http://archive.aweber.com/attitudeboosterAttitube Booster: Darci Lang's newsletterTue, 03 Apr 2012 16:55:41 -0400http://archive.aweber.com/attitudebooster/EnGZA/h/Darci_Lang_Attitude.htm For April 2012 No Morale Issues Created by Darci Lang (Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author) www.darcilang.com, info@darcilang.com, (306) 569-1354 I am not saying that morale issues do not exist. Here is my thought. Every week that I speak to a new and different audience, I have the privilege of interviewing a portion of them. Here is what I have found. When morale issues exist there are a percentage of the employees who are having personal problems. Big personal problems. And what happens when we do not deal with our personal problems, is that they come to work with us. Then we are trying to create a culture of motivation and happiness with people who are depleted in their lives. My compassion grows week after week for how much people deal with. The stories I hear from people and how much they are coping with makes me often wonder, how do they even get out of bed in the morning, much less go to work! I know life is stressful but we need to be accountable for dealing with our personal lives so we can be happier. I sit next to people on airplanes all the time who share their personal challenges with me. I listen empathetically then often ask them, "What are YOU doing to cope with your life?" So often they can not answer that. When we are living with stress we often forget we have choices on how we cope with it. When we do not deal with our marriage problems, teenagers, self-esteem issues, addictions, depression and stress ... which we all have... someone else will pay the price for that. They pay by how we treat them. We can pretend we are okay but your coworkers and staff know you are not. Some of you have EAP programs in place to get the help you need. There is nothing you are dealing with you cannot Google to get more information on. Go to a meeting. Join a support group. Do something to move forward. It is impossible to come to work depleted by our lives and expect to add fullness to the work place. In the book "what happy people know" Dan Baker writes , "those who do not have control in their personal lives come to work and control" and haven't we all worked for someone like that? I know it is hard to look at our 10%'s and change. I know first hand the hardest person to change is the one in the mirror. And I know for sure, those organizations that I speak to that have very few issues with low morale.... Also have a group of employees (starting with their leader) who is committed to their own happiness. I believe that if we all dealt with our personal problems on our own we would then... be happier... and then we would go to work happier and everyone would not have to suffer for our lives. Morale issues would become less of an issue. And wouldn't that be a wonderful place to work? Attitude in Action: So what do YOU need to do to cope so hat you can add too the positive morale where you work. Join Darci on her Blog at www.focusonthe90percent.wordpress.com Quotes to Ponder: "Morale is self-esteem in action" Avery Weisman Focus on the 90%: One simple tool to change the way you view your life. is bigger. Darci has added over 40% new content to her already best selling book! Order here Boost a Buddy: Forward this email to a friend who could use a boost. It's easy for them to sign-up and absolutely free. They just go to www.darcilang.com and sign up. Note: e-mail addresses will not be shared with any other person or organization. Contact Info: Darci Lang is a Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author who has been inspiring people to improve their attitudes for over 18 years. If you know someone who could benefit from Darci's message at their next conference, quarterly staff meeting or customer appreciation night please ask them to give Darci a call. Ph: (306) 569-1354 E-mail: info@darcilang.com Website: www.darcilang.com (copyright) Darci Lang's Attitude Boost is sent out periodically. Parts of this publication may be reproduced by attaching the following footnote (Darci Lang copyright, 2012, www.darcilang.com). Have a Great Attitude Day!Tue, 03 Apr 2012 16:55:41 -0400http://archive.aweber.com/attitudebooster/Es25w/h/Darci_Lang_speaking_in.htm Hey everyone I'll be speaking in Swift Current on April 14, 2012 for Seeds of Success. This is a public event with tickets available from Karen (306)778-6868Sheila (306)773-6596 Diane (306)773-2429 successdaycare@sasktel.net For more information, check out the attached poster. Looking forward to seeing you there. Darci Lang Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:07:10 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/attitudebooster/F.5jg/h/Darci_Lang_Attitude.htm For February 2012 This Year's Theme Created by Darci Lang (Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author) www.darcilang.com, info@darcilang.com, (306) 569-1354 I like to start each year with a new theme. Everything I do -- my one thing I'm going to work on about me, my approach to work, my home life -- everything is evaluated as to how it works with my theme. For years, I have been doing this. In 2010 my theme was simplify. So I looked at all areas of my life, home and work, and decided how I could live my life more .. simply. I focused on my home first and edited all the closets of everything I did not need. I looked at my morning and evening routines to make them simpler so I was not rushing and yelling at Jayda and John to get out the door for school (ok 90% of the time). In my business, Sandra and I worked on the processes to get me out the door to speak and back and how we could simplify that. Anytime I would feel the need to add something to my life I would ask does this add to my theme or not? I posted the word simply all over to remind me to constantly do that. In 2011 my theme quickly became cope. Though I know that doesn't sound very 90%, it was a very helpful theme. I had a very full year last year with my husband's, daughter's and son's health. My special Dad had a fall on the ice and suffered a severe concussion and my beautiful Mom died suddenly. All the while I was called to do what I do as a motivational speaker. So knowing that a lot of people needed me to be as full and happy as I can be, I focused on coping. What that meant was I did not take on anything that would not add to my life that took away my ability to cope. If I wanted to renovate something or take on a new work project, I would ask myself, Does this add to my ability to cope or take away? It allowed me to focus solely on what I needed to do to cope most effectively. 2012 is a much nicer year. My theme this year is fresh start. A major upgrade from the cope theme of last year. After coping for so long, I need a new fresh way to live my life. I look at all areas again asking, How can I do this in a fresh and new way; a way that is centered on being happy and alive ? I am one month into my new theme and I am still adjusting to a life that is not full of coping. So far I have fresh new paint on many walls, a fresh new way of working and a brand new cd. So far so good. I like to look at these themes from a holistic perspective too. How can I add a fresh start mentally, physically and spiritually? Mentally I looked at my work and how I can approach what I do in a fresh and new way. This is my 18th year as a speaker and I need to look through new eyes and freshen up my work. A fresh new CD and the start of brand new website was a great start. I looked at how I thought about my routines in life, mornings, after school and evenings could be looked at with new eyes. Did I appreciate the routines of life with freshness? Physically I started taking better care of me. I have always been committed to my health and very proud of how I sleep and eat. I never watch TV or eat before bed and I sleep great. I eat whole real food and nourish me and my family (90% of the time!) but one area that has always been neglected is my cardio health. I am now scheduling in time for me to get out and power walk. Already I feel stronger. Spiritually I needed a fresh start. I have spent a lot of time praying for help in the past year. This year I want to focus in a fresh new way on gratitude. Anytime I feel overwhelmed with my life I thank God that even though it may seem stressful, it is not layered with coping. I am grateful for that. What about you? Do you need a theme this year? If your year is a 90% or a 10% one so far, pick one word or two that you think will add to your life and create a peaceful year for you. Post that theme on your wall at work and on your mirror at home and just focus on one simple idea. Maybe it is simply, cope, fresh start or love, care, just breath, be happy. You decide. Attitude in Action: What is your theme for 2012? What steps are you taking to make a difference in your life? Join Darci on her Blog at www.focusonthe90percent.wordpress.com Quotes to Ponder: Start wherever you are and start small. Rita Baily Focus on the 90%: One simple tool to change the way you view your life. is bigger. Darci has added over 40% new content to her already best selling book! Order here Boost a Buddy: Forward this email to a friend who could use a boost. It's easy for them to sign-up and absolutely free. They just go to www.darcilang.com and sign up. Note: e-mail addresses will not be shared with any other person or organization. Contact Info: Darci Lang is a Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author who has been inspiring people to improve their attitudes for over 18 years. If you know someone who could benefit from Darci's message at their next conference, quarterly staff meeting or customer appreciation night please ask them to give Darci a call. Ph: (306) 569-1354 E-mail: info@darcilang.com Website: www.darcilang.com (copyright) Darci Lang's Attitude Boost is sent out periodically. Parts of this publication may be reproduced by attaching the following footnote (Darci Lang copyright, 2012, www.darcilang.com). Have a Great Attitude Day!Wed, 29 Feb 2012 11:48:17 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/attitudebooster/MjtbM/h/Darci_Lang_Attitude.htm For November 2011 Umma Created by Darci Lang (Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author) www.darcilang.com, info@darcilang.com, (306) 569-1354 I try very hard to live with no regrets in my life. I work hard at communicating with the people I love and telling them that I am proud of them and I love them. There will always be 10%s but I work hard at seeing the 90%. My Mom and I never had a perfect relationship. But is any relationship perfect? We had a rough start. My Mom got pregnant with me at 16 years old. My Dad raised me in the early seventies. My Mom remarried twice, had a family of her own and I only saw her on holidays. I always wanted to be closer to my Mom but it was like we never knew how to be close. When I was pregnant with our first child I knew I needed to talk to my Mom about my feelings. I was 31 years old and I had never had a real conversation with my Mom. I was so worried I would bring some of my unfinished 10% feelings into my own motherhood role. I really did want to be closer to this woman I felt I hardly knew. I invited her for a visit and a walk. I was very nervous as we started walking and I told her that my hope for this walk was to be closer to her. I wanted to get to know this woman and hear her side, something I had never heard. We walked for hours. For the first time in my life, I was having a real conversation with my Mom. She told me stories of hard it was to leave me, her fears when she lost her leg in a motorcycle accident and her journey with breast cancer. We laughed, we cried, we fought and we bonded. I will never forget that walk. Shortly after, she sent me a letter saying she would try hard to be my Mom, but to be patient because she really didn't know how to be. She wrote she would give as much as she could but didn't know how much that would be. I wrote back promising her that I would try not to have unrealistic expectations. I would meet her where she was at, not where I wished she would be. I would see her through my 90% lens. It was the start of a much closer relationship. It wasn't always easy being her daughter... but sometimes it wasn't easy being my Mom either. This summer was the best. I have never felt so close to my Mom. Our visits were full of love and laughter. Watching all of her amazing grandchildren in her yard made her the happiest woman in the world. Her grandchildren all call her Umma. I never left our visits without a hug, I love you and she ALWAYS said, You know I am very proud of you right? I left our last fun summer visit with a bag full of unripe tomatoes from her garden and I feeling like I was finally connecting with my Mom like I always prayed I would. A week after our last summer visit my beautiful Mom died suddenly. She was only 59 years old. There are layers of lessons I could write about. A lesson in communication and how important it is to be brave enough to say what we need to say to those we love. And a lesson in expectations. Sometimes we expect a relationship to be how we want it to be; in the meantime, we miss out on all the 90%s. A lesson in forgiveness. I wrote in my book that My Mom taught me forgiveness. Life is too short to carry around the burdens that do not bless your life or the life of others. Every time I came home from our visits this summer I would say Wow that is the best visit I have ever had. Thank God for those peaceful happy memories. I went my Mom's funeral feeling that nothing was left unsaid. I came home to her unripe tomatoes. My girlfriend said If I could choose the way I might leave this world and my loved ones, it would be with nothing left unsaid and tomatoes ripening on the counter. Attitude in Action: I know first hand it is hard to have those difficult conversations with those you love. Live no regrets. Be brave. Even if they don't respond the way you want them to... or at all... know that you tried. See others through your 90% magnifying glass. Join Darci on her Blog at www.focusonthe90percent.wordpress.com Quotes to Ponder: My mom always said If you think money is everything... you have never been sick. Focus on the 90%: One simple tool to change the way you view your life. is bigger. Darci has added over 40% new content to her already best selling book! Order here Boost a Buddy: Forward this email to a friend who could use a boost. It's easy for them to sign-up and absolutely free. They just go to www.darcilang.com and sign up. Note: e-mail addresses will not be shared with any other person or organization. Contact Info: Darci Lang is a Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author who has been inspiring people across Canada to improve their attitudes for over 18 years. If you know someone who could benefit from Darci's message at their next conference, quarterly staff meeting or customer appreciation night please ask them to give Darci a call. Ph: (306) 569-1354 E-mail: info@darcilang.com Website: www.darcilang.com (copyright) Darci Lang's Attitude Boost is sent out periodically. Parts of this publication may be reproduced by attaching the following footnote (Darci Lang copyright, 2011, www.darcilang.com). Have a Great Attitude Day!Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:37:05 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/attitudebooster/84yw6/h/Darci_Lang_Attitude.htm For December 2011 A Reminder to be Thankful Created by Darci Lang (Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author) www.darcilang.com, info@darcilang.com, (306) 569-1354 I was working in a beautiful, welcoming city in Ontario. I was invited to speak to the city employees. The local (well-loved and on his 5th term) mayor, Carl, was the man to introduce the day and welcome everyone. Before we got the day going, Carl and I were talking back stage and I asked him how many of the public complaint calls came directly to him. He laughed and said a few. As we chatted, I discovered we shared the same view that there are just some people you will never be able to make happy, no matter how hard you try - there are some people who will always complain. Carl shared with me a great idea he had. He said he would like to have a million dollars in a fund somewhere to use for this special project. Whenever some called to complain about something in their safe, clean, and well-run city, he would make them an offer. He would try to resolve their issue and offer to fly the caller to another country. The catch was it had to be a poor, third world country. Once there, the caller had to live with the locals for at least a week. Then when the caller arrived back in our beautiful country, he or she had to come to a town hall meeting and tell others of their experience. Carl thought this would help put their own lives into perspective. I thought about that idea all the way home. As I listened to people in the airport complain about the long line at StarbucksTM, I wanted to tap them on the shoulder and remind them that there is a world without food right now. As I listened to the passengers on the airplane complain about not having their Christmas shopping done, I wanted to turn to them and share our family idea. We only buy for the children in our families, no adult in our families needs for anything! We eliminated all friends exchanging gifts and give the money to charity. Not only are we helping others but there's no shopping! It's a win/win! As I listened to my taxi driver on the ride home from the airport complain about traffic, I laughed out loud and told him I just drove through two hours of traffic in Ontario and hadn't covered nearly as many miles! A ten minute wait in traffic teaches us patience. Use the time to breathe and be grateful for a car, a warm house and a family to go home too. I often say the happiest people I have met have either been to hell and back or have traveled to some very poor countries and had a chance to see how the other half of the world lives. So over this Christmas season, my challenge to you it this -- be grateful. How many times are we thankful for our lives here in the greatest country in the world? Thankful to be healthy enough to celebrate Christmas and the money to own a computer to read these words. Merry Christmas! Attitude in Action: Often times we watch the news and see people in crisis all around the world. Our hearts go out to them and we want to help and we do! And that's great but sometimes we spend more time focused on everyone everywhere else and forget about ourselves and those around us. Look around you and see what you can do right here...maybe even in your own home or workplace. Join Darci on her Blog at www.focusonthe90percent.wordpress.com Quotes to Ponder: There is always, always, always something to be thankful for. Author Unknown Focus on the 90%: One simple tool to change the way you view your life. is bigger. Darci has added over 40% new content to her already best selling book! Order here Boost a Buddy: Forward this email to a friend who could use a boost. It's easy for them to sign-up and absolutely free. They just go to www.darcilang.com and sign up. Note: e-mail addresses will not be shared with any other person or organization. Contact Info: Darci Lang is a Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author who has been inspiring people to improve their attitudes for over 18 years. If you know someone who could benefit from Darci's message at their next conference, quarterly staff meeting or customer appreciation night please ask them to give Darci a call. Ph: (306) 569-1354 E-mail: info@darcilang.com Website: www.darcilang.com (copyright) Darci Lang's Attitude Boost is sent out periodically. Parts of this publication may be reproduced by attaching the following footnote (Darci Lang copyright, 2011, www.darcilang.com). Have a Great Attitude Day!Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:39:13 -0500http://archive.aweber.com/attitudebooster/OcLZs/h/Darci_Lang_Attitude.htm For November 2011 Umma Created by Darci Lang (Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author) www.darcilang.com, info@darcilang.com, (306) 569-1354 I try very hard to live with no regrets in my life. I work hard at communicating with the people I love and telling them that I am proud of them and I love them. There will always be 10%s but I work hard at seeing the 90%. My Mom and I never had a perfect relationship. But is any relationship perfect? We had a rough start. My Mom got pregnant with me at 16 years old. My Dad raised me in the early seventies. My Mom remarried twice, had a family of her own and I only saw her on holidays. I always wanted to be closer to my Mom but it was like we never knew how to be close. When I was pregnant with our first child I knew I needed to talk to my Mom about my feelings. I was 31 years old and I had never had a real conversation with my Mom. I was so worried I would bring some of my unfinished 10% feelings into my own motherhood role. I really did want to be closer to this woman I felt I hardly knew. I invited her for a visit and a walk. I was very nervous as we started walking and I told her that my hope for this walk was to be closer to her. I wanted to get to know this woman and hear her side, something I had never heard. We walked for hours. For the first time in my life, I was having a real conversation with my Mom. She told me stories of hard it was to leave me, her fears when she lost her leg in a motorcycle accident and her journey with breast cancer. We laughed, we cried, we fought and we bonded. I will never forget that walk. Shortly after, she sent me a letter saying she would try hard to be my Mom, but to be patient because she really didn't know how to be. She wrote she would give as much as she could but didn't know how much that would be. I wrote back promising her that I would try not to have unrealistic expectations. I would meet her where she was at, not where I wished she would be. I would see her through my 90% lens. It was the start of a much closer relationship. It wasn't always easy being her daughter... but sometimes it wasn't easy being my Mom either. This summer was the best. I have never felt so close to my Mom. Our visits were full of love and laughter. Watching all of her amazing grandchildren in her yard made her the happiest woman in the world. Her grandchildren all call her Umma. I never left our visits without a hug, I love you and she ALWAYS said, You know I am very proud of you right? I left our last fun summer visit with a bag full of unripe tomatoes from her garden and I feeling like I was finally connecting with my Mom like I always prayed I would. A week after our last summer visit my beautiful Mom died suddenly. She was only 59 years old. There are layers of lessons I could write about. A lesson in communication and how important it is to be brave enough to say what we need to say to those we love. And a lesson in expectations. Sometimes we expect a relationship to be how we want it to be; in the meantime, we miss out on all the 90%s. A lesson in forgiveness. I wrote in my book that My Mom taught me forgiveness. Life is too short to carry around the burdens that do not bless your life or the life of others. Every time I came home from our visits this summer I would say Wow that is the best visit I have ever had. Thank God for those peaceful happy memories. I went my Mom's funeral feeling that nothing was left unsaid. I came home to her unripe tomatoes. My girlfriend said If I could choose the way I might leave this world and my loved ones, it would be with nothing left unsaid and tomatoes ripening on the counter. Attitude in Action: I know first hand it is hard to have those difficult conversations with those you love. Live no regrets. Be brave. Even if they don't respond the way you want them to... or at all... know that you tried. See others through your 90% magnifying glass. Join Darci on her Blog at www.focusonthe90percent.wordpress.com Quotes to Ponder: My mom always said If you think money is everything... you have never been sick. Focus on the 90%: One simple tool to change the way you view your life. is bigger. Darci has added over 40% new content to her already best selling book! Order here Boost a Buddy: Forward this email to a friend who could use a boost. It's easy for them to sign-up and absolutely free. They just go to www.darcilang.com and sign up. Note: e-mail addresses will not be shared with any other person or organization. Contact Info: Darci Lang is a Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author who has been inspiring people across Canada to improve their attitudes for over 18 years. If you know someone who could benefit from Darci's message at their next conference, quarterly staff meeting or customer appreciation night please ask them to give Darci a call. Ph: (306) 569-1354 E-mail: info@darcilang.com Website: www.darcilang.com (copyright) Darci Lang's Attitude Boost is sent out periodically. Parts of this publication may be reproduced by attaching the following footnote (Darci Lang copyright, 2011, www.darcilang.com). Have a Great Attitude Day!Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:06:54 -0400http://archive.aweber.com/attitudebooster/MCt5U/h/Darci_Lang_Attitude.htm For September 2011 Reminders Created by Darci Lang (Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author) www.darcilang.com, info@darcilang.com, (306) 569-1354 In this busy world, I love reminders of what is really important. Reminders of the 90%s in our lives. One of the highlights of our summer holidays was a visit to Great Grandma's farm. I grew up with lots of change and GG's farm is the only place that remained unchanged during my childhood. The only place I went that nothing was different. I was our son's age when my Dad married my second Mom (of three) and this was the farm that was introduced to my life then. I remembered the first time I visited this special farm as I shared the stories with my own children. After the divorce, I rarely went back. Something I truly missed. I don't visit as often as I would like to and I hadn't been back to the farm with my children since they were born. We are officially too busy when we can't make time for these important things. Driving to GG's with my children in the back seat took me right back as I pointed out abandoned farm houses and places I used to ride my bike. I felt so much emotion welling up as I pulled up to her house. The winding driveway seemed so much bigger as a child. GG was standing on the porch waiting for us with a smile so big you would think royalty had arrived. She toured my excited children and I around the four-story farmhouse and told them the story of how her late husband and his Dad built the home. I was so humbled by how much of it was exactly the same as I remembered it. The iron beds, the home-made quilts, a simple TV in the living room and no computer. We visited her huge garden, beautiful flower beds and the small trailer she likes to sleep in on hot summer nights. I was humbled by how she still makes time for her three-mile walk every morning. The barn looks like every great old barn you see in pictures, weathered to perfection. We pried the heavy sliding door open. I was shocked to see how well it had withstood our frigid winters and hot buggy summers. A small cupboard housed my late Grandfathers things; a tobacco can, tools and even a pair of gloves lay waiting for him to return to work. It was like he had been there yesterday not the decades it has been... This special woman made us what she called a simple farm lunch. The dishes she served on were the ones I ate on as a child. We looked through photo albums and played records on the record player as we visited. I felt like time had stood still. As GG stood waving goodbye I could hardly keep it together. We did not want to leave this peaceful place as we drove down that winding driveway and returned to the city. Our visit stays with me and reminds me of what is truly important. I need to finish writing now. I have plants to water and a walk to take. Attitude in Action: Are you remembering what is important? Make a list of the 3 most important people in your life. Have you talked to them lately? What 3 things do you wish you had time to do? Do at least one of them this month. Take the time to remember what's important to you. Join Darci on her Blog at www.focusonthe90percent.wordpress.com Quotes to Ponder: Old friends pass away, new friends appear. It is just like the days. An old day passes, a new day arrives. The important thing is to make it meaningful: a meaningful friend - or a meaningful day. Dalai Lama Cherish your human connections - your relationships with friends and family. Barbara Bush Focus on the 90%: One simple tool to change the way you view your life. is bigger. Darci has added over 40% new content to her already best selling book! Order here Boost a Buddy: Forward this email to a friend who could use a boost. It's easy for them to sign-up and absolutely free. They just go to www.darcilang.com and sign up. Note: e-mail addresses will not be shared with any other person or organization. Contact Info: Darci Lang is a Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author who has been inspiring people across Canada to improve their attitudes for over 18 years. If you know someone who could benefit from Darci's message at their next conference, quarterly staff meeting or customer appreciation night please ask them to give Darci a call. Ph: (306) 569-1354 E-mail: info@darcilang.com Website: www.darcilang.com © (copyright) Darci Lang's Attitude Boost is sent out periodically. Parts of this publication may be reproduced by attaching the following footnote (Darci Lang copyright, 2011, www.darcilang.com). Have a Great Attitude Day!Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:02:26 -0400http://archive.aweber.com/attitudebooster/DTimo/h/Darci_Lang_Attitude.htm For August 2011 Something Great Created by Darci Lang (Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author) www.darcilang.com, info@darcilang.com, (306) 569-1354 Last month I wrote about the teacher that has most impacted our son's life, Ms.Merk, his grade three teacher. When he asked me the question "Mom, which teacher has had the greatest impact on you?" I too did not hesitate when I said "Mr. Majors". Mr. Majors was my Grade 12 chemistry teacher. I did not like chemistry. It's not that I didn't like chemistry - I didn't like school. It was not a 90% for me. I really struggled at school. I did not like to sit all day, I loved to talk (go figure) and I would challenge my teachers all the time. I would ask my social studies teacher why I needed to memorize the names of lakes, I refused to dissect the frog because I thought it was terrible and gross, and on and on. I skipped a lot (which could help explain why my grades suffered) and couldn't wait to graduate. Chemistry was by far my greatest challenge. My constant questions to Mr. Majors were "why do I need to know this?" and "when will I ever use this in my life?". My first semester I received an esteemed mark of 16%. Yup. 16%. My year-end chemistry mark would determine if I was to graduate. I had my 1968 Volkswagen packed and I was ready to live my life. I knew I had to get serious about this class. I asked Mr. Majors if he would help me. I promised him I would show up if he would please give me a little extra help. He agreed. We worked hard together. The last day of school when they were passing out report cards. I learned that Mr. Majors had mine and I was to go and see him after school. I thought the worst. There he was at his desk. I could see the brown envelope. He looked up and said "Oh good I wanted to talk to you". I could smell summer school in the air. He held out my report card and I asked him in a quiet nervous voice "Did I pass?" He let me open the envelope and whew... I had passed. He walked me out of his classroom and as I was walking the hall to "freedom" he said, "I want to tell you something". My heart sank.. "what else??" He said words that I will never forget. He said "Darci I don't know where you are going in that '68 beetle or where life will take you but I know a couple of things. I know for sure that whatever you go on and do in your life, it will have absolutely NOTHING to do with chemistry. And I know something else, that whatever you go on and do in your life, it will be something great". And he turned and walked away. I think about Mr. Majors and his parting words all the time. I think they have had a huge impact on who I've become. Attitude in Action: It is incredible the impact a few words can have on a person's life. How can you positively impact someone in your life? Join Darci on her Blog at www.focusonthe90percent.wordpress.com Quotes to Ponder: Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. - Leo Buscaglia Focus on the 90%: One simple tool to change the way you view your life. is bigger. Darci has added over 40% new content to her already best selling book! Order here Boost a Buddy: Forward this email to a friend who could use a boost. It's easy for them to sign-up and absolutely free. They just go to www.darcilang.com and sign up. Note: e-mail addresses will not be shared with any other person or organization. Contact Info: Darci Lang is a Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author who has been inspiring people across Canada to improve their attitudes for over 18 years. If you know someone who could benefit from Darci's message at their next conference, quarterly staff meeting or customer appreciation night please ask them to give Darci a call. Ph: (306) 569-1354 E-mail: info@darcilang.com Website: www.darcilang.com © (copyright) Darci Lang's Attitude Boost is sent out periodically. Parts of this publication may be reproduced by attaching the following footnote (Darci Lang copyright, 2011, www.darcilang.com). Have a Great Attitude Day!Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:51:56 -0400http://archive.aweber.com/attitudebooster/HyRrU/h/Darci_Lang_Attitude.htm For June 2011 Greatest Impact Created by Darci Lang (Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author) www.darcilang.com, info@darcilang.com, (306) 569-1354 In our house, it has been one busy spring...you may be able to relate. In addition to our daughter's health challenges our eight-year-old boy, John, has had a rough time too. John is dealing with a weather anxiety. During the first big thunder storm last year, it's like a switch flipped. Since then he has not wanted to go outside if its cloudy, for fear it would turn into a bad weather day. If it was raining, he did not want to go to school. Needless to say, it added a 10% stress to our morning routine especially since this year has been the rainiest year ever here in Regina, SK. John sees a counselor which is helping but he was still so fearful o f what if it rains once I get to school? I called John's teacher and explained our situation and she said in her calm way, No problem, I'll just let John stay in at recess if he is feeling stressed. In one call, she took away a huge challenge for us. Whenever John would feel stressed in the morning, I would say, No worries John, remember what Ms. Merk said. You can stay in if you need to. He would take a deep breath and off to school he would go. I love one-on-one time with our children. At a time in our house where we are dealing with a few 10% situations, I find the focused one-on-one time to be a real fill-up for us. I like to unplug technology whenever I can and just sit and be. I had a gift of time this week with John. There is nothing better than spending time alone with the nicest boy I know. He and I woke up before anyone else and he wanted to play a game called The Family Dinner Box of Questions. It is a deck of cards that asks unique questions to get dialogue going around the dinner table. We love playing it and hearing about What wild animal would you keep for a pet?, Using one word, how would you describe your family?, etc. The question on my card to John was, What teacher has had the greatest impact on your life? Without a second of hesitation he said, Ms.Merk. He went on to explain in great detail how supported he has felt and what a friend she has been to him when he really needed one. He told me I will never forget her Mom and all she has done for me. Her choice to be patient and loving added a 90% to a spring with 10%'s. I am so grateful for her. Attitude in Action: Take a few minutes and think about the people who make/made a difference in your life. Whose life do you make a difference in? Join Darci on her Blog at www.focusonthe90percent.wordpress.com Quotes to Ponder: Loving-kindness and compassion are the basis for wise, powerful, sometimes gentle, and sometimes fierce actions that can really make a difference -- in our own lives and those of others. - Sharon Salzberg Focus on the 90%: One simple tool to change the way you view your life. is bigger. Darci has added over 40% new content to her already best selling book! Order here Boost a Buddy: Forward this email to a friend who could use a boost. It's easy for them to sign-up and absolutely free. They just go to www.darcilang.com and sign up. Note: e-mail addresses will not be shared with any other person or organization. Contact Info: Darci Lang is a Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author who has been inspiring people across Canada to improve their attitudes for over 18 years. If you know someone who could benefit from Darci's message at their next conference, quarterly staff meeting or customer appreciation night please ask them to give Darci a call. Ph: (306) 569-1354 E-mail: info@darcilang.com Website: www.darcilang.com © (copyright) Darci Lang's Attitude Boost is sent out periodically. Parts of this publication may be reproduced by attaching the following footnote (Darci Lang copyright, 2011, www.darcilang.com). Have a Great Attitude Day!Mon, 27 Jun 2011 16:29:14 -0400http://archive.aweber.com/attitudebooster/1y1OU/h/Darci_Lang_Attitude.htm For April 2011 Staying Full Created by Darci Lang (Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author) www.darcilang.com, info@darcilang.com, (306) 569-1354 The ultimate test is, can we be full and happy EVEN in depleting times? It is easy to be happy and see the 90%s in life when everything is peaceful. What about when it is not? Can we still be happy? We all have stress. But what do we do to cope and carry on? This winter has tested me. Our 10 year old daughter has been very sick with a parasite from a winter holiday. A story that would take 100 pages to explain ends with a very sick little girl. To add to that there is a long list of extended family stresses. During this time I have had to carry on. Being a motivational speaker is the greatest job in the world with so many 90%s. A 10% - no EDOs and no sick days! So when people ask me, how did I stay full and focused on the 90%, here is what I tell them: I focused on getting my daughter healthy again. Rather than feeling helpless (which I felt some days) I funneled that strength into helping her. She is recovering now. I took ruthless care of myself. How can we be anything for anyone else if we are depleted too? In depleted times people need you to be full and happy. Go to bed early and eat things that keep you healthy. I have walked past toys on the floor and dishes in the sink to go to bed, knowing I needed my rest to be the best I could be for everyone. I called in the support of friends and neighbours. I was not too proud to ask for help when I needed it. Women do not need to give 110%. We can give 90% and still be okay. I was easy on me. I knew I could only get done what I could get done some days. My amazing admin assistant Sandra and I knew that some days emails had to wait, newsletters didn't get out and new books did not get released this year. No worries. I was grateful for my husband Darren who would take over and make it all okay when I had to be away. He was the armour we all needed. I was thankful for the lessons along the way. I knew there would be 90%s despite the 10%. My family and I have grown so much during this time. Rather than complaining about how busy I was working during it all, I was grateful for it. The work helped to pay for the many treatment options. I prayed a lot. I prayed for strength. I would stand outside banquet rooms with my little suit on and briefcase in my hand. I would stare at the door and ask God if he really thought I could leave a depleted family and deliver this message to hundreds of people on the other side of that door. He always answered yes and kicked my butt in the room. We all have stress. What do YOU need to do to be full and happy, no matter what? Attitude in Action: Around our house, we have the Lang Laughter Hour. For one hour, we watch something like America's Funniest Home Video's and forget all of our worries. What can you do to fill yourself and your family when life is stressful? Quotes to Ponder: Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength. Anon Focus on the 90%: One simple tool to change the way you view your life. is bigger. Darci has added over 40% new content to her already best selling book! Order here Boost a Buddy: Forward this email to a friend who could use a boost. It's easy for them to sign-up and absolutely free. They just go to www.darcilang.com and sign up. Note: e-mail addresses will not be shared with any other person or organization. Contact Info: Darci Lang is a Professional Speaker, Trainer and Best Selling Author who has been inspiring people across Canada to improve their attitudes for over 15 years. If you know someone who could benefit from Darci's message at their next conference, quarterly staff meeting or customer appreciation night please ask them to give Darci a call. Ph: (306) 569-1354 E-mail: info@darcilang.com Website: www.darcilang.com © (copyright) Darci Lang's Attitude Boost is sent out periodically. Parts of this publication may be reproduced by attaching the following footnote (Darci Lang copyright, 2011, www.darcilang.com). Have a Great Attitude Day!Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:35:19 -0400