Both Ends of the Stick

Well it is the day after the election and I would like to begin this blog by thanking God there are far more good people on this earth than evil and the voice of the good put President Barack Obama back in office for four more years!!! Thank you Voters!!! Job well done!!

There is a saying sleep when you are dead; this phrase is commonly used by people that are always on the grind. To stop and sleep will interrupt their work flow especially if they are on the path to greatness or major success. See money does not discriminate, any of us could make it and plenty of it if we decided that we would not stop working for it. Unfortunately some people get so caught up in the money that they stop making it and instead let it make them. Other's burn the candle stick from both ends for so long that they get caught off guard when all goes dark. They don't realize what they have sacrificed until they have lost their family or friends, until the children resent them for never making it to the school play or missing too many birthday parties. They look up one day and the person in the mirror is a complete stranger because they never took a break long enough to enjoy the fruits of their labor. While I truly believe that we all could lead above average lives if that were our desire. I also believe that being rich does not have to come at the price of losing it all. Those stakes seem far too high in comparison, so while you are out on your grind don't forget those that support your hustle. Make time to enjoy the glow before the candle burns out.

PINS and NEEDLES

It's election night and many of us are streaming live on the internet and checking the social blogs for updates or maybe you are sitting near the television listening closely as the electoral votes go up. We've done all that we can do; our votes are cast and soon our voices will be heard as we learn who will be the 45th President of the free world. I have faith that my candidate will prevail, but if he doesn't we as the 47% know how to survive under unjust distress. As I scroll through my facebook account I see many people on pins and needles with each new red and blue mark on the map. As the polls close across the time zones we are watching not only what the folks out west have to say, but still biting our nails as we wonder what a few swing states like Ohio and Florida might do.

Well while we wait... I would like to say thank you to all of you that got out and exercised your right to vote. I must say that I am so proud of the youth, many of my daughter's friends and little cousins had their first chance to vote this election and I remember my first time at the poll when I helped elect Former President Bill Clinton into office. I submitted my ballot with such pride that day and I must admit that I get that same excited feeling every time I enter the poll booth because I know that it is the one time that I stand equal and that my color or gender don't matter. I count, just because I took the time to VOTE!! 

Speak Up Vote

Tomorrow's decision day!! Many of us have already cast our vote and yes my candidate is President Barack Obama!!! However, that is my choice and I exercised my right to use my vote to help return my candidate back to office. Many of us are just waiting for the day after the election. The tv ads will be over, no more rolling motorcade to halt the evening traffic. Soon the tension filled days at work will subside as the Loser's supporters accept defeat. It's an important political contest and someone came to win.

However, who wins is completely up to us and only matters if we cast our vote! I encourage you all not to lose your voice. Speak Up Go Vote!!!

Fall Back

It's that time of year again, we've falling back in time. I wonder if this is still relevant to the transportation world? None the less we added that hour and now the porch lights come on earlier. The extra blankets are pulled out and the thermostat adjusted to greet you with loving warmth after braving the cold.

For me it meant cleaning out my closets, looking for items someone else might need. It's chili season so the crockpot is in heavy rotation and all those cute socks I pray the dryer doesn't eat. There is nothing like a bad pair of boots to trample over the many fallen leaves. The hues of fall so splendid that you disregard the mess they leave. What will we ever do with an extra hour when the day still equals 24? I think I'll have a cup of hot chocolate while I ponder that.

My Pleasure

The correct response to thank you is my pleasure; not you're welcome. You're welcome implies you did it for them. My pleasure states that you saw a need that you gladly filled just because. If it is for your pleasure you don't feel slighted if thank you never comes. Your heart is content with doing a job well done and your ego does not need a pat on the back.  The absence of public recognition leaves no void and your mission of operating with an open heart continues on. The angry me use to be like and that blank didn't even say thank you, but I am learning that even those two words sometimes can never express a person's gratitude or lack there of. Some people just feel entitled; while others ashamed so instead of having an expectation in which most people will disappoint. Let your generosity demonstrate that you are living up to YOUR highest expectation. At the end of the day it is about being a better YOU!

Talk too Much

When you've decided to grow but those around you still operate with a closed-mind the frustration can lead to overtalking the issues in hopes that something you say will trigger them to see. How easy I strayed off track today as an unwanted situation was coming to an end. My only response should have been great can I help you with that bag, but instead I attempted to discuss selfish and rude actions with a person that has tunnel vision. What I learned about me is if people have watched you forgive someone over and over and they too are a user they begin to manipulate the circumstances knowing that you will forgive them to. This may seem cruel, but I'm done making new friends, my circle is good and it is way to exhausting to deal with someone else's moods. I don't have the energy or time to babysit someone else's feelings. I have my own issues to contend with. If I don't already call you friend, associate is as far as we can go. All that extra talking is just too much.

Emotional Reaction

Okay so life sucker punched you and that crap hurt. You're on the ground with blurry vision unable to focus on how to pull yourself up. Instead of scrambling, take a few deep breaths and calculate a plan. Don't respond from emotions; life already knows that you are mad, so its happy to continue chewing you up. Instead drop low in a hole, protect yourself; tend to your wounds and gather your strength before making your next move. When you decide your counterattack come out swinging with intentions to destroy anyone or thing that generates a negative emotional response from you. Anything capable of knocking you off your feet has too much control and power and now it's time to fight for your life.