Do You Dream Big?

Years ago I had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Bill Magee and Wayne Zinn, Founder and CFO of Operation Smile.   In the room was a world map, both shared with me their vision of where Operation Smile was in the world presently and where it needed to go next.   Dr. Magee then stated to me; “Do you know the difference between you and me?”   “I Dream Bigger!”  I never forgot it!

I am currently reading Steve Jobs, and enjoying every bit of it.  Truly the man had Big Dreams linked with the passion to get it done.   Overcoming huge obstacles are part of the game however a dogged pursuit and a clear vision wins the day in most cases. 

It is a rare occasion to meet with people that Dream Big, however I would like to.  I am currently involving myself in a project that would bring hundreds of local leaders together.  I am fascinated by the possibilities of what a gathering of local leaders could accomplish. 

Walter Segaloff recently passed away, however not before inspiring me to Dream Big about the possibilities of educating kids in a new way.  Walter founded the Achievable Dream Academy; an exciting new paradigm in education that I feel is truly needed in some of our communities. 

My son is now 20 and has numerous friends that possess real opportunities however live in an environment that stymies their pursuits.  I daily ponder creating some sort of platform that would allow these young adults to be mentored, inspired and allowed to pursue their Big Dreams! 

How about you?  Do you Dream Big? 

Dream Big…Visualize…Attract…Pay Attention…Take Action…Keep A Smile On Your Face & Others

NobleOne

Giving vs Getting

What’s on your mind this time of year?  Are you preparing your lists or are you taking care of lists?  I am not sure when the shift happened to me however my holidays have been wonderful ever since. 

A close friend of mine lost his sister to cancer and her dying wish was for her children to understand that giving is the better gift.  Our Noblemen Toy Drive honors that wish.  Not only do her children “get it” now, but all of ours do as well. 

Yesterday my morning was spent with thirty plus volunteers that unloaded and sorted over 1000 toys.  The line for getting gifts formed along the side and down into the parking lot of the Hilltop YMCA.   Every family in the line had missed all of the Christmas lists and simply had no opportunity to get gifts for their kids this Christmas.

Our line formed inside as children of Noblemen members and NobleTeens stood ready to interview each child needing a gift.  Then they would shop in the next room and bring back a gift and make sure it created a smile.

As I walked around the room there was nothing but joy!  Stories were being shared, pictures were being taken, and kids were getting hugged! 

Witnessing a child or a teenager transform to a “giver” from a “getter” is my Christmas gift to me!  It is also our gift to membership. 

I live in a world where people don’t ask me what are you getting for Christmas this year, they ask me what am I giving for Christmas this year?

Do you want to improve your Christmas with your family?  Learn to give and get one more reason to enjoy this season!

NobleOne

Don't be afraid to ring your bell?

How about you?  Is there something inside of you that needs to be expressed?  When are ya gonna do something about it?  How about now!

People that perform in order to be accepted or liked are cheating us on the real deal. 

I believe we all have an internal compass that is available, if we can find it.  There is quite a bit of chatter in this world preventing some of us to find their direction in this life. 

I love to make the analogy of water running down a path.  The water knows its path and if obstacles appear there might be a bit of turbulence however the water will find its path once again. 

I don't believe we are completely predestined, however, I do believe your true course resides within.  When you discover or stumble on your life’s path, you will find help in all the right places.

 

Everything in this world is ready to set you straight however you have to understand that most likely your path is not the easiest option.   

Every now and then I run into someone that finally figures out, its time to ring their bell.  It is a wonderful thing to witness. 

You see when passion kicks in and confidence jumps on board the world and all of us get to witness another miracle. 

So many people seek happiness through asset accumulation and job status and end up working on the wrong agenda.  The results in the end will indicate if you were following someone else’s path or your own.

Gauge your life by your smiles and those that smile around you!

 

This season offers us so many gifts, it is my wish that you get the chance to ring your bell and let us all enjoy the sound of it!

NobleOne

Shift Happens!

And when it does, take advantage of the new view! 

Years ago a good friend running a large nonprofit decided to make some big changes.   Change always excites some and troubles others.   When confronted by numerous inquiries, his response; “shift happens!” 

Perhaps not the best response however I loved the simplicity of the statement.  Life constantly puts us at crossroads.  Some turns are easier than others.   A great deal of us simply stay the course, to intimidated or cautious to take the road less travelled.  

Sometimes it is us that make the shift and defending that shift requires strength and tenacity.  Sometimes it is others that make a shift that require us to go along or resist. 

Is it time for you to make a shift?  It is for me, and I am excited about it.  When I follow a new path it starts out a bit uncomfortable however persistence always helps me prevail.  That is, when I have made the right decision.   I have made plenty of poor decisions and because of that I have learned “reverse.”

When shift happens to you, consider how it may impact you and decide the course you will take.  The world will let you know if the shift is working for you.  Be careful that your shift doesn’t harm others since it is no fun to clean up someone else’s shift! 

It is my opinion that there are new opportunities presented to most of us quite often.   The seekers of those opportunities are the ones that will pay attention when the time comes.  You see, if you are not interested in new things then most likely you will not attract them or realize they exist.

It’s kind of like exercising a muscle, the more you work at it the fitter you become.  Taking on new challenges and making them work require true fitness of the spirit.  When your spirit is fit you project to others a sense of optimism and opportunity.    

When “shift happens” to you, take time to enjoy it and seek internal wisdom that will allow you to understand whether or not it is time for you to take a good shift! 

NobleOne

You can't handle the truth!

…and neither can I.  

Almost everyone remembers Colonel Jessup’s comments in the movie A Few Good Men.    

 

How about you, can you handle the truth?

The truth quite frankly is a powerful concept that carries a lot of weight.  When confronted by truth many people will question its authenticity.  Sometimes you simply know when you hear it, this is the truth. 

Certain people seem to always speak the truth or you believe and hope that they do!

The truth can put you on the defensive or put you on the right side!  It shows no favoritism, it simply exists as a keel in the water keeping us on course.

This week I heard the phrase used once again in some silly parody on TV.  “You can’t handle the truth.”  At my age I have learned some “truths” and attempt to share them daily with my son.  I am confident he knows that there is some truth in what I have to say however how he continues to make choices that don’t reflect it.

A good friend of mine tells me that if I use smaller plates I would eat less!  I know this is the truth; however I am confident that it does not apply to me! 

Now I can agree with some truths like the sun always rises in the east and you can’t stop time.  I have some issues with global warming and certain things that may cause cancer.  They might be true however I don’t have the time or the inclination to verify it.

Sometimes the truth is better not known.  What if someone could tell you when the world would end?  How about when you are gonna die?  Truths can alter your life and your actions.

What do you believe in?  Do you believe in Santa Clause?  When you learn the truth Christmas takes on a new meaning!  What was once true is no longer.

The truth is a hard thing to handle and I know there are times when I don’t handle it well enough. 

I prefer to know that truth is available and I will simply take it in doses as it serves me.  It is kind of like the law of allowing!  I will use the truth when it benefits me and seek it when I go off course. 

It would be nice to have access to a truth serum or a book that had all truths contained inside.  What would you use it for? 

I have a friend that knows things that most people simply don’t.  She has gifts/abilties that she didn’t ask for.   These abilities plague her with truths that most people don’t have access to.  She once asked me point blank do I want to know how my life works out? I thought about and smiled a bit and then said no!  I preferred to bath in my own truth and not let the truth known by others to affect how I might lead my life.  I have to admit it was both scary and provocative. 

May the truth be with you!

NobleOne