As an avid reader of two books a month, I read “Limitless” by Jim Kwik four years ago.  Today, I continue to be limitless in writing five things down each day to be grateful for and not taking specific things in my life for granted.

 

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When you look at the symbol for limitless or infinity, it resembles a sideways figure eight.  “Infinity is boundless, endless, or larger than any natural number. The infinity symbol often denotes it.”

 

Unraveling the Infinity Symbol: Its Origins and Impact on Mathematics — Curiosmos

 

Jim Kwik inspired me to write those five things down as many of us four years ago were trying to understand COVID-19 and how the pandemic changed the world.

 

However, I put his words into action and have journaled ever since.

 

As I celebrate my fourth year of journaling, the experience is rewarding as I can look back in time.  I’ve also learned through the process that I should never take things for granted, specifically my health.

 

The days of me being 30 and bulletproof are long gone.

 

As I hit my internal reset button this month, I quickly realized that April showed up with actions items I had planned on doing a few months ago.

 

In a Golfer’s world, the word “Mulligan” or a free shot is sometimes given to a golfer in informal play when the previous shot was poorly played.

 

Mulligan Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster

 

What free shots do you need in 2024?

 

Earlier this week, as I was meditating, I thought about various things to be grateful for, such as the three numbers “7-5-7” and how far I have been.

 

For those wondering, 7-5-7 is the area code where I grew up in Newport News, Virginia.

 

I’ve never forgotten my roots, and at this point, it’s hard not to.

 

On my wall I have the words “Don’t forget where you came from, but never lose sight of where you are going.”

 

Growing up with three military bases around me, in the early to mid-70s, many people found employment at the Shipyard as a source of income and retired from there. I did not.

 

• HII   Newport News Shipbuilding – Wikipedia

 

“The shipyard is a major employer, not only for the lower Virginia Peninsula, but also portions of Hampton Roads south of the James River and the harbor, portions of the Middle Peninsula region, and even some northeastern counties of North Carolina.”

 

Then, after my last duty assignment from the military, I spent 18 combined years in Augusta, GA.

 

Just like the Shipyard in Newport News, VA, many of the people I knew worked at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions or SRS, I did not.

 

SRNS – Our Location (savannahrivernuclearsolutions.com)

 

When I think about leaving the 7-5-7 area at 17 and not looking back, I’m grateful that I joined the military.

 

I’m grateful that I realized I didn’t need to do what others did in the local area.

 

I’ve written many entries in my gratitude journal, including my education, having both a bachelor’s and master’s degree, and various certifications with attendance at various prestigious colleges.

 

I say this not in a braggadocio matter; however, knowing how God has blessed me and continues to bless me is worth being grateful.

 

Also, having lived near and growing up in the projects and seeing them every day I travel to Mass on the other side of town, there is a sense of empathy for the people that walk the streets daily.

 

Sometimes, and most often even on my trips back and forth to Birmingham, Montgomery, and Tuscaloosa, seeing the haves and have-nots makes me even more grateful for what I have and the current journey that I’m on now.

 

This month is a reminder that we can do more in 2024.  It’s how we set our priorities and gratitude for living each day.

 

I’m so glad that my past has not decided my future and that my thoughts do not sabotage me.

 

Don’t Allow Your Past to Control Your Future | Psychology Today   

 

In addition, I’m grateful for being part of the community in 2024 rooted in Positive Intelligence (PQ) with Shirzad Chamine.

 

This is one area in which I continue to grow my PQ.

 

“The past doesn’t define you; your present does. It’s okay to create a vision of the future because it affects your behavior in the “now,” but don’t dwell on past mistakes. Learn from them and focus on those lessons in the moment. That’s where change can really happen.”

— Jillian Michaels

 

Therefore, don’t give your past the power to define your future.

 

Today, it’s about being grateful and not taking anything for granted.

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/limitless/

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First, I must tell you what a difference a week makes.

No one would have ever expected that a city as large as Huntsville, AL, would be shut down for almost a week due to weather.

 

City of Huntsville, City of Madison and Madison County will close on Tuesday, Jan. 16  – City of Huntsville (huntsvilleal.gov)

 

As life returned to normal, I thought about “Turning Obstacles into Opportunity” because that was what it was for me.

 

For five days, from January 15, 2024, to January 19, 2024, I remained sheltered in place due to freezing temperatures and Icy roads.

 

According to HPD, there have been 162 weather-related accidents this week and more than 20 that involved injuries.

 

Officials urge caution on Huntsville roads as crews work, traffic accidents more than doubled this week | WHNT.com

 

Drivers heating up over icy road conditions in Huntsville (waff.com)

 

It was apparent this past Friday, January 26, 2024, after listening to individuals during my rescheduled Doctor’s appointment.  I was one of many that had to cancel during the storm.  When a facility is closed for a week, you adjust.  I also learned many didn’t take the storm as an opportunity to refocus.

 

Many who live in the Huntsville area have never witnessed being out of work, getting paid, and having nowhere to go based on road conditions.

 

I asked one young lady as I waited for the Doctor when was the last time, she witnessed weather like this?  Her response was that “she grew up here and had never witnessed it so badly; however, she remembered it as an elementary student staying home, but not for a week.”

 

You and I know that history often repeats itself.  I’m always amazed at how quickly we forget things, such as how the pandemic had us sheltering in place, yet people had to go out into the weather knowing the conditions were unsafe.

 

So that you know what Saturday (January 20, 2024) looked like from my home to traveling to Mass in Huntsville, the roads were 90% dry and clear.  However, my Church parking lot was an ice staking rink with the asphalt covered with a sheet of ice with a temperature below freezing.

 

My Rosary partner told me she hadn’t been to the 7 AM morning Mass all week and decided to take a chance for the 5 PM Saturday Vigil Mass.

 

Ironically, we had a great crowd at Mass that took a chance; however, others were still stuck at home based on icy roads and slick driveways that had not been defrosted by Saturday evening.

 

I tell you this story because, for the most part, “The Rocket City” of Huntsville, Alabama, was an obstacle that many did not take the opportunity to use wisely based on weather conditions.

 

Being a Scout means being prepared, and those seven years as a Scout Leader taught me various lessons that I imparted to the youth I trained.

 

It’s one of those traits where I practiced and taught preparedness in young people.

 

Through various communication mediums, everyone in the area was told before the storm hit to be prepared and get their necessities before Sunday night.

 

I took that seriously and had enough to last the required time; others did not.

 

As always, you and I know the first things that go off the shelf are bread, milk, and eggs, which, listening to those who did not plan, witnessed the short supply during the storm.

 

I now have a deeper appreciation for the individuals living in the North as I made phone calls hearing that they were already two or three storms into it.

 

Sometimes, life throws minor inconveniences that we must overcome and take with a grain of salt, which was also required for the driveways.

 

Maybe there is a lesson to be learned for some to pay more attention to the weather and become more resilient in the process.

 

Either way, turning obstacles into opportunities is what I have learned by being prepared and using my time wisely.

 

What obstacles in your life have you turned into opportunities lately?

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/turning-obstacles-into-opportunity/

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This past weekend, my inspiration for today’s blog was inspired by the words of a painting associate who told me that the general manager/director was visiting his location.

 

He said, “People are scurrying around looking busy in preparation for his presence.”

 

What I learned and taught during my seven years as a Scout leader is impressive, teaching young people always to do your best.  We taught them the slogan “To do a good turn daily.”

Boy Scout Slogan (usscouts.org)

During the 1996 Summer Olympics (officially the Games of the XXVI Olympiad, also known as Atlanta 1996 and commonly referred to as the Centennial Olympic), I witnessed this mentality.

 

The military reinforced those principles and also taught me to do my best.

 

Yet, I still see many adults or soon-to-be adults where this message of doing your best hasn’t transformed all.

 

I don’t believe it has transformed when I visit different places and see people either on their phones, yawning from a lack of sleep, or verbally telling me they are ready to go home.

 

However, it’s not all doom and gloom, and there is always room for improvement for all ages.  There are places where employees hold each other accountable, and those locations continue to receive my business.

 

Ironically, I saw that in action last Saturday evening as I ordered a to-go food.  The person on the register was a young male, making it happen for everyone to see his talents.  He was energetic; it was not my first time seeing his talents on display.

 

I learned in the military from a retired Four Star General that we should remember that someone is always watching us.

 

I know if management went back and reviewed the footage on the camera, that is the type of employee destined to go places.

 

What are your reminders for doing your best?

 

How are you doing your best today when no one is watching?

What does it take to do your best, or are you waiting for others to show you the way?

 

https://www.effortlesshr.com/blog/9-tips-for-an-effective-employee-discipline-strategy/

 

In looking at a McKinsey Quarterly article dated May 1, 2015, I wonder how times have changed since they wrote about “The simple rules of disciplined innovation.”

 

The simple rules of disciplined innovation | McKinsey

 

We often hear people making it simple for individuals to follow the rules, yet there’s a different mentality in the workplace.

 

I know there has been a shift in the workplace mentality since the Pandemic.

 

Here’s what employees want after COVID-19 – McKinsey report | World Economic Forum (weforum.org)

 

Some people have gotten the memo, and some have not.

 

During my visit this past Saturday at the local Home Improvement Center, it was clear that a sense of urgency is still required to get employee’s attention.

 

As one who studies “Emotional Intelligence,” I can quickly spot those with a problem with self-regulation and can’t control their emotions instead of allowing them to control them.

 

Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace: What You Should Know (leaders.com)

 

The gentleman who told me the General Manager/Director was visiting his location was a prime example of managing one’s feelings and learning to adapt to different situations.

 

Imagine how it would be if only we could do our best when no one is watching and serving others to a higher standard without the Carrot and Stick.

 

Carrot and Stick Motivation: Definition and Examples in the Workplace | Indeed.com

 

Today, as you and I look in the mirror, are we doing our best or simply allowing our emotional intelligence to get the best of us?

 

I believe the quote from H. Jackson Brown says it all! “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/do-your-best-today/

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This past weekend, I started my Saturday morning by attending a Women’s History Month Program sponsored by the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary (KPCLA).  They asked all the ladies in attendance to wear their pearls to the program.

Ironically, my mother’s name was Pearl, and today I honor all women past and present as March is Women’s History Month.

For me, it was all about finding my landmark.   Today, with technology, we can use “Google Earth” to see or find landmarks; however, my landmark is in my heart.

Taking it a step further, I’m reminded of the importance of what Women’s History Month brings to all of us.

Many of us go through life and see names written or engraved on buildings of various trailblazers or influential people without paying much attention to how they became prominent in life.

One of the names that I had embedded in my mind at a very young age was Maggie Lena Walker.

You’re probably unaware how frequently the name (Maggie L. Walker) was used as a landmark in finding my grandfather’s auto body shop when my family visited him.

It’s a landmark that my family has used for years to get to a specific location.

When people ask us where we live, we all do it on occasion, and we give them a name or a place they can recognize as a landmark.

Little did I know that with each visit to Richmond, Virginia, the school named Maggie L. Walker High School would be my landmark for finding my grandfather’s business “Wright’s Body Shop.”

I recognized the importance of Maggie L. Walker because my grandfather’s auto body shop was directly across the street from Maggie L. Walker High School in Richmond, Virginia.

Sometimes, we don’t fully understand how life allows us to become part of history until we slow down and reflect on how far we have come and where we are going.

As many parents will plan visits by taking their children to their grandparents, I also had that opportunity.

Today, we hear the words of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and don’t understand how others continue to benefit from people stepping outside their comfort zones and taking risks.

In short, “In Walker’s honor Richmond Public Schools built a large brick high school adjacent to Virginia Union University. Maggie L. Walker High School was one of two schools in the area for black students during the Jim Crow era; the other was Armstrong High School. Generations of students spent their high-school years at the school. It was totally refurbished to reopen in 2001 as the regional Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School for Government and International Studies.”

Who was Maggie Lena Walker?

Maggie L. Walker – Wikipedia

Maggie Lena (née Draper Mitchell) Walker (July 15, 1864 – December 15, 1934) was an American businesswoman and teacher. In 1903, Walker became both the first African American woman to charter a bank and the first African American woman to serve as a bank president.[2] As a leader, Walker achieved successes with the vision to make tangible improvements in the way of life for African Americans. Disabled by paralysis and a wheelchair user later in life, Walker also paved the way for people with disabilities.

Biography: Maggie Lena Walker (womenshistory.org)

I’m sure many reading today’s blog may not recognize Maggie Lena Walker’s name or even believe she is a woman of color by looking at her picture.

In my era, I grew up surrounded by schools named after people of color, such as Jim Thorpe, Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, and Paul Laurence Dunbar, all black males.

However, my childhood visits to Richmond were always to Maggie L. Walker, the landmark in my mind.

There is a reason we celebrate Women’s History Month, and why our children need to know the women who continue to make a difference in the lives of others must be honored.

https://www.womenshistory.org/womens-history/womens-history-month

Today, I take this opportunity to celebrate all the women who continue making a difference in the lives of others.

I could have chosen any name you recognize as a landmark; however, Maggie Lena Walker is mine. What’s your landmark as you celebrate Women’s History Month?

Take time this month, find your landmark tied to Women History Month, and celebrate it!

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/finding-your-landmark/

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As the month of February begins to end, many organizations will get their last opportunity to close out Black History Month programs for 2024.

My thoughts today stem from the message delivered on April 3, 1968, the day before his assassination, when Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” address was his final public speech.

“I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” Speech Summary – eNotes.com

Today, depending on your occupation and how long you have been living, many can reflect on those words by Martin Luther King, Jr. with their own “Mountain Top” visions.

In my line of work in the military, the only way to get the message delivered was to find the tallest point on the map and look for a “Mountain Top or Hilltop” to place various antennas.

You might not be aware that communications works best at high places or points where mountain tops won’t interfere with the signal from one antenna to another.

As a leader, I did so while being deployed to Bosnia, Thailand, Korea, and Germany, with each having a particular outcome.

If you ask those who are Signaleers, they will tell you that you must sometimes go to the highest places to “get the message through.”

Getting the Message Through (army.mil)

It’s no different today with cellular signals with antennae placed strategically so that you and I get the best signals.

You and I have witnessed going from 4G to 5G evolution and beyond in some cases with the future of technology.

Little by little, I have continued to go beyond by receiving glimpses of what has been revealed to me and my future.

Sometimes all it takes is a glimpse, while sometimes we have dreams and don’t realize what was revealed.

I recommend having a pen and paper at your bedside and writing down your dreams.

I’ve even witnessed a time what I would label as moments of rest, sitting on a property near Opelousas, Louisiana, between Interstate 49 and U.S. Route 190.

On this property in the background, was a Cellular Tower, which was brought to my attention while I was visiting. The entire visit to Opelousas, Louisiana was a blessing.

As someone who has traveled to many countries and cities outside of the United States, I greatly appreciate the many glimpses I’ve seen both as a Solider and DoD Civilian.

What mountain-top experience have you seen or anticipated in the future?

This year, I’m taking another opportunity during Lent to take various trips to the mountain top, reflecting and seeking.

I have learned to believe in fasting and praying during Lent particularly.  Its impact on me was a powerful example that all things are possible.

Although just for a moment in time, Peter, James, and John, James’s brother, were led up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them.   (Matthew 17:1-9)

Sometimes, just a glimpse is all we need as we ask ourselves why we were chosen for these mountain-top experiences.

What unique glimpses have you been shown?

I can reflect on all the other high places I mentioned, each being extraordinary and having their specific purpose for me being there.

I am not a saint for being given the glimpses I’ve seen during my time in the military and as a civilian.

The message today is what messages you are receiving during your mountain-top experiences and how you are getting away to see various glimpses awaiting you.

Some people will tell you to get off your high horse.

I’m neither on a high horse; however, sometimes we must mount up to go where others have not been.

I expect that you will live out your “Mountain Top” experiences every day and take time to reflect on them.

As a person of faith, I continue to read the Bible, uncovering various “Mountain Top” experiences.

It’s my prayer that you find solace in whatever you are searching for in life during this Lenten season, regardless of your religion.

How’s the View?

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/the-mountain-top/

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