Self Development
Power Statements with Kate and Linda
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Mini Miracles from Minor Moments continues to bring you information and insights on how to live your life with joy and fruitfulness. Today Kate and Linda discuss ways to improve your self image and how to develop a power statement. Welcome!
Frank Tyger says, “Ambition is enthusiasm with a purpose.”
“The starting point of all achievement is desire.” Lydia Sweatt
Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments where you’ll see how the smallest things in life bring you great insight and joy!
www.success.com/article/13-motivational-quotes-about-the-power-of-ambition
Are you looking to create a Personal Power Statements? or a Business Power Statements? Kate and Linda discuss some options for you as a help to develop you style!
Some words that might help you create a power statement include your finest skills or words that define you. Are you personable, a self starter, influential person, persistent, determined, competent, dedicated, accomplished, or creative? Find the words that define you and develop your statement. I am …
“One single step may put you on the escalator of success!” Linda’s own insight!
How to Be Happier & Advance! STEP Outside Your Comfort Zone
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Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments where our lives bloom in small ways from seemingly insignificant moments.
This is Linda Gullo and every week I bring to you a few thoughts to help you navigate through life. I want you to love life and live it with joy and a feeling of fulfillment.
How to Be Happier & Advance! STEP Outside Your Comfort Zone
Today’s message is about stepping outside of your comfort zone. Are you comfortable with stepping outside of your comfort zone? The practical side often locks us into what we feel is safe and easy. Think about your approach to seeing a new doctor, traveling to a new place, trying a new job, or learning a new profession.
Do you approach life with fear and trepidation? or joy and confidence? Where does your confidence come from? Do the people around you help or hinder you? Are you empowered from a deep faith? Are you secure in your own talents and education?
So much of how we approach life begins in the early years with our parents or care givers. We may start out adventuresome and get stymied along the way. Our genetic makeup certainly chimes in as to how we react. As adults we are often set in our ways and don’t branch out into new territories unless we are pushed. Some people feel they can go the road alone; they do not feel a community around them is a big help at all!
I watch a dog that resides across the street from us. He is a small Shepherd who sits under the trees and looks like a statue. He keeps an eye on the squirrels above. He will keep watch fearlessly, as if it is his duty. Sometimes I wonder if that is his only purpose.
Unlike this dog, we are not all that patient. We do not get so focused. We don’t see things clearly. As a result we procrastinate and go for long periods of time trying to find clarity in our decisions.
We have a “dogs life” of leisure. Our needs for shelter, food, and family insurance cause us to hesitate so we don’t jeopardize our income. So often we have jobs that we don’t like, but we feel locked into them.
Opportunities for growth are like stepping stones. As children we progress one grade at a time. Each year the curriculum pushes us further until school no longer is our guide! Then it is up to us to find hobbies, meet new people, and explore the world of opportunities.
Pathways of traveling or jobs may lead us to new and exciting places. Sometimes our way is smooth and easy to navigate. At other times a divorce, loss of money or illness seems to take away our stepping stones. There appear to be no bridges to carry us over the hurdles.
Where are the elevators to raise us up? Where are the escalators to help us move upward? As a child walking a mile to school each day, I’d play games hopping over the grooves, reading the engraved signatures of the cement company, or counting my steps. I knew the path took me to a destination; namely school. I’d often walk with other friends, but when I was alone, I walked fast and with a purpose.
I still do walk with intentionality and a drive. Just ask anyone who walks with me and they will tell you that I leave them several steps behind. I don’t do it purposely, but I have learned that walking clears my mind and refocuses me quickly.
In the last two weeks, I have been taking the Power of You course with Mel Robbins. She is so authentic and fun to follow. I’d love to hear her speak in person. Mel is one of those dynamic speakers and so very relatable. She has done TED talks, and presents herself so well. She has pushed herself through periods of self doubt and fear. It is her journey that she shares with the world.
She wrote the Best selling book called The 5 Second Rule. I have been reading it with enthusiasm and following a closed FACEBOOK group of hers.
Her book The 5 Second Rule has made me aware of some of my own moments when I hesitate to do something, because I am not clear about the direction to take.
Obviously, I am among many people, who hesitate to ruin with an idea. So I took the step of learning and using the 5 second rule and I love how much it has helped me. I hope to replace a few habits and refocus my energy on a few projects.
Life experience, reading books, and knowing people creates pathways to help us. We forge ahead through obstacles like health issues or loss of family members. Our jobs change sometimes or are eliminated without sufficient warning. Instead of seeing that as a blessing, we start to panic. There are the unexpected expenses that come from hikes in taxes, cracked septic fields, broken appliances, or the medical costs. Our attitudes get warped and it is hard to flatten them out to work properly.
The direction of where we step next becomes unknown. There are times when we feel ourselves going in circles. We do the same chores repeatedly, visit the same stores, make the same appointments and feel unappreciated by our bosses and family members. So, who can help you break the cycle of feeling this way?
You can. I can. We can all have everything we want, but we need to use this tool, namely the 5 Second Rule as one approach. Obviously it is not the only way, but trying it can’t hurt. It’s a simple process and worth the effort. Along with gratitude and volunteering some time, we can all share the things that we love, and this book is one of them I’m sharing with you.
Thanks to the windows of opportunity that come along the way, we are able to rebound. Recovery comes along with advancements in careers, money from inheritances, information from the internet, or a professional that can direct us on a new and better track. That passage to another walkway gives us motivation and a new direction. We can become more confident and, as Mel says, “develop a powerful mindset!” I am not paid to promote her book, but you can tell I am enjoying it!
Have a great week of capturing the value of the minor moments in your life. Listen with an open heart to your friends and family. Dose yourself with acceptance and forgive those that have offended you. Take the one step that may put you on the “escalator of success!”
What Goes into Good Relationships?
This month my husband and I celebrated our 49th year of marriage. I must admit the time has passed us by too quickly. I recently heard a radio show host talking about successful, long lived marriages. A common element shared when these people were interviewed was that they remembered and shared the difficult moments as times of growth. They did not talk about the vocations or other events unless there was an obstacle they had grown from at that time. That has been true for us. We don’t always talk about the great 15th Anniversary Party or the fun family times. Instead, we think of things in context of some struggle or period of growth! We remember dates by the trying times that almost crushed our relationship.
Good relationships develop and get stronger through experiences that are challenging and moments of trial. Enduring these times secures a tighter bond. The couples became more resilient. Just listen to individuals share in the next few months and you’ll hear some fabulous stories about struggle and the pride of living through those times. When health is good and income is great, things may be so simple! It was when we survived the illnesses and loss of our parents that things became difficult. It was when my spouse survived a major skull fracture that things I thought were important became relative to the bigger issue of just staying ALIVE.
It made me think in term of business too. My father-in-law had a successful business in Die Casting. He was an attorney who turned his skills into a profitable business adventure. His health suffered from the stress of it business in the years of its growth. Several fires that occurred in the plant over the years were difficult for him emotionally and physically. While he was actively involved growing the business, other pressures weighed heavily on him. He was the first to tell you of the struggles in building the business. Even though people would not have known from its success that there were so many growing pains. His health radically improved after he retired. Thankfully he had many good years following.
Or the time we owned a Franchise of a major oil company. Plagued by bad weather, broken fuel pumps, and a robbery, our decision to stay in this business was unanimous. As newlyweds we had no reason to even try this, but we learned the hard way. We put our marriage on the top of the priority list and closed it down. The lack of time together was a big factor!
Lately in business, I have heard CEO’s and Managers share how they became stronger as leaders through the tougher times. There reflections helped me understand why their marriages survived. We suddenly relish our spouses in a different way as they stand by us or help us mature. They may have changed jobs along the way or tackled financial loss. These people have become mentors and examples for the “up-and-coming” people in business. During financial set backs, dealing with employees, or problematic times, they also struggled and their companies grew. 
Can you relate? Have you experienced and grown during difficult times in your personal life and/or business? What seasons in business have resonated into making you a better person? Perhaps insight and understanding the dynamics of forging on will be beneficial if you are aware of your times of growth.
I am grateful that we have been able to conquer and forge through some difficult years and moments of sadness. May you too grow and have meaningful lives both personally and in business settings. Relish the people and the relationships in your circles.
Blessings and “Delight in Living!” May the small moments bring a harvest of Mini Miracles your way!
Guest Kate Murauskas Halma joins Linda
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Success in business and life is spelled out differently for each of us. In today’s Podcast, Linda welcomes Kate Murauskas Halma on her first visit to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments. Kate shares the beginning of her journey as an entrepreneur and businesswoman in McHenry County. Listen in to hear some of her stories and enjoy the adventure. Here she is with her dog Chance! Now that’s a smiling dog!
Now What? I am Locked Out – 5,4,3,2,1
Yesterday was a hot day. It has been in the 90’s and humid here. I was in the office working away at the computer and waiting for the next person to arrive. I decided to run to the car which I had oddly left open. I usually lock it. I change out of my high heels sandals that I had been in all day. My feet were tired, so I ran out to the car. As the door closed behind me, I thought “did I unlock the door” when I went inside earlier?” I had been running a few errands this afternoon and couldn’t remember.
Well you got that right my friends! I did not!
Now, I am going through my options as the sun is beating on me. Um. I am locked out!
- 1- Well the keys are inside the office, you cannot drive home!
- 2- Okay then go next door and ask for a ride home. I only see a few cars and they could be from any of the offices. I walk next door and no one is there. I let out a sigh. I walk down and the chiropractor is not in either. It is dark and their door is locked. UM? Back to the office I walk.
- 3- Next option that came to mind is that I could walk the 2.5 miles home. I am done that many times, but usually more prepared for the weather elements.
- 4- I have been reading the “5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins” this past week and just took Mel’s online courses, so I took a deep breath and counted 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Relax, think this through. Your phone is inside. You could still go down to one of the other suites and ask for a ride. You know almost everyone. It would be humbling, but?
- 5- I could wait and ask the next person due here, but as I look at my watch, that is in an hour.
- 6- I go back toward my car which I couldn’t lock without the keys and get the thought that maybe I have a spare key in the car with the mailbox key. I know they are in the other car I usually drive, but what are the odds of keys in here. I find a set of keys that look familiar, but they could be for our house; there is no mailbox key attached.
- 7- I try anyway, and . . .
BINGO – Yes, they worked. And so did Mel’s formula of counting backwards. It helped me think clearly and not panic. I must admit though that I was mighty close to getting angry with myself. I don’t work for Mel Robbins, but I am so glad I slowed down to think things through!
It was a Minor Moment that resulted in a Mini Miracle!
Why Do We Need Pruning?
In the last year we have had to have 4 beautiful trees cut down due to a disease. 5 of them have been fully developed 40 year Blue Spruces. They provided a lovely fragrance, a privacy barrier to our corner yard, and shade for the smaller plantings. Now things seem so bare. I laughingly said we had a temporary Palm Tree in our yard as one of them came down.
Ahh no!
Like the vegetation that grows for food, the trees that provide shade for us and the books that provide mental exercise for our brains we need to make space for new growth. We are hopefully leaving behind and pruning ourselves; trying to be better and better. Our need to learn new and updated information helps us stay vital. Our vision needs to be focused.
This man, high in the tree, had up-to-date gear for his safety. A harness and equipment that was designed for him to do the job he needed to perform on a regular basis was strapped around his body.
The accountant learns the latest software programs to function well. He or she confers with other people in the industry.
A good doctor is continually learning about the procedures he needs. He or she needs to be updated on medications that are new. They read studies on the value of using different equipment.
As a Behavioral Health specialist, I have learned there are many modalities to use. Each person that comes here is different and requires a different approach. Being eclectic is important for each patient or client to help healing and breakthroughs. Growth comes in small doses, but helps one to deal with the issues at hand.
So my questions to you is these. What new classes do you need to take? Are you working with a Psychotherapist or Life Coach to learn more? Do you prefer one-on-one help or to be hidden in a group? Are you a professional who is “successful,” but unhappy?
Here at Delight in Living, Ltd. and with Mini Miracles from Minor Moments, we try to answer these questions and help you like yourself and enjoy life. Feel on top of the world like this man on the top of this tree. We offer “hope” and a time to be recharged!
New Entrepreneurs
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Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments where every week Linda brings us a new 10-15 minute theme for self development and insight. Our Podcasts are growing and changing so hopefully you will continue to follow us as we go forward into a new and evolving format to include regular interviews and co-hosts. 
This weeks guest is Angela Pletz who is a local community member of Mini Miracles Cafe, an entrepreneurial group that meets to encourage and go forward into building wonderful businesses. Let’s hear Angela, who will be hopefully returning to us in the near future so we can learn more of her goals and aspirations.
Summer Changes
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Jim Haisler introduces us to the upcoming series beginning next week on Entrepreneurial Women. Recordings are already in the process and will be encouraging to others trying to take the step into developing a business.
Today Linda talks about self care and the things to keep us moving forward this summer. She ends with a reflection on the need for reflection and prayer time. Hope you enjoy this mix of insights for the coming weeks.
The Desire for More
Have you ever had something sweet and just loved it so much that you went back for seconds? Maybe it was ice cream, or the phenomena of snacking on potato chips? You just couldn’t stop eating them! Then comes the sickening feeling. It can be a physical effect of being sick or the mental one of chastising yourself for overdoing it!
We all seek pleasure. We want more and more. More food, more sex, more stuff, and attention. Better electronics and updated systems call our name. We desire to look better and be smarter so we buy more cosmetics, lotions, and potions. We buy book after book and take courses galore. We seek the better house even though the one we have is just fine. It’s all very natural to want more, but can be self defeating.
In the process of seeking more we are running ourselves ragged. We can’t stop long enough to enjoy our jobs or relax. We want more for our kids and it costs to have them in activities. As a result we work more and put pressure on ourselves. We eat fast foods because it is easier that taking time to chop, dice, and slice things. We don’t have the time to cook plus we are tired. We are chauffeuring children around town so we need better cars, more time, and end up with crabby and entitled children. And we become resentful and sick. We get competitive to the point of never being satisfied. Stop. Look. Listen.
Look
We seem to lose our way. Perhaps it is time to learn something new by taking in less. Less is best. We don’t need so much. Having one or two nice things that we can wear well is quite satisfying. Quality time with a friend is so much nicer than running around and rushing through 3 other social contacts or obligations. Enjoying a simple meal of soup & a light salad is tasty and enjoyable.
Let the kids play tag in the backyard. Better yet, play with them or go out and watch them. Have them play hopscotch or walk to the local tennis courts. I am sure there are old rackets around somewhere in the garage? Find time for an old fashioned backyard party to clean up the yard. Work makes everyone humble and appreciative. It isn’t all bad and calls for teamwork.
This weekend I set aside a few hours to catch up in the office. I methodically went from one unfinished project to another, and got lots down in a short uninterrupted time. I didn’t need to be there for hours or rush around; it felt good to be productive. I came home and mended something from the pile that has been on my ironing board for weeks.
Stop, Look, and Listen to yourself the next time you are bored and consider what the alternatives might be calling you to do. Less may be best. Stay home, enjoy the yard, call in friends, and just enjoy one another. Clean out the junk drawer and play with the “ball and jacks” that has been there for ages. Be content with the smaller things in life and enjoy your time without rushing around.
Peace for the day and have a great week!
Tomorrow I will tell you about my famous Chenille Housecoat and why I preserve it!
Save
Overcoming Discouragement & See Mini Miracles Emerge
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Hi, Hope your week has gone well. This is Linda Gullo and I am delighted to be with you. Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments where a few tiny changes can escalate in your life and create monumental JOYS. Our small daily habits can add up to make us vibrant and alive.
Mini Miracles from Minor Moments is designed to help you find insights about yourself. My plan is to help you like yourself and love life. I think there are so many things we share in common that are often not talked about so today I am tackling one of those topics.
Everyone goes through periods of uncertainty and inaction, but no one tells us how to navigate through them. We flounder and get frustrated. Sometimes we give up, because it is just too overwhelming. Yesterday, I wrote down a series of questions while I was praying about things, I needed to talk to God about these issues and asked for insight on 5 or 6 thoughts. Something was holding me back from taking action or maybe I didn’t even know where to begin. That is when I need to go to the mountain top and discuss it in private with the Lord.
As I was leaving the Chapel, I said to one of the people walking out with me that I didn’t feel like I had resolution to a series of questions I was praying about. Jokingly she said, “Well you know how men are, they sometimes take time to answer.” She then turned to her husband and said, “no offense Dear.”
Well, I wasn’t even giving God the chance to respond! And of course, I didn’t really expect immediate help. None of my issues were with regard to a life and death crisis. I did feel frustrated with my lack of progress in a few areas.
Then this morning, I woke up with some clarity on the matter. I got up hearing our lawn was being cut and began to tackle the day with a good attitude. I was grateful that the storms had passed through and that things seemed to be well. The branches that had been dropped when the trees self pruned that night were being collected and the yard looked so nice when I viewed it awhile later. It was vibrant and green. We are all called to be vibrant too. How can we encourage ourselves to be alive, stand so tall as fresh grass, and be resilient? Where do we get the nutrients that we need–after all we can’t just sprinkle on the things we need like the gardener gives to his or her plants.
It made me think that we need to be independent and strong, but not go it alone. We are stronger when united with other people. We get courage and strength when we are with people who have gone through the journey and gained wisdom. Their insights can provide so much for us. Looking for groups that will give us a chance to shine is just as important. Don’t doubt for a minute that you aren’t brilliant. You too have learned from academia, reading books, and experience. You are meant to share that knowledge with other people as well.
I am convinced that the social media sites are places people go to for connecting with people of power and insight. I know for me, it has lead me to learn about products, great new books to read, and to see how empathetic people are present for one another. Some of social media can be a waste of time to be sure and there are negative media messages, but that is where we are asked to discern and be prudent about what we take in or waste our time looking at!
My love for business has grown enormously in the last 20 years. As a matter of fact my business turned 20 this past January and I haven’t begun celebrating that yet. I just realized that there are many things even small things that are significant that I have failed to celebrate. How does one do that? Maybe you can let me know? I am grateful to be here and doing the work I so love!
I began reading a great article from Andy Andrews blog this morning that had been delivered to my mailbox. (https:www.andyandrews.com/overcome-discouragement) It is on How to Overcome Discouragement and Live the Life You Were Made to Live. I really liked the way he approached taking back a healthier frame of mind when one gets distracted and discouraged. Please read it if you are in such a place. It is very elevating and encouraging.
I have noted its location on lindagullo.com website with the notes from this program. (see above)
I received a small gold pin this week for being part of the American Counseling Association as a member for over 20 years. It was such a timely recognition, in lieu of reading this article. I was really surprised and almost embarrassed that I did not blow my horn and shout with glee that I have built Delight in Living from scratch. And wow, I am so pleased that someone noticed. It is indeed a milestone for me. Thank you to all the people who have come here for guidance and hope. I can really see the value of the little gold stars that we get as children for accomplishing our daily chores or excelling in school. The visual reward is a positive one.
And I did learn a long time ago that when things are good they balance out the times that were less so. I guess that is even a better reason to keep highlighting and celebrating when things are well.
When I started this endeavor I began a file of cards and thank you’s. I did it to have addresses so I could respond to people over the years, but instead it became a highlight to refer back to when things were slow in the office. 
You have potential to do outstanding things and influence others in a wonderful way. Transform your year for yourself and those around you! It is now Mid May and we have over 7 months left to do great things. Pursue your dreams and continually set new goals for yourself. Use time to pray, meditate, and read whenever you find it. Talk things through with a reliable source and hear yourself say what you are thinking. Create a space for self development and take the opportunity to forgive, dance, and live fully. Have a great weekend and enjoy the week ahead as you step forward. Remember that a “single step may put you on the escalator of success!” I will see you next week with some information on the news series of guests. Search out the Mini Miracles and celebrate each one!