Monday, February 28, 2011

What's In My Hands

Greetings Happy People,

Things happen for a reason.

No matter where you are, what you do, or who you are, things seem to come up at the right place and time. I do not know how this happens, but it does.

There are so many things that I am grateful for in my life. There are other things that I want to happen for me in the future. Sometimes, I may not get the things I want. Do I get frustrated? A little bit, but something tells me that it may not have been the right fit. Hearing those things put me at ease because, no matter what happens in the future, I am still grateful for the things I have today.

Why should I worry? It can only make me less happy than I am.

With all the stories going around about this bad economy, high gas prices, and other issues that plagues a person’s mind, it gives me great pleasure to look at where I am right now and just be thankful . I may not be an affluent person, but at least I know I can still appreciate what I got. Whatever I wish for and want will come for me down the road. No matter what happens, I can still be at ease with where I am and where I want to go. Call me crazy, but I believe it.

There are other people that are less fortunate than I am, yet feel grateful for what they got. These people are living the true meaning of their happiness. There are other people that think they have everything in the world, yet not fully living their lives. I guess in certain situations, it depends on a person’s way of thinking.

On occasion, I look at myself in the mirror. Instead of seeing a person that doesn’t have this or that, I see the person I love and respect. Why? Because no matter what happens, the person in that mirror can only be the best he can be with whatever he has and whatever he can do. Whether it takes two days, two years, or two long, I believe that the man I see in the mirror will be alright.

As I wrap up this post, all I can say is that it’s okay to be grateful for the things you have. Whether it is not much or not enough, it is still there. Who knows? Whatever you have now can turn into something great tomorrow. Call it what you want, but it seems to work that way.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Saturday, February 26, 2011

WHY GIVE UP??

Greetings Happy People,

WHY GIVE UP???

Is it because you are frustrated?
Is it because you feel you can’t win?
Is it because things aren’t going the way you wanted it to?
Is it because someone or something won’t let you succeed?
Is it because everybody’s telling you that you can’t do it?
Is it because nobody cares?
Is it because you get laughed at and made fun of?
Is it because it seems impossible?
Is it because you are scared?
Is it because you found something better?
Is it because you have more bad days than good?
Is it because someone or something disappointed you?
Is it because you’re worried?
Is it because you think things are hopeless?
Is it because you can’t get along with someone?
Is it because it costs too much?
Is it because you are not the right size?
Is it because you are not smart enough?
Is it because you are not pretty?
Is it because you don’t know?
Is it because you can't find a way out?
Is it because you don't want to get hurt?
Is it because everything and everyone is against you?
Is it because you think that it won’t make a difference?
Is it because you feel it’s a waste of time?
Is it because you believe you can’t?

WHY NOT GIVE UP?

Because no one else would.
Because someone has to.
Because it can create opportunities.
Because it opens doors that were once closed.
Because you know something is there.
Because you have the vision.
Because you are capable.
Because you aren’t scared of the risks.
Because you have the drive.
Because you have the passion.
Because you are stronger than you think.
Because you want to learn.
Because you want to find the answer.
Because you want to keep going.
Because you believe in it.
Because you have faith.
Because you can win.
Because you can amaze.
Because you have the power.
Because you want to grow.
Because you are motivated.
Because you know there's still hope.
Because you want to get there.
Because you still have the heart.
Because you know you will come out on top.
Because you have the ability.
Because you are confident.
Because you are not scared.
Because you are courageous.
Because no one is holding you back.
Because you can break from the norm.

Because……YOU CAN!!


That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Rest Area

Greetings Happy People,

Have you had one of those moments where your body shuts down?

I had plenty of moments where my muscles weigh me down, my eyes feel like they are on fire, and my brain starts to say goodnight. Whenever that happens, I can only do one thing – get some rest!! When I am able to get some rest, I would feel ready and available to take on the next set of tasks. Often times, it involves meeting a four-legged friend named bed. When I go to bed, I often feel drained and want to get some rest. After resting, I feel a lot better.

This logic also applies to some of the places I travel. Whenever I get tired, I ask someone to take over the driving until I am fully rested. This is helpful during those trips I take as a top officer in my Toastmaster District. If I were to go on without any rest, I create those risks that are not good for me or anyone else. Whether it involves work, recreation, or anything else, it is always good to take a break.

Between Las Vegas and Barstow, there are different stops where one could pull over and stop either for a few minutes or overnight. In Nevada, there are the small towns or Jean and Primm. In California, there are two rest areas and the small town of Baker. When I travel these roads on a frequent basis, I know that there are those opportunities where I can pull over, rest for a few minutes, and go on my merry way.

In addition to travel, there are other times where I need to rest before going to the next task at hand. One good example involves my leadership track. After I served two consecutive terms as an Area Governor, I rested for a year. After I served a year as Division Governor, I rested another year. When I am finished climbing my way through the top three positions in my TM District, chances are that I will rest again before deciding where to go next. If I had not found the time to rest, I would certainly run myself ragged and not be in the current shape I am in.

Another example can also be applied to my workplace. When things become a little overwhelming, I would step back, rest up, and come back to the task at hand. Had I not found anytime to rest, my health would be in far worse shape due to excess stress. Trust me Happy People, a little rest can go a long way!!

No matter what you do or who you are, it does not hurt to get some rest. It may slow the time it takes to get to certain goals, but it will allow you to refocus, reenergize, re-strategize, and relax. After a good amount of rest, a person can feel good enough to get to where they want to go. So the next time you see a rest area in your travels, be sure to pull over, relax, and keep on driving. You will feel better for doing so.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Remembering Michelle - 20 years later....

Greetings People,

Do you know where you were twenty years ago today?

Some people may not remember. Others were not born. For me, I can remember where I was twenty years ago. I was a sophomore in high school preparing for another day. Little did I know, the event that happened on this day was something I would never forget.

It was early Tuesday morning. I enjoyed a nice President’s day weekend and was putting my books in my backpack. As I was about to head out the door, my mother watched the traffic report on TV and told my dad and I that there was a serious accident on Maryland Parkway and Oakey. She told us to be careful getting to the school.

When we got there, we noticed several police cars and an ambulance in front of Bishop Gorman High School. I remembered telling my dad that this does not look too good. As he dropped me off, I was getting ready to walk towards my locker until Mr. Madsen approached me.

“Jesse,” he said, “Go to the multipurpose room and do not stop for anything.”

I asked him what was going on and he continued to tell me to go straight to that room. When I got there, I saw plenty of my classmates. The emotions on their faces ranged from shock to sadness. Some of them were crying. With reluctance, I asked one person what was going on. They told me the news about Michelle. That same shock the folks were feeling started to hit me too. It was very devastating to hear what happened with one of our own in the Blue & Orange Nation. Then, the official announcement was made about Michelle. In unison, we said the Our Father prayer and walked to our classrooms.

Understandably, not too many people were in the mood to do anything. The teachers and students were completely shocked by this tragic moment. School activities were postponed, an emergency mass was held, counselors were there to talk to students, and many people left school early. When I was picked up from school, my parents told me that they saw what happened on the news and asked if I was okay. I still could not digest what happened that day. I remembered not being able to go to bed until very late.

Throughout the remainder of the week, students and teachers were telling stories of Michelle. Others still could not believe what happened. The mood for that week was incredibly cold and somber. Then we got an announcement that the funeral mass for Michelle was going to take place that Friday. There would be no school that day.

When that mass happened Friday, it was emotional. People were crying when they saw that casket go down the center aisle. When I saw it, I lost it. Others passed out. At this mass, people told stories about Michelle and her father thanked everyone for their support during this difficult time. As soon as mass ended, I knew that what I saw that week will stay with me for a very long time.

It was one of the most difficult weeks I have experienced in my life people. Twenty years has passed and I still can never forget it.

If someone were to ask me if I remembered what happened twenty years ago today, I would say that I did.

It is times like these that make me cherish the people I hold near and dear to my heart. A couple posts ago, I mentioned never forget to tell the ones you love how you feel because you never know. The same message can also be used in this story too. If you have a chance to hold someone, hold them tighter. If you have a chance to love someone, show them your love. And if you have a chance to do anything, do anything because you just never know.

Before I end this post, I would like to send my thoughts, prayers, and well wishes to Michelle’s family. May the heavens bless and keep you and may Michelle always be in the comforting hands of God.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Flaking Out

Greetings Happy People,

“Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right.” – Henry Ford

There is no gray matter when it comes to this quote. When it comes to getting something accomplished, you either can or can’t do it.

One of the things that annoy me is flaky people. These are the people that say they are going to do something and not follow through with it. You see them wherever they go. They talk a good game, but when it comes to walking the walk, they are nowhere to be found. They waste people’s time, they disappoint, and they will continue to go nowhere but the wrong direction. I don’t know what they are doing, but whatever it is sure as hell isn’t cute. As a matter of fact, it can turn ugly to the bone!!

I had many people disappoint me with their flakiness. The sad part is that they never realize what they are doing to themselves before it is too late. When it comes to them, all I can do it shake my head and walk on.

I may be a person that can get 8 out of 10 things done, but at least I do what I can. This is due to the drive and the willingness of setting the goal and accomplishing it. If I have something in my mind that I want done, I will go after it. This thought has brought me big time opportunities that I am grateful for. Yes I may have some questions and wonder about things. But when it comes to crunch time, I am willing to take that first step no matter the risk. If I feel that something is not worth it, I will go somewhere else. Again, whether I think I can or can’t, I am right!!

As for the people that are reading this message, I have a question for you. Are you a person that is willing to get things done? Are you a person that sets goals and follow through with them? Are you a person that is annoyed as I am when it comes to flaky people? If you are, then you are on the right track my friend. You will become a success sooner than you can even imagine.

As for the people that continue to constantly flake out on opportunities and obligations, I have nothing to say. It is their decision on where they want to go. I just hope they found the path they once considered to be lost.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Monday, February 14, 2011

Love and Gratitude

Greetings Happy People,

Today is February 14th. For some people, it is known as Valentine’s Day. For others, it is know as the day where people buy things to show how much they love their significant other. When it comes to this day, all I can do is shrug my shoulders to it. Why? Well, let me say that I when it comes to this day, I experienced both sides of the rainbow.

Ten years ago on this day, I had one of my worst dates. I went out with this lady named “Elaine.” She was one of those people that always thought about herself. It was so bad that it got to the point where it was pretty conceited. For her it is always “gimme, gimme, gimme” and she always acted like a little child when things did not go her way. As for gratitude, she did not know what the word meant.

I went out with her for four months and this was one of those moments where I knew that this relationship had to end. That night, we went to the Cheesecake Factory at the Forum Shoppes in Caesar’s Palace. She did not just want to go there; she demanded to be taken there. OUCH!! When we got there, we waited for fifteen minutes and got ourselves seated. When she ordered her dinner, let’s say that she ordered one of the most expensive items on the menu. As for me, I ordered the salad and water.

When the food arrived, she took only two bites and wanted to go somewhere else. WHAT?!! After all of that, the waitress and I kept our cool despite her ungratefulness. Thankfully the night ended earlier than expected and the relationship ended a couple months after that.

Thank goodness, that relationship came to an end. Now for something different, I would like to go to the current relationship I am in. Yes, with my fiancée Dana.

We first met each other five years ago and got some good vibes from each other. It took me two years to ask her out and she said yes. After that, we manage to have good times with each other. Whether it is going out to some nice places, hanging out with friends, or just talking to each other, we are both grateful for each other’s company. We do not have to rely on one day to express our feelings toward each other. Instead, we use 365 days.

Comparing Dana to “Elaine” is like comparing day and night. While one lady is ungrateful and spoiled, the other is grateful and a pleasure to be around. There are people that are in relationships with other people. Some are grateful while others are ungrateful to the point that they want someone else. Are you in either of these relationships? If you are in the grateful ones, good for you!! If you are in the ungrateful ones, ask yourself why you are in this predicament and wonder if it is still worth it. In this case, it is better to be alone and happy than with someone that makes you unhappy.

When it comes to having that great relationships, the one major secret I have for you lies in who you see in that mirror. Do you like what you see? Are you grateful for that person that is looking back at you? Learning how to love and be grateful for yourself is a great first step in a successful relationship. If you don’t love yourself, how can you love others? I am learning that lesson pretty well. Hopefully you are too!!

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Friday, February 11, 2011

We Are Toastmasters!!

Greetings Happy People,

It just does not matter.

It does not matter if someone is a Distinguished Toastmaster.

It does not matter is someone is a World Champion of Public Speaking.

It does not matter if someone is a past District Governor or a past International officer.

It does not matter if someone is a club, Area, or District officer.

It does not matter if someone is a Competent Communicator or an Advanced Leader.

It does not matter if someone is a brand new Toastmaster.

The only thing that matters is that we are Toastmasters. As soon as we are sworn in as members, we took an oath to not only to be the best communicators and leaders we can be, but also the best voluntary servants and helpers.

We are here to learn, share, and grow in many ways. We are here to improve ourselves as better people in our communities. We are here to help other Toastmasters be the best they can be with positive words and helpful evaluations. We are here to welcome guests and other people that are willing to take those first steps for their self development and personal growth.

For every meeting we attend, for every contest we participate, for every role we serve, we are giving a message. Not just the type of message where one stands in front of an audience, but a message that is delivered to communities, neighborhoods, and even ourselves. When one is able to see this message, then the real beauty of Toastmasters is shown.

For the past years, I took on roles to learn what I can do and what I am able to do. There maybe times where I fell, but at least I am able to learn from them and get up again. There are times where I want to throw in the towel. There are times where I want to shake my head. No matter what I go through in this organization, I keep reminding myself the fact that I am still a Toastmaster. This realization has kept me on the ground as I aim for my own heights. If one is able to see this logic, then they can also see the beauty of Toastmasters in themselves.

So if you are a past District Governor, a past International officer, a World Champion, a club or District officer, a Distinguished Toastmaster, a Competent Communicator, an Advanced Leader, or a new member. We all have one common ground. We all have one common passion. We all have one common message. We are Toastmasters!!

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Don't Forget to Tell Them...

Greetings Happy People,

Whether it is a father or mother, a daughter or son, a husband or wife, a friend or someone else, it is always important to mention three words. These three words can make a difference in their lives as well as yours. Not mentioning these words can make one feel regretful. Not mentioning these words can break one’s heart. Not mentioning these words can cross the lines between forgiveness and condemnation.

What are these three words? I love you.

Why are saying these three words are important? You will never know when they matter the most. Today we live in a world where things are fast paced, fast moving, and just plain fast. It saddens me that there are people out there that don’t take the time out to tell those loved how much you care about them. Life is too short and it does not hurt to say this to those folks that you hold to close to your heart. Who knows? Saying I love you can give people sunlight in a world of storms.

While it is true that we have moments that are not the greatest, we must still remember that certain things are temporary. If we let remorse, bitterness, and vengefulness take over against a person, it will grow into something more dangerous than the mind can imagine. When that person is gone, it would be pretty hard to fix those bridges that were once burned in rage.

I have people that are on both of my lists – the ones I am close with and the ones I am not. While it is easy for me to say that I love the people that are near and dear to me, I can only hope that some repairs can be made for others. If I were to go, hopefully more later than sooner, I know that I can leave a good rapport with the people I love. If I don’t, it would just be difficult. Saying I love you does make a difference Happy People!!

So if you are a father or mother, a daughter or son, a husband or wife, or just a friend, remember to tell the people you care about that you love them. Life is too short not to. You never know what differences can be made with those three simple words. Whether you are on good terms or not, please don’t forget to tell them these words.

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Sincerely,

Jesse I-I-I

Search This Blog