Hidden Potential

You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You're on your own. And you know what you know.

And YOU are the one who'll decide where you'll go...

~ Dr. Seuss

Fall is just around the corner (although the temperatures might beg to differ). School is starting for students of all ages. It means new beginnings, new classes, new friends, and new experiences.

It doesn't matter if you are just starting your education or finishing your graduate year, go in with a fresh attitude. Find something you can look forward to every day. Take control of this school year. Make it YOUR year. You have the power to decide how much you'll get out of every day. You have the power to decide what you'll do with the knowledge you gain.

Whether you are moving into the next grade or moving into a college dorm room, enjoy every minute and take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. Be open to classes, sports, or extracurricular activities that will introduce, broaden, or strengthen your talents. Unlock your hidden potential and see what doors open up for you.

And when the bell rings and that last class is over, it doesn't mean the learning stops. Knowledge is power and your resources are endless.

Don't be satisfied following in someone's path. Make your own tracks and see where YOUR path takes you.

Hidden Potential

Olympic Spirit in the Game of Life

The strongest people aren't always those who win, but those who don't give up when they lose.

The opening ceremonies of the Olympics are always touching as the world comes together in a spirit of unity ~ if just for a moment. We respectfully watch as athletes proudly carry their country's flag during the parade march. We are educated and entertained as the hosting city brings its culture to life through song, dance, and narration. Then the games begin.

With the Summer Olympics in full throttle, not only are the athletes' abilities on display through competition, but also their sportsmanship. Each one works hard to get where they are, but the truly good athletes will shine with or without medals. They are the ones who will not stay down when they get knocked to their knees. They are the ones who congratulate their winning opponent(s) and encourage their losing opponent(s). They are the ones who take a failed competition and use it as a stepping stone, a learning experience for the next race. They are the ones who stand proud yet humble for their moment of national recognition, then turn around to cheer for their fellow athletes.

We, as a general audience, can learn a lot as we watch these athletes compete. We can adopt their champion attitude of not giving up, working hard to accomplish dreams, and believing in ourselves. These athletes have been taught that the minute you give up, you've already lost. That logic applies to all of us. The strongest people aren't always those who compete in the Olympics and win, but those who don't give up when they lose ~ whether in an Olympic game, on the court/field, or in the game of life.

Olympic Spirit

Count Your Blessings

Count your blessings and make your blessings count.

Before you leave your house today, tell your family you love them. When you get home from school or work tonight, give your loved ones a hug. Take a minute through a phone call, email, or text to tell your friends and family members how much you appreciate them.

Don't let the moments pass by to tell those closest to you how you feel. Take time to do it now. Today. Time is precious. As tragedies and devastation strike at unexpected moments, we are reminded that life is also fragile and can be too short. Let go of old grudges, bad feelings, and jealousies. Hold on to what matters most.

Don't take the blessings in your life for granted. Recognize them. Be grateful for them. Cherish them.

Count Your Blessings

StoryMakers Writers Conference Changed My Perspective

Let other people read what I write? Who does that?! What about criticism and rejection? I've always been a closet writer. Notebooks full of thought-filled articles and computer files safely hiding dozens of children's stories and chapter books. The phrase "one day" was how I described my dreams of ever being published.

That was my writing perspective until a friend introduced me to the StoryMakers Writers Conference.

I attended my first StoryMakers Writers Conference a few years ago in Provo for just one day. This all-day extravaganza where I was surrounded by successful authors and esteemed publishers had me feeling completely out of place. I was pleasantly surprised to find everyone at the conference friendly and inviting. They instantly welcomed me as though I had always been a part of their writing circle.

With a notebook and pen in hand, I took notes and soaked up the information like a sponge. With so many class options to choose from, I found myself wishing I had signed up for two days instead of just one. The talented class instructors held my attention throughout the entire day and left me thirsting for more. They were incredibly knowledgable about their topics and happy to supply us with information that would help further our own literary creations.

As I listened intently and observed the talent surrounding me, my thoughts kept returning to the unread stories that were hiding in my computer and the thoughts I had buried in a notebook. Something changed in me that day. Never before had I felt such a strong desire to get my work out there and make something happen.

I returned home that night and told my husband that I was ready to start submitting stories for publication. The next day, I sent out three different manuscripts to several publishers, all of whom were at the Writers Conference. I knew that the possibility was still present (and probable) for criticism and rejection, but my perspective was different. Nothing would continue happening if I didn't put my work out there. And I was tired of nothing happening.

Many rejection letters later, one of my books has been published with another scheduled for the end of the year. That conference gave me the confidence, tools, and kick in the pants I needed to bring my writing to life. I will be forever grateful to my friend who talked me into going and to the support and collaboration I continue to receive from the new friends I made at the conference.

Sign up for the StoryMakers Midwest Writers Conference
http://ldstorymakers.com/conferences/midwest-conference-2012
http://ldstorymakerauthors.blogspot.com/2012/06/show-love-for-storymakers-midwest.html

Good Works ~ Just Because!

Small acts of kindness go a long way. Your good works could change someone's day.

~ Stacy J. Coles

When was the last time you did something nice for someone you know, just because? When was the last time you helped someone you didn't know, just because?

We don't need a reason to serve those around us. Opportunities to do good works are everywhere. Does it take time? Sure. Does it take effort? Of course. Is it worth it? Absolutely!

We might not be thanked or recognized for doing good things, but we shouldn't serve expecting to be rewarded. Knowing we've carried someone's burden, made things easier, or just brightened someone's day will bring us enough satisfaction to want to do it again. Yep! It's addictive. When we see that we've made a difference in someone's life, even for just a moment, we will want to do it again and again.

Many of us take advantage of holiday seasons to do service activities with religious groups or family members. But, it's not just during the holidays that neighbors and strangers might need a pick-me-up.

One day, many years ago, I came home from dropping off all three of my kids at school and suddenly realized how quiet my house was. I found myself cleaning ferociously, hoping to keep the lonely tears away. The doorbell rang and I was surprised to see my neighbor standing on my porch holding fresh-cut flowers from her garden. The stems were simply tied together with a ribbon. She said she was gardening and thought of me. I thanked her, put the flowers in a vase with water, and placed them on the table. I found myself smiling every time I walked by. It didn't make me miss my kids less, but it made me feel good to know someone was thinking about me ~ just because.

Fresh-cut flowers, a plate of cookies, a friendly note ... these are simple acts of kindness that can bring happiness to those we know, and might not know. We may never realize the impact we can have on someone's day, but acts that we consider simple or insignificant could mean the world to the recipient of that kindness.

Look for an opportunity to do something nice or help someone in need and relish the moment, knowing you might have been exactly what they needed. It just might put a smile on your face, too.

Good Works

A Tribute to Fathers

                Fearless

         exAmple

        proTector

           Hero

workEr

          stRong

                Special

To the dads who have loved us from the start, whose discipline and rules came from the heart;

To the dads who work hard before going to bed, so there's money for food and a roof overhead;

To the dads starting out with their young ones in tow, who want to protect them wherever they go;

To the dads who don't have to speak when they're mad, 'cause the look on their face lets you know you've been bad;

To the dads who may have lost all hope, when their sick baby dies and it's too hard to cope;

To the dads who fight and serve so well, so our freedoms and rights will forever prevail;

To the dads we love with all our heart, for their example of hard work and doing our part;

To the dads who protect us when life goes array, and help us see things in a whole new way;

To the dads who act tough when your date comes to call, but is really a softy underneath it all;

To the dads who love us when we marry their son, and call us "daughter" from that day on;

To the dads who don't show their love with hugs, but you feel their support and know of their love;

To the dads who are older and have stories to tell, and the lessons we learn if we listen real well;

To those wonderful men in our lives we now say, "Thanks for everything! Happy Father's Day."

Fathers

Bloom Where You're Planted

When life gives you lemons and you don't like lemonade, add your own flair then love what you've made.

~ Stacy Coles

For years I tested my green thumb only to find that it's not very green. I've tried planting tomatoes, peppers, carrots and beans. Vegetables haven't succeeded in my garden, but weeds seem to have become my specialty. I blame the soil.

After spending more money than I care to admit on tomato starters and nutrient-filled soil, and spending countless hours weeding and watering, our family discovered a community garden where vegetables seem to grow happily. So, for a small fee, (and no weeding or watering on my part) we loaded a box full of all the veggies we wanted to pick. I was able to make and can salsa to my heart's content.

We are now looking to convert our little garden into a water fall with a pond. Fish are debatable ~ I'm not sure I'll be able to keep those alive, either.

I wanted my garden to succeed. I wanted to reap the benefits of harvesting ripe, delicious vegetables after a summer of nurturing those delicate plants. Nature had other plans. I found myself disappointed year after year when there wasn't much to show for all my hard work. This was my lemon, and I'm not one for lemonade. When we found the community garden, I was overjoyed at how many veggies we were able to get and how much salsa it made. This became our added flair. We didn't quit or give up. We simply found a different approach that made everyone happy.
 
There will be times we find ourselves in a position or location that we wouldn't have chosen. It might be something big like a job that takes us into an unknown territory, or an illness that puts future plans on hold. It might be something smaller like a church calling that makes us question our abilities, or finding we aren't great at gardening.

Making the most of whatever situation or circumstance we find ourselves in is the key to happiness. If we choose to wallow in self-pity because things don't turn out as we expect, we're going to be miserable. If we accept life's challenges and make the most of what we've been given, we'll thrive no matter where we are and no matter what we're doing. Life is what we make of it. So find a way to make it great.

It's easy to let the sour situations in life get us down. But, when things don't turn out as planned, adjust the plan. Do your best regardless of your situation. Face your ups and downs with a positive attitude and turn life's lemons into something you will be proud of ... like salsa!

Life's Lemons