Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Sole Searching



Running shoes, high heels, flats, sandals, golf spikes, strappy shoes, flip flops, going out shoes, peep toes and much more. My excuse for rarely posting in the last few months; sole searching. Ironically, each shoe in my currently messy closest represents the many roles and personalities I wear in life. In my self reflection and discovery in the last 90 days I wear one shoe all the time. Even when I change shoes, just like Mr. Rogers, I am still mentally wearing that same darn pair. And the Oscar goes to...the black high heel. All business, all the time.


How many of you own a GPS. We have two in Keeneville. Love that thing. But how about the times you know for a fact you have taken the right turn but the silly machine says, "recalculating, recalculating." Frustrating--frustrating. Last week, while driving in one of my deep moments of thinking it hit me. What about your INTERNAL GPS? Sometimes don't you ever wonder, "how in the world did I get here?" Often we may think we have missed the exit or maybe drove to far, but truthfully we are right on pace. Mile marker 34 for this Nike lover says its been all uphill for the last few months. I am just gonna keep on driving, petal to the metal style.

If you hear that voice in your head saying "recalculating" just slow down and refocus. Maybe your soul just needs to pull off to a rest area. Fill that gas tank again. (Andrea--this is the little voice inside your head saying--take a vacation!) You may not know what your purpose is right now. That’s OK. I have to remind myself of that often. The important thing is to make it your life mission to find it, live it and share it. To help find your passion, seek out experiences that allow you to use your strengths and gifts. If you DO hear the "recalculating" voice over and over again; quit for the right reasons. Don't quit because work is hard or you're experiencing challenges. Quit because in your heart you know there is something else for you to do. Quit because you are not benefiting yourself or the organization you work for. Quit because you are absolutely certain you are no longer supposed to be there. The quest for your purpose is not a straight line. It is filled with mystery, signs, obstacles, victories, dead ends, delays and detours. Your job is to stay optimistic and faithful on your quest.

The last question to be answered on this stormy night is, what shoes will you wear to get there? I need to do a better job mixing that black high heel of business with Dorothy's ruby slippers. There IS no place like home or the 3 boys that live in it on West Adams. The seriousness of my career often has a trickle effect over to my fun-o-meter. I need to make myself mentally toss the black heels of business in the back seat this upcoming 3 day weekend. (exhale and BIG deep breath) Stop the press, I just might go barefoot!

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Bigger Is Better


Time flies when your having fun, but what about when things aren't so rosey? Hours can feel like days and days like weeks. Its funny how goals we want, may not always be the plan God has. Let me clarify, I didn't say not Gods plan, just not the plan-- right now.

I vividly remember living in Mississippi feeling broken. God had a plan, and the plan was even better than I had anticipated.

I remind myself of a time about 8 years ago the Keene's wanted a certain coaching job beyond words. It did not work out. God had a plan, and the plan was even better than we had anticipated.

I can also remember a couple who really wanted this certain home. It did not work out. God had a plan, and the plan was even better than we had anticipated.

I can also remember getting a certain phone call that caused me to re-evaluate my pharmaceutical career. I was devastated. God had a plan, and the plan was even better than we had anticipated.

I am sure you are getting my point by now. We often think in our earthly minds that the perfect opportunity is being presented. Guess what? The perfect opportunity that is being supernaturally formulated is greater than we ever anticipated. So, in light of my positive attitude, I have declared myself LEADER and Grand Pooba of the Coach Keene Training Camp for the positive thinking. Knowing how Keene's like to get the most out of everyday and every minute, I may demand two-a-day mental workouts. Listed below are the down and backs I am going to push Coach Keene to ponder in the next few weeks as he sets his sights even more focused on his goals.

1-When you face a setback, think of it as a defining moment that will lead to future accomplishments...

2-When you encounter adversity, remember, the best don't just face adversity; they embrace it...

3-Know the key to life is staying positive

4-When you face naysayers, remember the people who believed in you and spoke positive words

5-Tune out critics

6-Take a morning walk of gratitude and prayer

7-When you fear, trust

8-When you fail, find the lesson and move on

9-When you head into battle--visualize success

10-Stop thinking about the past or worrying about the future. The NOW is the power

11-When you want to complain, identify a solution

12-Don't let self doubt crowd your mind

13-When you feel distracted, focus on your breathing, observe your surroundings and clear your mind

14-God makes all things possible

15-When you feel alone, think of all the people who have supported you along the way

16-When you feel lost, pray for guidance

17-Finish Strong

18-You can do ALL things through Christ that strengths us

19-Focus on what you can control

20-When you are in a high pressure situation and the game is one the line, and everyone is watching you, remember to smile, have fun and enjoy it. List is short; you only live once. Seize your moments

I am going to rap this Zig Ziglar speech up with a big CONGRATS on the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year award. You give 100% 365 days of the year. I wish the media could spend a year with you to showcase how you spend your time. (On a sidebar--Can you imagine a Keene reality show? That would be scary! Justice would have to be censored, daily...)Everything you do, everything you touch, everything you own, everything you stand for is a class act. You do it with style, everyday. Don't ever let the naysayers take you down. You have to many people on your spirit wagon to ever let them steal your joy. Chin up. Remember, God's plan is better than we have ever anticipated. That's a promise!