‘Missing’ in Person!

‘Missing’ in Person!

By Allen Merritt © 2018

Can you imagine what it would be like if we took the time to go back and re-live certain events, or at the very least replay the event in our memory enough to actually observe everything we missed? How many more things might we pick up on that we failed to notice the first time?

As the days turn into weeks into months and into years the hustle and bustle of our daily experience flies by. In those moments I suspect we often miss a lot of things. Heck, we even miss our keys when they are right under our noses. I call this ‘missing’ in person, because are experiencing this activity while we are right there in the middle of it.

What did we miss?

Are we paying attention?

What are we attending to?

Can we afford to miss such things?

As I contemplate this, I am reminded of the many times I have watched a movie more than once. I am always amazed at all the things I notice that I didn’t notice the first time viewing the film. Maybe it is a visual or I see something out of place between one angle compared to another or I hear dialogue I did not remember or pick up on in previous viewings. It’s kind of fun when you have these AHA moments. They stop you in your tracks and cause you to think, “I don’t remember that.”

I guess the same thing happens when we re-read books.

But I digress. My point being, we miss things which are planted in the seams of our lives to help us feel good or learn we are not alone or even that people see us when we feel as if no one is watching us at all.

This week I had a couple of those AHA moments.

If by sharing these feel good tidbits helps anyone look closer at their own experiences and not miss anything, then it is well worth the mention.

First, I received a Thank You card in my mailbox. This is a rarity for me. It was sent by a couple of people who wanted to simply acknowledge my abilities and my presence and demonstrate a show of appreciation. I do not have much face to face contact with these individuals, only in passing. The card mentioned gratitude for my talents, as well as my smile and energies. Who doesn’t love that?

I think we do not do enough of that for one another. We kind of stop dead in our tracks as life slings obstacles at us. Then we do not see things or feel unseen by others. In this case, I was seen but didn’t know it. Not really. They wanted to make sure I didn’t miss it.

Another story from the last couple of days would be when I was renting a vehicle for a job I was set up to do. As I drove the car off the lot, the friendly and bubbly employee made the comment of how she wanted me to make sure I brought the vehicle back at a half tank of fuel. This caught me off guard, because I am one of those people who always return the rental car full. I do not use the prepay service and I always make time to stop at the gas station before returning. Since I didn’t understand, I asked, “Why’s that?” The employee made a comment of how she didn’t think she was going to be able to make it through her work day and do her good deed for the day.

I guess she wanted to make someone feel good each day by doing something special for them and this was one thing she was able to do. I was surprised by this, but said thank you and went on with my day. It was a good thing I didn’t miss or ignore it, because this person really meant what they said. They went so far with it as to document the online record as well as my rental agreement highlighted in yellow.

Upon finishing my trip, the person receiving the rental car gave me a receipt and said everything was all set and documented. I actually came back with a half tank of fuel. Wow! If I had not paid attention, I might have missed out on this. Every little bit counts.

I even noticed something while stopping at a coffee shop, placing and paying for an order and waiting a long time only to discover no one remembered my order. When I was asked about it while standing there, they immediately got the order and took a moment to give me a little gift card as if to say we appreciate you and apologize we forgot you. The employee wanted me to know I was valuable and they didn’t take it lightly that they missed me even though I was standing right there in person. I appreciated the gesture. Sometimes we have to catch ourselves when we miss it!

If you miss these little things, you might be missing out on a wonderful little blessing in disguise.

I am grateful for these little moments and am really glad I did not miss them or take them for granted. May we all pick up on more of these little moments which helps us all have a better day.

Better yet, may we be the ones to initiate it on behalf of someone else.

Enjoy the blessings while focusing in on everything positive.

Cheers!

Answer: Things that Look Up!

Answer: Things that Look Up!

By Allen Merritt © 2018

Quite some time ago I was greeted by a man who is actually shorter than I am which is something I don’t often experience. In fact, when people mention the word “tall” I generally respond by saying, “everyone is taller than me”. I always find myself looking upward when interacting with people. Very seldom do I literally see someone eye to eye, literally and physically. 

Anyway, the gentleman who greeted me reached out to shake my hand and said something to the effect of, “I always enjoy meeting people like you. It gives me someone to look up to.”

I was entranced. I thought about how profound the statement was.

We all need someone or something to look up to in life.

A popular question to ask is who your hero is. I find it a difficult question to answer, because I do not feel I have a specific hero in mind; no one in particular that I look up to. And, yet it’s a great question. I find inspiration all over the place when I look for it.

If you are a person of faith, your answer might include how you look up to God, the sky or the Cross for inspiration and motivation.

If you are an athlete, you may have a sports figure that inspires and motivates you in some way. That individual becomes a muse, someone to emulate.

Your favorite singer, actor or dancer may provide ample reason to keep pushing forward so as to persevere as an artist.

Maybe your hero is mom, dad, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or grandparent. Or, if a support system is minimal at best, we look within ourselves making us the hero of our life. How about that? I am the hero of my own life. I look to myself for encouragement. 

Okay. That mindset may not be the go to approach. However, finding some aspect in life for which to look up to, be challenged by and glean hope from remains something most people can relate to. In order to believe in ourselves we look to others and stand on their shoulders. 

Think about the following:

• We look up during good weather.
• We look up toward the mountains.
• We look up during full moons and starry nights.
• When life takes a turn from the negative and swings the other way we say, “Things are looking up!”
• When someone is going through a tough time we might say, "Chin up" or "Keep your head up." 
• How about the idea of walking with your head held high?

I associate these with things that make us look up and keep our spirits uplifted. 

I guess one answer to the question of life is, “Things that look up!”

It reminds me of moving forward and upward in life, career and with inter-personal relationships. How about climbing the corporate latter and soaring like an eagle? Anything that refers to lift and upward mobility appears to be supportive of positive movement. Therefore, thinking positively and working hard to rise above, taking the next step and pushing beyond the now seems only right. I like it. I appreciate it. It makes sense to me. 

We all need someone to look up to. 

I would much rather see eye to eye and with a spirit of compromise rather than looking down on someone or talking down to them, because looking up to people means you value them in some way. It also leads to better understanding and demonstrates positivity in motion. Our society sure could use more of that these days.

Who is your hero? Who do you look up to?

Here's to things that make us look up!

Cheers!

Remember Not to Forget!

Remember Not to Forget!

By Allen Merritt © 2018

Every day should be a good day. In fact, it is after all a good day to have a good day, right? At least, that is what I hear. And, I concur!

However, it’s easy to forget sometimes, especially when you are in the thick of it all and nothing or no one wants to cooperate. Ergo remembering not to forget to be positive in outlook, attitude and mindset is a message worth posting where we can clearly see it and be mindful toward/of it.

It is easy to see apathy running rampant, as well as lack of consideration, care and communication and awareness. I think if people took a moment to consider how busy everyone is and not just their selves; they might see things differently and respond more appropriately in various situations.

For me, I bend over backwards in an attempt to show consideration and communication as needed without bothering people when it isn’t absolutely necessary. Time is valuable for most of us, so one doesn’t want to waste it because in doing so it takes a stab at our positivity. However, something as simple as a response to the question at hand can make all the different in outcome. No response, no outcome.

More often than not, I find people generally do not want to communicate. They want their cake and eat it too; and they expect all others to fall in line with whatever they decide in the moment even if it is last minute. It’s hard to be loyal, committed and part of something when you do not know what is going on until right before it happens. I deal with this every day it seems.

On the other hand, being flexible and going with the flow is a helpful tool in the tool box. But it doesn’t help us maintain positivity when others choose to display themselves in a manner which appears uncaring and disrespectful as a result of not trying to reach out and work with each other in a time of need. It takes two to collaborate.

Moreover, keeping a positive perspective means recognizing such shortcomings for what they are and reminding ourselves to stay in our positive place despite it all. Our job is not to go about picking other people apart, cutting them down to size or making them feel less than their best. Simultaneously, it is also important to self talk ourselves through the process so as not to beat ourselves or anyone else up during such circumstances.

One of my philosophies in life is to feel whatever it is you are going to feel, acknowledge it, address concerns and then let it go as soon as you can. Sometimes this means finding appropriate time and words to address behaviors and clear the air with the least amount of confrontation, especially when you have to work with the same people for a period of time.

This happened to me this week. I have one project trying to do everything at the last minute and make schedule changes at the drop of a hat, while I am committed to a couple of other projects I already set schedules with, right? No problem. I will make some calls and juggle, if I can. With a show of appreciation and concern for the other projects, I attempted to let them know the situation. 

Unfortunately, one of the projects refused to response in a timely and efficient matter, demonstrated no concern for a sense of urgency in light of the circumstances and came across as rude, disrespectful and uninterested. When you are as cranky and tired as I was, you get a bit ornery and perturbed. I had to sleep on it overnight, get some rest and remind myself not to forget to be positive in every respect.

In the end, it is what it is. It is how we respond and initiate action over our activities and interactions. I was fine with whatever direction I would need to go in, I simply wanted to help all parties achieve the best results. Unfortunately, not everyone else agrees with that philosophy. It helps to recognize this so you know where you stand in any given moment.

Ultimately, do your best and remind yourself not to forget the valuable moments that aide in helping everyone feel good.

In thinking of this, I remembered one individual who personifies everything in the realm of being considerate, communicative, helpful and understanding at every corner and every turn. They do their best to stay on top of schedules and address concerns in a timely manner. I decided to take a moment and write her a thank you email recognizing her abilities and sharing how much I appreciated them for it. After all, it is a real talent.

Finally, today is a new day and a day to feel our best. It’s all good. It’ll all work out for the best, but in the meantime, try and reach out and remember to respond effectively to others. It could mean a lot to a successful outcome. It also encourages good human relations.

Have a great week!

Remember to not forget to keep your positive wits about you, because we’re all in this together!

Cheers!

What’s the Good News?

What’s the Good News?

By Allen Merritt © 2018

I had a wonderful thought this morning. Actually, it was a question (rhetorical).

The question was: What’s the good news?!

I immediately smiled to myself thinking what a great contemplation. 

I can picture someone approaching a friend and saying, “Hey, man! What’s the good news?” and then high-fiving it.

It’s another way to say hello, ask what’s up, what’s going on and, of course, how are you? Moreover, it is a nice way to greet someone or start a conversation.  I also think it’s a nice way to start off the day. It points us in a positive uplifting direction. I don’t think anyone doesn’t love to hear good news.

News doesn’t have to be all about shocking atrocities and horrors. While there are only a handful of outlets that focus on good news, there are at least a few.

Faith based organizations talk about it. Radio programs create inspiring broadcast segments to share and print media offer up feature stories which accentuate the positive.

I decided to go through a stack of old newspapers my roommate flips through every day to see what I could find. I wanted to see how many uplifting or positive headlines and advertisements there were or if anything specific stuck out in a good way. See if any of the following speak to you about anything good or positive.

• Everything You Love is New Again
• Have you Heard the News? It Will Change
• Good to the Last Drop.
• Fun and (Winter) Games
• In Some Ways, These Three Cities are a Little More Than Special
• Brilliant Experience Lights up Old Signs
• The People you Love Would Love to Know
• Small Household Actions Can Lead to Changes in Society
• Delivering a Message
• The Pic Me Up!
• It’s Break Time
• All Good Magazines go to Heaven
• Cuteness Unleashed
• I Can Make You Smile
• At Home on the Farm
• A Magical Mission
• A Better Way to Teach the Gifted and Everyone Else
• A Meeting of the Minds
• In Puerto Rico, Artists Rebuild and Reach Out
• Because Your Time is Valuable
• Where Dogs Have Their Days and Nights

It’s interesting, but most of what you find in the papers isn’t inspiring in the slightest, which goes to prove how important it is to re-channel our energies toward the best of the best and to take notice on what we see in the way of good and goodness. It makes me wonder about purpose. Is the purpose of media to only report the bad news, the shake downs, and the violations?  I suppose personal perspective plays a role on what it is we see and do not see in these headlines. Sometimes it is good to point out the obvious to make headway toward improvement of a situation. On that there is no doubt, but to make everything about pinpointing all that is negative leaves little room for the positive to appear.

I realize that good news and positive insights may be subjective, but I think it is safe to say most individuals would declare it (positivity) as an objective toward healthy living and overall well being. As such, I searched out some resources supporting the topic of good news. I hope these are helpful and worth sharing. Feel free to spread the good news. It’s well worth it.

I found a website titled Our Better World focusing on telling inspirational stories.

www.ourbetterworld.org

Another site hones in on producing “feel good” television. It’s called GoodnessTv. It focuses on global consciousness and positivity.

www.goodnestv.org

The Good News Network (GNN) can be accessed for more of the same enlightenment.

www.goodnews.network.org

The Huffington Post has an arm highlighting the topic of good news.

www.huffintonpost.com/topic/good-news

Then there is this site (Sunny Skyz) purporting weekly good news reports from all over the world.

www.sunnyskyz.com

Here are a couple more worth peeking at:

www.bittersweetmonthly.com

www.lifevestinside.com

Imagine waking up every morning, retrieving the paper and reading,
“Extra! Extra! Good News Today!” It certainly makes me want to stop, view, listen and think. It makes me want to get more involved with all things good. I want to engage in good projects with the right people focused on the right reasons for good, positive, happy and healthy vertical living. 

On that note, spread some good news today. Everyone could sure use it.

Have a great week living life on a positive note.

Cheers!

Keeping Things on the Up And Up!

Keeping Things on the Up and Up!

By Allen Merritt © 2018

In order to keep things going in a positive direction and maintain a positive mindset, one must make choices, decisions and take appropriate actions to do so.

Keeping things on the up and up requires great effort in today’s world!

I have to admit with each passing day it seems harder to keep things together. Life appears more challenging than ever. Of course, there are several reasons for this considering the climate of our world, our country and our communities However,  I would not hesitate to conclude that much our experience(s) has to do with what people are thinking coupled with a lack of good judgment, as well as a certain degree of apathy and selfishness, but not always. It’s an interesting dichotomy.

In fact, every time I leave the house I witness and/or experience all kinds of things from crazy to humbling to funny and wonderful. A vast array of interactions, blatant interruptions from one spectrum to the other come into play once I step foot outside my front door.

For example, last Sunday after dropping off a friend back at their hotel and heading home I almost got hit by a car running a red light. Fortunately, I noticed it in my peripheral and pulled as far over as I could and stopped. The driver simply smiled and moved on as if it was normal to run against the light and endanger other drivers who clearly have the right of way. I notice people do not have the patience to even wait their turn at the red light and often go against the light anyway. This is one example of what it means to keep things on the up and up. If we follow the rules of the road everyone benefits and feels safe. If not, accidents may happen. It pays to be alert.

In any case, if the totality of our behavior included a strong dose of consideration of the cause and effect such choices have on ourselves and others, our experiences would already be pointing us toward more positive outcomes, don’t you think?

How does one keep things on the up and up?

I do not think there is a magic answer for that question. People will be who they are, do what they want to do and say or not say things that cause a multitude of reactions many of which drudge up the negative.

When I ponder the question further, I find myself thinking how I am responsible for my own actions. Keeping things on the up and up on a personal note revolves around my own outlook, choices and decisions as a response to the environmental events I find myself running into or witnessing.

For the most part, the idea refers to feeling good and improving situations. Things are on the rise as opposed to falling apart. More specifically, it maintains a sense of honor and trust between all parties. There is a spirit of compromise, agreeing to disagree, following a partnership protocol that benefits the whole.

If this is not happening, if may feel like it’s you against the world, things are falling apart, no one cares, there are no reasonable guidelines, no manners and no common ground between people. I suppose it is relative to personal upbringing and experiences.

However, in the larger, overall objective picture, there are many good things going on out there, good people doing good things and helping one another out. So what is the answer for keeping things on the up and up in a society filled with many variables attempting to deter one from reaching their goals and obtaining positive results?

Here are some thoughts to consider.

Pay closer attention. Anticipate others may not be considerate.

Stay alert. Watch what is going on around you and who is in your field of vision.

Maintain a sense of humor.

Keep anger in check and replace it with a sense of gratitude.

Look for the goodness and beauty at every turn possible.

Remind yourself to be positive.

Do the best you can with every passing moment.

These ideas may seem common place and repetitious, but they do help keep things on the up and up, if you will. At least it is something to think about!

May life be kind to you this week as you aim toward positivity!

Cheers!

Struck With Laughter!

Struck With Laughter!

By Allen Merritt ©2018

Have you ever had an idea pop into your mind which made you laugh out loud? It happens to me all the time. I can’t help it. Suddenly I burst out laughing in the car driving down the road. I chuckle walking around. I guffaw incessantly in front of people for no apparent reason. Humor just comes to me when I least expect it. I guess one could say I crack myself up! That or I have a warped sense of humor.

This morning I quite literally woke up with two creative ideas. Both were the first things conjured up in my consciousness. One was an idea to brainstorm for a kids story and the other was a joke for a character I was working on. Now, while I did not exactly wake up laughing, I did wake up with humor and that’s an incredible way to wake up, don’t you think?

Many things happen to us throughout our day. Whether it is good, bad or ugly, humor lifts us up despite everything. So in my head I am thinking I should go ahead and laugh at, with or for whatever “it” is. Why? Because I think life is much better when you are laughing. (Maybe I should change the words to Taylor Swift’s song Shake it Off to Laugh it Off!)

I remember on several occasions coming up with a joke and laughing so hard I became red in the face, crying, gasping for air and doubling over as if I was experiencing stomach cramps. (Laughing is a great abdominal workout.) I’m certain the people around me must have thought I was a bit touched in the head or were wondering what was going on. What was I laughing at? What’s so funny? Was I okay?

This very situation happened a couple of days ago while at dinner with a friend. I wrote down an idea (I try to carry pen and pad everywhere) and it struck me funny. I began laughing out loud right then and there in the middle of the restaurant.

Now, it occurs to me how a person has to take advantage of these occasions to laugh whether quietly or uproariously. Let it all out. Release whatever it is they’re holding on to and relax. And, when the joke lasts for a long time, it is a blessing not a hindrance.

As I write this I am reminded of an incident which had me laughing for over a week. It was so funny to me I wrote another blog about it and shared the story. People responded to me saying they laughed so hard they almost wet their pants.

My thought is this, just let the jokes come. Let them keep coming. Don't stand in their way. Let the funny prevail. Allow humor to take precedent and don't make any fuss of it. Embrace the humor. Accept the laughter. Be one with it. Make it your own. Go ahead. Turn your day into a laugh factory. Become a laughing machine. Use it to make a better day. HA!

All in all, if something strikes you funny, my suggestion is not to hesitate, but laugh. It’s okay. Maybe someone else can benefit from your laughter. Let folks in on the joke. It’s not as if some trade secret will be violated. Humor is for sharing, not to be kept to oneself.

On that note, if you would like to go back and have a good laugh at my previous blog, here it is. Enjoy and feel free to pass it on.

https://onapositivenotebyallenmerritt.blogspot.com/2018/01/its-full-moon-out-today.html

Hope this week provides much in the way of humor!

Moreover, may it be chalk full of positive possibilities.

Cheers!

I Lost My Blue Shoe!

I Lost My Blue Shoe!

By Allen Merritt © 2018

Ever feel like you do not fit in or something isn’t quite gelling in your life? Well, here’s a true story I experienced which got me to thinking on it further.

Ready?

Here it is.

I lost a blue shoe yesterday!

It was a blue tennis shoe and NOT a blue suede shoe.

In my mind, I was backtracking to figure out what happened. How did I lose one out of two shoes?

The first thing I did was double check my bags. I remember stuffing the shoes in my carry bag and tying the straps together so as NOT to lose them. (Now, isn’t that funny!) It wasn’t there. I left the apartment and traced my way back to the car and searched the car. No luck!

I must have lost the shoe in question after leaving the rental car center and walking over to my car. Come to think about it, I might have heard a little thud, but didn’t think much about it. Maybe my shoe is lying somewhere on the side of the road or on a sidewalk.

As a side note, I specifically recall noticing a blue tee shirt lying on the sidewalk as I approached my car and thought how interesting that was. In any case, I lost my shoe, which leaves me with only the left foot shoe. Should I get rid of it or wear two different shoes on my feet?

I recall an old colleague who did that on purpose once with cowboy boots. One was red and one was another color I cannot remember. If he can do it, I suppose I could. I certainly would get looks and maybe start a conversation or two. No matter what, it would be a demonstration of not fitting in or something’s a little off in appearance.

In a similar way, isn’t it strange when your socks keep coming up missing once you wash them and transfer them to the dryer? After a while you end up with mismatched singles! I just want to know whatever happened to the other half AND was that missing half actually the better half of the two originals I initially purchased?

All kidding aside, it is a conundrum and a mystery. But isn’t that the way life is? You start out with all the right elements and tools and end up losing some along the way? Somehow, you do not feel complete without the other half.

Ultimately, you are forced to adapt and adjust. You either have to go procure a new pair of socks (or shoes) to feel like you fit in again or you wear mismatched attire and say, “The hell with it. Who cares? Maybe I’ll start a new trend.”

I guess feeling like you fit in means something to just about everyone. Since we are all human and social animals it makes sense how we need to surround ourselves with like-minded people and be involved, participate and actively engaged in societal norms. But it doesn’t always work out that way, does it?

Just like when socks come up missing, each of us comes to a crossroad where a decision is made on where we’re at, what we’re doing or how we’re going to respond to a situation or circumstance. Maintaining a positive mindset helps us move forward even if we never fit in anywhere.

I am sure many people have heard the saying, “Why fit in when you were made to stand out.” Or, how about the cartoon with a bunch of penguins grouped together but one is wearing a red scarf and sings out, “I gotta be me!”

I am thinking the important take away here is never let it get the best of you. If something isn’t a good fit, recognize and accept it. By the same token, don’t reject, bully or criticize it, especially at your own expense. In other words, do not beat yourself up over it. Just keep plugging away and chugging along anyway.

It may seem like a simple little story, but the message I want to convey is not to let these little things bother you. We have to be who we are and accept ourselves first before others can chime in anyway. And, we cannot please everyone or make them happy. So if you end up feeling like a mismatched oddity, then work with it! Enjoy the day regardless, because no one is walking in your shoes or living your life for you.

The question for me is what will I do with the other shoe? Do I wait for that shoe to drop? Do I turn it into a giant key chain? Do I just throw it in the closet? Or, do I throw it away? Maybe I will set it up my desk as a constant reminder of fulfilling my own purpose and being myself, as well as utilizing my talents to the best of my ability.

With that in mind, make this week a positive experience whether or not the shoe is on the right foot or whether or not the shoe fits.

I guess there is no business like shoe business!

Anyone seen my other blue tennis shoe?

Postscript: After writing this blog I decided to hop in the car and jet over toward the rental car center. Lo and behold I found the other shoe! I am back in business, folks. Those blue shoes were made for dancing and I am going dance the week away!

Cheers!

Do What You Can’t!

Do What You Can’t!

By Allen Merritt © 2018

You can’t do that!

You won’t do it!

You aren’t able to!

Do these phrases remind you of anything? 

What is the first thing you think of when you read them? 

Do they bring back a memory? Do they bring up a sensitive subject? Are you reminded of a time when someone or a situation tried to put limits on you and your abilities, trying to squash your dreams or turn you away from trying to achieve? Or, are you the type who simply shrugs them off?

There are many ways to say it and no matter how it is conveyed the idea of being told “you can’t” brings everything to a stop.

I suppose it generally begins during childhood when we are reminded constantly by our parents that we “can’t”. We hear the word “no” so often it is probably the first word we learn.

For me, the first thing I remember as it relates to these statements dates back to an event during my childhood whereby I had the whole house to myself one afternoon. As the story goes, I was an imaginative and artistically inclined kid. On that particular afternoon I decided to perform a worldwide concert tour all over the house. I grabbed a wooden spoon from the kitchen drawer and headed off to some foreign land. The tour went from one end of the house to the other. I sang in the living room. I sang in the den. I sang on top of the toilet in the bathroom. And let’s not forget the bathtub, which had a built in curtain.

One place was England, another Australia. Then I was in New York City. I jumped up and down on my bed, wiggled and jiggled all around the house and wound up in the kitchen up on top of the counters. I was on stage. I was having such a great time being this mega superstar singer when my mother walked in from the den. She had returned home without my noticing and stood there watching (probably shaking her head left to right).  Long story short, she hit me with, “Son, you can’t carry a tune in a bucket.”

There it was!

The proverbial, “You can’t!”

Now, there often is a reason for this. Our parents are trying to teach and protect us. 

However, over time that negative tidbit dictates as often as not how we approach life and opportunities. I believe everyone needs an occasional reminder that we are stronger than we know.

I read a banner not long ago, “Do What You Can’t!” and found myself inspired to re-visit the subject. 

Parents are not the only ones telling us we can’t do something. Teachers, employers, friends, colleagues and industry professionals all are quick to point out inadequacies without thinking twice. Some even think it’s their duty.

While individually we are not always capable of being in the number one spot, many people are able to do more than given credit for. Some need guidance and motivation. But to come right out and say someone “can’t” without giving them a chance only stifles potentiality.

This is prevalent on competition shows. There’s only one winner, but tons of talent on display. If you listen to some of their stories, you can tell many were told they “couldn’t” for so long it became emotional for them to discover they made it this far.

My interpretation of this “you can’t” ideology focuses on the individual proving to themselves what they can and cannot do. Success is not merely defined by status, but participation. If you love to sing and cannot stop yourself from whistling, humming and singing songs, then you “CAN” do that.  There are many ways to engage and participate from mentoring to teaching to actual performance of the skill. There is more than one way to live out a dream and several ways to achieve what you love to do. There are tons of options these days. The key element here is discovering where we fit into the picture using our skill-sets.

There is a reason some advertisers promote possibilities and it isn’t just to sell a product. It’s to sell us on the idea that we have prospect and potential.

So in order to kick the “can’t” right out of your vocabulary, try playing kick the “can” instead. Tell everyone the “t” is silent and you are trying on a new statement. Give it a whirl!

Yes you can!

Now, to finish the story, after my mother told me I couldn’t sing, I made considerable effort to prove her wrong. I was determined. Oh, I sang. I sang in the high school musical, in community theater and made it an aspect of my performing career. While I may not be the best singer in the world, I “can” sing and it has served me well.

So the next time you hear it, think it or shy away because of the “you can’t do it,” take a moment to reconsider and try anyway.

You just might find out what you are made of and that you actually CAN do it.

Take this with you throughout the week as you explore living life on a positive note.

Cheers!

Rise & Shine!

Rise & Shine!

By Allen Merritt © 2018

As Easter approaches, I find myself thinking about several early morning phrases such as “Morning Glory,” “Wake up sleepy-head,” “Up and at ‘em lazy bones” and, of course, “Rise and shine.”

Rise and shine particularly stands out to me.

I suppose it is because of how it suggests being called up out of our slumber or dark place. Maybe it speaks to me as a voice of encouragement. Either way, it has a measure of meaning attached to it. It steps beyond the standard early morning wake-up call.

We're not just waking up, getting out of bed, and splashing our face, brushing our teeth, having breakfast and getting started with our day. Rise and shine refers to the idea of working towards our goals; achieving and believing. It also has something to do with perseverance, resilience and bouncing back after an unfortunate event, tragedy or obstacle. Think of the Phoenix rising out of the ashes.

Last November, a friend of mine experienced a tragic moment when his house caught fire and burned down to the ground. He lost almost everything including a lot of product which was part of his business. Fortunately, he chose to keep a positive mindset. He told me he had no time to be sad. He was moving forward. He was doing lots of things to keep his life going in a positive direction. More importantly, he continued working on his project and promoting his business venture despite the circumstances. My friend is truly a prime example of the rise and shine mentality, like the Phoenix flying up and out of the ashes.

I think of this during Easter as it is an important reminder of the rise and shine principle. In Christian tradition, Jesus was persecuted, buried and rose on the third day.  The story about his resurrection is something all human beings can relate to no matter what your faith is. Whether you believe that a man could have come back and resurrected from the dead and ascend into a spiritual realm or not doesn’t make any difference. Why? Because we all experience different kinds of situations where we feel like we're losing ourselves. 

There are times we are not on target. Times we’re not moving forward. Times we are being forced under, as if we're drowning. And yet, somehow we keep on keeping on and bounce back. The rise and shine perspective demonstrates our nature toward continuing on and surviving.

I once worked on a workshop production of a beautiful musical entitled Abyssinia while living in New York City. This wonderful piece brought together a diverse group of people; the spirit of music coupled with faith in the midst of tragic events and combined them in such a fashion to leave you with some measure of hope toward everything life offers up. It speaks of healing over time. I recall one numbers lyrics going something like this: 

Rise and shine sweet spirit, make this a happy day! 

Rise and shine sweet spirit, make this a happy day!

We are survivors. That’s what we do. We grow, learn and survive.

Sometimes we may not think we are, but it’s what we do because we're living beings until we’re not.

So in some part of my brain I’m thinking resilience, rising and shining and moving forward towards the end of one day and the beginning of each new day means we are stronger than we know. We are beyond capable. Something within us revives, resurrects and resumes where we left off. We rise and we shine.

For what it's worth, it seems an appropriate day to remind ourselves that keeping our mental perspective in sync with living a life of positivity helps us achieve that goal of not only rising and shining, but in moving onward from that which would hold us down.

Keep up that good spirit this week. Remember the song!

Rise and shine sweet spirit AND make it a happy day!

Cheers!