Quit it! Quiet! Don't toot your own horn! Somewhere in life someone has told you that you need to be reserved....that only braggarts talk about themselves and kind, respectable people are modest.

Ladies and gentleman, I have an announcement to make....If you want to learn how to master marketing, you better find a way to dispel these myths and learn how to let the world know about all that you're doing through any and every avenue. Blogging, podcasting, press releases, e-blasts, you need to become a marketing machine. When great things happen, you need to use it to your advantage and let the world know. While humility is a virtue and it's important to share credit with others, you can't expect future clients to be mind readers.

It's only February, I've already had a great year. I won a national Woman of Excellence award, was accepted into Leadership California, finished my first of many books, have had the opportunity to speak at some incredible venues, have received lots of good press about Upside Thinking, and have connected with some amazing men and women in business! Whew! Like I said, it's only February!

What have you been doing lately? What have you accomplished? Who have you told? What's the buzz about you? Do you know? How many people would you estimate know what you've been up to lately? Come on, write those press releases!

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When my husband and I eat meals together, I eat healthier. When he is out of town I tend to cut corners on my diet, reaching for whatever is closest based on the emotion I am feeling at the time. I'm a foodie (translation - someone who loves to eat vs. someone who eats to live) and I especially enjoy what I refer to as comfort food -- those menu items that remind us of a special time and place in our lives.

On the top of my list are two hot dog joints -- Yocco's and Weinerschnitzel. Because I can only have a Yocco's doggie when I go home to visit my parents, you better believe it's one of the first and last places I eat. (Actually, I enjoy their food sooooo much that I think I would even camp out in their parking lot if they let me.) Since I currently live in California, when Jim travels, my only option is Weinerschnitzel. I usually sneak off for my usual chili cheese dog with a side order of french fries and a 1/2 pepsi, 1/2 diet pepsi soft drink. (If I'm feeling really guilty, I'll have 100% diet.)

Like I said earlier, comfort food is the food that remind us of a special time and place in our lives. My mother didn't make much money as a nurse when we were kids. Every two weeks, on the Sunday after she ended her shift, she would take us to Weinerschnitzel for dinner and laughs. It was our special place.

When my grandmother was sick a few years ago, my sister would travel from Philadelphia and I would travel from New Jersey to visit her in the nursing home. One day, we were having a conversation about the trip in and I mentioned stopping by Weinerschnitzel on the way. (I had convinced myself that it was because it was off the Route 78 exit, but I don't know if that really made a difference.) She laughed and said she had done the same thing!

We all have places and events in our lives that evoke certain memories of which we are grateful. Comfort food is what helps me go back in time. What food memory brings back your biggest upside moment? Or the time when you were most grateful? I'm hungry just thinking about it!

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Today is the day that I will be honored with a 2007 Woman of Excellence award from the National Association of Female Executives. As one of 5 national awardees, I am still in awe. As this year’s Rising Star, I was chosen as an entrepreneur in business for less than 5 years who demonstrates vision and creativity and helps other women.
The award will be presented at the Executive Women Leading the Way conference after the Equal Voice reception.

In my role as the Chief Enthusiasm Officer of Upside Thinking, Inc., it's my goal to transform lives by helping others determine what they want so they can achieve extraordinary results in their personal and professional lives. I can often be heard telling people that I teach professionals how to create a clear leadership vision, an increased sphere of influence so they can make more money. I've had the opportunity to inspire thousands of people who've attend my speaking engagements or have hired me for one-on-one coaching session. I'm the leadership diva, helping people see the unlimited possibilities in both their professional and personal lives. I equip others with tools that will not only help them set goals but utilize their strengths, turning their dreams into realities.

My success stems from believing in what I do, possessing a clear leadership vision, and the wonderful support of those around me—my husband, family, friends, and my upside impact partners. I couldn't do it alone.

As you examine your upside journey, what enables you to reach the be successful in what you do?

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How would you know if you "had it all"? What would it be like to lose it "all"? Let's look at the story of Jack Whittaker.

Jack was the president of Diversified Enterprises Construction, a successful multi-million dollar contracting firm in West Virginia. On December 25, 2002, he purchased the winning Powerball ticket at a supermarket in where he had stopped for a deli breakfast sandwich, winning $315 million dollars! At the time it was the largest jackpot ever won by a single winning ticket in the United States. Good 'ol Jack took his winnings in a lump sum of $113 million after taxes and donated 10% to charity. Most people would say that Jack had it all.

Fast forward four years.....he's been robbed, arrested for drunk driving twice, arrested for assault, both his grandaughter and grandaughter's friend died of drug overdoses, he's been sued several times and now Jack's broke. Most people would say that Jack lost it "all".

But, did Jack ever really "have it all"? And, what happened along the way? Did he truly lose it "all"?

I can't speak for Jack but I believe that having it all is living an upside life filled with gratitude. And, whether I earned $315 million dollars or $315,000, that would never change. How about you?

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My parents just left after a week long visit from Pennsylvania. The weather couldn't have been better as we drove throughout Southern California like tourists taking in all of the sights. One of the highlights of their trip was the opportunity to see the Rose Parade. Since my mother was a little girl, she had always dreamed of being there watching the floats in all of their splendor pass by.

The Tournament of Roses Parade dates back to 1890. In that year, members of the Pasadena Valley Hunt Club decorated their carriages with flowers to celebrate the ripening of the orange crop in California. They were former residents of the East and Midwest eager to showcase their new home's mild winter weather, telling the world about "paradise". (My parents certainly felt like they were in paradise with the mild temperatures and California sunshine!)

During the next few years, the festival expanded to include marching bands and motorized floats. The Rose Parade’s elaborate floats now feature high-tech computerized animation and exotic natural materials from around the world and take nearly a year to construct.

This January 1st, however, it was about experiencing the magic of festivities and fulfilling the dream of a lifetime. I will never forget my mother's face as she sat, bundled up, staring in awe as the floats slowly hummed along. I will never forget her excitement as she grabbed onto my arm in the staging area, as we both tried to guess what plants and fruits were used to create these wonder-ful objects.

What is your dream of a lifetime?

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Because of various family tradtions, Christmas lasted for weeks at my house in Pennsylvania. Each celebration was accompanied with much fanfare and excitement, especially the day after Christmas. The event was held at my Aunt Sue and Uncle Paul's house and was an event I looked forward to every year. While we exchanged lots of gifts on this day as well, it wasn't the presents that made me most grateful.

Growing up with much extended family meant that none of our gatherings were small. On the day after Christmas, relatives that I rarely saw came out of the woodwork to celebrate together as one BIG family unit. While my aunt and uncle have passed away and we no longer celebrate in the same way, I will always be grateful for those wonderful December 26th memories.

(And, yes, there's even leadership and upside in this if you look close enough......)

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The Christmas season prompts me to do things I don't ordinarily do. I move slower and with greater focus about why I do what I do. One of the joys of the Christmas is taking the time to count all of my blessings. These are just three that are at the top of my list.

I recognize abundance. We have amazing riches in the United States of America -- such wealth. I visited my sponsor child, Zenebech, in Ethiopia last year. It was my first trip to a 3rd world country. I can attest to the fact that we are all wealthy.

I recognize how important it is to live grateful for every challenge and every opportunity that comes my way in order to see the miracles around me. Life is short. If you don’t think so, ask someone who’s lost a loved one recently.

I recognize the importance of appreciating my family, friends and colleagues for who they are, not what you want them to be.

There is magic in the season of Christmas and it's good to remember to have a time of year to re-focus on living with an attitude of gratitude.

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Does friendship have a place at work? When I worked for the Federal government I asked myself that question many, many times. The difference between being work associates and friends extends beyond liking someone. Friendship is a relationship between two people that involves trust and unfortunately, not all individuals involved in my line of work can be deemed trustworthy.

Interestingly, last night, Jim and I went to a Christmas party at our friends house. The Kosslers are wonderful people -- kind and gracious hosts -- who open their house every year to their friends. Richard is my attorney and Jennifer and I are fellow board members of the For You Network - Moreno Valley connection. Our relationship began in the work setting and blossomed into an incredible friendship of which I am very grateful.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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With a full calendar and feeling as if I have so much to do before my time off, the last thing I wanted to do was drive to San Diego. I procrastinated and thought about canceling on my friend, Rosa but my "upside" won out. Driving over to Starbucks to pick her up, I thought about all of the things I could and should be doing. After all, if you want something done, you should give it to a busy person, right? We drove for about 1 1/2 hours, stopped for gas, found a hole-in-the-wall sub shop and ate before arriving at the Learning Annex for Dr. Emoto's presentation on "The Healing Power of Water." I use Dr. Emoto's research in my Upside Thinking work. However, being in the presence of someone who is masterful at their work and willing to share with the world took my breath away. After listening to him speak (130 slides worth), I felt as if I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

Since are bodies consist of mostly water (70%), we are always surrounded by water through our friends, co-workers and family members and the earth's surface is 70% water, all water is precious. Dr. Emoto demonstrated how playing music and showing words and images changed the molecular strucure to water by using examples from his research. The most powerful image was that of "love and thanks". Having an attitude of grattitude with others and ourselves can be life-changing and Dr. Emoto explains why. While I was familiar with his work, his passion and enthusiasm made me want to learn more. His mission is to educate and raise the consciousness of all people about the power and potential of water to effect life on the planet earth. Please check out his website at www.internationalwaterforlifefoundation.org. Namaste!

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It's Sunday -- and the start of a new work week for me. The end of last week challenged the Upside Thinker in me and by Friday, I was exhausted. I had received numerous prayer requests from friends, family and business associates, who shared their deepest sorrows with me. From sick loved ones to troubled teens, I listened intently. On Thursday morning, my husband called from work, stating that one of his co-workers was killed in a motorcycle accident, leaving behind a beautiful wife and family. I actually needed to recharge my batteries before I could finish writing this. Because one of the core values of Upside Thinking is "You are...where you choose to be", I choose to live in a place of gratitude and make every moment count. I choose to take the yucky stuff and make it lucky stuff. As many of you know, my grandfather was very special to me -- a wonderful role model. When I was about 13 years old and something happened that I thought was just awful, my grandfather would always say "that's awesome". While he was teasing me, he, too, knew how to make every moment count. It's more than turning lemons into lemonade. When you live life with an Attitude of Gratitude, amazing things happen! I witnessed many of them this week. More on that later......

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Owning your own business requires countless hours fine-tuning who you are and what you represent. Because it is a labor of love, you don't mind working nights, weekends and holidays. Many thanks to Erik Nielsen for helping me clarify my identity in the world of leadership and share my vision for Upside Thinking, Inc. One of the five principles of increasing your sphere of influence at Upside Thinking, Inc is to develop your strengths so I'll stick to leadership coaching and leave the web design to the master. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Erik!

www.erik-nielsen.com

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