Get Dirty!

 

So… Cleanliness is next to Godliness, they say, but let me be the Devil’s advocate for a moment, please, and bear with me down the winding path.

One of the factors leading to my “cool grandma” status, is allowing the grandchildren to get dirty, do messy stuff, and use my tools. There are days you would be horrified to see the mess left in the wake of grandkid projects, but they are so happy when they’ve successfully created something.

We all know cleanliness may be next to Godliness; however, God is also a Master Creator, and I’ve never worked with a creative person whose work area was “clean.” 

If you are a painter, there are always paint splatters, paint brushes, your clothes, the floor, your hair, and whatever else you touched that needs to be cleaned.

If you do crafting, its always the glue, the tiny scraps of whatever you cut, stuff that fell on the floor and stuck to your shoe, leftover pieces that need to be cleaned, and the "stuff" the vacuum refuses to pick up.

If its woodworking, it’s the sawdust, the stain, and splinters in your hand. Heck, I can’t even draw on the sidewalk without being covered in chalk dust.

You just absolutely cannot bring something new into this world without some mess. Just ask an OB nurse if you need confirmation of that!

So, what is my point?

If you hold on too tightly to the admonishment that cleanliness is next to Godliness, you may expect your life to be simple and easy. Everything in its place, nothing to worry or complain about. You may expect to live your life on Easy Street, and end up being very frustrated when things don’t go according to your plan.

Therefore, I ask you to consider this perspective. Being created in God’s image makes us creators, too. And, as I said, creation is messy. This is why sometimes our lives seem so complicated. There are always problems to be dealt with. Things are put in our path, both good and bad, that we never expect. "Stuff" changes all of the time. We have to learn how to be the engineers and architects of our own growth, the explorers that carve out the path when we can’t see what lies ahead, and most importantly, mentors to assist those brave (or foolish) enough to follow us.

I guess my point is – Get messy. Get dirty. Get involved!

Life ain’t easy, so share what you know, support who you can, and work together to creatively follow the path to happiness.

 

 contributed by Melody Lowe

Finding a Career Path

Let me tell you, choosing or changing careers is never easy.

The career path I wanted to take in high school didn’t work out. It takes a lot of college money to be an architect! My family didn’t have the means to provide a college savings plan and I wasn’t comfortable going deep into student debt during that recession!

So, I pivoted and took a job at the local hospital. It turned into a career as I continued to advance my knowledge and skills, working my way up from being a “runner” delivering supplies to the patient care units, to being a business manager. I worked there more than half of my life until a change in leadership forced a change upon me.

I had to start a new career, for I wanted a career, not just a job. I needed to be challenged, and feel like I was making a difference for people. I was fortunate that Bob Kramer was hiring at that time. He has been my mentor, my business partner, and my friend. I will be forever grateful of the opportunity and support that Bob has given me. I love this job, but it isn’t and wasn’t easy. It was a BIG learning curve with lots of tests and annual education requirements, and I embraced the challenge, and continue to meet new challenges every day. I am always learning.

In today’s job market, there are just as many challenges for those dipping their toe in for the first time, or those looking elsewhere for the job they want. Those students whose families have thought ahead to provide education dollars are fortunate. With the expansion of how funds can be used in 529 plans, they have more options. They need those options as the scope of job types is growing every day. From corporate jobs, to gig work, to being an entrepreneur, the choices are endless, and searching the internet brings up new possibilities every day.

I encourage you to help your students understand the opportunities before them, and guide them as they navigate the path to their dream career. And never hesitate to reach out and use the professionals and resources available to support you in this planning.

 

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