feeling or showing that we value a kindness or benefit received."
I've have certainly benefited from knowing Irv. Thanks buddy. Got somebody like that in your life? Reach out to them this week, okay? I promise, it will make you feel good.
Our show is called, "Drive Time with Mac and Doog: Ain't about us, it's about YOU!" We really try and walk that talk in providing a forum where our listeners know their opinion is truly valued and respected. It's like we're a bunch of folks sitting around the bar, having a beer and, in a fun and competitive way, talking sports, and other stuff pertinent to playing like champions – sorry couldn't resist the temptation.
Anyway, back to the story. I'm telling my friend how much fun its been to connect with Irv Brown and Joe Williams. The "Irv and Joe" show is on right before us, from 1-3. They are legendary Denver sports talk radio hosts and even better guys.
I knew Irv long before I met him. Back in the day when I'm was dreaming of big things in athletics, the Colorado native was considered one of the nation's top basketball officials. Irv was always referring the big games. And as a young kid who wanted to play in those "big games" some day, I watched 'em all. Irv was there. I saw him on television. He was respected by all and officiated seven national championship games, more than any referee ever.
After moving to Colorado in 1988, I've gotten to know Irv in different roles: husband, father and community leader at the top of the list. The father of three is one of those "fox-hole" kinda folks you like to hang with.
Irv played, through referring those big games, a part in forging my dreams. I will forever be grateful. And now today, his show with Joe - 30 years strong – airs live right before Doog and I take over at three. We see each other all the time while they're departing and we're entering the studio.
And then it hits me. This reflection on the condition we call life takes me to Irv Brown and, perhaps more important, to saying "thank you" to someone who helped shaped me. It takes me to being grateful, defined as: "feeling or showing that we value a kindness or benefit received."
I've have certainly benefited from knowing Irv. Thanks buddy. Got somebody like that in your life? Reach out to them this week, okay? I promise, it will make you feel good.
February 27, 2011
This week's Pep Talk: "Healthy and Productive Engagement"
It was one of those days to remember for its joy. Sunday morning of President's Day weekend 2011. After restful sleep, up early for an hour's drive northward to Greeley, Colorado to watch daughter and teammates on the improving Juggernaut 14-2 volleyball squad play in an important three-day holiday tournament.
The drive went smooth; daughter's team won all three of its matches; drive home equally smooth; as was car wash owner showing real class in making sure I'm a repeat customer; and finally, a beer with my neighbor buddy while watching an exciting hockey game between visiting Pittsburgh and Chicago. It had been a great day, and it got even better.
My buddy and I talk about many subjects, family one of them. It gets around to my mom. I tell the Pueblo native, "Hey, I talked with my mom yesterday and she had to hang up, because she had something to do." I went on to say Patsy Sue Perry – my firecracker of a mom - had later sent an email stating the visit with my sister – her daughter- Sister Sue's boyfriend Eldon and a long-time neighbor from long ago had been "much fun."
I'm just a simple dude from Missouri, but, I think "much fun" is a good place to hang, ain't it? It makes me think of the power of engaging with others. It is so wonderful – my opinion - to connect with others of like-mind and spirit! Damn, life's tough enough, I sure want the folks that I choose to hang with to be easy to get along with, fun and, as former CU football coach Bill McCartney would say, "fox-hole kinda guys." In other words, when it's time to charge the hill nobody's worrying about 100% participation because we're one heart beat.
But that's where it gets tricky. There are times we're certain it's one heartbeat and everything but materializes. Yeah, we've been kicked around a bit. But if we want to truly turn life's lemons into - heck with lemonade – sweet and savory margaritas we have to promise ourselves, and seek encouragement from others – to be smart about it.
Let's vow to do our best in engaging with others, whenever possible, do so in ways – for each participant – that honor, nurture and add value to the communities we serve. My mom's optimistic email reminded me of this great life lesson.
What a day. Part of it spent with you writing this Pep Talk. Thanks and please, tell me what you think, okay? Teamwork, it's the key to success, right? It starts with healthy and productive engagement with one another – like you and me. It's a truth of life at home, work and elsewhere.
Always has been, always will be.
The drive went smooth; daughter's team won all three of its matches; drive home equally smooth; as was car wash owner showing real class in making sure I'm a repeat customer; and finally, a beer with my neighbor buddy while watching an exciting hockey game between visiting Pittsburgh and Chicago. It had been a great day, and it got even better.
My buddy and I talk about many subjects, family one of them. It gets around to my mom. I tell the Pueblo native, "Hey, I talked with my mom yesterday and she had to hang up, because she had something to do." I went on to say Patsy Sue Perry – my firecracker of a mom - had later sent an email stating the visit with my sister – her daughter- Sister Sue's boyfriend Eldon and a long-time neighbor from long ago had been "much fun."
I'm just a simple dude from Missouri, but, I think "much fun" is a good place to hang, ain't it? It makes me think of the power of engaging with others. It is so wonderful – my opinion - to connect with others of like-mind and spirit! Damn, life's tough enough, I sure want the folks that I choose to hang with to be easy to get along with, fun and, as former CU football coach Bill McCartney would say, "fox-hole kinda guys." In other words, when it's time to charge the hill nobody's worrying about 100% participation because we're one heart beat.
But that's where it gets tricky. There are times we're certain it's one heartbeat and everything but materializes. Yeah, we've been kicked around a bit. But if we want to truly turn life's lemons into - heck with lemonade – sweet and savory margaritas we have to promise ourselves, and seek encouragement from others – to be smart about it.
Let's vow to do our best in engaging with others, whenever possible, do so in ways – for each participant – that honor, nurture and add value to the communities we serve. My mom's optimistic email reminded me of this great life lesson.
What a day. Part of it spent with you writing this Pep Talk. Thanks and please, tell me what you think, okay? Teamwork, it's the key to success, right? It starts with healthy and productive engagement with one another – like you and me. It's a truth of life at home, work and elsewhere.
Always has been, always will be.
February 19, 2011
This week's Pep Talk: "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained"
Those of you who are regular readers/viewers of the weekly Pep Talk know recently I have begun co-hosting, along with my partner Jimmy Doogan, three hours of sports talk each weekday afternoon from 3-6 on Mile High Sports Radio, AM1510 and FM93.7, in Denver.
Well, recently we had a lot of fun with a Valentine's Day promotion with one of our sponsors, Sonny's Rocks, www.sonnysrocks.com. We encouraged listeners, and social media friends, to submit, in 200 words or less, their story about their favorite sports date ever. The winner each week received a nice pair of diamond stud earrings from Sonny's, and a pair of tickets to a Colorado Avalanche hockey, from us.
We had many great entries. One really stood out, at least for me, for it's example of the truth that sometimes in life, we gotta put fear aside and allow wonderment to win.
The contestant offered: "After having been divorced four years, I decided to ask my next door neighbor, a divorced mother of two, out on a date. We had lived next to each other for two years without really talking, except an occasional "hello" or wave.
One day in May, I was on my roof working on the swamp cooler while she was next door mowing her yard. I yelled to her, "Hey, would you like to go to a Rockies game with me?" She said, "sure."
Heading to the game the following week, we were walking to the stadium and I kissed her for the first time on the corner of Park Avenue West. We had great seats, but after a few innings and an order of nachos, we decided to go for a walk. The Rockpile looked nearly empty, we spent the rest of the game talking and kissing and to this day, I still can't remember who won the game!
I made the best catch of my life when we married six months later. That was seven years ago. I still love the Rockies, but I love my wife more. She doesn't have an off-season.
This gentleman, he won a pair of earrings and tickets, while up on that roof, decided to put fear aside and allow wonderment to win. Turned out pretty well for him, didn't it?
Where might it be time for you to take that leap of faith into the great unknown? Too often we allow past disappointments to hold us back. It makes me think of Shakespeare's wise words: "Our doubts are traitors that make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt."
This week, let's vow to make our rallying cry: "nothing ventured, nothing gained."
Well, recently we had a lot of fun with a Valentine's Day promotion with one of our sponsors, Sonny's Rocks, www.sonnysrocks.com. We encouraged listeners, and social media friends, to submit, in 200 words or less, their story about their favorite sports date ever. The winner each week received a nice pair of diamond stud earrings from Sonny's, and a pair of tickets to a Colorado Avalanche hockey, from us.
We had many great entries. One really stood out, at least for me, for it's example of the truth that sometimes in life, we gotta put fear aside and allow wonderment to win.
The contestant offered: "After having been divorced four years, I decided to ask my next door neighbor, a divorced mother of two, out on a date. We had lived next to each other for two years without really talking, except an occasional "hello" or wave.
One day in May, I was on my roof working on the swamp cooler while she was next door mowing her yard. I yelled to her, "Hey, would you like to go to a Rockies game with me?" She said, "sure."
Heading to the game the following week, we were walking to the stadium and I kissed her for the first time on the corner of Park Avenue West. We had great seats, but after a few innings and an order of nachos, we decided to go for a walk. The Rockpile looked nearly empty, we spent the rest of the game talking and kissing and to this day, I still can't remember who won the game!
I made the best catch of my life when we married six months later. That was seven years ago. I still love the Rockies, but I love my wife more. She doesn't have an off-season.
This gentleman, he won a pair of earrings and tickets, while up on that roof, decided to put fear aside and allow wonderment to win. Turned out pretty well for him, didn't it?
Where might it be time for you to take that leap of faith into the great unknown? Too often we allow past disappointments to hold us back. It makes me think of Shakespeare's wise words: "Our doubts are traitors that make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt."
This week, let's vow to make our rallying cry: "nothing ventured, nothing gained."
February 12, 2011
This week's Pep Talk: "The Power of Love"
It was a Friday night culminating a busy and productive week and Billy Joel is keeping me company. I had just finished having beers with neighbor buddy Lou while watching first-half action of an entertaining game between the visiting Utah Jazz and hometown Denver Nuggets.
I descend into my basement office, thoughts churning, and decided to share this Pep Talk, trapped in my brain, to a team I know, from our conversations - home, work and elsewhere - cares about this stuff
Somehow the chat with the Centennial State native, which ran the gamut, ended up with a discussion about parenting. In particular, parenting from different homes. I have experience in this area considering my two marriages have, each time, provided residence in this challenging arena.
My good buddy and I have many things we enthusiastically debate. But, the importance of parenting is not one. We're in unequivocal support of, "Hey, we brought them into this world. It's our responsibility to show them a path to success in ways that honor, nurture and add value to their lives.
They didn't ask to be brought into this world. We brought them here and it's our responsibility to mentor the children. Come on folks, it's not that complicated. A simple truth but, as we all know, far easier said than done.
When it comes to parenting, after the heartbreak of divorce, one of the four most powerful things I have learned, and tried like heck to embrace, is the wisdom of forgiveness. We need more of what's defined as "to cease to feel angry or bitter toward" in America today. We need parenting partnerships that, despite the challenges associated with divorce, remain committed to a healthy and productive partnership with our collaborator in creating life.
The Piano Man was singing, You're My Home in the background as I realized what inspired me to plop down, enjoy one more beer and fire this off to teammates on this unit trying to play like champions – home, work and elsewhere:
We talk to the kids constantly about the wisdom of getting along with others wherever they roam. Let's vow this week to walk our talk. Get along. It will show our kids the truth of that belief. While it offers no guarantee for success it just might work in sending a powerful message to our kids, "We are forever, despite the crap life throws our way, united in our love for you."
The power of love benefits all. I know it's real easy for me to suggest and far more difficult to execute. Try.
I descend into my basement office, thoughts churning, and decided to share this Pep Talk, trapped in my brain, to a team I know, from our conversations - home, work and elsewhere - cares about this stuff
Somehow the chat with the Centennial State native, which ran the gamut, ended up with a discussion about parenting. In particular, parenting from different homes. I have experience in this area considering my two marriages have, each time, provided residence in this challenging arena.
My good buddy and I have many things we enthusiastically debate. But, the importance of parenting is not one. We're in unequivocal support of, "Hey, we brought them into this world. It's our responsibility to show them a path to success in ways that honor, nurture and add value to their lives.
They didn't ask to be brought into this world. We brought them here and it's our responsibility to mentor the children. Come on folks, it's not that complicated. A simple truth but, as we all know, far easier said than done.
When it comes to parenting, after the heartbreak of divorce, one of the four most powerful things I have learned, and tried like heck to embrace, is the wisdom of forgiveness. We need more of what's defined as "to cease to feel angry or bitter toward" in America today. We need parenting partnerships that, despite the challenges associated with divorce, remain committed to a healthy and productive partnership with our collaborator in creating life.
The Piano Man was singing, You're My Home in the background as I realized what inspired me to plop down, enjoy one more beer and fire this off to teammates on this unit trying to play like champions – home, work and elsewhere:
We talk to the kids constantly about the wisdom of getting along with others wherever they roam. Let's vow this week to walk our talk. Get along. It will show our kids the truth of that belief. While it offers no guarantee for success it just might work in sending a powerful message to our kids, "We are forever, despite the crap life throws our way, united in our love for you."
The power of love benefits all. I know it's real easy for me to suggest and far more difficult to execute. Try.
February 6, 2011
This week's Pep Talk: "Angels Among Us"
Many years ago, after undergraduate work at Mizzou, I moved to Dallas, Texas to work and, for a couple of reasons, leave the past behind.
Upon arriving in "Big D", I connected with a long-time mentor Vance Morris. He and darling wife Paula lived in Sherman, Texas, about an hour north of Dallas. We met for dinner. The food and fellowship was fantastic. What transpired at evening's end was truly transforming.
We had said our goodbyes and Coach Morris, now in his 51st year of coaching football at the collegiate and high school levels, was driving away. He suddenly slams on the brakes, jumps from the car, pops open the trunk and reaches into a duffel bag. He then hands me a torn, tattered and often-used Bible and says, "I want you to have this."
Well, I was at a moment in life – new city, job and no social life – where, as Emerson would say, "the iron string within" encouraged me to spend time with this publication. Over the next few months, I read it from front cover to back, like a book. I discovered what an incredible book of wisdom it is.
One verse really resonated, Galatians 6:9. It says, "Never grow weary of doing good, for at the proper time you'll reap the harvest if you just don't give up." Ever since embracing that belief, I've tried like heck to live it. I'm human and have fallen short many times but it's a daily driving force in trying to, despite challenges, play like a champion – home, work and elsewhere.
Over the years there have been many times this truth has manifested itself. Another example just recently while reaching for my keys to gain entry into the Mile High Sports Radio studios for another day's edition of my afternoon sports talk show. I had no keys. Earlier in the day, my radio co-host had picked me up, and I had walked off and left my house keys in a sitting area near the sidewalk in front of my home. Anybody walking the sidewalk could have grabbed those keys, walked to my front door, opened it and taken whatever they wanted, including the beloved and aging cat.
I called a neighbor and asked her to check if the keys were there or the house ransacked. A short while later, she responded: keys found and belongings secure. Apparently, I had an angel, disguised as a Federal Express employee, scoop up the keys and place them, and a package, on the front porch.
I believe the "never grow weary of doing good" philosophy manifested, at the proper time, reaping the harvest of a delivery person's alertness and graciousness via the "law of circulation." Never grow weary of doing good for others. Trust me, the rewards – angels among us – are worth the effort.
Upon arriving in "Big D", I connected with a long-time mentor Vance Morris. He and darling wife Paula lived in Sherman, Texas, about an hour north of Dallas. We met for dinner. The food and fellowship was fantastic. What transpired at evening's end was truly transforming.
We had said our goodbyes and Coach Morris, now in his 51st year of coaching football at the collegiate and high school levels, was driving away. He suddenly slams on the brakes, jumps from the car, pops open the trunk and reaches into a duffel bag. He then hands me a torn, tattered and often-used Bible and says, "I want you to have this."
Well, I was at a moment in life – new city, job and no social life – where, as Emerson would say, "the iron string within" encouraged me to spend time with this publication. Over the next few months, I read it from front cover to back, like a book. I discovered what an incredible book of wisdom it is.
One verse really resonated, Galatians 6:9. It says, "Never grow weary of doing good, for at the proper time you'll reap the harvest if you just don't give up." Ever since embracing that belief, I've tried like heck to live it. I'm human and have fallen short many times but it's a daily driving force in trying to, despite challenges, play like a champion – home, work and elsewhere.
Over the years there have been many times this truth has manifested itself. Another example just recently while reaching for my keys to gain entry into the Mile High Sports Radio studios for another day's edition of my afternoon sports talk show. I had no keys. Earlier in the day, my radio co-host had picked me up, and I had walked off and left my house keys in a sitting area near the sidewalk in front of my home. Anybody walking the sidewalk could have grabbed those keys, walked to my front door, opened it and taken whatever they wanted, including the beloved and aging cat.
I called a neighbor and asked her to check if the keys were there or the house ransacked. A short while later, she responded: keys found and belongings secure. Apparently, I had an angel, disguised as a Federal Express employee, scoop up the keys and place them, and a package, on the front porch.
I believe the "never grow weary of doing good" philosophy manifested, at the proper time, reaping the harvest of a delivery person's alertness and graciousness via the "law of circulation." Never grow weary of doing good for others. Trust me, the rewards – angels among us – are worth the effort.
January 29, 2011
This week's Pep Talk: "Trying to Make a Difference"
I was aboard an airplane transporting myself, and others, toward Kansas City from Denver on a late January Saturday morning. I'm reading the OP-ED section of the day's Denver Post and a well-written tribute to Sargent Shriver. Awarded the Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian award, in 1994, Shriver recently passed from Alzheimer's at the age of 95. Shriver was a champion for life's underdogs, including founding the Peace Corps and Special Olympics.
The writer of the tribute worked, as a speechwriter, for Shriver in the early 60's and was, upon Shriver's death, reflecting on the one-time vice presidential candidate's life. The scribe recalled a principle that inspired Shriver's work: "The cure is care. Caring for others is the practice of peace. Caring becomes as important as curing. Caring produces the cure, not the reverse."
What really resonated was the "caring for others is the practice of peace." While Shriver's work was on a global scale in caring for others and promoting peace through programs like the Peace Corps, the truth in "caring for others is the practice of peace" could certainly apply to many areas of our lives – home, work and elsewhere.
But caring for others can sometimes be a tricky proposition. We can truly care, try our best to make a difference and still not succeed. I admire Shriver's thoughts about "caring produces the cure, not the reverse" but also realize it doesn't always work. Say, for instance, we have a loved one, or loved ones, we care deeply about; we can care deeply for their well being but really are powerless to change what ails them until they decide to take the courageous steps in becoming superior to their former selves.
But we can always care. An earlier story read on the flight toward my hometown chronicled a controversial recent Colorado state legislature decision. In an effort to hack away at a projected one billion dollar budget deficit, a committee within the Centennial State's legislative body decided to eliminate a program providing funding for low-income kids to have breakfast at school. Many had decried the wisdom of terminating a program ensuring needy kids, at a cost of roughly 30 cents a meal, food in their bellies at breakfast. The thinking being a growling tummy does not foster a hunger for learning – sure makes sense to me.
"Caring for others is the practice of peace." Well, as stated before, while not ensuring success with an endeavor, I believe it provides peace in our hearts to know we tried to make a difference. Trying to make a difference. It fueled the passion Sargent Shriver brought to life. It can do the same for us.
The writer of the tribute worked, as a speechwriter, for Shriver in the early 60's and was, upon Shriver's death, reflecting on the one-time vice presidential candidate's life. The scribe recalled a principle that inspired Shriver's work: "The cure is care. Caring for others is the practice of peace. Caring becomes as important as curing. Caring produces the cure, not the reverse."
What really resonated was the "caring for others is the practice of peace." While Shriver's work was on a global scale in caring for others and promoting peace through programs like the Peace Corps, the truth in "caring for others is the practice of peace" could certainly apply to many areas of our lives – home, work and elsewhere.
But caring for others can sometimes be a tricky proposition. We can truly care, try our best to make a difference and still not succeed. I admire Shriver's thoughts about "caring produces the cure, not the reverse" but also realize it doesn't always work. Say, for instance, we have a loved one, or loved ones, we care deeply about; we can care deeply for their well being but really are powerless to change what ails them until they decide to take the courageous steps in becoming superior to their former selves.
But we can always care. An earlier story read on the flight toward my hometown chronicled a controversial recent Colorado state legislature decision. In an effort to hack away at a projected one billion dollar budget deficit, a committee within the Centennial State's legislative body decided to eliminate a program providing funding for low-income kids to have breakfast at school. Many had decried the wisdom of terminating a program ensuring needy kids, at a cost of roughly 30 cents a meal, food in their bellies at breakfast. The thinking being a growling tummy does not foster a hunger for learning – sure makes sense to me.
"Caring for others is the practice of peace." Well, as stated before, while not ensuring success with an endeavor, I believe it provides peace in our hearts to know we tried to make a difference. Trying to make a difference. It fueled the passion Sargent Shriver brought to life. It can do the same for us.
January 21, 2011
This week's Pep Talk: "A Soothing Salve"
I was driving toward my darling girlfriend's place when thoughts steered toward my teenage daughter. An amazing eighth-grader full of so much: potential, beauty, intelligence, hormones and, most scary, a fascination with boys. Ugh.
Since I'm such an annoyance these days – what father of a teenage girl isn't? – the call goes unanswered. I wonder, is the talented volleyball player staring at her phone pondering, "Nah, I have no desire to talk with my old man."
I listen to her maturing voice inform me to leave a message. I oblige with the following: "Sweetie, this is your old man. I know things have been a bit rough of late with the 'boy' thing, but please don't get caught up in the drama. It's just not worth it."
For whatever reason my mind jumps to an old song I remember singing years ago on the elementary school playground. It was a goofy song boys would sing about girls and then, girls would sing right back at us:
"Boys are made of goofy, goofy gopher guts, mutilated monkey butts; chopped up parakeets, french fried eyeballs swimming in a pool of blood, that's what boys are made of."
I'm sure, thank goodness, that song is rarely, if ever, uttered today on school playgrounds. It came back to my vividly when thinking of my daughter's introduction to the wild and wacky world of relationships: a roller coaster ride with unexpected and unwanted twists and turns along the way. I finished singing that silly song, included "Love ya Sweetie" and one final thought: "I know it's real easy for me to say 'don't get involved in the drama' but also know, easier said than done."
I parked the car and, for a brief moment, sat in stillness contemplating what I had just said to one of two – her older brother the other – people I think about constantly hoping and praying for their well being, Parents do that concerning kids, right?
We want to protect them from pain, of any kind - even middle school crushes. At the same time we know it's all part of the journey and rarely can be avoided. I hope she realizes she's not alone. We've all been there. If then hits me, a reminder of one of life's most important truths: When crappy stuff happens, we often feel isolated, regardless of our age.
In moments of "Why me?" when forced to confront life's lemons, reaching out to other like-minded folks takes courage, do it. Be vulnerable, bold and encouraging. Give hope and confidence to, and draw strength from, others who share similar experiences. It's a soothing salve – home, work and elsewhere – for what ails us. Someday I hope darling daughter embraces that truth.
Since I'm such an annoyance these days – what father of a teenage girl isn't? – the call goes unanswered. I wonder, is the talented volleyball player staring at her phone pondering, "Nah, I have no desire to talk with my old man."
I listen to her maturing voice inform me to leave a message. I oblige with the following: "Sweetie, this is your old man. I know things have been a bit rough of late with the 'boy' thing, but please don't get caught up in the drama. It's just not worth it."
For whatever reason my mind jumps to an old song I remember singing years ago on the elementary school playground. It was a goofy song boys would sing about girls and then, girls would sing right back at us:
"Boys are made of goofy, goofy gopher guts, mutilated monkey butts; chopped up parakeets, french fried eyeballs swimming in a pool of blood, that's what boys are made of."
I'm sure, thank goodness, that song is rarely, if ever, uttered today on school playgrounds. It came back to my vividly when thinking of my daughter's introduction to the wild and wacky world of relationships: a roller coaster ride with unexpected and unwanted twists and turns along the way. I finished singing that silly song, included "Love ya Sweetie" and one final thought: "I know it's real easy for me to say 'don't get involved in the drama' but also know, easier said than done."
I parked the car and, for a brief moment, sat in stillness contemplating what I had just said to one of two – her older brother the other – people I think about constantly hoping and praying for their well being, Parents do that concerning kids, right?
We want to protect them from pain, of any kind - even middle school crushes. At the same time we know it's all part of the journey and rarely can be avoided. I hope she realizes she's not alone. We've all been there. If then hits me, a reminder of one of life's most important truths: When crappy stuff happens, we often feel isolated, regardless of our age.
In moments of "Why me?" when forced to confront life's lemons, reaching out to other like-minded folks takes courage, do it. Be vulnerable, bold and encouraging. Give hope and confidence to, and draw strength from, others who share similar experiences. It's a soothing salve – home, work and elsewhere – for what ails us. Someday I hope darling daughter embraces that truth.
