4th Of July... My Favorite Holiday

My memories of the fourth of July are fond memories.  Of all the holidays the 4^th of July is my favorite.  As a kid I remember driving to an open field on the outskirts of town with my parents. 

 The summer air was crisp and fresh and the smell of fresh cut grass was in the air.  My Mom’s coleslaw and potato salad being dished out on paper plates and taking double helping of both… the taste of sweet watermelon and the delicious feeling of summer all around.  

But my favorite part of the whole evening was the fireworks.  I remember lying on the blanket and looking up into the starry summer sky waiting for the big show.  I couldn’t control my excitement looking up in anticipation for the first bang and sparkle shimmering down to the ground.  And then it happened...  boom, bang lights flashing and a wonderful display of reds, blues purples and pinks.  My eyes darting in every direction drinking up the excitement and wonder of the night display.  I would say that over the years not much has changed other than the location. 

Every 4^th of July I become a kid again full of wonder and amazing looking up into the night sky and drinking in the wonder of the show.  Checking the schedule and making sure that we get there early to get the best seat.  Sitting back and looking and waiting in anticipation of that first spark of light. Boom bang owww and ahhh… 

Looking at this it makes me contemplate and think about my life.  Life can be the 4^thof July every day.  If we stop, step back and look at the wonders around us in our daily life we can create that joy every day.  It may not be the grand boom and spectacular lights but a hug from a loved one or smile from a stranger can create this happiness.  Being grateful and seeing the beauty in life everyday can create a joy that is spectacular.  So my 4^th of July challenge to you is to step and to take look around you.  Find the things in your life that are truly wonderful and give gratitude for them.  It is a wonderful feeling to connect to the world and be happy for the little things.  Sometimes there are fireworks all around us and all we need to do is look up to see them.

Thank You It's A Simple Word....

Many times in this fast pasted world we forget that there are two simple words that can uplift someone and make them feel appreciated.  When we are engrossed in business a compliment can go a long way.  Remember, whether you are on the receiving end or the giving end of this compliment.  When people feel appreciated it has positive effects on the body and the mind. 

This energy that you send out or receive can change so many aspects of what happens around you.  People are just naturally drawn to positive situations and people.  I think in today’s fast paced age of get it done yesterday; we can sometimes forget that there are living, breathing people around us with feelings.  The golden rule of "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" is so important to remember. Relationships are the cornerstone of good business practices.  Besides that it just makes things easier.  Everyone wants to be in a positive atmosphere.  Focusing on negative brings just that and appreciation can help facilitate positive rewards into your life.

            This can at times be difficult if you see someone who you think is receiving more then you.  The key is to not feel jealousy or envy.  This will just create negative feeling within you.  It's like the analogy of drinking poison to kill the other person.  In the end it will just create havoc in your life.  You don't know how had that person worked or what really happened for them to receive the reward and you don't need to know.  Feeling happy for them and those around you will only help you to push yourself to reach your goals.

So give a little Thanks to the people around you.  Lifting someone else up will only come back to you tenfold.  A little kindness in todays hurried business world goes a long way.