The more I watch my daughters with what they say, how they act and how
they respond to others, the more I realize how much I am blessed. Just
watching kids be themselves and interact with other kids and adults can
say a lot about them. Currently, my oldest is seven and my youngest is
four. Both are obviously at different places of learning and interaction but
there is one thing that just touches my heart that they both do at this stage
of their young lives and that is, what and how they give gifts to those they
care about.
Children this age are so pure and innocent. They do not understand this
big old world could very well one day beat them up and spit them out.
Because of this, their actions and thoughts mostly follow the same way. I
am not counting sibling influence here or the influence of other kids but
they really do not know yet about materialism or what money can do. (Last
year, though, I did start teaching my oldest about money.)
As adults, we tend to give gifts to our spouses or family members that
usually cost money. Of course this is not a bad thing. This is the way of
our society. Kids, who do not yet understand about our society and how it
works, use their natural God-given abilities - their hearts and imagination.
My girls can create the most amazing homemade cards for my wife and
me. The time they spend on them, the colors, their imagination, the way
they think and see us as a family. All of these things they use to draw on
an "I love you card." Anyone who has or has had young kids understands
what I am talking about.
They just know how to make you smile with these
kinds of gifts. I have to admit, after receiving several of these, I did find
myself becoming a bit numb and almost irritated. But I think the main thing
we have to remember here is that this is the most pure, heartfelt gift a child
could give! There is no ulterior motive behind the gift and it is simply
because they want to. I believe little things like this are also a way in which
God reminds us not all gifts need to be big and expensive. Even the
smallest things sent from the heart, can have the most meaning in showing
someone how we feel about them. Grandmas and Grandpas also know
what I am talking about here when they receive these gifts.
Yes I know eventually, we as parents will have boxes full of things that our
kids have made for us. I am one of those parents. I also know those items
my daughters share with me or make and give to me show they love me
and they are happy. Kids don't always know how to voice how they feel,
that is something they have to learn along the way. But to make something
from scratch and give it as a gift could very well be the highest form of
showing love.
Have a great Friday everyone and an even better weekend.
Scott Stewart
Author, Speaker and Inspiring others to a life of greatness.
scott@lovelossandgrowth.com
541-343-3614
Friday, July 16, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Preparing our kids
Late last fall on a Saturday afternoon, I heard knocking at my door. I was the only one home at the time so I sat down the magazine I was reading, walked to the door and opened it. To my surprise, there was a young girl standing there whom I had never seen before. At first, I thought maybe it was one of my eldest daughter’s new friends from school. I soon realized this was not the case. Before I could ask her name or how I could help her, the little girl began to tell me she was on a mission to help her school and she had some books for me to look at to purchase.
I wasn't surprised by her request and what it was she was doing. What caught me off guard was how good this young girl was at talking. She was positive, cheerful, clear, precise and confident. She looked me in the eye the entire time, never showing fear or that she was even the least bit nervous. Not even once! I am telling you, not only did she put the Kirby vacuum cleaner salesman to shame, he could learn a few things from this young girl!
I was impressed and also in awe of her sales skills at such an early age. I was a stranger and she never even flinched! After about 30-45 seconds of standing on my front porch and listening to her trying to gain my confidence, I had to stop her. I then asked her name and how old she was. She told me her name and said she was 9 years old! I said, "Nine years old? Where did you learn how to talk like that and be such a good salesman?" Her only answer was this, "My Dad says I am the entrepreneur in the family and I am going to own my own business one day." Not only was I still in a bit of shock, I was smiling inside to see such a confident young girl trying to sell me something. She made it look all so easy.
She was amazing! Shortly after she left, I began to think: How did she get like that? How was it she carried herself with so much maturity and self esteem? It is also easy to believe she has some natural God given talents and when you combine that with parents who encourage and support her ...look out!
I have learned over the last several years that kids rarely ever lack capacity, what they lack are teachers. Kids can learn things far easier than most adults. At times they even hunger for knowledge, if we will just take the time to give it to them. I have no doubt someone has spent time with this young girl who visited me and taught her skills in dealing with people. Every week I try to teach my daughters something new and introduce them to something they were not aware of. Why? I want them to grow, I want them to learn, and I want them to stretch. Kids will be far more equipped and ready to deal with the various curve ball's life tends to throw out us if we will only prep, support and invest our time into them.
Are you preparing your kids? Are you spending the time with them that they need? Do you encourage them to excel? Kids love praise and in most cases, will put forth a lot of energy to get it, especially from a parent. Not every seed we plant within our kids will reap a harvest. Scriptures tell us that. But what you and I have to do is plant enough seeds where there will be a harvest down the road and the harvest bears fruit, giving our kids the necessary tools they need to be a success in life. Raising and parenting a child to be an entrepreneur is not for everyone, I understand that. Yet what are you doing today to give your kids the essential tools they need, to be who God created them to be?
Have a great Friday everyone and may you be blessed.
Scott Stewart
Author, Speaker and Inspiring others to a life of greatness.
scott@lovelossandgrowth.com
541-343-3614
I wasn't surprised by her request and what it was she was doing. What caught me off guard was how good this young girl was at talking. She was positive, cheerful, clear, precise and confident. She looked me in the eye the entire time, never showing fear or that she was even the least bit nervous. Not even once! I am telling you, not only did she put the Kirby vacuum cleaner salesman to shame, he could learn a few things from this young girl!
I was impressed and also in awe of her sales skills at such an early age. I was a stranger and she never even flinched! After about 30-45 seconds of standing on my front porch and listening to her trying to gain my confidence, I had to stop her. I then asked her name and how old she was. She told me her name and said she was 9 years old! I said, "Nine years old? Where did you learn how to talk like that and be such a good salesman?" Her only answer was this, "My Dad says I am the entrepreneur in the family and I am going to own my own business one day." Not only was I still in a bit of shock, I was smiling inside to see such a confident young girl trying to sell me something. She made it look all so easy.
She was amazing! Shortly after she left, I began to think: How did she get like that? How was it she carried herself with so much maturity and self esteem? It is also easy to believe she has some natural God given talents and when you combine that with parents who encourage and support her ...look out!
I have learned over the last several years that kids rarely ever lack capacity, what they lack are teachers. Kids can learn things far easier than most adults. At times they even hunger for knowledge, if we will just take the time to give it to them. I have no doubt someone has spent time with this young girl who visited me and taught her skills in dealing with people. Every week I try to teach my daughters something new and introduce them to something they were not aware of. Why? I want them to grow, I want them to learn, and I want them to stretch. Kids will be far more equipped and ready to deal with the various curve ball's life tends to throw out us if we will only prep, support and invest our time into them.
Are you preparing your kids? Are you spending the time with them that they need? Do you encourage them to excel? Kids love praise and in most cases, will put forth a lot of energy to get it, especially from a parent. Not every seed we plant within our kids will reap a harvest. Scriptures tell us that. But what you and I have to do is plant enough seeds where there will be a harvest down the road and the harvest bears fruit, giving our kids the necessary tools they need to be a success in life. Raising and parenting a child to be an entrepreneur is not for everyone, I understand that. Yet what are you doing today to give your kids the essential tools they need, to be who God created them to be?
Have a great Friday everyone and may you be blessed.
Scott Stewart
Author, Speaker and Inspiring others to a life of greatness.
scott@lovelossandgrowth.com
541-343-3614
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Lessons Learned
I always find it interesting and helpful to look back at my life and reflect at what went well and what didn’t go so well. I believe our past mistakes or setbacks can be one of the very best tools we can use in moving forward in our lives. After all, you have to admit, lives do have a way of “educating us” along the way.
I will be the first person to admit I have not always made the best choices, but I will say those choices have helped to mold and shape not only the person I am today, but the person I am becoming. For over ten years now, I have shared the following quote with probably several hundred people: “We are given a lesson over and over again until we finally learn that lesson.” Why? Because I think this is something of which we all need to be aware. It is true we will continue to be given lessons over and over again until we think differently or change our actions and learn from them. For me, some lessons I learned very quickly, others not so much. It seemed I had to continue beating my head against the wall until not only did it hurt, but a lot of damage was done.
As I counsel, coach and inspire people to live healthier, more effective and meaningful lives, I am consistently amazed at how many people struggle to acknowledge this principal. Time and time again, they continue to repeat those self-destructive thoughts and actions that always seem to yield results they do not want. Over and over again, year after year, I see it all unfold right in front of them, yet they cannot seem to see it. I must say, not only is it disheartening to me, it is expresses the great definition of being insane: Doing the same things over and over again while expecting different results.
If you and I are ever going to grow, leave poor choices of the past behind us and attract things in life that our hearts truly want, we must be able to not only learn from but grow from our past. What are the most important steps in doing this? First, we have to “want” to. Many years ago I had a mentor repeat the following words: “Scott… You just gotta wanna.” Secondly, reflect back and accept responsibility for the life you’ve lived. No one other person is in charge or is responsible for your life, it’s your responsibility. Last, tell yourself daily you are no longer going to make those bad choices you “used” to make and look for ways to make better choices today and tomorrow.
If you will make a commitment to do these things because “YOU” want to, I assure you, your life will start to look different and feel different almost immediately. Six months to a year from now, you will have transformed your life, all because you made a decision today to change just a few simple things.
Scott Stewart
Author, Speaker and Inspiring others to a life of greatness.
scott@lovelossandgrowth.com
541-343-3614
P.S. Is your organization considering an inspirational or self improvement speaker at their next event? If so, feel free to contact me for future speaking engagements.
I will be the first person to admit I have not always made the best choices, but I will say those choices have helped to mold and shape not only the person I am today, but the person I am becoming. For over ten years now, I have shared the following quote with probably several hundred people: “We are given a lesson over and over again until we finally learn that lesson.” Why? Because I think this is something of which we all need to be aware. It is true we will continue to be given lessons over and over again until we think differently or change our actions and learn from them. For me, some lessons I learned very quickly, others not so much. It seemed I had to continue beating my head against the wall until not only did it hurt, but a lot of damage was done.
As I counsel, coach and inspire people to live healthier, more effective and meaningful lives, I am consistently amazed at how many people struggle to acknowledge this principal. Time and time again, they continue to repeat those self-destructive thoughts and actions that always seem to yield results they do not want. Over and over again, year after year, I see it all unfold right in front of them, yet they cannot seem to see it. I must say, not only is it disheartening to me, it is expresses the great definition of being insane: Doing the same things over and over again while expecting different results.
If you and I are ever going to grow, leave poor choices of the past behind us and attract things in life that our hearts truly want, we must be able to not only learn from but grow from our past. What are the most important steps in doing this? First, we have to “want” to. Many years ago I had a mentor repeat the following words: “Scott… You just gotta wanna.” Secondly, reflect back and accept responsibility for the life you’ve lived. No one other person is in charge or is responsible for your life, it’s your responsibility. Last, tell yourself daily you are no longer going to make those bad choices you “used” to make and look for ways to make better choices today and tomorrow.
If you will make a commitment to do these things because “YOU” want to, I assure you, your life will start to look different and feel different almost immediately. Six months to a year from now, you will have transformed your life, all because you made a decision today to change just a few simple things.
Scott Stewart
Author, Speaker and Inspiring others to a life of greatness.
scott@lovelossandgrowth.com
541-343-3614
P.S. Is your organization considering an inspirational or self improvement speaker at their next event? If so, feel free to contact me for future speaking engagements.
Friday, June 11, 2010
What has Happened to Accountability
For some time now, I have felt the need to talk about a social topic that rarely ever gets mentioned. Something that our society just seems to ignore or be very passive about. Rarely do I even hear leaders mention much about this and truth be told, it concerns me. We have all heard of the analogy of the "Pink Elephant in the Corner." We all know it is there but no one wants to talk about it.
What I am getting at is: When was the last time you actually heard someone stand up, take responsibility and admit they were wrong or they made a mistake? You know, a personal (or public if needed) acknowledgment of making a bad choice. Why is it that so many people these days seem to "dodge that bullet" at whatever cost they can? What happened to taking responsibility and just admitting you made a mistake? Is that really so hard to do anymore? Is this traditional way of thinking on its way out the door? Worse yet, what message and example are we sending to our kids by acting like this?
From big corporations, Wall Street, government and all the way down to our local communities, trying to push blame onto someone else seems to run rampant these days. Why? I suspect that due to a lack of self responsibility and accountability, it just seems easier to "pass the buck" when in fact, I believe, just the opposite. Yes, personally, I do think trying to avoid responsibility for our actions does have far greater consequences and impact than just taking the bitter medicine of admitting and accepting.
I admit I have made poor choices in my life (I bet you are shocked to hear that, right?). I have not done things the best way I could. There are things I wish I could go back and change, but I can't. History is set in stone, not in the sand! But when I needed to, I acknowledged, admitted and asked for forgiveness. Yeah, there were probably more times I did this than I want to recall. Why? Because in my heart, I knew it was the right thing to do. I knew if I didn't "come clean" I would carry it around with me for the rest of my life. That burden, was simply not worth carrying. We are only human, we all make mistakes and we all make poor choices from time to time. Hopefully though, after realizing we made a poor choice, we learned enough from it that we won't repeat it. Seriously, why would anyone want to carry the lie and dishonesty around with them for the rest of their life? Is it really worth it? I say no!
I have never sat at the head of a multibillion dollar organization and no, I have never had to answer to shareholders staring me in the face. But trust me, I have been put in the pressure cooker a few times and it is NOT fun. The principals of accepting responsibility and being accountable are all equal, regardless of your "status". You are either accountable or you are not, there is no room for middle ground. I know in my own life, I have been given a lot of grace from many people, even when the outcome was very damaging. I think deep down, most of us have grace to give at all levels but they first want to hear the person or group of people admit they were wrong, then have them take responsibility. It also helps if the person has a "back up plan" to remedy the situation rather then call it quits. Then, when that level of accountability is reached, grace can be released.
In this era, I can see by owning up to our faults rather than pushing them off on someone else, is the right thing to do and it is the right way to raise our kids. It is also the right way to run a business, or organization and to lead people. I don't believe any one person expects you and I to be perfect, but they do expect us to be responsible.
Have a great Friday everyone.
Scott Stewart
Author, Speaker and Inspiring others to a life of greatness.
scott@lovelossandgrowth.com
541-343-3614
P.S. Is your organization considering an inspirational or self improvement speaker at their next event? If so, feel free to contact me for future speaking engagements.
What I am getting at is: When was the last time you actually heard someone stand up, take responsibility and admit they were wrong or they made a mistake? You know, a personal (or public if needed) acknowledgment of making a bad choice. Why is it that so many people these days seem to "dodge that bullet" at whatever cost they can? What happened to taking responsibility and just admitting you made a mistake? Is that really so hard to do anymore? Is this traditional way of thinking on its way out the door? Worse yet, what message and example are we sending to our kids by acting like this?
From big corporations, Wall Street, government and all the way down to our local communities, trying to push blame onto someone else seems to run rampant these days. Why? I suspect that due to a lack of self responsibility and accountability, it just seems easier to "pass the buck" when in fact, I believe, just the opposite. Yes, personally, I do think trying to avoid responsibility for our actions does have far greater consequences and impact than just taking the bitter medicine of admitting and accepting.
I admit I have made poor choices in my life (I bet you are shocked to hear that, right?). I have not done things the best way I could. There are things I wish I could go back and change, but I can't. History is set in stone, not in the sand! But when I needed to, I acknowledged, admitted and asked for forgiveness. Yeah, there were probably more times I did this than I want to recall. Why? Because in my heart, I knew it was the right thing to do. I knew if I didn't "come clean" I would carry it around with me for the rest of my life. That burden, was simply not worth carrying. We are only human, we all make mistakes and we all make poor choices from time to time. Hopefully though, after realizing we made a poor choice, we learned enough from it that we won't repeat it. Seriously, why would anyone want to carry the lie and dishonesty around with them for the rest of their life? Is it really worth it? I say no!
I have never sat at the head of a multibillion dollar organization and no, I have never had to answer to shareholders staring me in the face. But trust me, I have been put in the pressure cooker a few times and it is NOT fun. The principals of accepting responsibility and being accountable are all equal, regardless of your "status". You are either accountable or you are not, there is no room for middle ground. I know in my own life, I have been given a lot of grace from many people, even when the outcome was very damaging. I think deep down, most of us have grace to give at all levels but they first want to hear the person or group of people admit they were wrong, then have them take responsibility. It also helps if the person has a "back up plan" to remedy the situation rather then call it quits. Then, when that level of accountability is reached, grace can be released.
In this era, I can see by owning up to our faults rather than pushing them off on someone else, is the right thing to do and it is the right way to raise our kids. It is also the right way to run a business, or organization and to lead people. I don't believe any one person expects you and I to be perfect, but they do expect us to be responsible.
Have a great Friday everyone.
Scott Stewart
Author, Speaker and Inspiring others to a life of greatness.
scott@lovelossandgrowth.com
541-343-3614
P.S. Is your organization considering an inspirational or self improvement speaker at their next event? If so, feel free to contact me for future speaking engagements.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Are you using the gifts you have been given?
From time to time, I will be reading a book or listening to a CD and have one of those "ah ha" moments. I like to describe it as a time where all of a sudden, things start to make sense. Things that used to be kind of foggy in my mind, now come together. Ah ha moments always seem to happen at just the right time in our lives. These special awakenings seem to be there just when we need them. This time, it came to me through a book I was reading.
The book was an overview of the various gifts we as individuals possess. It said that in one form or another, all of us possess a minimum of one or several of the following gifts: hospitality, creativity, craftsmanship, discernment, effective communication, wisdom, influence, management, healing, humor, clerical and even entrepreneurship. The gift of motherhood, fatherhood and friendship are a part as well. These, to some degree, on some level, we carry within us. This is just one thing that makes us all unique and different.
Looking back on my own life, in my twenties and thirties, my life was full of things; jobs and activities that did not utilize my gifts. Today, I understand why I never felt my life had much meaning. I had not yet "awakened" those gifts. It was almost like they were sitting on a shelf waiting for me to take them down, dust them off and put them to work doing what they were supposed to do.
I know many people, every day, throughout our cities and our towns, are looking for their spot in life of where they belong or where they fit. What are they supposed to do? How do they make a living doing it and how can they find it? I will tell you this: One of the first key steps to finding your "lot" in this life is to search where your gifts are. What is it that you are talented at? The scriptures tell us if we will search, we will find. I believe discovering what you are good at is a great first step in getting there. Chances are what you are good at you will usually enjoy doing and that is a huge bonus.
Although I did not learn until almost twelve years ago what my own gifts were, I was not sure how to use or apply them. After much seeking, I made a discovery. The gift of encouragement is something which gives me energy when I share it. It lifts me up and gives me strength. It can take my mind off a negative situation and I become fulfilled when I share it. But that's how gifts are supposed to work. They are part of your core. When you use your gifts, you are helping to fulfill your life's work. If you know what your gifts are, use them to the fullest. Don't put them on a shelf and become covered in dust like I did. There are people waiting for your gift because it is from only you that they can be touched. If you will actively seek out this part of your life, I assure you, fulfillment in your life, job or career is heading your way.
Have a great Friday and an even better Memorial Weekend.
Scott Stewart
Author, Speaker and Inspiring others to a life of greatness.
scott@lovelossandgrowth.com
541-343-3614
P.S. Is your organization considering an inspirational or self improvement speaker at their next event? If so, feel free to contact me for future speaking engagements.
The book was an overview of the various gifts we as individuals possess. It said that in one form or another, all of us possess a minimum of one or several of the following gifts: hospitality, creativity, craftsmanship, discernment, effective communication, wisdom, influence, management, healing, humor, clerical and even entrepreneurship. The gift of motherhood, fatherhood and friendship are a part as well. These, to some degree, on some level, we carry within us. This is just one thing that makes us all unique and different.
Looking back on my own life, in my twenties and thirties, my life was full of things; jobs and activities that did not utilize my gifts. Today, I understand why I never felt my life had much meaning. I had not yet "awakened" those gifts. It was almost like they were sitting on a shelf waiting for me to take them down, dust them off and put them to work doing what they were supposed to do.
I know many people, every day, throughout our cities and our towns, are looking for their spot in life of where they belong or where they fit. What are they supposed to do? How do they make a living doing it and how can they find it? I will tell you this: One of the first key steps to finding your "lot" in this life is to search where your gifts are. What is it that you are talented at? The scriptures tell us if we will search, we will find. I believe discovering what you are good at is a great first step in getting there. Chances are what you are good at you will usually enjoy doing and that is a huge bonus.
Although I did not learn until almost twelve years ago what my own gifts were, I was not sure how to use or apply them. After much seeking, I made a discovery. The gift of encouragement is something which gives me energy when I share it. It lifts me up and gives me strength. It can take my mind off a negative situation and I become fulfilled when I share it. But that's how gifts are supposed to work. They are part of your core. When you use your gifts, you are helping to fulfill your life's work. If you know what your gifts are, use them to the fullest. Don't put them on a shelf and become covered in dust like I did. There are people waiting for your gift because it is from only you that they can be touched. If you will actively seek out this part of your life, I assure you, fulfillment in your life, job or career is heading your way.
Have a great Friday and an even better Memorial Weekend.
Scott Stewart
Author, Speaker and Inspiring others to a life of greatness.
scott@lovelossandgrowth.com
541-343-3614
P.S. Is your organization considering an inspirational or self improvement speaker at their next event? If so, feel free to contact me for future speaking engagements.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Kids: Amazing Aren't They?
There is no doubt that kids are just amazing. The things they do and say continue to amaze me over and over again. The creative ability of a young child is something adults can learn a lot from. How they ask for things, how they present us (their parents) with options rather than just a yes or no question. You have to admit, they are pretty good at asking for what they want. But they can also not fully comprehend the power of the words they say.
I have two daughters and the youngest one is three years old. From time to time, I will challenge her to do something she never has done before, like riding her bicycle (with training wheels of course) in the grass or through a patch of gravel. Something that will not hurt her but will challenge her. When I do this, often her response to me is, "But I can't." Which I always reply in a stern voice, "Don't tell me you can't, tell me you can."
My kids, like everyone else's, don't always do what they are supposed to do. They don't always listen and even once in a while, they will test their boundaries with me. All of these things I can handle, accept and deal with in the right manner but hearing my child say "I can't" strikes a nerve within me that makes me cringe! “Don't tell me you can't, tell me you can” is something I think more kids need to hear on a regular basis. Why? Because I believe kids can and do grow up to do great things if they believe they can. Hearing positive reinforcement and encouraging words from their parents may very well be one of the best things we can give them.
Our subconscious mind does not know the difference between "I can't” and “I can." It just knows whatever it hears, over and over again, is what it accepts as truth. The words we speak into our children of all ages, is nothing more than programming. This goes into their memory or subconscious mind so that in their future, they will have a "guide" to go by, helping them make choices and decisions as they go through life. The stories of young kids, some even as young as seven or eight years old, accomplishing extraordinary tasks, all started with a parent, a teacher, a mentor and/or even a friend telling them "you can do it" early on in their life. It all started with what they heard.
I have never met a parent who did not want their kids to have a better life than they did. One of the best ways to help them have a better life is to speak the right words into them. I don't need my kids to be the next Albert Einstein or even be a winner on American Idol. Ultimately, that decision is between them and God. But I do want them to be confident and secure enough in who they are and their belief in themselves. Then they can have, earn and achieve anything in this world their hearts desire.
Speak life and encouragement into your kids. Down the road you will be glad you did.
Have a great Friday everyone.
Scott Stewart
Author, Speaker and Inspiring others to a life of greatness.
scott@lovelossandgrowth.com
541-343-3614
P.S. Is your organization considering an inspirational or self improvement speaker at their next event? If so, feel free to contact me for future speaking engagements.
I have two daughters and the youngest one is three years old. From time to time, I will challenge her to do something she never has done before, like riding her bicycle (with training wheels of course) in the grass or through a patch of gravel. Something that will not hurt her but will challenge her. When I do this, often her response to me is, "But I can't." Which I always reply in a stern voice, "Don't tell me you can't, tell me you can."
My kids, like everyone else's, don't always do what they are supposed to do. They don't always listen and even once in a while, they will test their boundaries with me. All of these things I can handle, accept and deal with in the right manner but hearing my child say "I can't" strikes a nerve within me that makes me cringe! “Don't tell me you can't, tell me you can” is something I think more kids need to hear on a regular basis. Why? Because I believe kids can and do grow up to do great things if they believe they can. Hearing positive reinforcement and encouraging words from their parents may very well be one of the best things we can give them.
Our subconscious mind does not know the difference between "I can't” and “I can." It just knows whatever it hears, over and over again, is what it accepts as truth. The words we speak into our children of all ages, is nothing more than programming. This goes into their memory or subconscious mind so that in their future, they will have a "guide" to go by, helping them make choices and decisions as they go through life. The stories of young kids, some even as young as seven or eight years old, accomplishing extraordinary tasks, all started with a parent, a teacher, a mentor and/or even a friend telling them "you can do it" early on in their life. It all started with what they heard.
I have never met a parent who did not want their kids to have a better life than they did. One of the best ways to help them have a better life is to speak the right words into them. I don't need my kids to be the next Albert Einstein or even be a winner on American Idol. Ultimately, that decision is between them and God. But I do want them to be confident and secure enough in who they are and their belief in themselves. Then they can have, earn and achieve anything in this world their hearts desire.
Speak life and encouragement into your kids. Down the road you will be glad you did.
Have a great Friday everyone.
Scott Stewart
Author, Speaker and Inspiring others to a life of greatness.
scott@lovelossandgrowth.com
541-343-3614
P.S. Is your organization considering an inspirational or self improvement speaker at their next event? If so, feel free to contact me for future speaking engagements.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Loosing Someone we Love
Funerals are never easy to attend. Some of us will even go out of our way to avoid them. I think the harsh reality of losing someone who was once a part of our life, can hurt enough that it is easier to avoid attending the event. We do this, certainly not out of disrespect, but from trying to avoid our own pain it will cause us.
I personally do not try to avoid them but I have to say, I recently did attend a funeral service that was very difficult attend. A friend of mine, only four years older then I, finally lost his battle with cancer. This friend was an inspiration to me and many others. Despite how he felt, he always seemed to find the positive in most every situation, regardless of how "ugly" it was. During those five short years I spent with him, not once did I ever hear him say anything derogatory about another person. We had many lunches together, hundreds of laughs and we even shared some tears together. The stories he told me will forever hold a spot in my memory bank, and when I think of them I will smile and maybe even chuckle.
Death is just one of those things that I don't think we are ever really "ready" for. When a friend, family member, spouse or even a co-worker passes on, we are left with a void inside. It can't be explained very well, but it hurts and we question "why" this had to happen.
When I was twenty two, in a tragic event, I lost my Mom. I remember hurting and hurting until I didn't think I could go on. I cried out to God and over and over again asked him why this happened.
Losing loved ones to death hurts us to the core and can be so tragic. While we are here in this life, the reality is, we may never know why things had to happen like they did. Maybe losing a loved one before we felt they should have gone, and in our heart believing it was not their time, nor was it fair. My friend left behind young daughters and a beautiful wife, not to mention tons of friends. I think it would only be normal to ask: How is this fair?
I don't have any "magical" answers to why things work out like they do, all I can do is come back to the fact that a very long time ago God gave us something called "free will". Although this was one of His greatest gifts to His children, it also came with ramifications for our actions. Even this can be hard to grasp in a time of mourning. Myself and nearly everyone else who has lost someone they loved has had to learn to go on with their life and search for the answers which will bring about some kind of closure.
For me, I am giving thanks for the times I had with my friend and Mother, I will always treasure them. I encourage you to do the same. Make every day count. Spend time laughing and doing things that bring you happiness. I heard it best said several years ago: Death can be viewed a lot like a huge raffle drawing. The chances of you actually having your number called are very, very slim but when it is called, you can't simply draw another number, your number is up.
Have a great Friday everyone and make sure to thank a service man or woman this weekend in honor of Armed Services Day.
Scott Stewart
Author, Speaker and Inspiring others to a life of greatness.
scott@lovelossandgrowth.com
541-343-3614
I personally do not try to avoid them but I have to say, I recently did attend a funeral service that was very difficult attend. A friend of mine, only four years older then I, finally lost his battle with cancer. This friend was an inspiration to me and many others. Despite how he felt, he always seemed to find the positive in most every situation, regardless of how "ugly" it was. During those five short years I spent with him, not once did I ever hear him say anything derogatory about another person. We had many lunches together, hundreds of laughs and we even shared some tears together. The stories he told me will forever hold a spot in my memory bank, and when I think of them I will smile and maybe even chuckle.
Death is just one of those things that I don't think we are ever really "ready" for. When a friend, family member, spouse or even a co-worker passes on, we are left with a void inside. It can't be explained very well, but it hurts and we question "why" this had to happen.
When I was twenty two, in a tragic event, I lost my Mom. I remember hurting and hurting until I didn't think I could go on. I cried out to God and over and over again asked him why this happened.
Losing loved ones to death hurts us to the core and can be so tragic. While we are here in this life, the reality is, we may never know why things had to happen like they did. Maybe losing a loved one before we felt they should have gone, and in our heart believing it was not their time, nor was it fair. My friend left behind young daughters and a beautiful wife, not to mention tons of friends. I think it would only be normal to ask: How is this fair?
I don't have any "magical" answers to why things work out like they do, all I can do is come back to the fact that a very long time ago God gave us something called "free will". Although this was one of His greatest gifts to His children, it also came with ramifications for our actions. Even this can be hard to grasp in a time of mourning. Myself and nearly everyone else who has lost someone they loved has had to learn to go on with their life and search for the answers which will bring about some kind of closure.
For me, I am giving thanks for the times I had with my friend and Mother, I will always treasure them. I encourage you to do the same. Make every day count. Spend time laughing and doing things that bring you happiness. I heard it best said several years ago: Death can be viewed a lot like a huge raffle drawing. The chances of you actually having your number called are very, very slim but when it is called, you can't simply draw another number, your number is up.
Have a great Friday everyone and make sure to thank a service man or woman this weekend in honor of Armed Services Day.
Scott Stewart
Author, Speaker and Inspiring others to a life of greatness.
scott@lovelossandgrowth.com
541-343-3614
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