A Forward Statement

At a leadership event, I had some pretty amazing revelations. I can't go into them here because it is information that I can't share with everyone so let's just say that my first sentence really covers it. Some surprised me....some enlightened me.....and some alarmed me.

With respect to these revelations I wanted to share something I heard the other day. I heard some lyrics that were quite powerful. They come from a surprising source, High School Musical Two, and it is within a song sung by two teens who have not only found each other but have found talents within them that they never were able to act on. The lyrics that caught my attention goes something like this:

"I don't know where this is all headed, but it starts where you are right now".

Looking back on any situation is only a good thing if you can reflect on better execution, better ways of handling it, more character, accomplishing something because of it, or sharing to inspire. Otherwise, it is simply wallowing.

Are you using the past as a vehicle to go forward.? Are you basing your worth on how many people you can demean, squash, or ridicule? Are you leading with love and empathy or are you caught up with power as a power? Are you a good spouse and or friend? Are you wanting always it to be about you? Are your values where they need to be?

These are all questions that every person should ask themselves. Everyone of us leads someone, whether it's kids, friends, or co workers. Leadership looks different depending on who is wearing the jacket.

People are always watching you. What do you look like to others?

Zoo Crew

What a wonderful day to visit the Brookfield Zoo in the Chicago suburbs. It is a huge place filled with animals and sea life and a place where they really strive to create a natural habitat for their animals. We took a picnic and enjoyed the sights and sounds of animals from every corner of the world. We were especially tickled at the huge black rhino that was inside playing with a barrel on a rope hanging from the ceiling. He would charge it...ram it....then it would fly up and boot him in the behind which would make him gallop around his area....only to repeat the process. It was amazing to be that close to it as it played and put on a show. It seemed to be more energetic the more the crowd responded. We had a front row seat and Linz even video taped it for a bit. Dawson was in stitches as the rhino played as if it was a little guy. They had washed the floor that morning and it was still damp and at one point after flying around the pole, the rhino slipped and down he went. He got right back up.

Another high point was the Rain Forest where large silver back gorillas kept us entertained for a while. You could tell the hierarchy of the clan with the daddy of all gorillas watching over everyone. He was huge and lay ed back as the rest went about their business eating and playing. At one point he sat with his hand over his forehead as if to indicate a migraine.

The bears were playful and the mom and twin tigers all were out entertaining their guests.

What a privilege it is to witness these beautiful animals that God created. I am thankful that they are well cared for. Even in the animal world is there diversity. One of the displays had a seahorse that had been disabled. It couldn't move like the others but the zoo kept it and are caring for it. A sign with an explanation is posted to explain the lack of movement. They could have disposed of it but with love and care, this little guy continues to live and grow and educate those looking in on his world.

This picture does not come close to showing how huge this bear was.

Lunch - Bear style

Probably my favorite Zoo pic..... harmony!

I don't know who was more entertaining...these guys or Dawson watching them!

This was obviously the clan leader of the Silver Backs

When we say "cheese" , he means it!

Oh my....little boys. I asked Dawson how he was going to smile for his pictures at school and this is what I got.

Such a silly boy!

Child's Play

You know a child is totally engaged in what they are watching when they can play along and totally get into the story.

My kids would always love watching the Neverending Story because it was about a little boy that could imagine himself in the storyline.

It is fun watching Dawson do the same thing.

How Wide Open Are Your Eyes?

People are guilty of ruling their lives with their emotions. They are used to using their eyes to see what they want to see and not what really is there to see.

Here are some little tests you can do. Squint your eyes so that you are barely seeing what is straight ahead. This is a great example of how we look at most situations especially when our hearts are involved. We can see a little but our mind fills in all the blanks and makes the picture look like what their hearts want it to look like. Now, stare at something for a while....do your eyes start watering? This is what we do when things aren't the way they should be and we think if we can analyze it to death, we can somehow justify why it doesn't look the way it should look. Now close your eyes tightly. This is the only way you can form a picture based on the actuals. You see, you can't make something be something if it isn't something to begin with.

So instead of wasting your time on what might be, what might develop, what you think it should be, or by what you wish so much it to be...take a good look inside and be true to the facts.

If it isn't a good job and you are miserable, change! If you are in a relationship that is pretty much one sided...leave. If you are hoping that someone will commit and be an adult but yet they are getting older and older and haven't grown up yet....you better run fast. If someone has cheated on you before and is still cheating on you, get out and find someone who will love and appreciate you for always. If friends have betrayed you before....then you need to find new friends....

IF YOU DO WHAT YOU HAVE ALWAYS DONE, YOU WILL ALWAYS GET THE SAME RESULTS........ change the pattern and not only respect yourself but...SEE THINGS AS THEY REALLY ARE! Open your eyes wide. It is all right there for you to see!

Allison ties the knot!!!!!

Late this afternoon, finally, after two years of planning, Allison and Michael exchanged vows at Clay United Methodist Church. I was at an event all day and got back just in time to walk in and see my hairdresser walk down the isle. We have spent the past two years talking about her plans and dreams for her big day during my many hairstyle changes and colors.

It all came together and I will admit, there were tears in my eyes as I listened to the Minister talk about her mom looking down from heaven seeing how beautiful her daughter looked. It was an amazing wedding and the words spoken and exchanged were powerful and meaningful. I am so happy for them both and wish them the best as they head off to Jamaica for a much needed rest.

Congrats my friend and may love keep you happy, strong, and connected throughout your lives.

Dawg Days of Summer

Events are so much fun to attend in my job. This one today went to the dogs. Dawg Days of Summer happened today in North Webster. The character to the left is just one of the dogs competing for Best of Show. She got my vote. All of the attending dogs were well behaved and my company was represented by the mascot and many fun giveaways.

There was a discipline and agility presentation from a gentleman that has been on Animal Planet frequently. Some of his students brought their dogs to demonstrate.

I thought it was fascinating that all commands were in either French or German.