Daily reading...from "The Journey: A Calendar Book" by Allen James

Today's reading from "The Journey: A Calendar Book"....February 28th, "Take an active role when you can".

Setting back and letting life quickly pass by, whether it be at home, work, or leisure, is a certain way to become stagnant and become "blue". And anyone who has experienced the "blues" knows how difficult it is to be positive when they come around.

Just as physical activity dispels the "blues", or any level of depression for that matter, emotional and cognitive activity dispels stagnation.

When we take active roles in life we become more a part of life. Having our opinions heard and acted upon provides a feeling of self-worth which is vital to personal success.

Last evening in the Ethnicity and Cultural Diversity in America class which I teach we had a guest speaker who is a first generation immigrant from France. She was around 70 years of age. One of the questions asked of her was, "What does it mean to you to be successful?" Her answer was simple, "Success is a personal thing. Having been an active participant in creating happiness over my life is success to me. Having a family who is happy and searching for their own success means I've been successful".

How true...."Having been an 'active participant' in creating happiness over my life".

Take an active role when you can. You'll find as you pass through life you'll be a more positive, happy individual.

Keep looking up. : ) AJ

Daily Reading...Calendar Books by Allen James

For February 27th, from "A Teacher's Daily Guide to Success"..."Attend social events".

"I'm bored!" "There's nothing to do around here!" "Why am I just sitting at home all the time?" These phrases are often heard said by teenagers, who seem to think if life isn't a party, then it stinks. Adults can also think these same thoughts when our lives are getting in a "funk". Going through the daily motions of getting out of bed, showering, dressing for work, having coffee/breakfast, seeing the kids off, driving to work, getting home, going through the evening routine, heading to bed and then doing the same thing over and over and over leaves little time for social activities. And when would we fit it into our schedule anyway?

The fact of the matter is there are social events going on all the time. Whether it be at the church we attend or at the community center in where we live, social events are scheduled regularly in most towns/cities. Fitting a special event into our schedules ever so often is a must for social interaction and sporadic breaks from our regular routines. These give us a chance to express ourselves socially and to take a breather from what seems mundane.

Seek out social events if you need to. Attend a play at the local community theater. Head to the area education center for a lecture on an historic topic. Find a cultural event which sounds interesting.

Attend social events. You'll return to your routine thinking fresh and feeling renewed.

Keep looking up. : ) AJ

Daily Reading...Calendar Books by Allen James' "The Journey: A Calendar Book"

February 25th....thought for the day...from "The Journey: A Calendar Book"..."Think".

How many times do we go "gentle into that good night" instead of following the words of the famous Welsh poet whose words were "do not go gentle into that good night" (www.poets.org). 

Too often we set our lives on cruise control and allow life to happen to us instead of our happening to life. 

We don't "think" enough.  We allow others to think for us....through the guise of "friends", television, our boss, our parents; you can name for yourself who or what you let do your thinking.

When we take time to think for ourselves we are creating our own path to personal success, not supporting the successes of others.

Think....cause a row...."do not go gentle into that good night".

Keep looking up.  : )  AJ

Daily Reading from Allen James' "A Graduate's Daily Guide to Success"

From "A Graduate's Daily Guide to Success", we read for February 22th, "Take on extra work when you can".

Personal success is not for the faint at heart, weak of will, or LAZY. To be successful at any endeavor we must set realistic goals, remain focused on those goals, spend our time wisely working toward those goals, and not falter in our desire to attain it.

This doesn't mean we should be work horses or not enjoy free time. Free time is just as important as work, however; as Mamaw used to quote from the Good Book..."Idle hands are the devil's playground". Staying busy supports a healthy work ethic which keeps motivation high.

Some have said to me regarding my "Daily Guide to Success" series, "Don't you think it's a bit conceited to put the things you do in your books?" My response, "Not at all. If I feel I have something to share as to how I've attained MY personal success, why shouldn't I share this with others who may be looking for ways to attain their own?" The problem with most who look at life with the "glass half empty" is they are consumed with a lack of self worth. That "Ugly Green Monster" called guilt and his twin brother, or sister : ), jealousy literally "consumes" their lives, making it impossible for them to set goals or focus on personal success.

Keep busy. In the summer if you're in a career which allows time off, find a part time job or volunteer. Give of yourself. Build others up. Contribute to the world you live in.

Keep looking up. : ) AJ

Daily Reading....Calendar Books by Allen James' "Daily Guide to Success" Series

Today's reading is from "A Woman's Daily Guide to Success" and is one of the 30 quotes by notable individuals promoting personal success in our lives.....

" Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it." Maya Angelo

No explanation needed.....just do it.... : )

Keep looking up. :) AJ

Daily Reading from Calendar Books by Allen James' "Daily Guide to Success" series

Sorry I missed posting over the President's Day weekend.  I was not close to my computer.  I'm posting for all four days along with today's.  : )

"Keep your desk orderly" is the thought for February 15th.

Everything about humanity and the trappings of humanity has an order. Earth is placed in the perfect order in the universe for humans to be able to exist. The seasons are ordered to provide the perfect cycle for flora to thrive, rest, then thrive and rest again.

We and our spaces are meant to have order. Humans demand boundaries, order.

Keeping ourselves and the places we live, work and play orderly provides us the environment to thrive and reach personal success.

Keep looking up. :) AJ


 February 16th's thought comes from "A Graduate's Daily Guide to Success"; "Observe and Learn".

Learning from past mistakes, learning for the sake of learning, or learning to acquire new skills or information requires one key element: attention...observation....awareness.

In many respects this is THE most important skill we can possess. Paying attention to the world around us and then either making application of what we observe or steering clear of those things which we see are not in our best interest can impact personal success enormously.

Having this "alertness" doesn't come easy for everyone; it has to be conditioned for many. Making a conscious effort to pay more attention will aide in our journey to become a more positive individual in a world which too often appears to be filled with negativity. Like all things in life...it is a choice to be attuned.

Observe and learn...once we get this down so much more good comes our way.

Keep looking up. :) AJ


 From "The Journey: A Calendar Book" for February 17th..."Be prepared to relate".

Life throws some interesting curves at us from time to time....well...actually our actions tend to stir up quite a wind affecting the trajectory of those curves.

I've always been a fairly easy person with whom to get along, however; there have been at least three times in my life when I was confronted with individuals who for one reason or the other just didn't "click" with me. As uncomfortable as these times can be, having the ability to relate to their point of view can change how we handle the discomfort.

Relating means, although we may not agree with their perspective, we can put aside emotional biases and attempt to understand where they're coming from.

Relating to others allows less negativity. Having the ability, courage, and humility to set aside our ego builds personal success.

Remember...although it's not always about us...it is in the long run. Protect yourself against negativity. Be prepared to relate to others. It goes a long way toward building positivity.

Keep looking up. :) AJ


 "Have compassion for those with whom you work."

Today's reading from Calendar Books by Allen James' "Daily Guide to Success" series is not always an easy pill to swallow. Having compassion is not only having love for, but having a feeling of empathy for as well. Degrees of love are a human trait, however being able to, as Harper Lee wrote in "To Kill a Mockingbird", "walk around in their shoes" and "relating" to what they are feeling (yesterday's reading).

When confronted by co-workers who aren't the most agreeable individuals, showing them compassion is modeling personal success. Not "killing them with kindness", which is a manipulative tool, but sharing with them the skills of a warrior of personal success.

By being the model of positivity we share the goodness of ourselves, not only assisting them in their journey, but encouraging ourselves in our journey.

Keep looking up. :) AJ


 Daily reading for February 19th from "The Journey: A Calendar Book", "Enjoy time with family".

Coming from a large family, I certainly realize the challenge today's reading is for many. Having an extended family gathering can be quite a production. Congregating parents, children, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents under one roof can test the nerves of even the best intended individuals.

My father's perspective toward family in the 1970s was interesting to say the least. He expected everyone to be together not only for meals, but in the evening when watching television as well. Although we had a small house for such a large number of people (10 including parents, children and grandmother, who lived with us for several years after breaking her hip at 72), we would all be required to find our spot. As we children reached adolescence this was not a "cool" thing to be doing; we wanted to listen to our music or talk on the black utilitarian phone with the very long cord hanging in the hallway. It was challenge to be sure.

However; the bonds formed over the years follow us through life. Family is where we learn to connect. Family is where we learn character. Family is where we acquire the skills to be productive, happy, personally successful members of society.

Enjoy time with family, even if you have to fake it at times.

Keep looking up.  : )  AJ

Daily Reading from Calendar Books by Allen James' "Daily Guide to Success" series

Personal success is a result of personal actions. Personal success is a result of personal thoughts. Personal success is a result of personal motivation. The daily readings from Allen James' Calendar Books are such thoughts, actions and motivation which the author has directly attributed to his personal success. They are intended to be understood from this perspective. If not, they are nothing but, as Hamlet retorted in Shakespeare's "Hamlet", "Words, words, words" (Act 2:2).

Today's reading, Valentine's Day, February 14th; "Remember special dates of the year" (A Man's Daily Guide to Success).

Major holidays and special events which are recognized nationally are significant to be sure, and easy to remember due to the overwhelming marketing which surround them; however, special dates throughout the year which are unique to you and your family, significant others, close friends; are important in cultivating your relationships and maintaining strong bonds.

My grandmother Williams kept one of those large "Drug Store" calendars, such as the one in the picture, hanging on the wall in her living room with birthdays of grandchildren, anniversaries, etc. posted. I could always count on Mamaw sneaking a small gift to me when picking her up for church or to take to the grocery. I still have several of the silver Kennedy dollars and half dollars she gave me growing up.

After her death my mother continued the tradition and following her death my oldest brother decided to attempt to do the same.

Having a link to special dates in like the links in a chain; each seemingly small action is just another which binds to another to create a strong lasting connection to those we love.

Remember special dates of the year. It strengthens personal success.

Keep looking up. : ) AJ

Daily Reading from Calendar Books by Allen James "Daily Guide to Success" series

For February 13th from "The Journey: A Calendar Book" we read, "Go with Dad on a special trip".

No matter our age, spending one on one time with our mom or dad is something which always provides growth for us and for them.

My father and I weren't the best of buds as I was growing up.  He was 1st Sargent Sterling S. Harryman in the army, father of 7, and a product of generations of disciplinarians.  We kids were his little soldiers.  My being the youngest didn't help my case much.  I was tagged "Momma's boy" as soon as I left the birth canal and the label has stuck to this day.  There was never a chance of shaking it.

Mom certainly recognized the rift as I grew.  Like the great mother she was, in her subtle way she worked to assuage the rift and bring my father and me closer.  When I was 12 my father's Grandmother Scott passed away and he was going to travel to Buffalo, Missouri for the funeral, alone.  Mom entertained the idea of my going along with him, which I did.

Although the road trip started out subdued, before sunset Dad was betting me the sun would set in so many minutes and I was betting it wouldn't.  The remainder of the trip was a great experience.  I was no less respectful of the man who was such a present in my world, but we had come to an unspoken agreement we could do this.

Toward the end of his life I drove him back to his "hometown" of Longlane, Missouri.  After grandchildren came along Dad had become a much more mellow individual, no longer the strict disciplinarian he had once been. We spent 4 days visiting his parents' graves, visiting the old home place and other locations he recalled from childhood.  It was a wonderful road trip.  His life ended with my sister and me at his side and his and my relationship melded into a close father/son connection.

Go on that trip with Dad.  Cultivate a strong relationship.

Keep looking up. : )  AJ

Daily Reading ...from Allen James' "Daily Guide to Success" calendar books series

Our thought for February 11th comes from ALL "Daily Guide to Success" calendar books..."Be polite".

Years ago during one of the many times in life I've become frustrated with conforming to a society which appears to have discarded any semblance of what I have been exposed to as a child (which now I realize is simply called "progress") I wrote this poem which encapsulates what I believe is the reason politeness has been thrown out the window for many:

Untitled - Allen James (1994)

Words, phrases, sights, sounds, pictures.
My brain filled with thoughts, memories,
Intelligence bombarded by reality.
Truth over-whelming fantasy.

Why did life have to get so scary?
Day to day living with no time to tarry.
You take your chances, pay your dues,
Life goes on, everything on cue.

But fate has a way of throwing us curves.
Mom and Dad's teaching now on our nerves.
Bring me some sanity, give me some rest,
And I hope in the end, I pass the last test.

We simply grow weary of abiding by the lessons we've been taught growing up. We feel we're adults now, "Do as I say, not as I do". But the Good Book says "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6 KJV).

"And I hope in the end, I pass the last test" the poem ends. Our coming BACK to those character traits which we continue to instill in our children, such as being polite to others, ensures personal success. Remember, in the end good wins out...

Be polite. Keep looking up. : ) AJ

Daily Reading from Allen James' "Daily Guide to Success" books

February 8th's thought from "A Graduate's Daily Guide to Success" is, "Be involved in community activities".

Getting involved in community activities accomplishes a couple of things for the individual seeking personal success. First and foremost, involvement in community activities keeps you "in the game". Working with others allow you to recognize the contributions of others as well as allows others to recognize what you have to contribute to your community. Second, community involvement assures communities their traditions and annual events continue for future generations. Third your contributions to your community is a great way for adults to be appropriate role models for the youth of their community.

Most towns across the United States host annual festivals. My home town of Dawson Springs, Kentucky has an annual BBQ. As a child I remember seeing the familiar faces of adults with whom I attended church, adults who taught me in school, adults who checked out my mother at the grocery store on Saturdays or who serviced our family car.

As I became a young adult those same individuals could be found carrying on the responsibilities of planning and executing the BBQ each year. Today most of those dedicated volunteers can no longer carry out those duties and younger people have taken the lead. However it seems there are fewer and fewer from my generation who enjoyed such annual events stepping out and up to make sure our children and grandchildren have memories of these wonderful childhood activities.

Shari Waters, a veteran retail manager gives 5 great suggestions for getting involved in your community:

"1. Volunteer Time or Space
It doesn't take much space for a small group to meet. Consider volunteering your facilities to local clubs or related organizations. For example, if you sell comic books or other collectibles, loan your space to the local collectors club for their monthly meetings. If you don't have the space, give of your time. If you sell books, offer to read to pre-schoolers at the library's story time. Besides getting the personal satisfaction of helping others, you'll be interacting with a few potential customers.

2. Teach a Class
Most retailers are experts about the products they sell and have a wealth of information to share. Check with the local college or library about teaching a class in your expertise. Another way to share all of that knowledge is by holding your own clinics right in-store. Many large hardware retailers have used this idea with free weekend how-to sessions.

3. Host or Sponsor an Event
Whether it's the Relay for Life, Red Ribbon Week or some other local program, most communities have at least one large event in need of sponsors. Read the local newspaper for upcoming events. Can't find a local event that fits your business? Host your own. All it takes is a little planning, support from your suppliers and favorable media coverage and you have the makings of a wonderful marketing opportunity and a great community event.

4. Adopt a Project
Once you start looking for an organization to become involved with, you will probably find your community has many projects, big and small, that could use your hands-on help. Don't forget to contact the media outlets for additional exposure.

5. Join a Group
Getting involved can help build a bond between your business and the community. It also lets you meet others who may share common interests and needs. Become a member of the Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau or another club to make some business connections, as well as some friends".

Personal success comes more easily when we feel we're contributing. Personal success comes more quickly when we motivate and keep active.

Keep looking up. : ) AJ

Daily Reading from Calendar Books by Allen James

Today's reading, from "The Journey: A Calendar Book" is "Be prepared. It prevents poor performance".

The saying, "Proper preparation prevents poor performance" is attributed to a US government elected military official, which is more than likely where the individual from whom I first heard it learned it as he was in the army as a young man. Better known as P5 (some add an additional "P" in front of the word "poor" for a word which rhymes with "miss"), the lesson learned from its instruction is a must for personal success.

The first 13 years of my teaching career was spent sharing a collapsible wall (a remnant from the team teaching fad of the late 70s and early 80s) with a veteran history teacher we'll call "George". Daily "George's boisterous voice could easily be heard next door. "George" would use mnemonic devices to assist his 9th graders in learning the many dates and facts which the learning of history demands. Weekly I would hear his strong, loud, experienced voice holler, " PPPPP....Proper preparation prevents poor performance".

Not only did his students gain this vital lesson in life, but I, at the age of 25 learned it as well. Four years later when I would have the same students as seniors in College Prep. English, they would recall fondly the lesson they learned from "George" regarding the importance of being prepared.

Prepare. The outcome will be more positive than if you had not.

Keep looking up. : ) AJ

Daily Reading from Allen James' "Daily Guide to Success" calendar book series

Calendar Books by Allen James fan, Betsy, shows off her copy of A Woman's Daily Guide to Success and the Calendar Books by Allen James tee-shirt she won as part of a promotion.

www.facebook.com/calendarbooksbyallenjames
www.jamesharryman2002.wix.com/allenjamesbooks
www.lulu.com/spotlight/allenjames1961
www.goodreads.com/allenjames1961
 

Sorry I missed yesterday's reading....however; since it's tied together with today's reading....for February 5th from "A Counselor's Daily Guide to Success", "Read the Te of Piglet". Today's reading, February 6th, "Apply the principles of 'The Te of Piglet' to your life".

I've had the fortune of teaching in a field of academia for the past 30 years which by its very nature draws creative, unique and expressive individuals; English. Initially one may think, "Huh? All people do who are interested in English is read and correct people!". However; English comprises many creative outlets; drama, communications (public Speaking/interpersonal communications), production, journalism, creative writing to name a few. It was from these areas where many of my ex-students become friends came.

One such friend, we'll call "Bill", as a sophomore in high school came to me by way of a creative writing class. "Bill" was transplanted from the "city" and certainly stood out among the rural youth of the small town where I began my teaching career. I learned quickly in order for "Bill" to be able to express himself in creative writing I could not stifle his "stream of consciousness". He was going to have to be given the freedom to write as he wanted, so I didn't place boundaries upon him. He was surprised as most adults outside of his immediate family never gave him the freedom to be himself, although they had a difficult task accomplishing this I assure you.

We cultivated a friendship following his graduation from high school 4 years later and are still close friends to this day, although as life seems to do, we aren't afforded much time these days. Years following graduation instead of my teaching "Bill", "Bill" taught me through his recommendation of the book "The Te of Piglet" and it's companion book, "The Tao of Pooh". Having read these books himself he noted they changed his life. I got them and read them as well. See for yourself how looking at life through the characters of our childhood can indeed "change our lives".

Read the "Tao of Pooh" and "The Te of Piglet" and then make application in your life of the premise these books teach.

Keep looking up. : ) AJ