As we close in on the election next week, I am sure many of you have heard of the “America Wants Change” mantras, ads and seen the signs displaying the two or three word phrase.  With our country experiencing things it hasn’t experienced in years (and some would argue decades), it is no wonder everyone is clamoring for and desiring change.

Yet, will it really be a new president that will bring that change?

I think not. 

“You must be the change you want to see in the World.”
-Mahatma Gandhi, Indian Political and Spiritual leader

I think Gandhi had the right idea.  He was seen as somewhat of a political, definitely a Spiritual,  leader in his time.  I like his thought. 

Yet, how does one BE the CHANGE in the World?

Great question.

I know for myself a lot of times I get caught up in the worldly expectation of success, meaning money, action, goal setting, goal completing, achieving, making things happen, etc., etc.  Yet, that is all about the “having” and the “doing” in order to GET the RESULT.

It has nothing to do with the BEING part of the equation, which I have shared before is the first part of doing the math.  One gets to be, than do, than HAVE the result (or change, as Americans put it). 

It isn’t about the economy.  It isn’t about the money crisis.  It isn’t about the gas prices.  It isn’t about our external world economy or who is buying oil from whom.  Or who is creating a war with whom. 

Those are all RESULTS.  

I know if I get all caught up in the results and the “doing” of getting those results, then I lose myself in the shuffle of life and the equation tends to fall apart.

I believe that in order for America to experience change - it gets to come from within each and every one of us being ourselves and doing our part (after being, of course) to make that change BE the RESULT.  Without being real and focusing on what we want within, then the rest is all just details.

America doesn’t want to change the economy.  I think America really wants a change of heart.

Enough on my soap box here…..

In closing, I want to share with you an amazing article that I discovered online that goes right along with Gandhi’s quote and intention of that quote.  It is a beautiful summation of what I believe is what will create the real change (not just a Presidential election) in America.

Found at www.positivepath.net  

Top Ten Things You Want To Think

About If You Want To Change The

World

By Michael Angier

Mahatma Gandhi believed that we must be the change we want to see in the world. This was well demonstrated when he helped India gain its independence. Gandhi was a revolutionary man, but he accomplished India’s emergence as a nation without starting a revolution. In fact, he advocated no violence. One of the most powerful countries in the world yielded to the commitment of one man and the dream of millions.

What change can we effect? What’s the difference we want to make in the world?

Gandhi said, “In a gentle way you can shake the world.” Here are some things to think about how to do just that …

1. Know that all significant change throughout history has occurred not because of nations, armies, governments and certainly not committees. They happened as a result of the courage and commitment of individuals. People like Joan of Ark, Albert Einstein, Clara Barton, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison and Rosa Parks. They might not have done it alone, but they were, without question, the change makers.

2. Believe that you have a unique purpose and potential in the world. It’s not so much something to create as to be discovered. And it’s up to you to discover it. Believe that you can and will make a difference.

3. Recognize that everything you do, every step you take, every sentence you write, every word you speak-or DON’T speak–counts. Nothing is trivial. The world may be big, but there are no small things. Everything matters.

4. To be the change you want to see in the world, you don’t have to be loud. You don’t have to be eloquent. You don’t have to be elected. You don’t even have to be particularly smart or well educated. You do, however, have to be committed.

5. Take personal responsibility. Never think “it’s not my job”. It’s a cop-out to say, “What can I do, I’m only one person.” You don’t need everyone’s cooperation or anyone’s permission to make changes. Remember this little gem, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.”

6. Don’t get caught up in the how of things. If you’re clear on what you want to change and why you want to change it, the how will come. Many significant things have been left undone because someone let the problem solving interfere with the decision-making.

7. Don’t wait for things to be right in order to begin. Change is messy. Things will never be just right. Follow Teddy Roosevelt’s timeless advice, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

8. The genesis for change is awareness. We cannot change what we don’t acknowledge. Most of the time, we aren’t aware of what’s wrong or what’s not working. We don’t see what could be. By becoming more aware, we begin the process of change.

9. Take to heart these words from Albert Einstein–arguably one of the smartest change masters who ever lived: “All meaningful and lasting change starts first in your imagination and then works its way out. Imagination is more important than knowledge.”

10. In order for things to change, YOU have to change. We can’t change others; we can only change ourselves. However, when WE change, it changes everything. And in doing so, we truly can be the change we want to see in the world.

The following is inscribed on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in Westminster Abby (1100 A.D.) …

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But it, too, seemed immovable.

As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now, as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family.

From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country, and who knows, I may have even changed the world.

Since my 10-point list above was inspired by Gandhi’s belief, it seems appropriate to end with another of his quotes: “Consciously or unconsciously, every one of us does render some service or other. If we cultivate the habit of doing this service deliberately, our desire for service will steadily grow stronger and we will make not only our own happiness, but that of the world at large.”

© Copyright 1995-2001 Success Networks International.

This article came from a gentleman in his 80’s, a registered Democrat, who actually lived through the times of the Great Depression, previous wars and these times.
I found this to be a very intriguing statement that shifted my own thinking/perception.  No matter whether or not you agree on the current war and economy situation, whether you believe George Bush helped cause it all or whether or not you are a Democrat, Republican or not partial to any party (who can blame you) - this is an interesting thought process shared below.  I do not endorse this message - am simply sharing it because it provoked some deep thought in my own perception of America today and yesterday. 
I look forward to seeing/hearing what it may provoke in you.  Feel free to share with me your thoughts after reading this. 

Everyone has a different opinion on the war, and our current President. But this article probably makes sense to those  who remember. Read it and give it some thought. What a difference 60 years makes!

President Bush did make a bad mistake in the war on terrorism. But the mistake was not his decision to go to war in Iraq .Bush’s mistake came in his belief that this country is the same one his father fought for in WWII it is not!

Back then they had just come out of a vicious depression. The country was steeled by the hardship of that depression, but they still believed fervently in this country. They knew that the people had elected their leaders, so it was the people’s duty to back those leaders. Therefore, when the war broke out the people came together, rallied behind, and stuck with their leaders, whether they had voted for them or not or whether the war was going badly or not. And war was just as distasteful….. and the anguish just as great then as it is today. Often there were more casualties in one day in WWII than we have had in the entire Iraq war. But that did not matter. The people stuck with the President because it was their patriotic duty. Americans put aside their differences in WWII and worked together to win that war.

Everyone from every strata of society, from young to old pitched in. Small children pulled little wagons around to gather scrap metal for the war effort. Grade school students saved their pennies to buy stamps for war bonds to help the effort. Men who were too old or medically 4F lied about their age or condition trying their best to join the military. Women doubled their work to keep things going at home. Harsh rationing of everything from gasoline, to soap, to butter, was imposed, yet there was very little complaining.

You never heard prominent people on the radio belittling the President. Interestingly enough in those days there were no fat cat actors and entertainers who ran off to visit and fawn over dictators of hostile countries and complain to them about our President. Instead, they made upbeat films and entertained our troops to help the troops’ morale. And a bunch even enlisted.

And imagine this: Teachers in schools actually started the day off with a Pledge of Allegiance, and with prayers for our country and our troops!!!

Back then, no newspaper would have dared to point out certain weak spots in our cities where bombs could be set off to cause the maximum damage. No newspaper would have dared complain about what we were doing to catch spies. A newspaper would have been laughed out of existence if it had complained that German or Japanese soldiers were being ‘tortured’ by being forced to wear women’s underwear, or subjected to interrogation by a woman, or being scared by a dog.

There were a lot of things different back then. We were not subjected to a constant bombardment of pornography, perversion and promiscuity in movies or on radio. We did not have legions of crack heads, dope pushers and armed gangs roaming our streets.

No, President Bush did not make a mistake in his handling of terrorism.He made the mistake of believing that we still had the courage and fortitude of our fathers. He believed that this was still the country that our fathers fought so dearly to preserve!!

As I write this, the 2008 election is only 14 days/two weeks away.  I must confess this election has more of my attention/focus than any other in this lifetime.   Never before have I ever watched ALL of the debates in their entirety, never before have I even sat through commercial ads on TV or the Internet, never before have I been this excited about an outcome.

Something is special about this election. 

Do you feel it?

Do you sense change around the corner?

No matter whom you feel led to vote for, I am hopeful that you will vote on Tuesday, November 4th.  That is what matters most.  With our country experiencing a very tenuous time, I think this is one of the best choices can make at this time.

Please vote and make a difference.

Here are two commercials I found that I thought were helpful for any McCain or Obama supporter, whichever one you might be today.

Enjoy!

CLICK HERE for a McCain focused commercial

CLICK HERE for an Obama focused commercial

This past Monday I was supposed to have lunch with my good friend and mortgage expert, Bruce Dippong.  Bruce has contributed to this newsletter and after building a solid foundation to our business relationship, we wanted to start building our own networking group together this week.

Instead of seeing Bruce for lunch at 12:30 as planned, I attended his memorial service at 1 p.m., after his sudden death last week.

It’s funny how life can throw you curves sometimes.

Bruce was an amazing and passionate man, filled with life, love and joy.  Even with the market as it is, he was always optimistic and loved helping serve his realtors, his clients and above all else, his wife and daughter.  His 58 years of service on this earth were, undoubtedly, a blessing to many, I noted as I saw all his friends and family at the service.

I was reminded of the frailty of life and the importance of simply living every day “as if” it were my last.

The importance of the really significant things that matter most - family, friends, love and happiness.  The rest is just details and trivia.  Gas prices, economy, market conditions…..all pale in comparison to the true fruits of a life well lived.

Bruce knew that and lived it.

Here is an inspirational reading I want to dedicate to my friend, and, as I know he would want, to all of you who read this.  In honor of Bruce, here is one contribution I will make in his honor.  One that I know he would endorse and be proud to be a part of.

“TODAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE”

This is the beginning of a new day.  God has given me this day to use as I will.  I can waste it - or use it for good, but what I do today is important, because I am exchanging a day of my life for it!  When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving in its place something I have traded for it.  It want it to be gain, and not loss;  good, and not evil; success, and not failure; in order that I shall not regret the price that I have paid for it.

-Dr. Heartstill Wilson

Thank you, Bruce.  For blessing us one more time.

This article was contributed by Tom Trush, my colleague and writing guru.  You can learn more about Tom at www.WriteWaySolutions.com.     

The negativity drives me nuts!

 A quick glance at CNN.com shows the usual doom and gloom “highlighting” the latest headlines.  Gators, dead cows may hide Ike victims … Which jobs will get cut first? … Cop commits suicide after stun gun death … America’s chilling future … X-ray shows knife stuck in teen’s skull … Mets pitcher sought after fatal hit-and-run …  Sure, I understand negativity drives the news, but these days it’s gone to an entirely new – and ridiculous – level.  All this negativity is the reason why I’m telling you about one of my favorite inspirational resources. My twin brother introduced it to me last year.  http://www.212movie.com  When you click on the above link, be prepared to set aside about 2 minutes. That’s how long it will take you to view the video.  What you’ll experience is one of the quickest ways I’ve found to transform your mindset, boost your energy and renew your focus. In fact, I believe the inspirational message in this video is so powerful that I used it last year to lead off one of my seminars.  While watching the video, I encourage you to think about how you can apply the inspirational message to your marketing efforts.  Don’t worry. You don’t have to sign up for anything or spend a single cent.  The video will start playing immediately after you click the link.  http://www.212movie.com  Enjoy!  Sincerely, Tom

I must admit, I am a very simple person.  Simple things get me excited and fulfill my day to day joys, whether it be a walk/run on the beach, a cup of tea, talking to an old friend back in the Midwest or reading the funnies.  Sometimes I forget how simple life can be and how fun I can make it if I just stop and take it all in.

I had another encounter with that this morning.

Yesterday I was asked to play my flute to accompany a song in church.  Most of you are like, “Wait a minute, Lois plays a musical instrument?”

Yes, actually, two or three, in fact.  Flute, piano and piccolo.  Not all at once, however, I took eight years of piano lessons and nearly as many flute/piccolo lessons over my childhood/teenage years. 

However, I literally had to brush off the dust and cobwebs this morning as I pulled my flute out of the box in the garage.  I was actually very happy that I could remember where the flute was or that I even had it.

It brought back soooooo many memories.  Have you been there?

I remembered my old man (not my band director, believe it or not) showing me how to blow into my flute as if I was blowing into a pop bottle in order to make my first real sound.  It worked!  My dad did know more than I thought he did!

I saw myself in marching band in the wind and rain, wearing my God-awful black and gold (we called ourselves the bumble bees) marching band uniform, all the while my fingers were frozen and I couldn’t feel the keys on my flute.

I saw myself playing an improv jazz flute solo (I guess my perception of improv for me was that I had no idea what I was playing and neither did anyone else!!).

I remembered the daily 30 minutes I practiced as a diligent young woman so that I could make the honor band and nail that three-octave chromatic scale. 

To my surprise as I opened up my flute case, there was an old song and a note in there that had been there since college (1999!).  I smiled to myself as I realized I had done nothing with this well-used piece of Gemeinhardt metal in nearly a decade. 

I took a few deep breaths, cracked open the church hymnal to page 338 and stumbled through the first two lines of the song, so appropriately entitled, “‘Tis the Gift to Be Simple”.

After a few run throughs, feeling already tired in my cheeks and lips (AND re-teaching myself how to breathe, play, breathe, play), I smiled to myself.

“It is just like riding a bike!”  I thought.

I kept playing.

Soon I was adding some vibrato, taking fewer breath breaks and happily feeling more tired in my lips/mouth. 

Then I actually read the words to the song and I smiled again. 

“‘Tis the gift to be simple, ’tis the gift to be free, ’tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right, ‘Twill be in the valley of love and delight.” 

Life lessons can come at any moment.  Even in the “simple” moments of taking out the ol’ flute and dusting her off to play a church hymn.  I relish these moments.  I hope you do too.

I encourage you to get out your flute or your trumpet or your bike, your…..whatever, dust it off and test ride it again.  It might inspire you to see life in its simplest form again…..and that, my friends, is what makes life (especially in today’s world) that much more meaningful.

It’s a good life!

Last night, as I was watching the end of the Monday Night Football Game with my Dallas Cowboys winning the seesaw battle of a contest, the title of this blog entered my mind.

They had exchanged the lead seven times (not one, not two, but SEVEN) times over four quarters, were down at halftime, made some BIG errors (fumbling in the end zone of the other team is not exactly a great idea - even Tony admits this) before finally cashing in on a 41-37 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, in reportedly the wildest Monday night football game ever.

The Cowboys’ 41-37 victory delivered the biggest audience in the history of cable television, earning a 13.3 rating (representing 12,953,000 homes).

So I am sure many of you got a chance to see the game.

If not, I won’t give you a play by play, as that is not the point of this article.  Let’s just say it went back and forth with the Eagles having the biggest lead at one point with a 9-point edge and I did manage to chew a few nails down on my fingers until the final whistle blew.

I am actually writing this article as a result of hearing winning quarterback, Tony Romo’s, post-game interview.

When asked what he thought or felt like when he fumbled the ball in his opponent’s end zone, essentially giving them seven points, he smiled and simply said, “Darn it.”

Darn it?

Yep, darn it!  Or at least that’s what he wants to us to think.  He might have actually thought something a bit more sassy than ‘darn it’.

Then it got even better. 

“You just can’t let mistakes like that get to you.  You’ve got to keep going forward to the next play and let it go.  Otherwise you’ll never win games.”

Couldn’t have been spoken with more truth.

For you see, the Cowboys have not made it past the first game in the playoffs since 1996, over a decade of disappointment and falling short of more Superbowl rings.  And trust me, they’ve had teams with the potential to make it all the way.

They just couldn’t get the monkey off their back and would lose every fourth quarter close game they possibly could, time after time, again and again.  It was like watching “Groundhog Day” and you never knew if we would wake up the next day or just keep repeating day after day, season after season.

Yet Tony and the ‘Boys moved to the next day last night.  They were fearless in the face of adversity and seven lead changes, fumbles, penalties and a challenging team staring them in the face on every play.

This game, and the subsequent seasons it took to get to last night for the Cowbys, reminded me of the top 3 things required to become fearless in the face of adversity.

1.  “Mistakes” get to be made.  Without mistakes (which is not really a word I use in my vocabulary much anymore - rather life lessons), you don’t get anywhere.  Without learning from those mistakes you don’t grow and get to that winning season, whatever that might be for you.

2.  Keep moving forward.  Courage can only be around with fear staring you in the face.  Moving forward takes courage.  Once you move forward and see the goal line more often than not, that is when fearlessness comes so much easier.

3.  Just say “Darn It” and forget it even happened.  When you do make a mistake, like Tony did in that end zone, just say ‘darn it’ and let it go.  Championships don’t get won, careers don’t skyrocket, relationships don’t grow and blossom, if you don’t just forget about it.  Let go and let Someone else deal with the details.  Life can get lost in those details.  And it’s too great of a life to get stuck in the miry muck of mistakes in life.

Here’s to my Cowboys having a great season and more lessons to come.  It is not the winning or losing that ultimately matters, it’s the learning and relearning how to be fearless that counts to me!  (You can guarantee I’ll write if/when my ‘Boys lose this season - more lessons will be had)

Here’s to you having a great season this fall and always.  Whether you find yourself face first in the turf, or an “offensive lineman” weight on top of you or catch a graceful catch in the end zone of your day - enjoy!

Since we are nearing the 7th anniversary of 9/11, I thought it appropriate to send this article out to remind you to remember to remember this date.  Here is what New York City and some other parts of our nation are doing to commemmorate this occasion. 
Check your local listings for opportunities in your own area. 

Article written by Pamela Skillings.

September 11, 2008 marks the seven-year anniversary of 9/11. There will be several memorial events in the New York City area to honor and remember the victims of September 11th and to come together as a community.

2008 September 11 Memorial Events in New York City

• World Trade Center Site Memorial Ceremony and Remembrance
  The official New York City observance of the anniversary of 9/11 will take place at the World Trade Center site on the morning of Thursday, September 11th. The names of all 2,751 victims will be read aloud and four moments of silence will be observed to commemorate the times when each plane hit and each tower fell. At sunset, the famous “Tribute in Light” will return to the skies above New York City for the night.

  Thursday, September 11, 2008. 8:40AM-12:30PM.
  Zuccotti Park, Liberty Street between Broadway and Church Streets
  Call 212-442-8953 for more information.

• September 11 Remembrance at Trinity Church
  Attend a ceremony of remembrance at the historic Trinity Church. At 8:46 AM, the church bells will toll in honor of those who died on September 11, 2001. A Eucharist for Peace service will take place from 12:05-12:45PM. An Evensong service of remembrance through readings and song will be held from 5:15-5:45PM.

  Thursday, September 11, 2008
  Trinity Church, Broadway at Wall Street
  More Information

• The September Concerts
  The September Concerts are a series of free concerts held in locations around New York City and around the world to fill the skies with music every September 11th. In 2007, more than 100 concerts were held in New York City. For 2008, concert venues will include Central Park, the New York Public Library, the 42nd Street subway station, Rockefeller Center, Washington Square Park, the World Financial Center, and many more.

  Thursday, September 11, 2008
  See listings for all concert locations and times

• NYC Remembers Service Week
  Observe September 11th by helping people in need. Take the MyGoodDeed pledge to honor the victims, heroes and volunteers of 9/11 by taking time to help others in need and making 9/11 a global day of service every year.

  Find 9/11 projects in New York City that need your help

  Find out more about NYC Remembers and the MyGoodDeed campaign

• 9/11 Commemoration at The New York City Fire Museum
  At 1 p.m., the New York City Fire Museum will unveil a dagger made by the Armourer to the Queen of England from World Trade Center steel and donated to the FDNY. The annual commemoration ceremony at the Firefighter’s Memorial will also include the laying of a wreath for the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11, 2001 by the Chief of the Fire Department.

  Thursday, September 11, 2008
  Ne York City Fire Museum, 278 Spring Street, 212-691-1303

• 9/11 World Trade Center Memorial Annual Floating Lanterns Ceremony
  The New York Buddhist Church (NYBC) will present a floating lantern ceremony led by Rev. TK Nakagaki. This ancient custom is a symbolic representation of respecting the lives that have gone before us and also represents a light of hope for peace and harmony. This event is free and open to the public.

  Thursday, September 11, 2008
  Pier 40 at West Houston Street and the Hudson River

• New York City 9/11 Unity Walk
  Join the 9/11 Interfaith Unity Walk and demonstrate a shared call for peace. The event will include a contemplative walk through the Financial District, speakers from various faith traditions, and music.

  Sunday, September 14, 2008
  Beginning at the 9/11 Memorial in Battery Park and proceeding to Ground Zero for a flower ceremony, then continuing to St. Peter’s at 22 Barclay Street.

If you would like to suggest a September 11 memorial event for inclusion on this list, please email me.

Remembering September 11

Photos of the World Trade Center, 1970-2001World Trade Center HistoryGround Zero Photo Gallery

Remembering September 11

Rebuilding the World Trade CenterWorld Trade Center Attacks

September in New York City

September 2008 NYC Event ListingsFeast of San GennaroSeptember New York Street Fairs

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• September 11th Memorial Plans in New York City
• Saint Anthony Memorial Health Center of Michigan City IN
• 9-11 Memorial Observances on Long Island
• September 11, 2005 - 9/11 Memorial Plans for 9/11/05
• Atlanta Events Calendar- September

Did you know that the average life span of a butterfly is just 30 days?  That’s one month to be born, grow, reproduce and die. 
That is transformation, a metamorphosis, on the fast track.

Yet, if Mother Nature can get a butterfly to do that, what is possible for you in 30 days, just four weeks out of your own life?

Could you finish a goal or a vision that you haven’t fully realized yet? 
Maybe even just start that vision?

Or do you want to transition out of what you are currently doing and pursue that dream career?

Or do you simply want to design a life for yourself instead of just making a living in your day-to-day week schedule? 

I can see you there in 30 days - a transformational success curve befitting of your own metamorphosis in your own life!

Sign up today for your very own 30 Day Transformational Success Coaching Cycle. 

For the next 30 days (four weeks) you get:

• Daily success coaching tools that will transform your energy and your time management
• 4 hours of personal success coaching with Lois Tiedemann (Multiple-time Ironman Triathlete and business owner)
• Fulfilled 30 day vision report at the end of 30 days!
• A greater vision set for your next 3-5 years
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Contact Lois directly to set up your start date at 949-940-0399.

This is an article provided by a colleague of mine, Bruce Dippong, who is in the mortgage industry.  This message was written to realtors he works with, however, I think it applies to everyone in business for themselves in this economy.  It may not apply directly to you, however, you may know someone that this applies to.  Feel free to pass along.  A great refreshing perspective on a mindset to have as you keep moving forward in the here and now.

Never Give Up!

Since 2005, more than 65% of all Loan Officers have left the business. By this time next year, these numbers will be even higher.  I don’t tell you this to scare you. This is a fact. We tell you this, because we know that everything you need to succeed is always available – except for one thing: your best effort.

How many realtors have left the business during this same time period?

How are you dealing with today’s tougher market? What are you doing everyday to ensure your future in this business? Are you giving your best effort – your very best effort – to succeed?

Take a minute to answer these questions. Then, think about this and ask yourself these questions again. We think you just might surprise yourself at how much more we are all able do.

Make it a great week!!!

If you have any questions for Bruce, you can reach him at the following information: