The Pledge

You know kids, one of the things I've learned by letting more people know what's going on inside my head is that once you do people expect you to live up to what you've put out there. I've sort of learned on the fly here that using this knowledge as a burr under the saddle that is my life accelerates my growth. Where I used to piddle (piddle's a FUN word to say...) around on things that I was working on internally and hadn't publicly disclosed, it's become clear to me that if I make it wide spread knowledge that ???this is an area I'm working on getting better in???, you guys and girls let me know when I've missed the mark.

Thus becoming yet another source of motivation. The basic philosophy here being you sharpen me, I sharpen you, we encourage, lift up and motivate each other.

With this in mind I???d like to suggest a few things that we might all collectively work on . Hold still a minute would you. I need you to be my sharpening stone. In the new millennium and beyond here are just a few of the things you can look forward to from me. If you???d like, you can join me in reaching for greater success in any or all of these areas.

Let???s appreciate more of the things that tend to go unappreciated. The little things we take for granted. When was the last time you really stopped and considered the fact that there are people who have never ???seen??? and never will? When was the last time you were thankful for it? The gift of sight is no little thing. Is it?

Let???s be an example of what it is to be Christ like. Which do you think is better? To say with your lips that you subscribe to and follow the teachings and example of someone you admire, or to actually do it with your actions.

Let???s do more of the things that are worth doing, and less of the things that aren???t.

Let???s listen more often and more actively. It has been said that small people monopolize the talking while big people monopolize the listening. Let???s all be big people. As my grade school teachers constantly reminded me, it???s hard to learn while you???re talking. And of course we all know this whole thing is an exercise is in learning.

Let???s work during each day to be a better person at the end of the day than we were at the beginning. And while I???m on the subject, if this is not the case with each of us then what???s the point of going through the day?

Let???s all raise our standards so that we expect the best for and from ourselves and those that have been placed under our influence.

Like I said these are just a few things it might be good to focus on doing better. The list could go on and on. I was just thinking this might be a good time for some real personal evaluation. A time to get refocused on doing this thing better.

I thank you in advance for your help in sharpening me.

Thanks for listening.

Live some. Love some. Learn some. Everyday.

C...

Clyde Dennis, a.k.a. "Mr. How-To" has been writing and publishing Articles and Newsletters online since 1999. Clyde's company EASYHow-To Publications provides "How-To" information on How-To do, be or have just about anything one can imagine. For more information visit http://www.EASYHow-To.com. Email correspondence for Clyde should be sent to: cdennis@easyhow-to.com

Whose Decision

Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 5,... Read More

Four Words that Make Life Worthwhile

Over the years as I've sought out ideas, principles and... Read More

What Life is All About?

When we look at lives in any places in this... Read More

Say Thank You to the Cow for the Steak on Your Plate

Have you ever said thank-you to the cow that provided... Read More

Increase Awareness With One Simple Question

There are many ways we can increase our own personal... Read More

Win Your Own Lotto

When people talk about enrichment, they are usually thinking of... Read More

The Most Important Investment You Can Make For Your Old Age - And No, Its Not Money!

When I was twenty-two, I was befriended by a woman... Read More

The Road Not Taken

Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 24,... Read More

War, Disasters and All is Well

It is not very often that I have an issue... Read More

The Karate Kid

I have an unexpected relationship problem. It's hard to believe... Read More

Fear, Faith, and Believing vs. Knowing

Fear is deeply rooted in uncertainty. Think about it; the... Read More

Are We Ever Really Alone?

A new twist on a familiar quote - Chances are... Read More

Wow a Butterfly!

Okay, I am sure that you clicked on this title... Read More

The Fighting Father

This man is an Anglican priest but with a difference.... Read More

Michael Vick is Average

Michael Vick can do wonders on a football field, but... Read More

Who Are The Underminers?

How many of you had the experience growing up of... Read More

Heart

Direct Answers - Column for the week of May 24,... Read More

Game-Set-Match

Direct Answers - Column for the week of July 21,... Read More

For Old Times Sake

Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 19,... Read More

The Serpents Genesis 1 and 2

Not long after the beginning a being fell from the... Read More

Three Bricklayers

The story of the three bricklayers has been around for... Read More

Discover Your Passion

What are you passionate about? We didn't ask if you... Read More

Why Read Inspirational Quotes?

Maybe you've heard this one:"What does it profit a man... Read More

Giving Can Overcome Language Differences

I recently had to take a trip to Germany. It... Read More

Lifestyle Changes ? A Conscious Choice!

Are you ready for a change? Is it time for... Read More