Change Your Story!
06/02/03
John Alston and Lloyd Thaxton, in their new book, Stuff Happens (and then you fix it), know that taking charge of one's own life story sets the stage for important change: "Whatever you believe to be, you act out. It's as if we all have our own drama, our own soap opera that we star in. We each have our own stories, and we live out the drama. They're based on our past experience and what people tell us. There are a lot of things that keep us from looking ahead, but by and large, it's the story you believe that either helps or hinders you. Change your life? Start changing your story."
If your own personal soap opera's ratings have been falling lately, it might be time to make changes in some of your key character's attributes or refocus the story line in a more positive direction. Our own personal habits have a way of perpetuating problems at a time when change is desperately needed. Those habits are cemented by past experiences and stories that we keep replaying. When frustrated or pressed for time, do you try a new way or revert to the way you have always done it? Too many times we fall back to past coping styles instead of being open to new ways of reacting. If you do what you have always done, you'll get the results you have always received. People have often said to me, "I wish I had your attitude!" I have always replied, "Take it. It won't hurt me!" Who are the people you respect the most? If they were starring in your soap opera, how would they respond? What attitude would they bring to your situation? This week, try acting out their attitudes and actions in your life's story on and off the job. Maybe some new habits can begin to be established. Who knows? Your own soap opera may even take on a more positive story line as a result!
(...In these demanding and difficult times, you may want a real lift and some strategies worth using to help get you back in control of your attitude and actions. TV personality and producer Lloyd Thaxton and my friend and professional colleague, John Alston, have written a book entitled…Stuff Happens (and then you fix it!) For a closer look go to http://r.ms00.net/s/c?7r.4u78.1.25z8.28g
MONDAY'S MIRTHFUL MOMENT
This week's mirthful moment comes from Judith Stark, a first grade teacher who collected well known proverbs. She then gave each child in her class the first half of a proverb and asked them to come up with the remainder of the proverb. The insights from these 6-year-old children will help start your week with a laugh. They come to us via Dr. Ann Week's Ezine "Weeks of Fun #348." Enjoy!
Better to be safe than......................punch a 5th grader.
Strike while the ............................bug is close.
Don't bite the hand that....................looks dirty.
No news is..................................impossible.
You can't teach an old dog new..............math.
Don't put off till tomorrow what............you put on to go to bed.
If at first you don't succeed...............get new batteries.
When you keep your eyes open for mirth, you just may find it! Hope this kicks off your morning and helps get your mood adjusted for the week. Now, get busy MAKING CHANGE WORK and have some fun along the way!...