Gratitude Challenge – Day Seven

Well, here I am on Day Seven….I did not do this this traditional way, but more my own interpretive version. Less stress that way and more time for reflection.

1) I am so grateful for Love

I truly believe all roads have led me here and for that reason I have a three folks I would like to thank: ...

My Grey Flannel man (yep, going to use a code name if only to make him smile and to make me feel 15 again). In one of my more serious conversations with my eldest, I told him that I wished him a first love that was worthy of him. Your first love not only builds the foundation by which all others will rest upon. They set the standard for respect, connectness, intimacy, trust, honesty and so much more. I was so lucky - to have had someone simply amazing in my life. I am a better person for having been loved by him and he did set the standard by which every other was evaluated. Thank you GFM. Xo - MG

Yikes!! It’s hard to follow that, but I did say he set the standard. The other two that I want to thank are Curt and Chris – but not going to say anything except I am grateful for both (they know why) and so glad they are still in my life.

2) I am so grateful to Shelly and Brooke

For those of you who don’t know the “love story”, my sister (Shelly) is responsible for introducing me to my partner of 20+ years. She along with his father (Brooke), schemed - a picture of me passed hands - resulting in a phone call. But, I was not looking for love, and again my sister intervened…this time calling 9-1-1 (yep, it’s a crazy story to be shared over wine or whiskey) to jump start what she had started. And jump start she did. Whirlwind romance ensued. First house, got married, first baby, second baby, another house, third baby…whew!

Marriage isn’t easy (not that I thought it would be) and our love story has had its share of peaks and valleys, but tremendously grateful I am for both.

So thankful to be deeply loved by someone who is strong, passionate, funny, compassionate, stubborn, smart, courageous and, oh! has a higher credit rating than I do.

So grateful that I found someone who… • Eats all the meat out of the Chinese food, leaving the veggies for me. Joy!! • Gave me a card and a plant on the second date (I still think that is soooo cute!). • Ordered a fireman license plate ‘cause I am his "ReaGrl". • Puts Pride and Prejudice on for me • Dislikes cats, but bought me cat after cat because I love cats (and dogs, and chickens and ….). • Fills my stocking every Christmas with red vines, yogurt raisins and spearmint gum because he knows me. • Makes lists of “dream projects” so that one by one we can cross them off together. • Endures Lost with me (actually I am not grateful for this) • Shares the joys, pains, loves, losses of life with me. I could go on and on…

When the aliens haven’t kidnapped him and the Gemini hasn’t taken possession of me, we make for a great couple – or maybe we make a great couple because we persevere? In any event, thank you Shelly and Brooke for introducing me to Bruce. I am eternally grateful.

Gratitude Challenge – Day Six

1) I am so grateful for laughter (and tears)

I cannot imagine a life without laughter. It is well documented that there is a correlations between laughter and health. Laughter can lighten the hardest of conversations. And, it sounds odd just typing it, but crying allows one to release and then move on. Both laughter and tears have been good friends through the years. They have helped to attract great people in my life which have led to some amazing positive experiences.

2) I am so grateful for Charming Gardeners

Marcel Prost said, “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy. They are charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” Over the course of my life, I have been blessed with many acquaintances, but only a handful of charming gardeners. Brilliant and beautiful. Intelligent and witty. Courageous and strong. Loyal and Compassionate. Enough of what they are…now who they are……. Evangelia, Jenny, Vince, Chrissy, Tracey, Nicole, Marnie, Laura, and Robyn.

Thank you for adding meaning, joy, love and hope to my life. For being a solid shoulder during the most difficult of times and for laughing with me, at me and at yourselves at all times.

They say life is only as good as the people you get to share it with. Must be true because my life is SOOOOO good. I am so incredibly blessed to have you in my life.

Gratitude Challenge – Day Five

1) I am so grateful for my furry friends

Over the course of my life I have had sea monkeys, ants, fish, crawdads (thanks Randy), tortoise, turtles, rats, guinea pigs, mice, hamsters, gerbils, dogs, parakeets, doves, chickens …. Hmmm what am I missing?

CATS!! (oooohhhh, and in the future, a ferret, rabbit and chinchilla, but back to CATSSS!!!!

“Crazy cat lady” Go ahead, call me what you will, but there is a special bond between me and my feline roommates. Jade, Bailey, Tabitha and Lucian – trusted companions. So grateful to them. Add Knight, Yosarrian, Este, Ailbe, Lyra and Uisce and my heart is full.

2) I am so grateful for my “cat friends”

Just as there is a special bond between me and my feline roommates there is a special bond between my crazy cat friends and our Ounce family.

I am very grateful for my wonderful mentor, Canie, who was introduced to me my no other than the simply amazing Donnette (my first cat friend). I am appreciative for Beth and Lori for their friendship. Cory for always offering a beer (cheers!). Jess for loving her cats more than anyone I know. Jon for his knowledge and huge heart. And, Robyn, who started as a “cat friend” but is one of my truly best friends. These co-crazy cat people have brought so much joy in my life. We have laughed, cried and shared a lot of cat pictures. Lol. Thank you friends.

I am equally as grateful for the parents of every kitten born from Ounce. We have been so blessed to find the most wonderful parents who love these kittens endlessly. I am so grateful for the sharing through the pictures, the stories and watching through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social mediums. You, Ounce Parents, I am so grateful for.

Gratitude Challenge – Day Four

1) I am so grateful for my work

I started with I am so grateful to be employed. But “employed” doesn’t really cut it…
I am grateful to work for a company that each and every day I can make a difference at. Not just for me, but for shareholders and for the customer.
I believe I am doing work that is building a life of success and significance. There is not another job I would like to be doing or another company that I would want to do it for. Now, I will say this current role will not sustain me. I know that about myself. But I am so lucky to work for a company that when I am ready, there will be another job – just for me.
Steve Jobs said, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. Stay hungry. Stay foolish.”
I believe in great work. I know to do great work you have to love what you do. I love what I do.
The investment in me has been so tremendous , which leads me to number two on the gratitude list for today.

2) I am grateful to be surrounded by superstars at work
Some of the greatest friends I have I have met through work.
Brilliant thinkers, strategic allies, credible challengers….my twenty years have been filled by amazing people who have inspired, motivated and stretched me to new thinking and ideals not to mention new skillsets and opportunities.
Also the superstars that I have been privilieged to manage. Again, superstars who are so passionate day to day about doing the right thing for our customers. So motivational... br> I intentionally am not going to name names here (because you all know who you are), except these two whose role in my career made such an impact in my work life. I will be forever grateful. Marc M – For seeing the potential in a young professional. For saying, “I will train you” and meaning it. For allowing me to fail, to fall, to get up, to succeed. For believing in me and my potential, before I believed in myself.
Victor N – When Walter told me I was going to be Victor’s Chief of Staff, I was completely shocked. My first reaction, was “not going to do it”. After my first conversation with Victor, I was hooked. I mention above that I wouldn’t work anywhere else, well I lie…. If Victor called me up tomorrow and asked me to work for him I would without a second thought. Victor is brilliant. During my year learning under his leadership, there wasn’t a problem he couldn’t solve. There wasn’t anything he would ask his team that he wouldn’t do. He was honest, authentic and full of integrity. He is a true leader. Not only did his behavior trickle down into the work environment, but I noticed our culture rising through hard work, showing gratitude and pursuit of the noble goal. I haven’t fully recovered from his departure and I am still hoping (every wishbone!) that he will return.

Gratitude Challenge – Day Three, Part Deux

2) I am grateful to be an American

Lee Greenwood sings a song about his pride in America, he says, “if tomorrow all the things were gone, I’d work for all my life and had to start again with just my children and my wife. I’d thank my lucky stars, to be living here today. ‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away. And I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me and I would gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today ‘cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land. God bless the USA.”

I love driving down my street and seeing the flags wave in the breeze. It reminds me each and every day how truly grateful I am to be an American.
As I watch Scotland’s YES Campaign and Hong Kong’s desire for democracy, I am reminded how great it is to live in a country that is so passionate about their people and our freedom.

I truly believe we are better united than separate. And how glorious it is when Americans come together whether it be to fight or mourn or celebrate. We as a people are unstoppable when united with a noble goal.

I am appreciative of individuals who speak up for what they believe. Doesn’t matter what party, just matters that they are passionate enough about America to want to be the change.

When I have felt the leaders of our country have swayed too far left or right, I always find solace in the Declaration of Independence that binds us starting with “We the People”. I find joy in the Bill of Rights and the amendments that were added to prevent misuse of power.

I am thankful that I am living the American Dream where I can work hard and be rewarded.

I am in awe that America continues to be a melting pot where every person and each family can come and live and bring their unique viewpoints and traditions.

I could go on and on …. But I will end with my appreciation of those that serve or served in our armed forces. Their sacrifice for country is so selfless that it reinforces my love for this great country of ours.

Gratitude Challenge - Day Three

Joel Osteen says in Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential that “One of the main reasons that we lose our enthusiasm in life is because we become ungrateful...we let what was once a miracle becomes common to us. We get so accustomed to His goodness it becomes a routine.”

1) I am truly grateful to God.

...I am so grateful to God.
For life,
For salvation,
For sending His son,
For daily blessings,
Yep, for trials (building my character, building my character),
For the greatest commandment and
For the Bible.

I am grateful He led me to Bayside and then Bayside West > Life Community Church.

I am grateful He brought our church Rob McGee and Holly McGee

I am soooo grateful my sons found God through the youth ministry under the direction of Paul Spangler (who we miss dearly, but know he is fulfilling his purpose and His purpose).

Grateful He is sooooo darn persistent and called me back into Children’s Ministry (which makes me grateful for Mark, Connie and Margeret).

Grateful that He still wasn’t done with me and called me back to do The Journey again (which makes me grateful not only for the wonderful kids and parents, but the rock star teachers: for Marty Walters, Mary Klontz Shisler, Candice Muirhead Bozzard, Bob and Tara Lusk).

So many blessings. I am humbled and so grateful for His glory in my life.

With God being such a big one – I will be posting Gratitude Challenge Day Three, part deux tomorrow.

Gratitude Challenge - Day Two

1) I am grateful for my boys
Through children, I learned the true meaning of unconditional love. I remember vividly snuggling them as infants. I can remember the smell of their hair. The smile on their faces. Trying to protect them from everything wrong with the world today. But most of all wanting them to know every second of every day that they are loved. ... Each boy is so different, but I am so proud of each of them:
Brandon – Brilliant, Funny, Kind, Loyal
Devon – Loving, Independent, Determined, Talented
Justin – Charming, Gentle, Honest, Humble 

As far as “gratefulness” goes, I am so grateful to be their mom. To have shared their world. To have been included in their personal journeys. To say that I am close to my boys is an understatement, they are my heart. And as sappy as that sounds, it is true. I am a better person, because of them.

2) I am grateful for my family
Media presents just crazy representations of the American extended family. If anyone had reason to be crazy it would be mine, but they are definitely not.
I am grateful for my siblings spouses. Dusty and Sharon. Both amazing people who seemed to just fit in with the craziness which is REA.
I am grateful for my nieces and nephews. Meghann, Tommy, Michael, Jackie, Erin, Chelsea, Christopher, Casey, Elizabeth and Julianne. I see a generation of passionate humans who are making the world better because they are in it. And, as I love my boys, I love each of them. Spoiled by the time I got to spend with Meggie, Tommy and Mikey, I often regret not having had more time with each of them individually. But, I sure hope they know how much I love them and that there is nothing I wouldn't do for them. And that I am so proud to be their Aunt.
I am grateful for my aunts and uncles and cousins who share a genetic thread, but beyond that truly care for each other. I have too many memories here and would probably embarrass the lot of them. I love watching family together, hearing the stories, tears, laughter the whole thing. So, I will say this with a focus on gratitude. I am grateful for having solid role models in each of you. I am grateful for being genuinely loved by each of you.
There are four people that aren’t blood but that I absolutely consider my family.
Grandma Mecklem and Archie. Now Jackie Mecklem wasn’t related to me at all, but she loved me like I was her granddaughter. And, not having known my grandparents, that meant the world to me. Mecklem introduced me to farm living which calls to me still. Mecklem taught me patience. Archie, a Navy man, fueled my independent spirit. To this day, Mecklem and Archie are treasures to me.
I will be forever grateful for their love. Randy Orzalli. I am not going to do this one justice. I am so lucky to have you in my life. Your love for my husband and boys is limitless.
Jeanne Tabatabai. Complete opposite of me, but I am convinced that Jeanne was a sister in another life. We live too far away, but I am always thinking about her. Planning trips in my head with her. She is in my heart. I am grateful to have her in my life.

Gratitude Challenge - Day One

I'm grateful that Robyn nominated me for this challenge. She knows that I have been restless, dark and probably a bit ungrateful lately. I could use a good reminder of how richly blessed I am.

1) I am grateful for my parents:...
Mom. For loving me unconditionally and for showing me how to love others as well. For showing me grace (even when I didn’t deserve it). For offering your shoulder along with the kleenex. For believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself. For reminding me that I alone am enough. For teaching me strength and allowing me to be independent. For modeling what a Best Friend is. I love you Mom.
Dad. For your gift of gab and crazy ability for story telling. For your love of our heritage. For your passion around politics. For encouraging me to have a voice. For demonstrating a strong work ethic. I love you Dad.

2) I am grateful for my siblings: My brother and sister were my introduction to friendship - my very first Best Friends. And they were good friends. So many beautiful memories. Being told to say sneaker and snake (over and over again). Eating Texas donuts. Cannon Beach. Staying together – always having each others backs - as we moved again and again and again.
Chris (Buckwheat). For commitment to family. For a love of free enterprise. For conviction, dedication and demonstrating hard work.
Shelly (Wheezer). Too much, but I will say this. Thank you for being you and allowing me to be uniquely me. I love you both tremendously.

Inspire Action

Doing some reading this weekend and one TED led to another TED and I ended up on this one called How Great Leaders Inspire Action.  As I decided to send it out to a few of you, I got an email from a former team member.  She sent the link to me via email with a “must watch” note.  Coincidence?  Only if you believe in such things….

"You know, in the military, they give medals to people who are willing to sacrifice themselves so that others may gain. In business, we give bonuses to people who are willing to sacrifice others so that we may gain. We have it backwards. Right?” – Simon Sinek

We absolutely do have it backwards, but the great news is – it isn’t too late. “WE” can change! And when I say “WE”,  I always start with the “I”. 

“Leadership is a choice. It is not a rank. I know many people at the senior most levels of organizations who are absolutely not leaders. They are authorities, and we do what they say because they have authority over us, but we would not follow them. And I know many people who are at the bottoms of organizations who have no authority and they are absolutely leaders, and this is because they have chosen to look after the person to the left of them, and they have chosen to look after the person to the right of them. This is what a leader is.” - Simon Sinek

Be the leader who sets the tone.  And set a beautiful tone that is not only visionary and strategic, but also kind and compassionate. Most of all set the tone that allows team members to fall and learn and get up again [repeat] and then reward those team members for having the courage to fall forward. Reward them also for watching out for the colleague on the right and cheering them on as they fall forward.

Through that selfless action, make the world, your company, your home a GREAT, safe place to learn and grow.

TED Talks: How Great Leaders Inspire Action http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action

Whatsapp Founder wanted A Job; Facebook Said No -- In A $3 Billion Mistake

Was commuting to work and reading Forbes when a headline caught my eye. Whatsapp Founder wanted A Job; Facebook Said No -- In A $3 Billion Mistake.

As occurs often in our technology-related jobs, by the time I got to work two or three team members had forwarded same article to me or to the team with varying comments -- but all recommended a read.

Having already read it, I decided to respond to the entire distribution list with the following:

I absolutely LOVE this story.

While I think Facebook and Twitter made a mistake, I don’t believe it was a mistake for Brian Acton. In fact, NOT being hired was probably the best thing to happen. Heck, without corporate boundaries, he was able to be create WhatsApp. Thank heavens he wasn’t hired!! If he had, would he be worth $3 billion today? Would we even know his name?

The bigger message in this story just feels good and is a good reminder:
• It’s not important how many times you are knocked down. It is important that you get up and continue forward.
• Do not get hung up by people or companies that don’t know your value. Know your personal value.
• Do not EVER be content with lack of leadership. Instead rise and be the leader you want to see in your workplace.
• And, always remember that investment in people wins in the end. One of these days, I will consolidate all of these "reminders" as I imagine I would have quite a list.

Happy Thursday all,
Stacy