Many years ago I was an avid fan of the television show Cheers. The characters in the show were a wonderful collection of bar mavens that America fell in love with. If you asked me who my favorite character was on the show I would be hard pressed to name just one. It would be easier for me to name a character I didn't like which was none. I loved them all and I'm guessing you did too. What was it that was so magical about a show that by my estimation was shot 75% in the same location, with the same characters in their same seats every week? Ah, familiarity.
Who could forget the raucous "NORM!" cheers every time he walked in to the bar? Or Cliff's postman witticisms that were simply hilarious. The one I remember best is "It's a dog eat dog world, and I'm wearing Milk Bone underwear." Genius. I've had a few of those days myself, Cliff! I think one of the reasons we all came to love the show and the characters was defined in the show's opening song.
"Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came. You wanna be where you can see, our troubles are all the same You wanna be where everybody knows your name."
If I were to ask you, where is your favorite place to eat, what is your favorite place to shop, which hotel chain do you prefer to stay in when you travel, I bet you have a favorite. If you're like me, you go to the same place more times than not. Why? Because you like the way it feels when you go somewhere and people recognize you, acknowledge and affirm you and if they happen to greet you by name - WOW! what a great feeling. Admit it, we all want to be Norm.
So my question and challenge for this week is how do you treat your customers? Are you grateful for their business? Do they know you are? Many, many companies have come up with customer loyalty programs to reward their best customers. Most of them do an OK job at giving perks to the customers who they earn the most from but very few do a great job of making their customers feel truly valued and appreciated. Those that do are the ones that draw the most customers and not surprisingly the best talent for employees.
Our challenge is to make our customers brand fanatics. When they think of buying what we're selling we immediately are the first company they think of. If we'll take time to reach out to our customers, listen to them and then give them what they ask for we're well on our way. Then add in a few unexpected surprises that really WOW! them and you've got them as customers for life.
Sounds easy but only a few ever do it really well. If your desire is to grow your business I can't think of a better place to start. It will definitely put you in a place where you exceed the Norm! Cheers!
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
A Sad Lost Art
I read recently that studies have shown that most people lie at least once during a 10 minute conversation. Worse yet, the research suggests when communication takes place by computer deception rises to an even greater level. For example, a recent study of undergraduate students at the University of Massachusetts Amherst revealed people conversing by email told FIVE TIMES as many lies as people speaking face to face. Further the study pointed out people are much more self-serving with their email lies than those told face to face. For those of us who read hundreds or thousands of emails a week ponder those facts and figures for a few minutes. I'd like to think that the people that I interact with don't fall in to this category but I wouldn't want to be caught lying either.
I fear this study has little to do with an isolated academic experiment and says more about the overall sad state of the moral fiber of this country and our lackadaisical approach to the truth. We are told by society that the truth is relative and that there are no moral absolutes (which in itself is a statement of such - think about it) and as long as no one gets hurt it's ok to bend the truth every now and then. I am convinced that this is not only a reason why buyer-seller relationships have become increasingly strained in recent years but I would argue there are a number of other unhealthy side effects such as stress and anxiety that plague society as a whole today as a result of "relative truth."
My dear grandfather passed away one year ago this week. He lived well in to his 90's and almost never had a bad day in his life. Seriously. He was a man's man and he was a devoted and loving husband to his wife and even though his little girls were both grandmothers themselves they still called him "daddy" until the day he died. There was much to admire, respect and love in that man and we could sure use a few more like him. If I used one or two words to try to describe the amazing man he was the first two words that come to mind are honesty and loyalty. His word was gold. Period. It was backed up by a loyalty to his family, his work, his friends (he never knew a stranger) and his Creator. In the 40 plus years that I had the privilege to be his grandson I can count on one hand the number of times I saw him get angry, raise his voice or show frustration or disappointment.
What does all of this have to do with us and to interacting with customers and co-workers? Everything. Think about people you know, work with or live with who you know always speak the truth. Even and especially if it hurts. I don't know about you but if I ever need help with anything these are the people I seek out first in my life. I bet you do to. I bet the people you work and do business with do too. Getting the picture? I would much rather do business with someone I trust and know that is going to put my goals and interests ahead of their own needs to tell me only what they want me to hear so they can serve their own interests.
So I am asking you the same question. Tell the truth. Would you want to do business with yourself? It's never too late to change and it's never too late to use the Golden Rule. I am thankful I had a shining example in my life to show me the way. Will you do the same? If so, someone may write about you after you're gone. Honestly.
I fear this study has little to do with an isolated academic experiment and says more about the overall sad state of the moral fiber of this country and our lackadaisical approach to the truth. We are told by society that the truth is relative and that there are no moral absolutes (which in itself is a statement of such - think about it) and as long as no one gets hurt it's ok to bend the truth every now and then. I am convinced that this is not only a reason why buyer-seller relationships have become increasingly strained in recent years but I would argue there are a number of other unhealthy side effects such as stress and anxiety that plague society as a whole today as a result of "relative truth."
My dear grandfather passed away one year ago this week. He lived well in to his 90's and almost never had a bad day in his life. Seriously. He was a man's man and he was a devoted and loving husband to his wife and even though his little girls were both grandmothers themselves they still called him "daddy" until the day he died. There was much to admire, respect and love in that man and we could sure use a few more like him. If I used one or two words to try to describe the amazing man he was the first two words that come to mind are honesty and loyalty. His word was gold. Period. It was backed up by a loyalty to his family, his work, his friends (he never knew a stranger) and his Creator. In the 40 plus years that I had the privilege to be his grandson I can count on one hand the number of times I saw him get angry, raise his voice or show frustration or disappointment.
What does all of this have to do with us and to interacting with customers and co-workers? Everything. Think about people you know, work with or live with who you know always speak the truth. Even and especially if it hurts. I don't know about you but if I ever need help with anything these are the people I seek out first in my life. I bet you do to. I bet the people you work and do business with do too. Getting the picture? I would much rather do business with someone I trust and know that is going to put my goals and interests ahead of their own needs to tell me only what they want me to hear so they can serve their own interests.
So I am asking you the same question. Tell the truth. Would you want to do business with yourself? It's never too late to change and it's never too late to use the Golden Rule. I am thankful I had a shining example in my life to show me the way. Will you do the same? If so, someone may write about you after you're gone. Honestly.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Anti-Establishment
Just the name itself seems a little irreverent among the azaleas and the Georgia pines. Bubba. A kid from Florida who went to college in Georgia and has the most unorthodox skills in the world of golf is the King of it after an unbelievable Easter Sunday display in front of a national television audience. If you have no idea who or what I'm talking about let me introduce you to the 2012 Masters champion, Bubba Watson. If you didn't devote a good part of your Sunday afternoon to watching him and a slew of other golfers fight it out over 18 grueling holes with two additional sudden death holes for he and Louis Oosthuizen you missed some of the best drama television has to offer.
It's a great story of a 33 year old kid (I can actually call someone in their mid 30's a kid now since I am an "advanced" 40 year old) who had won three times previously on the pro tour. His best finish at the Masters prior to this weekend was a tie for 20th in 2008. I could write a long time about all the back and forth competition between he and his playing partner for the day and sudden death adversary Oosthuizen but there are some much more interesting anecdotes and lessons for all of us from Bubba. The guy who has never taken a golf lesson in his life and who has a swing that sometimes looks like he could be a stunt double as one of the Three Stooges is the Masters Champion!
Like many professional athletes these days most golfers have a coach for everything from nutrition and exercise to a swing and meditation coach. Not this guy. This self taught guy steps up to the tee and puts a left-handed swing that looks like something you could see at the local municipal course from a guy destined to hit the ball a long way - to the right or the left. Not only is it an unusual swing but it just so happens he is the number 1 ranked golfer in driving distance by a wide margin. So why all the fuss over Gerry Lester "Bubba" Watson?
I learned at least three lessons watching Bubba play Sunday that apply to how I work and relate to other people that you should add to your skill set as well:
It's a great story of a 33 year old kid (I can actually call someone in their mid 30's a kid now since I am an "advanced" 40 year old) who had won three times previously on the pro tour. His best finish at the Masters prior to this weekend was a tie for 20th in 2008. I could write a long time about all the back and forth competition between he and his playing partner for the day and sudden death adversary Oosthuizen but there are some much more interesting anecdotes and lessons for all of us from Bubba. The guy who has never taken a golf lesson in his life and who has a swing that sometimes looks like he could be a stunt double as one of the Three Stooges is the Masters Champion!
Like many professional athletes these days most golfers have a coach for everything from nutrition and exercise to a swing and meditation coach. Not this guy. This self taught guy steps up to the tee and puts a left-handed swing that looks like something you could see at the local municipal course from a guy destined to hit the ball a long way - to the right or the left. Not only is it an unusual swing but it just so happens he is the number 1 ranked golfer in driving distance by a wide margin. So why all the fuss over Gerry Lester "Bubba" Watson?
I learned at least three lessons watching Bubba play Sunday that apply to how I work and relate to other people that you should add to your skill set as well:
- Dance to your own music - Just because everyone else or "they" say it has to be done a certain way doesn't make it right. Find a style that is all your own and then perfect it so that you become the best at what you do and other people notice you along the way.
- Go ahead and let them see you sweat - For some four hours on Sunday Bubba battled toe to to with Louis. Realize that on the 4th hole Mr. Oosthuizen made arguably one of the greatest shots in Masters history - a double eagle 2 on a par 5 from over 200 yards away. Bubba didn't blink but he did show every emotion in his bag during the day. Pressure is a part of life and it's okay to tell other people what your challenges are and ask for help. That's what "caddies" are for! Who do you need to help carry your burdens?
- Victory is sweet - Frankly, I don't know how Bubba held it together long enough to sink the final 6 inch putt to win the tournament. He broke in to tears before he was able to retrieve his ball from the cup and a good solid minute of raw emotion poured out in embraces with is caddie and subsequently his mother. The guy poured himself 110% in to making his dream a reality. Later he told the national television audience he hadn't dreamed far ahead enough to envision being a Masters champion. The realization that he had reached the pinnacle brought a rush of emotion. There is nothing better than preparing to win and then going out and doing it. The best victories in life are best celebrated with those who have helped you get there.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
How is your Social Life?
No, I am not asking about what you do outside of work. To the contrary, I am wondering how social you are at work? If that seems like a strange question then this post is written for you. I am talking about perhaps the greatest change and opportunity in business since the Internet. Social Media.
How connected are you? How well are you using these fantastic tools and programs to enhance your sales, marketing and branding messages? If you have to stop and think about it you're not doing enough. If you think you're too old, technologically challenged or pressed for time to learn I would strongly encourage you to realign your priorities. Social Media is here to stay and it is how business is getting done. I am an admitted novice but I can give specific examples of how I have used different programs to increase the awareness and effectiveness of my brand on line.
As with many new things the first step is the hardest. Just like the Internet as its popularity increased exponentially at the end of the last century it can be overwhelming to try to figure out where and how to most effectively use and manage it. Like any other important thing you attempt to do in business (or any other important area of your life) you better have a plan and you need to set some goals or how will you know if what you're doing is making a difference or is a colossal waste of time? Without specific desired outcomes you can easily spend hours and days wandering in to a trance and getting caught up in all that is available.
Once you've thought about specific plans the other thing that has to be evaluated is what information can you contribute that your customers really value? Everyone, especially your customers has plenty to do without wasting their time about information that is neither useful nor profitable for them to read. Therefore, we've all got to make sure we know what issues are important to our customers and how we can address them better than anyone else. Answer these seemingly simple questions and you are well on your way to building a network of connections that can pay off in terms of reputation and respect, not to mention financial.
The bad news is that this can be an overwhelming and daunting project to take on. There are Social Media consultants popping up all over the place with promises to help you become Socially relevant. I can't tell you the best or easiest way to take on this project. I can tell you that if you do it and do it well that the rewards can be surprisingly significant. I can also tell you if you don't figure it out you're going to be left behind no matter what your title or job description is.
There is no such thing as a Social Media hobby when it comes to business. Either you're Socially engaged or you aren't. It's the new peer pressure. Don't be a Social misfit!
How connected are you? How well are you using these fantastic tools and programs to enhance your sales, marketing and branding messages? If you have to stop and think about it you're not doing enough. If you think you're too old, technologically challenged or pressed for time to learn I would strongly encourage you to realign your priorities. Social Media is here to stay and it is how business is getting done. I am an admitted novice but I can give specific examples of how I have used different programs to increase the awareness and effectiveness of my brand on line.
As with many new things the first step is the hardest. Just like the Internet as its popularity increased exponentially at the end of the last century it can be overwhelming to try to figure out where and how to most effectively use and manage it. Like any other important thing you attempt to do in business (or any other important area of your life) you better have a plan and you need to set some goals or how will you know if what you're doing is making a difference or is a colossal waste of time? Without specific desired outcomes you can easily spend hours and days wandering in to a trance and getting caught up in all that is available.
Once you've thought about specific plans the other thing that has to be evaluated is what information can you contribute that your customers really value? Everyone, especially your customers has plenty to do without wasting their time about information that is neither useful nor profitable for them to read. Therefore, we've all got to make sure we know what issues are important to our customers and how we can address them better than anyone else. Answer these seemingly simple questions and you are well on your way to building a network of connections that can pay off in terms of reputation and respect, not to mention financial.
The bad news is that this can be an overwhelming and daunting project to take on. There are Social Media consultants popping up all over the place with promises to help you become Socially relevant. I can't tell you the best or easiest way to take on this project. I can tell you that if you do it and do it well that the rewards can be surprisingly significant. I can also tell you if you don't figure it out you're going to be left behind no matter what your title or job description is.
There is no such thing as a Social Media hobby when it comes to business. Either you're Socially engaged or you aren't. It's the new peer pressure. Don't be a Social misfit!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Smile and the World Smiles with You
I want to thank everyone for your nice comments about my blog. Many times when I am at industry events or with business associates they mention my blog to me. This is very gratifying and humbling to me. I'm just a guy with a keyboard and although I have always enjoyed writing I certainly do not profess any expertise or ability above anyone else. It seems to me more and more that an attitude of gratitude is a great way to, borrowing from Mr. Carnegie, win friends and influence people. If my weekly posts are helpful and inspirational, as some have said, then that affirmation gives me all the reason I need to keep writing this little post every week
I am privileged to work with people that have as great a passion for my business as I do. I NEVER take this for granted. Like most every other business in the world the last several years we have been through some challenging and difficult times. It has made us question and question again whether we have what it takes to survive in the future. This is still a work in progress but I am happy to say that we are emerging from the most challenging days our business has experienced in 34 years with a greater resolve and a more focused approach to the future than we've ever had. Believe me, we still have a lot of work to do and we are by no means past all of the challenges that lie ahead.
What has forever changed as a result of these difficulties, however is our attitude towards the future and how we work each and every day. We are determined to make every day a great day and in doing so give women more opportunities to feel fabulous. This is why we come to work each day. This is why we endure difficulties and celebrate victories. It is a cause bigger than all of us individually but one that we have committed ourselves to each and every day. Has it made a difference? OH YEA!!
It hasn't diminished the challenges, we are still far from perfect and we certainly haven't solved the world's problems. We've just made significant strides in the one thing in this world we have control over individually and collectively as a company - our attitudes and the culture we choose to work in every day. It really has made a difference that I believe is being played out not only within the walls of our office but in every touch point of our business.
Let me give a quick example. A few months ago we started answering our phones with an enthusiastic "it's a GREAT DAY at J. Renee'!" The response from people on the other end of the phone has been enthusiastically positive, to say the least. In some small way, whether the call is to ask a question about our business, complain about a mistake we may have made or (hopefully) to place an order, we have lightened the mood and made that customer feel better having called us. We're having fun, they're having fun and we are fulfilling our mission to give women (and men) more opportunities to feel fabulous!
I wonder what small ways you can come up with to do the same thing for your customers would be? We are thinking of them all the time. And having a lot of fun doing it.
I am privileged to work with people that have as great a passion for my business as I do. I NEVER take this for granted. Like most every other business in the world the last several years we have been through some challenging and difficult times. It has made us question and question again whether we have what it takes to survive in the future. This is still a work in progress but I am happy to say that we are emerging from the most challenging days our business has experienced in 34 years with a greater resolve and a more focused approach to the future than we've ever had. Believe me, we still have a lot of work to do and we are by no means past all of the challenges that lie ahead.
What has forever changed as a result of these difficulties, however is our attitude towards the future and how we work each and every day. We are determined to make every day a great day and in doing so give women more opportunities to feel fabulous. This is why we come to work each day. This is why we endure difficulties and celebrate victories. It is a cause bigger than all of us individually but one that we have committed ourselves to each and every day. Has it made a difference? OH YEA!!
It hasn't diminished the challenges, we are still far from perfect and we certainly haven't solved the world's problems. We've just made significant strides in the one thing in this world we have control over individually and collectively as a company - our attitudes and the culture we choose to work in every day. It really has made a difference that I believe is being played out not only within the walls of our office but in every touch point of our business.
Let me give a quick example. A few months ago we started answering our phones with an enthusiastic "it's a GREAT DAY at J. Renee'!" The response from people on the other end of the phone has been enthusiastically positive, to say the least. In some small way, whether the call is to ask a question about our business, complain about a mistake we may have made or (hopefully) to place an order, we have lightened the mood and made that customer feel better having called us. We're having fun, they're having fun and we are fulfilling our mission to give women (and men) more opportunities to feel fabulous!
I wonder what small ways you can come up with to do the same thing for your customers would be? We are thinking of them all the time. And having a lot of fun doing it.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Right is Wrong
Ever since I started helping my dad unpack and repack shoes to ship them to customers in our garage - almost 40 years ago - I have heard a saying that we have all heard thousands of times. The customer is always right. There's no denying the truth behind that statement or the wisdom to be heeded in hearing it again today. Even if you know you're right, if your customers don't agree with you you're wrong. Being wrong in today's marketplace is not good for your financial well being. It is peculiar then that I see an increasing number of people so focused on being right all the time, even, or should I say especially, at the expense of making sure the other person is wrong. It's a zero sum game that's getting far too much play - in the midst of an economic environment with enough challenges of its own.
Whatever happened to doing unto others, turning the other cheek and staying humble? And for goodness sake where has customer service gone? I think it all boils down to an attitude of "me first" and/or "looking out for number one." I guess if your goal is to always be right and always be first then you can jump on the bandwagon. I hear it's lonely at the top, though.
I believe the better answer is to continue to serve others and to help other people meet their needs. I am convinced that this is the way to live a productive and happy life. I can tell you first hand it is sorely needed in the business world and the society in general these days. I find that the novelty and sincerity of it actually attract people and make them want to be your friend and/or to do business with you. I wish I could come up with a better quote on my own but this is one that cannot be matched or duplicated. Zig Ziglar said it many, many years ago:
"You can have EVERYTHING in life you want if you are willing to help enough other people get what THEY want."
Marinade on that one a while. It is simplistic and yet it is very profound. How might you use it today to positively impact your relationships at home? At work? With customers? With strangers? It is a line of thinking and a lifestyle worth pursuing and investing in.
I spent a lot of time in my younger years trying to be right a lot (all the time). Some of the adjectives that described my attitudes were: paranoia, jealousy, anger, moodiness. You get the picture. I want to be very clear that I have not "arrived" yet but where I am striving to get to is putting other people first more often. On the occasions when I do, here's the adjectives that come to mind: compassion, kindness, selflessness, humility, patience, peace of mind, relaxed. I like the way that sounds and feels a lot better.
So, I am trying to devote more and more of my time to being less right and staying aware of opportunities to help and serve other people. You can choose to stay focused on yourself - but that would be completely wrong.
Whatever happened to doing unto others, turning the other cheek and staying humble? And for goodness sake where has customer service gone? I think it all boils down to an attitude of "me first" and/or "looking out for number one." I guess if your goal is to always be right and always be first then you can jump on the bandwagon. I hear it's lonely at the top, though.
I believe the better answer is to continue to serve others and to help other people meet their needs. I am convinced that this is the way to live a productive and happy life. I can tell you first hand it is sorely needed in the business world and the society in general these days. I find that the novelty and sincerity of it actually attract people and make them want to be your friend and/or to do business with you. I wish I could come up with a better quote on my own but this is one that cannot be matched or duplicated. Zig Ziglar said it many, many years ago:
"You can have EVERYTHING in life you want if you are willing to help enough other people get what THEY want."
Marinade on that one a while. It is simplistic and yet it is very profound. How might you use it today to positively impact your relationships at home? At work? With customers? With strangers? It is a line of thinking and a lifestyle worth pursuing and investing in.
I spent a lot of time in my younger years trying to be right a lot (all the time). Some of the adjectives that described my attitudes were: paranoia, jealousy, anger, moodiness. You get the picture. I want to be very clear that I have not "arrived" yet but where I am striving to get to is putting other people first more often. On the occasions when I do, here's the adjectives that come to mind: compassion, kindness, selflessness, humility, patience, peace of mind, relaxed. I like the way that sounds and feels a lot better.
So, I am trying to devote more and more of my time to being less right and staying aware of opportunities to help and serve other people. You can choose to stay focused on yourself - but that would be completely wrong.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Trumping Tragedy
This week was a tough week for me. A very dear employee, friend and woman left our company. I wish I could take the blame or try to lay the blame for her departure but I can't. I wish I could use this as a learning opportunity to evaluate what I did wrong so I can learn from it and do better next time. Not in this case. I wish that saying I wasn't going to concern myself with things that are out of my control were as easy to do as it is to say. No matter what I think or do - no matter what anyone does or thinks, even she is powerless to undo the sad truth of the situation. She has terminal cancer.
As we go through life we see and hear many stories that break our hearts. I don't think I've experienced one this close. We also see stories that inspire us and make us better people having known about or of the person or situation. Due to mine and everyone who called her a member of our Remac Family's incredible fortune we have seen both in the same person over the last several months since her diagnosis was confirmed. My heart has been broken and touched - and my life will be better as a result of going through this situation with her. I have only had the good fortune of knowing her for 4 years - and I am grateful I had that long.
I started writing the above post the middle of last month - and never finished it. Since that time our Dear Friend sadly lost her brief struggle against the horrible disease we call cancer. While we have mourned her loss we rejoice to know her struggles are over and her pain is gone. The ones who are hurting are those of us she has left behind. We miss her terribly and try to comfort ourselves knowing she is at rest and at peace. Even though we don't completely understand it.
No one said life is easy. We all deal with difficulties of all shapes and sizes. Some are just daily bumps we need to move past and some are life changing. With the grace and courage that we saw exhibited in our friend I have resolved to live every day this year in a way that makes others glad that they know me and leaves people, places and things better off than before I encountered them. I can't recommend this lifestyle change enough. Perhaps you know someone who elicits these feelings in your life - I hope we all know at least one. Better yet, why not be that type of person? Not a day goes by where I don't make mistakes and don't wish I had done things differently but I am determined to overcome those obstacles. It seems rather minor in light of what some people have to deal with.
I have more energy, determination and purpose that at any time in my life. I know that I am much more productive and much more goal driven. It is exhilarating and it is a lot of work. I am happier than I have ever been and I am sleeping better than I have for as long as I can remember. It seems to me I am living the life I was created to live. Being who I am supposed to be is a great feeling.
There have been many factors that have gone in to how and why I have arrived at this place. Not the least of which is the impact that my friend had on my life. Who, or should I ask how many, will be glad to say that they know you and that you are part of their lives? That's something worth living for! Today and every day that we are alive.
As we go through life we see and hear many stories that break our hearts. I don't think I've experienced one this close. We also see stories that inspire us and make us better people having known about or of the person or situation. Due to mine and everyone who called her a member of our Remac Family's incredible fortune we have seen both in the same person over the last several months since her diagnosis was confirmed. My heart has been broken and touched - and my life will be better as a result of going through this situation with her. I have only had the good fortune of knowing her for 4 years - and I am grateful I had that long.
I started writing the above post the middle of last month - and never finished it. Since that time our Dear Friend sadly lost her brief struggle against the horrible disease we call cancer. While we have mourned her loss we rejoice to know her struggles are over and her pain is gone. The ones who are hurting are those of us she has left behind. We miss her terribly and try to comfort ourselves knowing she is at rest and at peace. Even though we don't completely understand it.
No one said life is easy. We all deal with difficulties of all shapes and sizes. Some are just daily bumps we need to move past and some are life changing. With the grace and courage that we saw exhibited in our friend I have resolved to live every day this year in a way that makes others glad that they know me and leaves people, places and things better off than before I encountered them. I can't recommend this lifestyle change enough. Perhaps you know someone who elicits these feelings in your life - I hope we all know at least one. Better yet, why not be that type of person? Not a day goes by where I don't make mistakes and don't wish I had done things differently but I am determined to overcome those obstacles. It seems rather minor in light of what some people have to deal with.
I have more energy, determination and purpose that at any time in my life. I know that I am much more productive and much more goal driven. It is exhilarating and it is a lot of work. I am happier than I have ever been and I am sleeping better than I have for as long as I can remember. It seems to me I am living the life I was created to live. Being who I am supposed to be is a great feeling.
There have been many factors that have gone in to how and why I have arrived at this place. Not the least of which is the impact that my friend had on my life. Who, or should I ask how many, will be glad to say that they know you and that you are part of their lives? That's something worth living for! Today and every day that we are alive.
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