Category Archives: parents

SOAPBOX of the week: drop your weapons!

Posted on by
Reply

“Life is a dream for the wise, a game for the fool, a comedy for the rich, a tragedy for the poor.”     – Sholom Aleichem, author and playwright


For the lot of us walking this earth, we shall bear title of wise and fool, rich and poor countless times in our lives. And thus life shall appear a dream of magical imagining and pursuing; a game of senseless galumphing; a comedy of carefree consuming; and a tragedy of painful enduring. Where we each begin or end matter not, for the ebb and flow of a greater current is at hand here. And therein lies great beauty in the mystery. Alas, though, nowhere in this verse does it say life is a battle, nor a war, nor a challenge to be stared down, fought or overcome by any of the characters. So, then, why do many of us assert ourselves through the days with swords held high and shields at full coverage? There is no ONE EVIL OPPONENT to seek and destroy, and the whole world ain’t out to getcha, friends! Furthermore, a mouthful of deflective judgment, six-pack of pepper spray, and tube of SPF 100 ain’t the solution for survival. After all, countless folks are simply caught up in their own changing current…unaware of this so-called duel you’re claiming. So, perhaps it’s time you lower your weapons and stop wounding the innocent; shed your armor, reveal your heart, and trust your intuition. Life is a journey, regardless the lens you’re viewing it through; but it’s a heckofalot easier to course the rhythm and rhyme without all the gear weighing you down.

Copyright 2000-2010 by Kimberlie Dykeman.        SUBSCRIBE to FREE feed/email  HERE!
“Pure Soapbox“ available nationwide & audiobook available on iTUNES & Audible.com!  A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to LIVESTRONG. 

BOOK KIMBERLIE TO MOTIVATE  your peeps!  info@puresoapbox.com / 310- 500- 9587

SOAPBOX of the week: just get ‘er done!

Posted on by
Reply

Some things are worth repeating… especially when you’re saying to YOURSELF!  This ditty is an oldie but goodie, and although there aaallways seems to be work to be done, there’s always a smart way to do it.  And a damn good reason why!

“Discipline is doing what you are supposed to do in the best possible manner the time you are supposed to do it.  And that’s not such a bad thing.”       -Coach Mike Krzyzewski

Structure ain’t a four-letter-word.  Some of us run from it like the plague…we picture a list of authority figures who doled out responsibility, hard work, and timelines …with a side of intimidation.  Believe it or not, their hearts were in the right place…they wanted you to get ahead in life…not just get by. The difference here isn’t just one word …it’s a whole perspective.  Embracing it means rising above mediocrity.  Being disciplined means digging in for the battle ahead, doing more than what’s expected with what you’re given, and focusing your efforts on ringing the bell.  Don’t bet on the “right place, right time” scenario, the Fairy Godmother, or her cousin Lady Luck.  Instead, build a strong hand by relying on yourself and your work will bring great fortune.

Copyright 2000-2010 by Kimberlie Dykeman.        SUBSCRIBE to FREE feed/email  HERE!
“Pure Soapbox“ available nationwide & audiobook available on iTUNES & Audible.com!  A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to LIVESTRONG. 

BOOK KIMBERLIE TO MOTIVATE  your company!  info@puresoapbox.com / 310- 500- 9587

SOAPBOX of the week: the almighty cape of courage

Posted on by
Reply

“A wound, a red badge of courage.”      – Stephen Crane, novelist & journalist

A decision was made, a choice acted upon, and the evidence runs red.  Sound familiar?  Perhaps you proudly stood up and spoke your mind or terrifyingly tried to sing in public.  Finally left home for good or left that joyless job with tail between your legs.  Maybe you declared a longing “I love you” or were dealt a devastating goodbye.  No matter your predicament, position or point… you can’t help but be affected by the gaping gash that painfully exposes your heart and ego to everyone.   But may I remind you that even as you invested precious time, energy, and effort, you did not offer up your name, reputation, or spirit in vain.  Bravery gives you the armor to face the battle; but in taking a leap of faith you demonstrate just how much you believe in yourself and your cause.  When all is said and done, a silver lining glistens one simple truth: all wounds eventually heal.  Trust in that and you’ll emerge stronger, both inside and out.  So, break out the band-aids, folks, and live a life worth fighting for!

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

SOAPBOX of the week: the melody of mercy

Posted on by
Reply

“How often things could be remedied by a word.  How often it is left unspoken.”     – Norman Douglas, novelist

You know the moment it happens.  A breach of trust.  An error of judgment.  Something is broken, stolen, hidden, lost, faked or found out, and without hesitation, defenses are raised along with emotional weaponry.  A story of gossip.  A fumbled  statement.  Something is lied about, omitted, used against, or blurted out, and both peace and promise are shattered.  Be it  trivial or crucial, that “something” doesn’t just become the proverbial thorn in someone’s side…it becomes the veritable wedge that splits a chasm in a relationship indefinitely.   And whether you’re the guilty party or the targeted casualty, not taking action to mend the bridge only allows more opportunities to fall into the abyss below.  What, then, is the true value of conquering for self-elevation or crucifying for wrong-doings, when the bond of brotherhood is broken?  Folks, we are all born with a glorious gift to connect and re-connect with others, and a capacity to create harmony amidst upset.  Choose to turn a negative into a positive, regardless which side of the blame falls on, and get to talking.  After all, to err is human.

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

SOAPBOX of the week: let love live!

Posted on by
Reply

“Love wishes to perpetuate itself. Love wishes for immortality.”     – Mortimer Adler, philosopher, educator, and author

Love. Perhaps the best damn four-letter-word that ever was. It is deemed the greatest connector in the world, intrinsically mysterious in its depth, influence and effectiveness. A resource available to every single person who walks the earth, and which shall never run out. An impenetrable shield to conflict; a tireless fire to fatigue; the fulfillment of the law that binds us as human beings. It cannot be destroyed, and sits dormant in every cell of your being until your take your first breath. And one day you finally learn of its name and its powers, and witness its effect on family, friend, stranger and foe alike! Question is, folks, what are you doing to NOW release your love within? Do you insist on its value, but run in fear and deny to participate in it? Or merely sprinkle it out here and there with stingy calculation? Knowing all that it can do to create joy and peace in your own home, let alone across the world… keeping it bottled up indeed sounds like an absurd choice!  Am I right?!  Well, snap out of it and choose to perpetuate it.  Elect to experience the glory of its glow for your own heart and let love live…NOW!

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.

SOAPBOX of the week: find your voice!

Posted on by
Reply

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