Monday, September 1, 2014
One Question
The memo is in---If your tired and you know it clap your hands. (clap, clap)
Admitting that I hate the direction of where my life is heading would have broken that secret pact I had made with myself somewhere between 25 and 30 that said: NEVER show vulnerability or weakness. Soul searching the last six months
have concluded, I have sacrificed myself and my well-being for who I thought I should be; hiding my edges, my truth, my uniqueness. Somewhere, in the middle of chaos, I had lost myself while trying to please the world. I can no longer deny the shittiness that my life has become, the obvious imbalances, the denial of my femininity and softness, the pain I am feeling on the inside. For the record, no, I'm not having marriage problems. I am having an identity crisis.
As I type, my kids are both sitting on the couch watching a movie. They deserve to get my best; all the time. On a normal day of rushing to school and rushing home and rushing to make dinner and rushing to clean up and rushing the get ready for the next day--they are changing. It's going fast. I'm to busy being a slave to the chimes of my phone to look up and realize. That feeling sucks. It makes me angry. Like punch someone in the face angry. My dad was always a slave to his job, I guess I thought that was normal. I see where that's got him 40 years later. (no, disrespect to my dad--just working for the man) At 37 3/4 I declare I don't want that to be my normal anymore! On a side bar--the kids are now on both side of me with their blankets. I'm elbow to elbow in our small blue chair and I can hardly type; and I could care less. We all just want to be close. Close makes us feel safe. I long for a safe feeling in this three hundred mile per hour world I seem to be directing. Listen up everyone, my bucket is empty. Not my monkeys, not my circus--stay away.
I've interviewed for six new careers in the last six months--ironically---got them all. Each interview has lasted 2-4 hours. I have enjoyed the experiences. Kinda weird, can I be a professional interviewer? I've met some really cool executives. Evidently, in the middle of my killer black suit and brag book, none of these careers felt right. What the hell am I searching for? What did I want to GET? BOOM---right there---it hit me.
I think the real question to answer is, "What do I want to give?" Just a few small requests----Soul healing. A fair and safe, warm, beautiful environment for others. Reflection. Deep experiences. Aha-moments. Gratitude. Balance. Centeredness. A happy body that hosts a sharp mind. My whole authentic self. Love.---Ya know, just your basic wants, right? I think these answers are changing my path; my life. Now What? That's the new question to ponder for the next six months.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Picasso Keene
On our way to school today I realized Coach put my windshield wipers on backwards. I said to Cameron in the back seat,"oh Cam, dad tries so hard to be handy, but it's just not his thing." In the most serious look Cameron lets out a big grin and says,"but he sure is handsome!"
P.S. This is Cameron's self portrait. Pretty good, if I say so myself!
Launch Team
Spring 2014, I was honored to be selected to be a part of Jon Gordon's launch team for his new book, The Carpenter. He chose a select few to read a pre-released book and formulate a review. The book was life changing. I am a huge Jon Gordon fan. I own most of his books. I show his video clips in my morning management huddle quite often. I think Jon Gordon is a class act. I also think Jon Gordon proves, just your average normal guy, can create extraordinary results.
Here is a short teaser for the book--
Michael wakes up in the hospital with a bandage on his head and fear in his heart. The stress of building a growing business, with his wife Sarah, caused him to collapse while on a morning jog. When Michael finds out the man who saved his life is a Carpenter he visits him and quickly learns that he is more than just a Carpenter; he is also a builder of lives, careers, people, and teams.
As the Carpenter shares his wisdom, Michael attempts to save his business in the face of adversity, rejection, fear, and failure. Along the way he learns that there's no such thing as an overnight success but there are timeless principles to help you stand out, excel, and make an impact on people and the world.
Drawing upon his work with countless leaders, sales people, professional and college sports teams, non-profit organizations and schools, Jon Gordon shares an entertaining and enlightening story that will inspire you to build a better life, career, and team with the greatest success strategies of all.
If you are ready to create your masterpiece, read The Carpenter and begin the building process today.
3rd Grade Or Bust
First week of school is in the books. Justice has been pumped! He picked out all ESPN folder and notebooks. Not to mention his new, super cool, ESPN mug. What eight year old drinks hot tea before school and watches Sports Center? Just Justice...
This is the first year no tears were displayed when he pulled out of the driveway. We've came a long way baby. No, really. Do you remember when Justice cried the first six weeks of Kindergarten. Those terrible moments when Mrs. Clark would peel my sobbing five year old off my leg as mascara rolled down my cheeks. UGH--to this day I still get embarrassed when I see Mrs. Clark. Yep, I'm THAT mom. Anyhoo, ten years from this exact week I will be dropping that third grader pictured off at college. Mr. Time, please slow down. I asked Justice, "what do you think will be the best part of 3rd grade?" He replied, "I don't know----I sure hope the toilet paper is softer this year." His other big concern was wearing a suit and tie on picture day. "Justice--are you eight or eighty-eight." He replied, "Mom, all the best coaches wear a suit for their program picture." He's got a point.
Tuesday, August 26, 2014
TEAM KEENE: FAMILY, VALUES and LEADING PEOPLE
It’s never too late to start heading in the right direction. There is a valuable life lesson somewhere smack in the depth of tournament time. Survive and advance is not for the soft hearted. Winning is important to our family, but what brings us real joy is the experience of being fully engaged in whatever we are doing. It's not human nature to be great. It's human nature to survive, to be average and do what you have to do to get by. That is normal. When you have something good happen, it's the special people that can stay focused and keep paying attention to detail, working to get better and not be satisfied with what they have accomplished.
Keene’s are a coaching family. I am a former scholarship division one athlete and division one head golf coach. My husband is a former division three athlete and current high school coach. Our two boys, well they are honestly a blog of their own. In the summer they live on the golf course and in the winter they are gym rats; what can I say? Our passion runs deep for family, values and leading people.
Today while on a gum search, and a search for inspiration, I dug into my husband’s coaching bag. He’s superstitious. Always gum at tip off. I found an old email I sent him folded up. The paper was wrinkled. The corners were torn. Not to mention the once white paper was dingy. The email was dated February 19, 2011. The significance of the date was the sectional title game. In other words, we were David and the opponent was Goliath. This short note has multiple meanings. I was touched he had kept it. I was moved he has read it more times than one by the dirty prints left behind. I believe this letter showcases our commitment to being our best, not only as individuals, but as a team; Team Keene.
Coach Keene,
When tonight’s game starts--give it your best. The opportunities are there to be anything you want it to be. But wanting to be something isn’t enough; dreaming about it isn’t enough; thinking about it isn’t enough. You have to study for it, work for it, fight for it with all your might and all your heart and all your soul, because nobody is going to hand it to you.
Success does not come to you---you go to it. I am proud of your swagger, I am impressed with your leadership, I am intimidated in your will to win, and I am overcome by your love of the game. Passion makes every detail important. Tonight, take some time to enjoy the “small details” of everything you, as a coach, have overcome this year. Not to mention the success you have molded. It took years to get to this point. Now take it in, and evaluate where your heart tells you to go next on your journey…
Your biggest fan,
Mrs. Coach Keene
Hummmm, evaluate where your heart tell you to go next on your journey. My heart tells me to lead. My heart pushes people to be their best. My heart tells you the truth, even when it’s not the popular answer. My heart is inspired by others goals being met. My heart gets a rush from the journey to the sale. My heart cares about family. My heart is a coach, cheering from behind the bench. Behind the bench was where I was made to be. Does your team roster need a heart like mine?
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Mini Norman Dale
It should be no surprise our family loves the movie Hoosiers. Every year as the weather starts to turn cool, TNT has a Hoosier's marathons. As if that is not enough, we own the movie. Justice has watched it so many times he is constantly throwing out quotes randomly around the house. He does not fall far from the tree because Coach Keene has the movie memorized. "Don't get caught watching the paint dry Cam." "It okay, it's my assistant coach." "Coach stays, I stay." Seriously, the kid has a comment for most moments.
Justice loves Coach Sears. Coach Sears let Justice be the ball boy the first game of the season IF he produced five 100% on his spelling tests. Justice worked extra hard those weeks. Coach let Justice come into the locker room this past homecoming weekend. Ironically, we were playing IW. Its my understanding that Coach gave the pre-game speech and then asked Justice if he had anything to say. A Keene has rarely ever been at a loss for words so Justice walked to the front of the orange and black players suited up to play with confidence. Justice cleared his throat. "Don't worry about the size of the crowd. Don't worry about the fancy uniforms. It's Homecoming, lets Beat Illini West!" Justice pulled a mini Norman Dale. For those that don't know who Norman Dale is--he's the basketball coach of Hickory. When Hickory was in the locker room before tip off Coach Dale gave this exact speech.
Justice IS Norman Dale in his room. His room is set up just like a locker room. I constantly hear him giving those words of encouragement to his stuffed animals. No doubt in my mind Justice is on track to be a great leader someday. No doubt in my mind Hoosiers is one of the best movies ever made.
The Worrying Gene
Eyelash Causalities due to Stress--16
Number of People Who Have Noticed--2
Martha Moments this Week-17
Mary Moments-1
Justice is very aware. And by that word I mean a worrier. When he is outside he is constantly watching Cameron. Often correcting his every move. No matter how many times I tell Justice I'm watching; he still worries. Every night before bed we have to talk about what day it is tomorrow. He remains convinced, often to tears, he will not be able to control the circumstances of what is to come. I often just wish he would relax and play ball.
I know this behavior is crazy. I am the mother and he is seven. Doesn't mother know best? I must confess--He is just like me. I'm so sorry J-Man. Most days I think I can control my circumstances, even if it brings me to absolute tears. I come from a long line of worriers so it must be in his blood.
Speaking of worries--ugh, my beach body, Know anywhere a girl can get Botox, liposuction and a spray tan by Thursday? As I pack a few vacation essentials into my blue rolly bag--my big problem is myself. It amazing what stress will do to a middle aged mothers body. I can just look at something and gain five pounds. I've always struggled with my weight. And when a girl struggles with her body, everything mentally stuffers. I continue to tell myself God has a size six glorified body waiting for me someday in heaven. Unfortunately, this does not always ease my self conscientious mind. I have a great trainer/life coach. I feel like everything, and yes, I mean everything has got in our way of being physically fit in 2013. Thank God she is understanding. I probably would choke me by now. In a fateful kind of way I think we both help each other.
Speaking of fate--Had a lady at work stop in my office Friday. "Hey, thought you were on vacation?" No, next week. She kindly asked where were we going. After I indulged the conversation she left by saying, "hope your plane doesn't crash." Unbelievable. Were some people born in a barn when it comes to polite conversations. I wanted to scream OFF WITH HER HEAD, but I just smiled and said, "if its God's will." Worry number 3567 this week, my plane crashes. Once she planted this terrible seed into my ever so worrying mind I re-analyzed my will and said a prayer.
What does God say about worry? Worrying is the opposite of trusting God. I need to remember to be more like Mary and just sit at the feet of Jesus and pray. Not always an easy task for a controlling and urgent mother. (Philippians 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.)Now to spend my Sunday afternoon packing four people for two different directions---and to not worry.
Number of People Who Have Noticed--2
Martha Moments this Week-17
Mary Moments-1
Justice is very aware. And by that word I mean a worrier. When he is outside he is constantly watching Cameron. Often correcting his every move. No matter how many times I tell Justice I'm watching; he still worries. Every night before bed we have to talk about what day it is tomorrow. He remains convinced, often to tears, he will not be able to control the circumstances of what is to come. I often just wish he would relax and play ball.
I know this behavior is crazy. I am the mother and he is seven. Doesn't mother know best? I must confess--He is just like me. I'm so sorry J-Man. Most days I think I can control my circumstances, even if it brings me to absolute tears. I come from a long line of worriers so it must be in his blood.
Speaking of worries--ugh, my beach body, Know anywhere a girl can get Botox, liposuction and a spray tan by Thursday? As I pack a few vacation essentials into my blue rolly bag--my big problem is myself. It amazing what stress will do to a middle aged mothers body. I can just look at something and gain five pounds. I've always struggled with my weight. And when a girl struggles with her body, everything mentally stuffers. I continue to tell myself God has a size six glorified body waiting for me someday in heaven. Unfortunately, this does not always ease my self conscientious mind. I have a great trainer/life coach. I feel like everything, and yes, I mean everything has got in our way of being physically fit in 2013. Thank God she is understanding. I probably would choke me by now. In a fateful kind of way I think we both help each other.
Speaking of fate--Had a lady at work stop in my office Friday. "Hey, thought you were on vacation?" No, next week. She kindly asked where were we going. After I indulged the conversation she left by saying, "hope your plane doesn't crash." Unbelievable. Were some people born in a barn when it comes to polite conversations. I wanted to scream OFF WITH HER HEAD, but I just smiled and said, "if its God's will." Worry number 3567 this week, my plane crashes. Once she planted this terrible seed into my ever so worrying mind I re-analyzed my will and said a prayer.
What does God say about worry? Worrying is the opposite of trusting God. I need to remember to be more like Mary and just sit at the feet of Jesus and pray. Not always an easy task for a controlling and urgent mother. (Philippians 4:6-7 Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.)Now to spend my Sunday afternoon packing four people for two different directions---and to not worry.
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