Everyday is Thanksgiving

On Thursday November 24th, the United States will celebrate 'Thanksgiving Day', where family and friends will gather around a table filled with food, watch football, share precious memories and create new ones.  As we go through our day (and perhaps, the entire weekend), may we take some time out to remember those who don't have family, a home or food to eat.  I am simply asking that each of us find the opportunity within our festivities to incorporate a prayer (or a moment of silence) to those still serving Overseas, the homeless person you pass by on your way to work, that neighbor whom you never see at a grocery store, and a friend who may be down on their luck.  Remember that as we stuff our turkeys and faces with stuffing, someone wishes they had a meal.

This was not developed in any way to make you feel guilty.  This is merely a reminder to be thankful for each moment of each day.  The takeaway:  Give Thanks, Everyday.

When Life Give Us Lemons...

I have heard many stories of children learning Entrepreneurship at an early age, by running a lemonade stand.  What these stories have in common are their happy ending:  the children end up successfully raising enough money for a toy they wanted, as a fundraiser for their school or saving their earnings for a rainy day.  When we become an adult and life gives us lemons, what kind of "lemonade" do we create?

Life can be sweet one moment, sour the next.  But just as our cool, refreshing beverage needs to be tweaked to our individual liking, there will be times when our lives need to be tweaked for survival.  Taking the sour with the sweet isn't always easy, the key is being willing to make those necessary adjustments.  At the end of the day, it's best to be open to the changes and shifts life may bring.

The takeaway: keep the necessary "ingredients" on hand, for when life needs adjusting.

Does 'Slow and Steady' Really Win?

While the story of 'The Tortoise and the Hare' has many believing you can cross the finish line at a slower pace, the question still remains, "do we REALLY have time to complete the race"?  In a world of high-speed Internet, microwaves and Bugatti vehicles, society has no problem going from 0-60 in the blink of an eye.  I can't help but wonder, exactly what has been accomplished in no time flat?  Are we so eager to go through life that the only day we're grateful for is today? 

Here's what I believe (if I may indulge you for a moment):  there needs to be a definitive balance.  Life comes with many twists and turns, more often than not.  But if we don't take the time to enjoy and appreciate the things it has to offer, we may end up rushing to get to the finish line while not being able to remember how (or why) we got there in the first place. 

Currently I am at a place in life where it's not clear if I should move quicker for better results,  or better for quicker results.  It can be confusing and frustrating.  But one thing is for certain: just because I take longer than others doesn't mean I won't win.  I simply need to find my rhythm and dance through this thing we call life.

The takeaway:  Even when life makes you feel like standing up against the wall and watch others succeed, continue to find your rhythm and dance

I Jumped, Now What?

It was during intermission of taping Family Feud when host Steve Harvey decided to let the cameras continue to roll.  While crew members were preparing the stage, Mr. Harvey decided to spend 6:30 speaking life into the audience.  Little did I know I would end up taking his advice - literally.  On 6/28/2016, I took the ultimate leap of faith and "Jumped".  After 29 years of service, I tenured my resignation with the Federal Government.  I realized if I wanted to pursue my dreams, I had to be where it best suited me to do so.  I clearly remember my last day commuting to NYC, complete with dining at one of my favorite restaurants and shopping at my favorite discount store.  I slept that evening feeling accomplished and at peace.

Then I woke up.  Recently, I woke up.  "What have I done?" "Did I make the right decision?"  "Am I gonna be okay?"  The questions keep playing in my head like a broken record.  "Okay Steve Harvey I jumped, now what???"  Sure, I have a business and other projects in the works, but the "security" of a biweekly paycheck was gone.  Now, what?

The answer: keep going.  Sure, there will be bumps & bruises along the way, but keep going.  Family and friends may not support me, but keep going.  People will stand by to see if I fail, but keep going.  I will be laughed at, criticized and ignored, but keep going.

The takeaway?   Once you jump, there is no looking back.  Continue to press forward and pursue our dreams, so you too can Live Your Life Anew.  Simply, keep going.