Lots of folks consider themselves victims. Some wear this distinction like a badge of honor. Victims give up their own power. They make excuses. They blame. They want others to take care of them and make them feel good. They choose to not take responsibility for their own lives. Guess what? You don't have to be a victim. Victimhood is a choice we make. Lots of folks experience negative circumstances. Some of these circumstances are downright devastating. In our minds, we create thoughts about these circumstances. The good news? We get to choose the thoughts we think. Some choose the thought, "I am a victim." They create a life of misery, inaction and blame. Maybe they think it's the easier that way. Or perhaps they believe it's … [Read more...] about Rolling Over and Playing Victim
The Wisdom of Warren Buffett
Each May, the Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting is held at the Century Link Center in Downtown Omaha. This year, nearly 40,000 people descended on this charming Midwestern city to hear Warren Buffett speak. I was one of those people. Publicly traded companies are required to hold an annual shareholders meeting. Most attract somewhere around 100 shareholders. So you might be wondering, why is this particular meeting so popular? Simple. It's an opportunity to listen to the most successful investor of all time answer questions (candidly) about investing, the state of the world and life. And LOTS of folks want to hear what Warren has to say. Check out the crowd above. What impresses me most about Mr. Buffett is not how much money … [Read more...] about The Wisdom of Warren Buffett
Yellow Nails and Purple Hair
While waiting for my nails to dry at the salon today, a little girl, maybe 4 or 5 and her Mom walked in. Mom was scheduled for a manicure and the little girl was having her toenails painted. Mom asked her to pick out a color and the little girl chose a bright taxicab yellow. Mom said no, choose another one and suggested pink. The little girl picked up another yellow polish and asked, this one? Mom said no again and suggested yet another pink polish. I'm not sure what the outcome was. My nails were dry and I decide to leave. My heart broke for that little girl. Her desire for yellow nails got me thinking. So many women (and men) worry constantly about being judged. We conform in order to fit in. We do things we don't want to do. We dress … [Read more...] about Yellow Nails and Purple Hair
Curiosity, Carburetors and Weight Loss
I thought that title might get your attention. It'll all make sense, promise. Curiosity A few years ago I picked up a little book by professor and clinical psychologist, Todd Kashdan. I can't recall how I stumbled upon it (maybe twitter), but Dr. Kashdan's Curious changed my life. You should read it. Good stuff. While reading that book, I had my very first aha moment. I heard Oprah talk about aha moments over the years. A moment of clarity. The instant at which the solution to a problem becomes clear. A defining moment where you gain real wisdom. All just words, until that day. Something about the book flipped a switch in my head. Happiness isn't something you find or stumble upon or buy. It's a result of inquisitiveness, learning new … [Read more...] about Curiosity, Carburetors and Weight Loss