Start at the Top

My mom told me to “Start conserving at the top. Don’t wait until youI get to the bottom to start saving.” This is a lesson she learned from someone with whom she worked. He told her that many people start trying to save something when it is near the bottom: i.e. dish detergent, toothpaste, etc. I would also add time to this list.

These words of wisdom made a big impression on me at a young age. Whenever, I heed them, I am able to save money and time. Whenever I didn’t, I wasted both. Recently, I purchased a piece of wild-caught salmon. It was a nice cut. I didn’t immediately cook or freeze the salmon. I left it in the fridge, too busy (so I thought) to do so. A few days later it was bad. I had to throw it out. Thus, losing a great piece of salmon, money and the time I spent earning the income to purchase it.

This makes me think about the many times we maybe trying to do something right when it is too late or near the bottom. In a recent interview with CNNMoney, Carlos Slim, Forbes Magazine second richest man in the world, said that people should not wait until they are 65 years and older to start living their lives. Start living that life you always wanted today. Why wait until you get to the bottom? Save the Salmon and Save Yourself! Let’s all Start at the TOP!!!

Wise words on Wisdom Wednesday – Live a Diamond Life. Live a Life of Purpose!

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Tarik Woodbine taken by  Alex Dean
Tarik Woodbine taken by Alex Dean

As parents, we are expected to be proud of our children as they accomplish different milestones in their lives. The first day of school, the various graduation levels (pre-K, kindergarten, etc.) and pursuing their dreams. I’m no exception. I am proud of my son as he pursue his dreams of being a screenwriter, director, actor and model (click on his picture to see one of his mini movies). I am proud of my niece and nephews who are now loving and responsible parents. I’m glad to see that I didn’t mess up the parenting thing that much!

The other day, the table was turned on me. My son sent me a text that he was proud of me! Imagine that. He said he appreciates me as his mom. He also encourages me in the pursuit of my dreams. That gave me such a boost. Funny thing is, I shouldn’t be surprised, because I’m very proud of my mom and her accomplishments. I guess part of being a parent is making our kids proud of us also. I will cherish that text I received from my son, because he makes me proud and happy to be his mom!

Happy Timeless Tuesday. Keep Living a Diamond Life. Live a Life of Purpose.

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Invincible Monday - Heart of a Champ.001

My fellow Toastmaster, Lyle, is someone with whom I enjoy speaking. At 86 years old, Lyle has experienced so much in life. He was his high school quarterback on the football team, he was a race car driver and travel all over the world. He is a true Champ. His stories are always fun and fascinating.

One day last week, Lyle told me he had some advice for me. He said: “Kiddo, I’m worried about you. I see you doing so much, maybe too much. You have the Heart of a Champ and people know this about you. When you do anything you go all the way with it. You hardly say no. This will draw others to you. But Champs are often taken advantage of. I don’t want that for you. Don’t become a floor mat. Stay a Champ. Slow down and rest.”

This wasn’t the first advice Lyle has shared with me. But it is one to which I’m paying attention. I’m working to implement this. Lyle advice is not only for me, it is for all of you also. As you push to live your Diamond Life, Your Life of Purpose, folks may want to add other tasks to your list. Don’t take them on if they don’t fulfill your purpose. They are just distractions. Remember that even Champs need rest. Take time to refuel and refresh as you work towards living your purposeful life.

Keep your Heart of a Champ strong on Invincible Monday!

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“Pay now play later versus play now pay later.” I’m not sure from whom I learned this phrase when I was a teenager. But the impact of this statement has stuck with me throughout most of my private and professional life. I shared it with my son, nieces and nephews to teach them the importance of its meaning.

For example: if one takes care of getting a task done prior to engaging in entertaining activities, it frees the mind and body to really enjoy oneself. But if you play first, the task that hasn’t been accomplish could weigh on ones mind. Thus taking away from the full enjoyment of playing.

In the case of the kids, I advice them to get their homework done first. Then they can have all the playtime they wanted. This is the same for us as adults. We may put off paying for something until later. Over time, the cost for that thing may increase beyond our means later than if we had just paid it in the first place. By all means, if you have the time or the funds pay now. Odds are you would enjoy better playtime later.

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Defeating the Enemy Within
Defeating the Enemy Within

“There are no contests in the Art of Peace. A true warrior is invincible because he or she contests with nothing. Defeat means to defeat the mind of contention that we harbor within.” ~ Morihei Ueshiba

The enemy within is far stronger than the one without. We are the ones that sometimes get in our own way. Our self-doubts, fears, self-hatred or beliefs that we are not worthy, hold us back. This may be exhibited by self-destructive behaviors such as persistently being late to work, instigating conflict to destroy our relationships, or procrastinating on implementing the plans for our dreams.

Recognizing and acknowledging these behaviors are the first steps in defeating the enemy within. Practice the discipling of loving ourselves, setting goals and seeing them through one at a time. These are more steps we can take to quite the internal war inside of us. I like to set 21-day challenges for myself in eradicating a bad habits by replacing them with good ones. At the end of the 21 days, I feel more invincible.

Find the self-discipline habit that will help you defeat your enemy within. This is a great day to start. Live Your Diamond Life on Invincible Monday and find your Purpose!

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