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

 

 

 

 

From "A Graduate's Daily Guide to Success", the thought for January 15th,

 

"Read Tuesdays with Morrie".

 

Mitch Albom's book, Tuesdays with Morrie is a wonderful example of how powerful the written words of others are in building our personal success and positivity, while at the same time provides us with nutrition spiritually and intellectually to do the same.  I loved the book when I first read it and think you will as well.

There are very few books I've read in my life which really leave a lasting impression on me, and I've read many, many books; however; when I find one which leaves a positive imprint on me and builds, not destructs, my psyche I return to it for much needed support when time allows.  Tuesday's with Morrie is one such book.

"Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher, or a colleague. Someone older, patient and wise, who understood you when you were young and searching, helped you see the world as a more profound place, gave you sound advice to help you make your way through it" (Albom, 1997).

For Mitch Albom, this individual was Morrie Schwartz, his college professor from nearly twenty years prior.

Maybe, like Mitch, you've lost track of such a mentor, the insights faded, and the world seemed colder. Wouldn't you like to see touch base with this individual who affected you in such a large way again, ask the bigger questions which may still haunt you, receive wisdom for your busy life today the way you once did when you were younger, while providing affirmation to him/her as to how their influence touched your life?

Mitch Albom had this second chance. He rediscovered Morrie in the last months of the older man's life. Knowing he was dying, Morrie visited with Mitch in his study every Tuesday, just as they had back in college. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final “class”: lessons in how to live.

 

 

Read Tuesdays with Morrie, and as always, keep looking up.  : )  AJ

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

​Today's reading from "The Journey: A Daily Calendar Book".... Cultivate a best friend.

The operative word here is "cultivate". Friends come and go throughout our lives...however those relationships we "cultivate"...as in keep the weeds clear of....water as needed...make sure the foundation is kept free of bugs....those are friends regardless of the years that pass. Those are the relationships which pick up just where they left off...strong and sure...making personal success much easier to reach.. Keep looking up. :) AJ

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

The January 10th reading from "A Teacher's Daily Guide to Success" is a statement made by Phil Collins whom most of us recall as the English musician, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, actor and writer, best known both as drummer and vocalist for English rock group Genesis and as a solo artist;

"In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn" (Collins, 1999).

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

The thought placed on the page of ALL calendar books for January 9th may appear at first glance to be mundane or not pertinent to personal success or positivity in any way, however; when the reader does as is intended with Allen James' Calendar Books (which is give each reading thought....to process it in your own mind and search for its pertinence making application to your own life) its necessity is clear, "Wash your hands before you eat".

Of course there's the obvious fact washing your hands before you eat prevents the spread of bacteria and assists in keeping you alive so you have the opportunity to even strive for personal success...as well, the statement, "Wash your hands before you eat" reinforces what seems to be a theme in many of the "Daily Guide to Success" series readings, this being the application of life lessons.

Although it can be attributed to "old age" and it would appear we complete the cycle of life by becoming what we as youth detested, how many times do we hear adults talk about the fact young people have no manners? Then we blame the parents for not instilling manners into their children as they did "back in the day" and place the responsibility on teachers to do so.

Recalling the African saying, translated of course, "It takes a village" (despite popular belief it was not former First Lady and U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton who coined the phrase), we all must to our part to teach children to be respectful of others as well as themselves; the very foundation of how personal success is begun.

Keep looking up. : ) AJ  

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

Our reading for January 8th from Allen James', "The Journey: A Calendar Book" exemplifies what becomes our world view;

"Watch your family interact" (James, 2012).

What a pivotal role those with whom we live, work, play, and interact plays in our acquiring personal success.  Research shows the average American spends 1/3 of their lifetimes at work; 1/3 of their lifetimes sleeping and the remaining 1/3 "living".  Realizing this and taking on a new awareness that those with whom we spend 2/3 of our lifetime are co-workers and family, certainly being more "in-tune" with family and co-workers in a positive way can only benefit your personal success.

As a child growing up our house was always full of activity, but surprisingly not always full of noise.  By nature I was an observer early in life. Although I cannot recall childhood events prior to around the age of 6, those observations I recall from 6 to present day aided in melding me into the individual I am today.  Learning from my older brothers and sisters and how they interacted with one another as well as with my parents; and how my parents interacted with one another, vastly matters to the person I became as an adult.  But only due to the fact I was observant.  Sure, learning by coincidence plays a role as well, but having a heightened awareness by being observant multiplies this learning exponentially.  Then there were those with who I worked.

 Throughout my working lifetime I have been fortunate enough to have only encountered two individuals who's personalities did not "jive" with my own; one was a female who (using my analytical prowess as a psychotherapist; which isn't always the smart thing to do) had "issues" with men throughout her life.  The other was a male who had an inferiority complex.  In both cases I was miserable working with them and had to work at seeing where they were coming from and adjust accordingly or negativity would be the ruler in lieu of positivity.

Be aware of those with whom you live and work.  Realize it's your problem when you can't get along or have "issues" with a family member or co-worker.  Own "your" problem and overcome it.  You'll be one step closer to personal success.

Keep looking up.  : )  AJ

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

Today's reading "Respect your siblings" follows yesterday's reading "Respect your parents" very close. Typically the response I get from people when they read this day's thought is, "Why should I respect my siblings?" In that lies the answer. Having an attitude of superiority or constant competition with siblings is in no way healthy to personal success. Again, having been reared with 6 siblings with me being the youngest, learning to "respect" or "esteem" them I learned quickly created less friction for me and I'm sure made what already seemed like a long, long childhood somewhat less troublesome.

My father always told people as his children were growing up that he had a basketball team; 5 boys as the players and 2 girls as the cheerleaders. Looking back on those words, and I'm sure he never thought of it this way, I see how we were exactly that, a team of family members working together for the same end; steering clear of conflict together. Not one of us ever wanted to see another in the cross hairs of our father's discipline (it was the 60s and 70s don't forget, when discipline meant discipline, not abuse).

And even as adults I continue to hold my siblings in high esteem, respecting their lifestyles, decisions and personalities regardless of whether I agree with them or not. After all, they are on their own journey's through this world. I respect that.

Keep looking up. : ) AJ

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

The reading from A Graduate's Daily Guide to Success for today is,

​"Recall what you learned from you grandmother" (James)

Almost everyone can think of a time when they've heard another adult say, "My grandmother used to say", or "As my grandfather always said", followed by some tidbit of wisdom aimed at making life more fair or stating an important life lesson.  My grandmother lived to be 92 years old and throughout the years I was blessed to be part of those years with her I learned much.  Looking back at those "life lessons" often not only brings comfort and wisdom to my own life, but as well aids in my quest for personal success as I gain insight into a world which much of the time seems out of control.  Think about those adults in your life who have had a major impact on you, then learn from their words even after they are no longer her to enjoy. 

 

One thing my maternal grandmother, Mary Delphene LaForce Williams taught me was out of events which we see as regrets can come joy, goodness and positivity.  What were the words from her mouth which taught me this, one may ask.  I was visiting with her when she was around 90 years old.  Most of our visits consisted of just spending time sitting and "being".  At 90 she still had a strong mind; physically she was hampered by the fact she had slipped and broken her hip when she was 72 and was tethered to a walker the remainder of her life.  Out of nowhere she said, "Jimmy, I married the wrong man".  Mind you my grandfather I never knew as he had died when I was about 2, which had been 30 years prior.  Thirty years hence she was sitting and thinking about the regrets she had of marrying a drinker and gambler.  My response came quick.  "Well Mamaw, if you hadn't married grandpa I would be here today".  Her response, "Well I guess 1 good thing came out of it". 

Recall what you learned from your grandmother.  You'll be glad you spent the time thinking about her.  Keep looking up.  : )  AJ