SOAPBOX of the week: production value

“The best computer is a man, and it’s the only one that can be mass-produced by unskilled labor.”     – Wernher von Braun, rocket physicist and astronautics engineer

Now, this one’s got a bit of a bite to it…and I make no apologies.  For the message should be drilled into our little noggins from childhood-on.  From our cars to appliances, medical equipment to mass communications, we micromanage, meticulously design, and materialize billions of “things” every year.  Regardless of their components, value, or lifespan, many of them are considered works of art…even “the best things since sliced bread”!  Furthermore we assign some of our “greatest thinkers” to their “creation”!  Indeed, the brilliance behind the mere ideas for these productions is MANKIND …THE SAME MANKIND that has led itself into a shameful state of valuing itself leagues below the damn products!  Populations of unwanted, un-cared-for off-spring are proof, because of this unhealthy situation of an uncapped carefree and careless mentality!  And we all pay for it!  In our schools, streets, jobs, healthcare, personal lifestyle, legal systems, and overall opportunities in life.  Folks, it’s not rocket science!  Make what you want, but want what you make!  And remember that life is priceless.  Computers are a dime a dozen.

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. 

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SOAPBOX of the week: decision dilemmas

“Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you don’t.”     – Leon Carr, songwriter and composer

Yes, folks, it can be that simple.  Yes, I know that every darn morning your brain is assaulted with a barrage of decisions  –some tedious, some time-sensitive-  but all begging your attention.  And, with society’s bigger-better-faster demands and endless opportunities, things ain’t going to change any time soon.  But too many times, you morph this molehill of line items into a mountain of challenge-filled chores.  An elementary choice of “A” or “B” becomes buried beneath self-obligation to research options, check trend forecasts, reference social circles and even  (dare I say?!)  ask Mom!  And when you step back to note that all this nonsensical nerve-wracking is over things as unimportant as cereal selections and suitcase packing… it’s painfully funny, right?   Well, folks, don’t make things more complicated than they intrinsically are!  Ask yourself what sounds good, feels right, or just suits your mood.  Trust your gut, check off the list, and get on with the REAL business at hand… actually enjoying the life you are choosing.

Copyright 2000-2009 by Kimberlie Dykeman.   

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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: varicose values

“Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.”    – Malcolm Forbes, publisher

So, you’re not a millionaire, not married, not famous, not a Harvard grad, not the neighborhood Martha Stewart or Ward Cleaver, not sporting a 6-pak and an Olympic Medal.  Hmm.  DO you even remember when these “line items” became the ultimate brass rings to pursue?  And what if they never do become your reality?  Would you be less valuable or treated better by those folks who really matter?  At some point, you chose to pedestal these iconic titles, characteristics and achievements, and in doing so unknowingly backhanded yourself, diminishing the quality of you!  Now, what if you are a dedicated worker bee or entrepreneur?  Are patient for just the right person to come along?  Are investing daily in your health and wellness?  Have earned the respect of your community and coworkers?  Stand wise beyond your years from the school of life?  Perhaps it’s time to reevaluate your portfolio and acknowledge the tremendous gains you have made.  Folks, set-in-stone, lofty goals can only overshadow your maturing greatness –indeed keep striving, but always celebrate the currency of your current reality.

Copyright 2000-2009 by Kimberlie Dykeman.   

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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: Network TV talk show  and SOAPBOX® video subscriptions  for mobile (Click for sneak peek!)

SOAPBOX of the week: be the ball, Danny

“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.”    – Henry Ford, inventor and innovator

It’s hard not to miss, isn’t it?  The God-awful wallpaper of challenges, failures and plain ole negativity “decorating” the path towards your prized pinnacle of being a successful little entrepreneur with the next great idea!  The naysayers projecting their own fears.  The intimidating competition.  The economic climate and trends.  The first job you got fired from.  Sexism, racism, and double standards.  Your unsupportive family.  The time, energy, connections and money…you don’t seem to have enough of.  The degree you don’t have.    The kids you’re trying to raise….alone.  The fact that you’re petrified to speak in public and wouldn’t know a proper business plan if smacked you in the face.  Your age, weight, looks, and last name.  Yup, it’s hard not to notice the oodles of obstacles.  That is, of course, if you let them divert you from your purpose.  So, don’t!  Stay the path, friends, and obligate yourself to continuing with clarity and fastidious focus and the distracting walls of worries will fade from sight. 

 

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. 

COMING in late ‘09: Network TV talk show  and SOAPBOX® video subscriptions  for mobile (Click for sneak peek!)

SOAPBOX of the week: starving for serenity?

    “The possession of material riches, without inner peace, is like dying of thirst while bathing in a lake.”    – Paramahansa Yogananda, yogi & guru

Chances are you may have attempted to “buy into” this enlightening mentality at some point.  Yet when surrounded by want-filling, subliminal messaging where “more is better”…it’s an uphill battle!  And the engulfing greed can mold us into materialistic followers- overstuffed on the outside; unfulfilled on the inside.  This does not mean salvation comes from the shedding of the “stuff”… after all, a wannabe, martyr-like gesture is just band-aid therapy for the evil root.  The enriching point is simple: Fill what’s empty.  Empty what’s full.  Too often we expect purchases and possession to make up for our inner deficits of love, attention, respect, loyalty, harmony, fellowship…the list goes on!  Instead, max out your spending of time, energy and efforts in focusing inward to create fullness.  Quench your thirst with fresh appreciation of the people, places, and experiences that have magically crafted your life.  Folks, sanctuary doesn’t come from a sales guy.  Understand  that, and relish the returns of priceless peace of mind. 

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. 

COMING in late ‘09: Network TV talk show  and SOAPBOX® video subscriptions  for mobile (Click for sneak peek!)

SOAPBOX of the week: peaceful profundity

“Silence is golden.”     – Anonymous

Enough said.

 

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. 

COMING in late ‘09: Network TV talk show  and SOAPBOX® video subscriptions  for mobile (Click for sneak peek!)