1. First Important Lesson - "Know The Cleaning Lady"
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.
"Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello."
I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
2. Second Important Lesson - "Pickup In The Rain"
One night, at 11:30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab.
She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him. Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home.
A special note was attached. It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."
Sincerely, Mrs. Nat King Cole.
3. Third Important Lesson - "Remember Those Who Serve"
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10 year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "50¢," replied the waitress.
The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.
"Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "35¢!" she brusquely replied.
The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream," he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left.
When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.
4. Fourth Important Lesson - "The Obstacles In Our Path"
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way.
Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand - "Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition."
5. Fifth Important Lesson - "Giving When It Counts"
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare and serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year-old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save her."
As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?".
Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.
Source: Unknown
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Thought of the Day
When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.
– Alexander Graham Bell
– Alexander Graham Bell
Inspiration... What Inspires You?
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I recently asked some of my peers this question after Australian Cadel Evans won the Tour De France... Most answered that they draw their inspiration from those closest to them; their collegues, family and friends. This led me to think... Where do I draw inspiration from?
I know where I draw motivation from - the why I do what I do and the why behind what I would like to achieve but the inspiration is completely seperate to this. I, like my collegues, draw inspiration from those around me and it is some of the smallest things that I find most powerful. What I'm finding most inspiring at this very moment is those around me who are totally 100% committed to their daily disciplines - whatever they may be. The creation and adaptation of daily habits that in turn, create bigger successes... Just like Cadel would have done to be where he is today.
Whenever I see someone else doing something that makes me say wow - I find almost everything awe inspiring - I find myself asking "If they can do that, why can't I?" and that's the question everyone should be asking to inspire themselves! We were all born similiar, yes some have more access to particular resources than others however we all have the capacity to achieve BIG - bigger than what we ever imagine.
So in answer to my question, I am currently drawing inspiration to achieve more from every single person around me... You should do the same! You might just be surprised at what you find.
Thanks for reading, Elle xx
I recently asked some of my peers this question after Australian Cadel Evans won the Tour De France... Most answered that they draw their inspiration from those closest to them; their collegues, family and friends. This led me to think... Where do I draw inspiration from?
I know where I draw motivation from - the why I do what I do and the why behind what I would like to achieve but the inspiration is completely seperate to this. I, like my collegues, draw inspiration from those around me and it is some of the smallest things that I find most powerful. What I'm finding most inspiring at this very moment is those around me who are totally 100% committed to their daily disciplines - whatever they may be. The creation and adaptation of daily habits that in turn, create bigger successes... Just like Cadel would have done to be where he is today.
Whenever I see someone else doing something that makes me say wow - I find almost everything awe inspiring - I find myself asking "If they can do that, why can't I?" and that's the question everyone should be asking to inspire themselves! We were all born similiar, yes some have more access to particular resources than others however we all have the capacity to achieve BIG - bigger than what we ever imagine.
So in answer to my question, I am currently drawing inspiration to achieve more from every single person around me... You should do the same! You might just be surprised at what you find.
Thanks for reading, Elle xx
Sunday, July 17, 2011
45 Lessons Life Taught
Every single one of these resonates with me... How could I not share?
Enjoy, Elle xx
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio.
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Source: Unknown
Enjoy, Elle xx
Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio.
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative - dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
Source: Unknown
Are You An Entrepreneur?
Recently I pondered the question, what is an entrepreneur? I googled the definition and came up with results like “A person who organizes and operates a business or businesses, taking on greater than normal financial risks in order to do so” and ”someone who organizes a business venture and assumes the risk for it”. I would like to shed what an entrepreneur is in a different light (as believed by me – in my opinion!)
Did you know that in reality, every single person in this world is an entrepreneur including you, me, your parents, your friends, your teachers, cousins – every one! That’s crazy you might think, “I don’t own a business! I don’t intend to own a business!” But the truth is, you do. You own a business and that business is YOU. Still arguing with me? Let me explain…
You have just been to university, that is product development. You dress in a particular way, wear your hair a particular way, cut your hair in a particular style – this is your personal branding. You go to a job interview and the first question asked is “Tell me about you” – this is selling. You get the job – you made the sale! You exercise and take care of your body – this is maintenance of the business. You study again, this is more product development. Your income, your bills (outgoings) - this is your cashflow! Are you catching my drift? Everything you do is building your own business – the more self development and education you invest in, the more valuable you become – just like a business. Whilst there is no financial risk necessarily, your income is directly proportionate to your value and your dedication to achieve a goal or a specific outcome. Sometimes you can take a risk, it may be a big leap in your career, in your family life, in any part of your life – however kept in mind all risks aren’t you typical “throw all your chips and cross your fingers for the win” – risks can be calculated though out intentional actions leading towards your goal or desired outcome.
So are you an entrepreneur? Yes you are. You are the leader, the owner, the investor – in yourself.
Thanks for reading, Elle xx
Did you know that in reality, every single person in this world is an entrepreneur including you, me, your parents, your friends, your teachers, cousins – every one! That’s crazy you might think, “I don’t own a business! I don’t intend to own a business!” But the truth is, you do. You own a business and that business is YOU. Still arguing with me? Let me explain…
You have just been to university, that is product development. You dress in a particular way, wear your hair a particular way, cut your hair in a particular style – this is your personal branding. You go to a job interview and the first question asked is “Tell me about you” – this is selling. You get the job – you made the sale! You exercise and take care of your body – this is maintenance of the business. You study again, this is more product development. Your income, your bills (outgoings) - this is your cashflow! Are you catching my drift? Everything you do is building your own business – the more self development and education you invest in, the more valuable you become – just like a business. Whilst there is no financial risk necessarily, your income is directly proportionate to your value and your dedication to achieve a goal or a specific outcome. Sometimes you can take a risk, it may be a big leap in your career, in your family life, in any part of your life – however kept in mind all risks aren’t you typical “throw all your chips and cross your fingers for the win” – risks can be calculated though out intentional actions leading towards your goal or desired outcome.
So are you an entrepreneur? Yes you are. You are the leader, the owner, the investor – in yourself.
Thanks for reading, Elle xx
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Welcome!
Welcome to my blog - a collection of positive day to day learnings. I am blessed to be surrounded by some amazing people who inspire me each day & to have endless opportunities to learn - some of which have been taken for granted! My goal is to keep a record of the things I learn and to share them with others because they have had a profound impact on me! I trust you will enjoy and if you have any feedback, please e-mail me at es_88@hotmail.com.
A quick side note, I previously had a blog which was more pictures & random personal ramblings. I intend for this to be part of the foundation for my own business hence the complete swap and change over.
Have the best day ever! Elle xx
A quick side note, I previously had a blog which was more pictures & random personal ramblings. I intend for this to be part of the foundation for my own business hence the complete swap and change over.
Have the best day ever! Elle xx
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