It's still November but Jim and I decided we were going to get a jump on Christmas preparation. We watched two movies and have already listened to countless Christmas CD's to get us in the spirit. As the Grinch said last night, however, Christmas isn't about packages, boxes and bows. Christmas is a season to give. As a Catholic Christian, Christmas is about the birth of Jesus. The preparation for the season starts from within. The list of what I am grateful for and the celebration of Thanks~Giving serve as an introduction to the Christmas season. It is now that I can ask myself, with all that I have, how am I going to make a difference this holiday season?

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I sent out the November ezine of the Upside Thinker yesterday and was swamped with positive feedback from this month's article on being grateful or having an attitude of gratitude. The comments I heard came from people who understand the power in appreciated everything you have.....everything. I even heard from an old friend from high school! If you didn't see it, let me know and I'll send you a copy.

I constantly need to remind myself of the many gifts and blessings that have been given to me because sometimes I lose sight of what is most important. My accountant, Beth, spent the day with me yesterday and she keeps a gratitude journal listing 10 things that she is thankful for every day. As the holiday season becomes busier and busier, I encourage you to slow down and count your blessings as well. I bet you'll be surprised at how many there are!

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It rained this morning which is very unusual for Southern California at any time of the year. While most retailers would like to rush the Christmas season, we're still experiencing the renewal that comes with Autumn. Rain is a form of precipitation which forms when drops of water fall to the Earth's surface from clouds. As a kid, rain was a downer so I sang songs like "Rain, rain, go away, Come again another day, If you don't, I will say, Rain, rain go away." When I became an upside thinker, I began to see the joy in rain. Interestingly, my sponsor child Zenebech's name means "heavy rains". In this season of giving thanks, I'm grateful for the water giving life to my yard and may goodness and kindness rain upon you each and every day!

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Time is limited, so I better wake up every morning fresh and know that I have just one chance to live this particular day right, and to string my days together into a life of action and purpose."

Lance Armstrong (1971 - ) U.S. cyclist, 7-time winner of the Tour de France and cancer survivor

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Jim and I are cleaning the garage today. We'll be sorting through piles and piles of "stuff" we've accumulated throughout our lives. In reality, we're minimialists, which is why my parents first comment when visiting us in California was, "Where is all of the furniture?!?" However, we each have little "treasures" that we received from someone special that we just can't seem to part with or pieces of our past that evoke a special memory or two. I still have my pink & yellow ballerina tu-tu from when I was 6, an old saw from my grandfather and boxes of cards from my parents, grandparents and college friends. Jim has an old Harley Davidson scooter which he's never attempted to fix (and has transported it from the last 6 moves), old boots, a mounted deer head and an airplane propellor.

Some people clean in the Spring. I love the Fall season and view it as a time of renewal. Every time I go through my "stuff" and determine whether to keep something or part with it, I think about whether it brings something of value to my life or prevents me from moving on. I challenge you to ask yourself is there something you're holding on to that's holding you back? What do you have that helps you to remember all that is good in your life? What are your "little treasures"?

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Calling All Ladies in Southern California! Swap 'Til You Drop is a way to exchange those great clothes that you don’t wear for something new, reinvent your style, clean out your closet and help those in need. Join me at the Holiday Inn Express, 24630 Sunnymead Blvd (Hwy 60 & Perris Exit), Moreno Valley, CA on Tuesday, November 28th from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Bring your gently used holiday and winter business attire to swap and trade for new ones. All unclaimed clothing will be donated to The Alternative to Domestic Violence and Women Helping Women.

For only $20 advance registration, you'll recieve snacks, refreshments, a large shopping bag for all of your goodies and a chance to connect with other fabulous women! Register on-line at www.circleofstrength.com or show up at the door and pay $25! I look forward to seeing you there!

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I give thanks for the following....
My wonderful husband, Jim. My loving parents, Ed & Barbara. My supportive sister, Pamela. My carefree brother, Ed. Extended family. My thoughtful and kind-spirited friends. Old friends, new friends -- too many to mention. Good neighbors. Zenebech and Compassion International. My Upside Thinking community. Strategic Business Partners. Teachers. Mentors. Amazing clients. The ability to walk, talk, see, think, write, touch, hear, smell and taste. Laughter. Freedom. Health. Happiness. Love. Answered prayers. Unanswered prayers. Living in Southern California. Living in the United States of America. A successful business. The upcoming book, "ACiB". A shoulder to cry on. Someone to listen. Going "home". Driving to San Diego for poker & football. Four seasons ~ Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn. Snow. Crisp Fall air. Vacations. Days at the Spa ~ massages, manicures, facials & foot treatments. Good food. Johnny's Burgers. Yocco's. Fireplaces. Phone calls. Transportation. Saint Vincent de Paul ministry. For You Network members. Catholic Engaged Encounter couples. Fellowship. Theatre tickets. Hugs. Going to the movies. Outlet shopping. Little treasures. Monk. Learning how to golf. Wireless internet. Dinner parties. Cards, letters and random acts of kindness. A smile. Watching a good movie. Technology. Learning. Sharing. Art. Oreos. Dogs. Hallmark. Flowers. Birthdays. Anniversarys. Weinerschnitzel. Tears of joy. Simple pleasures. Long drives. Stars in the sky. Sunsets. The mountains. The beach. The ocean. Hiking. Angels. Opportunity. A good book. Christmas music. Thanksgiving dinner. Easter baskets. Bed & Breakfasts. Travel. The ability to do what is right. The ability to believe in all that is good. Life. Countless blessings.

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As I sit in Latte Da doing my work, I'm distracted by a Brazilian exchange student and his sponsor playing Monopoly. Because I am a chronic multi-tasker, I find focusing on one idea to be a challenge. However, my attention span is divided because this particular interation is about much more than a board game -- it is a battle of wits, where ethics, training, negotiation, sales and, of course, leadership come into play.

As I listen, I think about how much of what we do every minute of every day creates the neuro-network that forms how we live our lives. The choices that we make in simple games like Monopoly serve as training for the BIG decisions. How we speak, how happy we are for the others' successes, how honest we are, how willing we are to make concessions and the example we set for others creates opportunities in business and life.

Each of us lives by our own set of rules and standards. What are your definitions of success? What are you hoping to achieve? Whatever they answer, upside thinking and Monopoly can help get you there!

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There are two things that keep me from having pets -- 1) beautiful hardwood floors and 2) my husband.

There's something wonderful about walking on hardwood floors and before I moved into our house, I asked my husband if we could take out the 7 different types of flooring, from tile to berber carpet, and have hardwood put in. He said "yes" and chose an unfinished Brazilian cherry to match our cabinets. I was in heaven and truly love walking into our home.

I'm just kidding with my second reason of why I don't have pets. Since I spend a considerable amount of time on the road, my husband reminds me that pets need to be cared for 24 x 7 -- not just when I'm in town -- and so I give him the credit for making me realize why this would be a challenge. He, however, has found a place for me to get my pet fix. It's a bed and breakfast in the northwoods of Ashland, Wisconsin, where he grew up. The owners of the Inn at Timber Cove have two beautiful daughters and two wonderful dogs. On our visits, I take the dogs for a walk in the morning and play with them in the afternoon. While it is 6 months in between visits, they remember me when I return and I feel as if they're "my" pets.

Everytime we pull up to the Inn at Timber Cove, I think about why having pets is important. What do dogs "bring to the table" that so many people want them? I believe one of the pieces of research I cite in my leadership classes holds the key. Most people don't get enough recognition or praise in their daily life and dogs love you no matter what. They're comforting and look forward to seeing you that you can't help but smile. Being appreciated or valued is what all humans need and so often what too few get at work and sometimes at home.

If organizations aren't going to recognize their employees, maybe they should think about investing in a few dogs to walk over lunch. I certainly would be inclined to work there!

www.innattimbercove.com

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It started off as a chance meeting, became a strategic business partnership and is now a friendship.

Tomorrow, Ursula C. Mentjes will unveil her first book, entitled $elling with intention. This isn't "just another sales book" as the many nay-sayers are inclined to proclaim. This is a sales book written by a dynamic woman (which, by the way, there are very few women in the field of sales) who truly cares about helping others grow personally and professionally. Buying the book is one of the best decisions you will ever make.

One of the greatest lessons in leadership is being able to be happy for the success of the people around you. Cheers to you, Ms. Ursula for helping others do the things they think they cannot do!!!

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I used to be a runner. In high school, I ran cross country (poorly) and, over time, got to be pretty good. I loved the physical aspect of running as much as I loved the feeling after I was finished. Unfortunately, my right knee didn't enjoy running as much as the rest of me did and so I closed that chapter in my life.

Jim runs faithfully every morning at approximately 4 a.m. Running is as much a part of his life as breathing. In the early 90's when he was living in Coronado, he ran with the Bonita Roadrunners. Fifteen years later, he still maintains his friendship with this wonderful group of guys and, today, several of the original runners drove up to Riverside at 5 a.m. to run in the MIssion Inn Run with him. Between the ages of 38 - 60 years old, they came in first place in the open team division last year. (Unfortunately, they were beat by a group of 20 somethings this year.)

While I find them all charming, witty and likeable, what I enjoy most is watching them together. They willingly support each other at home and work and I find the synergy they've created to be not only remarkable but magical.

In order to build a high-functioning team in private industry or the public sector, you must operate from the perspective that one person's triumph is everyone's triumph and one person's disappointment is everyone's disappointment. Dave, Berek, Brian, Jimmy P., Kenny and Mike live this model and I am grateful that I get the chance to hang out with this great group of guys. Go Toads!

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On November 11, 1918, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, an armistice ended World War I. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11th as Veterans Day. In 1968, Congress moved Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. Because the November 11th date held historic and patriotic significance to many Americans, Congress formally returned the observance of Veterans Day to its traditional November 11th date in 1978.

Today is Veteran's Day. While I've always been patriotic, I must admit that when I was working at my first job at a credit union and found out that I had off on a day other than Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's, I just thought it was "neat". Several men in my family had been served in the military but I never connected the two. Over time, I began to look at this day completely different. Many of the men and women that I had worked with in Federal law enforcement had previously served in the armed forces. They were in love with our country -- for better or worse -- and cherished freedom, understanding it came at a cost. Their unselfishness enabled them to put their lives on the line so that others could enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. My husband is one of these men and I am proud of his service. Many thanks to all veterans ~ you are in my thoughts and prayers and I am eternally grateful for your commitment!

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When you own your own business, board retreats and vacations become one out of necessity. After an amazing week at the Case Ranch Inn in Forestville, CA, it was time to dive into the pile of work that had been patiently waiting for me. My first official day back and I was scheduled to spend the day with Ursula working on our collaborative book project. We were scheduled to review our work and then finish up the day with a massage at Palm's Day Spa. In deciding where to meet, we were looking for a place that was business friendly -- meaning spacious, with free wi-fi and good eats! Ursula suggested Panera Bread, a bakery-cafe specializing in fine artisian breads, and I immediately I said "Yes!" (Not only is their food fabulous but they are good stewards in the community.)

Just as I arrived, Ursula received a call from her publisher for "Selling With Intention", a must-read....not just because we're friends but because it is a powerful sales book. As I stood in the lobby waiting, one of the employees came over to me and asked if I was waiting for something. I explained that I was waiting for my friend to be finished with her call. He joked around with me a bit and his comments made me feel as if I had been secretly transported back to the New York metropolitan area. When Ursula was finished, we ordered two hot ginger teas, eager to start our work. Marc teased us a bit more before while getting our hot water. He had an affable personality and I was enjoying our "shop" talk. After a few minutes, he said something very profound, further validating what I tell my clients and myself often -- "No matter what work you do, you must believe in it 100%. Any doubt will hinder the amount of success you achieve."

Marc Konowal is a visionary who understands one of the most important success principles in business -- believing in yourself. While our scrumptious lemon artichoke chicken panini and delicious soups filled my body, Marc's insight and validation filled my entrepreneurial spirit.

You can find Marc at Panera Bread at 3560 Riverside Plaza Dr,, Riverside, CA 92506 or find out more about Panera Bread at www.panerabread.com.

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My grandmother used to say that whenever she looked in the mirror she didn't recognize the person looking back at her. She felt so young but the years kept coming. Today, I met a woman who had the body of a rock star and had been married to her wonderful husband for 62 years! Jeanne Lamar is an accomplished painter who has won numerous awards, most recently the CWA National 2006 Silver Medal Award for her watercolor "Raptor and Snake". She is a vivacious young woman who dreams in color. Jim and I purchased one of her pieces on our trip to Healdsburg CA, Her logo is Passionate color and over-the-edge composition and JIm and I agreed!

Check out her work!

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November 7th -- Election day -- a chance to make a difference. More often than not, my clients share with me that the reason why they started their company or applied for a particlar job was the chance to make a difference. It really doesn't matter whether they're mortgage brokers, chiropractors, engineers or photographers. The overwhelming desire to be a positive influence and "make a difference" occurs when, as Abraham Maslow says, all of our physical & emotional needs have been met and we long for self-actualization. Typically, "making a difference" occurs over time. However, voting is a tool that helps shape policy issues like education, judiciary rights, Social Security, economics and the environment.

Although when I was growing up I was taught to never talk politics or religion, I often violate that "suggestion". I worked for the Federal government for over a decade because I believe in the United States of America. I believe in a system of checks and balances and the ability to speak out. Educate yourself and urge others to vote.

There are plenty of skeptics and nay-sayers who do not believe that November 7th is any different than any other day of the year. (I was shocked recently have found out that only 30% of all of individuals eligible to vote in my town have actually registered to vote!) And, yet, thousands of people who have gone before me have fought for my freedom and personal right to vote. In their honor, I cast my vote.

p.s. Today is my 2nd wedding anniversay! I am grateful for my amazingly wonderful husband, Jim!

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I used to think I could do it all. Actually, I thought I had to do it all. Aboout seven years ago, I recognized that I could do so much more if I concentrated on what I was really good at and had someone help me out with the rest. Therefore, I hired a cleaning lady, someone to run errands and paid someone to do my laundry. Today, as I look at Upside Thinking, I am keenly aware that without having learned that lesson, vacations would be much more difficult and so would running the business as the President and CEO. I am grateful for Sheri, my virtual assistant, who makes my life easy. Feel free to contact her at Integrity Business Solutions -- sgranneman@comcast.net. If you've come to realize that you can't do it all either, I guarantee she'll make you feel like you can!

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Unlike my favorite TV character "Monk", I love nature. Jim and I often travel to places that are near a national park. One of the most majestical creations to gaze upon is one of the species of trees known as "redwoods". Walking through a redwood forest is like entering an ancient cathedral. The beauty of the sun as it peeks through the trees reminds me of stained glass windows. The soft earth beneath my feet has the feel of a newy carpeted church and the wonderful aroma (a lot like incence) transports me to a time long ago. California's North coast redwoods grow to be about 30 stories high with a width of about 22 feet at the base. The climate provides the only such environment in the world, limiting the redwoods' to a few hundred coastal miles. The cool, moist air created by the Pacific Ocean keeps the trees continually damp, even during summer droughts. The largest living organisms in the world, redwoods go back 20 million years in their present range! I encourage everyone I know to plan a trip to see the wonder of the redwoods.

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As I took my walk with Rosa this morning, we began talking about our families. I had just returned from a visit to Pennsylvania to see my folks. One of Rosa's comments struck me at the core. As an achiever, I have become so accustomed to "doing" that "being" has become much more difficult...especially with those I care about the most.
Achieving or "doing" is important, however, if we're not paying attention, it's easy to make decisions that aren't aligned with our life's purpose.

My communication classes often focus on active listening, as being present to and for others is a skill that is often overlooked. I suppose an added component should be do you spend more time as a "human being" or a "human doing" and how does your decision affect your ability to connect with the people in your life?

I leave tomorrow for a week of "just being" and I challenge you to schedule some time to do the same!

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The first of November is the yearly celebration of all saints, known and unknown, in the Catholic church. While the tradition was created as early as 731 AD, Pope Gregory IV (827-844) extended the celebration on November 1st to the entire Church. Prior to that date, Christians would solemnize the anniversary of a martyr's death. Over time, it got to be too many "celebrations" and so a common day for all martyrs to be recognized was chosen.

The word "saint" refers to a holy person. The word "holy" is related to the word "whole". Therefore, through spiritual discipline saints have overcome the brokenness often associated with our human nature and have transformed themseles. A saint is a holy person but saints are not perfect -- they simply have an ability to do everything they do with love. I think we have a lot to learn from the saints who have gone before us and the saints in our midst. I also don't think it's a coincidence that Thanksgiving -- a day of giving thanks -- and All Saint's Day occur in the same month. Shouldn't we all do what we do in business and in life with love and gratitude...lots and lots of love and gratitude?

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