The Things I've Learned Along the Way

The Things I’ve Learned Along the Way

I’ve been trying to improve my life somewhat now for a bunch of years.  I just turned seventy-one.  Here are some lessons I’ve learned along the way.

~When autos are repossessed, you will buy again.

~There is life after open-heart surgery.

~Recovery takes time.

~Set-backs aren’t the end.

~We recover from bankruptcies.

~A degree is only the commencement.

~Learning is a life-long journey.

~You can endure more than your think.

~You are more powerful than you think.

~You can make good choices.

~You can overcome bad choices.

~You can learn from your mistakes.

~Failure is not fatal.

~The first step toward NEW is often the hardest.

~“NO” sometimes means “Not Now”.

~God is not an abandoning God.

~There is a difference in ‘practice’ and ‘perfect practice’.

~Just because they say so doesn’t make it so.

~I need to become my own best friend.

~Breaks are restorative.

~People remember how you made them feel.

~People want validation, respect.

~People have names.  Use them.

~There is still room for one more idea.

~All the great books haven’t been written yet.

There is more to come on this idea.

  

Thoughts for Improving

Whatever Needs Improving!

P Michael Biggs

Steps and Skips Blogsite

Hope ~Encouragement~ Inspiration

Commit to the Journey

Commit to the Journey

  

Those of us who are on the way to improving our skill need to remember this important idea.  It is a journey that we are on.  And this journey will take us to amazing places.  Sometimes those places lead to the desired outcome, but usually not. 

But on the journey, look at what you’ll experience.  Yes, you’ll get better, you’ll meet interesting people sometimes, you’ll learn a ton, you’ll have frustrating periods and people will phase in and out of liking or not liking you or your contribution.  That’s all a part of the journey. 

The main thing is this … commit to the journey, not the outcome. 

See where the journey leads.

Make the commitment to the journey regardless of the outcome.

Thoughts for Improving

Whatever Needs Improving!

P Michael Biggs

Steps and Skips Blogsite

Hope ~Encouragement~ Inspiration

I'm in the Second Act of Life

I’m in the Second Act of Life

I once was a pretty decent singer.  I could hit high A’s, and low D’s.  That is no longer the case.

I’ve directed some very fine orchestras and choirs.  And now, others have that privilege. 

I used to play a good game of baseball and softball.  I don’t move as swiftly now as I did then. 

I guess I’m in the second act of life, and it’s a good act.  Stay tuned.

I’ve found my niche in this Second Act.  I’m an official blogger and podcaster.  It suites me very well.  I move at my own pace, I settle in and go where my thoughts take me, and I’m having a good second act.

And I’m experimenting in the kitchen and finding new foods and combinations and tasty treats to fix and eat for Carolyn and I.

I think this is pretty good way to close the curtain on my life.  I love what I’m doing.  And I can do this for another bunch of years, or so my cardiologist says.  He says he can give me another twenty years. 

Wow.  A second act that lasts twenty years.  Look out world.  I’m only getting started good.

Thoughts for Improving

Whatever Needs Improving!

P Michael Biggs

Steps and Skips Blogsite

Hope ~Encouragement~ Inspiration

How Do You Think

How Do You Think

This question could be everything, you know.  This blogsight is all about growth and improvement, getting better, stronger, faster, brighter, bigger, more successful or whatever else you might be seeking in your life. 

The best ally you’ll have is in your brain.  It’s your thought patterns, your habitual tracks that you allow your brain to run in. 

I know this … positive thinking is your friend.  Perhaps you don’t do enough of it, but it matters.  I fully believe in this … as a man/woman thinks, so is he/she.

When you think of your ultimate dream, where does your mind run to?

I can do this if …

I might be able …

If only I had …

Maybe in the spring.

Maybe when I’m seventeen.

Maybe when the stock market grows to …

Your thoughts, and the intensity of your thoughts can help propel you toward your ultimate success.

What is your goal and dream?

What are your thoughts about that goal and dream?

Thoughts for Improving

Whatever Needs Improving!

P Michael Biggs

Steps and Skips Blogsite

Hope ~Encouragement~ Inspiration

A Seagull Speaks

A Seagull Speaks

I’m re-reading Jonathan Livingston Seagull.  It is one of my favorite books. 

Here’s what strikes me.  Jonathan was willing to separate from the flock to pursue his dreams of flight on a new dimension.  Oh my, he crashed on numerous attempts, but he kept analyzing, experimenting, thinking and trying. 

He was criticized by the flock, he was banned, he was ridiculed, he was spoken of in demeaning ways, all because he went contrary to the ‘rules of the flock’. 

And yet he persisted. 

It happens, you know.  Your ideas may run contrary to the rules of the day.  And what are you going to do about that?

Sometimes, growth and improvement, whatever that looks like, are more important than the norms and the “group habits”.

Ask Wayne Gretzky – hockey great.  He was famous for his antics on the ice in practice.  He pushed the limits of how far he could lean without falling over.  He tried the ridiculous, the unusual and the obscure. 

It worked, for he was sometimes referred to as The GREAT Wayne Gretzky.

Consider this as you pursue your dreams, and you might want to read Jonathan Livingston Seagull.  It might hold some fresh insights for you.

Thoughts for Improving

Whatever Needs Improving!

P Michael Biggs

Steps and Skips Blogsite

Hope ~Encouragement~ Inspiration

What Is Your 'Why'?

What Is Your ‘Why’

I write because of an intense desire to offer Hope, Encouragement and Inspiration to mankind, one word at a time.  That is my major “Why” in life.

What is your ‘why’? What propels you to do whatever it is you do?

Figure that one out and then pursue your passions and dreams like a bee on honey.

Thoughts for Improving

Whatever Needs Improving!

P Michael Biggs

Steps and Skips Blogsite

Hope ~Encouragement~ Inspiration

Doubts Kills Dreams

Doubts Kill Dreams

So, you’re in pursuit of your dream of better. 

Maybe you want to

Be a better golfer

Be a better tuba player

Be a better writer

Be a better architect

Be a better husband/wife/parent

What is your magnificent obsession in life? 

And how are you handling DOUBT?  It kicks in, you know.  It always kicks in at some point on the journey. 

Will you let doubt be a kill-joy, or will you smack it in the face, and say, “Not today.  No, I’m just having a weak moment, not a weak dream.”

And then … you get back up, dust yourself off, and keep going.

You are my hero if you do this.

And I believe you will do this.

Thoughts for Improving

Whatever Needs Improving!

P Michael Biggs

Steps and Skips Blogsite

Hope ~Encouragement~ Inspiration