Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading

 
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Our thought for February 28th comes from ALL "Daily Guide to Success" Calendar Books,

"Be polite" (James, 2012).

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, and as always, keep looking up. : ) AJ

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

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Today's reading from The Journey: A Calendar Book....February 27th,

"Take an active role when you can" (James, 2012).

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 semester in the Ethnicity and Cultural Diversity in America class which I've taught for the past 10 years, 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

Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading - "A Teacher's Daily Guide to Success"

 
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Calendar Books by Allen James daily thoughts are meant to stimulate thinking and encourage action to a more positive journey through life.  My explanation of each day's thought printed in my daily Calendar Books is just this, "my explanation" of how the thought influenced my life.  Each of us has our own application of each daily thought.  Make application to daily life and watch life change, for the better.
 
For February 27th, from A Teacher's Daily Guide to Success...

"Attend social events" (James, 2012).

"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.

Having recently relocated to extreme western Alaska for a job, I'm realizing more and more each day how I'm having to "make application" of my own daily  thoughts published in my daily Calendar Books.  Knowing not a soul in a remote town on the fringes of civilization is for certain a challenge.  Social events come by way of "The Mud Hut", a coffee shop/restaurant I pass on my daily walk to and from my cabin.  Or the Cultural Center up the road about a mile and a half which houses a library as well; great places to socialize and meet others faced with the same challenges as I.  



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

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

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Calendar Books by Allen James' reading for February 25th, from The Journey: A Calendar Book is,

"Be tidy" (James, 2012).

Whether we realize it or not, the way we present ourselves and our "space", speaks volumes to others about who we are. Whether speaking in public representing someone else, or just plainly presenting ourselves as an individual; it is still "me" in the front line. It is "we" the other person, group or audience sees, and before "we" even open our mouths, assumptions, both consciously and subconsciously, have been made. First impressions are very important - and are as much an indicator of attitude as they are attire.

Visual impact is at least as important as verbal impact, people will very quickly make assumptions based on your facial expressions, the clothes you wear, how well groomed you are and your body language. Although there is little we can do to alter our face, we can do much about the expression which accompanies it.

The mood in which our day began, no matter what "crisis" has occurred along the way, it is our duty - to yourself as well as to the the person to whom you are interacting to show and expect mutual respect - to convey a calm, friendly and professional exterior, despite how you may feel inside. Smile and appear optimistic.

The reflection staring back at us from a mirror is not necessarily a true likeness of the face known to our family, friends and colleagues, because they will see you off-guard, in repose, concentrating on a task or listening to them. How many people can honestly admit to looking in a mirror without altering their expression? It is quite natural to ‘play to a mirror’ possibly by raising an eyebrow, pulling a face or smiling at the reflection. This is why many often feel self-conscious when seeing a ‘bad’ photograph of ourselves.

Nobody expects us to be packaged into something we are not, but our appearance is a reflection of our own self-esteem and it should be our aim to present "us" to our best possible advantage. Although we might be casually dressed when at work on "Casual Friday", a more formal approach may well be preferable if we have a meeting with the boss.

Good grooming and a tidy appearance is preferable, whether casually or more formally dressed. Understanding body language is one of the most important aspects of personal presentation. The image conveyed by the physical self should support and enhance what is being communicated verbally. If the visual image differs widely from the spoken message, it is often the non-verbal account believed.

The way we sit, stand, our gestures and mannerisms and our facial expressions will say far more about us and how we are feeling at any given time than the words we are using. When individuals are nervous or uneasy, their behavioral 'bad habits' become more pronounced.

Attentiveness to body language, our behavior under pressure, signals we are unconsciously giving, how nerves and stress affect us physically, can help us to understand how we 'come across' to others. It can also explain how the wrong impression is sometimes given and how confusion can occur.

Working on body language is a way of improving personal presentation. For example, when concentrating on something rather hard, your expression may look troubled, when in reality you are not anxious at all, merely absorbed. This does not mean you should go around with a fixed smile on your face, but just be aware that your physical self might send one set of signals when your mind is involved elsewhere.

The gestures of individuals are part of their personalities, a part of how they express themselves. Hand and arm movements can add emphasis, aid explanation and convey enthusiasm. They only become a negative signal when repeated so often they become irritating to the observer. Listeners can become so side-tracked by the sight of someone constantly playing with his/her hair, tapping on the table with a pen, etc., they no longer listen to the spoken word. Thus the negative signal has broken down the chain of communication.

Positive body language includes maintaining eye contact with the person to whom you are speaking; smiling (if appropriate) but especially as a greeting and when parting; sitting squarely on a chair, leaning slightly forward (this indicates you are paying attention); nodding in agreement; a firm handshake; presenting a calm exterior; looking interested.

Negative Body Language:

Negative body language includes not looking at a person when speaking; tapping a foot, fingers etc; rocking backwards and forwards; scratching; continually clearing your throat; fiddling with hair, ear lobes, jewellery, jacket, glasses, etc; picking at fingers or finger nails; yawning; repeatedly looking at your cell phone or a clock in the room; standing too close to others, and general inattention to a person speaking. All these I learned in Interpersonal Communication 101 my first semester in college.

Be tidy, in mind, body, and spirit.

Keep looking up. : ) AJ

Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading

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Calendar Books by Allen James' reading for February 24th...

"Applaud others when they deserve it" (James, 2012).

Just as we ourselves enjoy getting applauded for the good things we do, it only stands to reason others do as well. Personal success is attained through our diligent work and appropriate actions; applauding others when they deserve it is a very appropriate action.

When we applaud others we are not only giving the individual whom we are applauding reason to choose to feel good about themselves, we are as well filling our glass with optimistic energy.
How you may ask?

Applauding others shows much about us. It shows:

We are happy to share our opinions, therefore also giving others an opportunity to share their opinions with us
We’re a good communicator
We are positive – and who doesn’t want positive energy around?
We’re a good employee who wants what’s best for the organization, even if it means shining a positive light on someone else rather than ourself
We have a certain amount of trust in the person we're sharing this information with, and we care about them enough to share useful information

And, we’re networking as well. If we applaud others in the appropriate place at the appropriate time, we could be doing some pretty big favors; which is what networking is all about, connecting people who need each other.

Applauding others from time to time displays our positivity. We may be less likely to complain about others and prefer to see the good before seeing the bad; which means when we do see something bad, we’ve already given opportunities for improvement, and we may even offer a more balanced and objective view.

In applauding others when they deserve it, they in turn will be more likely to praise you. But be cautious. When applauding others make sure you mean it. Be real! If you just go around saying nice things about everybody all the time, it’s probably not genuine, and you will soon be ignored. The individual you’re applauding has to deserve the praise for this to work in your favor.

If you are genuinely someone who looks for the good in others and offers praise where praise is due, people will want to be around you. They’ll want to benefit from your optimism.

Applaud others when they deserve it. Add to not only their life, but yours as well.

Keep looking up. AJ

(Chatfield, 2012)

Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading - "A Graduate's Daily Guide to Success"

From "A Graduate's Daily Guide to Success", we read for February 23rd, "Take on extra work when you can" (James, 2012).

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

Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading - "A Graduate's Daily Guide to Success"

February 19th'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

Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading - "A Counselor's Daily Guide to Success"

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For February 18th from, A Counselor's Daily Guide to Success, "Read the Te of Piglet."

I've had the fortune of teaching in the 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, "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.


And as always, keep looking up.  : )   AJ

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

 

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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

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

Allen James' daily reading for February 13th....thought for the day...from The Journey: A Calendar Book..."Think" (James, 2012).

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" (Thomas, 1951). 

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.  Recently a client presented to session with the presenting problem including, in their own words, "I tend to think too much."  I acknowledged, "over thinking" CAN be detrimental to our mental health, but only when we "over think" negative thoughts.  "Over thinking" positive thoughts can be greatly beneficial to our lives, and our journey to personal success.

We too often 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" (Thomas, 1951).

Keep looking up.  : )  AJ

Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading - "A Woman's Daily Guide to Success"

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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

Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading - "A Teacher's Daily Guide to Success"

For February 11th from, A Teacher's Daily Guide to Success, we read,

"Keep your desk orderly" (James, 2012).

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

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

From, The Journey: A Calendar Book, for February 10th...

"Be prepared to relate" (James, 2012).

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 four 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. We must protect ourselves against negativity. Be prepared to relate to others. It goes a long way toward building positivity.

Keep looking up. :) AJ

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

For February 9th from, The Journey: A Calendar Book we read,

 "Go with Dad on a special trip" (James, 2012).

No matter our age, spending one on one time with our mom or dad is something which always provides growth for us as well asq 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 road trip trip with Dad.  Cultivate a strong relationship.

Keep looking up. : )  AJ

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

Waqaa!  Camai!

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 Allen James' reading from The Journey: A Calendar Book for February 6th is;

"Dance" (James, 2012).

 What an importance today's reading is: DANCE.  I wouldn't argue during every time period of the existence of mankind on this planet, taking the time to DANCE has been a difficult concept for which to allow time.  Of course we have our celebratory events when we take time to literally dance and have an enjoyable social time; but to take the time out of our lives to truly DANCE in our spirits or hearts, seems to come along with less and less frequency with age or even with generational perceptions of DANCE (yes, the mosh pit is considered DANCE for some).


In the Eskimo/Yup'ik culture where I live and work, native dance is one of Native Alaskan's most powerful traditions to this day. Dancers are the instruments which express the art of communication visually through dance. Dances are used for ceremonies, courtship, story telling, or a permanent remembrance of a special person. Some native songs belong to tribes and are considered sacred and are tribe specific. Many culture groups believe songs are to be kept, shared, traded, and even lost in war.

The DANCE to which I'm referring can be compared to the times of our days; (yes, I said days, not months or years) those times of each day of our life where we embrace and experience our individual FREEDOM).  Just as when we DANCE literally; we allow our bodies and minds to unite with the sound of the beat of music.  In our daily DANCE we release our minds and feel LIFE deep inside our souls.

In the Good Book we are enlightened to the fact in life there is "a time to mourn and a time to dance" (Ecclesiastes 3:4).

Life brings us different times of life. FREEDOM comes in all sorts of ways. It first begins in our minds. The way we think matters. Believing in ourselves and seeing ourselves strong is important. Confident people are those who know who they are where they should be in their lives and living in a way which builds them and others up. Allowing ourselves the liberty to "dance" fulfills a true determination to keep doing those things and allow the Spirit Within FREEDOM in our lives.

We must cease from allowing the world's ills the space in our lives to overwhelm us.  DANCE....each day....positivity and personal success is assured of coming our way.

Quyana!  Keep looking up.   :) AJ

Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading

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Waqaa! Camai! Allen James' thought for February 5th comes from ALL "Daily Guide to Success" calendar books...

"Be polite" (James, 2012).


This value, I've come to learn over my past month in remote Southwestern Alaska is not a difficult task at all.  The Eskimo Yup'ik and Cupik whom I've had the opportunity to personally talk with are the most polite I've met in my 54 years breathing life; I'm not using hyperbole here either.  As a people politeness has been ingrained into their belief/value systems to the point the action is as natural as taking a breathe.  Would it had remained with the "melting pot", down under this 49th state.  At one time being polite was instilled in all past generations, however; as we have assimilated into the mixture of a new society over the past century, such character traits have declined with the watering down of our own elders' teachings/modeling.   


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...

Quyana! Be polite please and thank you; and as always, keep looking up. : ) AJ

Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading

Browse/preview/purchase and get to know Allen James and his mission of "Writing for Success", at:


www.jamesharryman2002.wix.com/allenjamesbooks or
www.lulu.com/spotlight/allenjames1961


Our reading for February 4th is a quote from a renowned 14th century astronomer and mathematician who's life and legacy undoubtedly effects each of us in the 21st century. 
Born on February 15, 1564, in Pisa, Italy, Galileo Galilei was a mathematics professor who made pioneering observations of nature with long-lasting implications for the study of physics. He also constructed a telescope and supported the Copernican theory, which supports a sun-centered solar system.

His words, "You cannot teach a man anything, you can only help him find it within himself" (www.biography.com), certainly supports the reality of the idea "free handouts" do little but help in the short term.  Long term success and happiness MUST come from within, our use of our own personal abilities and potential to survive on our own.






In the Yupik Eskimo culture, although it is a "necessary evil" for present day identification survival, their beliefs and values impress upon their peoples this very concept by village/tribal elders encouraging the young adults and youth through stories and teaching to learn the importance of depending upon each other, a value which goes back thousands of years, and begin weaning away from their interdependence upon the "outsiders", or "white man".  Such an admirable aspiration in the 21st century to see American Indians continuing to maintain their subsistence way of life for survival and cultural identify expression.



Quyana.....Keep looking up.  :) AJ

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

Browse/preview/purchase the Allen James' Calendar Book which fits your personal needs and/or your gifting needs and get to know Allen James and his mission better, by clicking either of the following links:
 
www.jamesharryman2002.wix.com/allenjamesbooks or
www.lulu.com/spotlight/allenjames1961

Waqaa (pronounced "Wah-kaa" in Eskimo Yup'ik, translating into the English "hello")!  Camai (pronounced "Jaw-my", translating into the English meaning to be greeted with a handshake)!  Calendar Books by Allen James' thought for February 3rd, from The Journey: A Calendar Book, read;

"Be prepared. It prevents poor performance" (James, 2012).

The well-known phrase, "Proper preparation prevents poor performance" is attributed to a United States government, elected military official, which is more than likely where the individual from whom I first heard it learned it. He was in the army as a young man. Better known as P5 (many military personnel add an additional "P" in front of the word "poor" which represents 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, "George" would become one of my closest colleagues and friends in the years to follow the first. Daily, George's boisterous voice could easily be heard through the collapsible wall. "George" would use mnemonic devices to assist his 9th graders in retaining the many dates and facts which the learning of history demands. Weekly I would hear his strong, loud, experienced voice bellering, "PPPPP....Proper preparation prevents poor performance.  Come on folks.  Be alert!  What are ya, a bunch of dummies?"  His unique personality meshed well with his students.  They "got it", due to his impressionable teaching style.

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 Preparatory English, they would recall fondly life lessons they learned from "George", as well as other master teachers, regarding the importance of being prepared.

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

Quyana (pronounced "Ku-yah-nah" in Eskimo Yup'ik and translating into the English, "Thank you"), and as always, keep looking up. : ) AJ  (and you're in my thoughts daily still "George", and you as well Jodi; both exemplary educators, even though you're retired from the classroom!)

Calendar Books by Allen James - Daily Reading - "From the Heart: prose and poetry from the depths of life"

Wa'ka!  Welcome February.... most in the Mid-west enjoyed a fully day of wintry weather yesterday as a foot of snow fell in some locations of those of you reading this in the continental United States and still others around the world of course.   I was surprisingly greeted another snow covered landscape in Southwest Alaska, imagine that eh? (It wasn't forecast thus I enjoyed a light snow falling while walking to work in -6 windchill temps.....again...invigorating.  Remember, satisfaction with our day to days lives is all about perspective.

Today I thought I'd give you something different....

Enjoy "White", a poem inspired by just such a morning, as I looked out my patio doors at the winter wonderland one winter morning about 17 years ago.

White

The snow falls, subtly winter arrives,
Pelting stillness surrounds.

The snow falls, a fresh blanket of pure
White pervades the twinkle less sky.

Diamonds glisten in the moonless night,
Beauty encompasses the orb on which life is sustained.

Sleep is interrupted by a quietness so loud
It beckons us to attend.

Such a miracle need not be announced.

Bleak no longer lusts for a season.
It is sustained only by our need for rest.

The snow falls, and peace, that sanguine
Reality, enthralls creation like a newborn's arrival;

A welcome talisman of a time that stands still, 
A time of childlike wonder.

The snow falls, a soft hand caresses the globe,
White.

(This and other Allen James poems can be found in his book, From the Heart: prose and poetry from the depths of life at www.lulu.com/spotlight/allenjames1961 both in paperback and as an immediate download ebook.)

Keep looking up.  Quyana! : )   AJ