Write Your Own Happy 2017 Story

I've been mentally working on, well, thinking about, how I'd like to write a book.  I just haven't really gotten it all straight in my head how to do it.  My friend Phil Geryshak once told me to just write something every day ....  ah, a task easier said than done. Nevertheless, I'll keep working at it.

Tonight, my daughter shared a post that I think I'll also use to up my writing ante...  it seems fun and inspiring, and hopefully, it won't fall to the wayside as old school New Year's resolutions. I thought it is so good, I should share with everyone, even though this is not my original idea. The concept is simple and easy.  Start with an empty jar and a small pad of mini note sized papers...  maybe even colored 3" x 5" cards... colored will make the end result more joyful!

The goal might be to write something "good" every week or more often if you wish...  in the end, you will see what a "good" year you actually did enjoy.

It's so very easy to get caught up in the drama, the negative or the unhappy.  I urge you to ensure you are nothing but positive and good in your mini stories.  No blah, no woe is me, only positive and good.  What fun it might be to use those notes to write your own "My Good Life" blog in 2018.  Please, please, please... share your stories with me, let's change the world for the good in 2017.

- - - 
Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us
Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/JoinDan

Never, ever, forget how amazing you are and can be!

Merry Christmas, with a Touch of Old School

This has not been the easiest of Christmas seasons for me, the Christmas spirit never seemed to break through and bring in the joy and happiness of the season.  I've tried, nothing worked.  Whatever your faith and beliefs are, I did use to go to church.  For a very long time, I have fallen off the wagon so to speak, and perhaps, that has something to do with the declining mental state and life turmoil.  I'm sure it is not the entire cause, but, I'm also sure it has played a role.  A little after 11:00 pm tonight, after all others in this household had long ago gone to bed, I was searching for a church online with a midnight Christmas service.  Don't they do that anymore?  In any case, I did not find one close enough to go to, but I did catch some semblance of what I was looking for on TV of all places.

I finished wrapping gifts I had gotten.  I won't go into the details, but I think part of my issue with Christmas, gift giving, and how we do things today, is that I don't like the way it is done... it is not personal or with feelings at all, at least in my humble opinion.  Meaning no disrespect to how you or anyone else celebrates, I'm just not a fan of how disrespectful, impatient, and the lack of love in the world today.  Maybe it is just me.

I remind myself all the time of the teaching I have received of some of the best teachers in the world on personal development.  I remember times in the past where I would wish or pray for things "as I wanted the", or thought they should be.  Maybe that was not always the same as God had things planned, or in his timeframe.  I first heard it from Jim Rohn, he said: "don't wish for life to be easier, wish that I were better".  I keep trying and that is what keeps me going.  The tension in my shoulders is getting unbearable, I need to get a lot better, soon!

So at some time this side of midnight, Christmas Day 2016, I got a little bit of Christmas spirit.  I went in and spruced up the 3 trees we have (down from 17 last year) only because my wife came home for a few weeks and wanted a tree and my son Tyler came home from his job in Florida, and he has the decorator touch, wanted one too.  They all decorated a few days ago, I had little involvement, no spirit or desire.  Tonight, I finished them to look like the amazing trees we use to have.  I'm hoping, when the Carol and the 3 boys awake and come down in the morning, they will enjoy them.  I know I like them a whole lot now and am really missing all that was wasted this year with my lack of motivation....  what a waste.

It reminds me of the stories I remember that back in the day, even before the time when I was a kid, kids would go to bed at night on Christmas Eve in anticipation of Santa coming.  Santa would bring a tree, decorate it and leave a few present for the good boys and girls.  That may have happened when I was young, I just don't remember.  I do remember waking up about 3:00 am, finding that Santa had been there and waking my sisters up (or they woke me up)...  we'd finally wake my parents about 4:00 am to open presents.  Never knew why they didn't get much sleep.

So, here I am at 3:07 am, the trees are finished, Santa has arrived, things are more or less cleaned up and it's time to catch a few winks.  Merry Christmas to each and everyone that may read this... I'm hoping your Christmas is a special day in your heart and that the New Year will bring forth your wishes, desires, and lots of happiness.

Never forget, the reason for the season is the birth of Jesus, first and foremost, however you celebrate it.

My main trees grouping, 2016

My kids 2016

Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas

In this season of celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, it is also time to reflect upon our own lives. I have never felt so alone and at such a loss for the Christmas spirit than I am this year and tonight.  With so many blessings around, it seems impossible, but I am in such a void.  I want you to never suffer the pain, life is too short for the drama, complaining, the me, me, me attitudes and not really carrying about others.

I love my kids, grandkids, and others, but feel at a loss for the ability to do anything for them that makes any difference.  Nothing seems to matter or make a difference.  I seek prayers and caring.  Give of yourself to others, that is all that matters.  Someone out there cares and is in need to be a part of something bigger than themselves, I will find them.

My children, whom I was able to spend part of Christmas Eve with

Give someone a hug, and mean it....

It's All Pretty SImple

There are two simple truths that we all could live by.  Doing so would certainly make the world around us better, especially our relationships with others.  The first was taught to me by my Dad.  Looking back I'd have to say he was a well intentioned, telephone construction business owner - he built and managed the infrastructure....  the poles, the cables, and such.  He made sure I understood that when you do a job, do it right the first time.  You don't get paid to go back and do it right the second time.

Think about that from a business owners perspective.  As a business owner, when you are paid to do a job and it is not done correctly, completely or with low quality....  what's the outcome?  A dissatisfied customer.  You need to go back and fix whatever was not done right the first time...  or finish what didn't get done...  for to fix the low-quality work (have you seen Scott and Amie Yancy on "Flipping Vegas" do a house walk through with a roll of blue tape?). The business owner doesn't get to charge more, or to get paid again, but the cost of rework are an unnecessary expense that just doesn't need to happen.  Have pride in your work and do it right the first time.

From an employees point of view, some may be thinking, what do you care?  You get more hours, you get paid for more hours (presuming it was an hourly job).  Why should you care?  The answer is simple, you are paid what you are worth, not what you need.  Just because you hand cups of coffee out a window or taking fast food orders, doesn't mean you are worth $15 per hour.  Get educated to do something that has more value.  Obviously, we have found that order taking can be automated...  learn to install or repair that equipment.  I once had a person working for me that did nothing but bitch and complain about anything and everything.  The person was capable of doing some things extremely well, but when they didn't feel like doing what I wanted, they found excuses, did horrible work and honestly, most customers did not want to have to work with the person.  Despite the fact I believe they were really being paid much more than the value added to the business, they made pretty good money nevertheless.  The problem arose when there were opportunities for advancement or special high profile task - why were they never chosen?  Why didn't they get bonuses?  Why?  They didn't fulfill the opportunity the job presented right, the first time and every time.  If you want to move up: earn it, prove it. and make your employer be your absolute best customer.

This leads me to the second truth.  A person I consider a great friend and mentor (and yes, mentors can be younger than you are) turned me on to books and reading.  Self-improvement, leadership, and management books to be exact.  I'd like to think I was a good guy to work for, perhaps too soft at times, perhaps not opened eyed enough at times, but always, caring for those that worked for me.  I always stood in front of them and protected them.  However, there is always more to learn and ways to improve.  The second truth is when you take care of others, they will take care of you.  Don't read that only on the surface, read and think deep.

One of the many books I refer to in my lifelong learning process is "The Purple Cow" by Seth Godin.  While not my favorite book, it begins right away with the second truth, in not so many words.  Please get the book and read the first chapter for the details.  It led me to the making of purple cow lapel pins to give to truly extraordinary people.  What's an extraordinary person?  A person that does their job or performs their actions in such a way that people remember how good they are.  It's easy to remember those who are a pain in the keester, but, what name comes right to mind when you think of someone extraordinary?  They just might be a member of my purple cow club.  They do what they do in such a way it makes you smile.  Just as if you had seen a purple cow grazing in the pastures of France as you drove through the countryside many years ago ...  you'd still be talking about how extraordinary that was.

I recently gave Pam Willette a purple cow pin, she is truly an amazing person and an important part of the Scentsy family.  I've got a pin with Cait's name on it from Dunkin Donuts, Ludlow, MA - she should be a customer service trainer for Dunkin to teach other that work the window how to be as extraordinary as she is.

If we all stopped complaining (especially when others do things differently than you would have) and starting giving more than they take...  and became extraordinary in all we do, I think we'd all feel a whole lot better about ourselves.  If you have people in your life that can't do that, maybe we should start seeking out those we should be connecting with.

My best

- - - 
Check out my Scentsy Web store at: http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us
Want to join my amazing team of consultants?  http://bit.ly/JoinDan

Never, ever, forget how amazing you are and can be!

Doing the Little Things

Something must be sinking in. 

As I walked to the far ends of the WalMart parking lot and unloaded the few things I purchased, I found myself looking for a place to leave the cart ... then I was immediately reminded of listening to a Joel Osteen Podcast when he was telling the story of how Joyce Meyer for the longest time fought with the notion of returning shopping carts back to a cart corral rather than leaving them stranded in parking lots. It's all about doing even the little things that seem to have little significance, every time.  It does that work.

Change does not happen until change happens ... I walked half way back to the store to return the cart to where it should be left. I will get back to being a better me, the me that people liked, the me that I liked.  as I was.

Go and start doing the little things.

- - - 

Check out my Scentsy Web store at http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us

Want to join my amazing team of Scentsy consultants?  http://bit.ly/JoinDan

Never, ever, forget how amazing you are and can be!

A Renewal

the look of how I feel

In the past, I have always been a guy that has tried to do the right thing, to help others and to move forward and upward in whatever I do.  For the past several years, I have not even felt close to that feeling.  I feel overwhelmed, unhappy, living in a changing world that is not changing for the better, in my humble opinion.  I have not been able to do anything about it.

Was I always successful?  No.  Did I make mistakes? Yes.  Was I fooled by many people?  Yes.  Was I being judged?  Yes.  Did I take it personally?   Yes.   Do I need to change?   Yes.

Back in about 1991, the first time I walked into BLM's Carlsbad Resource Area in Carlsbad, NM, an office I was about to start working at, the first person I met was Yolanda Leon.  At that time, she was sitting at the reception desk and we struck up a conversation while I was waiting.  After a long conversation, she suddenly stopped, looked at me and said, with this inquisitive look, "You're Christian, aren't you?"  From that moment on, I knew I was doing something right.  That was a moment I'll never forget.

I worked, I tried, I did all I could to provide it all for my family, the best that I knew how.  I worked harder and did things at work to make it better.  I always did what I thought was the right thing to do.  Obviously, not all those decisions worked out.  Today, some 25 plus years later, I feel broken, overwhelmed and as if I have lost it all.  I have only a couple of what I consider true friends.  I feel many who said they were my friends have gone by the wayside because I am no longer a conduit for them...  they were fake and I was taken in.  I have friends that have taken total advantage of me, as I apparently let them because I am not into controversy and fighting back.  

Nothing feels good now, alone and unhappy.  The best thing I do is listen to Joel Osteen on Sirius XM.

Many people say that happiness in within us, we are in control of it.  I've tried, I still don't get how to say I am responsible for being happy on the inside when nothing on the outside seems to be working.  My outside appearance is fake.  Fake for who, so others won't know?  Fake so I didn't have to answer questions or explain why.  That has gotten to the point I can't take it anymore.  All negative doesn't work, living for someone else's benefit doesn't work.

Who knew that this little device in my tool kit would light the light.  Some may know that I maintain my technology skills by repairing Apple iPhones and iPads (see my PhoneFixer Facebook page).  The tiny screwdrivers I use are magnetic to make it easier to grasp the tiny screws used in these devices.  Occasionally, the magnetic properties seem to fade and I use this little $3.00 part to renew the magnetism level in the screwdriver.  During a repair last week, it struck me.  

I like the look much better

All I need to do is to do the same to my mental and physical state.  Perhaps that is exactly what I am doing by listening to Joel Osteen.  His podcast is renewing me.  I can't change those people of things around me, only they can.  If the people choose not to have me a part of their life as they once did, their loss, but it is not going to bother me anymore.  The things that are messed up will take the time to correct.  It took a lot of time to get messed up, it will take a while to get it cleaned up.  However, I refuse to be in doom and gloom until it is all fixed...  I will celebrate along the way, with or without my past friends.  I am finding there are non-judgemental people that understand what I mean and they will be the people I enjoy time with.  Those are the special people.  Those encouraging my renewal, so I begin to feel as I once looked and felt.

Please welcome back the Dan I use to be, it is a work in progress, don't expect miracles overnight, but do expect celebrations as we take baby steps forward.

The renewal has begun.

I've always been a leadership and management book reader, rarely cover to cover, but to find and learn more about something I may have read or heard.  My great friend and author, Kirk Weisler (http://kirkweisler.com) really led me to some of the best books through his "Books and Breakfast" series at events where he is a keynote speaker or trainer.  Such a wealth of knowledge can be found in books - what a concept we should all embrace.  One thing I've never forgotten was his story of lifelong learning.  He led me to discover the following tid bits.

Brian Tracey wrote: 

Commit to Lifelong Learning

One quality of leaders and high achievers in every area seems to be a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development. They look upon themselves as self-made people, as "works in progress." They never become complacent or satisfied. They are always striving toward ever greater heights of knowledge and understanding.

Get to the Top in Five Years

Earl Nightingale said many years ago that one hour per day of study in your chosen field was all it takes. One hour per day of study will put you at the top of your field within three years. Within five years you’ll be a national authority. In seven years, you can be one of the best people in the world at what you do.

So I'm passing this along

Calling all you who want to be better, at anything... Anyone can participate and you can be anywhere in the world! The further we get, the better. All you have to do is get your favorite self-improvement book and send it to one person and share this message anyway you want... on Facebook, Twitter, whatever. Just tell those who read what you write, if they want to join the school of lifelong learning, just like my post or send me a message and tell me you like it and want to join. That's it.  If all those that "like" what we're doing, you could receive many books back. If you are interested, click "like" or let me know by connecting with me, and I will message you all the details. Happy reading! I'll see you at the top (Zig Ziglar actually said that).

By the way, in full disclosure, Kirk knows NOTHING about this.... I didn't tell him, but I mention him because he is a mentor of mine, a leader, and a teacher extraordinaire, the Chief Morale Officer, and the originator of "Books and Breakfast"... someone very special to me.... and someone most of us can look up to....

I just packed Benjamin Zander's "The Art of Possibility" to send to someone in New York City.  

Remember Rule #6

Today's PSA - Driving Courtesy

Today's PSA comes to you from drivers everywhere: 
When another driver slows or stops and signals to you so you can pull into traffic... at least have the common courtesy to give a thank you or wave in appreciation.  Then if you are going to turn, use your directional signal, that's why you have one.  These are just simple acts that are the right thing to do.

These small acts of kindness and courtesy are some of the little things we can all do to ease tensions and make it a better world.  Try it at least once today, comment below and tell us all how it felt....  from the perspective of letting someone into traffic or being let in by someone else (without forcing your way in).

I love my Spaghetti Meat Sauce

In my opinion, there is nothing better than a great, thick meat sauce on spaghetti or in lasagna.  Meaning no disrespect to the jarred brand labels sauces, they just don't cut it.  Not being able to find what I really like led me to start experimenting many years ago when I was in the catering business.  Of course, then, I was mainly building a sauce to use with baked ziti for hundreds of people, I now normally only make it crock pot size batches for dinner, dipping and left overs.

Yesterday, I think I made my best ever.

All sorts of comments on Facebook for the picture I posted, thank you very much, I was asked if I was going to share the sauce and my recipe.  Ha!  You better get here quick if you want to try some and I don't use a recipe!  Nevertheless, I will give you the gist of what I use and how I make it.  My guess is that this will be the most expensive spaghetti sauce there is, but, you get what you pay for.

Since I really don't use a recipe, the amount, quantities and sizes are approximate...  that is the fun with building it.  I'd call this a typical batch for a family dinner, maybe some left over for tomorrow or for using warmed up in a salsa like manner with taco chips.

I start with jarred sauce, it's a good start.  I'm partial to Prego, I think if you are just going to have jarred sauce on spaghetti, Prego is the best....  but it needs my help.  For this batch, a large jar, it's about 67 ounces or just over 4 pounds.  Add to a crock pot of sufficient size to hold this and a lot more.

Next I cook up at least a pound and a half at the minimum of good quality ground beef.  Browned and broken up.  Drain all the liquid off and just add the ground beef into your crock pot.  When I say drain off, I will normally keep the liquid to cook sausage in, right in the same pan works well.

In the ground beef drippings, I add a package of sausage.  We're not talking breakfast sausage links, but, the large, fat pieces.  Normally I just use sweet sausage however once in a while I would mix in some hot sausage or use all hot sausage.  You could use garlic sausage or any combination to suit your taste.  Normally about 6 pieces for a batch this size.  Once cooked, before adding to the sauce, I either chop it into very small pieces or chop in a blender.

There's nothing like good pepperoni either.  Most often ground in a blender or shipped into very small pieces (a lot more work).  I only use beef pepperoni, I'm not crazy about the turkey variety.

Depending on my mood when making it, I may also add chopped pieces of cooked mushrooms, hard salami or anything else that suits my fancy, and is available in the refrigerator.  These are often not added unless I purposely get  the items knowing I'm going to make a batch.

Typical ingredients:

• Prego sauce of any flavor - classic, meat, mushroom ....  which ever you want
• Ground beef - at least a pound and a half
• Sausage - about 6 pieces (ground up)
• Pepperoni - a good size piece from a stick or half a bag of slices (chopped)
• Cooked chopped mushrooms or other meats
• occasionally, finely chopped celery and onion
• Spices to taste:
  Salt and Pepper
  Onion salt
  Oregano
  Old Bay (thanks to Rita)
  Basil
  Garlic salt
  whatever else strikes me - and there usually are more

All stirred up in the crock pot, sample often, simmer on warmer or low for 4-6 hours....  delish!

- - - - - 

Check out my Scentsy pages and connect with me,
If you are outside of North America, check out Director Dan's Happenings
blog post "Scentsy Around the World",

http://DanGreeley.Scentsy.us

I really want to quit, to stop, to not feel the churning inside

There have been many tines in my life I thought I had hit rock bottom.  I hurt.  I failed.  I felt like giving up.  I kept going, some how, some way.  Those times are too many to count, to painful to remember.  Today I feel worst.  I hurt more. I failed more, and more, and even more.  I make no one happy, especially me.  I really want it to stop, I don't know how.  No one cares.  They may say they do, but only if it is on their terms, their way, I don't really matter.  I've never felt so hurt, so alone.

I can't fake it anymore.  I love my family, I don't feel love back.  I love my grand kids and failed with them, I'm but a stranger.  I open my mouth, it's wrong of me, that's what I hear.  I ways are wrong, it doesn't matter to them, it's not what they want, I'm wrong, again and again.  My stomach churns.

I want it to end, I want it to go away.

The Quabbin Reservoir in Western Massachusetts

Upon moving to Massachusetts in the late 1990's, we were introduced to the Quabbin Reservoir. 

At the time, to me, it was just a very big lake in the area I was moving to. A big lake indeed. over 190 miles of shoreline, the reservoir (not really a lake), has an average depth of over 50 feet to a maximum of about 150 feet, running 18 miles long.

In the late 1920's,legislative action authorized construction of the reservoir as a water supply for the Boston area. Today it supplies clean, fresh water to about 2.5 million residents. The Quabbin Reservoir is the largest inland body of water in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and was built between 1930 and 1939. In many ways, it makes me think this could have been a predecessor to construction of Lake Mead and the Hover dam in Nevada.

I am no history buff, but since moving here, to Athol in 1997, at the north end of the Quabbin, followed by purchasing a home in New Salem on the northwest end, I have leaned a few things about the construction. Most importantly, 4 former Massachusetts towns are now under the Quabbin. Most recently, I found a WGBY documentary "Under Quabbin", made in 2001, but it is new and interesting to me.... I hope you enjoy it as well.

Take a peek at: http://www.pbs.org/video/2365046325/

This is True Rocket Science

NASA 

a lackluster picture was taken with an
iPhone 5s zoomed as much as it can

A few weeks ago I heard on the news that the International Space Station would be passing over my neck of the woods and would be visible with the naked eye.  I went out at 11:35pm as the newscasters had suggested and a few seconds after 11:37pm (the exact time they said it would pass), there in the sky was a tiny starlike dot, screaming across the sky.  It sort of reminded me of an airplane flying overhead in the darkness of night, but there were no red flashing lights like are often seen on an airplane, just a dot, moving very fast.

I've been mesmerized.

I think most of us know there is an International Space Station, launched November 20, 1998, the ISS continues flying circles around the earth about every hour and a half, travels about 17,150 mph.  That's about 4.7 miles per second!

It was suggested I download an app for my iOS smartphone called "goisswatch".  It's pretty cool and provides a ton of information including the exact times the ISS will fly by my location so I can get an eyeful, where to look in the sky with a sky map and lots more.  It's available for iOS, Android and others.  There is a widget below for you to check out your geographic location, anywhere in the world.

Check out NASA for interesting facts and figures...  and gain an understanding how important getting a great education is...  true rocket science.

I Pledge Allegiance

This writing is quite simple, it is a reminder that within borders of the United States of America, and its territories, and to live here is a privilege.  It is also a reminder of Title 4 of the United States Code, Chapter 1 in particular, the United State Flag Code.  To live in this country and enjoy the freedoms, protections and opportunities offered to those living here, carry with it the need to support that for which you are enjoying life, an allegiance to this country.

This is not about heritage.  It's not about where our forefathers came from nor where we may have moved here from.  It is all about living in this country and honoring its values, traditions, beliefs, tolerance and any other description term you'd like to add.  

To begin with, even before becoming a citizen, all living here should pledge an allegiance for the right to even be here.

"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." 

Section 4 of the Flag Code states: The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag: "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.", should be rendered by standing at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. When not in uniform men should remove any non-religious headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should remain silent, face the flag, and render the military salute."

As Americans, we allow others to bring many of their traditions and beliefs with them when they come to live in this country.  That should be under the condition they do not oppose any American belief and tradition and live here as Americans would.  You don't have to partake in American traditions, but you are not allowed to oppose them.  

For the rest of us, it's time to get back to basics, every classroom in every school starts the day with a Pledge of Allegiance.  We allow those who choose to, pray in schools and around the flag poles on school grounds.

If there are things you do not like about living here, including an unwillingness to Pledge Allegiance to our flag, you should leave, today.

Has Your Cell Phone Battery Failed?

Damaged iPhone 5s battery on the left,
new battery on the right

Have you ever had problems with your cell phone battery that "just doesn't last as long as it used to"?  Most of us have had that experience, you're not alone.  Experience says there are 3 basic reasons for battery failures:

1. least likely is a manufacturing defect
2. next, the battery has overheated, maybe because of the last, and most likely reason, 
3. the battery has been overcharged or charged too long

A manufacturing defect is possible but unlikely.  Have you ever felt your cell phone "get hot"?  Despite the actual cause of overheating, heat damages the battery.  Let's just jump to the most probable cause - over charging.  Why is this the most probable cause?  Most of us are likely using inferior, aftermarket chargers and cables because we don't know where the original charger and cable are that came with the phone.  The originals are the best to use and "shouldn't" cause overcharging, but could if they have failed or are damaged.

In my opinion, the "best" option is to use the cable and charger that came with your phone and not one you purchased at the local grocery or pharmacy, you just don't know how good they really are.  Here is a great Apple article on  "Maximizing Battery Life and Lifespan".   Lifehacker also has an excellent write up on the proper charging and care of Lithium Ion batteries.  Remember, Lithium Ion batteries are not the same as the old style batteries some of us, if you're old enough to remember, used in flashlights and other electronics.

- - - - -

Don't forget to check out my page on Facebook as the "PhoneFixer".  I'm a certified iTech, mobile device repair specialist.

When You're Down, Remember "The Power of the Dream"

In August 1996, almost 20 years ago from this day, was the first time I ever heard Celine Dion sing.  From the closing ceremonies of the Atlanta Summer Olympic games, I forever became her fan.  Not only because she was an amazing singer, but because from within the song she sang, was a message like I had never heard in a song before.  I've never been a connoisseur of music, I don't know the words to songs, who sings most songs or even that most songs told a story...  but, that day, I heard her message and it has been my favorite, ever since.

I've always thought of myself as a student of leadership, management, and lifelong learning.  If I had a theme song, this would be it...  the inspiration to keep going, The Power of the Dream



The lyrics...
Let the resonate within you, let them inspire you to believe

Deep within each heart
There lies a magic spark
That lights the fire of our imagination
And since the dawn of man
The strength of just " I can "
Has brought together people of all nations

There's nothing ordinary
In the living of each day
There's a special part
Every one of us will play

Feel the flame forever burn
Teaching lessons we must learn
To bring us closer to the power of the dream
As the world gives us its best
To stand apart from all the rest
It is the power of the dream that brings us here

Your mind will take you far
The rest is just pure heart
You'll find your fate is all your own creation
And every boy and girl
As they come into this world
They bring the gift of hope and inspiration

Feel the flame forever burn
Teaching lessons we must learn
To bring us closer to the power of the dream
The world unites in hope and peace
We pray that it will always be
It is the power of the dream that brings us here

There's so much strength in all of us
Every woman, child and man
It's the moment that you think you can't
You'll discover that you can

Feel the flame forever burn
Teaching lessons we must learn
To bring us closer to the power of the dream
The world unites in hope and peace
We pray that it will always be
It is the power of the dream that brings us here

Feel the flame forever burn
Teaching lessons we must learn
To bring us closer to the power of the dream
The world unites in hope and peace
We pray that it will always be
It is the power of the dream that brings us here

The power of the dream
The faith in things unseen
The courage to embrace your fear
No matter where you are
To reach for your own star
To realize the power of the dream
To realize the power of the dream
- - - - - 

I share with you to perhaps give you the positive thoughts to get past any negative times you are having, the belief that we have the power within what we can dream.

Kids Speak With Such Logic and Reasoning

Ever notice how innocently kids talk?  Simple and straightforward.  I guess it is because they have not been through the spoils their fellow human beings will deal them over the years.  They have no expectations beyond what they have already learned.  Too bad our leaders and politicians didn't talk and think the way kids do, at least in some circumstances.

A few nights ago I was talking about my business at an acquaintance's house, when the conversation turned political, something I never get into.  They had a couple of youngsters, I'm thinking under 7 or 8 years old, who was also listening intently about what I did with Scentsy.  Near the end of our conversation, I asked their little girl what she wanted to be when she grew up.  Without hesitation, she said she wanted to be the President some day.  I'm thinking even in this crazy election season, our little ones must be picking up on some of what is going on.  Yup, I want to be a girl President.  I soon discovered her parents were both liberal Democrats.  Since I had opened the political can of worms with their daughter, I thought I might continue since they seemed very happy with her answer.  So, I asked, "If you were President, what would be one of the first things you would do?"

Again, without hesitation, she replied, "I'd give food and houses to all the homeless people."  Her parents were beside themselves, beaming with pride.

"Wow, what a really nice thing to do," I told her. "But, you don't need to wait until you are President to do that.  You can come over to my house and help me clean up after my dogs, sweep the floors, help me pick up things out in the yard and a few other things.  I'll pay you $50.  When we are done, I'll take you over near the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use for food and a new house."

She sat there thinking about what I had just said.  After several moments of silence, she looked up at me, staring me right in the eye and asked, "why doesn't the homeless guy come over and do the work themselves, and you could just pay him the $50?"

I said, "welcome to the Republican Party".  

I'm wondering if her parents are still thinking about it too.

. . . . .

Check out my Director Dan's Happenings blog

Gun Controls - are we where we need to be?

picture found on the Internet

I was reminded not too long ago of how guns were handled and used in the days when I went to high school, in the mid 60's.  I'll admit, I was not much of a hunter or target shooter, but did have a .22 and a shotgun (or knew where I could borrow one if I wanted on) had access to a fairly large variety of guns.  It was really common for most pickup trucks to have a gun rack in the back window with a rifle or shotgun right there in plain sight.  They were often loaded, I'm not sure if that was allowed back then or not.  The reminded from a former school mate was that - yes, there were problems back then.  People got in fights, fist fights in the schoolyard or at a local bar, but you never heard of someone going out and getting a gun and coming back to shoot someone.  I use never as a generality, I'm sure there were murders and some incidents back then, just not like there is in this day and age.

Let's make no mistake about it, there have been some horrific tragedies happen in the country, especially over the past 10-15 years.  So many people have been killed by what can only be described as radical, sick, insane human beings.  Senseless killings.  Innocent people and mere children were taken from us.  I can not imagine the pain the parents and loved ones must feel.  Words can not describe the anger they must feel, or what I would feel if I were in their position.  I'm not sure I would be in a position to think and reason logically.  The rage, the urge to want to lash out at anyone to help ease the pain would be overwhelming.


Unfortunately, it seems that there are many people making recommendations, accusations, or whatever you may call them, that are just not reasonable or logical.  Things like suing gun makers intentionally market their weapons, including military-grade guns like the AR-15 used in the Newtown massacre, to young men, some of whom may be inclined to violence.  Should soda makers be sued and held accountable for people drinking too much soda, becoming overweight and putting a burden on our health care systems?  Should car manufacturers be held accountable for building cars that go "fast" and intentionally marketing them to people who like to drive fast and then kill someone because of a poor judgement while using that car?  I can only envision the pain, but our fight must be against the likes of Adam Lanza, the scum criminals that don't follow the rules or laws to begin with.

Most recently, close to where I live, I'm a quite concerned about the citizens petition to change bylaws in Longmeadow regarding ownership of firearms. While I do not live in Longmeadow, MA, the suggested changes could certainly affect me and many others who live in surrounding towns.  We're getting a little carried away with imposing restrictions on law-abiding citizens as "feel good" legislation that will really have little or no effect on the real problems?

My nephew reminds me "You're not allowed to restrict a RIGHT. a restriction like this is no more constitutional than restrictions on who can live there based on race or religion".  I agree.  

Let's fix our world the right way, deal with criminals, the mentally challenged, the uneducated, and work on the source of the problems, not the symptoms or tragic results of not doing so.  

What do you think?  

Just Change Your Mind

I feel like I have been in a funk for years, to many for sure.  I sincerely "think" all the right things to do, I "try" to do all the right things, but am often just stuck in this rut.  I know I have tried and tried, so I tell myself, to get up, get going, and build my own happiness.  After all, everywhere I turn, it's said and written, be happy with yourself first.  I've fallen into the trap of feeling like "easier said than done".

For a very long time, I would say to my staff "change doesn't happen until change happens".  While that is so true, just telling yourself to change your mind is a monster first step that needs to happen.  That is and can be so difficult.

Today, a good friend, Phil Gerbyshak made a post on Facebook that got me thinking, ah, here we go again, another post about "choosing happiness".  Here's a copy of Phil's post:

Phil had also linked to an Inc. story about being happier and quote by Albert Einstein. That's a good read as well.  Although I completely respect Phil's opinions and writings, this one hardly got me motivated.  After all, my initial thought was, just another post about choosing to be happy.  What the heck do others know about what is really going on in my life, I can't just choose to be happy!  There's stuff going on, stuff you don't just forget or flip the switch on.  Then I read some of the comments people left.

One of them has struck me.  I've never met or talked to Kristin, all I know of her is this post.  It too is the same old story but from a different angle.  From the mouth of a babe.  You know they speak the truth, that's all they know.  I pictured her my granddaughter as the one in the back seat playing on her iPad and having this conversation...  her truth struck my nerve.  It made sense.

I'm still not sure how to mentally make this decision and then seriously carry it out.  However, with a renewed spirit and determination, I will, just change my mind.

Celebrate Mom with a Scentsy Skin Gift Set or Warmer Bundle!

This post has been moved to the all new "Director Dan Happenings blog

http://www.directordan.com/2016/04/celebrate-mom-with-scentsy-skin-gift.html

This friends story of #WhyIChooseScentsy

I posted yesterday on Facebook that I was proud to be a direct selling professional. (it's posted below if you missed it).  I mentioned how this profession, whether it is done full time or part time, makes a difference in peoples lives.  Today I find this post written by a friend I have met because of the business we are in...  very special friendships just happen - you meet and find like minded people that push you up rather than bring you down.  I can't share her post directly, but will copy and paste it here so you can read another view of why we direct sales professionals love what we do.

Sue wrote:
I have been reflecting a lot lately on how Scentsy finding me and becoming a Scentsy consultant has enriched my life, and I feel the need to share that with you all. I became a consultant in September 2012 after being introduced to Scentsy the previous month. When I was introduced to Scentsy, I absolutely wanted nothing to do with it as I am highly allergic to so many things. I cannot stand the perfume departments in stores and most of the fragrance stores in the mall, well I can barely stand to get near them. I was reassured that I would love, Love, LOVE Scentsy, so I gave it a try. Actually, when I gave it a try the whole office I work for decided to give it a try too. When we received our order we were all so impressed and pleased, so much so that signing up as a Consultant sold itself. We were and still are hooked.

What happened after that I could never have expected. I never expected to actually 'work' my business. In my mind, I joined to get Scentsy for me and for my friends that I work with. I never expected that I would work parties and I would meet so many wonderful people that are not just my customers but are what I consider to be friends. And all the Scentsy consultants that are now what I consider family. I gained a family. As if that were not enough, I have been to places I have only dreamed of going. I never imagined traveling to Indianapolis or St. Louis. Indy was awesome and I was so moved at that first convention. The speakers were so empowering and it was very emotional.

Convention always is very moving and emotional for me. St. Louis was awesome and exploring new cities never gets old. In St. Louis, we took time before leaving and went to the top of the Arch! That was beyond amazing. The last convention I had the opportunity to go to was in Las Vegas and thanks to Scentsy and this wonderful opportunity I was able to visit the Grand Canyon. This was such a spiritually gratifying experience. This year is our convention is in Nashville and I have every intention of working my business to my best to go and explore another new city. I honestly know that without Scentsy, I would never have had these wonderful experiences!

Heidi and Orville have brought all this and so much more to my life by founding Scentsy and standing by our mission statement:
To bring value to the world by providing an industry leading, family-friendly business opportunity selling creative, artistic, high-quality products that warm the heart, enliven the senses, and inspire the soul.

I am forever grateful that Scentsy was introduced to me and I cannot wait to see where this journey is going to take me. Thank You Scentsy!!!!!

- - - - - - - end of Sue's post - - - - - - -

There are less than 2 weeks left in a promotion that allows you to stick your toes in to see how it works. You can join us for only $49 plus tax and shipping and receive about $110 worth of product and supplies.... everything you need to test the waters.  Let's connect and make this happen. http://bit.ly/JoinDan

#WhyIChooseScentsy

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

My original post about being a Direct Sales Professional:

I am proud to be a network marketing professional. I love it more than the J-O-B I retired from after so many years. I love it because I am really able to help others reach their dreams... because it helps my family... because it really allows me to pay it forward. I also love buying from people I personally know and trust! Please support those running a small businesses.... it will make a difference in people lives which is more important than a corporate bottom line.

If your friend sells jewelry, look  at the collection!
If you have friend selling makeup, browse their site💻!
If your friend sells weight loss and you need to lose weight, give your friend's program a try!
If your friend sells skin care, why not try it!
If you friend sells energy drinks, have you at least tried it?
If you friend sells household items, try some and support them!
If your friend is a Realtor, work with them!
If your friend sells insurance, why not buy it from them?
If you friend opens a franchise, GO THERE!

If you or a friend or family member is paying for college, braces, Little League, bills, food, a vacation or whatever to get out of DEBT... support them.

If you owned a restaurant and you were MY friend, I would patron your restaurant, your gym, your store, your sandwich shop, your salon, your dry cleaner.

I'm an entrepreneur. I will always give you superior products and customer service.🌟
My family lives on my success.

Thanks!

Just how broke are you?

I've had at least 3 people tell me this week how broke they were and how they don't have a dime to their name. Of course, I shared how I could help them if they wanted to join me in Scentsy.  Then I hear the next line, they couldn't ....they are "not a sales person" or "I can't sell anything".

Well I have a news to share with you:
"I don't want to do the business side with Scentsy. I'm not a sales person." However, I do share experiences and like talking to people, posting on Facebook and answer questions when people ask.  I know you do too.

1. Have you ever shared a Coke can with your name on it or their name on it... and maybe that others to look for a Coke can with a special name on it?
-SOLD-

2. Have you posted a picture of a delicious meal item from a restaurant that caused any of your friends to go try it for themselves?
-SOLD-

3. Have you ever shared the latest book that you read that caused any of your friends to download it or rush to Barnes and Noble?
-SOLD-

4. Have you ever seen a movie and loved it so much that you shared it with your friends family that caused them to take their entire family to see it?
-SOLD-

5. Have you every gotten or shared a great deal at a local store... a cheap discount? You couldn't wait to share it with your friends so they could take advantage of the savings?
-SOLD-

I've done all these things, my Facebook page is full of them.

The only difference is...
We didn't get paid for those referrals.
Coke got paid.
The restaurant got paid.
Barnes and Noble got paid
The movie theatre got paid.
The local store got paid.

We sell and share every day, in one way or another. Don't sell yourself short, share your story! Why not get paid to help people feel awesome and reach their goals?

It's that simple, what do you have to lose?


💚💜💚💜