Comments for T4D - Thought for the Day http://kirkweisler.com/t4d Chief Morale Officer Kirk Weisler's Thought 4 the Day Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:00:50 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2 Comment on The Power of Praise by Teresa Bakker http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/07/the-power-of-praise/#comment-144559 Teresa Bakker Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:49:29 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/07/the-power-of-praise/#comment-144559 I also keep notes that make me laugh. Sometimes if I am having a rough day, it helps to read them, smile and laugh. It reminds me that things aren't always so serious. I also keep notes that make me laugh. Sometimes if I am having a rough day, it helps to read them, smile and laugh. It reminds me that things aren’t always so serious.

]]> Comment on The Power of Praise by Stacy http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/07/the-power-of-praise/#comment-144555 Stacy Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:23:57 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/07/the-power-of-praise/#comment-144555 I have recieved notes of encouragement from mentors over the years that have meant a lot to me. As a manager, I try to send out hand written or informal emails to my team and their team members throughout the year to recognize small and large ways they have contributed to the group. You never know when your words could be just the enouragement someone might need at that moment in their day. I have recieved notes of encouragement from mentors over the years that have meant a lot to me. As a manager, I try to send out hand written or informal emails to my team and their team members throughout the year to recognize small and large ways they have contributed to the group. You never know when your words could be just the enouragement someone might need at that moment in their day.

]]> Comment on The Power of Praise by Kathy http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/07/the-power-of-praise/#comment-144554 Kathy Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:11:30 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/07/the-power-of-praise/#comment-144554 another really cool way is to send a note home to a mother/spouse and let them know how or what good thing happened and what id meant! I did this and it was amazing! another really cool way is to send a note home to a mother/spouse and let them know how or what good thing happened and what id meant! I did this and it was amazing!

]]> Comment on Remember to Remember by Gene Spencer http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/06/remember-to-remember/#comment-144547 Gene Spencer Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:37:23 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/06/remember-to-remember/#comment-144547 Kirk, These videos represent some powerful images that took me back to places of strength, energy, vision, hope, family values (the real ones) and the positive connections we have with one another. Ashyln's "thank you" for all of the prayers that helped make her feel better brought it home for me in a very cool way. I've never met her, yet she has affected my life powerfully. Caring for others brings out the best of who we are. Two additional thoughts about remembering... 1. Whenever I am deep in struggle about something in my life, I like to step back and think "what was keeping me awake at night 1 year ago?" I know that I was worried about something at that time, and that it appeared really, really big, but for the life of me, I do not remember what "it" was. That realization takes the energy out of today's pain, and often helps me remember something that caused me to have strength, hope, wisdom... whatever I needed in those crucial moments. 2. At other moments that I wonder what/how should be the next step forward along a difficult journey, my Paula reminds me "God didn't bring you this far just to see you fail!" What a powerful reminder for me to look for the next step, the next strength, the next energy, the next positivity, the next person who will enter my life, and the next great work!" Remembering who I am and how I got here (the good stuff and the bad) helps me understand (and recommit to) the fact that I am the only one who gets to define my life... who I am and who I will become. Kirk, thanks for your messages along the journey. They help more than you will ever understand. GS Kirk, These videos represent some powerful images that took me back to places of strength, energy, vision, hope, family values (the real ones) and the positive connections we have with one another. Ashyln’s “thank you” for all of the prayers that helped make her feel better brought it home for me in a very cool way. I’ve never met her, yet she has affected my life powerfully. Caring for others brings out the best of who we are.

Two additional thoughts about remembering…

1. Whenever I am deep in struggle about something in my life, I like to step back and think “what was keeping me awake at night 1 year ago?” I know that I was worried about something at that time, and that it appeared really, really big, but for the life of me, I do not remember what “it” was. That realization takes the energy out of today’s pain, and often helps me remember something that caused me to have strength, hope, wisdom… whatever I needed in those crucial moments.

2. At other moments that I wonder what/how should be the next step forward along a difficult journey, my Paula reminds me “God didn’t bring you this far just to see you fail!” What a powerful reminder for me to look for the next step, the next strength, the next energy, the next positivity, the next person who will enter my life, and the next great work!”

Remembering who I am and how I got here (the good stuff and the bad) helps me understand (and recommit to) the fact that I am the only one who gets to define my life… who I am and who I will become. Kirk, thanks for your messages along the journey. They help more than you will ever understand.

GS

]]> Comment on The Oak Tree by kirkweisler http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/01/31/the-oak-tree-2/#comment-144509 kirkweisler Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:48:17 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/01/31/the-oak-tree-2/#comment-144509 Kirk, WOW! I read this poem and it made me think of a recent issue that our family had to work through. My daughter, who is a High School Sophomore, had gotten into an argument with her best friend. Although, I do know there are two sides to every story, I can tell you what we went through. My daughter was very hurt because her best friend turned on her in one day and turned into a bully! She had my daughter so scared that she didn’t want to go to school. I kept her home for 2 days to try to emotionally deal with everything. On the evening before the 3rd day, I told my daughter that she had to go and face this. That not going was showing the other girl that she CAN destroy not only their relationship but everything in my daughter’s life pertaining to school. I think of that evening when my daughter came home and had a big smile on her face so proud of her accomplishment. While her day didn’t go perfect and there were other kids that took the side of the other girl and picked on my daughter, she made it! I know I am not explaining this enough but the poem reminds me of my brave daughter- as the winds and talks of other girls were around her, she stuck and stood up, her roots buried into the ground. Since life it back to normal and the two girls have begun talking again. Thanks for sharing! Margie Kirk,
WOW! I read this poem and it made me think of a recent issue that our family had to work through. My daughter, who is a High School Sophomore, had gotten into an argument with her best friend. Although, I do know there are two sides to every story, I can tell you what we went through. My daughter was very hurt because her best friend turned on her in one day and turned into a bully! She had my daughter so scared that she didn’t want to go to school. I kept her home for 2 days to try to emotionally deal with everything. On the evening before the 3rd day, I told my daughter that she had to go and face this. That not going was showing the other girl that she CAN destroy not only their relationship but everything in my daughter’s life pertaining to school. I think of that evening when my daughter came home and had a big smile on her face so proud of her accomplishment. While her day didn’t go perfect and there were other kids that took the side of the other girl and picked on my daughter, she made it! I know I am not explaining this enough but the poem reminds me of my brave daughter- as the winds and talks of other girls were around her, she stuck and stood up, her roots buried into the ground. Since life it back to normal and the two girls have begun talking again.
Thanks for sharing!
Margie

]]> Comment on Remember to Remember by Daniel Burns http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/06/remember-to-remember/#comment-144506 Daniel Burns Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:14:23 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/06/remember-to-remember/#comment-144506 This T4D and related comments moved me deeply. Your video of Ashlyn in particular Kirk. How precious are those who have been gifted to us to help lead to life. Thank you so much for sharing this with me. This T4D and related comments moved me deeply. Your video of Ashlyn in particular Kirk. How precious are those who have been gifted to us to help lead to life. Thank you so much for sharing this with me.

]]> Comment on Remember to Remember by kirkweisler http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/06/remember-to-remember/#comment-144504 kirkweisler Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:54:55 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/06/remember-to-remember/#comment-144504 I often look at my past and wonder how I have gotten where I am. I was an abused child, abused in all ways possible, ALL. At age 12 I was taken from my mother and stepfather and given to my dad who was a stranger in many ways. This new life was so different from the life of my mom and step dad. My sisters and I were not allowed to have friends, use the phone or go anywhere (it took me 42 years to understand why, then it was like a giant, DUH.. so we couldn’t share what was happening). With my dad we were allowed to do anything we wanted ANYTHING!! At 13 I was drinking and smoking pot, I was skipping school and hanging around the streets. My dad remarried and my stepmother well, let’s say she didn’t care for me after they got married, was another slap in my face and hard to understand after she was as kind as could be to me until they got married, but in spite of all that she helped me to realize after I graduated (yes I did graduate) that maybe I needed to leave Syracuse and move to Florida with my mom (HUH) yup I moved in with my mom and stepdad for a short time, then got my own place … partied with my boyfriend whom was not a great guy, but hey he loved me right??? My self-esteem was less than good. I was just happy someone wanted me.. I got pregnant at 21 and we married, he swore he would change…hello wake up KK… well none of that mattered I changed!!!! I was carrying this child and I knew what MY CHILD WOULD NEVER GO THROUGH!!! My life changed, not perfect but better. I stayed married to my husband for 25 years had a total of 4 children and WOW they are the best kids you could ask for. My oldest son is a carpenter, married she is a nurse at children’s in Dayton Ohio, and they are youth leaders at church. My daughter next oldest is married has a beautiful son (my grandson ))…) a biology major from Wittenberg and will be attending Kettering medical to be a PA for children her father in law is the pastor, she is the Sunday school superintendent her husband 1st elder . My 3rd son is also a carpenter he is considering going back to school, but hasn’t yet committed to it and a Sunday school teacher. My 4th daughter is at Anderson University and is a jr. in the Sports Med program. My ex husband was a drug and alcohol user, drinking stopped in 2004 YAY, well what I didn’t realize was he was back to using drugs to make up for the drinking, until 2007 when the money was disappearing and our bills weren’t being paid. Then it was a hard reality my kids were all grown and my life was looking very depressing. In March of 2008 I finally made the best move in my life, scary I only had my income and how was I going to do it, well my mom moved in with me to help.. yes my mom, I forgave her and my step father before he passed away as to have a bitter heart isn’t something I cannot do. I don’t wish to live with her forever, I love her, but realize that I do not have a mom daughter connection that I wish we had and honestly when she offers advise my stomach turns. My counselor said that although I may have forgiven my mom, I can still have some anger. I am back in school and I have a great job. I work with individuals with Developmental Disabilities and have for 19 years, I love my job and I am good at it. I think I have a connection or understanding for their lives’ and disabilities. If you were to walk in this work shop looking for me anyone of the 200 plus would know my name!!! I say all this to, remembering where we came from, I have come a long way and in an odd way, I think I am lucky to have gone through it all.. I am now 47 yikes and happier than I thought possible, and so proud of my accomplishments and in about 5 years I should be able to stand on my own financially or at least that is my goal, and I don’t like to make goals I won’t reach!!! Wow that felt good, I love to share, in hopes that my life will encourage another’s… So thank you Kirk. I look so forward to your wisdom… Oh and I bought and love the Dog Poop book…  yup listened to your talk show clip too  K.K. I often look at my past and wonder how I have gotten where I am. I was an abused child, abused in all ways possible, ALL. At age 12 I was taken from my mother and stepfather and given to my dad who was a stranger in many ways. This new life was so different from the life of my mom and step dad. My sisters and I were not allowed to have friends, use the phone or go anywhere (it took me 42 years to understand why, then it was like a giant, DUH.. so we couldn’t share what was happening). With my dad we were allowed to do anything we wanted ANYTHING!! At 13 I was drinking and smoking pot, I was skipping school and hanging around the streets. My dad remarried and my stepmother well, let’s say she didn’t care for me after they got married, was another slap in my face and hard to understand after she was as kind as could be to me until they got married, but in spite of all that she helped me to realize after I graduated (yes I did graduate) that maybe I needed to leave Syracuse and move to Florida with my mom (HUH) yup I moved in with my mom and stepdad for a short time, then got my own place … partied with my boyfriend whom was not a great guy, but hey he loved me right??? My self-esteem was less than good. I was just happy someone wanted me.. I got pregnant at 21 and we married, he swore he would change…hello wake up KK… well none of that mattered I changed!!!! I was carrying this child and I knew what MY CHILD WOULD NEVER GO THROUGH!!! My life changed, not perfect but better. I stayed married to my husband for 25 years had a total of 4 children and WOW they are the best kids you could ask for. My oldest son is a carpenter, married she is a nurse at children’s in Dayton Ohio, and they are youth leaders at church. My daughter next oldest is married has a beautiful son (my grandson ))…) a biology major from Wittenberg and will be attending Kettering medical to be a PA for children her father in law is the pastor, she is the Sunday school superintendent her husband 1st elder . My 3rd son is also a carpenter he is considering going back to school, but hasn’t yet committed to it and a Sunday school teacher. My 4th daughter is at Anderson University and is a jr. in the Sports Med program. My ex husband was a drug and alcohol user, drinking stopped in 2004 YAY, well what I didn’t realize was he was back to using drugs to make up for the drinking, until 2007 when the money was disappearing and our bills weren’t being paid. Then it was a hard reality my kids were all grown and my life was looking very depressing. In March of 2008 I finally made the best move in my life, scary I only had my income and how was I going to do it, well my mom moved in with me to help.. yes my mom, I forgave her and my step father before he passed away as to have a bitter heart isn’t something I cannot do. I don’t wish to live with her forever, I love her, but realize that I do not have a mom daughter connection that I wish we had and honestly when she offers advise my stomach turns. My counselor said that although I may have forgiven my mom, I can still have some anger. I am back in school and I have a great job. I work with individuals with Developmental Disabilities and have for 19 years, I love my job and I am good at it. I think I have a connection or understanding for their lives’ and disabilities. If you were to walk in this work shop looking for me anyone of the 200 plus would know my name!!! I say all this to, remembering where we came from, I have come a long way and in an odd way, I think I am lucky to have gone through it all.. I am now 47 yikes and happier than I thought possible, and so proud of my accomplishments and in about 5 years I should be able to stand on my own financially or at least that is my goal, and I don’t like to make goals I won’t reach!!! Wow that felt good, I love to share, in hopes that my life will encourage another’s… So thank you Kirk. I look so forward to your wisdom… Oh and I bought and love the Dog Poop book…  yup listened to your talk show clip too 
K.K.

]]> Comment on Remember to Remember by Melanie http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/06/remember-to-remember/#comment-144479 Melanie Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:56:18 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/06/remember-to-remember/#comment-144479 Every May 8th, my husband, our children and I remember, and have vowed to never forget, the day our son and their little brother, was stillborn, just 1 month prior to his due date. We chose to plant a tree to celebrate his 1st birthday and ever year, we gather around that tree to say a prayer and launch colorful balloons up to heaven so he knows we are always remembering his spirit. I smile very sprint when the tree blooms with beautiful pink flowers, and remember that there is life in that tree. The wounds will never go away and it is important to me, as his mom, to never forget the 8 months that I carried him and felt his flutters, hickups, and frequent, and sometimes painful (!) kicks to to my stomach! I never want to forget holding him after he was delivered and studying his little face -realizing he looked just like his brother, Brandon, when he was born. Remembering never to forget is easy when it's someone you love. Every May 8th, my husband, our children and I remember, and have vowed to never forget, the day our son and their little brother, was stillborn, just 1 month prior to his due date. We chose to plant a tree to celebrate his 1st birthday and ever year, we gather around that tree to say a prayer and launch colorful balloons up to heaven so he knows we are always remembering his spirit. I smile very sprint when the tree blooms with beautiful pink flowers, and remember that there is life in that tree. The wounds will never go away and it is important to me, as his mom, to never forget the 8 months that I carried him and felt his flutters, hickups, and frequent, and sometimes painful (!) kicks to to my stomach! I never want to forget holding him after he was delivered and studying his little face -realizing he looked just like his brother, Brandon, when he was born. Remembering never to forget is easy when it’s someone you love.

]]> Comment on Remember to Remember by Pat http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/06/remember-to-remember/#comment-144475 Pat Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:36:23 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/06/remember-to-remember/#comment-144475 Kirk, as soon as I saw the subject line in your T4D, I thought of you and your family...and the pain and the joy that resulted from a very brief moment. Just recently I said to a friend who has a parent in a long-term care facility that all of us take our good health for granted SO many times!! Remembering grounds us. Who we are--where we've been--and, to paraphrase a wise person (you), the human we are becoming!! Celebrate today--it is even all the more special when you celebrate it with those you love!! Good health to you and your family!! Kirk, as soon as I saw the subject line in your T4D, I thought of you and your family…and the pain and the joy that resulted from a very brief moment. Just recently I said to a friend who has a parent in a long-term care facility that all of us take our good health for granted SO many times!!

Remembering grounds us. Who we are–where we’ve been–and, to paraphrase a wise person (you), the human we are becoming!!

Celebrate today–it is even all the more special when you celebrate it with those you love!! Good health to you and your family!!

]]> Comment on Remember to Remember by Kate http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/06/remember-to-remember/#comment-144472 Kate Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:40:42 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2012/02/06/remember-to-remember/#comment-144472 Oddly enough something I make an effort to remember is my long term, (past) unhealthy relationship. I don't hold on to the memory in a longing sense, but, to remind myself how people should never be treated. It also helps me remember how strong I am for taking control of my own life and deciding I deserved better, and seeking it. I believe that our past experiences, both good and bad help us to make decisions for our future. A bad relationship might teach us what we will not deal with, which will help us make better decisions in the long run. I think people who have forgotten their history make the same mistakes. If you don't acknowledge your past it's hard to move on from where you once were, you get stuck in a vicious cycle. It's like the girlfriend/boyfriend that keeps forgiving and forgetting the bad parts of their relationship, they get stuck and stay in something that's unhealthy for them. Oddly enough something I make an effort to remember is my long term, (past) unhealthy relationship. I don’t hold on to the memory in a longing sense, but, to remind myself how people should never be treated. It also helps me remember how strong I am for taking control of my own life and deciding I deserved better, and seeking it. I believe that our past experiences, both good and bad help us to make decisions for our future. A bad relationship might teach us what we will not deal with, which will help us make better decisions in the long run.
I think people who have forgotten their history make the same mistakes. If you don’t acknowledge your past it’s hard to move on from where you once were, you get stuck in a vicious cycle. It’s like the girlfriend/boyfriend that keeps forgiving and forgetting the bad parts of their relationship, they get stuck and stay in something that’s unhealthy for them.

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