Recreating Yourself
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Welcome to today’s Podcast on Forging Ahead with Clarity.
Part 1 is on how our days can go astray or in a different direction than we want them to go. It isn’t always a bad thing to get a different perspective. We all can feel more accomplished.
Part 2 is on the Empty Nest. Linda shares a story about a bird’s nest that was in her yard. Like the bird’s nest, we all have new beginnings. We have opportunities to create new things and enjoy all that is going around us. How we communicate with one another now after the pandemic is developing. We are adjusting and learning new ways to adapt. Linda challenges you to learn a few new ways.
Part 3 is about Patrick Lencioni who is a consultant, author, and excellent Christian Speaker. He wrote a new book called THE MOTIVE. I recently heard him talk about leadership. Leadership as an Entrepreneur and as a Parent! Check out his website the Table Group.
A New Opportunity for Life
Please follow us and recommend us to others. Just sign in here or connect with Linda at 815-459-5161.
Part 4 Is about introducing Tony Robbins and his motivating content. It is about setting our own limits and learning about people he has encountered. He shares people, books, and has great ideas that may help you. Making changes means remolding our thoughts and emotions. Some of our thoughts are no longer valuable as they used to be and we can shift. What things are limiting your goals are and what is limiting you?
Part 5 is a directive about accountability. Who are you accountable to other than yourself? Being Accountable to a partner or someone you trust can be so valuable. It keeps us on target. It teaches us to be honest and to trust yourself too. Ask questions. Learn from being inquisitive. You will grow!
Part 6 is around the idea of success. Is it getting a degree? Reading a book someone has recommended? It depends on where you are in life. Success changes with each job, each relationship, and every goal.
Thank you for following us. We want the best for you. Have a wonderful and successful 4th of July!
“Take the first step, it may put you on the escalator of success”
Growing Together with Love
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Good Morning and Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments Podcast 178.
This is merely a preview of what Linda shares. It is not a word for word transcript. Please listen.
Over the last few weeks, I have been learning a lot about skunks and the way they live. I have learned that they have this incredible ability to dig deep and hide. I have learned they self preen like a cat and don’t normally smell unless they are provoked, get hit by a car, or die. When they die, their muscles relax and they smell. This knowledge was given to me as I tried to evict several of them from under our front sidewalk. I learned they have their litters in May and can have up to about 9. Thankfully this event in our yard was the first in 43 years, and hopefully, it will be our last. Having said that they are really kinda cute, just not in our yards. We have so far eliminated 5 of them. I hope our yard will be free and that they will not return for a visit next year.
Skunks Entrance
The reason I bother sharing this is that so many of the things we know about come from experience. Those experiences whether good or bad are what help develop the kind of adult we will become. Our thinking affects our emotions, our emotions affect our behaviors and the way we perceive others. Then our emotions affect our behaviors. Taking steps to improve our mental health is critical at every stage in life. During this difficult time of the pandemic and the recent issues with the killing in Minneapolis, we are all called upon to think of positive contributions to make things right. Many people ware dealing with losses of their jobs, their family members, or homes.
Natural Beauty
Unfortunately, vandalism, looters, and demonstrations are not helping our country right now. People are really hurting in many ways. So many people are without jobs and homes due to Pandemic. Those trying to establish businesses that provide jobs and help others have been destroyed by the coronavirus. It is hard to see the positive in any of this, but as we look back we will see things we have learned. Some are now trying to come back from the demolition of stores in our cities. We need to gather together and do what is good for one another and good for our country. We are all longing to be in touch with each other, to give hugs again, and to have family celebrations, weddings, and jobs and things that make us feel purposeful. We need to gather together and do what is good for us and for one another.
John Budd invites you to our Mastermind that meets weekly on Thursdays at 10:30.
There is a special price now. Register now!
I am not a big movie watcher but have gotten better during this time with the virus. Today I am sharing about the movie The Ultimate Gift. The Ultimate Gift was a wonderful story. We all need to learn about the gifts of money, friends, learning history, opportunities to learn about ourselves, the gifts of problems, and illnesses. The gifts of laughter and family cannot be ignored. There are so many gifts we all need to work on and cherish. Drew Fuller, James Garner, Abigail Breslin |
Linda embellishes more on this topic in the podcast.
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This section is on Less is best! Less is sometimes more functional. Linda shares a few personal examples here that may help you.
Linda embellishes more on this topic in the podcast.
Are you a rule follower?
Today I was listening to John Williams on WGN. I get a kick out or his speed jokes that he plays in the mornings to keep us all feeling good. Actually he plays them twice in the morning in case you miss them the first time. But one thing that he said was that he is a rule follower. I thought that was interesting because I had had a conversation with a family member last week about that. I guess I too have fallen in the category of following rules. I do it from the perspective that rules are usually meant to help society, families, and the average person from getting hurt or the rules help protect us from something or someone. In the case of wearing masks which were the context of John’s conversation today, I realized I wear a mask not only for me but for those around me and so I don’t bring anything home to my husband. We are responsible for others as well as for ourselves. People are taught in the army to protect their squadrons; they look out for one another as a family. So are you a rule follower and what is your perspective? I was also thinking about the rules we follow and the things we read.
Do you read the labels on the products you buy? Rules are there for our perspective and to protect us. What is safe and what isn't. We read things for our safety like on bottles of liquids. We need to be aware!
Linda embellishes more on this topic in the podcast.
“The more you get, the more you have. The more you give away in love and service, the more you are!”
Take the first step forward, it may put you on the ESCALATOR of SUCCESS!
Permanent Markers Serve A Purpose!
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I love markers and the idea that they are bold. They mark things that you want permanently identified. They add color and personality to the things you most frequently use. Some markers are good on metal; others are good on wood. They make special ones for fabric. So why is it we don’t like to label or make permanent marks in life? 
In the past few weeks, I have been thinking a lot about changes. Last week’s Podcast was about Chameleons and how adaptable they are in their environments. It is harder for us as people to deal with changes. Are you prepared for a Permanent Change? What are some of the permanent changes in your life? Changes that are permanent often happen without our permission and they set a date in our minds. These may include divorces, illnesses, and graduations. We label them as markers of the past and present. We also think of the deaths of significant family members and how they affect us in some way or another. Today’s podcast is all about changes and how we mark them and why they are significant to us.
With all the challenges and changes going on in our communities, do you feel like you need some help? Maybe a person to talk to or for some direction? Register and join Linda for A Free Workshop on June 4th Dealing with Change. It is at 1:00 on a Thursday. 
So what are the most significant markers in your life?
Can you name them off the top of your head? Probably not easily, you’d have to think about it for a while. Is it graduation from a prestigious university? Perhaps a new profession or a job with a company you really have desired to work with for a very long time? Is it an unfortunate thing, like the death of a family member? Or having to travel somewhere or to see someone who’s sick. It isn’t for an uplifting event! Perhaps it is the year the whole family had a reunion on a family ranch out West? (Linda offers other ideas in the podcast).
Whatever the circumstances, time markers are significant because they can allow you the opportunity for growth and advancement. We don’t always think of it that way, but it is a good thing. Now we are in the coronavirus, but this period in time presents options for us. Options that we intentionally can make. We can decide to enjoy the period of time in our homes. We can decide to take up a new hobby or study for a different profession. In this period of the Pandemic, we can have options presented. We can make decisions to enjoy this period of time or to see what opportunities it will present for us. It may allow us to connect with people we otherwise may not connect with. We can decide to take up a new hobby or perhaps study something you have longed for like a different profession. otherwise, it may be totally different. Someone else may connect with you.
Significant Markers
A significant marker in my life was three years ago June. We celebrated 50 years of marriage then, built a 3 seasons Delightful Den in our backyard, and had close family and friends join us. It wasn’t a wild party, but a simple gathering for us. Now that is a marker for me. Since then Tony had dislocated his leg and had surgery, I was able to attend to large conferences in Tennessee, and visited with my older brother who I had not seen in many years. He lives down in Alabama.
As I look back I recognize that the transition from totally onsite counseling has been evolving into online work. That made the transition during this Pandemic a great deal easier for me. It has allowed me to counsel and do coaching regardless of where people are living. It also has given me time to connect with people on the www.lindagullo.com website in addition to the www.delightinliving.com site.
As we approach the month of June, we will see creativity at its finest. We will see countless parades, marriages, and graduations take on new forms of celebrating. Some of these ways will stick around and be norms for the future. For the people who are older though, it may mean a feeling of seclusion from what they once considered normal and a highlight. That means that each one of us who is involved needs to involve them too. Sharing videos and keeping one another connected is a new adventure for all of us.
Page Flips…
As the State of Illinois begins to open again and we all begin to step outside of our homes, there are told there will be many precautions in place. You can say I am dubious about that because I am not sure everyone will follow the safety procedures that are to happen. What about you? Do you think people will be considerate of others or do you think they will forget?
I just walked down to the mailboxes from my office and the sun was out and there was no one around. It felt good to feel the sunlight and to carry my mask in hand. My prayers continue for those trying to create a good vaccine to protect us as we move forward.
Be Creative!
Changes from this Pandemic Marker in time will definitely affect all of us. Steve Dotto recently said, “Don’t tire rewire.” It is a good slogan for this week. Be creative and take the first step in a new direction, it may put on on the escalator of success. Have a good week everybody. We see you next week.
Note that the written content is not exactly as Linda speaks it--rather it is a summary of some of the content. Please listen and enjoy.
It’s Time to be A Chameleon
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It’s Time to Be A Chameleon
Well, we know that many species of Chameleon Lizards change color. They do it naturally. Many chameleon lizards are really pretty too. They also sleep about 12 hours a day. On the weekly show of Death in Paradise, there is a green lizard named Harry. I actually read that Harry isn’t real. He is a computer-animated character, but he adds a wonderful aspect to the stories and I never realized how he was created. My reason for mentioning Harry is that he tries to help the Detectives adapt to the atmosphere and temperatures in their cabin. Animals of all sorts do that for us. In recent weeks, I have heard on the news that the dog shelters were emptying. Many of us love dogs and find them incredibly comforting. We all need to take some lessons from these creatures.
In today’s podcast, I am addressing how difficult it is to adjust to changes. It dawned on me one night as I laid in bed, that sleep and the ability to ease into different situations takes practice. It was 3 in the morning. I was an achy mess and my mind was very busy going over many of the situations in the current scene.
I decided to share some of these on the podcast because so many families are going through a crisis that can’t be resolved with the delete button like on a computer. Which would be nice! Problems are often resolved with solutions that require action and time. Some actions are out of our control or require others to help us. We often do not know who to ask.
During this time of the pandemic, many families have lost their source of income and also their source of insurance coverage. Some people—and we do not really know all the numbers, have had this coronavirus in various degrees. Look ahead to our FREE Workshop on Changes.
Natural Changes for Everyone
The interesting aspect of this is that life is continually changing. From the moment we are born we go through changes in our size, in the way we comprehend information, and also in how we move. We start over and over again in different ways. Our health care changes. We are given different shots to help us gain a strong resistance to diseases, we are exercising to keep us functional, and we are developing personalities.
We develop in the context of a family unit. We start having relationships with our parents, guardians, teachers, church members, and community influencers. We are meant to be with other people. So in these times with this pandemic, many of the comforts we have learned as natural and comforting are not that way.
People are not able to maintain the same levels of comfort. No longer are we going to the local gyms, calling friends to meet over coffee, or waiting for Friday’s to roll around. Our days are confused. Many in recent weeks have told me they don’t know what day it is. They don’t know where to get food. Parents with no experience are suddenly homeschooling and the kids are bored and filled with energy to move.
Changes going on this week in our family…
In addition to these changes that we can’t control now, we are also seeing other issues. I am going to share a few things going on in our extended family.
One involves one of my grandchildren. She is a young lady with three babies. Ages 2, 1, and newborn. She lives in a small basement apartment that has flooded this week.
The landlord was the only one who was able to navigate getting to them. He moved the family to a different location in another suburb. Of course, they lost everything and had no renter’s insurance. Their cars decided not to work with the flooded streets. These are not pleasant changes, but I hope they will be moments of seeing how nice others can be to them. Members of her mother’s church are helping them survive.
Talk about changes. I have a daughter who was tested for the coronavirus just like so many of you may have been. The tests were positive for her and one of the children showing symptoms. Now that whole family is under quarantine and accommodating to it all. They had been disinfecting everything, washing their hands a lot, and still contacted it.
Certainly, they have changes in their environment.
In our front yard, we are dealing with a wild animal of sorts. Originally we thought it was a skunk but there was no smell. Probably a groundhog that decided to dig out a portion under our front sidewalk and have a family down there. It has been weeks of dealing with various means to say goodbye to them. The sidewalk is at risk of caving in if we don’t try to resolve things.
Changes that surprise us…
Now there are pleasant changes all around. These are the Mini Miracles I love that help to sustain us. The first happened when a speaker I met in Franklin, Tennessee last year came up to me during a break. We engaged in a conversation about what each of us did and the things we wanted to grow in business-wise. I participated in his Mastermind for a few months and he graciously mentioned me in his Podcast. I will put in the link for these notes. His name is Scott Harvey and you may really enjoy listening to him. But for me, it was a delightful surprise and I thank him.
Changes call us to break habits and reprioritize. Note what is important to you. Then think about what habits stop you from excelling. For me, I try not to eat after dinner. It meant that snacks had to be out of my vision. The power of suggestion to eat comes from me seeing things. It also means that I just can’t have things around that non verbally invite me to eat them.
I also have a double-doored pantry that when I opened it would let me see all the snack items. I moved those items to a different cabinet and taught myself to grab the broom on the sidewall when I was being called to snack. I then go to the front step and sweep it. I literally say that I am sweeping away the problems and things that call my name.
I started that habit 15 years ago when my kids were teenagers. When I would worry about them or get upset about something, that was my go-to plan of action. In recent months with the pandemic and with my strange country animal visitors, I began again.
Let’s look at some of the benefits of change…
1-In the case of this virus, our cars are getting a rest.
2-We are able to walk or be resourceful of ways to exercise.
3-Our projects at home are being done. For me, I actually put in annual plantings that were a gift to me. The frequent rains have taken care of them. this morning I spray painted our mailbox and newspaper sleeve.
4-There is time to be with our children who are not in school. If you have no children or are away from family, it may be time for Skype, zoom, or Face time.
5-We have time to read, sleep, and think deeply or take a walk.
6-There is time to send out a card to someone you think about. Everyone likes mail and hopefully, it will be a treat for them.
Have a lovely week everyone! As a result of all the changes going on in our communities, I am starting a workshop on June 4th at 1 pm. That is an early Thursday afternoon. It is necessary to register for it, but it is starting out FREE and will hopefully offer ideas and positive techniques for these challenging times.
Check this out and join us!
As a result of all the changes going on in our communities, I am starting a workshop on June 4th at 1 pm. That is an early Thursday afternoon. It is necessary to register for it, but it is starting out FREE and will hopefully offer ideas and positive techniques for these challenging times.
Go to www.lindagullo.com/workshop
Who Do You Believe?
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Who Do You Believe?
In the recent 6 weeks, we have been getting news from around the world. Many people are chiming in as to who, what, and where things are occurring. I am of course talking about information on the Pandemic. We get information from our governors, from our president, from our news stations. Our local mayors are telling us their statistics and viewpoints. Our businesses are suffering. Our faith communities are trying to keep us up-to-date.
This past weekend, we celebrated Mother’s Day in a new way. This is a photo of my mom. It is actually an oil painting that was reinvented for this fun page. My mother died many years ago and I still miss her daily. My own children remembered me beautifully. However, it was different from in the past when they would bring their families. Together we would spend time in the yard, eat hardily, and joke. Sometimes we’d work on puzzles or other family projects. Sports might be on the television and a group watching the latest games.
So much of how we are interacting is different. We are embracing the internet, talking on the phone, and doing things alone. This is not how we were designed. We were created to interact in person, to touch one another, to laugh, and have emotional experiences together. Now tears are flowing as people go into situations alone that really didn’t need to be!
I have two friends who had family members in a hospital. One of them then had a family member in a nursing center for several weeks. In these cases, there loved ones were alone without anyone to advocate or share their problems and pains. Our mental health is greatly improved when we can talk, laugh, cry, and share. We hear ourselves expressing ourselves and refine our thinking during conversations. We double-check our thinking and our behaviors accordingly.
In the course of conversations, we are able to figure out who to trust and how to sort out our thinking. As adults, we have come to cleanse our opinions. We are able to sort out facts. We are able to read and learn by living in different situations. What is bothersome to me is that young children are not able to be with their grandparents during this time, because it is said that children can become carriers of this virus. And yet it is the older population that may be able to lend some wisdom on how to deal with this pandemic.
I don’t know where you are in this. Are you an adult who has the responsibility to provide the money for the family? Are you a spouse who is not able to be with your mate due to this? Are you in a position to be in the workplace in a job that is at risk? Are you part of a medical team like a nurse or hospital or nursing home person? Are you concerned about getting the needs you have? Are you doing without food or looking for shelter? So many people are putting themselves at risk because of the basics. Many are looking for some income during this time.
I know as a counselor and coach, I have been able to do some of my work online, and I am very grateful for that. I also have an office that encourages people and holds comfort for them. To be honest with you I can’t wait to get back in here full time to see and to engage with people. To see their expressions and feel where they are at.
Back to the trusting component of this!
So who do you trust? Is it a friend who always comes through for you? That person who goes out of their way or offers to do favors for you even if it is inconvenient? Is it a family member who shows unconditional love without knowing all the details?
For me, it is a combination of things. Yes, I have a few friends that are available to me whenever I need them. One lives far away, but can be reached in the middle of the night or whenever I would call. Another is a friend who is older and wiser than I am who traveled with me to many places in the world. We used to share money when traveling and a room with one another. She was a safety factor for me and I was the same for here. To this day, we share the most trivial or most significant issues.
Then I had a cousin who died of pancreatic cancer years ago that I was tied into. We would share profound happenings and just be there for one another. We had shared as children many of the same holidays and family changes. She was only 4 years older than I am, but I learned from her, yet we were so different.
On a broader skim of things, I look to people who are genuine and honest. People who would not in any way intentionally hurt me. People who would listen and even though they wouldn’t agree with me would be kind, respectful, and honest.
Now in the past few years, I have become skeptical of outside information. With the news media and social avenues we have available, we are definitely kept up to the minute on things happening all around us. The problem I see is that we don’t always see things in context. As a matter of fact, we don’t know if what we are being told is an opinion or a fact. That makes one weary to believe. On another level, I question if I am being primed to buy something. Yesterday I was listening to a program on leadership and helping others, but in the end, there was a program that I would have to buy into. I was totally annoyed and don’t think I will follow this business again. It has happened several times so I guess I am a slow learner and now I don’t think I am trustworthy of this business. I see them marketing all the time.
The news bothers me lately because everything seems tied to politics. I am not sure I am getting the totally correct facts. The intonation of the voices often conveys a message too. My trust level has been diminished. So where does one go for information? It appears that we have to be discerning frequently and tied into many avenues. I think it means we have to use common sense and see how it affects that way we react. We need to see things in the light.
Getting clarity comes from light. The light that provides hope and encouragement for ourselves and others.
From a Counseling Perspective
- Individually, we need to recognize our emotions. Our emotions are the basis for our behavior.
- One needs to stay connected to a variety of groups of people and not be isolated from family, friends, and local businesses.
- We need to see what we can contribute to help one another.
- It is a good time to connect across the generations. Talk with the younger and older people around you whether it is in a store or on the phone.
- Be intentional about sharing whatever skills you have without a hidden agenda.
- Listen and try to get the fuller picture.
Trust yourself, especially if you have lived through and survived with positive outcomes. Your gut feelings are often accurate. I hope some of these thoughts move you ahead this week. Don’t forget to take the first step forward on something you want to learn or do, it may put you on the escalator of success.
An Avenue of Self Worth
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Jim Haisler welcomes Linda to today’s Podcast number 174. This week’s discussion is on accountability and staying centered. It is part of having an Avenue of Self Worth. Linda talks about the “must do” items on your list. Where are you? What is holding you back from accomplishing things you need to do? Are you stuck due to the Pandemic? How can you get around these? Are you stuck?
Linda tells us that we will all be well if we follow through with basic things. What do you feel like doing to keep yourself up-to-date? How do you want to grow? Self Worth includes learning to grow on a consistent avenue.
Linda shares about how she dumps some 200 emails each day, but she is being selective on the sites that teach her new things, shows trends, or engages her. The mini-miracle of this pandemic is that she had been easing into the online world for the last 3 years, so the online transition has been easy.
Being accountable to another person helps you stay committed and honest. A person who can be away from the emotional part of your problem is a good person to get feedback from for a clear view. Ask questions and get information into a good place. Psychology studies tell us things that we need to be accountable to others.
Smart people can make us crazy, but they are also brilliant people. Begin asking questions. Find a person who can keep you on time and task. Linda also suggests using a calendar as feedback. How about you? do you have a mentor or accountability partner? Do you use a calendar where you can see what you need to do each day?
“Don’t downgrade your dream just to fit your reality upgrade your conviction to match your destiny.”
Linda talks about the young people who are finishing classes and graduating. Graduation normally puts closure on our school work. Unfortunately, graduations are not the same during this Pandemic. We need to be disciplined and continue to grow after our formal education ends.
John talks about our Mastermind. Connect with us at www.lindagullo.com/mastermind
WGN is now having on The Rest of the Story with Paul Harvey. A carpenter that worked for Linda and her husband used his lunch break to enjoy Paul Harvey. We need to go to one thing to another just like we learned in school that we wet from one class to another. What must you do the week? Who do you need to connect with for feedback?
Note the 2 C’s in Success and the 2 S’s in the same word:
Center ourselves
Connect with others
See things with new eyes Serving others
Seek good counsel
Focus
What do you need to do at home? Focusing on getting things done so you feel productive —even it means doing house projects. Write a work to-do list at night — each night list the top 3 or 4 things you need to do. Maybe that includes calling the dentist or getting the roof done.
Early this morning at 7:05 the roofers showed up to our home to remove the roof and begin to prepare it for a new one. Noisy and requiring us to move fast. Because of this event of getting a new roof, it meant that other things needed to be lined up.
Get up, get dressed, and go to the “office.” In this pandemic, (which we will survive) it may mean your guest bedroom is where you have your computer. It may mean the garage where there are jobs to be done or your basement where you are doing mailing from—whatever, get yourself up, and dressed for the job. They found that dressing for the occasion makes it relevant.
Dressed to do work!
What to wear?
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology suggested that professionals perform better on tasks when wearing clothes with “symbolic meaning.” In the study, they found that doctors were more focused and performed better at work when wearing a lab coat. Let’s take that information and apply it to ourselves. Maybe it is time to create your own appropriate attire!
In an article on the benefits of school uniforms for students. We learned those mornings are easier for families and that the uniform actually contributed to better behavior throughout the day. I sort of think the same thing when it comes to us as adults. Dressing in a neat blouse and slacks or a suit every day may be a uniform of sorts. During this pandemic, I am still following a routine of getting dressed and wearing what I would to work even if I do not leave the house. It makes me focus and puts me in the right state of mind for sure. Wearing uniforms has often been the decision for schools and some companies. I am tending to return to that form of dressing again myself. It keeps a closet pretty tidy, just very functional. Uniforms can serve us well when it comes to focusing on the tasks at hand.
In the ’50s, people tended to have day clothes for their school or profession. The children had “play” clothes. Most adults and children had dress-up clothes for church or special events. For years I would buy an Easter outfit that would be a dressy piece of clothing that would be for all summer events. People would actually dress up to fly across the country. Dressing up served to elevate our spirits and give us a sense of purpose and self-esteem.
Let the clock be your friend and schedule an actual time to work. Every one of us is different and has a different attention span. Do you know what yours is? I am sure you do. I can work for 2 hours straight and stay focused if I have a special thing to do. that time frame may be different when I am working on other projects. I tend to rush when I cook, as I don’t enjoy cooking like I once did and therefore my frame of mind is not good. Here are 3 ideas: 1-Connect with a colleague, 2-Stop work and treat yourself, and 3-Setting a schedule and plan in place.
This is a difficult time in history because graduates are not able to have the traditional closure due to the pandemic. People are being creative in documenting the events. As adults we too can be creative too with setting an agenda that allows us to leave a full life. You need to continually grow and challenge ourselves.
This week, WGN placed “The rest of the story” back on the radio. Paul Harvey had a unique way of encouraging and informing people about life. It was a lunchtime program that brought comfort to a carpenter that Linda and her husband had hired years ago. Maybe you’d enjoy it now.
What do you need to accomplish? Do you need to connect with loved ones? Are you enjoying life now?
I hope you come back to us every Friday and take the first step forward, it may put you on the escalator of success.
(This is not the script of the Podcast.)
Creating Joy
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Beautiful & Fresh
I stepped into the office today to do a few essential things and realized I could stay for hours. I love the warmth, the colors, and the layout of this office. I guess I should as it was designed by me for the purpose of providing comfort and conversations with people who are stressed. It made me think that creating warm environments is something I have helped others create in their lives as well. Comfort helps one to feel productive and happy in their workspaces too. We really do need to place ourselves in productive and inviting spaces. Whether it is your laundry room, TV room, or office it needs to allow you to do your best and feel the most productive.
I have a sewing room that I also adore. When I am feeling my best, I am usually doing something creative and fun in there. I have a side hustle of mending, and sewing useful and one of a kind outfits and home essentials. I recently made all new covers for kitchen appliances and doilies to match. It is one of the most enjoyable things I do, but it does take time and concentration. As a result, I designed that room with wide counters and deep drawers several years ago.
I reason I am sharing this with you is that we are all in a time and place when we have to think positively and well. We need to keep ourselves happy and productive. Today I noticed a number of neighbors outside. One was cutting her grass and another was hanging a pot on her mailbox. I put in a few packages of seeds earlier in the week and hope the consistent rains helped them take root. Let me help you feel good about yourself, your goals, and the direction you want to take.
How are you? What do you like to do? Do you like to organize your workspaces? Do you find cooking a pleasure? Are you working in the garden? Building a new mailbox post or something like a piece of furniture? Let this time of quarantine provide a hidden blessing for you.
It is spring and even though it has begun with a different tone, we can all move forward and look at the positivity around us. For me, it is slowing down and enjoying the house more than I have done for a while. It is trying to rebalance the things I enjoy with the chores I tend to dislike. I realize that wasting time is okay. It comes down to understanding our personal purpose for the day.
So what is your purpose today? What do you need to do? Maybe it means sitting with a prayerbook or scripture in hand. Maybe it simply means calling a few friends. Yesterday I had one of the nicest conversations with my sister in law. It was rather by accident. I picked up the phone since my husband was in the shower. Usually, he grabs it right away and the two of us don’t get to chat. We were busy comparing our weather and the recent pandemic scenarios. She lives in LasVegas where the weather was almost 100. Here it was gloomy, raining, and in the low 50’s.
Decorating
How we decorate and use our buildings can make a difference in how we appreciate and enjoy our environment. Linda talks about the difference in the buildings that she noticed when in Dublin a few years ago. In Kinsale, the buildings were colorful.. Some areas have Squares. Linda talked about how stores had widows that were displayed and allowed people an opportunity to wish and look at. It is different nowadays. Amazon and other sites show us particulars. It isn’t like going into a nursery center and see the flowers, smelling the flowers, looking at the pots, and just enjoy the experience.
Linda talked about a visit to Alabama, Tennessee, and Indiana. Even though they had towns with similar names in each state, each area had a different personality. How can we make the areas we frequent unique and different? How can we make them more pleasant and appealing? This is a time to consider making your environment more beautiful.
What creates an inviting place for you? What do you have a lot of in your home? We have plenty of books. They are in different rooms and have always had them available to our family and friends. Over the years with the changes and ages of our children, books were moved into different rooms.
I also have a Boxer collection that began by accident since I love that type of dog. Over the years and traveling around the world, I would buy these. Some are funny and others are just representative of their expressions or posture. These are things that bring me happiness.
Also, I love Christian things like crosses, pictures, and sacramentals. Whatever we have in our homes, it is important to share it. Our homes help us to enjoy and share the things we love. Use the things you own and let them grace your disposition. Like at the Antiques Roadshow, many of these items may be relevant to one’s family, may not hold value or worth to anyone else.
Linda talked about a Sister of Charity who loved the Cubs. She was a creative spirit. She often worked on her needlework and enjoyed herself as she supervised the girls during events. She had a strong and vibrant personality that still speaks volumes to me.
You can bury a lot of troubles digging in the dirt. 
We create solutions by taking actions and changing the direction of our lives. Go outside and look at the sky. Moving just a few feet or taking charge can change your whole attitude for the better. Have a great weekend everyone. Stay safe and enjoy.
TAKING THE FIRST STEP FORWARD CAN PUT YOU ON THE ESCALATOR OF SUCCESS.
The words of the podcast are not scripted entirely here. This is just an overview.
Appreciating the Present Times
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Appreciating the Present Times
Good morning and welcome to Podcast 172. The bright green growth of grass and the greening up of trees and bushes from spring rains have ushered us back into Spring. But it isn’t enough for all of us to enjoy. It hasn’t given us the opportunity to sit back and relax.
In fact, the current pandemic, Covid 19 has tainted our thinking like a black wash that makes everything gray. It is messing with our thinking. Sending shock waves into our economy. Making us anxious to run out of our homes and get on with the once familiar routines we thought were so important. It is scaring people into a mental panic thinking that this will never end and that the effects will be long-lasting. I am not sold on that thinking. We are bright and learned people. We will bounce back rapidly and forget the pain just like a woman does after labor. The pain is remembered, but it doesn’t stop us from having more children. We know the outcomes rich and filled with the joys of parenting.
Yes, the fear of contracting the Coronavirus has destroyed our ability to connect in person with the people we love. Easter was far different this year as we tried so desperately to stay connected to the traditions of the past. For many of us, we missed the gathering together at Church. We longed for the feast of good old custom foods of years gone by. For me it was bittersweet. Rather lonely, just the two of us sitting quietly. It was unconventional in what we ate. I actually made a simple linguine dish for us. Unlike in the past years with parents, children, grandchildren playing and running around. We missed the laughter, silly banter, and hugs. We missed teasing one another and feeling stuffed from all the desserts. Much of this will recreative itself on future holidays, I am sure of it.
Coronavirus is indeed the hot word of the past few weeks. One that none of us want to know about first hand. Even though most of us are dealing with isolation, we are becoming more creative and getting more chores done around the house.
Appreciating the Fresh Green
Staying Connected
Call or connect with us. I want to help you!
A section recorded on Saturday as Linda worked on her bookshelves. Looking back in history, Linda talks about her time as a child when Polio was around. She shared about her father having had a leg affected by Polio. She remembers getting the polio shot. Life improved and people felt comfortable. Linda believes a vaccine will be developed and that we will find life more comfortable in connecting once again.
If you’d like to connect on a weekly basis to focus more on your business or mindset, please join our Mastermind.
Are you watching movies? Linda is watching many. She talks about a movie she saw on Friday night about an older couple in their 80’s who were going through a difficult situation. The wife was losing her memory and the multi-level house was no longer safe. She began falling and forgetting where she was. Their 8 children were represented by 2 of them who try to understand, but also struggle to watch their parents. The man begins building a single level home but runs into problems with the community he lives in. He tries to follow all the new rules and has to hire his lawyer to represent him. All in all, it turns out well and the movie left us knowing that the man was 91 and his wife was still alive and with him. they had been married for over 60 years. It was a movie that involved his family and a community of people who had feelings and emotions too.
Like this movie, it helped fill her need for meaning. This pandemic has certainly affected how we are feeling. Staying up late, I noticed that the lights on our 3 season house were not working. We are in a PAUSE, trying to figure things out.
For the best Tech advice, Linda recommends John
“In a time of drastic change, it is the learners who inherit the future. the learned usually find themselves equipped to live in a world that no longer exists.” Eric Hoffer
What is your best asset? Let’s face it that the best asset you have is yourself. It is the curiosity that we have within us that moves us ahead. We are curious about a desire to grow and develop and become better. It is so much fun to read a new book or watch someone doing a project. They set examples for us.
There is an internal opportunity within each of us to grow. Curiosity is irresistible. You have the potential to learn so many new things. There is this internal desire to grow and learn. Even those who are able to continue working, we all have opportunities to learn new things. Assign yourself to do something you want to learn or accomplish.
Linda was talking to the man her cuts her grass. It was nice to learn from him about his work and about what is living in our front yard. An unknown critter. There are so many things we know little about and yet we keep getting challenged to learn.
One of the blessings of this virus is that we are able to do things without being interrupted. Take that opportunity and cherish it!
Thanks to Jim Haisler who signs us off each week.
Remember to Take the ONE STEP forward, it may put you on the Escalator of Success.
Hope for All
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Coaching can connect you and take you forward.
Education, Motivation, and Spiritually connect to bring us ideas of hope. Where are you at? Where do you want to be? Coaching is a wonderful place to get direction. It helps close the gap from where one is at and directs us to where we want to be. What do you want to improve? Where do you want to go? A Coach can motivate you and give you perspective. They help you discover and help you to be motivated. It is time to seek success and an avenue to follow.
Set goals 5 years out. It isn’t impossible. You may have some dreams that are attainable. Earn the way you want to get there. Maybe you want to beef yourself up through free and new opportunities to learn. U Tube and many online courses give you help. They allow you to put yourself in the right direction. Check them out.
Be creative. Be fulfilled. Are you a numbers person? Do you prefer writings? Are you an adventure-seeking person? Do you want to be physically active or return to an old passion? Now is the time to connect with others. Or perhaps. it is a time to just pray and reflect. Let this time of living through the Pandemic of the Coronavirus as an opportunity to grow and think of the future.
Linda talks about the adventures of growth.
Now we are in the Easter season with changes in weather. Stay alive and well. Let a schedule and give yourself a routine that works for you. Make these opportunities a great one. Move away from the obstacles. Maybe you wanted to change occupations and now may be the time. This is temporary.
Here are 6 ideas to help you:
1-Continue Learning by reading, going online, taking a course, or singing along.
2-Find rewards in your home. Read old letters. Look for books on your shelves. Most of you who listen to me have plenty of magazines and reading materials.
3-When was life fun? Was it when you had a pet? Was it when you rode your bike down the street?
4-Engage in your senses by listening to music, smelling new scents, or perhaps when baking? For me, I am back to cooking again out of necessity and I am embracing it.
5-Making small decisions count by shifting a few details and making small changes is good.
6-Activate a spirit of gratitude by talking to friends on the phone. Step outside and notice the beauty with the weather of the day. Just enjoy something or someone you know.
Here is an activity for you to do!
Make a list of all the people in your past and present. How did each person help you become who you are today? Linda shares an example of how her Grandmother gave her a philosophy to help other people and how to become generous. For her Grandmother set an example that was easy to follow, but the list goes on. That was just one person. It is a fun exercise that you will enjoy.
Blueprints
Have you read any blueprints? What did they offer you? They usually offer us sizes and the direction things are built. We see the details of the rooms, ideas, or options for building something. I am going to help you put systems into place with upcoming workshops. This will help you create your own blueprints. We want you to be part of it.
Mastermind groups
Register for our Thursday morning 10:30 CST meeting.
Do you know what day it is? I have been stumbling on keeping the day straight ever sense we are quarantined. The week was set by the specific things I did. I used to get gasoline on the same day, at the same gas station, but now I am not using the car as much, so that weekly marker isn’t helping me. I used to go to the church on the same day and same time. Now with the church closed, that is isn’t helping me either. I have started using my husband’s system. He does the laundry on certain days. I am using his schedule now.
How are you keeping the days straight? Are you in a position that is keeping you on track? How are you setting markers on your week? Share with me how are you figuring this out.
Time Management
I am writing more letters to keep connected with people. I hope it brightens their day, as well as, mine. As we go forward through the Easter Season, find ideas to focus on. We have a skunk (we think). It is still a mystery as to who is digging in our front yard. hear a neighbor has a woodpecker at their home who is mighty busy too. Amazing adventures are all around. Please stay focused and aware. I will continue praying for all of you.
Remember putting the first step forward my put you on the Escalator of Success.
Who Are You?
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Who Are You?
Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moment where it is the small moments that make an impact in your life. Who taught you and how you do things is unique to each of us! Og Mandino wrote many books, but most recently I am rereading the University of Success. It is filled with stories and ideas for better living, Og helps you reflect on yourself. Listen to today’s podcast as Linda asks a series of questions that might help you to advance.
Mastermind groups are the rage today, Join Us!
Join our Mastermind that meets on Thursday at 10:30. It is support for you and for your business. Now more than ever, we all need support. Check us out at https://lindagullo.com/mastermind and follow the steps to become part of it. Here you get feedback and can brainstorm with other people navigating through life.
Technology
If you feel that you are being challenged by tech needs, you aren’t alone. For many people, it is something that wasn’t needed prior to the Coronavirus isolating us from one another. Now you may need to act quickly for your business and to relieve stress that is within.
Technology support is another area you may need to make life easier; especially right now. Well, I have a person who can help you. He has the skills and knows how to direct you. He is great at teaching you too. Just click here to check out John’s services, now is the time. He works on websites, integrations, and desktop needs of all sorts.
Delight in Living Studios
Groups
There is a weekly show on TV called MOM. It is a show about a group of 6 women that have addictions in their background. They come to rely on one another for support. We usually see them in a restaurant exchanging humorous commentary on a problem. Although they deal with self-made issues, don’t we all?
We too have a one-time pain workshop in addition to our Mastermind. It is on Reframing your pain and outsmarting it. It is a wonderful opportunity to grow in your own skills and self-esteem.
Our staying in touch with you is really important to me and those I work with here. We relish you and want to serve your mental health needs, to keep you motivated and inspired, and to help you be the best version of yourself. After a lifetime of detours in my own life, I want to help you find value in yourself during these tough times.
In the Delight in Living office, we offer counseling care in addition to Coaching. Let us help propel you forward to your next goal.
We are growing here and have added on Mary Gullo Balderas as our Virtual Assistant. She will be helping our office with the growing demand for online services.
Mary Gullo Balderas
Until next week,