“Hot Cross Buns” – it’s a classic!

I recently had the opportunity to attend a “string” concert at our local high school. It involved grade levels 5-12, showing off their skills in the violin, viola, cello, and bass. I hadn’t been to anything like this for a while, and I greatly enjoyed it.

It carried me back to the fourth grade, in the weeks following the city-wide band and orchestra concert.

The image of the young instructor/conductor leading the groups reminded me of my first encounter with the new young instructor/conductor of my day – Steve Miller.

I remember meeting in the small room across from my fourth-grade classroom, and discussing what instrument I wanted to play. I chose the violin, and I remember him measuring my arm to make sure I would even be able to play it. I did, not necessarily well, and my orchestra career was relegated to just the 5^th grade year. (Hey, don't judge me! I’m not musical… I write!)

As the fifth-grade students performed for the first time, I leaned over to my daughter and whispered “I learned that same song when I was in fifth grade,” and she just laughed, while my youngest grandchild gazed in complete awe and wonder, completely mesmerized by the performances. I wondered if the beginner music curriculum had evolved at all, or was “Hot Cross Buns” just one of those classics that every music student learned. Probably so. Wouldn’t it make for a fun event if on a given day and time, all the beginner students across the United States played it together, as a promotional event to maintain music programs in our schools?  It would take a very passionate conductor to coordinate that, but every parent would love it!

Even if you don’t have a school age student involved in the music programs, I would encourage you to attend one of these types of local events. Not only is it fun, it is inspiring to watch the wonder, awe, dedication, and brilliance displayed by these students.

contributed by Melody Lowe

 

 B.I.G.

I have been blessed to have been introduced to many people who have given me a great deal to be positive about. One such person is entrepreneur expert Lee Brower, who always goes BIG!  He Begins In Gratitude every meeting we’ve been in. 

This activity has stimulated my gratitude attitude towards my meetings and the day.  In fact, I write those things I’m grateful for in a gratitude journal each day.  Many involve my family, my health, and my faith.  Lee even said there is scientific evidence that this activity will kick in dopamine in your brain after doing this activity for 3 consecutive weeks.  It will actually make you feel better about yourself.  

So, consider Beginning In Gratitude with your friends, acquaintances, and loved ones, and writing your own gratitude journal.  You will be amazed at what this can do in your life.

 

Contributed by Bob Kramer

 

 

 

 

November is National Gratitude Month

As I think about gratitude, and how it has affected my life, I reach back and consider all those people who have made a positive difference in my life, and that have made contributions that are inestimable. The impact and influence they have had on my life are permanently embedded, as I remember these people who showed humility and vulnerability in their leadership.

More than anything, I know that no one is perfect. I have been guilty of putting some people on a pedestal and thinking that they could do no wrong, whether it was their athletic prowess, perceived wealth and influence, or their intellectual gifts. The people that I have encountered in my life with the most positive influence were also those who seemed the humblest.

Humble does not mean weak or mild-mannered. Far from it. Humble people are gracious. They show how important all of the people are in the room. They go first. They call you by name and ask you about family and your friends, and know your concerns. They build lasting relationships because they want to know what’s in it for those around them, not what’s in it for themselves. When a task is given, they don’t act like they have to do it, they get to do it. For there is a time and place when we cross the line or encounter a physical or mental inability to contribute to others lives anymore because we are no longer able. Our mind may be willing, or we wish we could help, but the body can no longer take it. Maybe the mind may is suffering from some form of dementia or setback, and we can no longer confidently participate.

This month I am grateful for the humble leaders I have been privileged to encounter throughout my life so far. Do you remember a teacher along the way who shared with you that you never fail unless you give up? Or the business leader you worked with that displayed keen interest in you when you felt like a failure? He or she went through the same struggles or frustrations that you did. Or finally, the story teller who took you to a time or place that they had been, and the players and characters they talked about, and what an impression it made on you, to inspire and make the most of your life.

Everything I have and everything I am, is a gift from God, and a result of other people’s contributions to my life. I am eternally grateful for the humble people in my life.

 Contributed by Bob Kramer

Inspired Authenticity...

What do these words mean to you? What expectation is brought to mind when you read them? I’ll give you a moment to think about it before you move on.

… (imagine Jeopardy music in the background) …

I don’t know about you, but it’s the word “inspired” that gives me personal pause. It’s such a big word.

I’m not worried about the “authentic” part. I’m pretty much what you see. I believe, or at least I hope, that most people that we see as being of noble or moral character show us their authentic and true selves. That doesn’t mean we get to see or know everything about everybody – we are all entitled to our privacy, no matter what social media may imply on any given day. Some things are, quite simply, none of your business.

However, you will know when you meet an authentic person. You’re happy to spend time with them, you are comfortable in your conversations (and your silence), and you trust them.

If that person is not quite as authentic as they might like for you to believe, you’ll know it! Trust your gut instinct, the hackles on the back of your neck, your mother’s voice ringing in your ears... You’ll know! And learn how to recognize it in your online dealings, as well. Don’t be a victim of fraud or scams.

Be authentic, know yourself, and you will attract others that are genuine to your circle.

Now, let’s back up to the “inspired” part. Why does it give me pause? I suppose because it is so much more personal to me, and to you. Inspiration is not the same for everyone. There are many things that inspire me, large and small. Some are just fleeting thoughts whose only purpose is to redirect me to the “next thing” while others are big thoughts. Heavy, soul-searching thoughts. Inspiration that wants to make a big impact for people. A lot of people, not just my small world. The kind of inspiration that requires days of thought and focus because your heart wants to make a positive impact on someone else’s future.

Big or small, inspiration should induce a ripple effect. An effect far larger than any one of us can make by ourselves. Let your inspiration flow forth and compound with other ripples! If you don’t share what inspires you, you’ll never know what impact your thoughts may make.  Don’t ignore what inspires you. Give yourself five minutes in your busy day to share your inspiration and your most authentic self to help us all thrive in the chaos of our everyday lives.

I hope this blog can make a difference via its ripple effect as our contributors share their thoughts and inspiration with you, and you share the inspiration you find with someone else, and we all find some Inspired Authenticity that is resounding and speaks to our souls.

contributed by Melody Lowe