"Fabulous At 30, 40, 50 And Beyond"

A reason to create your own Alphabet Soup

2010-02-12T02:49:00.001-05:00

Alphabet Souper bowl Presentations

As I stated in the preface to the Alphabet Soup messages; It's no surprise that many blogs and articles written today have a motivating and/or uplifting theme. Many authors of said messages speak in front of groups of all sorts and many have concerns that they don't have a consistent core message that they can fall back on when put into an ad lib situation where they are asked to present without much notice.
Alphabet Soup presentations are the answer. What exactly is an Alphabet Soup Presentation?

C hange
U rgency
R esilient
T enacity
I rresistable
S incerity

W hy
E ffort
A ction
V ision
E nthusiasm
R evise

As you can obviously see, my presentation is my name. When given any opportunity to make a presentation it's simple to recall. It becomes an anchor, a confident place to begin at any time. I can do a short message, CURT or WEAVE; a medium length CURTIS or WEAVER; or I can mix and match. The bottom line though is I always have topics handy to speak about. And as you add to your alphabet, in time you'll have a minimum of twenty six topics on the tip of your tongue.

A, B, C , D, E, F, G.................................

CW

Alphabet Soup

2010-02-09T14:19:00.001-05:00

Alphabet Soup part 4

Vision:

Tomorrow,………… tomorrow, …………the sun will come up tomorrow! Tomorrow….what exactly will happen the day after today? That day and the one’s thereafter should not only be lived they should be designed. A vision, a plan designed by you and no one else; creating a vision, a future movie if you will, of your life to come. Relax and see your future, see your vision internally; put your vision in writing and then live that vision. Your vision is your dreams, goals and plans; written down and referred to daily as you would any map as you travel to your chosen destination. If you don’t know where you going, how are you going to know when you get there?

Enthusiasm:

Energy for your life comes from inside; your inner belief that you are moving toward your destiny. Enthusiasm for what you’re doing is contagious to those around you; it says you’re serious about life and that it can be fun to go to work. Enthusiasm is a magnet which attracts those likeminded individuals who will help you attain that which you desire. If you’re not enthusiastic about what you’re doing you need to be doing something else. What is it you would do for Free no matter your financial status; that is where your heart lies. It doesn’t mean you have to make a living pursuing this. If you endeavor to do that which your love what you do to make a living will take on a new light. Get excited about your life; no one get’s out alive. You can die in the stands or on the field of play, you chose.

Revise:

Each week, each month and each year review your plans and goals. In all things “Life Happens” and circumstances change. A revision of your goals is an important process. There are always detours along the way; a change in course may be needed. The important thing is that you’re moving in the direction of your plans and dreams, course correction is not failure. When they launch a rocket towards the moon or Mars; it’s on course about 5% of the time, 95% of the time it’s correcting course. Revise and review as often as possible.

Alpabet Soup

2010-02-06T16:39:00.001-05:00

Alphabet Soup part 3

Why:

What is your big why? Your why; is the specific reason, dream or goal of your life. Your why is your drive, it’s the reason your two feet hit the floor in the morning. Think for a moment; “Why am I doing what I’m doing?” Your why should be so large, so huge that it becomes the magnet which pulls you through the tough times, the down times that we know will always come; it is your motivation to keep on keeping on. The most successful “Why’s” are the ones that benefit those other than yourself.

Effort;

One of biggest fallacies of our times is we can accomplish great things without great effort. Today it’s very popular to name it and claim it; or if we just put it out “To The Universe” and believe it enough we can have whatever we desire. Ancient script tells us; “Faith without works is nothing”. It’s heard all the time about successful individuals; “Boy are they lucky.” Luck is opportunity in work clothes. Effort takes many forms; research, asking for help and getting advice, making a schedule, setting goals, creating a business plan and taking care of yourself mentally and physically are all part and parcel of concentrated effort. A plan with concentrated effort behind it; you will become extremely lucky.

Action;

Taking massive action on an idea is the fuel that drives the idea. To be candid, this is one of my personal foibles. Many times it’s a fear of failure or what others may think that stops us. Many of us want to be sure the business or project is going to be one hundred percent before we go for it. Even my own history tells me getting started and moving towards the goal is the most critical action. “Fail Forward Fast” or “Ready Fire Aim” are two phrases to engrave in our consciousness. It’s easier to correct course while in motion then when standing still. When a rocket is on its way to the moon it is only on course about five percent of time. It’s constantly correcting course. Take action and take massive action now.

CW

Alphabet Soup

2010-02-03T21:06:00.001-05:00

Alphabet Soup part 2

Tenacity:

Many times when trying to explain a concept someone in the past or present has done so with such clarity it is ludicrous not to just pass it on. Tenacity in the words of Sir Winston Churchill; “Never give in. Never give in. Never, never, never, never–in nothing, great or small, large or petty–never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” Today and forever; Never give in, Never give in; never, never, never give up.

Irresistible:

Yes, become irresistible. Is that even possible you ask? To be irresistible is to be conscious at all times of how we may appear to others, both in look and sound. A friend and mentor, Marshall Sylver, calls it “Pretty Pictures”; being conscious of how you look and carry yourself at all times so if someone took a picture of you anytime, anyplace; it would be a “Pretty Picture.” Many people believe they should not be judged by the way they look, and that may be true, but reality is You Are! Dressing well, a constant comfortable smile, being the first to greet someone, looking people in the eye, asking questions about them and not telling them about “me”, uplifting comments, not gossiping, and good hygiene are good starts. Being irresistible is not getting people to like you; being irresistible is liking and supporting others. People don’t care what you know; they want to know that you care.

Sincere;

No one likes a fake. You are a unique creation of God. No one who has ever walked the planet and no one who will come after you will think, talk, or create like you. Put your uniqueness on display, and be yourself. We like you for who you are, not who you think we want you to be. People don’t care how much you know; they want to know how much you care. Be yourself at all times.

CW

Alphabet Soup

2010-01-31T01:37:00.001-05:00

Alphabet Soup part 1

It's no surprise that many blogs and articles written today have a motivating and/or uplifting theme. Many authors of said messages speak infront of groups of all sorts and many have concerns that they don't have a consistant core message that they can fall back on when put into an adlib situation where they are asked to present without much notice.

Alphabet Soup presentations are the answer. This is the first of four messages that comprise my Soup message. In Part 4 you will find the key to having the ability to have your message on the tip of your tounge at any given moment with the ability to shrink or expand it to fit any time frame.

Soup Part 1

Change:

Resolutions rarely work. Why? Without change, no change will come. Most resolutions tend to rely on will-power and most of our wills don’t have any power. Jim Rohn says; “For things to change, first I must change”. Begin to PLAN and do those activities which move you toward your dreams and desires and remove those that sabotage. The wisdom of the world is Free and accessible today on the internet and in Libraries. Turn off the TV; read books, listen to CD’s and yes maybe even go to seminars. Change is a decision we make and act on; act today.

Urgency:

Don’t wait, change now. When you have an idea act on it NOW; write it down, you will not remember it in the morning. When opportunity is in sight go for it; opportunity sprouts before us all but few are willing to take the leap. My friend Les Brown says; “Leap, grow wings on the way down!” Fear of failure? Fail Forward Fast; Ready, Fire, Aim. Mistakes are only opportunities for course correction and frankly we learn much more from failure than we do success. Another friend, Giovanna Garcia, has created an entire movement entitled “Imperfect Action”. Her site is a great place to start: http://imperfectaction.com/ ; it’s Urgent, start now!

Resilient;

I have five sports coats; two of them are my favorite ones to ware. Why? These two coats can be thrown in the back seat of the car and worn for hours on end, yet at the end of the day they still look fresh and ironed; in a word they are resilient. Until this writing I’ve never thought of a single word that would describe my life, the word is resilient. Over fifty jobs, started eight business’, four marriages, Vietnam, and surviving seven major car accidents; resilient is an excellent description. Life happens to us all or as many say today “SHIT happens”. Get over it and get on with it, be resilient and your sleep will be blissful.

"Fabulous At 50 And Beyond"

2010-01-28T01:42:00.001-05:00

"Fabulous At 50 And Beyond"

There are 3 kinds of people

Risk taker
Care taker
Undertaker

Kim Clement

Risk Takers; these are the pioneers of life
Care takers; the nay sayers who say to the Risk Takers it can’t be done
Under takers; the walking dead who are not yet in the ground

Interpretations by “CW”

We are going to spend the remainder of our life in the future. No matter our age, the future is where we reside. To be Fabulous At 50 And Beyond, it’s the beyond on which I’d like to concentrate. If you’re 22 yrs old; it’s the years beyond your 22nd year that should to be your focus. Focusing on the future (goals or even better, plans) is what will pull you through the hard present circumstances that occur on your journey.

A journey is rarely a straight continuous route to your destination. The road gets flooded (a tragic death), rock slides (job loss) happen and detours need to be constructed. Detours are not stops. Detours are paths that need to be taken only to go around or through obstacles that pop up along the way. Commit to the journey with the knowledge that Life Happens, and I will not be stopped till the destination is reached.

Exodus

How do you eat an elephant; one bite at a time? A journey begins with the first step. Something needs to change in our lives to move us from what we have been to where we desire to go. Jim Rohn states; “For things to change, first I must change.” Sounds so simple “CW” how do I start; action; the first bite, the first step? In this journey your initial action is exiting your old thinking.
Exodus; when the Israelites’ needed to change they needed to leave the old life behind and venture out to a new land. The old life was not a good life but the human condition is such that we sometimes choose to stand in squalor because at least we know what to expect when we rise in the morning. Change for the better may be good but it’s still very scary. The care takers and undertakers only see that life could get worse if they venture from the known into the unknown; so they remain in the wash of others who continue to control their life. The Israelites’ exited the old life and followed Moses’, not always comfortably; Moses’ led them to the Promised Land.

God said;”I know Moses’ and “CW” is no Moses’. Ok, Ok, I’m not Moses’. Remember the part about risk taking; there is a risk in following “CW” out of the mundane and into your personal Promised Land. Exodus the land of sameness year after year; remove yourself from the care takers and the undertakers. See yourself at the top of the museum steps, fists punching the sky in victory; you are the Rocky of your life. Give me permission to lead you in your exodus from the old into your Promised Land. And when the journey is at its end and the last liter of air leaves your body, a subtle smile forms on your lips as you say; “That was a frickn’ blast, thank you God”.

Our destination, by definition, lies in the beyond, the future. Fabulous At 50 And Beyond isn’t about age, it’s about preparing one’s self for the journey, the trip to a land where you’re capable of things that may now be unthinkable to you. Follow me into that calm place where all is possible. With a confidence gained by action you will accumulate knowledge and wealth so during the trip you gain the ability to give and support individuals, communities, cities and countries beyond your wildest imagination.

"CW"

"What's Missing?"

2010-01-25T01:41:00.000-05:00

"What's Missing?"

Hey;

I was just on hold on the telephone and they had a country music station on for hold music.

I'm really not a country music kind of guy, but country get's down to the real things in life except I don't have a pick-up truck or a dog, I digress.

The song "Live like you were dying" played; as I listened to the words I got a bit choked up because I realized for the past three years I have lived like there may be no tomorrow.

What's missing in your life today?

Click on the below. The song and the words at the same time. Listen once and then listen a second time and click on the pause button every time a phrase touches your heart, and a few will.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EbmIeck9uc

Tomorrow isn't promised to you or me. Who do you need to call? Who do you need to say I Love you to? Who's day would brighten 1000 times if you walked through their door?

In His Power and Grace;

"CW"

"For a Fast Life.....Fast"

2010-01-22T18:19:00.002-05:00

"For a Fast Life.....Fast"

I live a fast life. My calendar is filled to the max. If I'm not active or in the midst of a decision to invest or build I feel I'm not being productive. I'm in the midst of writing a book and when I take some time to watch a movie or some other activity which my mind is telling me is trivial, I feel anxious.

At sixty years of age I feel good, look younger than most my age and I'm in great physical shape. All of those things are true because for the majority of my life I didn't think and feel like I described above. I worked hard when I worked and I relaxed and enjoyed the day or evening when at home. I've been preaching "For things to change, first I must change". Being anxious when I'm relaxing is not healthy. It's WRONG thinking. I was listening to a preacher (in the background; one must multi task) and he was talking about fasting.

Fasting; to go without, to give up or sacrifice, to abstain from food.

I'm stealing from Pastor Gregory Dicklow. What I described in the opening is clearly WRONG thinking. I'm going to Fast from WRONG THINKING. I going to pay attention, I'm going to analyze my thoughts more closely. Not only anxious thoughts; I'm going to watch negative thoughts and angry thoughts and any type of thinking that's not conducive to my well being all the well being of those around me.

Please join me in this FAST FROM WRONG THINKING for thirty days. Read positive books, poems and affirmations. When a WRONG thought trespasses, correct the mind. Say to yourself, "That's not like me, I don't think or talk that way." If someone cuts you off in traffic use Jim Rohn's method; "Now isn't that fascinating."

I'm more relaxed already.

I add value to peoples lives.

I am confident and charismatic.

I am important.

I have important work to do.

I was sent here for a reason.

I fulfill my mission.

I live my vision.

I make a difference.

I create every moment of my life.

I am true to my own heart.

My word is law.

I don't take anything personally.

I approve of myself now.

Now that's what I talkin' about. Join me for the fast, 30 days, lets do it.

"The American Dream is Dead?"

2010-01-19T01:09:00.001-05:00

The American dream is dead?

Living for the French dream; I’m living for the Italian dream; when we were growing up my parents were living the Mexican dream. We have all heard these stories, right. Of course not, what we do hear when they interview individuals of all ethnicities around the globe who want more for themselves and for their families; they want the American dream. Those of us who have had the good fortune to be born in the US have already won one of life’s big lotteries.

All around this globe at this very moment millions upon millions of people are dreaming of the day they that they can make their way to this country, our country. Why is that? They know once they arrive in the United States of America they have the opportunity to become or to do or to create whatever they can imagine. It is there for them if they just work for it. They know in America, specifically the United States of America, the sky’s the limit. If I can get to the US and work as hard as I do in my country, in America I can become rich.

The American dream isn’t dead, although the American Dreamer may be. Growing up in a land where you have all the necessities of life it becomes quite easy not to see the opportunities right before our eyes. Ever since the sixties and the anti government and anti war movements it has become common place to dump on this country. We are barraged daily by media pundits who cry that we, the US, are the world’s largest problem. The fact is, in the history of the planet there has never been a country which has and continues to invest its bounty and blood for the betterment of all. When calamity happens, who do they call; it’s not Ghost busters.

If you are less than fifty years of age you have been barraged with many negative if not hostile views of our country; even more so if you have received an education in a large metropolitan public school education. Most of what is taught as American History is the human foibles of the founding fathers. The reality that they gambled with their lives and their fortunes to create the only Republic of its kind in human history is deleted from the conversation. Yet the so called modern day hero’s of our times are honored because they have “Good Intentions” and what they do in their personal lives has nothing to do with their character.

This is not a perfect country or government by any stretch of the imagination. I just ask you to do one thing in your life. Spend a minimum of six weeks living in another country. Not a vacation, though it could be; and not in a resort area. Pick anywhere; Paris, London, Hong Kong, Berlin; choose anyplace that appears, through the window of the TV screen, to be just like the US. If you have grown up in the US, upon returning ninety percent of us will kiss the earth when our feet finally stands on sovereign US ground. “Toto, there is no place like home.”

Dream, think, and imagine what is possible. Each one of us lives in a land where if you think you can, you can. The opposite holds true also; if you think you can’t, you’re one hundred percent correct. The American Dream is alive and well for those who want to change the way they live. Anything is possible!

What Is Possible; Jim Rohn

Jim Rohn is a mentor of mine. I am constantly reading and listening to his books and CD’s and I even have a presentation on tape from the 80’s I watch on my VCR several times a year. His message is always the same, and like any masterpiece it never grows old. A few years ago he recorded a CD, Smooth Mix, which excerpts of Mr. Rohn’s presentations with musical back ground. There are sixteen tracts on sixteen subjects;

Imagine the possibilities, turning nothing into something.

The first step is to imagine, imagine the possibilities.
One of the reasons for sermons and the lyrics from songs and testimonials of others is to give us the idea of the possibilities, imagine the possibilities.

Here’s the second step.
The second step is to believe what you imagine is possible for you. We become supported by others testimonials that say; “If I can do it, you can do it.” And we start believing. They tell us,“If it was possible for me than it’s possible for you.” First we imagine the possibilities; second we start to believe what’s possible is possible for us. We might also believe because of our own testimonial.

This is what we might say;”If I did it once, I can do it again. If it happened for me before it can very well happen for me again.” So we not only believe because of other testimonials that say;”If I can do it you can do it, if I can change you can change, if I can start with nothing than you can start with nothing, if I can turn it all around you can turn it all around.” Than we also have the support of our own testimonial;”If I did it once I can do it again. If we did it last year we can do it this year.”

So those two things are very powerful. Now they’re not actual substance though they’re very close. One is to imagine the possibilities, two is to imagine what is possible is possible for you.

Jim Rohn

“It’s Possible”
Les Brown

“My brother from another mother” is what Les said about me in Columbus, Ohio in 2007. A mentor and friend Les does an entire program entitled “It’s Possible”.
Some excerpts;
“If you don’t program yourself life will program you.”

“History is being read but it’s also being written by people with imagination.”

“There are winners and there are losers and there are those who just have never learned how to win. Ones who need just a little insight, a little more information, a little Push.”

“Look at a dream or goal you have. I don’t want you to say, “I can do it”, because deep down you may not believe it. But what you can say with certainty and belief is to say with conviction,
“It’s Possible”.
Say it again and again,
“It’s Possible.”
“It’s Possible.”

My brother from another mother, Les Brown

“What you have done so far in your life is what you
have believed is Possible for you. You have achieved what you have believed
is Possible for you.”

“I want you to operate out of your imagination not your memory.”

“If someone has made their dream to become a reality then it’s POSSIBLE for my
dream to become a reality.”

“Are you using Eyesight or Mind-sight, imagination is Mind-sight!”

"CW"

Who Influences You The Most?

2010-01-16T02:19:00.001-05:00

Who Influences You The Most?

First an update 3 days into Fast from Stinkin' Thinkin';

I am much more conscious of my thoughts.

Example; we had our lawn aerated and seeded a little over two weeks ago. There was a lot of thatch pulled up and was laying on top of the good grass. I called the contractor and inquired as to whether it was OK to leave it. He said it would help hold in the moisture and help the new seed and not to cut the lawn for two to three weeks; I like professionals who tell me not to cut the grass.

Wednesday, two weeks and two days, I cut my grass. it looked good except for where the thatch layed on the lawn. Immediately the little voice in my head started; "My guy's an idiot; he has no clue about my lawn; I know this is going to turn into a hassle when I call him; blah blah blah, blah, blah".

Then I made a decision to start a different internal dialog as I cut my grass. "The guys a professional, how was he supposed to know we'd get four inches of rain in two days; I'll call him when I finish and he'll take care of the problem; he's done good work all year, he'll treat me right". The first result from the change of thought was I was in a better mood as I finished the lawn. The second was when I called my guy I stated my point calmly and asked if he would stop by and make recommendations. Marilyn called me in the middle of the day on Thursday and said the lawn guys were here raking up all the thatch.

Shrinkin' Stinkin' Thinkin' success.

“I’ve seen many troubles in my time, only half of which ever came true."

Mark Twain

Who Influences You The Most?

This is actually a thread to help in the fast. When thinking of influence it is WORDS, whether written or spoken, that influence. And spoken words from an individual we deem important tends to have more sway with us than others. Words can work miracles; words can also destroy!

I influence me more than anyone else; you influence you. When we speak we also hear and in anything we hear we judge. In speaking critical, demeaning words, subconsciously I'm telling myself I'm a critical, demeaning person. When speaking pleasant, uplifting and positive words and phrases I'm supporting the view of myself that says I'm an individual that helps others and encourages them to do better.

In the last two years I've become very conscious of the times when it's necessary to correct or discipline or even criticize someone. I'm not always successful but I try to adhere to first saying something positive; second to deliver the critique and to finish on a positive supportive note. Words mean things and it's extremely important to choose carefully; ie: instead of "You're stupid", "You're a real asset to the organization; but that was a stupid thing you did and that's really not like you".

TFAR

Thoughts; Positive thoughts lead to...

Feelings: Positive feelings lead to...

Actions; Positive actions and positive words lead to...

Results; Incredible benefiting results.

I will speak only words which are pure and

good and edifying to the hearer.

'Unkept Promises"

2010-01-13T01:20:00.001-05:00

Are there unkept promises you've made to yourself? Is there a thing gnawing on the inside of you? A voice which nags and you keeping shouting over it, not now, I'll do it later. Or the most feeble of excuses; I'm not capable, nobody in my family has ever done it, everyone will laugh at me. This thing you know you were meant to do but have yet to even start? This promise you made in your youth and thought you put it behind you but it just won't let you be. I have great friggin news for you. Starting right at this moment you are on your way.

"If You Continue To Think Like You've Always Thought,You'll Continue To Get What You've Always Got"

I suggest, no I command you to surround yourself with people that will hold you accountable to do that thing. If you are the smartest person in the top five people you hang with, find and create another group. Seek out likeminded people. When you finally gather your confidence to boldly speak your dreams to the world you must have a staunch group of men and women who will come along side and even get behind and push when needed.

The only reason these words are appearing before me on my laptop is because I have chosen to surround myself with likeminded unfulfilled men and women who have decided to "Go For It". We have spilled our guts out to each other, we have made ourselves vulnerable so in the days, weeks, months and years ahead not only will we have the voice in our heads, we'll have many voices prompting and exclaiming, "You can do it!", "If it was easy everybody would be doing it.", "With god all things are possible.", "This is your time.", "If Not you then who?".

These accountability partners; fifteen are from my family we've named "Sylver's Billionaire Alliance" because becoming wealthy is our goal. I have an extended family all over the world who I've promised I would do a great work. I have mentors; Jim Rohn, Marshall Sylver, T Harv Eker, Les Brown, Bob Allen and others who I promised I would take what they have taught me and use it for good; to build schools and hospitals here and around the world. To bring the message that anything is possible for ANYONE who'll make the decision to take control of your life and DO SOMETHING!

I call them family because the ultimate goal of real family is to motivate, praise and to expect great accomplishments while at the same time holding them accountable for that which they say they will do. And thirty six months, ago this family I love today, I didn't know a single one. I sought them out. Not individually but I traveled to events where I know there will be others who have decided there is much to do. Go where people are walking down out of the stands and onto the playing field to become players and reject the role of spectator.

We are unique as individuals. There has never been and will never be another who walks and talks and thinks exactly as you. You are rare and there is extreme value in rarity. God doesn’t make junk. You are here for a reason and it’s not to watch TV, go on vacations, drive cool cars or live in a golf course community. All though they are all great rewards for doing well, they should not be the goal. In the end they will not satisfy.
CW

Tension Relieving

2010-01-10T01:22:00.002-05:00

Hey;

I'm a procrastinator. I usually delay projects to the last minute.

I have a ten minute presentation tomorrow evening and needed to

work on it all week end.

The British Open was on the tube most of the morning. I cut the

grass and performed many "BUSY" tasks all day.

A very profound lady said on a teaching program this week;

"Our actions are either "Tension Relieving" or "Goal Achieving".

WOW!!!!!!!! In the middle of cutting the grass today that

statement slapped me up a long side of my head. Here I am,

doing the worst activity I can think of and yet it was a way to

relieve the tension of having to prepare for my presentation.

After all the grass must be cut, and what better time then now.

I'm a motivated guy and yet I'm am so easily distracted from

activities which are much more beneficial to my future because

of the comfort factor. She also said; "Successful people are

committed to results, unsuccessful people are committed to comfort."

Learning every day!!!!!

"CW"

The Vase

2010-01-07T01:48:00.001-05:00

Life and writing about it is an adventure. Writing this unique type of book is even more fun because there is little that happens that doesn’t fit. I’m writing and watching/listening to the Georgia vs. LSU football game.

As I finished editing my road trip e-mail I glanced over at our vase on the coffee table. A vase I bought for Marilyn on my last day of the road trip; it always makes me smile when I see it. It was an incredible experience at the time. It took me months after the fact to tell anyone but Marilyn because I felt it was self serving. Now I believe the story has the possibility of inspiring others.

I had been away for over two weeks; I was about six hours away from home and had yet to purchase a gift for my lovely wife. I know many men; I don’t know very many who could go off on a two week adventure alone without catching a bunch of grief from the lady of the house. Marilyn is so very, very, very good to me.

I was winding through the mountains of southern West Virginia, it was so incredibly beautiful and the convertible enhanced the ride tenfold. I spotted a sign for a West Virginia crafts pavilion where I could purchase something appropriate for Marilyn.

The circular pavilion sat high on a hill top and is a modern structure. Every vendor and store in the building were local craftsman and artists. The place had an incredible atmosphere with an open air court yard in the center.

Most of what was available was kind of country style oriented and the wife is anything but country. As I wondered around I spied a glass-blower with an extensive gallery of glass on display. Marilyn had recently become infatuated with varieties of vases, so I looked for a piece that was really different from what we had at the house. It was difficult to choose, the guys work was all so beautifully crafted.

Amazingly there were a few with both humming birds and Iris flower designs on them; Marilyn’s favorite bird and favorite flower. There were varied sizes and designs. As I was choosing which one to purchase an elderly lady and her middle aged daughter came a long side of me looking at the vases.

The daughter picked one humming bird vases up and her mom was ouhhing and ahhing about how beautiful they were and how wonderful it would be to have it in her home. The daughter suggested she get the vase but mom said; “I can buy a pair of shoes and a dress for what that cost.” They returned the vase to the shelf and went on their way.

I choose the one that I liked for Marilyn and started for the counter. I passed the one the two ladies were looking at and smiled remembering their conversation. I grabbed the second vase and took both to the counter. The counter person asked if they were gifts and asked if I would like them wrapped; separately I requested and in individual bags.

I circled the entire building looking for mom and her daughter. I thought they had left the building and was thinking about how happy Marilyn would be with the two vases; one chosen by her husband and one by a stranger from West Virginia. I started for my car. Just before I reached an exit I saw mom and her daughter looking through some linens.

I approached them and said something about the linens they were eyeing. I asked; “Wasn’t it you two who were looking at the humming bird vases back at the glass blower?” The older lady smiled the biggest smile and went on and on about how wonderful delicate looking they were and how she loved humming birds. I handed her the bag and said; “Here you’re supposed to have this.” She looked at me quizzically and then looked at her daughter. She very slowly opened the bag, and as I walked quickly away I looked back and they were both staring into the bag with their mouths hanging wide open. I will never forget the glorious look on their faces.

As I hit the parking lot I was crying and skip jumping and laughing; people were looking at me like I was a crazy man; I was, I was crazy happy. I felt like the Long Ranger (“Who was that masked man?”), Santa Clause and the tooth fairy all rolled into one.

The rest of my ride home I was singing, crying and laughing. Each time I remember I can see the looks on their faces and their expressions I begin to smile and many times, like now, tears of happiness appear in my eyes. It was absolutely the most invigorating way to end the trip. I recommend it to anyone.

CW

Get In The Game?

2010-01-04T01:53:00.001-05:00

We’ve all said it or heard it at one time or another, come on “Get In The Game”. In the context of this narrative we mean the Game of Life. The bottom line every reader here is already in the game; but most sit in the stands watching not really considering the rules of the game. The reality; there are no rules and it’s your game you are the team.

It’s your game and you are the;

Creator of the team
Owner
General Manager
Offensive Coach
Defensive Coach
Player
Referee
Time keeper

The aspects of the game in which we have some or little control are when the game started; the initial few periods are when we had forced outside coaches and game controllers (parents/guardians). Once we fire the coaches we control the game till the dirt nap arrives.

It’s time to look around the field, check out if it’s time to play offence or defense. Is it the beginning, middle or is the clock ticking down. Am I in control of my team, if not who is? And if I’m not in control of the game; why and what needs to be done to gain control (there’s always time for a big come back).

Some advice, if there is an unauthorized controller of your game, leave them in control for the short term. Formulate your entire future game plan; verify it’s ready to implement, and then fire their butt.

Be sure you surround yourself with cheer leaders and likeminded players. The cool part is you can hire as many team members as you like; and if they are rewarded correctly, many will join your team for life.

Half time, second period, seventh inning stretch, it’s the back nine, the second set; however you envision your game, it’s now time to take control:

“Get In Your Game”.

For Things To Change........

2009-12-29T01:25:00.000-05:00

For Things To Change........

2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004,.......2000. Will 2010, for you, bring more power and joy to your life then recent years. Do you remember your New Years resolution in 2004? How's that workin' for you? And as multiple 365 days "slide show" by, are the weeks and months remarkably similar those prior. What is it that keeps us cemented to the Status Quo?

Most profess the want and need to propel our lives to new heights. What is it which grounds flight shortly after our wheels leave the runway? Frankly, you won't find an "ANSWER" here.

My desire is to tweak your thinking process and instill a desire deep within you to increase your "ACTIONS" in the direction of your dreams. As you can see by the pictures to the right I have made a choice to associate with persons who have a desire to make a difference in peoples lives. I, CW have the same desire. I've been reading and listening to all the motivational and personal development Guru's since the spring of 1970. And most influential of all publications, the Bible, has provided me with guidance. Where the thoughts and feelings of my educators end and CW's begin is incredibly fogged. Consequently most of what will be in my blogs will be a combination of the thoughts and musings of the all these great minds and CW's experiences and brain farts.

Just months ago and for the years preceding when asked; "CW, why is it you want to take to the stage. What is it you want to accomplish in your writing and your presentations?" And I would offer with passion and conviction; "I want to change lives." And truly believed if I was able to form the correct phrases and scribe them in just the right sequence or deliver them with enough passion and power; I, CW, could in fact change an individuals life.

As stated earlier I devour CD's, videos and books on personal development. And whenever possible I see my mentors live. And these most recent two years I've had the privilege of live and some individual guidance. Recently driving to Toronto from Baltimore to see some friends a Jim Rohn Weekend CD was tickling my ear. An icon in the industry, Dennis Waitley was the speaker. He was recalling a conversation with a hero of his, Reverend Billy Graham. Mr. Graham asked Dennis; "How many lives have you changed Dennis? Well, Mr. Waitley replied; "as I heard you say a while ago. One, I've only changed one life, my own. I can have thousands of people come down from the stands and profess change. What they do when they go home I have no control. I give them the best information I am able. They can only change their selves".

"For things to change, first I must change". A mantra Jim Rohn has been preaching for thirty years. The operative word is "I". The individual. We've all heard Einstein's enlightening quote; "Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results; that's the meaning of insanity." Change; moving from what has been comfortable, going from being content to challenging ones self will be the focus of the paragraphs appearing here.

Are you interested in stepping into the place where change is possible. Change which could bring success and failure is possible. Life is not a spectator sport. No one will get out alive. You can die in the stands, or you can die on the field. YOU CHOOSE !!!!!!!!!

"CW"

For Things To Change......

2009-12-28T21:45:00.001-05:00

Hey;

As you can see by the pictures to the left I choose to associate with persons who have a desire to make a difference in peoples lives. I, CW have the same desire. I've been reading and listening to all the motivational and personal development Guru's since the spring of 1970.

And most influential of all publications, the Bible, has provided me with guidance. Where the thoughts and feelings of my educators end and CW's begin is incredibly fogged. Consequently most of what will be in my blogs will be a combination of the thoughts and musings of the all these great minds and CW's experiences and brain farts.

Just months ago and for the years preceding when asked; "CW, why is it you want to take to the stage. What is it you want to accomplish in your writing and your presentations?" And I would offer with passion and conviction; "I want to change lives." And truly believed if I was able to form the correct phrases and scribe them in just the right sequence or deliver them with enough passion and power; I, CW, could in fact change an individuals life.

As stated earlier I devour CD's, videos and books on personal development. And whenever possible I see my mentors live. And these most recent two years I've had the privilege of live and some individual guidance. Driving to Toronto from Baltimore to see some friends a Jim Rohn Weekend CD was tickling my ear. An icon in the industry, Dennis Waitley was the speaker. He was recalling a conversation with a hero of his, Reverend Billy Graham. Mr. Graham asked Dennis; "How many lives have you changed Dennis? Well, Mr. Waitley replied; "as I heard you say a while ago. One, I've only changed one life, my own. I can have thousands of people come down from the stands and profess change. What they do when they go home I have no control. I give them the best information I am able. They can only change their selves".

"For things to change, first I must change". A mantra Jim Rohn has been preaching for thirty years. The operative word is "I". The individual. We've all heard Einstein's enlightening quote; "Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results; that's the meaning of insanity."

Change! Moving from what has been comfortable, going from being content to challenging ones self will be the focus of the paragraphs appearing here. Are you interested in stepping into the place where change is possible. Change which could bring success and failure is possible.

Life is not a spectator sport. No one will get out alive. You can die in the stands, or you can die on the field. YOU CHOOSE !!!!!!!!!

Gift Wrapped

2009-12-24T01:09:00.001-05:00

"Gift Wrapped"

How are you at waiting to open gifts? Before Christmas (insert your holiday here) or your birthday if there was a gift wrapped for you before the big day, is there a desire to know what is in the package? The anticipation of good to come is always exciting.

When I was young we would visit my Aunt Yvonne every summer or she would visit us. It was always a great time in the family. Aunt Yvonne didn't have children of her own and treated me very special. And each year before the visit ended she would always give me my Christmas gift, beautifully wrapped and with a tag saying; "Do Not Open Before Christmas". And so for about five months I would visit the package on the shelf in the closet, wondering and imagining what great things awaited me on Christmas day.

Gifts are to be unwrapped. Some are unwrapped slowly and methodically so as not to destroy the ribbon and paper; and then, with gentle care open the box to reveal the treasure. The "funnest" way is to tear into the package with paper and ribbon flying and then jumping in joy at the contents unveiled. There is even uniqueness in the opening of the gifts.

You are a gift to me. You are a gift to your family, your friends and to the world. Gifts are to be opened and appreciated. A gift has no value to anyone, no matter the beauty of the wrapping, if the gift stays wrapped.

If you must you can start slowly and methodically to unwrap your gift for us. Unlock that which is hidden from the world and show us this great treasure we have been waiting so long to enjoy. Preferably, jump down from the closet shelf with paper and ribbon flying, with friends and family laughing and jumping for joy as the great surprise that you are has become visible for all the world to see and enjoy. Whatever the method used it's important to us that the gift you have hidden inside becomes the benefit to the world God designed it to be.

We great anticipation, we anxiously await!

There's Work To Do!

2009-12-21T02:08:00.001-05:00

There's Work To Do!

Watching the news on the tube, reading the paper and cruising the web; I see and hear of children who are accidentally killed by stray bullets; young and old alike who die at ages and times in their life when all seemed wonderful and their future bright. Good people leading commendable lives. Lives cut short by an accident, a single odd event that instantly ends the promise of a future filled with life and love.

Then I review the sixty years this one hundred eighty five pounds of fragile flesh and bone has walked, driven and flown on the earth. I am humbled to reflect on my surviving seven major automobile accidents, three hundred fifty nine days in Vietnam in 1968 and an engine blowing up on a commercial jet aircraft on which I happened to be strapped into a window seat. If people really knew what a piece of crap human being I was at the time I was in Vietnam and at the time I was involved in the first four of the auto accidents, anyone would have traded my worthless hide for any one of the unfortunate individuals described above. The only truth must be; I have much work to do that only I can perform, just as there is a earthly task on which your name is engraved.

Now, as a man of God, I know it’s really not my life. It is a gift given to me to use for God’s purposes. I have never believed in coincidence. Les Brown says; "Coincidence is God's way of staying anonymous." I feel I have a huge responsibility to use the remaining sixty to ninety years on this sphere to accomplish great things for the good of those who I will be privileged to come in contact. To be a vessel which massive amounts of money flows through to support and fund people and projects all over the earth. God did not allow me to survive all I’ve had the opportunity to experience, He did not overlook the lives I left in my wake only for me to live a lavish lifestyle.

Even at the time of each incident I believed the experience was to become part of a story to be told later. I’ve never ever thought I would die. During the plane incident I had this vision that if the plane crashed I would be the one found strapped into my seat in the middle of a corn field. My only real fear in Vietnam was I would be wounded during a time when I was at a place, let’s say where a good married soldier should not be, and my mother and my wife would find out.

If ones core belief is that you will be at least one hundred twenty years old (that’s me) than how can you die in a car accident at eight, twenty two, twenty four, thirty, thirty one, thirty two or fifty eight? When you get orders for Vietnam you may get upset for the loved ones in your life but knowing you’ll return it becomes an adventure. When you hear explosions behind you on the plane and it shudders you pray and think about the wild ride that’s about to happen. I have been truly blessed in the sense that I’ve always looked at my life as an adventure.

I can honestly say I’ve never had a bad day in my life. I’ve had sad days I've had tragic days; days that the challenges seem overwhelming. Times when I wished I could either rewind or fast forward; but never a bad day, they're too valuable. You learn from the day. It’s a twenty four hour deposit into the total which becomes a life. And my total has taken me from growing up in an incredibly loving family, I was Denny Weaver. Through the mid part of life when God hit me up along the side of my head with a two by four a few times; I took on my christened name of Curtis Weaver; and recently the new birth as “CW”. God's good.

I love my life and writing this I realize I always have.

2009-12-18T03:40:00.000-05:00

Spiritual Growth: the Spiritual Challenge of Modern Times
To grow spiritually in a world defined by power, money, and influence is a Herculean task. Modern conveniences such as electronic equipments, gadgets, and tools as well as entertainment through television, magazines, and the web have predisposed us to confine our attention mostly to physical needs and wants. As a result, our concepts of self-worth and self-meaning are muddled. How can we strike a balance between the material and spiritual aspects of our lives?
To grow spiritually is to look inward.
Introspection goes beyond recalling the things that happened in a day, week, or month. You need to look closely and reflect on your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and motivations. Periodically examining your experiences, the decisions you make, the relationships you have, and the things you engage in provide useful insights on your life goals, on the good traits you must sustain and the bad traits you have to discard. Moreover, it gives you clues on how to act, react, and conduct yourself in the midst of any situation. Like any skill, introspection can be learned; all it takes is the courage and willingness to seek the truths that lie within you. Here are some pointers when you introspect: be objective, be forgiving of yourself, and focus on your areas for improvement.
To grow spiritually is to develop your potentials.
Religion and science have differing views on matters of the human spirit. Religion views people as spiritual beings temporarily living on Earth, while science views the spirit as just one dimension of an individual. Mastery of the self is a recurring theme in both Christian (Western) and Islamic (Eastern) teachings. The needs of the body are recognized but placed under the needs of the spirit. Beliefs, values, morality, rules, experiences, and good works provide the blueprint to ensure the growth of the spiritual being. In Psychology, realizing one’s full potential is to self-actualize. Maslow identified several human needs: physiological, security, belongingness, esteem, cognitive, aesthetic, self-actualization, and self-transcendence. James earlier categorized these needs into three: material, emotional, and spiritual. When you have satisfied the basic physiological and emotional needs, spiritual or existential needs come next. Achieving each need leads to the total development of the individual. Perhaps the difference between these two religions and psychology is the end of self-development: Christianity and Islam see that self-development is a means toward serving God, while psychology view that self-development is an end by itself.
To grow spiritually is to search for meaning.
Religions that believe in the existence of God such as Christianism, Judaism, and Islam suppose that the purpose of the human life is to serve the Creator of all things. Several theories in psychology propose that we ultimately give meaning to our lives. Whether we believe that life’s meaning is pre-determined or self-directed, to grow in spirit is to realize that we do not merely exist. We do not know the meaning of our lives at birth; but we gain knowledge and wisdom from our interactions with people and from our actions and reactions to the situations we are in. As we discover this meaning, there are certain beliefs and values that we reject and affirm. Our lives have purpose. This purpose puts all our physical, emotional, and intellectual potentials into use; sustains us during trying times; and gives us something to look forward to---a goal to achieve, a destination to reach. A person without purpose or meaning is like a drifting ship at sea.
To grow spiritually is to recognize interconnections.
Religions stress the concept of our relatedness to all creation, live and inanimate. Thus we call other people “brothers and sisters” even if there are no direct blood relations. Moreover, deity-centered religions such as Christianity and Islam speak of the relationship between humans and a higher being. On the other hand, science expounds on our link to other living things through the evolution theory. This relatedness is clearly seen in the concept of ecology, the interaction between living and non-living things. In psychology, connectedness is a characteristic of self-transcendence, the highest human need according to Maslow. Recognizing your connection to all things makes you more humble and respectful of people, animals, plants, and things in nature. It makes you appreciate everything around you. It moves you to go beyond your comfort zone and reach out to other people, and become stewards of all other things around you.
Growth is a process thus to grow in spirit is a day-to-day encounter. We win some, we lose some, but the important thing is that we learn, and from this knowledge, further spiritual growth is made possible.

2009-12-09T19:57:00.001-05:00

“The Most Expensive Real Estate in the World”

I once asked the question of a mentor of mine; what is the most expensive piece of real estate in the world. Is it in New York, Paris, Hong Kong, Washington, DC; where do you believe it sits I questioned. He stated with great confidence that he knew exactly which parcel of land was worth more than all others; in fact there isn’t even a close second. I thought if that was the case, than I should surely know of this property; I didn’t have a clue of the property of which he spoke. “In fact, if you have a few minutes I can drive you there now.” We were in a decent part of town , but a few minutes from the costliest dirt on earth, I was skeptical to say the least?

On the short trip all looked very familiar ; left turn, right turn, another right and a slow left into a place I have passed two or three times a week for years. Here we are he explained, property which the cost is impossible to tabulate. Wait, I questioned, this is the local cemetery, and as cemeteries’ go there many nicer ones in town than this. His answer; and they are equally as valuable. How so I questioned?

There are thousands upon thousands of individuals buried beneath the soil. And I’ve concluded the riches they took to their grave are incalculable.

When ceremoniously placed in the ground they took with them unwritten books. With them went the unsung songs, the plays that would move audiences to tears or to shouts of great joy; businesses that never saw the light of day; inventions never put on paper and into production. So many great discoveries in science and medicine that would save untold lives; pain tings and sculptures we will never be able to gaze upon. Buildings that would change the landscape of time never built. All just dreams that died with the selfish individuals placed in these graves. Untold fortunes never acquired because these cowards took their riches with them.

Cowards, a bit harsh don’t you think? Yes cowards, he shouted at me. He continued; because of their fear of what their family or friends may say if they dared share the dreams they held inside, sliding between the sheets each night envisioning what could be but never uttering a word to the world. Holding tight to their jobs believing security in employment is a worthwhile goal; exchanging their very life for a job. Mesmerizing their own minds with the trivial entertainment of the television and the dribble Hollywood provides; watching others live their dreams, and perfect their crafts while theirs died on the vine. Cowards I say; living in the greatest land ever to exist on earth; a land where everything is possible to those who will not be stopped be the nay-sayers and dream killers.

There are three types of people in this world, he went on. Risk Takers; these are the pioneers of life. Care takers; these yappers’ are the nay-sayers who say to the Risk Takers it can’t be done, and then we have the Under Takers; the walking dead who are not yet in the ground.

I’m sorry for the tirade he sheepishly murmured. It’s just as I watch my family and friends waste their talents. As I listen to the rubbish that passes for conversation; it’s sobering to me knowing what gifts they have laying dormant within their hearts and minds. And they’re allowing the enemy, fear, to steal their very destiny; the very reason they were placed on this earth at this place in time. Shame upon shame, they too will contribute to the great wealth lying just beneath the soles of our feet.

“You don’t get what you deserve in life, you get what you design. Design a life that matters.”

I once asked the question of a mentor of mine; what is the most expensive piece of real estate in the world. Is it in New York, Paris, Hong Kong, Washington, DC; where do you believe it sits I questioned. He stated with great confidence that he knew exactly which parcel of land was worth more than all others; in fact there isn’t even a close second. I thought if that was the case, than I should surely know of this property; I didn’t have a clue of the property of which he spoke. “In fact, if you have a few minutes I can drive you there now.” We were in a decent part of town , but a few minutes from the costliest dirt on earth, I was skeptical to say the least?

On the short trip all looked very familiar ; left turn, right turn, another right and a slow left into a place I have passed two or three times a week for years. Here we are he explained, property which the cost is impossible to tabulate. Wait, I questioned, this is the local cemetery, and as cemeteries’ go there many nicer ones in town than this. His answer; and they are equally as valuable. How so I questioned?

There are thousands upon thousands of individuals buried beneath the soil. And I’ve concluded the riches they took to their grave are incalculable.

When ceremoniously placed in the ground they took with them unwritten books. With them went the unsung songs, the plays that would move audiences to tears or to shouts of great joy; businesses that never saw the light of day; inventions never put on paper and into production. So many great discoveries in science and medicine that would save untold lives; pain tings and sculptures we will never be able to gaze upon. Buildings that would change the landscape of time never built. All just dreams that died with the selfish individuals placed in these graves. Untold fortunes never acquired because these cowards took their riches with them.

Cowards, a bit harsh don’t you think? Yes cowards, he shouted at me. He continued; because of their fear of what their family or friends may say if they dared share the dreams they held inside, sliding between the sheets each night envisioning what could be but never uttering a word to the world. Holding tight to their jobs believing security in employment is a worthwhile goal; exchanging their very life for a job. Mesmerizing their own minds with the trivial entertainment of the television and the dribble Hollywood provides; watching others live their dreams, and perfect their crafts while theirs died on the vine. Cowards I say; living in the greatest land ever to exist on earth; a land where everything is possible to those who will not be stopped be the nay-sayers and dream killers.

There are three types of people in this world, he went on. Risk Takers; these are the pioneers of life. Care takers; these yappers’ are the nay-sayers who say to the Risk Takers it can’t be done, and then we have the Under Takers; the walking dead who are not yet in the ground.

I’m sorry for the tirade he sheepishly murmured. It’s just as I watch my family and friends waste their talents. As I listen to the rubbish that passes for conversation; it’s sobering to me knowing what gifts they have laying dormant within their hearts and minds. And they’re allowing the enemy, fear, to steal their very destiny; the very reason they were placed on this earth at this place in time. Shame upon shame, they too will contribute to the great wealth lying just beneath the soles of our feet.

“You don’t get what you deserve in life, you get what you design. Design a life that matters.”

The One Who God See’s

2009-12-06T01:43:00.001-05:00

The One Who God See’s

Yesterday, during some prayer time, I realized I had been a bad boy. You see I pride myself as being a positive person. Well that’s not entirely true, I pride myself in being the most positive person who exists. Yet over the past few months I have become slowly but surely, internally, become very negative.

This is December 2008 for crying out loud. Looking at the news; the world’s political problems, the financial crisis, my unsold real estate investments, lack of income; circumstances could be much better to say the least. Yet, I’m not behind in my bills. Our giving to others has not decreased percentage wise at least. My wife and are in good health; our family is well, in fact we just had Gwendolyn Rose Collene added to our family three weeks ago. The dreams and desires I've had for years are taking shape right before my eyes because I'm working on me and what I was put here to do. Life is good; then why is it when I’m opening the mail box there’s almost an expectation of bad news in an envelope?

7:15 this morning the phone wakes me. Now for many of you 7:15 is not early; but I dare say receiving a phone call at that time of the day for anyone is rarely glad tidings of great joy. “Hello” I say in my best “of course I’ve been up since 5am voice”. “Hi Dad” from the phone, it’s my 32 year old son. Now you have to understand he and I don’t communicate very well or often. I didn’t express it, but I’m thinking; this is not good, what is it this time, how much do you want, are you OK, it doesn’t sound like he’s in a hospital or police station. As I listened he was telling me he was filling out employment applications and using me as a reference and wanted me to be aware someone may be calling me. Three good things at 7:15 in the morning; employment application, he’s up and he’s coherent. He’s an incredibly intelligent young man who hasn’t made many good decisions in his life, so this is a good day.

My son has, how can I say this; let’s say he’s been around the block a few times in his 32 years. He is the father of our first granddaughter, Kendle Irene Weaver, she’ll be six in a few weeks; she lives with his mother. How do I, his father see him.

Not always but about ninety percent of the time I see him, Eric Ryan Weaver, as a very accomplished entrepreneur. I see him happy and visiting us on the holidays with Kendle. I hear him telling me of his great plans and of about all the people he has helped this year. I see Eric as the man I know he is inside, the man God made him to be. That’s how I see my son, not how he is; how I know he will be.

If I, a very fallible human being, see’s the best there is to see in a person that is showing very little of what it is I see. Then how does in infinite loving God see a child of His whom he created in His own image. I’ll tell you what God sees, He sees the perfect Curtis Wayne Weaver, Jr. (yes CW). He sees Himself in CW. And if God sees me this way I need to get in alignment with His vision of me.

How dare I be negative because a little adversity shows up in my life? My circumstances do not change who I am. When I do well and all things in my small universe are running on all cylinders; am I a different person; of course not? Do I think I surprise God when I sin (no big theological discussions hear, let’s just agree sin is an action God wouldn’t do). Are we surprised when our own children lie to us? Pee running down their leg, “Did you pee yourself? No daddy; then what is that running down your leg? I don’t know, I didn’t do it.” We need to get a grip and know we’re not perfect. We strive for perfection and accept our best efforts and go on from there.
Pain, adversity, problem children, family members and co-workers; all blessings in disguise; all there to help us understand our own short comings and also understand how blessed we are. Answer me this, do we learn more from the successes in our lives or from our failures. If a football player runs 100 yards from one goal line to the other with no opposition, is there reason for celebration, of course not, we would laugh at such a person who would celebrate such actions. Now if that same person runs through and past eleven of the enemy; an enemy who weighs three hundred plus pounds and whose only desire is to smash his body into small pieces into the ground. When he can run, dodge, push and shove his way the entire hundred yards crashing through the opposition and then crosses the opposition’s goal line; now there is much reason to celebrate; jubilation deserved and we join in cheering his accomplishment.

Yes I have been a bad boy. Yesterday a spiritual switch was turned on inside of me that illuminated my mind’s eye to see the one I really am, not the one I FEEL LIKE I AM TODAY. To see yourself; don’t look at your checkbook, don’t look at the TV, don’t listen to those around you, don’t look in the mirror. You are a child of the living God, the creator of the universe, the mighty one who placed the planets in the heavens and the stars bright at night to see. He made you and me to be about taking care of those who are unable to see what we have the ability to see.

I’m fabulous, but I’ll get better.

CW

"FABULOUS"

2009-12-03T00:37:00.001-05:00

"What Exactly Is Fabulous?"

I'm in the midst of creating a business and website; "Fabulous At 50 And Beyond". Jan Black, an extremely talented lady who is spearheading the effort and getting me focused on my outcome asked me a definitive question; "What exactly is fabulous?".

What a "Fabulous" exercise. My list of "Fabulous" follows; do yourself a favor and create your own list of what YOU believe is "Fabulous".

Fabulous Is;

Watching TV with my best friend and wife of twenty four years.

Knowing that The God who created the universe calls me friend.

Hearing, "I love you Pop Pop."

Giving a panhandler a $20 bill and looking in their eyes.

In the midst of tough times knowing it always makes me stronger.

The Journey.

Discovering what's on the other side of the hill.

An hour and a half hot bath my first hours home from Viet Namand never forgetting the feeling.

Monday mornings.

The smell of fresh cut grass.

Being in a stand still traffic jam and enjoying the moment.

Watching my wife with our grand daughters.

Growing up in the 50's.

Conquering a fear.

A huge wave crashing on the rocks and the resulting spray.

Kayaking off the coast of ST Croix.

A helicopter ride over active Killowaha Volcano.

Looking down the tube of a turquoise wave about to break.

The view from the top of Pikes Peak on a crystal clear day.

A crisply hit five iron with the ball landing on the green and rolling two feet from the pin.

Holding my Grand Daughter.

The miracle of flying.

Praising and worshiping my God.

Paying a strangers check in a restaurant anonymously.

Coming home.

Crying with my Mom when the National Anthem plays before a ball game.

Laying next to Dad as he left us to be with Mom.

Being a soldier in the US Army.

Looking at thousands of family and vacation photo's and knowing I was there when each one was taken.

Waking up on the right side of the grass.

The Most Valuable Commodity

2009-11-30T09:35:00.001-05:00

"Time is Gold" -- Not A Cliche Anymore

When we were kids, life was simple: you wake up, get ready for school, have breakfast, spend eight hours at school, go home, do homework, watch a little tv, then back to bed. The same routine happens the next day. All you gotta worry about is your home work, or a test the following day or the next.

Then we all grow up to be adults, with a job, with kids, our responsibilities magnified a hundred fold -- our chores and errands sometimes filling up to the brim. You wish a day was longer, or that you had a clone to do half the work that you're supposed to do. You feel burnt out. You cry out for a vacation, a break, anything!

Let's face reality: you cannot control time! What you have under control is yourself -- your behavoir during the day. Is procrastination your middle name? Are you cool and collected when things do not go according to what you have planned? Changing your actions and reactions during the day is the most effective way you can manage your time.

Here are some tips to help you become "time savvy:"

Know yourself.
The most successful way to start managing your time is to have an honest assessment of yourself. What are your strongest points? The things you do best? Most of the time, the work you need to do that utilizes your "best skills" will be done in less time than the others.

Evaluate yourself - do you find yourself always putting off work? Are you a perfectionist? How do you react when you don't get your work done? Taking note of these things will help you in recognizing the negative things that eat up your time during the day.

If you feel like you can't make an honest assessment of yourself, ask someone close to you, like your partner or even a fellow co-worker. Ask them to inform you how they can tell when you're overstressed. Some people fell that they're okay even if people around them can see that they're not.

Try to observe when you're tense. Sometimes, just simply taking note of tensed muscles will relax them.

Ask why.
Have a clear idea why you want to manage your time -- is it because you feel overworked? Or underproductive? Or do you feel that you're not spending enough time with your family anymore? Keeping the reason in mind will help you focus on managing your time effectively. Whenever you feel like giving up on work and putting it off the next day, just keep reminding yourself why you have to continue, today.

Set goals.
Setting realistic goals, that is. You have to tell yourself how much work you want to be done for a day; but make sure that you consider realistically how much work you can do. Remember, a day is only 24 hours. Even if you're the queen bee of organization, there's only so much that you can do. Accept that.

Recognize time-wasting deeds.
Are you guilty of wasting time on trivial things? Most of us are. You're planning to do your laundry right after checking your e-mail, but you spend too much time checking your e-mail, forwarding, writing your replies. Three hours later, you realize it's too late to do your laundry because it's time for dinner. You're going to postpone doing laundry until tomorrow, when you have other stuff planned to do. Like the laundry, your work piles up. Keeping in touch of course, is essential, but isn't it better to do that after finishing up with work?

Take note of the things that you waste your precious time with, and try to eliminate them. In time, you'll find yourself having the time to do such things.

Ignore interruptions.
It's Sunday, and you're rushing to do a presentation for Monday. Your sister calls you on your cell, and proceed to gab it up for four hours. After talking to her, you rush through the presentation, and sleep at dawn. You wake up two hours later, overtired, stressed, and completely unready for the presentation. Sounds familiar? Interruptions waste your time. You could maybe ask your sister to call you back once you've finished with work? So you could focus more on her, and not on the impending presentation.

You could also set a goal for yourself to avoid personal calls while working. It seems harsh, at first, but this will ensure you get your work done on time.

Put it on paper!
You do not only need to write down the things you need to be done, but one thing you have to put on paper is your goals. This will enable you to check back on them from time to time, and evaluate yourself if you're meeting your goals. Am I still avoiding my time-wasting activities? Check. Am I spending more time with my family? Check.

To do list.
First, a scratch. List all of the things you need to be done. Then, reread what you have written and start prioritizing. Put items on the NOW or HIGH PRIORITY list, and others on the LATER or LOW PRIORITY. Do the things on the "now list" in the morning, or as soon as possible. And when you do have time in the afternoon, do the "later list."

If, during the day, you realize that what you're doing on the "now list" is what you don't need to be doing at the moment, demote it to the "later list" and proceed to the next errand/work you have to do.

Set a time limit.
In each task, it's best to set a time limit on each of them. Of course, you have to know yourself in order to gauge how much time you need to spend on one errand. You can set an alarm in your cellular phone to warn you if you've spent the time you have set on the job. For example, setting one hour for grocery shopping. If you have an idea of how much time you need to spend in the market, you'll also minimize your time dawdling on the shelves and picking things that are not on your grocery list.

Be organized!
You cannot manage your time effectively if your files, or receipts, documents are not in order. You're on your way to the bank but you can't remember which drawers you have thrown your statements in. Then you waste more time hurriedly riffling through drawers around the house. Organization and time management go hand in hand.

10. Maximize your time.
If you know you're going to spend time waiting for a doctor's appointment, why not use that time to balance your checkbook, or maybe take a look at your daughter's term paper that she asked you to comment on? Realize that time is gold, and that you need to be productive each second.

Finally, once you've felt you're improving on managing your time -- give yourself a pat on a back. Maybe, set a time for a spa treatment or a quiet day at a park with your family -- as a gift to yourself, now that you're more productive, efficient, and happy.

Which Type Are You?

2009-11-27T01:39:00.000-05:00

Three Types of People

Author Kim Clement says there are 3 kinds of people;

Risk taker
Care taker
Undertaker

Risk Takers; these are the pioneers of life
Care takers; the nay sayers who say to the Risk Takers it can’t be done
Under takers; the walking dead who are not yet in the ground

Interpretations by “CW”

We are going to spend the remainder of our life in the future. No matter our age, the future is where we reside. To be Fabulous At 50 And Beyond, it’s the beyond on which I’d like to concentrate. If you’re 22 yrs old; it’s the years beyond your 22nd year that should to be your focus. Focusing on the future (goals or even better, plans) is what will pull you through the hard present circumstances that occur on your journey.

A journey is rarely a straight continuous route to your destination. The road gets flooded (a tragic death), rock slides (job loss) happen and detours need to be constructed. Detours are not stops. Detours are paths that need to be taken only to go around or through obstacles that pop up along the way. Commit to the journey with the knowledge that Life Happens, and I will not be stopped till the destination is reached.

How do you eat an elephant; one bite at a time? A journey begins with the first step. Something needs to change in our lives to move us from what we have been to where we desire to go. Jim Rohn states; “For things to change, first I must change.” Sounds so simple “CW” how do I start; action; the first bite, the first step? In this journey your initial action is exiting your old thinking.

Exodus; when the Israelites’ needed to change they needed to leave the old life behind and venture out to a new land. The old life was not a good life but the human condition is such that we sometimes choose to stand in squalor because at least we know what to expect when we rise in the morning. Change for the better may be good but it’s still very scary. The care takers and undertakers only see that life could get worse if they venture from the known into the unknown; so they remain in the wash of others who continue to control their life. The Israelites’ exited the old life and followed Moses’, not always comfortably; Moses’ led them to the Promised Land.

God said;”I know Moses’ and “CW” is no Moses’. Ok, Ok, I’m not Moses’. Remember the part about risk taking; there is a risk in following “CW” out of the mundane and into your personal Promised Land. Exodus the land of sameness year after year; remove yourself from the care takers and the undertakers. See yourself at the top of the museum steps, fists punching the sky in victory; you are the Rocky of your life. Give me permission to lead you in your exodus from the old into your Promised Land. And when the journey is at its end and the last liter of air leaves your body, a subtle smile forms on your lips as you say; “That was a frickn’ blast, thank you God”.

Our destination, by definition, lies in the beyond, the future. Fabulous At 50 And Beyond isn’t about age, it’s about preparing one’s self for the journey, the trip to a land where you’re capable of things that may now be unthinkable to you. Follow me into that calm place where all is possible. With a confidence gained by action you will accumulate knowledge and wealth so during the trip you gain the ability to give and support individuals, communities, cities and countries beyond your wildest imagination.

Three types of people;
the important thing is to understand we get to chose the type of person we are or we chose to become.

CW

Make Up Your Mind

2009-11-24T01:11:00.002-05:00

"Make Up Your Mind"

It is normal to feel emotionally low sometimes, especially during difficult and trying moments. To dwell in that condition, however, even when the storm has faded away, is unreasonable. Life is a mind game. You can either channel your mind to live your life the way you always want it to be or play puppet to the hands of cruel relentless fate.

They say you are what you eat.

That must also be true with your thoughts. You are what you think. What you think has a direct correlation to what you read, watch and listen too. Your will is an extremely powerful tool that can set the events that will ultimately happen in your life. Your resolve spells all the difference in the world you tread. It can either bring you success or misfortune. Therefore, the best way to do it is to make it work to your advantage. Learn to control your life through a consistently empowering strength of mind.

Think positive.

Do not ignore life’s harsh reality but always take each occasion with an optimistic mind. Yes, an awful lot of things can happen to your life but to let such unhealthy thoughts always preoccupy your mind is a sign of a weak resolve. Do not let your worries get the better of you. Events will happen if they must. If you can control them, well and good; if you cannot, there is no need to bother.

Read between the lines.

You need to learn to go beyond what seems to be and decipher what its genuine meaning is. The petty things that happen in your life might be opportunities for self-discovery and growth. The simplest things can sometimes bring about the most profound changes. Learn to read between the lines and unearth beauty even in the most unsightly circumstance. There has to be something more than just relentless malice. Life has got to be better than that. Concentration camp survivors learned this lesson the hard way. Nevertheless, they tried to squeeze the meaning of their suffering and let hope be their guiding light. They realized things happen for a reason.

Feed from positive sources.

When you were young, you probably thought once you are done with your formative years in school, education stops. You discovered it is not the case. You can never outgrow the need to educate yourself. Your experiences can get you through tough times, but they are not enough. You need to embrace other people’s experiences as well. Life is one big circle of humanity. Be one with the community. Contribute and share your personal knowledge. Study and hear out the rich history of successful people.

Make Up Your Mind to be the best you possible.

CW

2009-11-21T16:06:00.000-05:00

UNLOCK YOUR SELF IMPROVEMENT POWER
When we look at a certain object, a painting for example – we won’t be able to appreciate what’s in it, what is painted and what else goes with it if the painting is just an inch away from our face. But if we try to take it a little further, we’ll have a clearer vision of the whole art work.
We reach a point in our life when we are ready for change and a whole bunch of information that will help us unlock our self improvement power. Until then, something can be staring us right under our nose but we don’t see it. The only time we think of unlocking our self improvement power is when everything got worst. Take the frog principle for example –
Try placing Frog A in a pot of boiling water. What happens? He twerps! He jumps off! Why? Because he is not able to tolerate sudden change in his environment – the water’s temperature. Then try Frog B: place him in a luke warm water, then turn the gas stove on. Wait til the water reaches a certain boiling point. Frog B then thinks “Ooh… it’s a bit warm in here”.
People are like Frog B in general. Today, Anna thinks Carl hates her. Tomorrow, Patrick walks up to her and told her he hates her. Anna stays the same and doesn’t mind her what her friends says. The next day, she learned that Kim and John also abhors her. Anna doesn’t realize at once the importance and the need for self improvement until the entire community hates her.
We learn our lessons when we experience pain. We finally see the warning signs and signals when things get rough and tough. When do we realize that we need to change diets? When none of our jeans and shirts would fit us. When do we stop eating candies and chocolates? When all of our teeth has fallen off. When do we realize that we need to stop smoking? When our lungs have gone bad. When do we pray and ask for help? When we realize that we’re gonna die tomorrow.
The only time most of us ever learn about unlocking our self improvement power is when the whole world is crashing and falling apart. We think and feel this way because it is not easy to change. But change becomes more painful when we ignore it.
Change will happen, like it or hate it. At one point or another, we are all going to experience different turning points in our life – and we are all going to eventually unlock our self improvement power not because the world says so, not because our friends are nagging us, but because we realized its for our own good.
Happy people don’t just accept change, they embrace it. Now, you don’t have to feel a tremendous heat before realizing the need for self improvement. Unlocking your self improvement power means unlocking yourself up in the cage of thought that “its just the way I am”. It is such a poor excuse for people who fear and resist change. Most of us program our minds like computers.
Jen repeatedly tells everyone that she doesn’t have the guts to be around groups of people. She heard her mom, her dad, her sister, her teacher tell the same things about her to other people. Over the years, that is what Jen believes. She believes its her story. And what happens? Every time a great crowd would troop over their house, in school, and in the community – she tends to step back, shy away and lock herself up in a room. Jen didn’t only believed in her story, she lived it.
Jen has to realize that she is not what she is in her story. Instead of having her story post around her face for everyone to remember, she has to have the spirit and show people “I am an important person and I should be treated accordingly!”
Self improvement may not be everybody’s favorite word, but if we look at things in a different point of view, we might have greater chances of enjoying the whole process instead of counting the days until we are fully improved. Three sessions in a week at the gym would result to a healthier life, reading books instead of looking at porns will shape up a more profound knowledge, going out with friends and peers will help you take a step back from work and unwind. And just when you are enjoying the whole process of unlocking your self improvement power, you’ll realize that you’re beginning to take things light and become happy.

2009-11-18T16:07:00.000-05:00

Creative Notions
People seem to have the misconception that only a select few are able to unleash a steady flow of creative genius. That is not true at all. The fact is, creativity is very much like a muscle that needs to be exercised in order to consistently give out great results. If you don't practice harnessing creative thinking, this skill will very much atrophy into inexistence. But keep working and this skill will soon come to you in a snap.
So how do you unleash your creative thinking? Well, the first thing is to become a human leech. No, we're not talking about just sucking the blood out of every living being available, we're saying that you should take in as much knowledge and learning you can find. Read everything available -- good and bad, and keep your mind open to the infinite possibilities of the universe. The more you know, the more you'll want to know, and the more your faculty of wonder will be exercised. Prepare to be amazed at little facts that add a bit of color into your life.
Focus on a creative activity everyday. Yes, it's an effort. Even doodling is a creative activity. Don't let anything hinder you. Mindlessness may be a creative activity, but for people who are just starting out to unleash a little bit of creative thinking in their lives, it is helpful and encouraging to have concrete evidence, that, "hey, what I'm doing is getting somewhere." So why don't you try it. Practice drawing for a couple of minutes each day. Bring out your old camera and start snapping photos like crazy. Keep a journal and make a point to write in it religiously. Another cool idea is to write by describing something with your five senses. Try to avoid vague adjectives like "marvelous," "amazing," and "delicious." Before you know it, you'll have built yourself a tiny portfolio, and you'll be amazed at the growth you've undertaken after amassing all those works of art. Who knows, you might actually take to liking those things you do everyday. Pretty soon those things will become a part of you and you'll be addicted to these creative exercises.
Think out of the box -- or don't. Sometimes, constraints are actually a good thing. Limitations discipline you to work within your means. It enables you to be more resourceful. Creative freedom is great, but limitations enforce discipline.
Try something new everyday and let your experiences broaden your perspective. Explore a new district in your neighborhood. Spend an afternoon in a museum to which you've never been before. Chat up someone on the bus. Open up to the people around you. As you thrust yourself out of your comfort zone more and more each day, your sense of adventure grows and so does your zest for life. Think about it. When was the last time you did something for the first time? If it's been a while, I tell you, you've been missing out on a whole lot of experiences that could've added to your growth, emotionally, mentally, physically, or spiritually. Why don't you try bungee jumping today? Not only will you learn, but you will also have plenty of stories to share, enabling you to practice your storytelling skills and making you the life of the party.
Embrace insanity. No, not to the point of practically admitting yourself into the mental ward. As John Russell once said, "Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting." Exactly! Every creative thought was once deemed insanity by other "normal" people at one time or another. Luckily, that didn't stop the creative geniuses from standing by them. The thing is, sanity or being normal confines people to think... well, normally. Withink limits. Creativity is essentially breaking through barriers. Yes, this includes the bizzarre and the downright strange. I'm not saying that you yourself should develop a creative personality. That might go haywire. An example of a creative personality would be George Washington, who often rode into battle naked, or James Joyce, who wrote "Dubliners" with beetle juice for an intense fear of ink, or Albert Einstein, who thought his cat was a spy sent by his rival (or in thinking creatively in this case, the term could probably be "archnemesis.") It's important that your creativity doesn't get you detached from the real world completely.
I hope this article has inspired you to start thinking beyond your "limits." If you follow these steps pretty soon you'll be living a life full of interesting adventures. Unleashing your creative thinking will bring about a new zest for living life.

2009-11-15T16:08:00.000-05:00

The Powers of a Positive Attitude
I am going to ask you to something very weird right now. First of all, I want you to listen to your thoughts. Now tell me, what thoughts fill your head? Would you label them as positive, or negative?
Now let's say you are walking down the street with these thoughts. Do you think anyone who would meet you would be able to tell you what’s on your mind?
The answer to number one is up to you. But, the answer number two can be pretty generic. Although people will not be able to tell you exactly what you think, they will more or less have an idea of how you are feeling.
Here's another question. When you enter a party filled with friends, do they all fall silent as if something terrible had happened? Or does everybody there perk up as if waiting for something exciting to happen?
You know what? The answer to all these depends on your frame of mind.
Thoughts are very powerful. They affect your general attitude. The attitude you carry reflects on your appearance, too – unless, of course, you are a great actor.
And it doesn't end there. Your attitude can also affect people around you.
The type of attitude you carry depends on you. It can be either positive or negative.
Positive thoughts have a filling effect. They are admittedly invigorating. Plus, the people around the person carrying positive thoughts are usually energized by this type of attitude.
Negative thoughts on the other hand have a sapping effect on other people. Aside from making you look gloomy and sad, negative thoughts can turn a festive gathering into a funeral wake.
A positive attitude attracts people, while a negative attitude repels them. People tend to shy away from those who carry a negative attitude.
We can also define attitude as the way of looking at the world. If you choose to focus on the negative things in the world, more or less you have a negative attitude brewing up. However, if you choose to focus on the positive things, you are more likely carry a positive attitude.
You have much to gain from a very positive attitude. For one, studies have shown that a positive attitude promotes better health. Those with this kind of attitude also have more friends. projecting a positive attitude also helps one to handle stress and problems better than those who have a negative attitude.
A positive attitude begins with a healthy self-image. If you will love the way you are and are satisfied, confident, and self-assured, you also make others are around feel the same way.
A negative attitude, on the other hand, has, of course, an opposite effect. So, carrying a negative attitude has a twofold drawback. You feel bad about yourself, and you make others feel the same way.
If you want to have a positive attitude, you have to feature healthy thoughts. This is probably very hard to do nowadays since, all around us, the media feeds us nothing but negative thoughts. A study shows that for every 14 things a parent says to his or her child, only one is positive. This is truly a saddening thought.
If you want a healthier outlook in life, you need to think happy thoughts, and you have to hear positive things as well. So, what can you do? Well, for starters, you could see a funny movie, you could play with children, spend some time telling jokes with friends. All these activities fill you with positive stimuli, which in turn promotes positive attitude.
Although it is impossible to keep ourselves from the negative things around us, you can still carry a positive attitude by focusing on the good things, the positive things in life.
And this positive attitude you now carry can be of benefit to other people. Sometimes when other people feel down, the thing people mostly do is try to give them advice. But sometimes, all they need is somebody to sit by them, and listen to them. If you have a positive attitude you may be able to cheer them up without even having to say anything.
If positive attitude is really great, why do people choose to adopt a negative attitude instead? One who carries a negative attitude may be actually sending a signal for attention. Before you get me wrong, feeling sad, angry, or gloomy is not wrong itself. But dwelling on these thoughts for far too long is not healthy either. There is a time to mourn.
As always, if you are beset by troubles, even in your darkest hour, focus on the good things in life, you will always have hope. Problems become something you can overcome.
You do not have much to lose by adopting a healthy, positive attitude. Studies show that such an attitude actually retards aging, makes you healthier, helps you develop a better stress coping mechanism, and has a very positive effect on all the people you meet every day. So, what's not to like about a positive attitude? Adopt one today.

CW

Fabulous Sex

2009-11-12T20:51:00.001-05:00

Can Sex Be Fabulous In Our Later Years?

To have it, or not to have it; that is the question. And if you do was it worth it?
A reporter from Akron, Ohio asked me to contribute to a story;

Sex, Relationships Can Get Better With Age
After Kids Leave, Older Couples Need To Reconnect

You can see the entire article by clicking below:

http://www.newsnet5.com/new-years-resolutions/18564965/detail.html

Enjoy, and then enjoy;

CW

God lives in You and Me

2009-11-09T09:14:00.001-05:00

What God Wants From Us

God, the one substance, is trying to live and do and enjoy things through humanity. He is saying .I want hands to build wonderful structures, to play divine harmonies, to paint glorious pictures.
I want feet to run my errands, eyes to see my beauties, tongues to tell mighty truths about ME and to sing marvelous songs of My works, and so on.
All that there is of possibility is seeking expression through people. God wants those who can play music to have pianos and every other instrument and to have the means to cultivate their talents to the fullest extent. He wants those who can appreciate beauty to be able to surround themselves with beautiful things.
He wants those who can discern truth to have every opportunity to travel and observe. He wants those who can appreciate dress to be beautifully clothed, and those who can appreciate good food to be luxuriously fed.
He wants all these things because it is himself that enjoys and appreciates them; they are his creation. It is God who wants to play, and sing, and enjoy beauty, and proclaim truth, and wear fine clothes, and eat good foods. .It is God that worketh in you to will and to do, said the apostle Paul.
The desire you feel for riches is the infinite, seeking to express himself in you as he sought to find expression in a little boy at the piano.
So you need not hesitate to ask largely. Your part is to focus on and express that desire to God. And when someone asks you how you achieved such great things God wants the credit; because without God we are nothing; we are because He Is!

Who Influences You The Most?

2009-11-06T01:46:00.001-05:00

Who Influences You The Most?

When thinking of influence it is WORDS, whether written or spoken, that influence. And spoken words from an individual we deem important tends to have more sway with us than others. Words can work miracles; words can also destroy!

I influence me more than anyone else; you influence you. When we speak we also; in anything we hear we judge. In speaking critical, demeaning words, subconsciously I'm telling myself I'm a critical, demeaning person. When speaking pleasant, uplifting and positive words and phrases I'm supporting the view of myself that says I'm an individual that helps others and encourages them to do better.

In the last two years I've become very conscious of the times when it's necessary to correct or discipline or even criticize someone. I'm not always successful but I try to adhere to first saying something positive; second to deliver the critique and to finish on a positive supportive note. Words mean things and it's extremely important to choose carefully; ie: instead of "You're stupid", "You're a real asset to the organization; but that was a stupid thing you did and that's really not like you".

TFAR

Thoughts.....Positive thoughts lead to...
Feelings.....Positive feelings lead to...
Actions.....Positive actions and positive words lead to...
Results.....Incredible benefiting results.

I will speak only words which are pure and
good and edifying to the hearer.

CW

Be a Warrior in your LIFE

2009-11-03T01:00:00.001-05:00

“Battle Hymn of the Warrior"

( To the tune of Battle Hymn of the Republic.)

A year and a half ago my wife and I attended an event (a kind definition) to something called "Warrior Camp". The five days was sponsored by Harv Eker's Peak Potentials organization. It is a boot camp for life, my definition. It was attended by teenagers to older folks, I was fifty nine at the time. Without exaggeration it was the most physically and emotionally draining five days in my adult life, next to Army boot camp and the experience of war when in Vietnam.

During the five days I was inspired to write the words below to the tune of Battle Hymn. When we look at ourselves as warriors in this life we gain a complete new perspective on our days walking this earth.

Read the words, sing the song, live as a warrior and free yourself.

My eyes have seen the wonder
Of a new and glorious day!
I am knocking out the obstacles
That once got in my way!
I am lifting up my spirit
In the wondrous Warrior Way!
My Life is Growing STRONG!

In the beauty of the morning
I awake to new frontiers!
Where once was doubt and worry
I now overcome my fears!
I have Warrior mind and Warrior heart
Alive for all my years!
My Life keeps Growing STRONG!

Glory, Glory I’m a Warrior!
Glory, Glory I am Warrior!
He is Holy, I am Warrior!
My Life keeps Growing STRONG!

As the years go by
The wonder of the Warrior’s Life is dear.
It’s no surprise that Warrior’s strength
Increase’s through the years.
A Warrior gives with all their heart
And reaps the fruit that bears.
Warrior’s ever strong.

Glory, Glory I am Warrior!
Glory, Glory You are Warrior!
He is HOLY, We are Warrior’s!
Our Life keeps Growing STRONG!

CW

Is There Room for God in the Marketplace?

2009-10-30T01:21:00.001-04:00

God Rant!

Most blogger's, writer's, and public speaker's do everything possible to increase their readership and the attendance at their speaking events. Topic's from Self Improvement, Positive Thinking, Time Management, Goal Setting, to Holistic Healing, Scrap Booking and on and on and on. As I prayed this morning I wondered to myself why I, a self professed Christian, had not blogged on the subject of God? Am I too wishy washy in an attempt to placate the general audience?

While I'm self professing I have to admit I've been concerned that blatant God talk would turn potential followers away from my blog, websites or businesses. I've woven stories throughout some of my posts about the creator of the universe, but I've shied away from taking the subject head on. Incredibly I have become cowed by PC think and never realized I had succumbed. This realization is is startling, mainly because I am incessantly talking with and thanking God for all that I have and His mercy on my life. I survived Vietnam for a year in 1968. I have been involved in seven major car accidents and have never been scratched. I have no life but that which He has granted me.

I have always believed in God. I have always had a feeling, as long as I remember, that someone or something is always watching, observing my life as it unfolds. Observing the creation around me; the cactus flower blooming in my window in mid February (shown), the animals and fish, the stars and the sun and the moon; I have a tough time understanding those who don't believe in God. To believe that it's all a random occurrence boggles my mind. Coming to know how the human eye works, how intricate the mechanism of our hands are, the fact that as I write this message my heart is beating keeping me alive. How is it that my heart continues on without an outside power source. It's God, is my answer. Detractors will say, where's your proof? My response, prove to me He doesn't exist. It's a faith thing either way.

Amazingly in the midst of this writing A good friend called and I told him my concern about why I haven't expressed my beliefs in my writings with more fervor. Paul said to me; "CW, anyone who knows you knows you're a faith based man." That's nice, but does anyone who reads my writings know I'm a faith based man, with Jesus Christ as my God, my Lord, My savior and my brother.

I'm a goal oriented individual. I'm not what I want to be; I'm not what I'm going to be; but thank God I'm not what I used to be. My goal in this life is to come to such conviction so I will exclaim the following from the roof tops and never waiver.

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed

The dies been cast, I've stepped over the line the decision has been made. I am a friend of Jesus Christ! I won't look back, let up, back away or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense and my future is secure. I've finished, I'm done with low living, side walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, chincy giving and dwarfed goals. I no longer seek preeminence, position, promotions, plaudits or popularity. I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, live by prayer, and labor by power. My pace is set, my gate is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my ways rough, my companions few, my guide reliable and my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured, turned back , diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity or meander in the mass of mediocrity. I am a friend of Jesus! I must go till heaven returns, give until I drop, preach till I know, and work until He comes. And when He does come to get His own friends He'll have no problem recognizing me

If you will, keep me in your prayers.

IMPROVE YOUR SELF?

2009-10-27T01:04:00.001-04:00

IS IT IMPORTANT TO IMPROVE YOUR SELF?
Sometimes, when all our doubts, fears and insecurities wrap ourselves up, we always come up with the idea of “I wish I was somebody else.” More often than not, we think and believe that someone or rather, most people are better than us.- when in reality, the fact is, most people are more scared than we are.

You spot a totally eye-catching girl sitting by herself at a party, casually sipping on a glass of Asti Spumanti. You think to yourself, “she looks so perfectly calm and confident.” But if you could read thru her transparent mind, you would see a bunch of clouds of thoughts and you might just be amazed that she’s thinking “are people talking about why I am seated here alone?... Why don’t guys find me attractive? …I don’t like my ankles, they look too skinny… I wish I was as intelligent as my best friend.”

We look at a young business entrepreneur and say “Wooh… what else could he ask for?” He stares at himself at the mirror and murmur to himself, “I hate my big eyes… I wonder why my friends won’t talk to me… I hope mom and dad would still work things out.”

Isn’t it funny? We look at other people, envy them for looking so outrageously perfect and wish we could trade places with them, while they look at us and thinks of the same thing. We are insecure of other people who themselves are insecure of us. We suffer from low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence and lose hope in self improvement because we are enveloped in quiet desperation.

Sometimes, you notice that you have an irritating habit like biting off your finger nails, having a foul mouth, and you – of all people, is the last to know. I have a friend who never gets tired of talking. And in most conversations, she is the only one who seems to be interested in the things she has to say. So all of our other friends tend to avoid the circles whenever she’s around, and she doesn’t notices how badly she became socially handicapped – gradually affecting the people in her environment.

One key to self improvement is to LISTEN and TALK to a trusted friend. Find a friend who you find comfort in expressing private feelings. Ask questions like “do you think I am ill-mannered?”, “Do I always sound so argumentative?”, “Do I talk too loud?”, “Does my breath smell?”, “Do I ever bore you when were together?”; in this way, the other person will know that you are interested in the process of self improvement. And the hardest part follows; listen to the criticism without becoming offended.

One of Whitney Houston’s songs says “Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.” True enough; in order to love others, you must love yourself too. Remember, you cannot give what you do not have.

Before telling other people some ways on how to improve themselves, let them see that you yourself are a representation and a product of self improvement. Self improvement helps to make us a better person. We can then inspire other people, and then the others will follow.
Stop thinking of yourself as second-rate being. Forget the repetitive thought of “If only I was richer… if only I was thinner”.......if only (fill in the blank). Accepting your true self is the first step to self improvement. We need to stop comparing ourselves to others only to find out at the end that we’ve got ten more reasons to envy them. Only compare yourself to the you you know you can be.

We all have our insecurities; nobody is perfect. We always wish we had better things, better features, better body parts, etc. But life need not to be perfect for people to be happy about themselves. Self improvement and loving yourself is not a matter of shouting to the whole world that you are perfect or that you are the best. It’s the virtue of acceptance and contentment. When we begin to improve ourselves, we then begin to feel more content and happy.

Self Improvement?

2009-10-24T01:04:00.001-04:00

Make a Decision=Self Improvement

There is a great gap between hoping and wishing for a change to occur in your life, and aggressively pursuing the decision to initiate change in your life. You have or don't have everything in your life that you want; if you want it bad enough you make a decision to do what is needed.

You remember your New Year resolutions? These are not decisions, they are the products of wishful thinking. People who indulge in wishful thinking will probably not succeed in initiating change in their life. They believe that if the wishes come true they will become happier but the chances that that will happen are quite small. The odds are about as great as winning the lottery.

Decisions are quite different. A person who makes a decision is fed up with his current conditions and is willing to take steps to actively get what he or she wants. He or she is ready to do his homework, maybe consult a professional, create a plan of action, and then proceed to undertake extensive and consistent steps to make changes; For Things to Change first I Must change! Decisions require 100% of our commitment. We also have to be ready to make follow-up steps regardless of the demands on us.

Our current status in life is based on decisions we pursued in the past, or maybe the lack of it. Some people flit about from lackluster decision to bad decision or perhaps even dodge making decisions altogether. Such people find their lives have turned out not to their satisfaction but should realize that they could get the best out of their lives if they only chose to make the decision to change. It all starts with one decision.

Those who start changing their lives positively and and want reap greater success and happiness; there are many tools available to them. They may rely on coaching programs, seminars, audio programs and self-improvement books to help them through the process of change. The Internet and libraries have the wisdom of the world ready to be accessed at little or no cost.

The people who maintain control over their minds and their emotions are the ones who are the most fulfilled in this life. Such people have a conditioned response to make decisions – after they have decided, they do not reconsider their decision. Such people are always looking for ways to improve themselves and are aware that regardless how good they think they are, there is always room for improvement. Such people know that happiness and fulfillment is based on their consistent growth and contribution based on self-improvement ideas. They realize failure is just an educational process; you get up one more time than you get knocked down.

There is power behind a truly committed decision. This is the key to the self-improvement idea. But most of us find it hard to stick to a decision since life is a struggle to change our lives and steer our ship to the desired destination..

Take control of your decisions and you take control of your actions. A truly committed decision allows you to devote your energies to the outcome you envision in your mind.

Decide........... TODAY

Act............ TODAY

Accomplish Your Dreams...........In Your Lifetime

"Do it today, so you'll have it tomorrow." part 2

2009-10-21T01:42:00.001-04:00

"Do it today, so you'll have it tomorrow." (2)

Many of us have made a decision to make improvements

in our lives. Some have made the decision to take what they've

always done and take it to another level.
And some have decided it's finally time to go after the

Big Dream. To reach back in the recesses of our lives and bring

to the forefront the dreams and desires we've stored in the attic or

basement of our mind. We dusted them off, shined the light of
day on them and even proclaimed said dreams to friends and relatives.

Winter is a time when it's easy to fall back into old habits.

It's easy to return to that which is warm, cozy and comfortable.

I know in the winter I would like to become a member
of the bear species and hibernate, not to wake up till spring.

It's easy to slide back into our COMFORT ZONES.

For those who have made the commitment to change that means

DANGER, DANGER, DANGER Life Changer, DREAM Maker.

Change will not happen in comfort.

The long winter is about over. Light is shining for more hours each day.

Time to wake. Time to energize. Get plugged in, recharge.

Attack Spring at 100%

Act In Spite of FEAR

Be Willing To Do What's Hard

Be Larger Than Any Obstacle

Fulfill Your Mission

Make A Difference

You Have Important Work To Do

Add Value To Peoples Lives

Live Your Vision

Never Give Up

"If you do today that which others won't do.

You'll have tomorrow what others won't have,"

"Do it today, so you'll have it tomorrow." part 1

2009-10-18T01:42:00.001-04:00

"Do it today, so you'll have it tomorrow." (1)

"If you do the things today that others won’t do, you’ll have the

things tomorrow that others won’t have."

February 16. 2009, what do you have planned for today?

Are your actions through out this day going to take you closer to your dreams and goals or will you settle for the status quo?

We, the human species, are the only creations that have a choice to grow, to stagnate or even to die if we so choose. We're also the only species that doesn't always grow to our full potential. How tall will a tree grow? As tall as it can, it doesn't have a choice. In the winter the goose will fly south. Because if you're a goose that's what you do. You or I can decide to go south if we choose. We may choose to stay where we are or go in any direction we desire.

I've observed, however, the longer we are a certain way the more difficult it is for us to change. It stuns me that the last time I blogged was ten weeks ago. The title of said blog was "For things To Change First I Must Change." I made a decision to create a blog to help me in my own journey to change. I've made a successful living influencing people to purchase whatever it is I am selling. I'm in the midst of changing myself into a person who influences individuals to find inside themselves someone they're very proud to display to the world. I believe our, human beings, inherent problem is we become comfortable with whatever our individual situation becomes.

Reference a recent e-mail to my friends;

Danger, Danger, Danger Will Robinson!!!!!

If you know where that came from, not only are you of a

CERTAIN age but you watched some pretty corny stuff.

Our Danger ZONE.....as many of us have come to realize is our COMFORT.

For things to change..............first I must change.
Change is HARD!

Part Two Tomorrow

Keep Your Word, Change Your Life

2009-10-15T01:23:00.002-04:00

Your Law is Word (2)

We live in the greatest country in the world with the greatest opportunities available. Was I brought into this world only to live in a nice house, take nice vacations and sit back and watch American Idol? Have I survived Vietnam and seven major car accidents just to tell great stories? I don't think so.

When I returned home I said to Marilyn that would be easier for us to make millions of dollars to give away then to beg people to contribute; our journey began. January 2006 I joined Enlightened Millionaire Institute with Robert Allen and Mark Victor Hansen. This led to The Enlightened Wealth Week in Dallas last October 2006 where we met two new mentors; Harv Eker and Marshall Sylver.

More consequences;

We attended many weekend events and seminars; MMI, Life directions, Train The Trainer, Seminar of The Century and Warrior Camp. Not to mention the Robert Allen and the Marshall Sylver events in between. By a great margin the largest bonus is each and everyone of you, my friends, that have entered our lives. My friend and partner, John Finn, I met at Life Directions. Many of you have and will continue to have incredible impact in my life. Thank You from the bottom of my heart. These past three years I have met the most wonderful and giving people of my life, I just stood and gave you all a "Standing Ovation", you deserve it.

Continued Consequences

3,655.5 miles (approximately) and about 3,000 with the top down (ooooooh, aaaaaaah, fabulous), 10 states and DC. I returned home in September 2007 from the most remarkable, enlightening and absolutely "Beautiful" road trip of my life. I drove from Maryland through DC, Virginia. Tennessee, Alabama to Biloxi Mississippi to pitch in again. It was great to see the area cleaner, but they still need lots of help. Except for homes it looks as if only about 5% has been rebuilt. The coastline is still a ghost town.

I then drove through Mississippi, Louisiana ( stopped to talk with a Trooper in Baton Rouge about his radar gun) to Dallas, Texas. Enjoyed 2 days at the foot of a "Master", Mr. Jim Rohn. At 77 years young he is still "The Philosopher of Business". He's a combination of Zig Ziglar, Billy Graham and Plato. When I grow up I want to be like Mr. Rohn.

Coming home through Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia was just wonderful. West to east; the rolling hills of Kentucky and the mountains of West Virginia were breath taking. We miss so much on airplanes.

Consequences don't have to be negative.
And I often ponder if I would have not been true to my word, "CW" would still just be plain old Curtis Weaver. A nice guy doing Ok but not going after the things of God. And like a wise man once said; my life would be, "I didn't have ten years experience, I had one years experience repeated ten times."

MY Word Is LAW, be TRUE to yourself, it's LIFE Changing

Keep Your Word, Change Your Life

2009-10-12T01:25:00.000-04:00

Your Word is Law

The consequences of keeping your word. Your WORD is LAW!!!!!!!!!

Summer of 2004. Florida was hit by 3 hurricanes in a row. As we watched the events unfold and herd about all the help needed; I said to Marilyn that if I wasn't employed I would go down to Florida and help with the clean up and support those who needed help. A not so bold thing to say since I knew in reality I really couldn't go because of my job.

Six months later, January 2005, I went independent. I continued to do the same job, sell Retractable awnings for Sunair, but as an independent contractor not an employee. There are great tax and freedom benefits to the decision. The 2005 awning season arrived; I had a fabulous year.

August 29, 2005. Katrina crushes the Gulf coast. In the following days I remember sitting and watching the aftermath from the same nice warm couch I sat just a year before; the same vantage point as a year earlier watching Florida. I also remember yelling at the TV, the people in New Orleans to get off their ___ and walk out of the crap and stop waiting for "The Government" to do something. I also recall not hearing much wining and crying from the people in Mississippi which took the total brunt of Katrina storm full force.

My words from a year ago echoed in my head. "If I wasn't employed I would..................help". In reality I wasn't excited by the prospects of going into a complete unknown situation in the midst of storm destruction. But "I said I would help", would I follow through? No one except my wife knew what I had promised. Bottom line is I would have to live with whatever decision I made.

Consequences of keeping your word to "Yourself".

I prepared for about two months for the trip. I raised $6000 (friends and family) to bless those who had a need when I got to Biloxi. Raising money is a pain in the butt, I really don't know how politicians and missionaries do it year after year.

For two weeks over the Thanksgiving holidays I worked in and around the Biloxi area with many volunteers. As we traveled from place to place I was awe struck at the amount of people who had come to help. Church vans and buses, hundreds of trucks with independent contractor signs from all over the country were apparent everywhere. I had come to Biloxi to help people, and I did; and they were extremely thankful.

Consequences.

The people of Biloxi, Mississippi changed my life forever. I went to Biloxi to be a hero and I was humbled by what I witnessed. I went to help and I was helped. In 13 days I heard not one complaint. I listened to many horrific stories and witnessed people living in cars, pick-up trucks or wherever. This is two and a half months after the storm. I remember saying to parents that their children will be stronger than most; when coming on hard times in the future their memory of what they had survived in the Katrina episode would make future adversity seem minor in comparison.

Driving home I remember thinking about 9/11 and Katrina; the similarities, in a matter of hours peoples lives were changed forever by circumstances outside their control. I thought about how
Marilyn and I had been helping people financially for years, but we have always wanted to do more. While coming home I thought why not change our lives "On Purpose", by just making a Decision to do so; not waiting for some outside circumstance like 9/11 or Katrina.

(Continued Tomorrow)

The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee

2009-10-09T01:54:00.001-04:00

Hey;

Sometimes others can tell a story that says it all without need of comment. This is one of those stories.

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the was jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous "Yes."

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. "Now," said the professor as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.

The golf balls are the important things--- God, your family, your children, your health, your friends, and your favorite passions--- and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter-- your job, your house, and your car. The sand is everything else--- the small stuff. "If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.

The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. "Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.

Play with your children.

Take time to get medical checkups.

Take your spouse out to dinner.

Play another 18.

There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand." One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend."

Call someone you've been meaning to call.

Go to dinner with that person or couple you keep saying, "We'll get together for dinner, call me."

Just friggin' do it NOW.

As Always;

Five Days To Motivation

2009-10-06T13:43:00.001-04:00

MOTIVATION, THE HEART OF SELF IMPROVEMENT
Day 5

U – Understand others. If you know very well how to talk, you should also learn how to listen. Yearn to understand first, and to be understood the second.

V – Visualize it. Motivation without vision is like a boat on a dry land.

W – Want it more than anything. Dreaming means believing. And to believe is something that is rooted out from the roots of motivation and self improvement.

X – X Factor is what will make you different from the others. When you are motivated, you tend to put on “extras” on your life like extra time for family, extra help at work, extra care for friends, and so on.

Y – You are unique. No one in this world looks, acts, or talks like you. Value your life and existence, because you’re just going to spend it once.

Z – Zero in on your dreams and go for it!!!

Five days of ideas and tips to get you up and get you going towards your dreams. Do yourself a favor and read them over and over again and you will be a positive force to those around you.

Five Days To Motivation

2009-10-03T01:35:00.001-04:00

MOTIVATION, THE HEART OF SELF IMPROVEMENT
Day 4

P– Practice makes perfect. Practice is about motivation. It lets us learn repertoire and ways on how can we recover from our mistakes.

Q – Quitters never win. And winners never quit. So, choose your fate – are you going to be a quitter? Or a winner?

R – Ready yourself. Motivation is also about preparation. We must hear the little voice within us telling us to get started before others will get on their feet and try to push us around. Remember, it wasn’t raining when Noah build the ark.

S – Stop procrastinating.

T – Take control of your life. Discipline or self control jives synonymously with motivation. Both are key factors in self improvement.

Five days To Motivation

2009-09-30T01:29:00.001-04:00

MOTIVATION, THE HEART OF SELF IMPROVEMENT
day 3

K – keep trying no matter how hard life may seem. When a person is motivated, eventually he sees a harsh life finally clearing out, paving the way to self improvement.

L – Learn to love your self. Now isn’t that easy?

M – Make things happen. Motivation is when your dreams are put into work clothes.

N – Never lie, cheat or steal. Always play a fair game.

O – Open your eyes. People should learn the horse attitude and horse sense. They see things in 2 ways – how they want things to be, and how they should be.

Five days To Motivation

2009-09-27T01:23:00.002-04:00

MOTIVATION, THE HEART OF SELF IMPROVEMENT

day 2

F – Family and Friends – are life’s greatest ‘F’ treasures. Don’t loose sight of them.

G – Give more than what is enough. Where does motivation and self improvement take place at work? At home? At school? When you exert extra effort in doing things.

H – Hang on to your dreams. They may dangle in there for a moment, but these little stars will be your driving force.

I – Ignore those who try to destroy you. Don’t let other people to get the best of you. Stay out of toxic people – the kind of friends who hates to hear about your success.

J – Just be yourself. The key to success is to be yourself. And the key to failure is to try to please everyone.

Five Days To Motivation

2009-09-24T01:12:00.003-04:00

MOTIVATION, THE HEART OF SELF IMPROVEMENT

Day 1

Change is a constant refrain from this page. What does it take for change to grow from idea to action? Pain may sometimes be the reason why people change. Getting flunked grades make us realize that we need to study. Debts remind us of our inability to look for a source of income. Being humiliated gives us the ‘push’ to speak up and fight for ourselves to save our face from the next embarrassments. It may be a bitter experience, a friend’s tragic story, a great movie, or an inspiring book that will help us get up and get just the right amount of motivation we need in order to improve ourselves.

Reading and watching the news recently we need to digest as much positive information as possible. With the countless negativities the world brings about, how do we keep motivated? These tips I prepared from A to Z could be digested in one reading. I'm spliting them up into five days; in this way we get to meditate a little longer on each idea.

A - Achieve your dreams. Avoid negative people, things and places. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

B - Believe in your self, and in what you can do.

C – Consider things on every angle and aspect. Motivation comes from determination. To be able to understand life, you should feel the sun from both sides.

D – Don’t give up and don’t give in. Thomas Edison failed once, twice, more than thrice before he came up with his invention and perfected the incandescent light bulb. Make motivation as your steering wheel.

E – Enjoy. Work as if you don’t need money. Dance as if nobody’s watching. Love as if you never cried. Learn as if you’ll live forever. Motivation takes place when people are happy.

What Exactly Is Fabulous?

2009-09-21T01:36:00.000-04:00

Fabulous?

Fabulous At 30, 40, 50 And Beyond, OK "CW" just what do you mean by Fabulous? The bottom line, the reality is what is Fabulous for me may seem mediocre or mundane to someone else. My objective is to get a person to find and design their life to be Fabulous based on their own definition. To find each day exciting and adventurous, to CW, is the true definition of a Fabulous life. Don't get me wrong, spending a week on Richard Branson's private Necker island with two icon's, Marshall Sylver and Robert Allen, and creating a mastermind group with fifteen other professionals in a tropical paradise also qualifies as Fabulous. But if you only live for those type of experiences, life will be very gloomy and unfulfilled.

Count your blessings, look at the bright side of life are two ways of looking for the Fabulous in your life. Here's some example's of what I count as Fabulous in my life; do yourself a favor ad make your own Fabulous list and I will make you a promise; when finished you will have a smile on your face and you will glide through the rest of your day.

Fabulous Is;

Watching TV with my best friend and wife of twenty four years.

Knowing that The God who created the universe calls me friend.

Hearing, "I love you Pop Pop."

A huge wave crashing on the rocks and the resulting spray.

Giving a panhandler a $20 bill and looking in their eyes.

In the midst of tough times knowing it always makes me stronger.

The Journey.

Discovering what's on the other side of the hill.

An hour and a half hot bath my first hours home from Vietnam and never forgetting the feeling.

Looking down the tube of a turquoise wave about to break.

Monday mornings.

The smell of fresh cut grass.

Being in a stand still traffic jam and enjoying the moment.

Watching my wife with our grand daughters.

Growing up in the 50's.

The miracle of flying.

A helicopter ride over active Kilowaha Volcano.

Praising and worshiping my God.

Paying a strangers check in a restaurant anonymously.

Coming home.

Crying with my Mom when the National Anthem plays before a ball game.

Laying next to Dad as he left us to be with Mom.

Being a soldier in the US Army.

Looking at thousands of family and vacation photo's and knowing I was there when each one was taken.
Conquering a fear.

Kayaking off the coast of ST Croix.

The view from the top of Pikes Peak on a crystal clear day.

A crisply hit five iron with the ball landing on the green and rolling two feet from the pin .

Holding my Grand Daughter

Have a Fabulous week!!!!!!

Stand Up and Say Something

2009-09-18T01:13:00.001-04:00

“Please, Stand Up and Say Something”

As it is with most of us over fifty years of age, we are attending more and more funerals. I’ve had a pet peeve with the final service at the funeral home the morning of the funeral. I should say I have a pet peeve with those close to the one who has passed.

The service and the prayers are always done very well with grace and dignity. The families are usually nicer to each other than they have been for years; all very proper and in good taste.

The real tragedy, other than the death itself, is when the presiding God person asks for people to say something, anything about the individual, its rare anyone does. I’ve observed only about half the time will a family member even offer a eulogy.

My wife and I had the sad occasion of attending our sister-in-laws mothers’ funeral two days ago. Deb’s mom and I had passing conversations a few times at family gatherings over the years, but I had little memory or knowledge of the type of person she was throughout her life.

On this occasion her son gave a better than average eulogy. And because of his words we learned she was a young go getter as a young lady, she was a great cook and enjoyed serving others. There were two daughters who offered not one word. This is the last and more than likely the only time in their lives to publicly praise this lovely lady and their mother. I don’t fault them, it’s incredibly hard to do under the emotional circumstances; thus the motivation to write this. I’m planting seeds to empower my readers to “Say Something” when the occasion presents itself.

I have to hand it to the Priest; he asked for others to speak and just waited. He waited, and waited as a long uncomfortable silence fell over the room. He waited; finally a woman stood and spoke. She offered her insight as to what it was like to be befriended by the deceased and her family when visiting their home. She expressed how much she felt a part of the family anytime she visited and just how much she would miss those occasions. It was so obvious the comfort and pleasure this brought to family and friends. Every other person in the room was grateful to the self appointed spokesperson for taking them off the hook. How beautiful it would have been if others would have joined the celebration of her life.

She was nervous I’m sure; but the hundred or so people who were there now knew much more about this fine woman and, I for one, had more empathy and felt closer to her than if the woman had stayed silent. What an honor bestowed on a woman who gave to her family and community over seventy years of life.

Her boldness gave one daughter the confidence to stand and pour out her heart. She told just what it would be like not to have the ability to talk with her mom. She explained how her mom was there at the birth of all her children and how it motivated her to do the same for her children. It was wonderful, she had joined the celebration of her mother’s life; a round of Kleenex please.

Do we all sit in silence because we’re afraid of showing emotion? Do we really believe we need to be some great orator in order to express what we feel about our family or friend? We must get over it; it’s not about you or me, it’s about taking the last public opportunity to express to those in attendance what this individual meant to us and our lives. It truly is about celebrating life, an individuals life; one who walked this planet that had impact in ours.

We need to gather our emotions and stand up and say something the next time we have the opportunity.

CW

"To Those who would Teach"

2009-09-16T13:07:00.000-04:00

Hey;

Summer is about over and we all will concentrate a bit more
on that which we believe we are put on earth to accomplish.

As many of you know I have a desire (as you do) to awake the
masses or at least one person to come to the knowledge that
they have been put on this earth to serve others. What that
vehicle is and how I will accomplish this has changed in my mind
over the past three years a number of times. I've written a book,
created web sites, invested in real estate and continue to seek
guidance; there's still THE missing piece.

When leaving an event and in the months post event many feel
as though they are not getting to their true place as quick as
they believe others have, mainly because we were gently pushed
to make goals or promises to others and ourselves to arrive at
fulfillment in a short specific time period. I'm not downplaying
the necessity of Written Goals, although in the heat of a
positive gathering of like minded individuals we many times are
more attentive to the immediate surroundings the we are attentive
to the small voice inside us which knows better. We also tend to
compete with others (if only in our minds)who seemingly have
gotten it together in the time they professed they would.

Many receiving this have attained Masters and Doctorate degrees.
As an example after finishing High School CW decides he wanted
to have an MBA in business. CW attends an undergraduate college for
the first four years. In CW's third year he notices that a few of his
classmates from his freshman class are graduating with a BA in only
30 mos into his four years. Does the fact that others are moving
towards his goal at a quicker pace than CW mean that CW will not
attain his goal; of course not. Is there any doubt in CW's mind,
30 mos in, he will attain the MBA because others have gotten theirs
in a shorter time period, no. CW knows if he continues towards his
goal at his pace the MBA will be his in time. Our desires and dreams
we have today are no different. The vast majority of the mentors
and teachers we listen too were years and years in the process
before "over-night" success came.

At some point in our lives we have come to the conclusion there is
more to our lives than a nice home, great car, turquoise waters
vacations. We were put here for "THEM". If you can get to your
place in 6 mos., 1 year, 2 years or 15 years it's only important
to you and your maker. Be thoughtful and determined to be what
you were born to be, not what someone else expects you to be
only because you put both feet in your mouth at a seminar or
similar event. Today is a new day, reset the time line.

Your time will be here when least expected when you continue to
move in the direction towards your goals and dreams. Course
correction constantly, Do Not Park.

"My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that
we shall receive a stricter judgment." James 3:1

I love you guys and miss the physical surrounding of Like Minded
men and women. There are no coincidences and it's no coincidence
your in my life. As Les says; "Coincidence is God's way of staying
anonymous."

One of our, my, weaknesses is the inability to ask our peers for help.
Most of us have gone to great lengths to network and collect
business cards. Somewhere in your home or office is a treasure
of individuals you have already met who could catapult you to your
goals if we would only ask.

A good friend of mine once said;

"You have not because you ask not".

With great love;

CW

2009-01-26T11:08:00.002-05:00

"Gift Wrapped"

On the day you were born you were this beautiful wondrous package delivered to the world. Whether or not you were greatly loved at the time of birth or an unwelcome visitor you were delivered as a gift to everyone here on this planet. No one born before nor anyone who would come after you would have your fingerprints, your voice or your creative abilities. You are a beautifully wrapped package presented to the world, a gift if you will, unique to all others.
Gifts are to be unwrapped. Some are unwrapped slowly and methodically so as not to destroy the ribbon and paper; and then, with gentle care open the box to reveal the treasure. The "funnest" way is to tear into the package with paper and ribbon flying and then jumping in joy at the contents unveiled.

There is even uniqueness in the opening of the gifts.
You are a gift to me. You are a gift to your family, your friends and to the world. Gifts are to be opened and appreciated. A gift has no value to anyone, no matter the beauty of the wrapping, if the gift stays wrapped.

Preface to "Fabulous At 50 And Byond

2008-10-22T14:31:00.003-04:00

Preface to, "Fabulous At 50 And Beyond"

Unlike the preface to most books you read this is written as I’m about seventy five pages into this work. The effort to write this THING is sometimes enormous and sometimes it comes so fast my fingers can’t keep up. I’m sure you’ve heard the term writers block; writing this preface is in part to move me past seven or eight days of not one syllable making it to the page.

You, the reader, are no different than I; and hence the reason for the preface. The following pages are about what is possible in your life or anyone’s life should they make a series of decisions to move from the status quo, the rat race, ordinary life or whatever adjective one uses to describe an individual’s day to day activity that is going nowhere or is not satisfying when the day ends.

The bottom line, it’s not easy. This book, whether a monetary success or not, will change my life. My mentors and friends tell me this and in my heart and mind I know it’s true. Yet it is still very hard to get my mind and fingers going most of the time. Why?

It’s different. It’s different from anything I’ve ever done in sixty years. I’m not used to it. I don’t want to because it’s hard. As humans we, like electricity, seek the path of least resistance. We want to do what’s easy for us to do, what takes little or no effort. It’s easier to continuously check emails, to look at the stock market, to all of sudden have an urgency to organize the work area.

If it was easy everyone would do it, a trite statement but so true. My book is about possibilities. Anything is possible for me. Anything is possible for you. It may not come true but it is possible. And as long as we know that we know that we know of the possibilities there is hope. With hope and possibilities comes work. Opportunity usually has work clothes on. And I also know if it was easy the satisfaction in the end would be minimal.

So as you begin with the first page I’ll be off to somewhere in the middle. This is a dream of mine for at least thirty five years and if anyone other than me is reading this it’s come true. I hope you gain insight into you. My desire is to give you confidence to “DO Something because Something Will Work”.

If not I would like it to help you understand those of your friends or family that you have observed over the years; the ones who seem to be thrusting at wind mills; the ones who have started forty projects never to finish one before starting another; the dreamers, the believers. They and I have one thing in common, we always have a smile on our face and a skip in our step because we know that one day; yes one day we will live our dream.

My life is and has been a perpetual adventure!

"CW"

It's Not What You Don't Know

2008-07-10T21:42:00.001-04:00

Hey;

As I was driving in "Automobile University" (Coined by Zig Ziglar) today I was

listening to a fascinating lady. Her name is Artemis and she teaches the business

of network marketing. The name of the series is "Educating Your Expectations".

I've listened to the 8 disc set a number of times and recommend it to anyone in any

phase of growth in any business. Her concepts are timeless.

This is about one specific statement she made which I replayed several times.

"It's not what you don't know that holds you back; it's what you think you know
that isn't so."

Maybe it's just me but that really hit home. The more successful I become I think I really

know more than I actually do know. Consequently I don't try to correct my own

thinking to replace it with better ideas. This brings me to another thought I heard

recently, regretfully I don't remember who to credit.

"Think about this; It is your BEST thinking that has got you where you are today.
Whatever you've accomplished to this point in your life, it is a product of your
very, very, very BEST thinking."

So for those of us who want to move forward to improve ourselves, our finances, our

communities and our environments,

WE HAVE WORK TO DO

CW

Be THANKFUL Now !!!!!!!

2008-04-21T21:42:00.001-04:00

Viet Nam 1968

As a child I was always grateful that I had a loving family. A family that supported me in every way. We didn't have any money, quite frankly I never realized that fact. I was taught I lived in a great country and we had it much better then most people in the world.

In 1968 I served in the Army in South Viet Nam, 358 days, but whose counting? In the 40 years since, it's rare a week goes by that I don't thank God for my shower. One hour after getting home from Viet Nam and going to a hotel with my wife, I spent 90 minuets in the shower and bath. Something that was hard to come by over there. I'm thankful for my family here within arms reach, and the choice of food to eat. I'm thankful to live in a country, though not perfect, is the best place to live in the world. A place where I have the opportunity to reach for any dream I desire. It's the only country I know of where people risk death and family separation to get here.

If you were born in this country or have the privilege of becoming a citizen, you have already won one of the biggest lotteries in life. Where ever you are at this moment and whatever the circumstance, be thankful, because

you have it in your power to make tomorrow better.

Mr. Rohn;

Is thankfulness a survival skill? Perhaps most of you would respond with, "No, Jim, thankfulness is not key to survival", and I would tend to agree with you. Most of us have probably already solved the necessary problems of survival, gone beyond that and are now working to achieve our desires. But let me give you this key phrase, "Learn to be thankful for what you already have, while you pursue all that you want." I believe one of the greatest and perhaps one of the simplest lessons in life we can learn is to be thankful for what we have already received and accomplished.
Both the years and the experiences have brought me here to where I stand today, but it is the thankfulness that opened the windows of opportunities, of blessings, of unique experiences to flow my way. My gratitude starts with my parents who raised me, gave me an incredible foundation that has lasted me all of these years and continues with the mentors that I've met along the way who absolutely changed and revolutionized my life, my income, my bank account, my future. I am also very thankful for the people, the associations, for the ideas, for the chance to work and labor, and to produce results, all of that has brought me to this place, to this weekend. I'm grateful for it all.
What a unique opportunity each one of you here has, so many of us; representing different countries, nations and cultures, to appreciate the uniqueness of our own experiences that has brought us all here, together, for these three days to learn new skills and sharpen old ones. For the countries we represent; we have freedom and liberty. These are extraordinary times, about eleven years ago the walls came tumbling down, in Germany, and it started a wave of democracy and freedom like the world has never seen before. We as a country and as a world have so much to be thankful for. Always start with thanksgiving; be thankful for what you already have and see the miracles that come from this one simple act.
Now thankfulness is just the beginning; next, you've got to challenge yourself to produce. Produce more ideas than you need for yourself so you can share and give your ideas away. That is called fruitfulness and abundance. Here's what I think fruitfulness and abundance mean - to go to work on producing more than you need for yourself so you can begin blessing others, blessing your nation and blessing your enterprise. Once abundance starts to come, once someone becomes incredibly productive, it's amazing what the numbers turn out to be. But to begin this incredible process of blessing, it often starts with the act of thanksgiving and gratitude, being thankful for what you already have and for what you've already done. Begin the act of thanksgiving today and watch the miracles flow your way.

To Your Success,
Jim Rohn

Keep Jim Rohn and Zig Ziglar in your prayers,

both are facing health hurdles.

For Things To Change........

2008-01-23T23:51:00.001-05:00

Hey;

2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004,.......2000. Will 2008, for you, bring more power and joy to your life then recent years. Do you remember your New Years resolution in 2004? How's that workin' for you? And as multiple 365 days "slide show" by, are the weeks and months remarkably similar those prior. What is it that keeps us cemented to the Status Quo?

Most profess the want and need to propel our lives to new heights. What is it which grounds flight shortly after our wheels leave the runway? Frankly, you won't find an "ANSWER" here. My desire is to tweak your thinking process and instill a desire deep within you to increase your "ACTIONS" in the direction of your dreams.

As you can see by the pictures to the left I choose to associate with persons who have a desire to make a difference in peoples lives. I, CW have the same desire. I've been reading and listening to all the motivational and personal development Guru's since the spring of 1970. And most influential of all publications, the Bible, has provided me with guidance. Where the thoughts and feelings of my educators end and CW's begin is incredibly fogged. Consequently most of what will be in my blogs will be a combination of the thoughts and musings of the all these great minds and CW's experiences and brain farts.

Just months ago and for the years preceding when asked; "CW, why is it you want to take to the stage. What is it you want to accomplish in your writing and your presentations?" And I would offer with passion and conviction; "I want to change lives." And truly believed if I was able to form the correct phrases and scribe them in just the right sequence or deliver them with enough passion and power; I, CW, could in fact change an individuals life.

As stated earlier I devour CD's, videos and books on personal development. And whenever possible I see my mentors live. And these most recent two years I've had the privilege of live and some individual guidance.

Recently driving to Toronto from Baltimore to see some friends a Jim Rohn Weekend CD was tickling my ear. An icon in the industry, Dennis Waitley was the speaker. He was recalling a conversation with a hero of his, Reverend Billy Graham. Mr. Graham asked Dennis; "How many lives have you changed Dennis? Well, Mr. Waitley replied; "as I heard you say a while ago. One, I've only changed one life, my own. I can have thousands of people come down from the stands and profess change. What they do when they go home I have no control. I give them the best information I am able. They can only change their selves".

"For things to change, first I must change". A mantra Jim Rohn has been preaching for thirty years. The operative word is "I". The individual. We've all heard Einstein's enlightening quote; "Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results; that's the meaning of insanity."Change! Moving from what has been comfortable, going from being content to challenging ones self will be the focus of the paragraphs appearing here. Are you interested in stepping into the place where change is possible. Change which could bring success and failure is possible. Life is not a spectator sport. No one will get out alive. You can die in the stands, or you can die on the field. YOU CHOOSE !!!!!!!!!

"CW"