SOAPBOX of the week: less stuffed, more satisfying

“Happiness is not a goal, it is a by-product.”     ~ Eleanor Roosevelt, social activist and writer

Pull up an eggnog and hear me out. And so begins the once-a-year mad rush. The hunt for the perfect gift. Fighting crowds for last minute preparations. Those of us not hurrying home for Christmas are cramming in last minute get-aways. ‘Tis the season of joy and merriment, now on sale for $69.99, aisle 5. Alas, the holiday spell rears its alter-ego, Hallmark-ed ugly head. From the sounds of it, you’d think we were readying ourselves for the fight of a lifetime, damned and determined to make this celebration more memorable and more star-studded than the last. But this year’s traditionally frantic, albeit festive holiday season is decorated in a different set of lights.

Unfortunately, some of us find ourselves, yet again, up against bosses and bills, deadlines and waiting lines. Ironically, this time of supposed glee surfaces another year’s memories, sweet and bitter alike. Earning its own chapter in our collective personal history books, sometimes we stand in awe of the tough times and negative events that altered the very backdrop of The Big Picture. Many of us even take to re-evaluating, re-booting, and re-uniting in hopes of making the neighborhood, let alone this world, a better place. But to our dismay, the pressures of our bigger-better-faster high-tech society yank our global gaze back to an unyielding state of chronic stress. Weighed down, perhaps, by the loss of family, friends, jobs, and financial security, our ability to regain a natural balance stands compromised, and we wonder what can transform this into a happy holiday again.

Well, if the glass appears half-empty, I can tell you right now, if you pray each year that good ol’ St. Nick will overstuff your stocking with happiness, you might as well ask for a Lego erector set to go along with it. For, I have a hunch that you’ll need a few colorful tools, and perhaps the magic of Rudolph’s shiner, to bring this intangible notion into sight as a sparkly new toy under the tree. With little reservation, I propose that a wish for a state of equilibrium tops our common holiday lists. So perhaps this is opportunity knocking, egging you to take the reigns and pursue your own path toward surviving and thriving. Admittedly, giving to others is paramount on your mind, but if you’re yearning for a healthier state of mind and for the clouds to clear, you’ve got to give to yourself. And time is of the essence. When you re-learn how to take care of and reward yourself, your valuation of self in relationship with everything and everyone around you will profoundly change, and you’ll find your needy glass filled with the spirits of true joy.

You have the power to dictate your experience during the holidays. You must make it a time of relaxing, reflecting, and rejoicing in how far you’ve come each year in all aspects of your life. If you fail to give to yourself, you’ll rob yourself of the opportunity to attain balance and genuine happiness and embrace the coming of a healthy new year.

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

SOAPBOX of the week: heartless smear vs. honored silence

“Airing one’s dirty linen never makes for a masterpiece.”     – Francois Truffaut, filmmaker

A week scarcely goes by that our ears and eyes are bombarded by yet another public confession of transgression.   Tabloids showcase a celeb’s rehab trip; while a breaking news update places a politician’s pilfering habits and abusive antics in the limelight.  Closer to home, water cooler gossip reveals coworkers’ drinking problems; while congregations are abuzz over another pastor’s adulterous escapades.  Indeed in each truth-bearing catharsis, the convicted character’s “come to Jesus” moment for a cardinal sin is due acknowledgment  – especially when disclosed to family and friends in aim of accountability and atonement.  But broadcasted spillage, be it for publicity or simply the sake of a cleansed conscience, rarely paints a pretty picture; and once it’s “out there”, one can never take it back.  Along with the ensuing disturbance for victim and innocent bystander alike, the evidence of offence floats forever in one’s surroundings and negatively impacts all who swim by.  Point being: your own divulgence shouldn’t become another’s devastation.  Society’s fishbowl may righteously reveal all in the end, but privacy ain’t a four-letter word.  If anything, it’s a work of art to be admired.

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

SOAPBOX of the week: immeasurable impact

“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!

SOAPBOX of the week: take flight in faith

“Throw your heart over the bar and your body will follow.”     – Bob Mathias, Olympic decathlete and congressman

Ask any wide-eyed, newbie entrepreneur to explain what it’s like to sit at the helm of their little enterprises, and all too many will confess that they’re flying by the seat of their pants.  Every day, with scribbled gameplan and burning checkbook in hand, they bring their keeps-me-up-at-night dream of an idea to life …and probably haven’t slept again since!  Truth be told, at some point in time, their emotions got the best of them, and the unyielding anticipation of “what if” ignited a fire so awesome, nothing could hold ‘em back!  Even though the plans, people and products were still a future spreadsheet or fate-driven surprise, their hearts sang of faith and promise of possibilities, and their entire being just couldn’t resist.  And the following and glorious flying ensued, proving yet again that that passionate plea in your heart may be all it takes to change the very course of your whole life.  So, whatever that THING is for you, folks, that you just can’t ignore… listen to it; trust in it; and then leap for it!  And wholeheartedly embrace what follows!   

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!

SOAPBOX of the week:intoxication of a pastime

“Passion is all about allowing yourself to get lost in something.”     – Gail Sheehy, writer and lecturer

Picture an artist covered in paint, a cook in sauces and spices, a mechanic in grease.  Picture a writer surrounded by stacks of books, an athlete by gear and sneakers, a musician by sheet music and instruments, a pilot by model airplanes.  At times, each has become so involved in their craft, hobby or dream that they’ve forgotten time of day, list of tasks, even title on their business card.  Whether it’s their chosen vocation or weekly vacation from the daily grind, these folks aren’t merely “distracted” or dabbling …they’re captivated, in love and lost in something indescribable.  So what about you?  What makes your heart sing?  Brings divine peace and joy?  Commitment to something OTHER THAN your j-o-b, family or obligations is not only allowed…the passion it ignites fires up all other areas of your life.  And if society tells you to ease up, clean up or clear out your fabulously consuming “messes”…tell ‘em to go get lost!

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!

SOAPBOX of the week: pitch in to get paid back

“Service is the rent you pay for room on this earth.”     – Shirley Chisholm, Congresswoman, educator & author

Fifty bucks says, many of you would have laughed this one off when you were the omniscient age of 18, and assumed it was one of your parent’s devious mantras.  That self-centered mentality was merely part of the growing-up curve (the “me era”) we all traipsed through, and (hopefully) eventually evolved out of!  One magical day the lightbulb finally flickered an a-ha moment, and you realized there’s no such thing as a free ride.  And, you know what?  It really does feel better to give than receive!  Your attitude of entitlement dissipated with enlightenment that giving of your time, energy, efforts, love and attention is not just part and parcel to the passage into “adulthood”; it’s the daily token you must purchase for the real 3-D ride!  Serving others is an ironic, bottomless investment whose returns will never cease to amaze you.  So while you pitch a tent on this grand planet, know that if you keep up with the daily rent, you yourself will always live like royalty.

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!