Words to Succeed or Fail

Our words hold great power.  They influence (or decide) our success or failure.   Most can remember at one time in their childhood being told to not say something negative about an issue, person or situation.

There are probably a few words that should be eliminated from any person's vocabulary if they want to be happy in life or career.

The first word is obvious...can't.  "I can't" is a short but deadly sentence!  But what are some of the other words that need to be silenced?

A close second, in my opinion, is "wish."  Wish in itself is not a bad word or thing.  But wish can not achieve anything unless a genie suddenly appeared and has granted wishes!

Another three letter word that can be a roadblock to success is "not" as in not me, not yet, and not now.   Believing in oneself is critical.

Self confidence begins with the person who is in the mirror looking back at you.  There is a probably one good use of the word not as in "I will not fail."  Otherwise, in the words of some animated movie song...let it, let it go!

Our words are more than a noise we make...

Nobody Cares About You Like You.....

Most of us have heard it said at least once as a child... You have to stand up for yourself.  Of course in today's world I am beginning to wonder if very many of the under thirty crowd have heard this or anything like it.

Some are under the mistaken belief that the government will or should take care of them from birth to the grave.  Some think it should all be free.

But the reality is when it is "given" it will not be given equally. 

There will be those who trust the system and will be short changed.  There are those who will cheat the system and get more than their fair share.

The best route... take charge of your own life and circumstances because "Nobody cares for you like you!

Let the Memories Bring Smiles

Today marks thirty days since my sidekick and best friend Diesel left me.  I would like to think that if I had been the one who left he would not have forgotten me!

Over the past month I have walked many times the same paths Diesel and I took through the years.  And with each walk the memories were a little easier and sometimes brought a smile.

I have written on here about some of the things that Diesel taught me.  The one thing he taught in the end was the importance of a final directive.  No, Diesel could not have made a final directive but the decision I made about him is one that should not be placed unnecessarily on another person you care about.

So, as you go forward today, think about the painful decision someone you love may be forced to make one day because you did not act.  Get an advance directive.

Diesel... forever in my heart.  Diesel... always bringing smiles.

RIP, buddy dog!

The Memories Remain

It was two weeks ago this morning that my beloved Diesel Dog crossed the Rainbow Bridge.   It was this morning that I finally moved his toys and bed to the garage.

Two days ago I took his special prescription food and unused insulin syringes to the Humane Society Shelter.  

I was looking at some pictures of Diesel over the past few days. He had really started looking rough.  Of course, people say the same thing about this guy!

After studying the pictures and remembering his difficulties breathing and all I realize it was the proper thing to do.

And, while I miss my walking buddy, I still go walking every day.  I have memories each step along the way.  

They are good memories.   And the one thing I am grateful this day is....

the memories remain!

Life Goes On - And You Are Still Missed....

It has been a week since my best pal Diesel left me.  Sure I go for my daily walks but they are not quite the same.

The most difficult art is when I meet people while walking and get asks where my little dog is at.... that is when the hurt comes back.

I have had a couple of folks tell me that Diesel was such a cool dog.  He loved people although he was a bit stubborn at times!

That little dog made quite an impression on me.  I want to believe I made an impression on him...

Have a great day folks and cherish each walk with you pal!

Pay Attention to Your Dog... They Are Teaching You!

I wonder if many of us fail to take the time to learn the lessons our pets teach us.   Just over the past week or so I have been thinking about all the nuggets that my Boston Terrier Diesel has taught me over the past ten or so years.

First lesson early on was persist and you will get noticed.  When Diesel was just a young pup he wasn't one of those dogs that required extensive training about going outside to take care of business.  

No, he was a fast learner and found that if he went and sat by the front door someone would notice - eventually!

This lesson applies to my real estate business through the past fifteen years.  It is my blogging, networking and going the extra mile for customers.  It took a while but done long enough you do get noticed.

Diesel loved to walk every day - several times.  Early on he would love to go walking but then, at any given time, he would decide "enough is enough,lets take a break."  And it never failed that he would decide to take a break in the shade  under a tree in some stranger's yard!

Diesel taught me that playing ball every day was a good way to blow off steam.   And then I always had to leave the TV on for him whenever I left the house.  Most often it would be on Animal Planet but sometimes it was left on Foxnews so he could be an informed dog!

Diesel could have taught us all an important lesson - respect law enforcement.  

Of course this picture was taken with his original owner - my son who was a police officer at the time.  Diesel came to live me me about 8 years ago because it was too challenging to stay in all shift (12 hours) and then understand when my son had to sleep!

Another lesson about life... not sure if he taught me or I taught him but it was simple - when your road appears to end, look for another way!

Diesel was put to sleep today.  He was so loved and will be so missed.  But the memories and the lessons will last!

If Diesel Could Speak What Would He Say?

Diesel had a very rough night last night. We were up at 2:23 a.m. and I stayed awake with him all night.  He seems to do better in the morning after sunrise.

But while sitting with him early this morning I made a promise to him that I would muster the strength to do what was necessary but hurtful.

You see, yesterday afternoon he wanted to play. I tossed his ball just about 15 feet. He ran to pick it up and fell over. I knew he had fainted. 

This morning his appetite is really diminished.  His tongue looks a bit bluish to me. He has lost weight even while eating.

I called the vet's office and made an appointment for tomorrow morning.

I guess the reality is sinking in right now.

I am also questioning whether I am doing the right thing or not.  At times he appears to be doing better and then he has no energy or enthusiasm

I hope I am doing the right thing for Diesel because it really hurts.

When I look into his eyes I think he knows the end is near.  I want to believe he trusts me to do what is best for him - not me.