Life is a funny thing!

December 29, 2013


I’ve been thinking lately about how our lives often reflect the same warmth or coldness we show others.  Like granting wishes, I’ve always found that giving kindness to others paid off in my own happiness.  Likewise, when I found fault in others, negativity and clouds formed in my own life. Rather than waiting for someone to do good things for me, I can infuse feelings of joy in someone else by doing something special or by simply smiling or paying someone a compliment. 

Have you noticed lately a growing sense of entitlement in our society as if more people feel they are being shorted by events, people, or circumstances in their life?  Instead, could it really be a case that our society is showing less gratitude and appreciation?  Even with an improving economy, many seem to be stuck with a gloomy outlook and cold feelings toward others.  Personally, I’ve noticed that having a sunny and grateful disposition has produced even more blessings in my life.  It’s as if I got in return what I expected to see.  The more positive and cheerful I remain, the more I experience it in my life.

While hidden by clouds at times, may we all feel the ever present sunshine that is available when we share our warmth with others and feel it reflected in return.

Love,

The Next Dozen

September 11, 2013


I had a few thoughts about how the last twelve years have brought so much change to our nation and to our lives.  It's hard to believe all the things that have transpired since the horrible events that occurred in NYC, Washington D.C., and over Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001.  The bigger question might be, what is going to happen on our journey over the next dozen years?

While 9/11 marks a tragic event in our nation's history, it also demonstrates our resilience in the face of unseen enemies.  During the last 12 years, like so many people, I too have experienced setbacks and unexpected changes that totally surprised me.  However, with the bad has come a new appreciation for all the good that has occurred during the same time.  Despite all the wars and calamities life has shown us over the decades, I have decided to concentrate on what lay ahead on the journey and learn from the things now in the past.  Even though none of us are getting younger, I refuse to believe the best days for our country and my own life are behind us.

If you haven't seen the 9/11 Memorial in lower Manhattan, I suggest you visit to let a tribute to heroes and lives suddenly ended touch your soul.  Like our nation's other recoveries, 9/11 has taught me that good will triumph over evil and the best days are still ahead.  We can decide what the next 12 years can bring by not giving up on personal challenges.  For each of us, 2025 will be what we intend it to be.  We can't control what others do in life, but we can choose how we will react and what we do with our special gifts.  May God bless all of you and our nation on this somber day of reflection.

With Love,

We are all volunteers!

May 18, 2013

As many of you know, I have been a passionate volunteer for many causes throughout my life. In pageantry, one of the common aspects of holding a title is to support a platform or cause that the crown bearer choses in order to have power or control over. During my own volunteering, I often wondered what powers others to help strangers. In the process of serving others, one common element keeps appearing - that we are all volunteers. While some have been drafted in life into roles they would otherwise not volunteer to perform, most of us perform paid or unpaid tasks without being forced. That makes us all volunteers, whether in relationships at home with family and friends, at work with colleagues, or at large in our communities supporting charitable activities. We choose to participate at some level determined by our own motives!

So what motivates us as volunteers? My friend was a former Air Force Captain who was compelled by order into dangerous duty. However, it was not force or fear that motivated him. Instead, he told me that it was his desire to accomplish missions that were far greater than his own personal wants. I believe that as humans it is a common purpose we all have that compels us to act with integrity and to keep promises to those we make commitments to, whether paid or not!

We all want to surround ourselves with willing and dedicated fellow-volunteers by sharing a vision of making good for our charities. Volunteers, also, need to know that they are needed to make it happen! Let’s never forget all of our efforts to bless those lives that we support daily with tender loving care!

Please continue to support one of my causes - the Make-the-Wish Foundation. Wishes are only made possible through the hard work of many dedicated staff, volunteers, and other supporters.


With Love,




Time to Cheer!

March 30, 2013

Have you ever noticed how fans eagerly cheer as sports heros enter the arena or field of play?  Doesn't it feel odd that we don't see or hear cheering as much as we like or need in our lives?  Yes, I've cheered professionally in grand stadiums myself and we all cheer for loved ones or friends at graduations, performances, or contests of beauty, talent, or strength.  Still, I feel that we all need to cheer and hear it more frequently in life.

In many settings, I feel the absense of heart-felt cheering.  I've encountered so many who lament that they have no feeling of deep appreciation for their achievements or sacrifices.  What a terrible shame!  I believe that many suffer from the idea that cheering might give someone a "big head."  If that is the worst consequence, so be it.  All of our friends, family, and work colleagues need to hear and feel our appreciation!  If others laugh or take me less than serious because I decide to cheer the success of others, so be it.  It's Time to Cheer and LOUDLY!

At the base of what motivates a young child or newly adopted pet is this need to be acknowledged by ones who are close.  Sure, distant fans and social media acceptance are great for our egos, but it is from people with whom we regularly interact that we need appreciation.  I have been blessed by family and friends who support me through thick and thin.  I thank God for them everyday!

I have an idea that unfortunately feels original in this tough and demanding world.  Even if co-workers stop cheering and we feel unappreciated ourselves, we have the chance to let someone know our thanks.  Reach out to them personally and to their parents and bosses to let them know we appreciate all their efforts.  Life wouldn't be the same without these positive moments of acceptance and acknowledgement.  Our imprint in the sands of life will be left whether others acknowldege them or not.  However, they will mean that much more to the person leaving their mark that others see and feel them.  Let's do our best to leave positive impressions in life, and with excitement, let others know what they do we also see and feel too!

Please consider a volunteer job or donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in your state.  Every donation, no matter how small, is put to such excellent use for such beautiful young hearts in our country.  Click on this banner to find a donation that's good for you.



My love to you today and always,

VICKTORY DOGS

March 14, 2013
 
Just because I am a former Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader, it doesn't mean that I condone what Michael Vick did to those beautiful dogs of his.  In fact, it makes me sick to this day to think of it.  I am a firm supporter of the Best Friends Animal Society in Utah who took in 22 of Vick's distraught Bad Newz dogs.  Best Friends cared for their every need, they rehabilitated them, they attempted to make them new again.  It wasn't easy, Vick sure did a number on them, but this past Monday 3/11 something amazing took place - six of the 22 dogs who have been adopted returned to mark 5 years of freedom. We call them the Victory Dogs!  Cherry, Handsome Dan, Halle, Little Red, Mel, Oscar and their families gathered at Angels Landing at the Sanctuary with staff, volunteers and visitors for what was just like a family reunion.
“We had a fantastic experience being with six of the families who adopted Vicktory dogs and had traveled here with their adopted Vicktory dogs, as well as their other dogs and their children,” says Judah Battista, Best Friends Animal Care director.

There were incredibly touching moments. Each dog has changed their family’s life as profoundly as their own life has changed. Richard (Mel’s dad) has become a very outspoken advocate of pit bulls. Handsome Dan’s family has a rescue group named after him, and they’ve been able to save many more dogs based in part on the public’s interest in Dan. It was wonderful to see all of their fans who showed up (over 150). They were all incredibly sensitive to the dogs’ needs.
“It was clear that the audience felt privileged to be able to meet the dogs and their families,” says Judah. “I know that I did.”
 
One by one, each of the adoptive families took the stage and shared some of the stories of their dogs. Over and over, we heard how the dogs have come out of their shells. How they have changed from the shy and shutdown dogs they once were.
 
Cherry joined his parents, Paul and Melissa, on the stage and lay down as if he were completely relaxed. Little Red played with the other dogs and enjoyed belly rubs from her former caregivers. Little Red was there with her mom, Susan, and didn’t even seem to notice the audience. Handsome Dan, who has a harder time in a crowd, sat in his doggie stroller, where he was joined by his three-year-old human sister.
 
Oscar didn’t join his mom, Rachel, on stage. He’s been in his home for about nine months and is still shy in such a public setting. Rachel mentioned that being connected to all of the other families and seeing how far their dogs have come gives her a glimpse of the dog that Oscar may one day be. Of course she loves him just the way he is.
 
Dog Care manager Michelle Besmehn says, “It was great for everyone to see how well the dogs are doing. It was a wonderful reminder of what we are all working for.”
 
John Garcia, who was co-manager of Dogtown with Michelle when the Vicktory dogs arrived five years ago, adds, “The Vicktory dogs have gone on to be amazing ambassadors for this breed and are helping save even more lives, which of course is why we are all here.”
 
Click on this link to watch a video of the Vicktory dogs at the Sanctuary:
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6goNpMIsiyU&feature=player_embedded
 
May God bless you and all the Vicktory dogs!






Beware the Dream Stealers

March 6, 2013

Hi Everyone!  It's not often that I post something that someone else has written, but this message from Denis Waitley speaks to me in volumes, as I'm sure once you read it, it will to you too. I have surely had my share of those "fair-weathered" friends who really didn't have my best interests in mind. Those that have bullied me have attempted to bring me down, but I have since learned how to be stronge and to let their words and actions roll right off my back. I hope Mr. Waitley's message inspires you just as much as it has me. Enjoy!

"Although your own internal measurements are the most important, you will occasionally need to seek external feedback on your progress toward your goals. When you do, be sure it is from people who are truly interested in seeing you succeed. Don’t seek feedback from fair-weather friends, competitive peers, or any person who doesn’t have your best interests at heart. Neutral doesn’t count. Get feedback from someone who is on your side but will still be objective and honest with you.
 
I’ve observed time and again that misery truly does love company. Jealousy creates some of the most miserable people I know. Surpass the achievements of your particular social crowd or your business colleagues, and look out for the slings and arrows of those who wish you were back where they are. You have to dodge the snide remarks and catty comments. Let them roll right off you. Don’t internalize them.
 
Only pay attention to feedback from those who have similar goals or who are working actively alongside you to achieve goals of their own. Motives and fears run deep. Study them in others. The sympathetic fair-weather friend who supports you and comforts you when you're down, may like you best when you are in just that state: down and dependent.
 
Ultimately, nobody else is responsible for your life but you. Nobody else is accountable for your actions but you. Therefore, nobody’s expectations for you and opinions about you are as important as your own. So make sure those take precedence in your mind over all others, and if you do need to consult with someone else, think very carefully before you choose exactly who."
 
Your True Friend,

RESOLUTIONS

February 24, 2013

With Spring less than a month away, many of us find ourselves wishing we had kept resolutions started eight weeks ago.  How is it that so many good intentions are brushed aside by life and other priorities?  Like many of my family and friends, I've been battling what feels like an endless series of illness that has drained my energy.  Coming off the tail end of holidays spent celebrating, we have faced some of mother nature's shortest days and dreariest weather.  If your body has been feeling under attack like mine has been, the last thing I feel like doing is taking on another challenge I made for myself.  I'm sure you feel the same way too!

Given the setbacks that stand in the way of progress, I'm reminded of several blogs I've written about overcoming adversity in its many forms.  Now that it seems as though pot holes are appearing more frequently on my journey, how can I stay focused on promises that I've made to myself or committed to others?  During times of doubt, I think the best we can do is repair the holes as they appear or try to avoid them as much as possible.  I believe that making resolutions and achieving goals are what takes us in new directions in life and provides a platform for growth by climbing above the very circumstances that sometimes hold us back.  While I wish I could offer some special insight that would make it easier to make and keep commitments, I find the simple truth is putting one foot in front of the other.  Brick-by-brick, we can build stronger lives and characters by being in the moment and making the most of it.  Like so many, I look forward to Spring and brighter circumstances, but it is "now" when our determination is tried and our goals are tested.  May you find those blessings you need to overcome and keep climbing higher whatever comes your way.  I wish that for the both of us!

May God continue to light our paths for the future!



Truth Be Told

January 18, 2013


We have all heard that "the truth will set you free."  We all know that telling the truth is important because it is right and people can depend on your words and promises if you speak the truth.  Unfortunately, our society is filled with examples of liars and cheaters.  Like recent headlines about years of lying and cover-up, the "truth" did not set anyone free from responsibility for what was wrong.  The more important question is what will the truth say about our actions and motivations?  Will the truth square well with your legacy and show you a person of integrity?  If someone found out the truth of your words, would they feel more likely to believe you in the future and trust your intent and commitments?

Many of us have been hurt emotionally and even harmed physically or psychologically by finding out the truth.  In some ways, a lie from a famous athlete, actor, business mogul, or politician undermines the trust we have for others in our own lives.  If we can't depend on our heroes, on whom can we depend?  May we never feel the same remorse from being caught in a lie!  I don't think that means we should all become better at not being "discovered."  Instead, may we have integrity and do what is right and true when others can't see us.  May what others see and hear from us be aligned with who we are rather than some hidden truth.  In a world of deceit, it is my prayer that others will always be able to trust you and me!

Lastly, do YOU hold the ticket to a Child's Wish!  Your frequent flyer miles can make wishes come true at the Make-A-Wish Foundation!  Do you have some to spare?  Click on the plane to find out how you can donate to this wonderful cause.

Until the next time, may God bless you today and always!