“One is taught by experience to put a premium on those few people
 who can appreciate you for what you are.”       -Gail Godwin, novelist
 
From your first breath to your last, you’ll cross paths with millions of people, purposefully engage with thousands, and get to know a bit of the good, bad, and ugly of hundreds…who in turn, merely know you by name, renown, or need you fulfilled.  But because of circumstances and timing, from both clever choice and magical chance, a sprinkling of gems finally sifts out of the lot; the proverbial diamonds you’ve hoped for to keep for the long haul.  You know their birthdays and biggest failures, and can agree to disagree on anything…down to the best movie of all time.  But most importantly, they mirror your mindset; for they allow you to open the shuttered windows to your personal history and entrust truths and trials, fears and flaws without regret.  Call them confidantes, motivators, advisors, beer buddies, cheerleaders, lifesavers or just friends;  they enhance your daily mainstreet-wallstreet dual life and enrich innumerable facets you’ve overlooked, ignored or undervalued.  Net-net: they’re “keepers”.  So, while you count on them without second thought, make it priority to thank them with whole heart.  Just as you can count these premium pals on only one hand, trust that they’re doing the same thing…and couldn’t be happier.

Copyright 2000-2010 by Kimberlie Dykeman.        SUBSCRIBE to FREE feed/email  HERE!
“Pure Soapbox“ available nationwide online and where books are sold.   AUDIOBOOK NOW OUT on iTUNES & Audible.com!  A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to LIVESTRONG. 

BOOK KIMBERLIE TO MOTIVATE your company!  310- 500- 9587

Some things are worth repeeating…especially when you realize time ain’t moving any slower, my friends.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”     – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Are you upset with your sweetheart?  Unsatisfied with your raise?  Bearing physical pain?  Worried about something?  Suffering from depression or feeling ignored?  Yet you say “I’m fine” and sweep your emotions under the rug.  We’re not dealing with burnt toast, folks!  The experiences and issues that weave the threads of your life together warrant both attention and discussion.  What’s worse…many of you keep silent the good stuff as well.  If you’ve got a brilliant idea; can help out a situation, or love someone with all of your heart…well, SPEAK ON, DEAR FRIEND!  We spend half of our lives biting our tongues when we should speak up and share ourselves!  Chat up your truth –the connection you make will bring solution, satisfaction and peace of mind.

Copyright 2000-2010 by Kimberlie Dykeman.        SUBSCRIBE to FREE feed/email  HERE!
“Pure Soapbox“ available nationwide online and where books are sold.   AUDIOBOOK DUE FEB 2010!  A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to LIVESTRONG. 

BOOK KIMBERLIE TO MOTIVATE your company!  310- 500- 9587

“Sometimes the most urgent and vital thing you can possibly do is take a complete rest.”     – Ashleigh Brilliant, author and cartoonist

…And so, as it is the end of the year, folks, I am taking some rest from pursuing this weekly creative writing episode…and letting it, instead, have forty winks.  Not to worry, next Monday will knock on my door and hand me yet another ditty to share.  Sooo, ’til then, cheers to this time of rest for all of you.  Let it swaddle you in ease and comfort, for the hustle and bustle of the birth of 2010 is just around the corner!             – kd

Copyright 2000-2009 by Kimberlie Dykeman.  This article contains a copyrighted excerpt from Kimberlie Dykeman’s book PURE SOAPBOX …a cleansing jolt of perspective, motivation, and humor.Pure Soapbox available nationwide online and where books are sold.   AUDIO BOOK COMING JANUARY 2010!  A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to LIVESTRONG.   SUBSCRIBE HERE!

BOOK KIMBERLIE TO MOTIVATE your company!  310- 500- 9587

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”     – William James, philosopher and psychologist

It’s the sign that reads “population 5,861”.  The reason for a weight limit on an elevator.  How a candidate wins a neck-in-neck running.  The latest entry in the Guinness Book of World Records.  Countless scenarios happening every second of every day across the globe that make the very same simple point: every life counts.  That last child born, extra pound of body weight, final vote cast, and simultaneous snow angel number 15,851 definitely counts.   But more than that, folks, every life matters.  Period.  Now, most of us shamefully let this awesome truth go in one ear and out the other…until it involves us, personally.  Right?  When it feels like perhaps you might not be counted …or that you might not seem to matter.  Ah, then you sit at attention, flail your arms, and cause a stink!  Well, truth be told, many-a-time you are not the most important number in the equation.  But just because you’re not gracing the top of everyone’s VIP lists, doesn’t mean you go unnoticed or aren’t needed.  Folks, you’ll never know just how your existence, let alone daily actions, as mundane or massive as they may be, make a difference.  So, take good ole Shakespeare’s words to heart: all the world is indeed a stage.  Watch your character and act like what you do ripples lifetimes of impact.  Because it does.

Copyright 2000-2009 by Kimberlie Dykeman.        SUBSCRIBE HERE!
Pure Soapbox available nationwide online and where books are sold.   A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to LIVESTRONG. 

BOOK KIMBERLIE TO MOTIVATE your company!  310- 500- 9587

COMING SOON!  Pure Soapbox  audiobook!