What Do You Stop For?

While unloading materials for a training program at a military base, a short blast of music came from the base pa system. My host for the training, along with everyone else in the area, immediately stood at attention toward the base flag as the US National Anthem played. I was honored to be able to participate in this patriotic act as well. After the music finished, we returned to our normal routine.

My sense of pride and respect for those individuals on the base, military and non-military, was affirmed as everyone stood at attention. In the distance I could see a yard sale going on in the parking lot, and even the small children stopped and stood silent while the music played. These individuals on the base, more than anyone, know the sacrifices made by their family members and friends.

It made me wonder... what are the kinds of things I deem worthy enough to stop what I am doing and pay tribute to-even if it is only for a few seconds? What moments do I have during my day where a better use of my time would be to pause and reflect than to simply rush off to the next activity or try to make the next deadline?

What can you stop and show respect for today-even if it's only for a few seconds?

Get Out Of The Roar

While taking the airport shuttle bus, I noticed something different... very different. It was quiet as the bus approached and there were none of the usual diesel fumes. As we departed for the terminal, I also noticed something else... it was quiet! The bus was a hybrid, currently running on battery power. What was also unusual was how people had to talk so low to not interrupt the rest of us. I also noticed every bump in the road and heard other cars passing by like never before. I actually enjoyed the short trip before the noise and hurry of security and boarding the flight. I had the right environment to think and plan.

Too often I think we allow ourselves to be caught up in the "roar" of life to really hear what our thoughts are telling us and to simply rest and reflect. It is in these moments that we can more clearly evaluate where things are going well and where their is room for improvement.

How will you "get out of the roar" today and more deeply reflect on how things are going for you? 

Reflecting On Your 2011 Harvest

There will come a moment... perhaps it will be after a memorable evening with family or friends. It could surface on one of those "laid back" days you have off from work in the next week. Or the moment may come as you prepare to ring in the new year. At some point, you will find yourself reflecting on what you "grew" in 2011. You might be tempted to evaluate it by deals closed, money made or big "wins." I invite you to look at what you accomplished in the past year a little differently. Consider your answers to some of these questions:

• What were 2-3 moments that took my breath away?
• What is one event or activity that I will always remember from this year because of the sense of peace, love or contentement I felt?
• Who are some of the people whose lives are better because of my efforts this year? (Note: Don't discount even the smallest act of kindness or generosity on your part)
• When I look back on 2011 in five years, what do I think will really have been significant about this year?
• What is one way I have improved myself professionally or personally this year? How is that benefiting me and/or others around me?

You may just be surprised to find that your harvest was bigger than you ever imagined.