Meaningful Mondays - Arrows Out

"You are the CEO of your own life, start making executive decisions today."

"Your children will become what you are; so be what you want them to be."
— David Bly

"Technology can be our best friend, and technology can also be the biggest party pooper of our lives."
— Steven Spielberg

"The first step to getting what you want is having the courage to get rid of what you don't."

We are witnessing an ever-greater movement toward polarity. The middle-ground options are being removed from us. Don't let it happen to you.

Choices must be made. Not making a choice is a choice.

Do not be seduced by the Four P’s of False Happiness: Popularity, Possessions, Power, and Pleasures.

To go, you must first STOP four boulders that are in your way of authentic leadership: 1.

1. Stop regretting your past.
2. Stop fretting about your future.
3. Stop looking for happiness in the 4 P's of False Happiness.
4. Stop underestimating your immense inner strengths.

"Every act of kindness, no matter how small, creates a ripple that spawns endless waves."
 - Lee Brower

What do you think the flight attendant values most? She puts others above even her own needs - or better said - comfort. Her selfless act embodies the essence of what we refer to as an "Arrows Out" mindset.

I like this quote by Princess Diana: "Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you."

Yes, we are passing the torch, after 16 consecutive annual WACKY charitable softball tournaments filled with love and hope. Over those years thousands of young softball girls have played in the tournament, and each team is assigned a cancer Cutie (a young boy or girl living with cancer- which may include those that become angels). These girls love on those Cuties... they play their hearts out and often stay in touch year-round.

A quote was shared at a banquet we held before the tournament and so many have asked for a copy. We share that quote with you:

"This is what passes for hope: Those we have lost invoke in us feelings of love that we didn't know we were capable of. These permanent changes are their legacies, their gifts to us. It is our task to transfer that love to those who still need us. In this way, we remain faithful to their memories."
- Gordon Livingston, MD Too Soon Old, Too Late Smart

The average adult makes 35,000 choices a day.

Socrates said, "An unexamined life is not worth living."

What are the 5 keys to better choice-making? Can you "kidify" those keys to help your "kids" become better choice-makers?

1. "Decide" where you are going. Reduce your options. Will this choice move me closer or farther away from my decision?
2. Make "Gratitude" your companion. A grateful heart brings clarity, filtering distractions and magnifying purpose.
3. Adust- reflect and review. Regularly review your choices. Are they in line with your decisions and aspirations? Adjust if necessary.
4. Seek Wisdom- From God, family, friends, and mentors. Gathering perspectives can help guide your choices.
5. Action over Perfection. Perfection is elusive. Prioritize action. Remember, it's the flow of choices that moves us forward. Be the River, not the pond.

Having unwavering confidence in your future will drastically change your reaction to present challenges.
- Lee Brower

"Gratitude is a profound appreciation for the present moment."
- Lee Brower

"To travel hopefully is better than to arrive."
- Robert Louis Stevenson

"Embrace your challenges with the grace of someone who knows the ending."
- Lee Brower

"The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer."
- Mahatma Gandhi

"To give and not expect return, that is what lies at the heart of love."
- Oscar Wilde

"Faith does not fall upon us by chance or stay with us by birthright. It is, as the scriptures say, 'substance, the evidence of things not seen.' Faith emits a spiritual light, and that light is discernible."
- Boyd K. Packer

"The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision."
- Helen Keller

"Time is more than money. You can get more money, but you can't get more time."
- Jim Rohn

"Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend."
- Theophrastus

“Life offers you two precious gifts. One is time; the other is freedom of choice—the freedom to buy with your time what you will."
- Richard L. Evans

"Gratification is the fleeting thrill of receiving, while gratitude is the enduring warmth of appreciating."
- Lee Brower

"Gratitude allows us to connect deeply with our past, appreciate our present, and cultivate a positive outlook for the future."
- Lee Brower

Just because it's true doesn't mean it is the truth.

Even with its amazing capabilities, walking with technology should never be confused with walking with truth.

B.A.T. + U:

• Beware of biases.
• Apply critical thinking.
• Trustworthy sources.
• + Update.