You Can't Just "Blow" it Away, You Have to "Suck" it Up!

I seem to be focusing on "leaf blowers" this past month!  Thank goodness for the snow yesterday as this will keep the "blowers" from irritating us all!  I wanted to discuss how "blowing" your yard waste around is kind of like how we don't handle issues in life and just keep pushing it around and around.  So...here it goes.

I constantly hear the sound of a leaf blower in my neighborhood and around town during my travels.  I notice how the operator just blows the clippings, leaves and other items out in the street, the neighbor's lawn, or whatever seems convenient.  Why don't the operators use the vacuum option and just "suck" up the waste and discard it?  I know there are those two options on these "leaf blowing" tools.  That is how we often approach our "trash" or issues in life.  We tend to just blow them around and expect everyone else to deal with it or clean it up for us.  It doesn't work as illustrated by one guy with his "leaf blower"!  He must use that thing at least twice a day in order to clean up the area around his house.  You see, the wind blows and just blows that stuff right back from where he blew it away.  What a waste of time and energy on his part as it becomes a never ending process....nothing gets accomplished!   All that is happening is that the "yard waste" just gets shuffled around and around until someone picks it up or nature eventually sends it far away.  The "trash" never gets dealt with and continues to irritate the "leaf blowing man".   We need to understand this illogical approach to cleaning up our "life issues" as well.  We can't just wish it or dream it away, we have to deal with it!  How do we deal with it?

The other option on a "leaf blower" is the vacuum option.  What happens with this option is that the leaves and other yard items get "sucked" up into the machine, mulched and distributed into the attached bag.  The operator then empties the bag as it gets full into a yard receptacle and then continues until the "yard waste" has been cleaned up.  How simple is that?  Well, that can be accomplished in our own lives as we deal with difficult relationships, issues, obstacles...what have you.  You need to deal with the conflict right away.  I don't mean that you go in and "grind" everybody up with your new found idea, but that you go in with some simple strategy and "clean" up the mess.  Whenever we are faced with a conflict, the longer we "blow" it off and not deal with it the bigger it becomes.  Just "blowing" the leaves around doesn't reduce the waste, only allows for more waste to accumulate.  This is exactly what happens when we don't deal with a conflict.  We push it around, share it with others, get more people involved, spend time self-medicating and hoping it goes away, and more!  Stop!  Turn the "blower" to the "suction" mode and begin to deal with it!  Be honest in your approach and find ways to calmly clean up the "mess".  But how?

Start your approach by figuring out what "issues" really exist.  We create most if not all of our issues in life!  How big is the "pile" that is before you?  What have you added that you can clean up first in order to reduce the conflict?  Admit your own part in the issue and "suck" it up first.  Take responsibility and then begin to decide how you will approach the other "trash" left behind by someone else.  Your approach is going to determine how difficult of a time you have!  Be positive and turn the "vacuum" on low.  Don't rush in and try to pick it up all at once!  Take a few pieces at a time and constantly empty the "bag".

Your relationships in life are simple if you allow yourself to make mistakes and move on!  Need some help in this part of your "yard"?  Please contact me through my website at www.thetajlgroup.com, via email at thetaljgroup@gmail.com and listen to our radio show at www.blogtalkradio.com/jeffreylund "Mastering Life's Simplicity"   I want to help you help yourself and others in this world!

Is it better to have Bright Colorful wings or Clear wings in life?

"Is it better to have bright colorful wings that are sweet for all to see or clear wings that produce a sweet product for others to use?"

As you probably guessed, the two characters in this question are the butterfly and the bee.  So?  What's the big deal?  Well, in a basic sense (please don't over think this and criticize me...no go ahead and comment) both the butterfly and the bee do the same task.  They help pollinate flowers and such.  But what do they produce for us?  The butterfly can amaze us with it's beauty and often mesmerize as it flies by.  The butterfly can turn a sad moment into a wonderful moment.  The bee often terrifies some as it has the capacity to sting, but at the same time we can enjoy the fruits of its labor.  How does this relate to life?  To you?

We become very judgmental in life.  We find individuals being criticized because they may be successful and beautiful. You may think that they don't produce anything good for others except to create scandal and what have you.  Look at Hollywood and the tabloids.  All these beautiful successful individuals that just create movies and such.  Many would criticize them for this type of ... well productivity.  Often those who have become successful and such are judged because of it.  They may have flashy cars, large houses, "perfect" teeth and such, but are often criticized even by those they trust.  Why be jealous and focus on their bright colorful wings when you have bright colorful wings yourself.  You only focus on what you perceive to be true instead of focusing on what you can create to be true.  Find your wings!

Often we find individuals being praised because they volunteer and create products or systems to help others.  At the same time we find these very people being criticized because they only focus on this particular group or what have you.  They may cause discomfort in their activities as they strive to help others in this life. They are seen as a menace even though they are trying to create something in order to help someone else. Businesses, salespeople, inventors and such are often criticized when they charge for a product developed to solve a need.  Religious organizations are often criticized for their beliefs even though they are helping others find drinking water, food, clothing and what have you.  Stop focusing on the clear wings of others and develop your clear wings you already have.  Begin to use your wings to create something that you have a passion for and create that sweet honey that others may need.  Find your wings!

The question then remains, "Is it better to have bright colorful wings that are sweet for all to see or clear wings that produce a sweet product for others to use?"   The answer is truly that both are good!  You see as trivial as some of this may seem, they both serve a purpose.  It thus verifies the fact that there is always a cost and always a critic. We spend so much time trying to figure out the reason for something that we fail to realize the beauty is provides.  Both the butterfly and the bee produce something sweet, we just want to make it sour.  Find a way to stop looking at the sour in life and see the beauty it has to offer.  Instead of judging all that is around you, seek to find the beauty in all that you face.  Look in the mirror and see both the butterfly and the bee that are inside of you.  Whatever you have in life, you have been given in order to share with others.  Be thankful for who you are and pollinate this world with your bright colorful wings and your clear wings!

Enjoy this one life you have to the fullest as it is a gift!

Find Your Paths in Life That Lead to Happiness and Success!

With the upcoming show tonight titled, "Advice Night! A Compass to Guide You in Life!", I thought I would briefly talk about this so called "Compass".   This "Compass" is already in our life toolbox, yet we rarely seek that tool.  It is so simple and yet so hard to use.



Just like any tool that you use to build something or fix something, it has a specific use as well other uses you might need.  A wrench is used to tighten or loosen bolts, but sometimes you use it as a hammer!  Well, this "Compass" is designed to guide you down the right career, life, leadership or relationship path.  Like anything else in life, there is always a cost.  The "Compass" will point you in the right direction if used properly, or can take you down the wrong path.

Like any tool, the tool is only as good as the user.  We often hear that "a computer is only as smart as it user".  This is true in anything we undertake.  We are only human and therefore make mistakes.  To truly use this "Compass", you may have to make some tough choices and some difficult decisions.  This "Compass" like any other tool can be manipulated into using for another function.  Be careful as there is nothing for free in life or easy!  This tool creates simplicity and with your common sense it is amazing!

Are you at a crossroads in life?  Check out www.careermadesimple.com to use this "Compass" in order to find your true career or create happiness in your current career.  So....what path do you need to venture on now?  Here is your simple tool.....the "Compass"!

The "Compass" is a question.   "DOES THIS MAKE SENSE?"   In any interaction, relationship, career, job or life in general, we need to ask this question when faced with a decision!  Try it out on any issue you have created in your life as you are where you are today because of the decisions and paths you have chosen thus far.   Just asking the question won't take you on the correct path....you need to know how to use it!

Join us on our new "Career Made Simple! Career Advice Connection!" BlogTalkRadio show via blogtalkradio.com/jeffreylund  on Sunday nights starting April 28th!  (8 pm Mountain Time)  You can get your career advice here and how to use the "Compass" in order to find that ultimate career you are seeking!  Contact me via the website at www.thetajlgroup.com and get your free advice on how to use this "Compass."  Your Path?  The Journey Begins!

Advice Night! A "Compass" to Guide You in Life!

Please join me this Thursday, April 17th at 9 pm Mountain Time as we discuss the one simple tool you already have in your "life tool box" that can help you discover the right path in life!

Please check out this week's show by clicking on the following link:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jeffreylund/2014/04/18/advice-night-a-compass-to-guide-you-in-life#.U0sDgIJUaO0.gmail

Life constantly throws "crossroads" at us.  Which path should I take?  What decision should I make? Is this relationship the right one?  What should I do?   There is a simple "Compass" in life that will help you move in the right direction!

 Should I take this journey?

There will always be unknowns, but at least with a compass we can get a direction!

"Facing" the thousands of on lookers and discovering the new hope - The continued journey!

Adversity never goes away and we continue to face new challenges as we stroll through our lives.  In my story about "losing my face", I left off at the time I exited surgery with thousands of stitches in my face and my jaws wired!  Well.....here we go as we finish up this trial in life.  Actually, it continues to this day! Adversity and pain never truly go away.

I was in my hospital room and wanting feverishly to go home.  The trauma of the event made me long for being in a place of comfort.  My friend was visiting me and I explained how I wanted to go home.  I explained to him that if I could get up and go to the bathroom by myself, I could lobby to go home.  Like a 3 year old finally getting the "potty" adventure down.  He helped me to the bathroom door and I entered with such determination to accomplish this task that was once so simple.  After I finished my adventure, I needed to wash my hands.  What is above the sink?  You guessed it, a mirror.  I had not seen myself since the surgery and was about to come "face to face" with reality.  I remember leaning my hands over the sink without placing myself directly in front of the mirror. lol.  I did a quick head move into the mirror so as to not really see myself.  I did this several times and knew that my friend was probably waiting outside the door hoping I had not fallen in or something.  I decided to "suck it up" and look in the mirror.  I remember that moment to this day and the image that was before me.  A bruised and swollen disfigured face with thousands of stitches and bars peeking behind the ever so torn lips.  I quickly let out a loud "oh no!"  I cried inside for a few moments and then smiled.  I remember opening the door and my good friend in a very concerned tone asking if I was all right as he had heard my "gasping" Oh No!  I was able to saying to him that I was okay, but disappointed that it wasn't Halloween as I had a built in mask.  We laughed and the pain shot through my face as the stitches tore at the incisions.  Laughing was once so easy and now was a painful joy.  I did get to go home and then had to face the many on lookers who began to visit.  At first I felt like a "freak show" act at a carnival wishing I didn't have to face the on lookers.  I then realized that there was nothing I could do, but face them all with dignity and confidence!

The summer progressed and I had one re-constructive surgery and had to wait until December or January to have a surgery that would truly remold my face.  The dental work couldn't start until the fall and yet I had college starting in late August.  Because I could not have sun on my face, I had to wear hats everywhere and as much sun screen as possible.  I was missing teeth and others were chipped and dying.  School was about to start and I was about to enter a campus of 20 to 30 thousand students with classes that sat hundreds.  I had to go as my goal was to complete college.  I couldn't let this obstacle no matter how difficult stop me from completing my goal of a college education.  To me the costs were too high!  I went back to school looking like a "freak" with tons of ointment on my face and a huge cowboy hat.  My face still disfigured and my teeth in a shambles, on I trotted.  I remember my physics class.  I had no feeling in my lower lips and the right side was almost missing anyway.  I remember taking endless notes and listening so intently that when I looked down at my paper there was a pool of drool.  How embarrassing, had anyone seen?  Were they observing this drool dripping onto my paper as I knew nothing of its occurrence?  I don't want to bore you with endless rambling about "oh poor me", but wanted to give you a taste of what was occurring.  I had to make a choice and the choice meant sacrificing pride and moving toward that goal.  How many times have you lost sight of a goal because of a small obstacle?  How many times have you let others talk you out of continuing your journey toward your goal?  There were some who thought I should take a semester off, but I couldn't.  I couldn't let the adversity before me win!

The journey from this one quick accident continues to follow me. Over 20 years ago I underwent this adventure and this past fall I had to endure one of the worst surgeries yet (In my current opinion).  I had no choice and understood that this adversity that life dealt me will be with me until the end of time.  Will I let it get me down or will I persevere and enjoy this one life I have?  I choose to live life to the fullest and control my attitude.  You see, things are only as bad as we allow them to be.  My friends....simplify life and use your attitude as that one power you have to overcome all that lies before you.  I truly want to help you if you need some support.  Contact me via my website (www.thetajlgroup.com), via email at thetajlgroup@gmail.com or call in to my blogTalkradio show at (646)200-4737 Thursday nights at 9 pm Mountain Time!  I want to help you find your wonderful life adventure and share ways for you to simplify life and truly enjoy the journey!

Live Life Like a Documentary 03/27 by Mastering Lifes Simplicity | Relationships Podcasts

Live Life Like a Documentary 03/27 by Mastering Lifes Simplicity | Relationships Podcasts

From Two Face to New Face? Stage 1 - The Journey Begins

Adversity is always amongst us each and every day.  The level of adversity however is never constant.  We determine the level based on our reactions to situations that occur around us.  When we are in a state of feeling low or even physically ill, the smallest situation can cause us the greatest harm.  This helps establish the fact that we create our obstacles or issues in life.  What is your level of adversity?  How do you handle the challenges that you face?  How do you react when wronged?  Almost dropped?

In the last blog I asked the question, “Could it get worse?”   There I was getting carted into the emergency room and being cared for.  The emergency personnel and all who were helping me were amazing.  The hustle and bustle as I was being cared for was an incredible process to behold.  The team carted me to the x-ray room in order to check for any spinal, neck, or other damage.  I didn’t want to be paralyzed for sure.  As they were lifting me onto the x-ray table from the cart, the power went off!  With this unexpected power failure, they almost dropped me.  I began to laugh as much as I could.  I think I bewildered them at that moment.  My comment was, “Can it get any worse?”  Being dropped at that time may have been insult to injury or much worse.  Oh well, we can’t worry about what we can’t control.  Do you find yourself “almost being dropped” when in an interaction with another or in relationships?  Can’t worry about what you can’t control.  You need to change your attitude and accept the challenge.  Understand that worry will create an issue in your life that didn’t exist prior to that moment.  How you approach the situation will determine the outcome.  Had I become angered or stressed during that moment, I would have transferred that anger and stress on to those who were caring for me.  By allowing them to understand that I accepted the fact that “crap happens”, they were able to continue with their tasks in an appropriate manner.  I often find that when things don’t work out as expected, my approach can create an even “more wonderful” experience.  I chuckle when individuals get so upset because their order at a restaurant was “messed up”.  They become so upset that the beans were not cooked properly or that the food is slightly cold, that they then create an issue not only for themselves but also for those around them.  I have received more free food, new friendships and joy when I have approached a situation like this with a “that’s okay attitude” or “mistakes happen” or “It’s not that big a deal”.  Let’s continue with the story.

I went through a 5 plus hour reconstructive surgery and awoke with a great deal of discomfort and pain.  By the way, one’s body does not like swallowing so much blood.  Quite a violent reaction for sure!  More adversity!  I remember it fondly and just told myself that it would pass.  Having your mouth wired shut and thousands of stiches makes it quite difficult to say the least. It passed and things got better.  That is how adversity in life is.  The pain will pass, but know it may always still linger throughout life.  You have to choose your attitude as you approach change, challenges and more!  Adjust your thinking in order to get through the challenges you face.  You can’t always control the outcomes, but know that you can influence them.  We can’t truly change those around us, but we can influence their thinking by the way we approach our relationships and adversity around us.

I need to pause this blog at the moment and will finish in my next posting as we discuss how to face those around us.  With thousands looking at me, I was able to accomplish my goal!  You can too, if you understand how to maintain purpose.  Remember how you feel when you had some “green” in your teeth and didn’t find out until after the fact.  Now compound that a 1,000 times and understand how you can see how blessed you truly are even when in the face of adversity.  Until next time, love life and all it throws at you!

Join me on Thursday evening at 9 pm MST on www.blogtalkradio.com/jeffreylund  Would love to hear from you!