Shelter from the Storm

A huge thank you to Dan R., you provided the fuel for this idea and this post.

There is a strange kind of madness in the air. I find it suffocating. But the positive is that it is forcing me to dig deeper and take action to guard against getting sucked in. I find myself having a higher degree of willingness to take actions that ensure protection from the madness. This includes a reduction exercise, reduce the time I'm digesting news and looking at social media.

So staying with the plan, focus on positive stuff, people and initiatives, that is the goal of Embark. The theme song for this project is Bob Dylan's 'Shelter from the Storm.'

'Twas in another lifetime, one of toil and blood
When blackness was a virtue and the road was full of mud
I came in from the wilderness, a creature void of form
"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm"

And if I pass this way again, you can rest assured
I'll always do my best for her, on that I give my word
In a world of steel eyed death and men who are fighting to be warm
"Come in," she said, "I'll give you shelter from the storm"

The STORM defined - The idea is that many of us are getting our asses kicked by one thing or another. Addictions, work stress, school stress, financial stress, illness, broken relationships, the list is huge. These are the STORMS.

There are people and organizations who are doing incredible things. Thank goodness these resources are available! They provide hope and a solution. Sometimes it can be hard to ask for help.

How it works - On the main page I will list resources. I will also add a link to the song...freaking great song!! If you are getting your ass kicked, check out some of the resources I list. Help and hope may be there.

Bob     https://binged.it/2kb4N0D

Bill Murray    https://binged.it/2kHnKuP 

Refreshing Stories Part3

Somebody left the tv on, while getting ready for the day I heard it in the background. I wasn't even trying to pay attention, My head was filing through the plans for the day, the mental 'to do' list.

Listening with a 1/3 of an ear the news was making it's way in. As I mentioned a few weeks ago and was reminded of again...it's so freaking negative. Messages of fear and doubts...it's crap!!!

So today I want to spread some positive into the noisy world where 'content creation' and 'fear of missing out' permeate and dominate.

Today is more of a RESOURCE rather than a refreshing story. I think they could be linked.

For anyone who has a loved one suffering from the horrors of drug and/or alcohol addiction, check out NAR-ANON.

This is a good starting place and a great resource for help and hope. I'll be sharing more resources
moving forward.

http://www.nar-anon.org/

Enjoy the day!!

Happy New Year!

Hello my fellow traveling companions. A new year and a fresh start. My wife said it best regarding 2016 for us, 'see ya, don't let the door hit you on the way out'. It was a challenging year for sure. I'm grateful though, we learned a lot, we became stronger, I grew in my faith and I realize that I'm stronger and more capable than I realized. Always easier looking back after challenging times to see the good...but I'll say this, that was a tough one!

I wanted to pick up where I ended the year. I started sharing 'Refreshing Stories'. It was my attempt to share positive information at a time when it seems like so much negative crap is pouring in. The doomsday folks are spreading the fear, the news and media sources continue to generate fear based negative content. This disjointed world and the tragedies are valid but we need some positive to balance things and keep perspective.

I'll be busy writing and speaking about my favorite four topics; relationships, improving communication, making organizations more cohesive and revenue through client retention! This is going to be a good year!! Keeping the cork in the Dewar's White Label the battle with resistance will rage on.

I'll keep the positive stories coming...feel free to share and/or comment if you want to join in with the conversation and positive movement.

Refreshing Stories Part 2

The story is the same, the news is still dripping with fear and negativity. It 's unhealthy to soak this up. Stop! Go outside and take a walk, get some fresh air. When you come back in check out the site below....more good people doing good things. I love it!

Brave Choices. The mission, to bring awareness and education about the deadly consequences of heroin.

http://bravechoices.org/

Have a great week!

Refreshing Stories Part 1

The news is horrible! Consuming that information for even 5 minutes will bring darkness and fear into your heart. What a way to start the day. So much negative!

So here's the thought, lets share and consume information about people and groups who are doing positive things. Powerful positive things!!

I'll keep it simple, check out this group. They are touching and changing lives. Look at what they are doing to fight local hunger.

http://mmministry.org/


As the Beatles said, I do 'Get by with a little help from my friends',

Check out the link, soak up some positive stuff!!

Thank You!!

Just a simple thank you, for the friendships and opportunities -

Kathy Selker
Stephanie Jaffe
Greg McGrath
Sheryl Schultz
Lawain McNeil
Jack Howard

and the biggest thank you to my wife Lisa!!!

Inspired Me... A Great Debate on Goals

I hope everyone is having a good week.

good debate with Leo and Tim
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwP6FJoXG5s


and cool quote...

"Not All Who Wander Are Lost"
 J. R. R. Tolkien

A great quote, worthy material and a thank you!

Good afternoon.

The quote...

“Your battles inspired me - not the obvious material battles but those that were fought and won behind your forehead.” 
― James Joyce

Good stuff
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/lifestyles/bellas-light/nbTBN/


Help out
http://www.journey4youth.org/kaswanga-families.html

Thank you for the prayers and thoughts for Jim, he continues to show improvement, it will be a long healing process.

The Hand continues to help people in two areas, if you are a business owner or know an owner who runs a small or mid sized company and are frustrated with a lack of new clients, feel free to touch base...we can help!

I also continue with speaking opportunities, I won't let you call me a motivational speaker but people say it does motivate....I like to call it sincere encouragement!!

Have a good week.

Encouraging Updates & Setbacks

I'll go back to the spring of 2012, I was filled with energy, ready to take action. While my nose is always buried in a book I was only half way thru Crush It by Gary Vaynerchuk, my willingness to take action in pursuing a little idea that I believe could change the world in a small way...look out!!!

For those who have heard the message in the last year, I've been sharing an idea backed by practical action regarding persistence and a new perspective on the problems and challenges we face in our lives. Two friends were going through their own challenges at this time, one battling cancer and the other battling multiple addictions. I observed and listened to these guys while I launched my ideas on persistence and how we view challenges. As their stories unfolded I found my beliefs being challenged, I questioned what I believe about my program. My friend with cancer battled for a couple years. At times there was a hope and good news, sometimes then followed up by devastating bad news. The roller coaster went up and down. For him and those who love him, we went up and down with him until the end.

He passed away last year, on July 17, 2012. In his last few months we talked. It taught me a few things. I learned about a side of cancer that I didn't know, horrific stuff! Those who have gone thru it themselves or with loved ones know this, but they don't always share it. But equally horrific is the untold stories of broken relationships. As he went through this, battling for his life, another battle was taking place around him. At a time when love and support should have been a sure thing, it wasn't. The broken relationships rotted away on one side while the cancer devastated his body on the other. He felt and communicated the indescribable pain of both of these.

And the friend with multiple addictions..don't judge another man until you walk in their shoes. The silent battles that we wage. I guess we all  face our demons, at different times and at different levels. For those battling addictions you've seen a different kind of darkness,  it's dark and scary.

I'm naive. Hope? Persistence? A different perspective on problems? These two stories have made me ask if I really believe in hope? Do I really believe in what I say about persistence? These two stories have made me ask a lot of questions.

But wait..

For the last two years Journey4YOUth has been committed to providing lunch for 36 of the neediest children in Kaswanga Village, Kenya.  Journey4YOUth now provides food directly to the families, giving 174 people and 11 babies enough food to eat once a day.


Journey4YOUth aims to invest specifically into each family so they can have what they need to be able to take a step out of poverty, provide for their families and improve the local economy of their village.

Journey4YOUth has met with each family along with 4 widows.  The families shared with us their needs, hopes, struggles and ideas.

But wait..I'm filled with a little hope. A little hope hearing about what other people are doing to make a difference.

I read on...my hope grows    http://bit.ly/14dD31W

Check out what Brian and Katie Ernst are doing if you can.

More Good Stuff

We were at Origins Church this weekend, very cool church, good people. They had the Watoto Children's Choir there. When you have a moment check it out...

Watoto Church is home to Watoto Child Care Ministries, a ministry that has pledged to make a difference in the lives of the orphans in Uganda, best known for its choir (the Watoto Children's Choir) that has toured the world.

Take a look...  www.watoto.com

I'm impressed with the economic piece built into their model.

Have a good week!

A lesson in courage and faith

Thank you to Ashley, Tres, Merlin, Briahna and Braxton for the lesson in courage and faith!

http://bit.ly/ZXR3p8

Spreading Some Encouragement

It was good seeing you guys (you know who you are) Saturday night...spreading some hope is always good and that was a good evening of sharing.

Some of you were interested in more information regarding Brian Ernst and Journey4Youth. Check out the website, it provides good info.

http://www.journey4youth.org/


I'll keep you posted on my upcoming events and the next seminar.

Enjoy your week and spread a little encouragement this week where needed!

Fall Is Always Good

It was terrific seeing you guys last week. There are amazing things happening right now and your stories provide serious encouragement.

Some of you were asking about Stop the Silence and updates as to what they are doing. What a phenomenal organization! They brought the stage production of To Kill a Kelpie back to the U.S. in 2012. "Kelpie's" next stop was San Diego this fall for the 17th Annual Interpersonal Violence and Trauma Conference.

Check out their website for more information and thoughts on how to help   www.stopcsa.org

I'm enjoying new clients and learning a ton about ERP systems. Thank you Stan! I'm also spending a lot of time with beer and wine distributors learning more about their business. While Boardwalk Empire was a good start for education the modern day models are pretty cool.

I'm heading west again and then returning as the program at St Susanna gets started. The first Wednesday of the month is always good as Terry Grear and his group meet at lunch. I'll keep you guys posted.

Enjoy your choices! 

Coming West

For any of my contacts out west, I'll be spending some time out in the Lake Tahoe area in July and August...looking at some events in the South Lake Tahoe..look forward to spreading some encouragement!

If you run a return to work type center, or if your church offers a program that assists those who are out of work, touch base and I can explain the program..."Hope, Encouragement and A New Plan". My website has some additional information and comments, go to www.thehand.co there is a tab titled 'Speaking', the info is there.

Enjoy the day, enjoy your choices!

New Opportunities

I've been busy with new projects, some new clients as well as new speaking engagements. While I'm enjoying the new I'm finding that it's never easy, even when pursuing a vision and work that one really cares about. At the end of the day it's still work, and when people are involved there's always room for some miscommunication etc...

As I share my message of hope, especially the one geared for those who are discouraged from being out of work, I'm getting new opportunities out west. I'll keep you updated but I'm going to different groups and churches out in Lake Tahoe to spread some encouragement.

If you run a return to work type center, or if your church offers a program that assists those who are out of work, touch base and I can explain the program..."Hope, Encouragement and A New Plan". My website has some additional information and comments, go to www.thehand.co  there is a tab titled 'Speaking', the info is there.

I'll keep you updated. Enjoy your week. Find something that keeps you inspired this week...whatever that may be.

Enjoy your choices.

Chuck's Band...Tonight!

Great way to end the week...start the long weekend!

I look forward to seeing you guys tonight...The 20th Century Theatre, 8:00!

Chuck's band  Unscheduled Flight!!

Thank You...The First 15 Is In the Books

Thank you to everyone who came to the first "First 15". I appreciate you guys being there. There is something special going on here and I'm glad you were part of it.

I will continue with a more refined rant on the two huge problems, The Insidious Archaic Business Models and Torn and Frayed Thinking.

It was a pleasure getting the chance to introduce some of you to each other, introducing awesome people to awesome people...I love it.

In regards to the next event, I'll post it on LinkedIn and the first 15 to reply will be the next group. After reviewing the video (wow) I look forward to sharing the solutions this time as well as talking again about the problems.

Have a great week and please share in the comments if you came up with any interesting answers to the questions I handed out. See you soon.

George

I Welcome Obscurity

Obscurity is a good thing. It's a great time to make a mistake without the nation hearing about it. I love testing phenomenal ideas, testing and observing is a wonderful thing. It won't be a problem if I mess up. Broadway calls it the small stage, they test a show in a smaller city before doing it in New York.

Some of you shared mild frustration in my decision to keep this small, I have two good thoughts on this. One, I will take video of the event on the 27th so you can catch a glimpse and two, I promise that the May events in Glendale and Terrace Park will be open for you to check it out.

Something special is going on here and I'm looking forward to seeing the first 15 of you at the first ever First 15!!

Enjoy your day, keep your heart free of bitterness and fear.

Amazing People and Terrific Stories

Phenomenal week. I may leave something out as it was loaded. I had the opportunity to take a tour of The Lord's Gym and The Lord's Pantry, both of these are for people in Over-The-Rhine (Cincinnati). I met Bob Clarke, Scott Bowers and Pastor Al Mosley, all three men are committed to this in different ways, they shared an amazing story about the programs. The musician Brian Ernst reminded me that love is a verb and these men provided me with some inspiration.Check out their website and follow their story  www.focas-us.org

This morning I had the chance to share with the St Susanna Professional Networking Group, we discussed a portion of my program entitled "A Real Conversation". A great idea put into action was at work again...I was also reminded that a group of people taking action with a good idea goes further than an individual going at it alone. It was fun to be a part of it and I look forward to sharing the evolution as we will meet again in a month to discuss progress and new insights based on doing the exercises.

Enjoy your weekends, keep your hearts free from bitterness and fear.

I mentioned that some struggle with health issues...

In high school we ran the option. I was the quarterback and Kelly was one of my half backs. We battled other teams in southeast Michigan together for a few years. We had great games and from those great stories.

In our younger days we shared the ability to handle our whiskey, we spilled our share while listening to the lefty Jimi Hendrix. We ended many late nights with one last OFC Old Schenley, a fine Canadian whiskey while listening to our favorite tune from Hendrix "The Wind Cries Mary". Ol Shallaly (we called it), at times our medicine, other times the fuel for trouble and another story.  

We grew up and moved on. Kelly married a beautiful woman from Russia. They had their first child last year. along with doing other things Kelly is an inventor, his name was included on a patent as he helped to develop and create a battery cell interconnect system.

This morning Kelly is looking at a different battle. His cancer has returned. The doctors will remove a tumor from his brain today. Please lift up prayers, prayers for Kelly that his fear is removed, for his wife and son, for his mother and father, and for the fine surgeons, that God is with them and working through them.

Check the comments for progress Kelly will be making!

Thank you! Enjoy your day and a new week.

Keep your hearts from fear and bitterness, take care of your heart!