Synergy of Self

Today is the 7th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina and its marked incidents on the coast of Mississippi and Alabama.  I don't include Louisiana as the storm did not land in New Orleans.  The aftermath of the storm in New Orleans came from their levies not being able to handle the water that hurled itself over the embankments and flooded the entire city.  So many media and government entities, including the citizens of Louisiana, have touted their horrible tragedies based on Hurricane Katrina.  Yet, the storm did not go there. 

Ask the people of Waveland, MS, where the storm first set ground.  Ask the people along the Gulf Coast region whose homes were destroyed by the storm, where entire communities were gone. They have been the forgotten ones over these last six years.  And, yet, the media still can't remember anything about Hurricane Katrina that makes sense.  Mississippi is more than a 'land mass.'  The Gulf Coast people are honest and hard working individuals, who love the land and their community, who are kind and considerate, who are sad with you and happy with you, and smile just to say hello.  They deserve more credit than they have gotten from the media this week.

However, during this time I have taken the chance to reflect on my life - my choices, my family, my friends, my path, my journey - and to remember where and how it all began.  This is where I am today.  As I was going through a box of San Francisco 49er collectible memorabilia to send to a new 49er friend in California, I found some clips and photos from my youth. A photo to help promote the county 4-H, a photo from a day in the park as a playground supervisor, and I look at who I was and realized that the facial expressions did not make sense.  The photos are funny in nature and I wanted to share them with you, to remind you to remind yourself to remember your childhood, the days when you were involved with others and what you did.

Oh, yes, this is where my career in journalism and self-promotion began.  One of the first concepts in journalism is public relations.  I learned early on - before classes - that self-promotion did get you column inches in the local newspaper.  Each time I was elected to a committee or organization, or volunteered for something, I would write my own press release and send the information, along with a photo, to my local newspaper.  I now have column inches from my first PR gig.  It worked then; it works now.

Our youth do not get enough promotion for the great things they do.  We need to tell them daily how much they are loved for their enthusiasm and community service.  Would it not be great if the local news media had a special section that honors and promotes the talents and gifts of service of our young people?  Would it not be cool to talk about something so happy?  What a world of difference it would be.

On that note, I share with you my photos and will write a short note about each event.  What have you done with your youth?  Take it off the shelf.  Remember who you were then; honor it.  Remember who you are not; honor you.  Share who you were with your children and grandchildren.  You have a story to tell.  Tell lit today.

This photo dates me. It was 1960s and I was helping the Muskingum County 4-H promote a new program.  The two men I remember are Charlie Knotts (left) and Ivan Archer (second left) and me (with the bow) and an unidentified man.  Charlie Knotts was my neighbor and the 4-H Extension Director.  We were at a conference and I remember they needed someone to help in the photo.  I volunteered and photo was taken.  Didn't I look cute with my pink dress and hairbow?  Yes, I remember what I wore that night.  It was a two piece blouse and skirt!  Oh, yes, the glasses were the hottest thing that year!  No way!  Oh, yes, my hair was dish water blonde - that ugly color that didn't even have a pretty descriptive name.  I want to see Crayola Crayons make a color in that hue!!!!!

Now, we move onto 1970.  I spent two summers as a playground supervisor for the Zanesville City Parks & Recreation Department.  It was fun, as I got to create activities for kids of all ages.  This was taken during a story telling time.  No, I was not angry.  There was a small boy who was not being nice and saying bad things while the story was being read.  The photographer caught me giving him 'my look.'  Yes, I had the look even then.  And it worked well for me in later years as an educator.  By then, my hair was blonde and I had spent one year in college.  That job started just weeks after the May 4, 1970, social revolution incident at Kent State University.  Unfortunately, I was to leave that job by the end of June, as I had been threatened by a 21 year old man who served time and was not to be around children.  The word 'sex offender' was not in any vocabulary.  He threatened to bring a gun to the playground and take care of me.  I didn't want to leave my job as I loved it, but the Parks Director and my mother thought it best.  I remember thinking that I was not afraid of him; his threat didn't bother me.  Who knew?  So, here is the photo that was so comical when it came out that week.  Oh, well, at least my hair was straight.  I had wavy hair and it took time in the morning with BIG rollers to get it straight. 

And, then there was college.  I was really happy to be involved in campus activities and my sorority, Gamma Sigma Sigma, a service sorority.  And, I was proud of volunteering my time for campus events. So, I wrote the release and sent it to the local newspapers.  It was printed in two local papers.  This was just one of many that I wrote during college to help promote my activities.  I realize that many people think self-promotion may not be good, but throughout the years I have learned that you need to be proud of what your gifts and talents are. of the service you give to your community, and that it is ok to talk about what you do, and have done.  My community involvement and accomplishments have helped in my career path and have helped me in my journey as a community advocate and activist.  Leaving a legacy of volunteerism and commitment to service is my goal.  And so it is.

There are so many more memories that I have set aside as I am writing my book and will share it later blogs.  For now, remember to remember.  It is fun.  Life is like hair color - trying new colors and new things creates a variety in life - and 'variety is the spice of life.'  So, get out there and experience new things.  Do what you want to do but keep telling yourself you can't do it.  YES YOU CAN.  

Do something different today.  Do something to bring the Synergy of Self to yourself. 

Namaste and Ahimsa,

Sher




   

Synergy of Football

What fun I had yesterday at the SEC Beachfest in Gulf Shores, AL.  Not only was the water and the sunshine inspirational and giving me a feeling of sheer peace, but it was fun to talk to friends and meet new people who are SEC football fans.  I will finish my story by tomorrow and post it.  It was really fun to hear how and why people are football fans for their favorite schools.  It also gave me insight into the fact that many of these people visit Gulf Shores on a regular basis and love the area.

It was a late night and had to get a new camera to see if it will work.  So, hopefully today more photos and more copy.  Take care.  

Peace and Joy,

This is the thought for the day = enjoy this day that God and the universe has given to you.  It is made just for you.  Be in gratitude for friends, family and all that happens to you.. 

Synergy of Sleep

On Tuesday, I drove to Tuskegee, AL round-trip to bring a friend's daughter home.  Although it was a day long journey, the end result is that the daughter is with her mother and sister now and starting school where she should be.   The passengers slept most of the trip so I had time to my thoughts and prayers and silent singing.   By evening, my body was shouting to me for sleep.  So, I have taken the time these past 24 hours to do just that - sleep. 

When I returned from Toastmasters meeting on Wednesday, my body was not shouting but silently pushing me to dreamland.  So, off I went to my second wisdom and seventh level of sleep.  Today,  I am back to normal and feeling much healthier.  My body had not been properly nutritioned during this time, so that made the difference when I ate a new chicken and corn recipe from my crock pot last night.  I placed a can of corn in the bottom of the pot, and then layered four chicken breasts on top.  However, I used yogurt to marinate the chicken with and three spices - garlic, lime and chia.  The chicken was so moist and had a pleasant sweet taste to it that enhanced the spices.

For today, it is a synergistic day with lots of activity and business to take care of between here and Biloxi.  So, this ends the blog and will write more tonight.

Synergy to you,

Sher

Synergy Muffin Minute

MONDAY MUFFIN MINUTE

This one is reprinted from an email I received from 10 Million Clicks for Peace email today.

Welcome back Sher.

Love is said to be the most potent force in the Universe, yet we are not taught what it is, how it affects us, what it can do, how to use it, or how to fill every minute of your day and your entire environment with it. These topics are much more than we can provide you in a single issue, so we'll be returning to this subject many times.

Today's Wisdom
Find something you love, and focus your
free will on building and enhancing that.

The creation of 10 Million Clicks For Peace is a perfect example of what happens when you focus your free will on something you love. As you may know, this project came about because of my concern for two friends who were on opposite sides of a war zone (Lebanon-Israel). I could not reach my friends by email or by phone, and bombs were falling on one of their cities.

So at 3:30am in the morning, worried about my friends, I asked the Universe what I could do to bring peace to the world, and the immediate response was 10 Million 'Votes' For Peace. I knew it was an Internet project, but not how I could achieve it.

I was spending most of my time lying down (a result of a spine injury and 5 back surgeries). How could a guy in bed possibly make the kind of difference that needed to be made?

I focused my love for two friends on what I could do, and ultimately.10 MillionClicksForPeace. came into being. www.10millionclicksforpeace.org

My reason for telling you this story is not for any sort of self-aggrandizement. On the contrary, while I certainly worked to help the project along, over 100 people were needed to build what you see. I provided some focused love, and that inspired other people to focus their love. People stopped their lives and businesses. They donated software. They donated time. When we had to pay for services, the services were freely given and we were permitted to defer payments for many, many months without being asked when we could pay. We touched people's lives.

The power of focused love is phenomenal. It can get things done that otherwise would not be possible. And in the process, some amazing things can happen. My spine condition, for example, has improved to the point that I am now mostly vertical (conveniently giving us a great headline...Man lying down stands up for peace).

What could happen in your life if you spent your time focusing your love?

Let's take a look at 4 profound effects you can use to create greater beauty in your life through the power of love, as expressed by our esteemed authors.

I am pleased you have joined us again.

Many blessings,

Julian Kalmar, Founder

Synergy in the Park

This weekend I found myself wondering what I had missed by not going to the park each morning.  Last night, it became clear how important a park has become to me.  During the mist of the early evening rain at Brooks Park in Chickasaw, Alabama, and having to determine whether to have an indoor or outdoor concert, I was able to sit silently for a few moments and reflect on the beauty that nature had given me right then. The trees whispered quietly, as Frisbee golf players meandered nearby hurling their discs in the air hoping they fall close to the pin. 

While the quiet drops of the rain dotted my hair, the sun peeked through the gray clouds.  That was my sign from the universe.  Concert outside.  And that was a great decision.  With almost 100 people in attendance and setting along the hillside and on the bleachers, we listened to the flamenco fusion sounds of Roman Street Trio from Mobile, AL.  These three young men energized the audience with their new brand of flamenco style music.  You could see people moving in their seats and wanting to get up and dance. The grass was too wet for anyone to dance without sliding or falling, but moving your body was the way to express one's self last night. 

A great majority of the crowd were first time listeners of the band.  Roman Street has a huge following here in the Southeast, so I was surprised that more fans did not attend.  Yes, the rain in the south does keep people away. And, today is the first day of the 2012 school year for children in South Alabama.  That still did not stop many people from coming.  It was a great musical festivity for all of us.

One of the evening's activities was signing a scroll that will be placed in the Mobile County's bicentennial time capsule.  Young and old alike signed the scroll.  It will be fun to see who was here and who signed 50 years from now.  If the universe sees it, I will be 101 in 50 years but won't be living here.  Either way, I can watch it from here on earth or from a higher level!

It has been an interesting challenge this year to be a part of a wonderful event such as the 200th birthday celebration for Mobile County.  Although my volunteer time over the past 10 years has been sustained through my company, it has been an amazing lesson-learning experience to be part of this legacy.

My volunteer work started when I was in elementary school.  My grandmothers always volunteered for the church and I remember going with them to take meals to people and visiting the sick at the hospital or preparing food for a family who had a friend or family member die.  I remember helping in the community as a Brownie and Girl Scout and 4-H member.  Service has been part of my DNA since birth. And, it has been a part of more than 50 years of my life.

As a behaviorist, it is amazing to watch people volunteer their time and observe their behavior in meetings, at events and listen to the language they use when talking about their volunteer work.  You learn quickly by observation who really cares enough about the cause or who really cares more about his or her self.  I sit in meetings and listen to committee members talk about "what is in it for me" or "we need to be honored with a party for all the work" or "I got my name and picture in the newspaper".  Sad to think that most volunteers are more than willing to give time and talent and money without any thought of accolades or thank you.

There are those people who volunteer just because they know their purpose is to serve others.  And they do it well.  People do not stop and think when they speak that their words or actions, or lack of actions, might hurt someone's feelings or that they are speaking negatively without thinking.  Image that concept!  For every person whom I have observed that behavior, may the time come when you need help that you honor those who have given their time to assist, and not say mean things or gripe about the quality of service you receive.  Volunteers are priceless to churches, community groups and organizations.  Don't take the time of a volunteer lightly.

Frustration sets in when committees are formed and volunteers stop coming to meetings, stop giving of their time and then complain when things don't get done.  Or do not take the time to learn what is going on before they speak.  Or the craziest is to rehash decisions made or spend time at a meeting complaining and being part of the problem and not part of the solution.  In my 50 years of volunteer service, things have not changed in the volunteer world!  (Newsflash:  Volunteers are the lifeline of our nation and global community.)

So, my time in the park last night clarified so much for me in terms of what my lifestyle is going to be.  I am always there to lend a hand and help when needed.  But, I have learned that it is ok to say NO and not volunteer, to set priorities on time and causes, and to do what I want to do serve humankind.  God and the universe have blessed me with so much that I have shared HOURS upon HOURS for organizations all over the world.  I would not change an hour of that time I committed to serving others.

This past week, I have been simplifying my files and have found years of volunteer memorabilia.  I am compiling a legacy book of all that I have done for my next two books - one on volunteering and one on business case studies.  So, as the year goes around I will share a case study in my blog with my audience.  Hopefully, you will be able to relate to what happened or smile and laugh as you learn of the antics of a lifelong volunteer.  I think that has been my major career path all these years.  Thanks to my mother and grandmothers for this legacy!

Amazing what a few hours in the park will clarify - synergy in the park at its best.
 

Namaste.

Synergy of Sound

Today, as I stepped out onto my deck, I noticed that droplets of rain were sliding off the leaves of my popcorn tree.  Now, the popcorn tree is not my favorite of trees but today the tree took on a new appearance. It was  beautiful.

This reminded me of how we listen or hear the synergy of sounds around us.  So, I thought I would take time to remind myself, and my readers, of those sounds.  I am sitting in my office writing this blog, and hear the sound of the laptop cooling unit it sits on.  I use it daily to lift my laptop up as I am tall and it is easier for me to type than when the laptop sits on the desk.  Its air currents are calming and gentle in sound.  Sometimes when I stop to get up out of my chair, I will take a few moments to just sit and listen to the swirl.  So calming. So peaceful.

Last night, the synergy of sound came from voices at a women's meeting. I stood and listened to the high pitch of laughter from happy hearts, and the joyous greetings when people arrived.  Watching people who had not seen each other for sometime or just the day before, it was captivating to here the breathing of beings in the same room, and feeling the type of energy both positive and negative that they were dispelling.  And, then there were the spirits.  Magnolia Manor is haunted.  And as an intuitive, I could feel the warm energy of the spirit of the house upon entering.  Talking to several other intuitive people, they felt the same rush of energy among us.  It was a good spirit who was enjoying the party.

Most mornings, I can hear the vibrant choral sounds of the birds in my trees serenading me.  What a most beautiful way to start my day.  The choir gets up early and usually performs around 4:30 a.m.  That is my first cup of joe time.  It is truly remarkable gift from the universe. 

Then there are those moments when you sit in a room or attend a meeting and the negative sounds of synergy are heard even before you walk in the door.  You can feel them.  Sometimes they come towards you as ifyto say "Go away" or "You are not welcome here."  Or there are those energies during conversations when unhappy heart people are not able to release the past, continue to carry grudges and animosity, and are unable to release past thoughts about actions.  The synergy of sound when discussions take place in a meeting about past decisions over 30 days that were made or continue to bring up their thoughts about past actions is so sad.  It is as if they want the entire cast of committee characters to feel sorry for them or get so tired of them talking and not letting go that people agree to agree.  That type of synergy is bullying and manipulation.  And comes from a sad and unhappy heart being.   When I find myself in that situation, all I can do is mentally create a peaceful place and allow their words to flow over me.  Some people do not even care what they say or what language they use when speaking.  Their negativity can cause others to become negative.  I am glad that there are days when I can meditate within during a negative energy storm.

Yet, the best is yet to come.  The thumderstorm we had yesterday afternoon was beautiful in sound and sight.  We were on the 17th floor of the Holiday Inn in downtown Mobile and had a front row seat watching the thunderbolts light up the sky.  You can't get a better view than that.  God is truly amazing when he is conducting a storm.  It is so much like a symphony.

It is 9 am and I need to take the synergy of sound of my typing to an end.  It is time to get back to the project at hand and continue on my day.  Stop and take time to listen to the synergy of sound in your own life - your breath, your bird chorale, your children's laughter, the spirits of the past, and just sit in the silence for a moment or two.

Namaste.

Remember that BAAAAA is a good thing!!!!

Sales Synery Strategies

Good morning.  It is almost 1 am and I am writing to you this day.   I have been sorting notes from workshops for the past decades that I have collected.  Ironically, much of the information hasn't changed, just how one says it.  So, I will share with you what I have learned.  I am using these tips for my workshops and articles.  Sales is an area that we feel we don't know how to do. Yet, as entrepreneur CEOs we are the sales force and we have to sell ourself.  So, know thyself is the first key.  Then know what your gifts are.  And finally, know what you want to do and clients to serve. 


Here are some 9 thoughts on closing the sale from Eric Lindholm that I learned in 2008.  They resonate today.  Thanks, Eric.

1. Intention is life changing.

2. If you are willing to do the work, I will teach you. Dante Perano

3. We hear what we want to hear.

4. How you think is who you associate with.

5. Great book - Unlimited Selling Power by David Morne

6. Selling is a learned skill. I am a person of action. I am a winner.

7. Work on being kind to yourself. Have a conversation and stay in the conversation with self.

8. Sales knowledge and sales wisdom are different.

9. 3 ways to elevate sales results:

inner game - mental side, mindset, belief, comfort zone, fear of rejection
outer game - tactic, when you say it, what you say, how you say it
action - follow through, write down goals and mechanics of success, referrals

 

Be in gratitude today.

Wake up and tell yourself you are having a fantastic day.

Breathe and stretch.  Do it again.  Feel it to your toes and the top of your head.

 

Take care.

 

WOOHOO THURSDAY

Wednesday WOOHOO

Good evening.  I have finally found time to write.  I have tried to make it a habit to write something each evening but last night I totally missed doing anything.

I gave a 10 minute presentation at the Mississippi Urban Forestry Council Jackson County Grants Workshop and met wonderful people who are concerned about the environment and what is needed to become sustainable.  Sadly, the presence of government officials was missing.  Waveland's mayor attended and I was glad to see that he cares enough as a city official to attend the meeting. 

I need to thank Mark LeBlanc for his notes from the NSA meeting in New Orleans.  I shared his concept of optimal monthly funding and the AM and PM questions, as well as the HVA -high value activities- in the framework of business for nonprofits and governments seeking funding.  It made sense and hopefully they will use it and see it works.

Money is abundant for all we want.  We just need to do what we have to in allowing it to come to us by clearing out the past and stop procrastinating.  Then let it flow.  Thanks to Eva Gregory for her words of LOA each day.

As much as peace transcended, it seemed that everyone around me was having negative energies impact their space.  A client called with a family-owned business issue.  We talked it through and we will have resolution; just need to make sure we have the plan in action first. Then, my friend called to talk about some major issues with the father of her daughter.  Then, I came home and drank what I thought was two glasses of wine.  What I didn't realize is that I was so tired I poured the wine into a 12 oz. water glass - twice! That emptied the bottle!  Oh, well.

So, my work getting done got reset for today.  My book is minus four photos but I am not concerned and getting ready to publish this weekend.. Yes, we are behind but that is ok.

Right now, the sun is setting and I am finally back on track.  I love to write and am looking forward to telling my story and sharing excerpts from my next book with you.

Will be on MM call in the morning.  For today, remember that you are the one in charge of creating your life.  Create it now. Live it.  Share it.  Be in gratitude for it.

Peace, Light and Happiness,

Sher

PS. This photo was taken on my trip to Ocean Springs early in the morning on Tuesday.  It is beautiful and says a lot about the type of day I was given.  I am so grateful.

Another Start

Did you ever think that  you would have a chance to start over and rebrand youself - becoming who you really should have been all these years?  It took sending my domain names and emails into cyberspace and losing over 4,000 email addresses to realize that I now have the chance.  It also means that there are people who I have been emailing who may never hear from me again or I won't hear from them.

For today and at this hour of the evening, I am blessed.  I have been able to rebrand myself, and determine what I want to be during the next lifespan, however long God and the universe is kind enough for me to have.  I know I only have today, so for today, I am writing this to you and to all my friends, and to those I may never hear from again.

I have a start to work on my books, write my articles and to share my story with the world.  What an awesomeness about that concept there is. 

Take time to find out who you are, never leave your dreams behind but find the patience and perseverance to continue and make them happen.  I am so lucky to have all of you in my life.  Develop your mind, body and soul.  And, take care of it to the best of your ability.

Life is short and we only have 24 hours each day.

But, then you have the next day to wake up and reset again.  Your goals may only be for the day.  That is ok.  You will accomplish what you set out to do and if not, reset for the next day.  You will achieve your goals and your business and life will flourish.

Let go and allow the universe to guide you along your journey. God know what you want and need before you do.  He just wants us to be able to tell him what we want and need, expect and then believe.  Not really hard concepts to follow.  You attract what you put out there.  So, put out the good and let the rest go.

I will write more tomorrow but for tonight and now, it is time to close.

Namaste to you, the earth and the universe.

www.thessg.us