SOAPBOX of the week: til death do us part

“It’s not that I’m afraid of death, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”     – Woody Allen, actor and director

Death and taxes.  The only two surefire things in life. Though some Vegas regulars and sports fanatics may preach differently.  And while Uncle Sam keeps us whining and strategizing about the latter, our fear-filled culture grants only mumbled tones of “passing-on”, in private settings and intimate moments.  Funny thing, though, is that unlike taxes, we cannot evade death.  At some point reality face-jams us with the irrefutable fact that we’re all immortal.  And the more fear the passing of time, it seems to tick even faster, scooping away youth and presumed opportunity.  Be it old age, a fluke accident, or valiant yet failed fight, we’ll all exit stage left at some time and in some fashion.  Of course, you can choose to personify its coming via the grip of the Grim Reaper or the loving embrace of the grace of God.  Of course, you can avoid the topic in the safety of blissful ignorance.  Or you can invite the comedy, celebration and conversation about the, literally, life-changing event of death.  It might just add more humor, appreciation, understanding, and life to your life.

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.

CHECK OUT NEW SOAPBOX inc offerings

SOAPBOX of the week: reflection resurrection

 “Hindsight is 20/20.”     – Anonymous

No doubt, someone’s Mom coined this phrase…and she deserves to wear “The Crown of Common Sense”!  But whoever first shared this golden nugget of wisdom with you probably saw you stomp on it in youthful rebellion.  And yet a jillion times you’ve caught yourself shaking your foolish head, wishing you’d listened to your gut, screaming “Yes”, “No”, or “RUN!”  Well, that which doesn’t kill ya, only makes you stronger.  So, review your past, rethink your future, and refresh your promise to finding and following the truth within.  Tough to swallow?  Well, probably.  But remember, Mom’s always right.

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.

SOAPBOX of the week: check your ego

“There’s one thing we ought to let folks find out for themselves, and that’s how great we are.”     – Kin Hubbard, cartoonist & journalist
   
Remember, as a child, feeling as though you could do absolutely anything?  Make yourself invisible, be an Olympic athlete, own a huge company, morph into a superhero, make a million dollars, be president someday.  Indeed, as the list grew daily, so did the volume, of your voice to ready the world for your coming!  That self-proclaimed omnipotence ensures your drive to succeed still to this day.  But tread carefully upon the trail of self-confidence; for left unchecked, unyielding conviction can wander out of control, undermine your natural gifts, instigate judgment and jealousy and leave you jaded and lonely.  Practice humility to combat the barbs.  And when tempted to broadcast your greatness, choose to beam it instead.

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.

Looking for a cutting-edge speaker?  SOAPBOX® Motivation for the 21st Century

SOAPBOX of the week: the enlightenment of failure

“Failure: A man who has blundered but who is not able to cash in on the experience.”     – Elbert Hubbard, writer and publisher

Celebrating success is an important practice.  It reinforces self-image and provides an ignition sequence for more victories.  But it’s equally necessary to recognize failures…because the lessons learned are launch pads for even more satisfying achievements.  That said, take a closer look at your last flop:  Did you have a clear vision of what you wanted?  A plan?  Did you ask for help to stay on track?  Did you expect a miracle in record time…and then become deflated at your lack of skills and resources.  Or procrastinate and overanalyze yourself into quitting?  If your answers define a full-fledged failure…GREAT!  Knowing why and how you bombed is the secret to tilting the cause and effect scale in your favor…to profit from another success.

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.

SOAPBOX of the week:real honest-to-goodness performance

 

“The whole motivation for any performer is “Look at me, Ma!”     – Lenny Bruce, comedien and satirist

All the world’s a stage, and front-n-center is your biggest fan – Mom.  Right?  Well, more times than not, it’s actually YOU who is the devoted admirer, seeking endorsement, whatever it takes!  It’s one of the simple truths that threads through to connect us all… athletes, musicians, artists, students, business folks, you name it.   But setting aside Mom’s pat on the head and proud smile, wouldn’t you also want her approval of how you earned your success?  If you’re eager to boast the achievements…are you equally willing to reveal the journey?  ‘Cause, if you weren’t authentic in your communicating, fair in your negotiating, or ethical in your fulfillment…regardless of what you tell her, you both fail.  After all, Moms always find out the real truth in our stories…and we have to live with it ‘til she does. SO be motivated to perform like a champ, but also be driven to take the honorable route.  Both of you will have a heckofalot more to smile about in the end.

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.

SOAPBOX of the week: relentless pursuit of purpose

   “It is really important for each one of us to validate our existence.  You have to become aware that there is something beyond the meat-and-potatoes reality.”     – Carlos Santana, musician

Why are you here?  What are you doing while you are here?  How about: where are you even looking for such enlightenment?  Be honest.  Do you seek confirmation from the umpteen activities, things and possessions you’re buried in?  Or stake all truth in kudos from friends or mere coworkers?  Sounds crazy, huh?  So don’t.  Instead, look within, to discover within, and let the nourishment of answers out.   What are your beliefs?  When do you feel happiest?  What do you want to accomplish?  Yup, this is the tough stuff.  But once grounded in who you are, the search for why you’re here ain’t so difficult.  Find your purpose and reel it in with fervor.  Then take your seat at a royal table set for one and enjoy the faire.

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.