The Allen James Blog
on living a positive attitude and seeking for success however you define it
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Launch date:
November 26th, 2012 8:00am Draw inspiration: Author's pick motivational videos... AJ
As Calendar Books by Allen James launches so does this blog, my first blog ever actually. Although I have blogged within websites for other jobs I've held I've never solely blogged for me. So here goes... Over the next days, months, even years hopefully, this page will hold discussions regarding the Allen James Mission of working each day to keep a positive attitude and the search for success in our lives regardless of our individual definition of success. I'll work to keep current my thoughts and experiences as they relate to this mission (current meaning weekly initially). At times I'll be inviting others to guest blog on the subject as well, including not only my views, but those who have impacted me on my own journey. Again, it is my hopes these guides to success calendar books motivate you daily to "reach for the stars" in your own life and create a more positive, happier world around you. AJ
November 26th, 2012 4:45pm
Stopping by after a first day of the site's listing. Several PRlogs were released today with a surprising 90 hits at the time of this blog. I was delighted...remember, positive breeds positive. I'm thankful to those of you who have responded by either clicking, liking on Facebook, purchasing or just emailing your comments. I'm learning quite a bit as I go along and enjoying every bit of it. I'm really not one of those sugary sweet people who go around smiling all the time. However; I do feel there is much more to get out of this life when we make the choice to look for the good in all things. Till next time...AJ
November 30th, 2012 2:00pm
The past few days have been busy. After working 7:00 - 3:00 as a career counselor and then teaching college classes from 3:30 till 9:00 M-F I've been getting home and heading to the laptop where I stay busy till 4:00am then get a few hours sleep and up and at it the next day. What do I do those hours on the laptop one might ask? Explore personal success; since Calendar Books by Allen James and the books which I've created are what make up Calendar Books by Allen James I spend those hours focusing on how to best get the my mission of positivity and personal success "out there". Thus the internet is where I've started. One of the most important things we can do to attain personal success is KNOW what it is we want out of life, then throw ourselves into it with all we have. Certainly throughout our lifetime we have varying things which bring up happiness so our focus changes over time. I'm learning so much about the would of marketing and self-publishing from others, which is what success is all about, taking from those who offer and spreading to others who seek. Please leave a comment on my "Contact" page. I love hearing from you and finding out what you think of your "Daily Guide to Success" book.
December 2nd, 2012 4:45pm
Stopping on to announce the Calendar Books by Allen James Daily Guide to Success book promotion...exciting news. Allen James B0oks is giving away 2 (that's two lucky individuals) Daily Guide to Success calendar books. A value of $22.49 for paperback books or $33.00 for hardback books. All you have to do is click on the "Contact" tab at the top of this page and leave your favorite calendar book to be entered. Winners will be announced and contacted on Christmas Eve (December 24th) 2012. No purchase is necessary to be entered, however Allen James' From the Heart: prose and poetry from the depths of life makes a great gift at only $12.50 or $4.99 for the eBook version. All Allen James' books can be previewed and purchased by clicking on the "My Books" tab at the top of this page. Keep keeping on with a positive viewpoint to personal success. AJ
December 3rd, 2012 3:15pm
I spent Saturday exploring a few marketing options for my Daily Guides to Success series in a small town I lived in for 20 years. While doing so my mind inevitably was drawn to the 20 years I spent living/working/breathing there and to what degree personal success played into those years. I was a high school English/Speech/Theater teacher there for 10 years with the responsibility of the yearbook, annual school plays, Speech Team and Academic Team. Most of the students whose lives intertwined with mine during those 10 years continue to be connected in some way to my life not to mention the adults with whom I worked daily fulfilling the responsibilities of the most influencing occupation one can have in life, that of being a teacher. That, to me, indicates personal success.
I was then a high school counselor for 5 years following those ten, having the potential to impact the lives of the leaders of tomorrow (now today) in positive ways daily. Many of those young people are now adults with whom I go to for help in a variety of areas and they continue to respect and feel connected to me. That, to me, indicates personal success.
For 13 of those 20 years I was a psychotherapist in private practice, my specialty being adolescent behavior, attention deficit in children and adult relationship counseling. The effect those years had on me is indescribable. Each day I learned from my patients keys to living a life as free from distress and hardship as possible. They in turn gained insight to themselves and are today happier more positive individuals with whom I continue to be stitched together with in this quilt of life. That, to me, is personal success.
I left that evening having a feeling of calm about those years spent there and about the people with whom I spent those years. It reminds me of a line from a poem from my collection of poetry, "From the Heart: prose and poetry from the depths of life", "The American Dream is Just a Nightmare Brewing" which goes "My eyes will be focused much more clearly, for the next twenty years won't be a bad, nearly".
If the next twenty years brings me half as many friendships and positive connections I'll be assured they will be 20 more years in my quest for personal success well spent. May your quest for personal success be one of as much positivity and awareness as you can handle, for at times the good times are just as overwhelming as the bad times seem. AJ
December 10th, 2012
I recall several years ago we were inundated with It's a Wonderful Life as soon as Thanksgiving was over up until Christmas. It was so bad TBS (who had bought the rights to the movie) had to change it's policy regarding other networks showing of it. Nevertheless generations of us had seen it as much as we'd seen Rudolph, Frosty and The Grinch.
Looking at the plight of George Bailey though different eyes as an adult I now see a whole new message. Through the experience of George we learn what is the most important in life is this "personal success" I've been talking about and not the "material" goods which matter most. Like George, it seems we learn this message most through the trying times in our lives. Yes, it is through adversity strength comes.
Let's be aware throughout the year of those "obvious" things about which we've been taught and remember, as the poem Footprints in the Sand tells us, those times we look back and see only one set of prints behind us are when we are being carried and supported. Keep looking up. AJ :)
December 14th, 2012
From A Man's Daily Guide to Success we read, "Keep track of your successes".
The idea for the Daily Guide to Success book was borne 10 years ago. I had my laptop out on the kitchen island and started jotting down my thoughts of activities and affirmations which had influenced me in getting to the place I was in life. This turned in to quite a project and I would stop and type a thought down every whip stitch. I had no idea how difficult it would be to come up with 365 thoughts, but I finally finished.
Attempt to do this yourself....keeping track of your successes helps you realize during those times negativity shows its ugly head that you have the ability to be positive and have in the past proved this through past successes.
Keep looking up. :) AJ
December 17th, 2012
How appropriate is the reading from our Daily Guide to Success books for December 17th, especially following such an emotional weekend with our nation grieving the murders of innocent lives last Friday in Newtown, CT: "Keep a balance in your daily life". Let's attempt to bring positivity back into our lives today. Let's attempt to continue to focus on our goal of personal success. Let's attempt to forgive, in whatever little way we can not knowing what darkness the shooter had in his own life, but not forget the precious lives of both the children and the adults whose lives were taken. And let's not do what many will do; blame God for the choice others make which affect so many.
Certainly, keep looking up. : ) AJ
December 21st, 2012
Today's reading "Look at life as a challenging game, one in which you can succeed" comes from A Graduate's Daily Guide to Success. Certainly not meaning to make light of "life" while comparing it to a game, however many times we take "life" much too seriously. By looking at life as a game I mean we must have a "game plan". We must be aware that around every corner is the unexpected, the unplanned for. Around every corner is the future; a time of wonder and excitement, and looking at it with a positive attitude knowing we are in control of the outcome of that future gives us a sense of personal success which can catapult us toward a happiness we've not known before. In this New Year.....
Keep looking up : ) AJ
January 2nd, 2013
The reading from A Graduate's Daily Guide to Success for today is, "Recall what you learned from you grandmother". Almost everyone can think of a time when they've heard another adult say, "My grandmother used to say", or "As my grandfather always said", followed by some tidbit of wisdom aimed at making life more fair or stating an important life lesson. My grandmother lived to be 92 years old and throughout the years I was blessed to be part of those years with her I learned much. Looking back at those "life lessons" often not only brings comfort and wisdom to my own life, but as well aids in my quest for personal success as I gain insight into a world which much of the time seems out of control. Think about those adults in your life who have had a major impact on you, then learn from their words even after they are no longer her to enjoy. One thing my maternal grandmother, Mary Delphene LaForce Williams taught me was out of events which we see as regrets can come joy, goodness and positivity. What were the words from her mouth which taught me this, one may ask. I was visiting with her when she was around 90 years old. Most of our visits consisted of just spending time sitting and "being". At 90 she still had a strong mind; physically she was hampered by the fact she had slipped and broken her hip when she was 72 and was tethered to a walker the remainder of her life. Out of nowhere she said, "Jimmy, I married the wrong man". Mind you my grandfather I never knew as he had died when I was about 2, which had been 30 years prior. Thirty years hence she was sitting and thinking about the regrets she had of marrying a drinker and gambler. My response came quick. "Well Mamaw, if you hadn't married grandpa I would be here today". Her response, "Well I guess 1 good thing came out of it". Recall what you learned from your grandmother. You'll be glad you spent the time thinking about her. Keep looking up. : ) AJ
January 4th, 2013
Today's reading "Respect your siblings" follows yesterday's reading "Respect your parents" very close. Typically the response I get from people when they read this day's thought is, "Why should I respect my siblings?" In that lies the answer. Having an attitude of superiority or constant competition with siblings is in no way healthy to personal success. Again, having been reared with 6 siblings with me being the youngest, learning to "respect" or "esteem" them I learned quickly created less friction for me and I'm sure made what already seemed like a long, long childhood somewhat less troublesome.
My father always told people as his children were growing up that he had a basketball team; 5 boys as the players and 2 girls as the cheerleaders. Looking back on those words, and I'm sure he never thought of it this way, I see how we were exactly that, a team of family members working together for the same end; steering clear of conflict together. Not one of us ever wanted to see another in the cross hairs of our father's discipline (it was the 60s and 70s don't forget, when discipline meant discipline, not abuse).
And even as adults I continue to hold my siblings in high esteem, respecting their lifestyles, decisions and personalities regardless of whether I agree with them or not. After all, they are on their own journey's through this world. I respect that.
Keep looking up. : ) AJ
January 7th, 2013
Today's reading...January 7th, from "The Journey: A Daily Calendar Book" is "Go to Sunday School as a child".
The essence of who I am as an individual is "concocted" from a variety of interactions throughout life. Family certainly places its stamp on us as we mature; school plays a very large role in providing us with many of the social skills we use as young adults and adults. However for me church had the largest influence on the person I am today.
Although my parents didn't attend Sunday School when I was growing up (Mom and Dad would get their "clan" up early Sunday mornings, fix a big breakfast; usually eggs, pancakes, sausage, biscuits and gravy) they ushered all 7 children off to the church house for 3 hours of respite for this first day of the week.
Not only was it at Sunday School I received instruction which would become the basis for my beliefs which as an adult I would learn to hone my skills at deciphering truth from fantasy, but it was here I found a connection within myself which supported the morals and discipline I had been taught through experience at home by my parents.
My father was of the belief that he could find his spiritual solace on the golf course just as easily as in the church house; a concept which I would come to appreciate (although not on the golf course for me) as an adult.
Personal success comes from "within" and can only thrive through a nourishment from "within". Wherever the place you find your "spiritual solace", seek it out and never disregard the importance of your "connection" to your "oceanic" self.
Keep looking up. :) AJ
January 8th, 2013
From "A Counselor's Daily Guide to Success" we read for January 8th, "Watch those with whom you work interact".
What a pivotal role those with whom we work play in our acquiring personal success. Research shows the average American spends 1/3 of their lifetimes at work; 1/3 of their lifetimes sleeping and the remaining 1/3 "living". Realizing this and taking on a new awareness that those with whom we spend 2/3 of our lifetime are co-workers and family, certainly being more "in-tune" with co-workers in a positive way can only benefit your personal success.
Throughout my working lifetime I have been fortunate enough to have only encountered two individuals who's personalities did not "jive" with my own; one was a female who (using my analytical prowess as a psychotherapist; which isn't always the smart thing to do) had "issues" with men throughout her life. The other was a male who had an inferiority complex. In both cases I was miserable working with them and had to work at seeing where they were coming from and adjust accordingly or negativity would be the ruler in lieu of positivity.
Be aware of those at work. Realize it's your problem when you can't get along or have "issues" with a co-worker. Own "your" problem and overcome it. You'll be one step closer to personal success.
Keep looking up. : ) AJ
January 9th, 2013
The thought placed on the page of ALL calendar books for January 9th may appear at first glance to be mundane or not pertinent to personal success or positivity in any way, however; when the reader does as is intended with Allen James' Calendar Books (which is give each reading thought....to process it in your own mind and search for its pertinence making application to your own life) its necessity is clear, "Wash your hands before you eat".
Of course there's the obvious fact that washing your hands before you eat prevents the spread of bacteria and assists in keeping you alive so you have the opportunity to even strive for personal success...as well, the statement, "Wash your hands before you eat" reinforces what seems to be a theme in many of the "Daily Guide to Success" series readings, that being the application of life lessons.
Although it can be attributed to "old age" and it would appear we complete the cycle of life by becoming what we as youth detested, how many times do we hear adults talk about the fact young people have no manners? Then we blame the parents for not instilling manners into their children as they did "back in the day" and place the responsibility on teachers to do so.
Recalling the African saying, translated of course, "It takes a village" (despite popular belief it was not former First Lady, present U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton who coined the phrase), we all must to our part to teach children to be respectful of others as well as themselves; the very foundation of how personal success is begun.
Keep looking up. : ) AJ
January 13th, 2013
Today's reading from "The Journey: A Daily Calendar Book".... Cultivate a best friend.
The operative word here is "cultivate". Friends come and go throughout our lives...however those relationships we "cultivate"...as in keep the weeds clear of....water as needed...make sure the foundation is kept free of bugs....those are friends regardless of the years that pass. Those are the relationships which pick up just where they left off...strong and sure...making personal success much easier to reach.. Keep looking up. :) AJ
January 14th, 2013
I like when readers have to question the relevance of "Daily Guide to Success" calendar book readings; it mean their having to think. Thinking is always a good indicator personal success can be achieved. Which is what many might have to do with today's reading, "Enjoy your childhood". How can I enjoy my childhood when I'm an adult? That was a long time ago. Or, I had a terrible childhood. What's there to enjoy?
Clearly to point from the approach of one of my "Daily Guide to Success" calendar books is analogous. Recall your childhood, good or bad...and enjoy the mere fact it happened...you're an adult now...you made it, may be one way to look at it. Or perhaps going a bit deeper; look back at your childhood memories with fondness, happiness, objectively and cherish those with whom you played, learned, experienced.
If childhood is as Ericson and others like him maintain, our formative years; then how vital it must be to draw from those years which formed us into the "I" we are today. Each experience throughout our lives brings us to the point we are today, "EACH", not just one. Embrace those experiences. Learn from those experiences. Draw strength from those experiences for ultimate personal success.
Keep looking up. : ) AJ
January 15th, 2013
From "A Graduate's Daily Guide to Success", the thought for January 15th, Read "Tuesdays with Morrie", emphasizes the power of the written words of others in building our personal success and positivity while at the same time provides us with nutrition spiritually and intellectually to do the same.
There are very few books I've read in my life which really leave a lasting impression on me, and I've read many, many books; however; when I find one which leaves a positive imprint on me and builds, not destructs, my psyche I return to it for much needed support when time allows. "Tuesday's with Morrie" is one such book.
"Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher, or a colleague. Someone older, patient and wise, who understood you when you were young and searching, helped you see the world as a more profound place, gave you sound advice to help you make your way through it.
For Mitch Albom, that person was Morrie Schwartz, his college professor from nearly twenty years ago.
Maybe, like Mitch, you lost track of this mentor as you made your way, and the insights faded, and the world seemed colder. Wouldn't you like to see that person again, ask the bigger questions that still haunt you, receive wisdom for your busy life today the way you once did when you were younger?
Mitch Albom had that second chance. He rediscovered Morrie in the last months of the older man's life. Knowing he was dying, Morrie visited with Mitch in his study every Tuesday, just as they used to back in college. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final “class”: lessons in how to live (Amazon.com)
Keep looking up. : ) AJ
January 17th, 2013
The thought from our "Daily Guide to Success" series for January 17th takes me back many years....Fly a kite in the springtime.
When I was a child every year for my birthday from my "Mamaw" Williams I could count on getting a kite. My birthday is March 15th and the windy month of March was perfect for kite flying.
Whether Mamaw knew or not that her gift was much more to me than a boy's "funtime..." I know not, but the freedom I realized while flying my "warriors of the sky" was liberating.
Still today I buy a kite in the spring and find time to attempt to set it free. Our lives are analogous to this very act. How difficult it can be to get off the ground when we fall. How often do we find ourselves losing the strength we need to stay afloat when we are flying high. But with a positive attitude and persistance we can reach our goal of personal success. Try flying a kite this spring. Set yourself free....
Keep looking up. :) AJ
January 18th, 2013
Our thought for January 18th comes from "The Journey: A Calendar Book" and reads, "Volunteer".
According to the "American Heritage Desk Dictionary", a volunteer is "someone who performs or gives services of his own free will" (1981). From the time I was a little boy volunteering was a large part of my weekly activities, without my knowing it. I was very active in church growing up and as such found myself standing alongside childhood friends in the junior choir every Wednesday after school from 3:00 - 4:00. Our choir leader was a young woman who was known to all, and continues to be known to all, as Ms. Barbara.
Ms. Barbara taught by example to be sure. Weekly we would haul in Ms. Juanita's 1965 white and black Mustang convertible as well as Ms. Barbara's 1965 burgundy convertible Ford Galaxy and traipse down to the "old folks home" as it was called then, and sing for the residents, volunteering our time and talents to brighten the day of the elderly.
Ms. Barbara was as well the church secretary, a job which she continues to this day. As time went on I and my best friend who lived only a block, began showing up at the church office and volunteering for any odd jobs Ms. Barbara saw needed to be completed; sharpening the pencils kept in the pews for offering envelops, stripping the fellowship hall floors and re-waxing them, organizing can goods in the food pantry.
These "random acts of kindness" followed me throughout adolescence into adulthood. How much positivity comes my way each year when I spend Christmas Day traveling to St. Louis and volunteering at the Salvation Army's soup kitchen. What I gain in "awareness" is worth more than any monetary payment I could possibly be given.
Again, the readings in my "Daily Guide to Success" calendar books are not intended to tout me, but are tangible activities, events, thoughts and realities which I have found to bring positivity and peace in my life and have had a major impact on bringing about personal success in my life. If you don't think you volunteer, look back at your weekly activities. You may be surprised. If you know you don't volunteer, find something you can work the time in your busy schedule to help with in your community. Volunteer. It's worth your time and energy.
Keep looking up. :) AJ
January 22nd, 2013
The thought for January 22nd from "The Journey: A Calendar Book" is, "Have a job in the summer".
Most of us have jobs which run year round, however; when we are young and in high school or college some choose to take summers off. It just comes naturally from the days of being a teenager. But from any standpoint, whether it be when you're in high school, college, or if you're an adult with a job which allows for summers off, such as teaching; find employment during those summer months which will keep you active and alert.
Mamaw used to say "Idle hands are the devil's playground". Certainly a derivation of a quote from the Bible. But oh so true. When we have an abundance of "down time" we have the tendency to look for something to occupy our time, and too often the "something" turns out to be mischief.
How often have we heard someone else say, or even worse, we've heard it come from our own lips, "I'm bored". As much as we think we want to not be working, after three days of summer break we're bored and ready to get busy again. It's our nature.
Keeping ourselves active helps keep our brain active, releasing necessary serotonin which fights off depression. Skills remain in tact and we're ready to get back to work with our regular careers in the fall.
Keep looking up. : ) AJ.
January 23rd, 2013
Today's reading may be the most important thought of one's "fulfilling" life, from "The Journey: A Calendar Book" we read for January 23rd, "Respect yourself".
Respect is defined as, "esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability" (dictionary.com). I began my work as a psychotherapist in private practice in January of 1992. Prior to that I had worked two years completing my clinical supervision. Since 1990 I have been struggling to assist those with whom I counsel the strength we have within ourselves if we can come to an understanding, and acceptance, of just what respecting self means.
Too often society jumps on "buzz" words and their commonality in our daily discourse diminishes their worthiness. Self-esteem in one such word. Come to a true comprehension of self-worth. Certainly with maturity our self-worth is realized more clearly, but how much more quickly personal success can be attained by taking the steps to give ourselves the respect we deserve, the respect we require, to be the person we desire to be. Dispel the cloak of insecurity. Take on the personage of strength.
Keep looking up. : ) AJ
January 24th, 2013
From "The Journey: A Calendar Book" for January 24th, we read "Practice moderation".
As I've intimated in earlier postings, as a youth I was immersed in "Baptististdom" as a dear friend and mentor has called it; religiosity which evolved into spirituality. Into young adulthood those teachings hadn't yet matured and hopefully I'll forever during this lifetime be understanding more about my "oceanic" self. However one concept which I've come to understand much more clearly is the teaching of moderation. Up to this point in my life it was very "black" or "white", "yes" or no, "wrong" or "right", "all or nothing". But the scriptures from the Holy Bible and other holy books undoubtedly teach a practice of an full understanding of the "gray" areas of "abundant" living.
The human brain was not created to be told what to believe and believe it, but to reason what is taught, process it and comprehend it, then making application to our lives. Too often in modern society we listen to the television, radio, others and take what we hear as the "gospel". I tell my students to always question, regardless of who is instructing, and find out for themselves.
Moderation means temperance. Temperance means having a grasp on "your" limitations and boundaries. Calibrate for yourself in ALL aspects of your life what works for you and what doesn't. Don't overindulge in words, in eating, in drinking, in thinking. Find your balance. Only then can you be truly happy with yourself and experience personal success.
Keep looking up. : ) AJ
January 25th, 2013
Today's reading from "The Journey: A Calendar Book" hits close to home..."Don't drink and drive".
Ok...Ok...despite what my brother's think...their little brother isn't "perfect". Last year I learned first hand about the horrors the consequences of not living by today's thought can bring. Putting aside the obvious harm which could be caused to others for a moment (we're all well aware of the statistics I'm sure), the pain and suffering you cause to "self" emotionally, financially and mentally can be enormous.
More than a year later I'm still dealing with the effects drinking and driving can cause when caught doing so. It's not healthy. It's not wise. It's not smart. IT'S JUST NOT WORTH IT!!
Be the good decision maker you know you are. If you're going to go out and choose to have alcohol, ride with someone who's not drinking or call transportation to take you home.
Personal success cannot be reached when you feel bad about your choices or when you're not around to strive toward it.
Keep looking up. : ) AJ
January 28th, 2013
Today's reading comes from "A Counselor's Daily Guide to Success" but is applicable to every adult who has ever held regular employment..."Recall the excitement of that first year".
This certainly is pertinent to every stage of our lives; whether it be that first year after graduation from high school or college, that first year with a full-time job, that first year of the career you prepared so much for or that first year after getting married.
The excitement of stepping into a new role in life can be invigorating; it can as well be overwhelming. Like everything else in your life, your reaction/response will depend on your state of mind. Living consciously (aware that every decision you make no matter how small it may seem effects your next moment) helps your state of mind from being cluttered of obstacles.
Shakespeare wrote of the consequences of not living consciously in his play, "Hamlet". In his first soliloquy, Hamlet says of the world, "'tis an unweeded garden, / That grows to seed; things rank and gross in nature / Possess it merely" (1.2.134-136).
Gardens must be weeded regularly for your crop will not be strangled, thus dieing. Allowing your mind to be an "unweeded garden" results in the same; a life which is stagnant and unfilled.
Worrying less about things over which you have no control (and you only have control over yourself) opens you up to living a full and happier life, thus making those "firsts" in our lives wonderful experiences to recall later in life to build us up.
Keep looking up. : ) AJ
January 29th, 2013
January 29th's reading from "The Journey: A Calendar Book" is "Be respectful".
Just as positivity breeds positivity, respect demands respect. For the past 30 years I've been in education; a social institution which aims to not only education children and youth, but adults as well, about the knowledge which is the basis of becoming a good citizen and well-rounded individual.
I graduated from Murray State University in 1983, following which I began my teaching career. Prior to this I worked as a desk clerk at several resort hotels and an associate in the retail industry. We're hard-pressed to find employment these days which doesn't involved dealing with the public. It was no different 30 years ago.
My day to day interaction with people, their personalities and their foibles has teaches much about interpersonal relationships. Show others respect and most generally (there are those few who will prove unreachable) others will show respect in return.
Case in point, yesterday in my position of school counselor I had to talk with a student about their absences from clinical experience in a health occupations class; the importance of being on the job when expected and keeping employment. This wasn't the first time to have to do so. Showing the student respect and meeting them on "their turf" so to say determines the outcome of the communication in more ways than one. Not approaching situations as the "controller" and the "authority" with others is vital to their acceptance of the message being conveyed. The meeting was a good one, filled with empathy and compassion about what the student has going on in their own life which affects their responsibilities.
As the student left the building to head to clinical, they poked their head in my office and said, "You make me want to be a better person". I retorted with, "You make ME want to be a better person". Mutual respect demands the same.
Keep looking up. : ) AJ
January 30th, 2013
Each Calendar Book by Allen James has an inspirational/motivational quote listed every 10 days by renowned men, women, teachers, counselors; each individual "Daily Guide to Success" book has different quotes. Today's thought is one such quote taken from "A Teacher's Daily Guide to Success" which was said by William Arthur Ward, author of "Fountains of Faith", one of America's most quoted writers of inspirational maxims; "The mediocre teacher TELLS. The good teacher EXPLAINS. The superior teacher DEMONSTRATES. The great teacher INSPIRES".
In many ways we each are teachers. Whether we be a mother, a father, an educator, or a preacher; teaching is an aspect of all our lives. INSPIRE those with whom you work and interact to be more positive individuals by displaying positivity in your life.
It's not enough to "get by" in life; we must aim high to reach the prize.
Keep looking up. : ) AJ