SOAPBOX of the week: identity crisis cure

“He who walks in another’s tracks leaves no footprints.”     – Joan Brannon, TV writer and producer

Admit it.  You’ve been a follower of someone  at some point in your life.  Be it sibling, spouse, teacher, boss, best friend…even leader or icon.  And with high hopes, you’ve perhaps fallen into path out of loyalty or fear, ignorance or insecurity -for want or need of recognition or trade secrets, first dibs or fast track, attention or acceptance.  So, how has the walk in the shadows really served you?  More importantly, though, are you still trying to gather benefits at the cost of erasing yourself?  Think about how the mimicry, modeling and mistaking have even harmed you.  At some point, you may walk nameless to yourself and truly unidentifiable to all others.  Folks, don’t get blurred behind someone’s shadow; after all, who knows what may really lurk within it, the bad included.  Instead choose to create your own path.  Find you.  Honor you.  Stomp the earth and leave your mark and let ‘em know your name!

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

COMING in late ‘09: SOAPBOX® video subscriptions  for mobile & Kimberlie’s own network talk show

SOAPBOX of the week: tattooed for life

 “What you memorize, you memorialize.”     – Anonymous   (often credited to ND  Walsch, author)

Whether your first sweetheart’s phone number, your favorite song, or big acceptance speech, you’ve chosen to etch these things into your mind for timely safe-keeping.  Yet years later, buried convolutions release their imprints your call, and elicit surprising delight.  But it’s not the content, nor the fact that you remember it verbatim that elates your spirit.  Instead, your smile, laugh and peaceful pause for reflection evolve from the unfolding of the celebration surrounding such snippets.  When you commit anything to mind, you emphasize its importance to your heart.  Honor the influential people, places, experiences, and messages that graciously fill your moments and pay tribute to yourself by tapping the enlightening power of those memories.

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

COMING in late ’09: SOAPBOX® video subscriptions for mobile & Kimberlie’s own network talk show

SOAPBOX of the week: Get it in gear

“You can’t push anyone up the ladder unless he is willing to climb himself.”     – Andrew Carnegie, businessman

Picture this: it’s mealtime and Little Jimmy isn’t convinced that the spoonful of veggies is good for him, let alone not a mouthful of poison.  Determined to have him swallow it so he will grow into a healthy, well-rounded adult, the coercion, negotiating, begging and, perhaps, voice-raising, begins. A stalemate is reached, accompanied by kicking, fussing and perhaps food-splattered wallpaper.  Why doesn’t he just trust that this is what’s best for him?!  Well, just like children, many folks you attempt to “help” aren’t prepared nor willing to accept your advice, ideas, or cheering.  Now.  But just as change is inevitable, their agenda, fears, curiosities, and preferences will eventually surrender a breakthrough.  So stay tuned, close and true and be ready to dole out a healthy serving of encouragement.

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

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SOAPBOX of the week: the place is not the point

    “Life’s a journey, not a destination.”     – Steven Tyler, rock-n-roller

Hey there, rock and rollers!  Here’s a hidden treasure from one of the disciples of lyric and noise With a flick of his mic and a howl from his chops, he time enlightens us with but a few words.  Deceivingly simple at first glance, you must step back to appreciate its expanding profundity and note how it levels the playing field for every age, ethnicity, and walk of life.  With commonsensical clarity it serves to remind us that we are all on the same map.  It’s called Earth, folks.  You’ve already reached your destination.  Now it’s up to you to create the experience.  So, enjoy the route, the scenery, the pit stops, the landmarks, heck, even the 7-11s along the way!  Take it all in before someone folds it all up.

Copyright 2000-2008 by Kimberlie Dykeman.

Pure Soapbox available nationwide online and where books are sold.

A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to LIVESTRONG.

SOAPBOX of the week: a wish for tireless thankfulness

A special feast from the book “Pure Soapbox”…  SOAPBOX vignette #57

thanks•giv•ing – n. an act of giving thanks; an expression of gratitude

Hope you’re hungry, because this timely concoction of culinary soapboxing doles out not one, but two servings of epicurean delight to drive home a notion that so very many of us have overlooked, and continue to pass over.

In black and white, the operative word here is giving. Needless to say, the actual form of the thanks takes on as much importance as the act itself. Some slaps on the back are best soft-served with a smile. Still, this world-renowned date for thanks-giving has been anchored in time by our forefathers in an unyielding attempt to showcase its kinetic nature. And so, I ask that you humor me with this two-for-one homage to the aromatic brilliance of a few of connoisseurs of the Canon.

1st Course
“Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart
 as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.”   – Theodore Roosevelt, U.S. President

You are the main ingredient and you’re alive and kicking! You may even have all your fingers and toes, as well as a college education, and the luxury of pushing pause to digest this meal of literary morsels. Burrow in and bear- hugbearhug the irrefutable fact that you are truly blessed, and, in turn, equally limitless in opportunities to show appreciation for the gifts you’ve received.

2nd Course
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation  is not to utter words, but to live by them.”     – John Fitzgerald Kennedy, U.S. president

Go ahead and dish ‘em out however you choose, stuffed between hors d’oeuvres or piled high atop Mom’s fabulous pecan pie. Fifty bucks says your belly-full sensation of satisfaction comes not from the feast of fruitcake, but from your dynamic expression of thanks for the boundless bounties before you. Fill your Tupperware with these leftovers…and season the rest of your days with provisions that’ll never spoil…regardless of the cook!

 

Copyright 2000-2008 by Kimberlie Dykeman.  Excerpt from Pure Soapbox… a cleansing jolt of perspective, motivation, and humor, published July 2008.
Pure Soapbox available nationwide online and where books are sold.
A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to
LIVESTRONG.

SOAPBOX of the week: plug into your own power

“There is a power under your control that is greater than poverty, greater than the lack of education, greater than all your fears and superstitions combined.  It is the power to take possession of your own mind and direct it to whatever ends you may desire.”     – Andrew Carnegie, businessman

Ok, show me your grocery list of excuses for not being as successful as you want to be.  Never enough time.  Not the right time.  Never enough money.  Don’t have the know-how.   Don’t know the right people.  It’s your boss’ fault.  Your parents’ fault.  What if you screw up?  Ugh!  Truth be told: you’re stuck in the comfortable groove of being uncomfortable…and your fearful thoughts and actions justify a perpetual life of lack.  But it’s never too late to revise!  And to do so, you must choose success.  Rise up out of that rut with a specific vision of all that success embodies. Channel your ideas and actions into a positive new groove.  The power you then radiate will attract abundance and joy…that’s all yours for the taking.

Copyright 2008 by Kimberlie Dykeman
Pure Soapbox available nationwide online and where books are sold.
A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to
LIVESTRONG.