This holiday season was the best Christmas I have ever experienced. It was great to spend quality time with my family and there was a unforgettable spirit present at all times! It was a time of giving, sharing, laughing and loving. But why is it that we only experience this at Christmas, only one time per year?
What would the world be like if we had Christmas all year around? What if everyone was in the giving spirit, spending quality time with friends and family, laughing and loving on each of the 365 days? Is it possible to continue this spirit into 2011 and maintain it throughout the year?
I have very high expectations for 2011, personally, spiritually, and for my career. Why not add this to my list of priorities? I am not talking about keeping my house or office decorated with Christmas trees and lights, or buying a ton of presents for others. What I am talking about is the attitude and spirit of Christmas. This is what makes Christmas so special!
I am going to make it a priority to bring the great qualities and experiences associated with Christmas to my everyday life. I challenge myself to give more to the people around me, to spend more time with my family and the people important in my life, to take more days off of work and lay around the house watching movies and eating good food, to express how much the people I work with mean to me, and of course to remember that Jesus gave his life for us!
Christmas is such an amazing season and to not extend it through the other 364 days of the year would be a mistake.
But wait, there is more.....I need your help! Think about the lights on a Christmas tree. Each light is not so big, not so bright and not so powerful. However when you look at a Christmas tree full of these little lights it creates a bright and magical spectacle that will light up any room. Individually we can only produce a small amount of light, but together we will glow!
Christmas is not over!
~Happy Holidays
EC
Monday, December 27, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Hold someone's hand!
This post is inspired by the Michael Jackson song, "Hold my Hand" featuring Akon.
It reminded me of all the millions of people out there struggling this holiday season. The holiday season, while it may be happy for alot of people, is also a very sad time for many. This is a time when people need each other! This is a time when the smallest and simplest things can make the biggest difference in someone's life.
To often, I personally take family and friends for granted. I have been blessed to have such a great family, much less a family at all. It never crosses my mind to spend a Christmas alone without my family. There a so many people out there that have nothing; no family, no friends, no warm bed to sleep in. So many are struggling, in need of a friend or companion to help them through this tough time. What can you and I do this holiday season to make a difference in someone's life?
I challenge everyone that reads this blog to do some thinking about what small things you can do to help someone in need. With such little effort or sacrifice we can make someone feel special. The world needs you and I and I believe that it is our duty, as human beings, to do anything we can to help others around us. Life is way too short and there is no reason that anyone should be upset, sad or depressed during such a wonderful holiday.
This holiday season, grab someone's hand. Hold it tight.....real tight, and let them know that they are cared for! You and I can and will make a difference.
Hold my Hand- Michael Jackson feat. Akon
And if its you reading this that's struggling....Hold my hand. I got you
Spreadin' a little love!
-EC
It reminded me of all the millions of people out there struggling this holiday season. The holiday season, while it may be happy for alot of people, is also a very sad time for many. This is a time when people need each other! This is a time when the smallest and simplest things can make the biggest difference in someone's life.
To often, I personally take family and friends for granted. I have been blessed to have such a great family, much less a family at all. It never crosses my mind to spend a Christmas alone without my family. There a so many people out there that have nothing; no family, no friends, no warm bed to sleep in. So many are struggling, in need of a friend or companion to help them through this tough time. What can you and I do this holiday season to make a difference in someone's life?
I challenge everyone that reads this blog to do some thinking about what small things you can do to help someone in need. With such little effort or sacrifice we can make someone feel special. The world needs you and I and I believe that it is our duty, as human beings, to do anything we can to help others around us. Life is way too short and there is no reason that anyone should be upset, sad or depressed during such a wonderful holiday.
This holiday season, grab someone's hand. Hold it tight.....real tight, and let them know that they are cared for! You and I can and will make a difference.
Hold my Hand- Michael Jackson feat. Akon
And if its you reading this that's struggling....Hold my hand. I got you
Spreadin' a little love!
-EC
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Don't hold anything back....tell em how you feel!
A great friend of mine and I had a great conversation last night that inspired this blog post. "Dont hold back..tell em how you feel!"
Life is too short, or for some maybe its too long, but the truth is that you never know when your last opportunity will be to tell someone you care about, just how you feel. Each day we are overwhelmed with emotions and feelings having to do with our relationships; relationships with friends, family and loved ones. These emotions, while they can be positive or negative, are emotions that, more times than not, need to be shared. Why keep these feelings hidden? Why not tell em how you feel?
I think people are sometimes afraid to speak their true feelings because of a reaction they may receive. Fear of rejection, conflict and embarassment are all difficult to overcome. If someone is important enough to be in your life, aren't they important enough to know what you think about them and how you feel? Your next opportunity could be your last. This doesnt mean someone has to die, although it can mean that, but it could simply be a miscommunication that leads to the disconnect; a desperate friend headed down the wrong path, a girl or boy that never knew you liked him or her, or a parent with whom you have some bad blood that was never reconciled.
You may get shot down, you may get in an argument or fight. However, you may say the exact thing that person was hoping or wishing you would say. You may start a lifelong friendship with someone that will be instrumental in your life and that needs you to return the favor. You may let someone know, for the first time, that you care, at the last possible opportunity. You may say the perfect thing at the perfect time and make someone's day, month, year or life!
I challenge all (including myself) to make an effort to get over your fears, be the bigger person, step up to the plate, and speak your mind and heart. Don't hold anything back and tell em how you feel!
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” ~William Arthur Ward
-EC
Life is too short, or for some maybe its too long, but the truth is that you never know when your last opportunity will be to tell someone you care about, just how you feel. Each day we are overwhelmed with emotions and feelings having to do with our relationships; relationships with friends, family and loved ones. These emotions, while they can be positive or negative, are emotions that, more times than not, need to be shared. Why keep these feelings hidden? Why not tell em how you feel?
I think people are sometimes afraid to speak their true feelings because of a reaction they may receive. Fear of rejection, conflict and embarassment are all difficult to overcome. If someone is important enough to be in your life, aren't they important enough to know what you think about them and how you feel? Your next opportunity could be your last. This doesnt mean someone has to die, although it can mean that, but it could simply be a miscommunication that leads to the disconnect; a desperate friend headed down the wrong path, a girl or boy that never knew you liked him or her, or a parent with whom you have some bad blood that was never reconciled.
You may get shot down, you may get in an argument or fight. However, you may say the exact thing that person was hoping or wishing you would say. You may start a lifelong friendship with someone that will be instrumental in your life and that needs you to return the favor. You may let someone know, for the first time, that you care, at the last possible opportunity. You may say the perfect thing at the perfect time and make someone's day, month, year or life!
I challenge all (including myself) to make an effort to get over your fears, be the bigger person, step up to the plate, and speak your mind and heart. Don't hold anything back and tell em how you feel!
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” ~William Arthur Ward
-EC
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Why would you NOT......
Why would you not try and be the best that you can be? Why would you not focus on being a better person, a better friend, a better co worker, a better leader? Why would you not try to help more people, to give a little more? Why would you not try and change someones life, or maybe your own, for the better? Why would you not be the best employee you can be, give everything you can offer to your company or your boss?
Why would you not try that new thing, go out on a limb? Why would you not tell him or her how you feel? Why would you not say thank you for that kind deed? Why would you not try and be in better shape, eat healthier, run farther, run faster........invite a friend to run?
Why would you not spend more time with your family? Why would you not stay the extra hour, push a little harder, dig a little deeper? Why would you not expect more from yourself, ask yourself the tough questions, or work to find solutions to your problems? Why would you not make that tough call, admit your wrong, or tell them how much they mean to you? Why would you not work every single day of your life to contribute to society and attempt to make this world a better place for someone else including yourself?
Why would you not read this post and think to yourself "Why would I not...."?
Bringin' it-
EC
Why would you not try that new thing, go out on a limb? Why would you not tell him or her how you feel? Why would you not say thank you for that kind deed? Why would you not try and be in better shape, eat healthier, run farther, run faster........invite a friend to run?
Why would you not spend more time with your family? Why would you not stay the extra hour, push a little harder, dig a little deeper? Why would you not expect more from yourself, ask yourself the tough questions, or work to find solutions to your problems? Why would you not make that tough call, admit your wrong, or tell them how much they mean to you? Why would you not work every single day of your life to contribute to society and attempt to make this world a better place for someone else including yourself?
Why would you not read this post and think to yourself "Why would I not...."?
Bringin' it-
EC
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Persist to achieve!
Dictionary.com defines persist as "to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like, esp. in spite of opposition, remonstrance, etc."
We are always trying new things, new adventures, new journeys and new paths in our every day lives. We make these decisions because we yearn for new things or see the change as a necessary step in accomplishing our desired goals. However, very few things come easy and without adversity, without challenge and obstacles that we must overcome to reach the desired destination. When these challenges or speed bumps arise it's persistence that allows us to continue on the desired path.
“The most essential factor is persistence - the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come"
~James Whitcomb Whiley
When the decision is made to make these so called changes or to pursue a dream we often are unable to see into the future and predict the objections we will receive. However it is persistence that keeps us on track and moving in that right direction. Do not let the present circumstances deter you from your path but use persistence to endure through the tough times and stay on course.
Persistence, to me, means sticking with it. Rather than looking at challenges and obstacles as a reason to stray, see these as opportunities to persist and provide even more of a reason to continue. These obstacles should be seen as markers or reference points to let you know you are moving in the right direction. Hopefully the decisions you made and the places you want to go are ones that require change and require giving up certain things to obtain something better. If this is the case then obviously you will leave your comfort zone and stare the unknown in the eyes to move towards this "better place" for which you desire. That means that to get there, difficultly and challenge must be present, otherwise you would already be at this destination or wouldn't be interested in getting there.
Whether you are doubting your hard work or looking to improve your personal life, embrace persistence and use it as a tool to reach your desired outcomes. You made the decision to take the journey now persist and stay on course because if you fail to persist you will fail to achieve.
Ambition is the path to success, persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.
~William Eardley
Super Sunday!
-EC
We are always trying new things, new adventures, new journeys and new paths in our every day lives. We make these decisions because we yearn for new things or see the change as a necessary step in accomplishing our desired goals. However, very few things come easy and without adversity, without challenge and obstacles that we must overcome to reach the desired destination. When these challenges or speed bumps arise it's persistence that allows us to continue on the desired path.
“The most essential factor is persistence - the determination never to allow your energy or enthusiasm to be dampened by the discouragement that must inevitably come"
~James Whitcomb Whiley
When the decision is made to make these so called changes or to pursue a dream we often are unable to see into the future and predict the objections we will receive. However it is persistence that keeps us on track and moving in that right direction. Do not let the present circumstances deter you from your path but use persistence to endure through the tough times and stay on course.
Persistence, to me, means sticking with it. Rather than looking at challenges and obstacles as a reason to stray, see these as opportunities to persist and provide even more of a reason to continue. These obstacles should be seen as markers or reference points to let you know you are moving in the right direction. Hopefully the decisions you made and the places you want to go are ones that require change and require giving up certain things to obtain something better. If this is the case then obviously you will leave your comfort zone and stare the unknown in the eyes to move towards this "better place" for which you desire. That means that to get there, difficultly and challenge must be present, otherwise you would already be at this destination or wouldn't be interested in getting there.
Whether you are doubting your hard work or looking to improve your personal life, embrace persistence and use it as a tool to reach your desired outcomes. You made the decision to take the journey now persist and stay on course because if you fail to persist you will fail to achieve.
Ambition is the path to success, persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.
~William Eardley
Super Sunday!
-EC
Monday, November 15, 2010
Whats it worth to you?
What's it worth to you? As a real estate professional I am constantly analyzing real estate values and studying the market to help my clients make educated decisions about how much their property is worth? This question brought an interesting thought to mind; one that i believe everyone should think about. What's it worth to you?
Each day we are presented with opportunities. These opportunities come with certain choices, responsibilities and sacrifices that must be made in order to capitalize on these opportunities. These opportunities may be related to your family, your job, your work, your relationships, or anything for that matter. Some opportunities are pursued whole heartedly, others are never considered and still others fall somewhere in between. These opportunities may come as chances to open a new business, a decision to grow your relationship with the good Lord, whether or not to pursue a certain girl/boy, or choosing to live a healthier lifestyle. It seems so obvious when the right opportunities should be pursued yet we often choose another path because of the choices, responsibilities, and sacrifices involved.......because it's difficult! Do you want to make the right choices? I know I do! I made a decision to be the best that I can be and while I am no where near where I want to be or think I should be, I am definitely working very hard towards that goal.
The question is, "what's it worth to you?". Is it worth, listening to your friends talk smack as you order a salad at a restaurant? Is it worth sacrificing two hours of sleep to attend bible study? Is it worth giving up the stability of your current job and risk your savings account on an idea you believe in with all your heart? Is it worth working through tough times with someone you care about when you are sure it would be easier to let it go? Would you give up your party life for an opportunity to have a super successful career? What's it worth to you?
This is the question we should all think about when faced with opportunities. It's weird, when you think about it like this it makes it real hard to pass on an opportunity because of the challenge or sacrifice involved......unless of course it's not worth it!!
Speakin truth
-EC
Each day we are presented with opportunities. These opportunities come with certain choices, responsibilities and sacrifices that must be made in order to capitalize on these opportunities. These opportunities may be related to your family, your job, your work, your relationships, or anything for that matter. Some opportunities are pursued whole heartedly, others are never considered and still others fall somewhere in between. These opportunities may come as chances to open a new business, a decision to grow your relationship with the good Lord, whether or not to pursue a certain girl/boy, or choosing to live a healthier lifestyle. It seems so obvious when the right opportunities should be pursued yet we often choose another path because of the choices, responsibilities, and sacrifices involved.......because it's difficult! Do you want to make the right choices? I know I do! I made a decision to be the best that I can be and while I am no where near where I want to be or think I should be, I am definitely working very hard towards that goal.
The question is, "what's it worth to you?". Is it worth, listening to your friends talk smack as you order a salad at a restaurant? Is it worth sacrificing two hours of sleep to attend bible study? Is it worth giving up the stability of your current job and risk your savings account on an idea you believe in with all your heart? Is it worth working through tough times with someone you care about when you are sure it would be easier to let it go? Would you give up your party life for an opportunity to have a super successful career? What's it worth to you?
This is the question we should all think about when faced with opportunities. It's weird, when you think about it like this it makes it real hard to pass on an opportunity because of the challenge or sacrifice involved......unless of course it's not worth it!!
Speakin truth
-EC
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Don't forget the JOURNEY!
“Too often we are so preoccupied with the destination, we forget the journey.” ~Unknown
Over the last few weeks I have had the incredible opportunity to travel to Houston, Texas, Anaheim, California and New Orleans, Louisiana. The purpose of these trips was to promote a business I founded with some friends. While I was there I had an incredible realization and I thought I would share.
We have been working for about a year and half, on this project and it has been a long road with good times and bad. It has been a difficult process filled with many detours and speed bumps and it has been draining and frustrating to say the least. Of course we are trying to achieve success and with a lot on the line its hard to think about anything else.
Being so caught up with the end goal, I have lost site of what is most important. The truth is that I have been traveling to really cool places, working with a great team, meeting amazing people, and experiencing things I will remember for the rest of my life. I am so lucky to get to go to these places, places that most people will never even get to think about. I have been so focused on trying to make this a success that I forgot to appreciate the best part; that is the journey!
All to often, we get so caught up in the end result or the destination that we forget about the experiences that make the journey. This journey is the best part of it all. This journey is what makes the destination special, it's what makes it worthwhile. When I sit down and think about it, it's the challenge that keeps me interested and makes me desire the end result. But without that challenge there would be no glory. Of course, it seems nice to start a business and the next day it be a success. Would it really be that great? Or would I just forget about it and move on to the next project? Would I really appreciate that success or would it not even be success because it was not difficult to attain?
What I have failed to realize is that the experience has been so awesome. It has been a learning experience to remember forever. I have traveled around the US promoting a product that I am passionate about, that I believe in with everything I have. I have developed friendships with my partners that probably would have never come without this journey and these are friendships I will have for the rest of my life. I have spent late nights in a hotel room, practicing presentations, strategizing on our next move. I have had conversations and met successful people and will continue to develop these relationships over time. Some of these relationships will become valuable business relationships others will turn out to be lifelong relationships. I have been ever so fortunate for these experiences and have many more great ones ahead. Isn't this what life is all about? I will, from now on, enjoy the ride and appreciate the journey!
Keepin' it real!
-EC
Over the last few weeks I have had the incredible opportunity to travel to Houston, Texas, Anaheim, California and New Orleans, Louisiana. The purpose of these trips was to promote a business I founded with some friends. While I was there I had an incredible realization and I thought I would share.
We have been working for about a year and half, on this project and it has been a long road with good times and bad. It has been a difficult process filled with many detours and speed bumps and it has been draining and frustrating to say the least. Of course we are trying to achieve success and with a lot on the line its hard to think about anything else.
Being so caught up with the end goal, I have lost site of what is most important. The truth is that I have been traveling to really cool places, working with a great team, meeting amazing people, and experiencing things I will remember for the rest of my life. I am so lucky to get to go to these places, places that most people will never even get to think about. I have been so focused on trying to make this a success that I forgot to appreciate the best part; that is the journey!
All to often, we get so caught up in the end result or the destination that we forget about the experiences that make the journey. This journey is the best part of it all. This journey is what makes the destination special, it's what makes it worthwhile. When I sit down and think about it, it's the challenge that keeps me interested and makes me desire the end result. But without that challenge there would be no glory. Of course, it seems nice to start a business and the next day it be a success. Would it really be that great? Or would I just forget about it and move on to the next project? Would I really appreciate that success or would it not even be success because it was not difficult to attain?
What I have failed to realize is that the experience has been so awesome. It has been a learning experience to remember forever. I have traveled around the US promoting a product that I am passionate about, that I believe in with everything I have. I have developed friendships with my partners that probably would have never come without this journey and these are friendships I will have for the rest of my life. I have spent late nights in a hotel room, practicing presentations, strategizing on our next move. I have had conversations and met successful people and will continue to develop these relationships over time. Some of these relationships will become valuable business relationships others will turn out to be lifelong relationships. I have been ever so fortunate for these experiences and have many more great ones ahead. Isn't this what life is all about? I will, from now on, enjoy the ride and appreciate the journey!
Keepin' it real!
-EC
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