YOUR LIFE A-Z: OBSERVE

OBSERVATION REQUIRES ACTION AND CHOICE

OBSERVE

The difference between OBSERVE and notice can be tricky.  For example, you can read the word  “notice” in yesterday’s TWENTY MINUTE COACH and choose to do nothing with the “notice.”   Or you can choose to OBSERVE it.   To OBSERVE the meaning of the word “notice” means to examine it fully, investigate it closely, and then design a plan to OBSERVE the notice.  To OBSERVE the law is an action of compliance.  You may think it is silly to have a twenty-five mile speed sign on what appears to be an open and safe space, but to OBSERVE the speed sign implies that you comply and bring your vehicle into compliance with the law regardless of whether you agree or not.  That means you are practicing the word OBSERVE.  There are multiple opportunities to OBSERVE daily.  OBSERVE the interaction of people around you and train yourself to think positively about people rather than the critical norm.  Train yourself to OBSERVE the goodness in each person focusing on what they are doing right.  This OBSERVATION is a significant focus on choosing to OBSERVE the goodness in people verses his/her shortcomings.  Thus, to OBSERVE is to make what already is noticed, significant.  Once something is significant to you then you have a choice about how significant it is and what course of action you are going to take to OBSERVE.  You are probably familiar with the phrase, “Let’s OBSERVE a moment of silence for_____________.”  So today set time apart to be silent for a minute as you OBSERVE a moment of gratitude for your life. 

YOUR LIFE A-Z:NOTICE

FEED YOUR DRAGON WITH KINDNESS

NOTICE

NOTICE can be a verb or a noun depending on the context of how it is being used.  Imagine waking up this morning and having a hand written notice on your pillow that says, “Your life will expire in thirty-days, make the most of it.”  Now that is a NOTICE.  You have been informed you have only thirty-days to live and now you have a choice.  In one sense you are one of the lucky ones, you now have the NOTICE of your time on earth.  You can choose to be angry and distressed that you have only thirty days left or you can choose to focus on what it is that matters to you the next thirty days.  NOTICE I said you get to choose what and how you want to spend your time.  See, I used the word NOTICE as a verb in that sentence that drew your attention to the word “you.”  The NOTICE came to you thus it is your choice how you want to spend the time.  Maybe you want to fly off and see the Almalfi Coast in Italy or jump from an airplane.  Perhaps your family wants you to come visit and spend your last thirty days with them.  If you have two conflicting choices either choose to make it a win-win for you or if that is not possible, clearly make it a win for you.  A NOTICE is an announcement of something important that should not be ignored whether it be in verb or noun form.  Take NOTICE and get a move on.  

YOUR LIFE A-Z: MARVEL

ALL OF LIFE IS A MARVEL

MARVEL

MARVEL is a word that when activated causes the soul to soar upwards in astonishment and delight.  A MARVEL can also be a pleasant surprise when you accomplish something you thought was impossible.   To set a new 10K record can be a MARVEL, an accomplishment in your eyes. Visit the Grand Canyon and allow the MARVEL of it expand your chest and break out a big smile and take glee in the photo opportunities that will MARVEL even the novice photographer.  The Grand Canyon as I suppose it is with Niagara Falls and other natural wonders is never the same twice.  Each day, each ray of light, each cloud, and the multi-dimensional backgrounds of color are always changing.   The only thing that prevents you from enjoying the MARVELOUS environments around you is your attitude and possible negative thoughts.  I use to think the Grand Canyon was one big hole in the ground until I spent several days in a row there where I could then experience the Canyon.  Once you experience something the MARVEL of if seeps in from the toes of your feet to the top of your head. There are many things to MARVEL and that are MARVELOUS.   Do not miss the opportunity to celebrate the MARVEL of the day, which provides you another opportunity to live and breath in meaningful and MARVELOUS ways.  To MARVEL is to be open to the experience of the present moment seeing it as if you have never seen it before.  

YOUR LIFE A-Z: LEARN

LEARN TO FISH FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

LEARN

It is never too late for this important word.  It has been proven that people who choose to discover interesting things to LEARN all throughout his/her lifespan are happier, healthier and keep the brain engaged building new pathways.   New pathways in the brain require the brain to use its plasticity that it is biologically wired to do which can help keep dementia and Alzheimer’s disease at bay.  But more importantly than that LEARNING something new keeps boredom at bay.  Boredom leads to overeating, laziness, too much drinking, and other brain dulling activities until one day you wake up and say,  “OMG, I am a coach potato.”   In this fast paced very technological society that you live in, you have many opportunities at your fingertips to LEARN something new everyday.  Crossword puzzles become more animated by playing the game words with friends which keeps the brain working and engaged.  However, to LEARN something new such as a new language, how to play a musical instrument, or a new sport can be intimidating.  That is normal for everyone so don't let emotional intimidation keep you in the corner of life.  Don’t compare yourself to others and his/her abilities.  Focus on your self and choose to LEARN something new that will be a bit intimidating.  It will be a good challenge for your self-esteem to get a workout too, while you LEARN.   Enjoy the fact that you are able to LEARN and let yourself explore many opportunities to LEARN.  Even LEARN to cook a new recipe for dinner.

YOUR LIFE A-Z: KICKOFF

KICK OFF'S ARE MULTIDIMENSIONAL 

KICKOFF

Yes, KICKOFF something new in your life.  In the United States the word KICKOFF is almost synonymous with the beginning of football season.  As a result, the word has attached to it much anticipation and enjoyment.  The KICKOFF season begins early with many advertisements and much press building excitement in fans for the upcoming season. What is it that you have wanted to do and either just never got around to it or thought erroneously it was just too big for you to tackle?  Using the platform of a KICKOFF might be just what you need to get started.  Choose one thing you want to KICKOFF in your life such as a new job, a college degree, or a new exercise program.  Sit with yourself and list all of the things required to accomplish this KICKOFF.  Once you have the list begin to detail how you can celebrate an opening day to your life event.  What will the celebration entail and whom will you invite?  Have T-Shirts made or some sort of door prize that you can give to those people who you invite to be part of your KICKOFF to your life’s change.   Once that is planned go back to the Vision Board exercise under the word focus and make a vision board that details every thing that you want and need as a result of this KICKOFF.   Think about this KICKOFF not as the all in all but as a magnificent start to a season of anticipation and change in your life.  Make the KICKOFF big and celebratory in every way. 

YOUR LIFE A-Z:JOB

NOW THIS IS A JOB!!

JOB

You are the one that can make a distinction between a JOB and a J-O-B.  The difference between those two words is found in the attitude.  The JOB you do for a living is an agreement between you and your employer to produce a certain amount of work in an agreed upon time for a said amount of pay.  If you don’t like this arrangement and do nothing to change it then you end up with a J-O-B.  A J-O-B becomes part of a daily grind where you of ten find yourself moaning and groaning about how awful your life is at you J-O-B.  This attitude will eventually cause emotional, physical, and spiritual decay to your soul and you may find yourself growing old and bitter, becoming that old person you judged when you were a child.  If you settle for a J-O-B that is your choice or you can do one of the two following options.  
1.) You can actively look for and discover things that you like about your J-O-B and learn to be grateful for the benefits of your J-O-B, thus elevating your mood and demeanor when at work and home about your J-O-B.  
2.) You can actively search for a different JOB that intrigues and interests you possibly opening new pathways of happiness for you.  
Either way we each need a way to be productive in this world and most of us need a JOB in order to provide the necessities of our daily life.  Being grateful for what it provides you is the first step between a JOB and a J-O-B.  

YOUR LIFE A-Z: ICON

WHAT IS SHE SAYING TO YOU? 

ICON-ICONIC

Following the word Hagiology is the word ICON.   ICON’s are generally known as early Eastern Christian religious paintings that depict a certain image, symbol or saint.  For instance, the ICON of the serious St. Thomas or Mary of Magdalena with the red egg are familiar Eastern ICONS.  ICONS can be used as a mirror for us to look into and ask the question, “How am I doing?”  ICONS can represent a standard and a measurement for our soul to achieve a sense of an internal life of peace and purpose.  Besides a mirror an ICON can also serve as a window into the ancient past, a connection to a sacred space inside of us that carries a thread to our history.  Google the word and view the various ICONS and notice if one speaks to you at a level deep inside of you.  
Another way ICON can be useful to us is through the image of a hero or a person that achieves a distinction of excellence in one form or the other.  In traditional Greek literature the gods, goddesses, and athletes were ICONIC.  An ICON becomes bigger than life and lives on past the traditional time of his/her historical moment.  John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa are ICONS of our time.  The ICONIC legends serve us today with an inspirational confidence that life can be heroic in the day-to-day holiness of each moment.  Changing your focus to the possibilities and letting go of the “what if’s” presents a daily opportunities to make a difference in your own life and the lives of others.