Snow Days

Seems like everyone across the country was aware that we had some heavy snow here in the North East.  I still have my bank account in Utah and I was calling in to verify some info when the lady on the other end even asked me how we were holding up with the weather.  Too funny!  Here's the truth:

Everyone and their dog seemed to be complaining about the snow as it began to fall.  Then everything shut down so most people didn't have to go in to work the next day.  When they were off work everyone loved the snow!

So this phenomenon got me thinking.  First we are complainers.  We whine about how extremely dramatic and difficult our life will be because of a few flakes, but then we are on cloud 9 when we get to stay home in bed all day.  So what did we do with that new free time?

Having just moved from Utah, the snow didn't seem to bother us.  We drove slowly and cautiously of course, but snow is snow and you learn to manuver around it as needed.  So our days went pretty much as usual, since we make our own schedule anyway.  However, I think about all the complainers and their gift of a day to with it whatsoever they pleased, and I wonder how most spent their time.

Is your life any better for having had complete control over your day or are you in exactly the same position you would have been had you been tied up at your job?  This taught me a lesson to steer clear from complaining and being in a position where I vocalized discontent but did nothing about it.  It taught me that if I get a moment that was supposed to be filled with responsibility now freed up to do with as I pleased to take that moment and make something happen...ANYTHING...but to stay away from stagnation.

Does this mean everyone should have been industriously working on some project or another?  No, surely time with the kids rolling around on the floor, or walking the dog in the park, or simply making a home cooked meal for once are all valid options.  Let's just not be content to sit in front of the tube and allow our brains to mush up just because we can.  It's time to learn to control our body and not let it control us.  Beginning by not complaining would be a great way to go.

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Customer Service

Customer Service?  What on earth does that have to do with Money or Mental Health?  Uhhh, only EVERYTHING.  Raise your hand (go ahead, even if you're alone at your computer) if you've ever been mistreated by someone at any kind of corporation or retail establishment.  Now, keep your hand up if the mistreatment was for no apparent reason?  Yeah, I thought so.  Too bad, isn't it?

Recently I dealt with a very sensitive transaction involving a funeral home.  You would think that someone working at a funeral home would be sensitive, caring, and definitely compassionate.  Would it surprise you if I told you that the manner in which I was treated was completely apalling?  That during the entire day of phone calls and office visits I felt as if I was the one bothering them?  Turns out, the issue I was having was squashed when the contract was pulled out and clearly displayed the solution to our situation.  It was a simple and quick fix, yet I was given a run around all day.

Recently I met with someone who told me about a poster hanging up at her office.  The title of the poster is:

10 Commandments of Customer Service

Among such "commandments" were ideas such as:

The Customer does us a favor when he calls, we do not do them a favor when we serve them.

and

The Customer is the most important person in any business.

As she was recounting this list to me, she snickered and laughed while explaining how much "hogwash" the statements felt like to her.  It truly saddened me.  Why is it a joke to serve the customer?  Why do some people act as if they are bothered by service.  See, the thing about customer service is that it is the ONLY reason you have a business at all.

Customers pay for your paychecks, not your bosses.  So when you are dealing with people, give them an attitude of gratitude.  They are paying your mortgage, your gas, the food you put on the table for your kids.  It's the customers!  When you begin feeling that toward them, it becomes easier and easier to show a cordial attitude toward them in your service.

What if you absolutely hate your job and are completely miserable in it?  Then start looking for something more suitable to your personality, but don't diss the customer of your current place of employment in the mean time.  Be respectbale and remember the golden rule:

Treat others as you would wanted to be treated.

This will go a long way for us in life.

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Hooray for Yay!

Since I spilled out a rave about nay-sayers, I've come to see side B of the equation. For the people that tell you that all your aspirations are ridiculous, there are usually a handful people who actually encourage your quest. These are mentors in your life's journey who should be kept close to you as you continue.

Of course there will be much less of these people than the one's who oppose you, but a few is all you need. I can count the people in my life who will encourage my journey on less than one hand, and that's exciting. See these people are valuable to you for things beyond advice and knowledge. They are mostly valuable to you in support; your own cheerleading squad with you wherever you go.

If you don't think you know who such a person can be for you in your own life, then begin your search for them now. Who do you know that loves and cares about you? Tell one of them about the things you want to accomplish and watch for a reaction. If it is one of complete positivity and happiness for you, then you have found a golden nugget.

What if you really can't find a single person to believe in you? Don't give up! Expand your circle of friends, get to know people in similar like minded groups, and read! Read about people who have had to overcome incredible odds to have what they have today. Sometimes those examples serve as your greatest anchors toward your cause.

We're going to change the world, and as we find those who support that cause, be grateful every day.

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Loose Control

"Consider this, if you wait for someone else to change before you allow yourself to have a winning attitude then you’re giving control over to others for how you feel." ~~ David Zack Holmes

Have you ever noticed a time when someone you are near to has done something or said something that has caused you to accept a reaction of frustration, anger or similar? Notice, I said "accept a reaction". I didn't say that the action had caused you the frustration in and of itself.

WHY?


Truly, it is because we are uniquely responsible for our own emotions. I believe that once someone embraces this concept, their life can NEVER be the same again. Where we as a society got the programming that other's actions can cause us dis-ease is beyond me. No one has that power.


For example: Let's say you got a phone call today from a complete stranger. This stranger doesn't even introduce herself to you and tells you that she has decided never to call you or get in contact with you again.


How do you feel? If you are normal, you probably don't care. So what? You never even knew who this person was.


Now on the flip side: Let's say you got a phone call from your significant other. She tells you that she has decided never to call you or see you again.


NOW how do you feel? If you are normal you would probably react that it would be hurtful and it would cause you to be upset.


Take a look at this scenario from an outside perspective. Doesn't that comparison seem a little silly? The truth is, the situation was exactly the same. The only difference is the person that called you. You put a value on the second person and therefore let it affect the way you felt. That is where you have control. You get to be the one who decides how to handle that kind of rejection or acceptance. You are the only one who can look someone in the face as they either call you a term of endearment or a name and give the meaning to what is happening.


Now, as much as that is good news...we have to remember that we also CANNOT control others. The actions and words that come out of other people are their own. If someone changes their behavior it won't make you happier or angrier. YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE who can make yourself happier or angrier. So in an effort to keep your sanity, try this one on for size. DO NOT expect others to behave in a way that makes you feel satisfied, learn instead to come into peace with yourself so you can feel complete on your own.


The heartache you'll save along the way will make this trip of self improvement priceless for you. Remember: The only person you can change in you, so if you want to see a change in your environment, start by looking inside yourself and take the steps from there.


YOU ARE ALREADY GREAT!

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