To Serve well

Serving with Excellence for a Life of Excellence

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Take on October!

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Can you feel the excitement?

Football, baseball playoff time, pulling on the cute type of winter boots (though they are not all cute…), sweater weather, crunching leaves, smoke-filled air from fire pits and fireplaces, and of course, comfort food with family and friends!

October is amazing.

So here’s the deal friends: We have approximately 90 days until 2015 wraps up! We have a full quarter – a full 25% – of our time left this year to make a difference. Businesses nationwide are driving hard toward having a successful year. Football teams are no doubt in huddles trying to figure out just how to win the game! Students are looking at those mid-term grades and making the adjustments needed to move into victory.

As you think about a life of excellence today, what do you need to do to achieve what success looks like to you over the next 90 days?

I leave you with my list of 13. Why 13? Because that’s my lucky number, of course!

  1. I really need and want to make healthy fall meals! Think soup, warm bread (sorry to my trainer, but I promise I’ll put in the work to cover it) and a yummy apple crisp.
  2. Plan ahead to ensure I have time to spend with the people I hold the dearest over the next three months, not letting the rush of the holidays be a barrier!
  3. When I am with those people, cherish every moment.
  4. Complete my annual “read through the bible” effort. I have done every year this for four years now, and it makes a huge difference in my life.
  5. Go see my grandma in Tennessee!
  6. Take in a few Chiefs games, and even take the time to put together an actual tailgate.
  7. Generate some ideas for my annual Christmas theme and act on making it magical for the family.
  8. Get to the Cider Mill, pumpkin patch and to my friend’s winery next door, which is so much fun!
  9. Review my ‘life plan’ and make sure I’m on top of my goals! “Achieve great success at work this quarter” is a big one.
  10. Make progress on my book, To Serve Well. I’m about halfway done right now.
  11. READ! I read 3-4 books per month, which is a terrific habit.
  12. Watch my Royals win the World Series… nothing wrong with having bold faith!
  13. And most importantly, love and cheer on my boys like it’s nobody’s business.

I’d love to hear a couple of yours – I am cheering you on.

There’s a flag on the play

blog_721067_2781775_1442891384I love football – All kinds, from powder puff, high school, college, and NFL.  I loved it before I had three boys, and I love it even more now because 2 of the 3 REALLY LOVE IT. So, this past Sunday, one of my boys and I had the opportunity to watch the Buffalo vs. New England game in Buffalo because we have a family friend that plays for the Bills.

We (the Bills) started strong on the first drive and after that, it seemed like the only response we could achieve was… “There’s a flag on the play.” — FOUL, PUSH BACK, SORRY GUYS, NO LUCK THIS TIME…   YIKES, I leaned over to tell my friend by the fourth quarter mentioning that this must be the official title of the game.

Here’s the interesting part, (In other words…Ruminating on these may help you serve with excellence better on YOUR FIELD.)  because of the circumstances we were able to ask questions later of her husband, a 10-year NFL veteran. His response was two-fold:

  1. We (the fans) don’t usually know the whole story.  Often, what looks like what caused the flag, wasn’t obvious- It was two “players” back in line that caused the person who actually got the flag to make the mistake.
  2. Players who let their emotions get the best of them, make multiple mistakes, get “ruffled” easily and thrown off of their game.

At quick review, he’s right! What caused my “flag” probably wasn’t because of the obvious.  It may have been, most likely, orchestrated via a series of behaviors, incidents, decisions, that caused the problem.  We can strive for better by taking a look at those “flags” and truly trying to learn and take note because mid-game corrections are necessary!

Finally, point #2 couldn’t be more obvious- I am going to commit this week to not get thrown off my game.  Those little things that can make you want to respond, “Hey, that’s not right, here’s what the truth is…” can often be reframed when you take some time to digest, or as we have often heard, “Never let ’em see you sweat.”  How true that is.

Have a strong week!

Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) Part 2

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I’m not sure what it is, but at least once a month, when I head to get the mail, I think “what if today I get an unexpected check?”- Isn’t that funny? I’ve talked to so many people that do the same thing and have heard comedians add it to their stand-up. It’s a universal thought and yet it’s so silly.

Of course there isn’t going to be a big check in the mail (most likely), but of course it’s terrific that we live in perpetual HOPE.  It makes me laugh just to think about it, especially because the mail typically brings us the other thing everybody’s looking for…  for us to pay our bills!

The thought, everybody’s looking for something, is in itself thought-provoking. No need to construct thinking around this.  Today and in this moment,  I am looking for:

  1. A team of angels to hover around my boys, lift them up and support them on their journeys, help them to achieve their dreams, and use the gifts they’ve been given.  (Add my family, friends and community to this one!)
  2. A world where we are unified, diverse, & strong….
  3. A place to shine- to showcase how much I care about others and want to make a difference.

What about you?  What you are looking for right now?

Eurythmics – Sweet Dreams

Waiting Patiently For Your Calling

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This entire idea of “your calling” is something we American’s seem to love.  We love the thought that we all have a calling that we were each designed for- Personally, I fall for this “hook, line and sinker.”  I love the concept.  Heck, as a christian and a business woman, I especially adore this thinking.  In order to achieve the “optimum” life we need to be called.  I have one time in my life felt “called” in terms of a “career” move.  I believe it was destined.  I know there is an ultimate plan for my life that when it all comes to an end, I will find the extraordinary details that were patched together absolutely mind-blowing.

I read recently that this “calling” business is really only found in first world countries- In other words, those across the world that do not have the same opportunities and privileges don’t even know what this means.  To them, their “calling” is to live a life taking care of their neighbors and family.  To feed for, to pray for, to love others.  It’s that simple.  I kind of like that.

I don’t want to call “all bets” off on our American thinking, but I do want to challenge us to consider this:  What is being truly “called” mean to you?

Have an amazing day!

Beautiful Chaos! Part 1

blog_712158_2766184_1439861599I love the idea of “Beautiful Chaos”- Our lives are literally filled to the brim with both chaotic and beautiful moments.  I feel the key to living well is to find the ying and yang or balance in these possibly opposing forces. If you have ever been to Times Square, pictured above, it is the essence of BEAUTIFUL CHAOS.

Follow me on this one…

  • Beauty in the… People, Energy, Diversity, Arts (street performers mainly)
  • Chaos in the… Loud Sounds, Imagery, Movement, Smells

This experience hits pretty much all of your senses in a fairly abrasive way. It seems to be non stop.  “The City that Never Sleeps”, right?

Do you ever stop in your work day, fully aware of the barrage of emails, phone calls, texts, and demands of life closing in on you, and still find beauty in the unexpected?

How about this…

Find BEAUTY in… The rush of warm air when you step outside from an ice cold office environment, your co-workers too funny to miss weekend story, the “you got this” encouragement from a leader or friend, or simply knowing that after work you get to do something you love… (That could be family, a good workout,  a great meal, your latest favorite read, or your Netflix addiction.)

There is literally BEAUTY everywhere.  We should challenge ourselves this week to look around and FIND BEAUTY IN THE CHAOS.

Diversity. Why It’s Important In Our Communities!

blog_709678_2763045_1439250945“If we can change our mindset from “Hey, our goal is simply to put the best person in the job” to “Hey, our goal is simply to put the best team in place,” we will have accomplished a great deal on improving company performance. And we will have accomplished a great deal on increasing opportunity and diversity.”

– Sallie Krawcheck, Chair of Ellevate Network, Former President of Global Wealth & Investment Management, a division of Bank of America. (In other words… IMPRESSIVE BACKGROUND)

TEAMWORK is dependent on DIVERSITY.  Think about it, it’s easy to grasp in sports teams, right?  We can’t have 5 point guards on the court, a field of strikers on the soccer field, or a bunch of defensive lineman on the gridiron.   It simply doesn’t work. We need speed, agility, size, intimidation, and a multitude of other skills.  As every good coach knows, in order to truly succeed we need a team driven toward a unified goal of success.

Today, look at your roster, do your community “teams” (think church, non-profit work, playdates for your children, etc…) represent a diverse group that will ultimately make you  or your family/friend group stronger and better?  If not, take the step today to consider a plan to grow your diversity in the process,increase the likelihood you will make the IMPACT God desired for you!  

Today is short, because honestly, this isn’t difficult. It’s simple and we need to embrace it and ensure it happens where it depends on us!  I leave you today with a great quote from the famous coach Vince Lombardi, who frankly couldn’t have said it better.

“INDIVIDUAL COMMITMENT TO A GROUP EFFORT – THAT IS WHAT MAKES A TEAM WORK, A COMPANY WORK, A SOCIETY WORK, A CIVILIZATION WORK.”

What If We Had More Fun?

blog_707283_2760597_1438651575WHAT IF… WE ALL WERE HAVING THIS MUCH FUN!?

Okay, seriously, when I found this picture, I just thought WOW! I want to hang out with those guys.  Seriously, at least for this day, for this moment in time, they were LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST- ALL OUT FUN!

This week, let’s give some thought to just that.

WHAT IF I PLANNED TO HAVE ALL OUT FUN MORE OFTEN?

What would my week look like this week?  Would my days be richer?

Would my family and friends experience a change?  Would they want to laugh too?

Would I share more funny stories with my kids about my childhood or about Grandpa George because his stories are inevitably much funnier (exaggerated or not…)

Would we maybe have a spontaneous dance party?  Head to the toy section of Target to get some nerf water guns or host a wild and wacky tea party?  Go catch fireflies?

WHAT IF we all took a moment to send someone a FUNNY TEXT, EMAIL or  VOICEMAIL RIGHT THIS MINUTE?  WHAT IF… we all experienced MORE JOY BECAUSE OF THIS ONE THING??

Let the FUN BEGIN…. I leave you with one of those classic songs that is bound to make you SMILE!

BE BOLD in your GRATITUDE

blog_702017_2755685_1437521960This week I am going to focus on being BOLD for things that you are FOR!  I am for so MANY things and my hope is that you will take a few minutes today to think of what you are FOR.

Today’s focus is on BEING BOLD in your GRATITUDE!

  1. Bold GRATITUDE enlarges our HEARTS!
    Science actually proves that gratitude makes us happier and healthier! That’s REASON ENOUGH!
  2. Bold GRATITUDE returns the FOCUS TO THE RIGHT THINGS. 
    Developing a practice of taking notes of what you are grateful for moves your energy to what is good, and not all of the “junk” that can creep in if we let it. That stuff may still be there, but at the end of the day the positive is pretty amazing.
  3. Bold GRATITUDE makes the WORLD BEAUTIFUL. 
    When we COLLECTIVELY decide to be GRATEFUL things just are BETTER. A terrific quote from Brendon Burchard, author of Life’s Golden Ticket…

    “When you are alive with joy, gratitude, and genuine interest in others, you are your most beautiful.  Remember that.  NOW GO STUN THE WORLD.”

For the FUN OF IT… THINGS I’M “FOR”  (AND SO VERY GRATEFUL) PART 3:

  • My Tribe – Every last one of them
  • Pine Cove – Our amazing second family
  • Education –  Learning is outrageously cool

    And for the not so serious but still true…

  • Fireflies – Yep, I still think they are so cool out there dancing around!
  • The idea of picnics…
  • A good craft beer and all things local really.
  • A cool looking cookbook … to LOOK at!

There is sooo much more I may have to do an entire series of blogs on….

Have an amazing week ahead!   My prayer is that you will take BOLD GRATITUDE into your week!

BE BOLD – What are you for?

Tblog_701190_2754934_1437350104his week I am going to focus on being BOLD for things that you and I are FOR!  I am BOLD for so MANY things and my hope is that you will take a few minutes today to think of what you are BOLD for too.

Today’s focus is on BEING BOLD FOR YOUR FAMILY!  WHY HAVE BOLD VISIONS FOR YOUR FAMILY?  Here’s why!

  1. Our families are the very fabric of our country.
  2. Our families no matter how small or large, make us who we are.
  3. Our families can create GREAT JOY.

I have BOLD VISIONS for my family and I TAKE THE TIME TO FOCUS ON THAT.  So, how do you do that?  The biggest thing is to do it with INTENTION.  Here is one idea to focus on today to get started!

Schedule time every quarter to establish goals for that quarter. I challenge you, on October 1, come up with 3 areas you are going to focus on with your family for the upcoming quarter.

It could be…

  • Call my dad every Sunday.
  • Schedule 3 family dinners with extended families.
  • Take my dog on a walk every day, rain or shine (Okay… dogs are family too!).

It’s easy!  Don’t just say you are going to do it, SCHEDULE IT AND DO IT!

By the way, here are other things I’m definitely BOLD for:

  • Ice Cream – Especially the Mint Chip or Coffee variety.
  • Jalapenos mexican food!
  • Farmer’s Markets…anywhere!
  • Afternoon coffee meetings!
  • Exercise- okay so I haven’t always been, but age has a way of moving that to the top.
  • Table topic dinner conversations – I love to hear what’s on everyone’s heart.
  • Spectator Sports & POWDERPUFF FOOTBALL.
  • Traveling….

More to come this week!

SIMPLY KC – COOL PEOPLE ABOUND

blog_700735_2752527_1437234082I have had the opportunity to encounter some truly incredible people in Kansas City!  KC is home to midwestern values and people that not only CARE DEEPLY and CREATE INSPIRATION….  but have some MAJOR GRIT.  I’m sure that’s true for many cities, but since this is about KC I’ll stick with these fine folks.

Today I’ll share with you three Kansas Citians that have AMAZED me through the years and I know you’ll love the lessons learned from each of them!

KATHY — Kathy Schikevitz is downright COOL!  I met Kathy a little less than a decade ago and my life is so much better because of her… Here’s why:

  1. She is CONSTANTLY HELPING others.  If we have a friend who has lost a loved one, or just needs help with their daughter’s homecoming dress (or in my case to iron a tuxedo last minute)- big or small, she HELPS.
  2. She is a huge GIVER.  Kansas City is better because of Kathy and her husband Ron- They are active in so many community activities that I can’t begin to name them, but suffice to say GIVING is a key part of CARING DEEPLY!

KIRA — Kira Montuori is one of those people that you walk away, going REALLY?  I am better for having spent time with you today!  I promise!  Here’s some lessons from KIRA and how she CREATES INSPIRATION!

  1. Kira looks at the POSITIVE in everything…Kira has given her professional life to helping vulnerable children- Children who have been abused, neglected… etc.  That is a hard environment.  KIRA makes even that POSITIVE and in the process LIFTS others up!
  2. Kira uses CREATIVITY in a way that elevates the conversation.  She is able to bring out the best in others, raise funds for very important needs, and improve our community.

STEVE — Steve Fleischaker is one of those Kansas Citians that represents good ole’ midwestern VALUES and GRIT!  Steve is a family man who lost one of his baby girls to cancer two years ago.  Steve has demonstrated how great faith and GRIT can turn some pretty shitty situations into a BETTER LIFE.   Here’s how he has done that (from my point of view!)

  1. Steve jumped right out front to educate others about his daughter’s situation…. Starting a walk, and much more!  When life handed his family a traumatic situation…he didn’t hide under the covers… He put on “GRIT” and stepped into it-
  2. Steve’s style is collaborative and HONEST –  to me “GRIT” is honesty – “Cater to my success, not my ego…”

Thanks KATHY, KIRA AND STEVE FOR MAKING KANSAS CITY COOL!