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!

SOAPBOX of the week: elbow-greased responsibility

Folks, this is a snapshot of life’s self-inflicted aggravations…step back and look at the Bigger Picture and see how daily avoidance in responsibility breeds issues larger than society can handle.  Just think about it…

“Our greatest weariness comes from work not done.”     – Eric Hoffer, social writer and philosopher

Indeed a body in motion stays in motion, as the physics gurus have proven.  Oh, but the opposite is undeniably true, too: the lazier you are…the lazier you become.  Now, don’t waste any energy arguing with me, people; we wouldn’t want you to overexert yourself!  Besides, you know it’s true!  When the laundry piles up, the files bury your desk, and the clock nags that you’re perpetually late, I suggest you reconsider that it might not be someone else’s fault.  Perhaps in satiating your unhealthy reality TV, water cooler gossip, and nicotine fixes, you’ve sacrificed time, energy, money, reputation and relationships.  We all get 24 hours each day to get stuff done.  Instigate your own perpetual motion, folks, and your life-enhancing achievements will soon wipe out your excuse-filled exhaustion.  Choose movement over creeping moss and enjoy the enlightening sensations of a refreshed, relieved state 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. 

BOOK KIMBERLIE TO MOTIVATE your company!  310- 500- 9587

COMING SOON!  Pure Soapbox  audiobook!

SOAPBOX of the week: lose the crown, folks!

“Extremes meet, and there is no better example
than the haughtiness of humility.”   
 – Ralph Waldo Emerson, philosopher and poet

Aaah, the precariously transient state between humility and pride.  None of us are excluded from being that unconditionally-loved child who’s still starving for attention…even moreso as fully-grown adults!  And rest never finds us on life’s perpetual teeter-totter of meekness vs. expectation.  The moment we even think in one direction, the balance shifts.  When we sport our sacrifices like invisible royal robes, we’re surprised with the ensuing gratitude and accolades.  Yet, blessings are tainted when we join in the applause, trumpeting our importance for more reward and approval.  In essence, our once grateful spirits are trampled by our ugly egos, to again reveal crowns of self-serving exaltation.  So, what’s the harmonizing solution?  Simple.  Separate the gifts from the real earnings from your efforts.  Bow to the unquestionable fact that you’ll never be humble enough.  Then, witness the marvels when being thankful becomes your sole modus operandi. 

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: 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: life’s tapestry of teachers

“For every person who wants to teach there are approximately thirty who don’t want to learn – much.”     – WC Sellers, author and humorist

Ain’t that the truth!  And I wouldn’t doubt for a second that every one of you could rightfully confess a time when you indeed were that aggravating, non-receptive student.  But at some point, I hope, you’ve dropped the rebellious, disinterested, lazy attitude to embrace not only the teachings…but also the teacher.  Who, by the way, aren’t all huddled up in crowded middle school classrooms.  Folks who are driven to “teach” are everywhere.  They’re in boardrooms, churches, libraries and at conferences… just as they’re at the flea market, performing on stage, or cooking at a local restaurant.  That said, if you seek to learn, those who bless you with their experiences and worldly knowledge, will in turn watch their very own horizons expand.  Give them a chance to share and you’ll both profit for 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.

COMING in late ‘09: SOAPBOX® video subscriptions  for mobile & a network TV talk show