Motor Skills

This past weekend, I was able to tap into some motor skills that lay dormant for a while.  I will explain shortly.

Although when you hear the words motor skills, I’m speaking of the motor skills as an adult, vice a child.

Many of us have probably run across many people who could not change a light bulb if asked to do so because they were either brought up with a silver spoon in their mouth or have no common sense.

If you’re wondering, I wasn’t brought up with a silver spoon in my mouth, and I believe I have plenty of common sense based on the various experiences that I have experienced in the military, whereas I had to figure it out.

We hear the words everything is all figureoutable but is it true?

In the Book by Marie Forleo, she contends that the secret to transforming your mindset is to live by the philosophy that anything is possible and a solution.

That is a great mindset to have, without a doubt.

I’ve learned this to be true all too many times.  In fact, as life would have it, this past weekend, as I was cleaning the guest toilet in my house, I found water leaking from the toilet at 5:AM in the morning.

You’re probably asking why I was up at 5:AM in the morning cleaning the toilet?  The real reason was that I had been procrastinating about cleaning the bathroom before I departed for my early Saturday morning flight to Atlanta.  I had told myself to get up early and clean it, knowing that I had a flight out in the morning and it was something that my conscious would not let go of before heading out for five days.

Luckily, I was able to figure it out and make an early morning run to Lowe’s before I had to be at the airport within two hours.

As I figured the problem was a defective seal from the tank to the toilet, I said a prayer of gratitude for those shop classes in junior high school and many hours of replacing various toilets in every home I’ve ever owned.  This was my fourth home I’ve owned, and as they say, it’s not my first rodeo.

If you’re a homeowner, sooner or later you must figure out how to fix leaking sinks, toilets, hang ceiling fans, change light fixtures, lay tile, lay hardwood floors, install washers and dryers, and a multitude of other homeowner tasks that I have also down.

I also think it was a little bit a pressure knowing that I didn’t want to leave a leaking toilet while I was away from home.

It’s times like these that our various motor skills are so important in figuring out solutions to the problems we face in life.

Motor skills play an important part in who we are as men; however, I know plenty of women who grew up as single parents who could not depend on a man for anything.

Today, motor skills are part of the workforce.

Skills needed to take on tomorrow

19 Skills Employees Will Need In The Next Five Years

Today, motor skills are increasingly recognized as part of the workforce, especially in the context of adapting to technological changes and the evolving nature of work.

The Future of Jobs Report indicates that 39% of workers’ core skills are expected to change by 2030, highlighting the need for continuous skill development.

I often wonder does our current working class of workers who are graduating from high school or College possess those skills. You be the judge.

When I think about my days as a Cub Master in Scouting, we were teaching 3^rd and 5^th Graders how to change a tire.

Today, changing a tire requires finding the tire and knowing where to place the jacks to support the car without damaging it or yourself.

Where To Put A Jack When Changing A Tire? Essential Safety Tips | CarsBibles

We all know that AI is not going to change your tire, and it requires you, the user, to figure it out, just like me and the toilet.

It never crossed my mind to Google water leaking from the toilet; I was looking at the leak and figuring out what I needed to do.

“Skills are freedom, Get skilled up!” ~ Pat Falvey

I agree with Pat Falvey, we all need to have skills these days, so what are your motor skills that you are most proud of in a crunch?

This week, it was fixing a leaking toilet and remembering the words of Marie Forleo states that the secret to transforming your mindset is to live by the philosophy that anything is possible and a solution.

Today, my challenge to you is a bit of self-reflection on knowing what motor skills you have learnt over the years.  Therefore, when you hear the words, everything is all figureoutable, are you embracing those words?

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/motor-skills/

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The Pendulum

This morning, as I sat here watching my grandfather clock, I began to focus on the swinging of the Pendulum.

In our lives, we have various swings of the pendulum that keep us either moving forward or backward.

However, I’m sure that the words or phrase “Your latter days will become greater than your past” carry a specific meaning for each of us.  It’s my reminder when I read the Book of Job, the best is yet to come.

One of my favorite songs is “Double Live” By William Murphy, which is a reminder that we are going to get double for all the drama or trauma in our lives.

Today, I would ask that you think about what forward progress you’re working on this week, and if any procrastination has found a way to stop the swing of your pendulum.

I also want you to think about, in my opinion, the backward progress on what continues to happen across the Government with the swing of the pendulum and the stroke of the pen, with workers’ jobs being eliminated.

Five years ago, the world relied on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in dealing with the global pandemic, and now we are witnessing how the pendulum is swinging in a different direction.

Even today, the threat of another pandemic is real, with cases of various people still infected with the virus.

Who would have thought to see the turmoil of hundreds of employees getting their official termination notices this year, and the Director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Dr. Susan Monarez) on July 31, 2025, being removed from the position.

Departures roil the CDC leadership. What’s next for the agency? | AP News

Mass layoffs, resignations and major vaccine policy changes: Timeline of turmoil at CDC – ABC News

CDC left leaderless after new Director Dr. Susan Monarez is ousted and other key officials follow

 Purge At CDC Has Major Implications For Agency And Public Health

As the pendulum continues to swing, what has not stopped me is reading.  As a voracious reader, I decided to go back into my library and re-read a book called “Limitless Expanded Edition by Jim Kwik.  Knowing that Jim Kwik’s first edition of Limitless was so powerful, it caused me to re-read his second book, Limitless Expanded Edition.

In both books, the theme is the same.  It’s all about being exceptional and unlocking your superpowers.  It’s about changing our Mindset, Motivation, and Methods and creating unstoppable Momentum, the “4 M’s.”

In Jim Kwik’s expanded edition, he added four new chapters, which I wanted to reacquaint myself with again:  How to harness A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) to boost H.I. (Human Intelligence).

The latest breakthroughs in nootropics and nutrition to enhance cognitive performance.

Limitless at Work–tools to adapt and thrive, whether you’re fully remote, embracing the hybrid model, or resuming the traditional office setting.

A self-assessment to crack your “brain animal” code.

Now, when I look at the grandfather clock’s pendulum swinging back and forth, there’s a sense of knowing what I have done in my life that has advanced me forward.

What I’ve learned is to try to eliminate those Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) described in Limitless that pushed me backwards.   Mainly, it’s because we all should want to focus on the positive and not the negative.

As we pick and choose how we spend our time depending on the swing of the pendulum, there is a digital deluge of information that can distract us.

Information Overload: Drowning in Data: Confronting Information Overload in Today s Media – FasterCapital

We see it all the time, watching people on their phones constantly.

Sometimes, we must set reminders in advance in order to stay on task without having pop-ups on our phones or computers that can take us off task by scrolling the Internet.

A little over four years ago, when I first read Limitless by Jim Kwik, it was during a period in my life where many came to understand the interruption of time, watching the swing of the pendulum during the pandemic.  In my case, seeing my father in the state of Hospice, knowing his time was running out.

Today, not only do we see the loss of life of family and friends, but we also see how the swinging of the pendulum has cut short the lives of those who were in our lives for a specific season.

Yet, many of us take our friendships for granted, and before we know it, the pendulum has stopped, or their lives of those we love are no longer with us.

As I looked at quotes on being a better person, I came across 140-plus quotes on being a better person.

Here’s one from “Be A Better Person Quotes.”

“Being better starts where you are, transforms who you are, and shapes who you’ll become.”

140+ Be A Better Person Quotes – Quotes

Today, I challenge you to think about all the various shifts of time in your life that have made you a better person.

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Waiting

Allow me to ask you a basic question: When you hear or see the word “waiting,” what thoughts populate your mind?

Maybe it’s an opportunity to act on something that you have been waiting a long time to do?

It could be waiting on clothes to dry in the dryer; the bathroom to open up for you to use it; dinner to be served; your car to be serviced at the dealership; someone who owes you an apology for their wrongdoing; or even the traffic light to change from red to green so that you can get to your next destination.

For me, I’ve been waiting for the Farmer to harvest the corn fields that were drying up and turning brown for over a month.

Yesterday, as I passed by several of them, the fields were now cut, and the corn for whatever purpose has been prepared for harvesting.

I’m aware that the Farmer’s Almanac plays an important role when they plant the corn, and can only assume it’s the same when they clear the fields.

Farmers’ Almanac – Plan Your Day. Grow Your Life. – Weather, Gardening, Fishing, Full Moons

Every field looked like it was a dust field that had been out so long, and it was bone dry when the plows cut it.

In life, you and I are always waiting for something to happen.

I’m quite sure growing up, we were told or heard the phrase “The early bird gets the worm.”

Nowadays, waiting can cost you time and resources, because if you are thinking about something, so is someone else.

Although I’m not a farmer, for someone who passes both corn fields and cotton fields every day, it makes you want to think about how long before the fields are going to stay planted?

We also wait for news to happen, as last week we waited patiently for the person who killed Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist, who was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, during an event at Utah Valley University.  Many of us knew it was a matter of time before authorities who were actively pursuing leads to identify his killer.  It didn’t take long.

Many of our teenagers wait for the magic number of turning 21 as they are considered adults, and parents wait to break the preverbal plate that they are now on their own.

So, what is it about waiting that intrigues you?

During my time working for the Government, we waited for the fiscal year to end and the new one to begin, as new pots of money are ready to be spent.

We recently waited to see if the Government is going to be shut down when Congress returned to work after the Labor Day holiday.  Today, we’re 15 days left in the month before it faces a potential partial government shutdown on October 1, 2025, as we wait for Congress to agree on new funding legislation.

Congress returns from recess as government shutdown deadline looms

Because I’ve been on the receiving end too many times when the budget wasn’t approved in time, I can only imagine the stress various families are experiencing with no other income should this go beyond the September 30, 2025, deadline.

Lastly, waiting for others is always a challenge, especially when you are not in the driver’s seat.

Why It’s Such a Bad Idea to Keep Someone Waiting | Psychology Today

Today, I challenge you to think about what you are waiting for today and how it will affect you later in life.

“If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.” ~ Lemony Snicket.

“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.” ~ Abraham Lincoln.

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

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How to Find the Best Public Speakers in Alabama for Your Next Event

Planning an event—whether it’s a corporate conference, a university lecture series, or a community celebration—requires careful thought about one key element: the speaker. The right speaker has the power to captivate your audience, inspire new ideas, and ensure your event is remembered long after the lights dim. Choosing a speaker isn’t just about filling a slot on the agenda; it’s about finding someone who aligns with your goals and resonates with your attendees. If you’re in Alabama and seeking remarkable voices to elevate your event, the process of finding the right professional is simpler than you might think.

Know What Your Audience Needs

Every event has a unique audience, and understanding what they expect is the first step to selecting the perfect speaker. Are you hosting business professionals who want practical insights into leadership and innovation? Do you need to motivate a group of students to embrace personal growth and resilience? Or perhaps your audience is made up of community leaders eager for strategies to create positive change.

When you clearly define your audience’s needs, you create a framework for evaluating potential speakers. Look for individuals who have expertise in the topics your audience cares about, and who can deliver that content in a way that is both engaging and memorable.

The Value of Local Expertise

When planning events in Alabama, it makes sense to prioritize speakers who understand the local culture and challenges. A professional with regional experience can build instant rapport with attendees and deliver insights that feel relevant and relatable. That’s why working with a trusted provider of Best Public Speakers in Alabama gives you access to individuals who not only deliver powerful presentations but also connect authentically with audiences in your state.

Look for Versatility and Impact

The best speakers bring versatility to the stage. They can adapt their message for different audience sizes, from intimate boardroom gatherings to packed auditoriums. More importantly, they know how to create an emotional connection—whether through storytelling, humor, or actionable advice.

A strong reputation matters too. Providers of the Best Public Speakers in Alabama often showcase testimonials, case studies, or videos of past events. Reviewing these materials allows you to see how speakers interact with audiences, gauge their energy level, and determine whether their style aligns with your vision.

Match Speaker Expertise to Your Event Goals

A great event isn’t just entertaining—it delivers measurable value. That’s why your speaker should align with the purpose of your gathering. For instance:

• Corporate Events: Choose speakers with backgrounds in leadership, innovation, or employee engagement. They’ll inspire productivity and help align your team’s vision.
• Educational Institutions: Look for speakers who specialize in motivation, resilience, and personal development. They can encourage students to dream bigger and push boundaries.
• Nonprofit & Community Events: Seek out thought leaders who champion social change, inclusivity, and empowerment, ensuring your audience leaves with both inspiration and actionable ideas.

Working with a provider specializing in the Best Public Speakers in Alabama ensures that every recommendation is tailored to your specific goals, saving you time and eliminating guesswork.

Benefits of Partnering with a Professional Provider

One of the challenges of booking a speaker independently is the uncertainty: Will they show up on time? Can they keep an audience engaged for an hour? Are they truly experts in their field? Partnering with a professional provider takes the stress out of the process.

A reliable provider offers:

• Curated Options: Only the most credible, impactful speakers are recommended.
• End-to-End Support: From initial consultation to post-event follow-up, you get a seamless experience.
• Customization: Speakers are matched to your event’s theme, size, and objectives.
• Peace of Mind: You can focus on running the event while experts handle the speaker details.

Tips for a Successful Booking

To make the most of your experience, follow these practical steps:

1. Start Early: Popular speakers often book months in advance. Contact your provider as soon as you have a confirmed date.
2. Share Event Details: Be clear about your audience, goals, and budget so the provider can recommend the right fit.
3. Review Content in Advance: Ask for outlines or topics to ensure alignment with your theme.
4. Promote the Speaker: Use their name, bio, and credentials in your event marketing to build excitement.
5. Prepare Your Audience: Encourage participants to come with questions or expectations to make the session interactive.

Make Your Next Event Unforgettable

Finding the right speaker doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right partner, you can connect with professionals who bring expertise, energy, and impact to your event. Whether you’re planning a corporate seminar, a school assembly, or a large-scale conference, the right voice can inspire your audience and set the tone for lasting success.

Don’t leave this crucial detail to chance—work with a trusted provider who understands what makes events thrive. Your audience deserves more than just a presentation; they deserve an unforgettable experience.

Blog source: https://mckinleysthought.wordpress.com/2025/09/04/how-to-find-the-best-public-speakers-in-alabama-for-your-next-event/

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Incomprehensible

Welcome to the first day of September, as August is now behind us.

There’s a quote by Albert Einstein that says, “The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is all comprehensible.”

This past Wednesday, on August 27, 2025, it was Incomprehensible that I could not believe after seeing the news on television.

It was another Church shooting and hate crime since June 17, 2015.  My mind raced back to the last one in Charleston, South Carolina, where nine people were killed during a Bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest black church in the Southern United States.

This one was in Minneapolis, where Mass was underway Wednesday morning to mark the beginning of the academic year at Annunciation Catholic School, when bullets started to come through the glass.

The shooter killed two students and wounded more than a dozen other people, and then took his own life.

Annunciation Catholic Church holds first Mass since deadly Minneapolis school shooting

It was another active shooter incident, killing innocent people attending Mass at a Catholic Church.

We continue to hear of incidents involving active shooters; however, it’s incomprehensible in my mind to kill children attending Mass.

Today, we can’t or won’t even try to second-guess why the shooter chose young children, because dead men tell no stories except the journals they leave behind.

When you and I think of a church, it’s a sacred place, which many thought, me included, was incomprehensible, yet this past week killing children in a Church tops it all.

Yes, it’s a cowardly act that leaves us speechless.

My heart goes out to all the families sending them condolences who lost their child in this senseless shooting.  Having sat in the pews observing and participating in Mass while the children attending our local Catholic school exercise their faith, this incomprehensible act I know, has now left these children wondering about their safety attending Mass.

Something else incomprehensible is the untimely death of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, who tragically passed away due to drowning while swimming with his 8-year-old daughter. Many of us grew up watching him on the Cosby Show.

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Official Cause Of Death Revealed – Inckredible

What is also incomprehensible is how our nation continues to remain divided by the use of power, as seen recently in the United States by our current sitting President.

That use of power has revoked the Secret Service for Kamala Harris and deployed National Guardsmen as Military Power in Chicago and Baltimore.

Trump revokes Secret Service protection for Kamala Harris

Trump’s threat to deploy troops to Chicago draws criticism from city, state officials

Illinois Gov. Pritzker says sending troops to Chicago would be an “invasion”

Understanding that those in uniform must obey the orders of their   Commander in Chief, however, one would expect the leaders around President Trump would give him sound counsel and advice.

In the past eight months, we have learned too many lessons on what America has been through since the inauguration in 2025.  Eight months ago, we saw the implementation of long-threatened tariffs, which have plunged the country into trade wars abroad.  We have nearly 10% of the federal workforce being forced out, and now an increase in the number of deportations of undocumented immigrants, with Immigration judges and lawyers being targeted for following established procedures.

‘Valid fear’: Immigration judges, lawyers say they’re being targeted by Trump administration

Something else that was incomprehensible was the Metro train rider in D.C who tried to take the weapon of a Guardsman this past Friday.  Luckily, there were no fatalities in this incident.

Trump’s DC chaos continues as Metro train rider tries to grab National Guard soldier’s gun – Raw Story

I’m not second-guessing the president; however, anytime you place weapons in the hands of Military personnel, then you are expecting to use them at some point.

As we celebrate Labor Day, what was incomprehensible years ago was how sweatshops and child labor were common among businesses.

Today, we are reminded of when “child labor was outlawed under the Fair Labor Standards Act. They are a sobering reminder of why the nation marks Labor Day.”

The blood and sweat behind Labor Day | CNN

Now, as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is more known and used, we wait and see what jobs AI will replace during this Labor Day, as AI is incorporated into businesses.

What Jobs Will AI Replace? | Built In

Today, as you start your week, I challenge you to think about all the “incomprehensible” things that have happened just in the past three months while counting your blessings in the process.

Remember, “The most incomprehensible thing about the world is that it is all comprehensible.” ~ Albert Einstein

“What Einstein meant when he said this was that this world or universe is not easy to understand or readily comprehensible, but it has been understood over a period of time and will be understood as time passes.”

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

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