Greetings Happy People,
For the first time in more than 30 years, I will be travelling outside the United States.
As I get a few things together, I stop and wonder if things will be alright. When I had this opportunity to travel outside my home country, the one thing I made sure I do is to get on my knees and pray for not only a safe vacation, but also a safe return back home to Las Vegas for my wife and I. After doing that, I had a feeling that no matter what happens, we will be alright. Why? Because I choose to put my faith in God's hands.
If I am able to do that, I can remove a great deal of worry and concern that could come with this upcoming travel. Folks, a little prayer can do a whole lot.
For every friend, family member, and loved ones that have concerns about travelling anywhere around the world, remember that the best thing to do is to get on your knees, put your hands together, and say a prayer with your heart and your words.
Believe me, God will be listening to what you have to say.
Any form of prayer can work for any situation. One does not have to travel many miles to receive a prayer. Whether you have concerns or want to give well wishes for someone that lives in the same country, town, or neighborhood, a little prayer can still do a whole lot. Never get too big to get on your knees and talk to God. Who knows? It will work!!!
Even if you know someone that has crossed over, you can still pray for their soul and hope that they are in a good place. A good prayer from the heart knows no boundaries.
Like Dana and I, there are also other people that are travelling to different places.It doesn't matter if the destination is to another country, a workplace, or up the street, as long as you pray for their travels and wish them well, it will continue to be in God's hands and there is no safer place than that.
So when you have those concerns about a person you care about, remember that a little prayer can do a whole lot.
At least you know that when you pray, you are not only right with that person you are praying for, you are also right within yourself for the journey that will be taken.
That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Jesse I-I-I
Friday, August 15, 2014
Monday, August 4, 2014
Mr.III's Leadership Diary: Lesson 2 - Let It Go Dude, Let It Go.....
Greetings Happy People,
No matter what leadership role you take on, there is always that one person that is willing to test your patience.
This person will go to different levels and find different ways to get under your skin.
Whether the methods are by email, social network, phone call, or face to face, this person will not stop until you lose it.
Sadly, there are people like that in Toastmasters.
What is the best way to deal with these people?
One thing NOT to do is literally fight back. If you try to get down to their level, they will not only win, but you will lose.
You will lose your cool. You will lose your credibility. You will lose your freedom. You even might lose your leadership role AND your membership in Toastmasters.
Fighting fire with fire not only creates a bigger fire, it also creates greater damage. The next time someone gets under your skin, remember to tell yourself that it is not worth getting into this person's unnecessary battle and drama. It is not worth losing what you have over someone's foolishness.
Remember that when you take on a leadership role in this organization, you are under a microscope. The higher the leadership role, the finer the microscope gets. People are watching your moves, your words, and your situations. One slip up and it can come back to haunt you. Remember that you are not only serving the community in you area, division, or district, you are also a representative of Toastmasters International.
It pays to keep your cool and remain professional. If there are people that want to test your mettle by being a jerk, all I got to say is just let it go. You do not even have to move one finger because karma exists and will get that person in return.
Once you are able to use your head and let some things go, you will look good by becoming the better person that will always come out on top.
That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Jesse Oakley I-I-I
No matter what leadership role you take on, there is always that one person that is willing to test your patience.
This person will go to different levels and find different ways to get under your skin.
Whether the methods are by email, social network, phone call, or face to face, this person will not stop until you lose it.
Sadly, there are people like that in Toastmasters.
What is the best way to deal with these people?
One thing NOT to do is literally fight back. If you try to get down to their level, they will not only win, but you will lose.
You will lose your cool. You will lose your credibility. You will lose your freedom. You even might lose your leadership role AND your membership in Toastmasters.
Fighting fire with fire not only creates a bigger fire, it also creates greater damage. The next time someone gets under your skin, remember to tell yourself that it is not worth getting into this person's unnecessary battle and drama. It is not worth losing what you have over someone's foolishness.
Remember that when you take on a leadership role in this organization, you are under a microscope. The higher the leadership role, the finer the microscope gets. People are watching your moves, your words, and your situations. One slip up and it can come back to haunt you. Remember that you are not only serving the community in you area, division, or district, you are also a representative of Toastmasters International.
It pays to keep your cool and remain professional. If there are people that want to test your mettle by being a jerk, all I got to say is just let it go. You do not even have to move one finger because karma exists and will get that person in return.
Once you are able to use your head and let some things go, you will look good by becoming the better person that will always come out on top.
That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Jesse Oakley I-I-I
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Mr.III's Leadership Diary: Lesson 1 - The Prologue
Greetings Happy People,
As the new District leaders wrap up their first month of service to the Toastmasters organization, I would personally like to share some words of wisdom with you. Knowing that I have been through the different levels of District leadership (Area Governor, Division Governor, Lt. Governor, and District Governor), I have plenty of things to say about the ride I have been through. Many were great learning lessons that I hope to share with those that read this upcoming series.
Some of the stories I tell will have some words of wisdom. Others may lean on the edge of controversy. And I also have those words to mention that are "interesting." Either way, these stories are from the vision of yours truly, the eyes of Mr. I-I-I.
For the people that are starting their new roles are Area Governor, Division, Governor, Lt. Governor, and District Governor, allow me to say congratulations. You are taking on an incredible responsibility that will not only define you, but also your legacy as a leader and as a person. Remember to serve the community to the best of your ability, never get carried away on your leadership title, and always determine what holds great priority.
This type of leadership is not for everyone. It takes a special person to take on these roles and the other things that come along with it - good things, bad things, and anything else in between. You have the power and the ability to write your story with how you want your chapter to end on June 30th. Despite the challenges that come from the outside, you have the inside power to create your story. The question is what do you want your story to be? A comedy? A tragedy? A drama? An adventure? A success?
It's all up to you!!!
Who knows? You may have your own story to tell when it is all done!!!
Now let's begin!!!
As the new District leaders wrap up their first month of service to the Toastmasters organization, I would personally like to share some words of wisdom with you. Knowing that I have been through the different levels of District leadership (Area Governor, Division Governor, Lt. Governor, and District Governor), I have plenty of things to say about the ride I have been through. Many were great learning lessons that I hope to share with those that read this upcoming series.
Some of the stories I tell will have some words of wisdom. Others may lean on the edge of controversy. And I also have those words to mention that are "interesting." Either way, these stories are from the vision of yours truly, the eyes of Mr. I-I-I.
For the people that are starting their new roles are Area Governor, Division, Governor, Lt. Governor, and District Governor, allow me to say congratulations. You are taking on an incredible responsibility that will not only define you, but also your legacy as a leader and as a person. Remember to serve the community to the best of your ability, never get carried away on your leadership title, and always determine what holds great priority.
This type of leadership is not for everyone. It takes a special person to take on these roles and the other things that come along with it - good things, bad things, and anything else in between. You have the power and the ability to write your story with how you want your chapter to end on June 30th. Despite the challenges that come from the outside, you have the inside power to create your story. The question is what do you want your story to be? A comedy? A tragedy? A drama? An adventure? A success?
It's all up to you!!!
Who knows? You may have your own story to tell when it is all done!!!
Now let's begin!!!
Saturday, July 19, 2014
We Must Continue......
Greetings People,
Before I get started with this post, I would like to say that my thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends that lost a loved one on the two Malaysian Airline flights this year. I would also like to give my thoughts and prayers to families that are going through difficult situations in Israel, the Gaza strip, and anywhere in the Middle East. This may sound like a stretch, but I wish this conflict could end on a peaceful note. It may be miles away, but if one step is taken.....all hope is not lost.
It doesn't matter if I take an international flight, or a flight across the country.
It doesn't matter if I drive across the country, or across the states of Nevada or California.
It doesn't matter if I take a simple drive to Wal-Mart.
No matter where one is, anything can happen at any given moment and any given time. The key thing is that we must continue to live our lives the best way we can. We may have fear about certain things, but that don't mean that fear has to have us. If we let fear control us, we can never live.
About a month ago, the city of Las Vegas lost two police officers in a senseless violent tragedy. They were having lunch at a pizzeria near my neighborhood when they were gunned down by two sick-minded individuals on a Sunday morning. This section was blocked off for the whole day as the police investigated the whole crime scene. When the area was opened up that Monday morning, a Toastmasters club I belong to had a decision to make. The club could decide to continue to meet at the nearby Olive Garden or cancel the meeting. Before the official decision was made, the President of that Toastmaster club said that no matter what happens, we must not let fear prevent us from continuing to meet. The best course is to keep moving forward. Those words were so powerful that we decided to have our Toastmasters meeting.
For those people that think that they are safe in the comfort of their own homes, I have two words to tell you....THINK AGAIN. Things can happen in our homes too. There was a friend I knew named Renee B. I met her a many social gatherings with her friend Diana. Those two were always the life of the party. Whenever I see those two walk through the door, I would say "Let the party begin." I always enjoyed their company and remember the good times that I shared with them. All of that would change Tuesday evening March 5, 2013.
As I was getting ready for a Toastmaster meeting at my home club, I glanced at a news story about a murder-suicide that happened at a home in nearby Henderson, Nevada. In the back of my mind, I hope that it was nobody I knew. However, I had a strange feeling that told me otherwise. It was not until the following morning that I found out who was involved in this tragedy. When I found out via online, I was shocked, saddened, and completely devastated.
Refusing to believe who it was, I called Diana and said "Please tell me that what I am reading is not true." She confirmed that it was true. The victim in this murder-suicide was my friend and fellow Gael, Dr. Renee Bassett. To this day, I still can't understand why a good person can be taken from us way too soon. She is still missed to this day.
People, the examples I have given you are examples that no matter where you are, terrible things can happen. It doesn't matter if you are flying over the Ukraine, having lunch at a pizzeria in Las Vegas, or in the comfort of a home, things can happen.
As terrible as these things are, we must not let the fear of these things affect our lives. It may be okay to remember, but we must continue to live our lives. It is better to open the door and know instead of keeping the door closed and never knowing at all.
If anything were to happen to me, only one would know....and that would be God. When God tells me that it's my time, I hope that I would have lived a good and blessed life that I shared with friends, family, and loved ones. I also hope that I would be remembered for more good than bad. Until I get that word from God, I am going to continue to live the best life I know how. There maybe a chance that I would have a small amount of fear in me, but I will do my best to not let it get me for the world is a big place and out of this big world there are still some good things that can be done.
No matter what happens in life, remember to live it. Only you have the ability to conquer any false evidences appearing real and come out on top. As long as you are still on this planet, you can still do it!!!
That is all I have to say. Take care and thank you for your time and attention!!!
Sincerely,
Mr. I-I-I
Before I get started with this post, I would like to say that my thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends that lost a loved one on the two Malaysian Airline flights this year. I would also like to give my thoughts and prayers to families that are going through difficult situations in Israel, the Gaza strip, and anywhere in the Middle East. This may sound like a stretch, but I wish this conflict could end on a peaceful note. It may be miles away, but if one step is taken.....all hope is not lost.
It doesn't matter if I take an international flight, or a flight across the country.
It doesn't matter if I drive across the country, or across the states of Nevada or California.
It doesn't matter if I take a simple drive to Wal-Mart.
No matter where one is, anything can happen at any given moment and any given time. The key thing is that we must continue to live our lives the best way we can. We may have fear about certain things, but that don't mean that fear has to have us. If we let fear control us, we can never live.
About a month ago, the city of Las Vegas lost two police officers in a senseless violent tragedy. They were having lunch at a pizzeria near my neighborhood when they were gunned down by two sick-minded individuals on a Sunday morning. This section was blocked off for the whole day as the police investigated the whole crime scene. When the area was opened up that Monday morning, a Toastmasters club I belong to had a decision to make. The club could decide to continue to meet at the nearby Olive Garden or cancel the meeting. Before the official decision was made, the President of that Toastmaster club said that no matter what happens, we must not let fear prevent us from continuing to meet. The best course is to keep moving forward. Those words were so powerful that we decided to have our Toastmasters meeting.
For those people that think that they are safe in the comfort of their own homes, I have two words to tell you....THINK AGAIN. Things can happen in our homes too. There was a friend I knew named Renee B. I met her a many social gatherings with her friend Diana. Those two were always the life of the party. Whenever I see those two walk through the door, I would say "Let the party begin." I always enjoyed their company and remember the good times that I shared with them. All of that would change Tuesday evening March 5, 2013.
As I was getting ready for a Toastmaster meeting at my home club, I glanced at a news story about a murder-suicide that happened at a home in nearby Henderson, Nevada. In the back of my mind, I hope that it was nobody I knew. However, I had a strange feeling that told me otherwise. It was not until the following morning that I found out who was involved in this tragedy. When I found out via online, I was shocked, saddened, and completely devastated.
Refusing to believe who it was, I called Diana and said "Please tell me that what I am reading is not true." She confirmed that it was true. The victim in this murder-suicide was my friend and fellow Gael, Dr. Renee Bassett. To this day, I still can't understand why a good person can be taken from us way too soon. She is still missed to this day.
People, the examples I have given you are examples that no matter where you are, terrible things can happen. It doesn't matter if you are flying over the Ukraine, having lunch at a pizzeria in Las Vegas, or in the comfort of a home, things can happen.
As terrible as these things are, we must not let the fear of these things affect our lives. It may be okay to remember, but we must continue to live our lives. It is better to open the door and know instead of keeping the door closed and never knowing at all.
If anything were to happen to me, only one would know....and that would be God. When God tells me that it's my time, I hope that I would have lived a good and blessed life that I shared with friends, family, and loved ones. I also hope that I would be remembered for more good than bad. Until I get that word from God, I am going to continue to live the best life I know how. There maybe a chance that I would have a small amount of fear in me, but I will do my best to not let it get me for the world is a big place and out of this big world there are still some good things that can be done.
No matter what happens in life, remember to live it. Only you have the ability to conquer any false evidences appearing real and come out on top. As long as you are still on this planet, you can still do it!!!
That is all I have to say. Take care and thank you for your time and attention!!!
Sincerely,
Mr. I-I-I
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Did You Forget All Of That?!!
Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute....
Did you forget the helping hand?
Did you forget the time that was spent?
Did you forget the fun had by all?
Tell me...Did you forget all of that?!!
Did you forget the running that was done?
Did you forget the clubs that were saved?
Did you forget the service that was given?
Tell me...Did you forget all of that?!!
Did you forget the heart that I have?
Did you forget the mentoring advice?
Did you forget the handing of the reigns?
Tell me...Did you forget all of that?!!
Did you forget the one by your side?
Did you forget the steps that were made?
Did you forget the efforts it took?
Tell me...Did you forget all of that?!!
Did you forget the facts in the brain?
Did you forget the plans that were set?
Did you forget that this was not easy?
Tell me...Did you forget all of that?!!
You can believe what you want to believe.
You can say what you want to say.
You can do what you want to do.
But no matter where you walk, where you go, or what you think....
I HOPE you didn't forget all of that!!!
That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Mr. I-I-I
Did you forget the helping hand?
Did you forget the time that was spent?
Did you forget the fun had by all?
Tell me...Did you forget all of that?!!
Did you forget the running that was done?
Did you forget the clubs that were saved?
Did you forget the service that was given?
Tell me...Did you forget all of that?!!
Did you forget the heart that I have?
Did you forget the mentoring advice?
Did you forget the handing of the reigns?
Tell me...Did you forget all of that?!!
Did you forget the one by your side?
Did you forget the steps that were made?
Did you forget the efforts it took?
Tell me...Did you forget all of that?!!
Did you forget the facts in the brain?
Did you forget the plans that were set?
Did you forget that this was not easy?
Tell me...Did you forget all of that?!!
You can believe what you want to believe.
You can say what you want to say.
You can do what you want to do.
But no matter where you walk, where you go, or what you think....
I HOPE you didn't forget all of that!!!
That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Mr. I-I-I
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