Greetings Happy People,
“I’m starting with the man in the mirror
I’m asking if you change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make that change.”
Those lyrics were from the song “Man in the Mirror,” a number one hit from the King of Pop, the late Michael Jackson. When I first heard this song many years ago, I thought it was a song with a hopeful message for all. In order to change the world, we have to look in the mirror and change ourselves. The only way this simple message can be more poignant is living it.
When I was younger, I lived with some negativity and insecurity. You can say that I was a magnet that attracted the wrong things in life. I was derided because I talked different. People would tease me because I did not fit in a certain way. Some people even told me that I was not good enough. And others told me that I was neither attractive enough, tall enough, nor smart enough. Heck, I even had people tell that I would amount to nothing!!
When it comes to hearing those horrid words, the only mistake I made was believing what they said. When I believed those words, my self esteem crept deep into the abyss. To make things worse, I looked at those magazines that would show what a handsome person looked like. Seeing all those pictures made me more depressed because I was not like them. Those were not the best of times. This doubtful insecurity may have started at a younger age, but it lingered for years until I stopped and made a change for myself.
One day, I looked in the mirror and realized that my own self view was off. I looked at my own reflection and saw something completely different. Instead of viewing a monster, I saw a person with beautiful brown eyes, a nice skin complexion, and a wonderful smile to share. It took a long time to accept it, but I found a way to not only love myself for what I am not, but for who I am. I can now look at a mirror and appreciate that man inside it. When I see this man in the mirror, I see someone that is not only good looking, but also smart, courageous, and has that sense of style that can’t be matched. Appreciating myself has made MY world a better place.
Today, there are people harming themselves to gain the perfect look. Whether it is through crazy crash diets or excessive cosmetic surgeries, people would go to extremes to just look beautiful. One person said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I would rather say that it is in the mind of the person. When it comes to beauty, intelligence, or strength, we determine our own worth. No one can tell us any different. We all can see ourselves in a positive light.
It does not matter if you start from the top or the bottom, appreciate YOUR beauty!! All you have to do is start looking at the good features of your body, focus on the better ones, and THEN focus on the BEST ones!! Believe me. Once you do this, the view of yourself WILL change your world….in more ways than one!!
That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Jesse I-I-I
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Magnetic Attraction
Greetings Happy People,
I am having one of the best weeks in a long time!! Within the last days, I not only had great Toastmasters meetings & contests, but I also went to some awesome parties!!
Last Thursday, I went to a social gathering at a PT's Pub on Fort Apache and Sunset Road. At this gathering, I met and had fun with some former high school classmates. There were people I have not seen in 17 years!! We talked, laughed, and had a great time!!
On Friday night, Dana and I went to a B&B Toastmasters social event at the Artisan Hotel and Casino. We had more fun with more people! The socializing, the frivolity, and the good times were all there. Ironically at that same place, I met another former classmate from high school!! This was someone I have not seen in 16 years!!
My wonderful fortunes were not relegated to just those evenings; I also had great days too!! At work, I attended a few meetings. I got a brand new notebook laptop – which is helpful for the times when I am out of town. I received a check from something I overpaid. And after a long stretch of hot days in the Las Vegas Valley, I stood outside my balcony and felt the cool drops of rain.
How in the world could I be fortunate enough to have these great days? Well, the answer lies in two simple words…..magnetic attraction!!
What is magnetic attraction? It is something that you can attract with your own thoughts – like a mental magnet. If you were to think of something positive, positive things will come to you. On the other end, if you were to think of something negative, negative things will come to you.
At first, I thought this idea sounded crazy. But when I looked around, I saw this process at work with different people. You have positive people experiencing positive things (see Positive is a Plus) and you have negative people experiencing negative things (see The Perpetual Victim). There really is no gray matter, whatever you attract is based on your own thoughts.
While you cannot control all the thoughts you have in your mind, it helps to have a thought that is positive. Why? Because the positively powerful thought is WAY greater than any negative one. It is a great feeling to attract this energy. All you have to do this accentuate the positive things in your life and you will be alright.
I had awesome days thinking this way!! I will have MORE fantastic days when I continue this magnetic process!! After all, it is uplifting, empowering, and quite….attractive!!
That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Jesse I-I-I
I am having one of the best weeks in a long time!! Within the last days, I not only had great Toastmasters meetings & contests, but I also went to some awesome parties!!
Last Thursday, I went to a social gathering at a PT's Pub on Fort Apache and Sunset Road. At this gathering, I met and had fun with some former high school classmates. There were people I have not seen in 17 years!! We talked, laughed, and had a great time!!
On Friday night, Dana and I went to a B&B Toastmasters social event at the Artisan Hotel and Casino. We had more fun with more people! The socializing, the frivolity, and the good times were all there. Ironically at that same place, I met another former classmate from high school!! This was someone I have not seen in 16 years!!
My wonderful fortunes were not relegated to just those evenings; I also had great days too!! At work, I attended a few meetings. I got a brand new notebook laptop – which is helpful for the times when I am out of town. I received a check from something I overpaid. And after a long stretch of hot days in the Las Vegas Valley, I stood outside my balcony and felt the cool drops of rain.
How in the world could I be fortunate enough to have these great days? Well, the answer lies in two simple words…..magnetic attraction!!
What is magnetic attraction? It is something that you can attract with your own thoughts – like a mental magnet. If you were to think of something positive, positive things will come to you. On the other end, if you were to think of something negative, negative things will come to you.
At first, I thought this idea sounded crazy. But when I looked around, I saw this process at work with different people. You have positive people experiencing positive things (see Positive is a Plus) and you have negative people experiencing negative things (see The Perpetual Victim). There really is no gray matter, whatever you attract is based on your own thoughts.
While you cannot control all the thoughts you have in your mind, it helps to have a thought that is positive. Why? Because the positively powerful thought is WAY greater than any negative one. It is a great feeling to attract this energy. All you have to do this accentuate the positive things in your life and you will be alright.
I had awesome days thinking this way!! I will have MORE fantastic days when I continue this magnetic process!! After all, it is uplifting, empowering, and quite….attractive!!
That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Jesse I-I-I
Saturday, August 22, 2009
The Third Thursday
Greetings Happy People,
It was a Thursday evening in December. I had driven across the Las Vegas Valley to get to this place (30 miles to be exact). Through the biting cold air and slick snowy roads, I finally made it to my destination!
Walking across the parking lot, many questions lingered in my mind.
“Is it a good idea to attend this event?”
“Will it be worth the trip?”
“Will anybody remember me?”
I continued my walk towards the building with trepidation, still wondering if this was a good idea. I had many opportunities to stop, turn around, and just go home. But instead, I kept walking. I saw the front of the building. It read Balboa’s Pizza. I looked through the window and saw many people talking, laughing, and having a great time.
“Wow!!” I thought. “This may not be a bad idea after all!!”
As I approached the front door, I took a deep breath, held the handle, and pulled. As I walked inside, I beheld an amazing sight!! I heard background music; I saw delicious free food, and a mascot that looked like a knight!!
“Welcome to Third Thursday!!” a lady told me. “Please sign in and fill out your name badge and year!! We are glad to have you here!!” With those words, I felt welcomed and happy with my decision to attend. Then just when I thought it was safe, I met people I had not seen in 15 or 16 years!! They were faces I recognized.
To be honest, I was surprised that people still recognized me. We talked about what we were doing, how things were going, and reminisced about the days when we had attended school together. That was my introduction to Third Thursdays!!
What is Third Thursday? In my own definition, it is an event sponsored by my high school where alumni attend to socialize. They have food, drinks, and great times!! This event occurs every month throughout the school year and it attended by people that graduated in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and 00’s!!
What were the benefits of attending that first event? I met people I had not seen in a while, I enjoyed the food and drinks, I had lots of discussion mixed with laughter, and I had a great time!! Have I attended these events since? Yes!! Will I attend more!! You bet!! Who could turn down something like this?
Now imagine if I had walked away from an opportunity like this. What would I be missing? What doors would have closed? How long would it be before I had a chance to do this again? One could only wonder.
The important message of this story is when you have a chance to do something – stop thinking and just do it!! You never know when a great opportunity will come your way!! HECK!! There is a good chance that more doors for will open for you!! Just go out there and take that first step. The rest of the path you walk will be worth it!!
That is all I have for you. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Jesse I-I-I
It was a Thursday evening in December. I had driven across the Las Vegas Valley to get to this place (30 miles to be exact). Through the biting cold air and slick snowy roads, I finally made it to my destination!
Walking across the parking lot, many questions lingered in my mind.
“Is it a good idea to attend this event?”
“Will it be worth the trip?”
“Will anybody remember me?”
I continued my walk towards the building with trepidation, still wondering if this was a good idea. I had many opportunities to stop, turn around, and just go home. But instead, I kept walking. I saw the front of the building. It read Balboa’s Pizza. I looked through the window and saw many people talking, laughing, and having a great time.
“Wow!!” I thought. “This may not be a bad idea after all!!”
As I approached the front door, I took a deep breath, held the handle, and pulled. As I walked inside, I beheld an amazing sight!! I heard background music; I saw delicious free food, and a mascot that looked like a knight!!
“Welcome to Third Thursday!!” a lady told me. “Please sign in and fill out your name badge and year!! We are glad to have you here!!” With those words, I felt welcomed and happy with my decision to attend. Then just when I thought it was safe, I met people I had not seen in 15 or 16 years!! They were faces I recognized.
To be honest, I was surprised that people still recognized me. We talked about what we were doing, how things were going, and reminisced about the days when we had attended school together. That was my introduction to Third Thursdays!!
What is Third Thursday? In my own definition, it is an event sponsored by my high school where alumni attend to socialize. They have food, drinks, and great times!! This event occurs every month throughout the school year and it attended by people that graduated in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and 00’s!!
What were the benefits of attending that first event? I met people I had not seen in a while, I enjoyed the food and drinks, I had lots of discussion mixed with laughter, and I had a great time!! Have I attended these events since? Yes!! Will I attend more!! You bet!! Who could turn down something like this?
Now imagine if I had walked away from an opportunity like this. What would I be missing? What doors would have closed? How long would it be before I had a chance to do this again? One could only wonder.
The important message of this story is when you have a chance to do something – stop thinking and just do it!! You never know when a great opportunity will come your way!! HECK!! There is a good chance that more doors for will open for you!! Just go out there and take that first step. The rest of the path you walk will be worth it!!
That is all I have for you. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Jesse I-I-I
Monday, August 17, 2009
Gratitude IS Gracious Attitude
Greetings Happy People!!
As I began writing this blog for you today, I had to stop and take a look at a few things: my car, my bed, my computer, a full refrigerator, the living room, and a closet full of clothes. As I look at these things, I feel very grateful to have them. With all that I have, there is one thing that I am even more grateful to have, my job.
While there are some very interesting characters at my workplace, I remain grateful for the job I have today. November 15, 2009 is an important milestone for me. That day will mark the 10 year anniversary of working at my current job. Why is this significant for me? Let me take you back to the spring of 1999.
Ten years ago, I was finishing up my last semester at UNLV. There were plenty hoops of fire I had to jump through during my last semester at that school. Besides the rigorous courses I still had to finish, there were other obstacles that made the path more difficult. I was working as an intern for a guy with a Napoleonic complex, I had two projects to complete before graduating, and a woman whom I admired and loved as a kid - my grandmother in Arkansas - passed away from complications of diabetes. Her passing hit me so hard, I mentally checked out for the rest of that semester. Part of me was happy to graduate, but part of me felt numb after six years of studies.
Things were not easier after graduating from UNLV. When my student status ended at UNLV, so did my internship. That meant that I was without a job. The first place I applied for was my current workplace. I took the exam, aced it, and got on the interviewing list. Little did I know, it would take me about five months to even get an interview. During those five months, I applied for different engineering positions. There were some places where I had to take tests, others I would just send in a resume and take interviews. Either way, I would get rejected. The more rejections I faced, the more depressed I became. I wondered if anyone would hire me. It got to the point where I would apply for something outside of what I studied for. If it was any consolation, at least I knew I could type 45 words per minute – not bad huh?
Then in September of 1999, I got a phone call for an interview. It was for an Engineering Technician position at my current workplace. I went into the interview, answered the questions, and did not get that job. However, one of the interviewers named Marshall was so impressed with me that I got a second interview for a different position. At the time, Marshall was the head of that workplace. He had worked there for 38 years and was a couple months away from retirement. According to my co-workers, he told my current boss “There is this kid from college that you should check out. I think he would be a good addition to this place.” Two months later at the second interview, I did well again. And this time I finally got hired!! After six months of unemployment, I finally got hired by someone!! WHOO-HOO!! It was a complete relief!! What was ironic about the whole thing was that fact that this was the first place I applied for six months ago!! What took them so long?
The good news did not end there. When they found out I had a civil engineering degree from UNLV, they automatically promoted me to a higher technician position within three weeks. After that, I took advantage of other opportunities which led me to where I am now, and will into the future!!
As I type this blog to you people, I realize how important it is to be grateful for what I have. That makes me feel pretty good!! In times like these, we as a people must be grateful for the things we have right now. Even if you only have a dollar in your pocket, be grateful for that!! It is very important to have this gracious attitude because it can make you feel good, as well as attract more positive things to you!! I have and will benefit from this. Chances are you will too!!
That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Jesse I-I-I
As I began writing this blog for you today, I had to stop and take a look at a few things: my car, my bed, my computer, a full refrigerator, the living room, and a closet full of clothes. As I look at these things, I feel very grateful to have them. With all that I have, there is one thing that I am even more grateful to have, my job.
While there are some very interesting characters at my workplace, I remain grateful for the job I have today. November 15, 2009 is an important milestone for me. That day will mark the 10 year anniversary of working at my current job. Why is this significant for me? Let me take you back to the spring of 1999.
Ten years ago, I was finishing up my last semester at UNLV. There were plenty hoops of fire I had to jump through during my last semester at that school. Besides the rigorous courses I still had to finish, there were other obstacles that made the path more difficult. I was working as an intern for a guy with a Napoleonic complex, I had two projects to complete before graduating, and a woman whom I admired and loved as a kid - my grandmother in Arkansas - passed away from complications of diabetes. Her passing hit me so hard, I mentally checked out for the rest of that semester. Part of me was happy to graduate, but part of me felt numb after six years of studies.
Things were not easier after graduating from UNLV. When my student status ended at UNLV, so did my internship. That meant that I was without a job. The first place I applied for was my current workplace. I took the exam, aced it, and got on the interviewing list. Little did I know, it would take me about five months to even get an interview. During those five months, I applied for different engineering positions. There were some places where I had to take tests, others I would just send in a resume and take interviews. Either way, I would get rejected. The more rejections I faced, the more depressed I became. I wondered if anyone would hire me. It got to the point where I would apply for something outside of what I studied for. If it was any consolation, at least I knew I could type 45 words per minute – not bad huh?
Then in September of 1999, I got a phone call for an interview. It was for an Engineering Technician position at my current workplace. I went into the interview, answered the questions, and did not get that job. However, one of the interviewers named Marshall was so impressed with me that I got a second interview for a different position. At the time, Marshall was the head of that workplace. He had worked there for 38 years and was a couple months away from retirement. According to my co-workers, he told my current boss “There is this kid from college that you should check out. I think he would be a good addition to this place.” Two months later at the second interview, I did well again. And this time I finally got hired!! After six months of unemployment, I finally got hired by someone!! WHOO-HOO!! It was a complete relief!! What was ironic about the whole thing was that fact that this was the first place I applied for six months ago!! What took them so long?
The good news did not end there. When they found out I had a civil engineering degree from UNLV, they automatically promoted me to a higher technician position within three weeks. After that, I took advantage of other opportunities which led me to where I am now, and will into the future!!
As I type this blog to you people, I realize how important it is to be grateful for what I have. That makes me feel pretty good!! In times like these, we as a people must be grateful for the things we have right now. Even if you only have a dollar in your pocket, be grateful for that!! It is very important to have this gracious attitude because it can make you feel good, as well as attract more positive things to you!! I have and will benefit from this. Chances are you will too!!
That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.
Sincerely,
Jesse I-I-I
Saturday, August 15, 2009
The Power of Happiness
Greetings Happy People!!
Of all the feelings in the human body, nothing compares to pure happiness.
YES!! Happiness is the best emotion because it makes you feel good!! I have been through a variety of feelings (sad, fear, depression, angry, worry, confusion, and disenchantment) and I admit it. There is no greater feeling that happiness!!
When I am happy, the good vibes go all over my body.
When I am happy, my smiles are wider.
HECK!! When I am happy, I FEEL PRETTY DARN GOOD!!
People can tell you that they are happy, but saying and feeling it are very different. Through my own understanding, to really feel happy, it must come from within.
That’s right!! In order to truly feel happy, you must first have that happy thought. When you have the happy thought in your mind, it automatically transfers into your feelings.
What happy thoughts can spark this euphoric feeling? Well, any good thought you can think of is a great start!! Whether it is your children, your family, your pet, a vacation getaway, a good song, or a certain red fruit with seeds on the outside (Strawberries), any happy thoughts will work!
Ever since I acquired this elated feeling through thought, I feel more upbeat, my moves became a little swifter, and I notice a sense of freedom from fear, despair, hopelessness and anything that is opposite to feeling good. In addition, my confidence and courage levels have skyrocketed to amazing heights!! Feeling happy is incredibly AWESOME!!
To further prolong this feeling, I would do other active things such as watch less news stories, listen to good music, and partake in a walk outside to breathe in the good environment around me. Laughing also helps power the positive energy!! For every good chuckle comes a burst of happiness!!
Who has a right to feel happy? WE ALL DO!! Face it! All of us have the right to just be happy!! The only person that can make us experience this wonderful feeling is the one in the mirror. Go ahead and give it a try!! You will be surprised in how one simple thought shift makes a difference in your day!!
Once you found your happy feeling, allow it to come into your life! When you are finished, ALLOW MORE HAPPINESS TO COME IN!! There are no complex mysteries to this feeling. When you are happy….YOU WIN!! Enough said.
That is all I have for now. Take care of yourself and thank you for your time and attention!!
Sincerely,
Jesse I-I-I
Of all the feelings in the human body, nothing compares to pure happiness.
YES!! Happiness is the best emotion because it makes you feel good!! I have been through a variety of feelings (sad, fear, depression, angry, worry, confusion, and disenchantment) and I admit it. There is no greater feeling that happiness!!
When I am happy, the good vibes go all over my body.
When I am happy, my smiles are wider.
HECK!! When I am happy, I FEEL PRETTY DARN GOOD!!
People can tell you that they are happy, but saying and feeling it are very different. Through my own understanding, to really feel happy, it must come from within.
That’s right!! In order to truly feel happy, you must first have that happy thought. When you have the happy thought in your mind, it automatically transfers into your feelings.
What happy thoughts can spark this euphoric feeling? Well, any good thought you can think of is a great start!! Whether it is your children, your family, your pet, a vacation getaway, a good song, or a certain red fruit with seeds on the outside (Strawberries), any happy thoughts will work!
Ever since I acquired this elated feeling through thought, I feel more upbeat, my moves became a little swifter, and I notice a sense of freedom from fear, despair, hopelessness and anything that is opposite to feeling good. In addition, my confidence and courage levels have skyrocketed to amazing heights!! Feeling happy is incredibly AWESOME!!
To further prolong this feeling, I would do other active things such as watch less news stories, listen to good music, and partake in a walk outside to breathe in the good environment around me. Laughing also helps power the positive energy!! For every good chuckle comes a burst of happiness!!
Who has a right to feel happy? WE ALL DO!! Face it! All of us have the right to just be happy!! The only person that can make us experience this wonderful feeling is the one in the mirror. Go ahead and give it a try!! You will be surprised in how one simple thought shift makes a difference in your day!!
Once you found your happy feeling, allow it to come into your life! When you are finished, ALLOW MORE HAPPINESS TO COME IN!! There are no complex mysteries to this feeling. When you are happy….YOU WIN!! Enough said.
That is all I have for now. Take care of yourself and thank you for your time and attention!!
Sincerely,
Jesse I-I-I
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