Interruptions

Today, my thoughts stem from listening to a recent homily this past weekend and reflecting on the fact that life is short.

Many times, in life, our train of thought gets interrupted by not being mindful of our current situation, or we are distracted and frustrated about something that has happened to us.

On Saturday evening, I learned of the recent death of a Parishioner who passed away after seeing him at Mass the previous week.

Ironically, I’m also celebrating a heavenly anniversary this past week by celebrating the life of my father, who died five years ago on November 11, 2020, at the age of 93 years old.

When the Pastor spoke about interruptions, all kinds of thoughts flooded my mind.

One thought was hours before Mass this weekend, members of the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary were assembled for a meeting with the Bishop of the Birmingham Diocese.  Unfortunately, at the end of the meeting, I had to interrupt conversations to get everyone’s attention in taking a group picture with his excellency.

I could physically see the frustration or facial expression while this was happening.

In another incident, of course, we had in the United States an interruption for 43 days with the Government shutdown.  We already know the Government shutdown caused stress on families, not knowing when it would end or if they were going to receive back pay.

We experience or experience interruptions when our Internet goes out at the most inopportune time in our Zoom Meetings. At least that’s how I see it.

I depend on the Internet, and when it’s not working, there is an interruption to my daily routine.

We have Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) that are supposed to hold up from power being interrupted but sometimes fail in the process.

We have people in our lives who fail to properly plan, causing us to react to their plans at the last minute.

These are the people who like to work in crisis management mode and are most likely to be reactive instead of being proactive.  The one who has never read “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” By Stephen R. Covey and doesn’t operate in quadrant two. They don’t understand the principles of “Put first things first.”

Covey talks about what is important versus what is urgent. Priority should be given in the following order:

• Quadrant I. Urgent and important (Do) – important deadlines and crises
• Quadrant II. Not urgent but important (Plan) – long-term development
• Quadrant III. Urgent but not important (Delegate) – distractions with deadlines
• Quadrant IV. Not urgent and not important (Eliminate) – frivolous distractions

“The order is important, says Covey: after completing items in quadrant I, people should spend the majority of their time on II, but many people spend too much time in III and IV. The calls to delegate and eliminate are reminders of their relative priority.”

You can also refer to this “The Eisenhower Matrix.”

The Eisenhower Matrix: How to Prioritize Your To-Do List [2025] • Asana

Overall, when I heard the homily, it hit home with all the interruptions in my life that I’ve dealt with over time.

What about your interruptions with people who sometimes just don’t get it?

Sometimes we get sleep interruptions, whereas we can’t go back to sleep, or our sleep cycles are broken.

I know that with the recent change of daylight savings time that took place on November 2, 2025, my circadian rhythm was interrupted.  I was interrupted with the clocks falling back an hour as I reset my internal clock for changes in guiding me back to sleep and waking up.

There are various schedule interruptions that we must contend with each day.

There are various health challenges that are part of aging and getting older.

There are various car challenges depending on your favorite automaker, as recalls are always happening.

Today, my question is what interruptions you are facing in life. Granted, there will be unpleasant things and circumstances may cause interruptions and delays, but never lose sight of your goal.

“Circumstances may cause interruptions and delays but never lose sight of your goal. Prepare yourself in every way you can by increasing your knowledge and adding to your experience, so that you can make the most of opportunity when it occurs.”  Mario Andretti

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

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Seeing it Through

Today, my thoughts are with all the people who had a vision and pursued it.

They listen to their hearts, spend time reflecting, and adjusting to the world around them as others watch.

Some call it fortitude and others may call it following their purpose in life.

This week many of us are celebrating Veterans Day, myself included as one who answered the call, seeing it through for 30 years.

As parents we see things through for our children ensuring that we do our best in giving them the things required and not just the things they want.

The military service has allowed plenty of great things to happen for me so that I could see things through for my family.

I’m currently in the role of caregiver for my wife.  I have found it humbling to see it through that others may have a quality of life they desire.

Every day each of us wakes up to see different things through to live a life worth living.

We age and sometimes we need a reality check to keep us grounded in seeing it through the next day.  We take our medicine, go to the doctors, and adjust our diets accordingly.

Another aspect of seeing it through for me was that this past weekend, I had the opportunity to host a specific Mass for Zone 4 (Gulf Coast District) Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary.

It’s seeing it through where believers in the grace of God, came together on November 8, 2025, for one purpose: honoring those Knights and Ladies who paved the way, keeping their light shining for others to see. It was our Annual Mass of the Deceased held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Huntsville, AL.

Everyone that was part of the committee had to see it through in order to make the program a success, which it was.

As I prepared to close my eyes at the end of day before going to sleep that evening, I wrote in my journal and reflected how grateful I was for God’s Grace allowing me to see it through.

This morning, my thoughts and prayers continue to go out for those who are affected by the Government shutdown that are not as fortunate as I am.

We continue to see the impacts when politicians in Washington fail to fund the government.  We now have to live with the consequences which have spread far beyond the Capitol.

Yesterday, was the 40th day, signaling the U.S. government shutdown reaching the longest in U.S. history.

What does that say about seeing it through for the American People.

I’ve often said that history seems to repeat itself yet, each year we continue to forget the past.

Many were already aware of those who would be affected before the government shutdown that were living from paycheck to check and now still missing a paycheck to support their families.

Today we have families standing in line due to the government shutdown.

I’m wondering how many families with the ongoing government shutdown are making decisions or have made decisions that forced families to skip meals amid delays in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits with them missing multiple paychecks over the last 40 days.

What impressed me was early on during the government shutdown agencies like USAA and Wells Fargo sent me messages checking to ensure that I was okay as a part of seeing it through.

I’m sure there are other organizations that have done the same for you.

In a little more than 17 days we will celebrate Thanksgiving Day, and it’s my prayer that government shutdown will be over.

As mentioned, every day we have opportunities to see things through and follow our purpose.

Today, my question is what are you seeing through in following your purpose in life?  See (something) through “To continue working on or engaging in something until it is completed or concluded.”

In the book: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini he say’s “You see, some things I can teach you. Some you learn from books. But there are things that, well, you have to see and feel.”

“Seek and see all the marvels around you. You will get tired of looking at yourself alone, and that fatigue will make you deaf and blind to everything else. – Don Juan”

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/seeing-it-through/

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Why Hiring Motivational Speakers in Madison, AL Can Elevate Your Next Event

When you’re planning a high-impact event—whether it’s a corporate retreat, a school assembly, or a nonprofit kickoff—the right voice on-stage can make all the difference. Choosing a speaker who not only resonates with your audience but also sparks energy and action is key. If you’re located in or near Madison, Alabama, here's why hiring Motivational Speakers in Madison, AL can elevate your next event and deliver real results.

Local Presence, Regional Relevance

Hosting an event in Madison, Alabama and nearby areas means your audience shares common cultural references, community challenges, and aspirations. By engaging Motivational Speakers in Madison, AL, you tap into this local understanding. These speakers know the regional context—what motivates teams in this locale, how local businesses operate, and the types of leadership dynamics that matter here. This relevance makes your message land stronger, bridging the gap between “generic inspiration” and “actionable, relatable motivation.”

Tailored Messages That Hit Home

Generic keynote speeches can feel disconnected. When you select Motivational Speakers in Madison, AL, you gain access to professionals who specialise in customizing their message to align with local audience needs—whether it’s Alabama-based corporations, schools around Huntsville/Madison, or regional associations. They craft the narrative so it speaks directly to your company’s culture, your team’s goals, and your event’s outcome. That tailored approach means the message doesn’t just land—it sticks.

Energy and Momentum for Your Audience

One speaker can shift an entire room’s mindset. With the right motivator at the helm, attendees move from passive listening to active engagement. Our selected speakers emphasise momentum—igniting teams, boosting morale, and inspiring forward motion. When you bring in Motivational Speakers in Madison, AL, you’re not just filling a slot in the schedule—you’re creating a moment that turns into lasting momentum for your organisation.

Strategic Investment in Your Event’s Success

Let’s face it—events are investments: time, budget, brand reputation. Using a local speaker means less logistical complexity (travel, accommodation) and often better value. It also means these speakers may have past experience working in Alabama’s corporate, educational, or nonprofit sectors—so you get a mix of practical know-how and inspiration. With some research, you’ll find that local speakers not only uplift the room but provide return on investment through improved engagement, stronger take-aways, and actionable take-home insights.

Seamless Booking and Local Support

Working with regional professionals simplifies coordination. They understand venue dynamics around Madison, AL, know how to engage local audiences, and often have experience with a variety of event formats—from breakout sessions to full keynote talks. When you book Motivational Speakers in Madison, AL, you gain a partner who aligns with your timeline, understands the local workforce culture, and can even adapt on-site if needed. At this level of support, your event planning agency role is easier and your event delivery smoother.

Impact Beyond the Stage

The goal of any motivational engagement isn’t just applause—it’s action. Speakers who are selected carefully can provide follow-up tools: worksheets, discussion guides, team activities, or digital resources. This means the inspiration doesn’t end when the mic is turned off. Because the speakers know this region’s businesses and workforce environment, they can suggest practical steps your team can take the next day—and the week after. This helps transform an event from “memorable” to “meaningful”.

Why Choose Our Team for Your Next Event

We specialise in supporting organisations across the Madison, AL region—corporations, schools, associations—that seek not just a speaker, but a catalyst for change. We vet and match keynote presenters who deliver engagement, insight and transformation. From pre-event consultation through post-session follow-up, our full-service approach ensures your event is aligned, on-brand, and results-oriented. When you engage us, you choose a partner committed to raising the bar for your audience—ensuring your event doesn’t simply happen, but excels.

In today’s fast-moving environment, standing out means doing more than gathering people in a room—it means moving them. By choosing the right speaker—one who truly connects and inspires—you elevate your event from good to exceptional. Ready to bring that spark? Contact us today and let’s plan an experience your audience won’t forget.

Blog source: https://mckinleysthought.wordpress.com/2025/11/12/why-hiring-motivational-speakers-in-madison-al-can-elevate-your-next-event/

 

 

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Colors

Today, as we begin this first full week of November 2025, my eyes are seeing various colors.

One of the first things I see are the trees in my neighborhood changing colors.  I’m reminded of the beauty that continues to play in my mind when I was traveling through Upper New York State in the early 90s.  It was all the scenic routes through the Palisades scenic byways, scenic roads and scenic parkways seeing the fall foliage.

This year it’s the bright pink and red azaleas in my yard which are in full bloom the second time lining my walkway to my home.  Not to mention the big red tree across from my house and my neighbor’s red mums in his yard lining the entrance to his front door.

Each of us sees colors in a different way each day.  I see nature’s beauty unfolding, just as we set our clocks back for an hour for daylight saving time for the fall this past weekend.

Maybe it’s also the colorful words we hear others speak, or maybe it your reminder of the book or movie like the “Fifty Shades of Gray.”   For me, it’s those old black and white movies that once were popular, or even the colors of the leaves turning brown as winter begins to set in.

As I thought about the topic today, I also thought about how boring it would be if we didn’t have a pop of color in our lives.

I’m thinking also about the clothes we wear, the shoes we pick out for our outfits and the color of our hair as a starting point.

I’m one that doesn’t believe in dying my hair.  Although, I do get subtle reminders from my spouse who continues to remind me how gray I’m becoming.

Although those remarks don’t take away from how I am, it’s a fact that gray-haired people have wisdom, at least that’s my story.

What’s yours?

We also hear others talk about the colorful lives they have led or are living.

Yes, today color has different connotations for many people.

If you have ever been to the Augusta National specially “Amen Corner” (It’s one that I’ve had opportunity five times to visit) there you would have witnessed the greenest grass ever in my opinion.  It’s a golf course where the “Masters” is played where every single part of the immaculate golf course, is kept green.

As many of us are preparing for our yards to go dormant and brown; I’m enjoying my own “Amen Corner” while it lasts before the winter weather begins it freeze for the year.

As you and I walk through the various department stores, the colors orange and black is being replaced with red and green preparing us for the coming of Christmas.

We also know that it wasn’t long ago when we recently closed out Labor Day where the color of white pants used to be a common thing to stop wearing once it happened.

Many of us are also very accustomed to the phrase or color of a Blue-Collar Worker and White-Collar Worker, which we don’t hear about these days.

We even have the color associated with our foods, such as swamp soup, how we want our steaks cooked (pink or red), and the colors of our vegetables.

I’m also aware that we must be aware of our surroundings, because everyone doesn’t always look like me and I must be comfortable in my own skin.

I can thank my parents for that because we grew up for the most part not worrying about the color of someone’s skin.

Of course, those of age can remember “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” The movie I’m speaking of happened in 1967 featuring Sidney Poitier, and Katharine Hepburn, and features Hepburn’s niece Katharine Houghton.

Today, this classic movie is one that many of our youth have no idea about.

However, movies like “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” Is a trigger and a reminder of our past and where we are today.

Although we witness today plenty of interracial marriages in the United States, many are still being judged in my opinion for those that marry outside of their race.

Therefore, the color of love has various colors.

You may not be aware that: “The presence of 11 million interracial married couples nationwide represents a substantial population that continues to challenge traditional racial categories and cultural boundaries.”

https://www.theglobalstatistics.com/interracial-marriage-statistics/

The United States has come a long way, but not so much in my opinion with the Republicans being “Red’ and Democrats being “Blue” as we have continued to see in 2025.

Therefore, when you think about the word color it can have a different connotation all together in various categories.

I’m not one to judge you or whether you want to pass judgement on someone else, because for some of us we are hardwire to a specific belief based on how we were raised.  We must experience it for ourselves to understand the dynamics of rewiring those beliefs.

Spending 30 years in the uniform was part of my rewiring wearing green everyday allowed me to have a different perspective of color, because certain things were not openly allowed.

Today, there is a different standard anytime I see or hear the words Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion which is not being honored or as they say rolling it back.

How corporate America got DEI wrong : NPR

Today I challenge you to think about how you are wired and how you see colors.   As you dawn your rose-colored lenses think about all the colors that may be blocking what you are really seeing and feeling.

I agree with Dolly Parton “When someone shows you their true colors, believe them.”

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

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