Happy Monday

Yesterday was PF Changs, Rock N Roll half marathon.  Another 13.1 miles down.  Another year I ran it after saying I wasnt going to.  And another year I'm glad I did.  We ran, walked and had a blast.  It's just amazing to me how the human body can remember.  I mean, we havent had much training (again).  I've been getting about 3 to 4 miles in, 3 days a week, but not seriously training for a half marathon.  Delinda and I started picking up our miles about 2 weeks before the race and only got up to 8 miles.  But when the big day arrived, our bodies knew what to do.  We weren't fast, but we were able to do something (fairly easily), that litarally scared me to death when I first started running.

Life is like that.  All new things are a little bit (or a lot) scary at first.  But once you get started, the initial fear subsides.  If you keep doing it, not only does it get easier, you get better at it, and it can become a lot of fun.  I' m not saying that running a half marathon isnt hard work.  Yes, it's still painful, it still takes a lot of time.  But it's not quite as daunting a task as I first imagined it.  And the painful muscles and joints go away much quicker than before.    

Maybe you've been thinking about doing something new. Or maybe the Lord has placed something in your mind and heart to do that may seem way too big.  It may be scary and may cause some pain.  You may have to give something up, like time, money, comfort.  But, if you will allow yourself... if you will make yourself do it.  You may find that it was worth it.  It may even become fun.  

Happy Monday.  Have a blessed week.

Debbie

Manners

I don't know about you, but I think that people have really gotten rude and inconsiderate lately. And today's smart phone technology is a big contributor to that. Personally, I believe that when you are with a person, you should be with that person. I just hate it when I'm in a conversation with someone and they aren't really all there. They are half listening to me and half watching their phone for the next text alert or email. Or even worse, they are caught up in the latest candy crush saga and cant give me (or anyone, for that matter) their full attention.

What happened to good old fashion curtesy? You know...Manners. I cant say I've always been on the receiving end of that scenario either, shame on me. But I do try to be considerate of the person I'm with, especially if they have given up part of their day to be with me. I've decided, one of my goals for the year is to be more considerate, courteous and a better listener. I believe that not only will this help my relationships with my family and friends, but I truly think it will increase my business and help make me a better communicator. Here are some of the things I am pledging to work on.... will you join me?

1. Put my phone on silent before I meet with someone, or better yet, leave it in the car. (Gee, I wonder if the world will collapse if I don't have it right by my side or in my purse for a little while?)

2. If I happen to have my phone with me (and have forgotten to put it on silent mode), and it rings, I will apologize to the person I'm with and immediately silence my phone. I will not answer it. (It's so nice that the iPhones now have an auto-response option. Now there is no excuse.)

3. If I'm in a public place, like a restaurant, and feel the need to use my phone (obviously I will be alone), I will be as considerate as possible to those around me, and keep my voice down or leave the room. (Have you ever been in a restaurant, when someone starts talking on their phone at about 40 decibels above everyone else? It's so annoying!)

4. When I am in a conversation with someone, I will give that person my undivided attention. I will look them in the eye and listen to them. Not for an opportunity to jump in with my opinion, but to really hear their heart.

I know that there are lots of ways to show good manners and common curtesy. These are just some of the ways I'm going to start. Can you think of any others that would help us all to become better communicators and better friends? Please share.

Have a blessed day.

Debbie

Posted with Blogsy