Friday, April 30, 2010

Quote #368, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Heres Blog Quote #368...

"Never argue with a fool. Onlookers may not be able to tell the difference."
-Mark Twain-

This is so good! The more I read it the better it gets.

Ever get in to a silly fight, argument, or 'discussion' with a stranger, friend or loved one? The other person is just ranting and raving about silly immature stuff that doesn't mean a hill of beans. And then it ELEVATES. Things started being said that can't be grabbed back fast enough.

The challenge in these situations is the following: Don't stoop to the other persons lower level. Remain calm. Do not let the emotions get ahold of the moment. The worst is when the two people let the ego's get involved and an apology is about as close by as the moon.

We've all been there. We've all regretted it the next day.

Best to just remain cool, decide to let things settle down, and walk away. If it's a stranger, not as important a deal. One could even say why am I letting myself get so worked up with a stranger over something not very important? If it's a friend/loved one, the stakes are a bit higher. Perhaps even a 'time out' break is necessary for the relationship.

As a final comment , lets not forget the power of apologies and forgiveness. Furthermore, try to learn something from the ordeal.. like leaving the FOOLishness at home the next time...

That's my view...what say you?

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Quote #367, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes Blog quote #367...

"No matter how far down the road you have traveled, you are still the same distance from the ditch."
-Thomas Herman-

This one is up for discussion. I took this as saying: it doesn't matter who you are, or how much you have accomplished (distance 'down the road'), anything can happen, at anytime. To anyone. None of us are invincible. All of us have flaws and are vulnerable.

In fact, I personally have found it is incredibly unwise to get cocky or overconfident at anything. Life is full of surprises. and just when you think you have something figured out, or you've got something 'licked'... whammo! A left to the chin, a right to the gut, and you find your self spiraling down, into...the DITCH.

That's part of what makes life so awesome. It's so unpredictable. So, I always say; go for it, give life all you got, have a blast. Yet, at the same time, respect life and leave the cockiness behind. Or else...

That's my view...what say you?

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Quote #366, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes Blog quote #366...

"Never criticize your spouse's faults. If it weren't for them, your mate might have found someone better than you."
-Barbara Johnson-

Thought we'd catch you off guard this lovely Tuesday with a little 'couples humor.' Better than you? Is there really such a thing?

If nothing else, something to ponder. HMMM

That's my view...what say you?

Monday, April 26, 2010

Quote #365, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes Blog quote #365...

"Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on Earth can help the man with the wrong attitude."
-Thomas Jefferson-

Yet another example of the extreme importance of a good attitude. In my opinion, a positive mind frame is so grossly underrated, and can not be talked about and emphasized often enough.

Likewise, a poor attitude is as poisonous as a deadly cobra or viper snake. So... choose your attitude wisely.

That's my view...what say you?

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Quote #364, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes Blog quote 364...

"Talk to a man about himself and he will listen for hours."
-Benjamin Disraeli-

This is Dale Carnegie 101. Any DC fans out there?

This is a hidden secret that can open up an incredible amount of doors for you . The fact is, people love talking about themselves. Just keep firing questions at them. Fourty-three minutes later, you go grab a drink and the person you were'interviewing' is telling his spouse how interesting you are... yet he knows nothing of you. You were busy finding all you can about him, and his interests.

This tip is a keeper.Write it down , print it off, circle it, do whatever, but remember this quote. It will do wonders for you.

That's my view...what say you?

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Quote #363, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes Blog quote #363...

"Don't save time---use it up."
-Helen Diehl-

I just came across this little 6 word quote and it really got my attention. It's that thing called TIME! The precious commodity that there is such a shortage of.

The world is pretty fast paced. Everyone is either trying to make time, SAVE time or they don't have time. Ever heard that overused line before?

As Ms. Diehl so eloquently points out... why try to save time? USE IT UP.
In other words, we only have so much of it, so let's stop saving and get busy using it. Go see a friend, go do some project you've been putting off. Take time to go take your son or granddaughter to get an ice cream. Go on that vacation you have been putting off for 12 years. Get out of the stands and into the 'game.' The game of life.

Saving is for bank accounts and good china. Use the time and do something constructive. Use the time to make a difference in someones life.

That's my view...what say you?

Friday, April 23, 2010

Quote #362, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes Blog quote #362...

"Life is short, make it WIDE."
-Spanish proverb-

Mira nomas! vaya!

Wow, and I am no Spanish major. Good thing for the internet.

Speaking of short, this quote is short but it packs a powerful punch. Sometimes its not the length of time but the SUBSTANCE that is of importance.

We are only here a brief time, on the big scale/clock of life. Let's pack it in with as much spunk, spice, and variety as we can.

That's my view...what say you?

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Quotes #360 and 361, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes Blog Quotes 360&361...

On Listening...

"The most productive leaders are usually those who are willing to listen and learn. They understand that success is more often attained by asking how, than by saying no."
-coach John Wooden-

"It's difficult to listen while you are talking."
-coach John Wooden-

Think about those for a moment. Ask how, rather than saying no. When we say no, do we already have some pre-determined thought in our mind? Have we even heard what the other has to say? Wooden goes on to say that a good motto is that 'others too, have brains.'

He also mentions that faking it(listening) is worse than not listening at all. In other words, when you pretend and let it go in one ear and out the other. Not good!

Isn't it interesting how SILENT and LISTEN have the same letters, just re-arranged? Also interesting that we have two ears and one mouth. Practice more listening and less talking. It's tough to learn when you do all the talking.

That's my view...what say you?

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Quote #359, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes Blog Quote #359...

"True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but to serve others at whatever cost."
-Arthur Ashe-

Ironically coming from a tennis star who 'served up' his share of winning serves.
This one goes out to all the little guys. The men and women who quietly go about their business doing good deeds helping others. The volunteers at the local communities, the hostipitals, the charity events, the elder folk homes and all other small but effective actions.

There are many heros each and every day who don't really get much credit, if any at all. But as this quote so aptly points out, these people arent looking for credit. They help, they serve because they care and they want to make a difference. Thank you to all those unsung heros of the world who do their part to help out when and where they can. No matter how big or small a good act, its still huge to someone. And make no mistake, it ALL adds up.

That's my view...what say you?

Monday, April 19, 2010

Quote #358, My Thoughts and YOUR thought

Here goes Blog quote #358...

"The best words for resolving a disagreement are, 'I could be wrong; I often am. It's true' "
-Brian Tracy-

This is one to print off for the refrigerator.

We all have disagreements. Many of them turn into 1-2 day stalemates. The worse ones can cause grudges and perhaps do some serious damage to the relationship.

These simple words, 'I could be wrong, I often am,' basically admit that you are human and you do make mistakes. Who doesn't? Unfortunately our EGO'S forget that at times.

Simple, yet powerful advice from Mr Tracy. Try it out, it may just resolve a small problem before it becomes a very large problem.

Final note: its not the worst thing in the world to agree to disagree. Oxymoron-ish yes. Effective, you bet!

That's my view...what say you?

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Quote #357, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes Blog quote #357...

"I smoke 10-15 cigars a day. At my age, I have to hold onto something."
-George Burns-

It's Sunday. I was in the mood for some quick humor.

Got to love those one liners. Mr George Burns was a funny, funny man. Loved him in Oh God!

That's my view...what say you?

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Quote #356, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes blog quote #356...

"Those who don't have the courage to respond often have the nerve to complain."
-Bruce Bickel & Stan Jantz-

Ever wonder why that is? I have.

There is an old saying. It goes like this...'Speak up now, or forever hold your peace.' Three cheers to that!

That's my view...what say you?

Friday, April 16, 2010

Quote #355, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes quote blog #355...

"A wise man can learn more from a fool, than a fool from a wise man."
-unknown-
Ok, what's the first thing that pops into your head?

I thought, "well of course.. that's why he's a wise man."
But then I thought, "well there's so much more to learn from a wise man isn't there?"

HMM. Good one.

What's your noggin thinking? Comments please...

That's my view...what say you?

Quote #354, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes Blog quote #354...

"Honest criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, a friend, an acquaintence, or a stranger."
-Franklin P Jones-

Love the sarcasm of the quote. I think Jones included everyone except the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus!

Who truly likes criticism? Doesn't matter who it's from, does it? Well maybe it's a tad more tolerable from a family member than a total stranger. Yet, perhaps it's a bit better coming from an unknown person who isn't biased and hasn't seen your actions over and over.

Actually if said properly,(Mom used to say... you can say ANYTHING you'd like, as long as you say it in a nice way),criticism may have some value. If sincere and caring, it can be used to help and perhaps improve us for future actions . Check the ego at the door, and listen up.

That's my view...what say you?

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Quote #353, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes Blog quote #353...

"The value YOU bring to your customer far exceeds what the product or service will do for them."
-Chuck Bartlett-

What an interesting quote. One that makes you think... "do I agree with this quote?"

I got to thinking several scenerios. Who I buy my office supplies from. Who I buy a car from. When I need a lawyer. When I need to visit a doctor. When I go traveling and choose an airline. Even my own 'Smile-Therapy' service.

In each case we all want good service and the product to do what its supposed to do. But look behind the curtain of whatever product /service you are using. When you need the extra help, the advice, the answers to questions, the cooperation and expert info when problems arise... that's when this quote rings 100% true.

When I have issues, I want my car guy to help out. When plane travel problems, where is my travel agent to assist, or more importantly, the pilot better be extra good when severe weather or crisis hits(does the name SULLY ring a bell?). The doctor for routine checkups and physicals, most will do, but again...major issues and I want the doc to be an EXPERT, as well as fully accessible for consultations and answers. Same for lawyers. My service... it's pretty darn valuable, yet I am the guy behind it and I believe, on top opf the service provided, I'm an outstanding resource for anyone who needs EXTRA help/advice/info.

After further review, I THINK this quote is pretty ingenious. Curious as to how you interpret it.

That's my view...what say you?

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Quote #352, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes Blog quote #352...

"If we don't get lost, we'll never find a new route."
-Joan Littlewood-

Some call it stepping out on a limb. Others say get out of your comfort zone. Still others say stop sitting in the stands, and jump out on the playing field.

It's another way of saying TAKE A CHANCE. Try something new. If you drive to work the exact same way every day, your never, ever going to see anything new, unless someone builds something directly in your path.

It's a big world out there. Lots of pretty neat things happening. As Ms. Littlewood suggests, don't be afraid to try something out of your ordinary routine. Yes, you may get lost, but good chance you'll find your way back to where you were going. And you may discover a few neat new things along the way.

That's my view...what say you?

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Quote #351, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes Blog quote #351...

"Positive anything is better than negative nothing."
-Elbert Hubbard-

I have to agree 1000% with this comment. Mr Elbert Hubbard usually has good things to say, for those of you who like quotes. He's worth a look up.

We all should have that excellent blood type...B Positive

That's my view...what say you?

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Quote #350, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes Blog quote #350...

"Be pleasant but unaffected when people respond in ways that do not align with your goals and dreams of true life success."
-Shannon Levenia-

I like this one because its polite, yet it keeps you moving in the direction you want to go. So many times in life we meet the "poo-poo'ers" who want to tell us how crazy we are and all the things we cannot do.

What is usually our response to them? Anger, frustration, doubt, concern, among other things. All bad stuff. Rather than put much credence in the 'Doubting Thomas', as Shannon says... take it with politenness but don't let is bother you or sway you. You know what you can do, where you are going, and how your going to get there. Just keep on truckin'.

That's my view...what say you?

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Quote #349, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes Blog quote #349...

"A setback is just a set up for a comeback."
-Willie Jolley-

Or a bounceback. Or a good outcome. Or a way back to good things. Or a upstage for a better outcome.

Any way you slice it, a setback is only temporary. And it "sets the stage", for improvement is on it's way. As always, P&P(patience and persistence) will pay off for the COMEBACK.

Nice use of words by Mr Jolley. For HE is a jolly good fellow!

That's my view...what say you?

Quote #348, My Thoughts and YOUR thoughts

Here goes blog quote #348...

"The suspense is terrible, I hope it will last."
-Willy Wonka-

This was Wonka's sarcastic witty comment when the little brat, Violet was turning violet. If you haven't seen Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, rent it. If you saw it umpteen years ago, re- rent it and listen to all the classic funny lines you may have missed years ago. Truly ingenious writing, in my opinion.

Thats my view...what say you?