Most of us have been in a situation where we find ourselves divided and stuck. We have things we need to do but not enough time to do it in leading to our inability to accomplish the smallest of tasks because we somehow fall short in the categories of time, money and/or knowledge. We tend to forget we have a network of people we come into contact with daily that can and are willing to assist us. One solution is to identify, discover and utilize your personal "network" or "resources." Many of us equip ourselves with the willpower ...<< MORE >>

It's interesting how many excuses we choose to make about what we cannot do due to time constraints or affordability yet even those "busy" allot time for the inconceivable. Take for example a parent who is an attorney by day and a professional athlete by night. The person has a family, multiple roles and a slue of responsibilities.We all have the choice to follow our passion enabling excitement, drive and energy to move us beyond or "traditional" limits. We choose our own destiny by our daily actions, words and deeds. We choose what we believe, hear ...<< MORE >>

The traditional connotation of the family as father, mother, brother and sister has diversified itself overtime to include that of foster, adoptive, blended, same gender and families made up of pets, networks of friends, groups and/or affiliates. Who is to say what makes up "your" current family unit? A family is defined not only by what you see but what you feel in your heart. The unconditional love that equates itself is matched by the opportunity to make mistakes and love you in spite of yourself. To accept each others differences and support each others strengths is ...<< MORE >>

Imagine you're at a dead end job that you use to love. The job has lost its fizzle and the fire you once had for that particular position has died out. You're working harder than ever before for less money and acknowledgment and appreciation are nothing but a silent memory. All that's left to date are the monthly status reports, acquisitions, and productivity scales you quiver to think about. It's now just another deadline. Staff meetings linger as your input is no longer warranted and/or you have no desire to respond or add to the logistically drawn ...<< MORE >>

As we look at the many facets of success, one characteristic that tends to falter is that of patience.  Many times we assume we have everything under control and that we are in complete harmony between our mind, body and spirit but somehow, someway, in the midst of an obstacle or an unplanned incident the patience in our tool belt tends to fall short and slip under that "well monitored" radar. 

The attitude then rises where retaliation is a thought not to far off the beaten path.  Maybe I'll just speed up a little and cut him off, stare him ...<< MORE >>

It's interesting when you stop and think how many hats we actually wear in our daily lives.  For me it's:  mother, wife, daughter, sister, advocate, speaker, mentor, life coach, therapist, friend, author, employee, entrepreneur ... and the list goes on and on and on.  Each one of our individual lists can continue like a child's gift list during the holiday season but it doesn't have to be as exhausting - the multitude of hats can be interchangeable at any given time, delegating assignments and action items to another for the purpose of respite to exhale and collaboration ...<< MORE >>

With the economic crisis on the rise it's no wonder why families and communities are feeling the massive weight of uncertainty - literally.  Jobs, homes and automobiles are being lost in the shuffle of life but at the same time those who have lost are taking a stand and fighting back.  They are choosing not to let life's circumstance take heed but rather are finding healing through servicing others.

Youth and adults are taking to the streets during this time of crisis and creating opportunities and resources for the disadvantaged, underserved and ailing.  They are creating support groups, programs, ...<< MORE >>

So it's the end of the year again and like clock work, it's that time when many of us take a few moments to appreciate our blessings, wallow in our self-pity or review our accomplishments for the year... what worked, what didn't and where we would like to make adjustments.  Some of us thumb through the "don't leave home without it" day planner, others the personal journal laying bedside, some our thoughts and memories and others, like myself, the good ole' VBS Benchmark Recorder.

Whether you're starting out on a new foot - be it the ...<< MORE >>

When most people think of team building they often identify it with work, a staff retreat, time off, fun activities with colleagues or a bottomless pit.  But what appears to be missing, in most cases is the connection and teaching vs the brainstorming and motivation.  To accomplish an effective team building training, I recommend incorporating ...<< MORE >>

For years I have been asked the question:  How can you work with "that population?"  And my answer is usually "what population?" 

How really different are youth from adults?  Ever since we reached that milestone of independence,  it appears the word youth or young adult tends to become a word of the past, a taboo, or something of foreign content.  But I question you, is it?

Lets flip the script for a moment:

• How were you during your pre-teen to college years?
  
• What were your views on adults and/or peers?
  
• What personal events took place that changed your ...<< MORE >>