What are you known for?

Cities are known for specific things, like food, culture, and architecture. Celebrities and politicians often become famous (or infamous) for specific good deeds or scandalous stories. Specific years in history are defined by the events that shape them. 

But what about you? What are you known for?

Unfortunately for most of us, this question isn’t considered until after we leave this earth. However, legacies are crafted every single day through our actions, words and choices. Our daily behavior shapes our reputation and builds our legacy, one moment at a time. 

The good news? Legacies aren’t’ set in stone. Who you are now and what you do today can transform how you’ll be remembered. So, what will you be known for? If the answer doesn’t sit well with you, take heart; it’s never too late to change the narrative.

Start today. Shape your legacy. 

Stress Management

 I once heard a lecturer explaining stress management to an audience.

The lecturer raised a glass of water and asked, how heavy is this glass of water?

Answers called out ranged from eight to twenty ounces. The lecturer replied, the absolute weight doesn't matter.  It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem.  If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes and that's the way it is with stress management. 

If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burdens become increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. As with the glass of water, you must put it down for a while and rest before holding it again.  When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden.

So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work/life down.  Don't carry it home with you. You can always pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, set them down for a moment if you can.  

Relax; pick them up later after you've rested. Life is short!

You Define You

 “It is okay to take “No” for an answer. It is not okay to let that “No” define you.”

- Cody Johnson – Singer/Songwriter

He actually said this between songs, at a recent live performance. His words struck me. The declines, pushbacks and snubs in our life should not define us. We can’t let them. It is more than just the “No’s”, it is other people’s decisions and opinions. We cannot let them define who we are.  

We get to define who we are! Don’t let others take that away from you. Think about it…

By the way, there is another MMM about a Cody Johnson song entitled, “I am still learning to be human”.

Thankful For Milestones

If you have followed the MMM for some time you have likely read my writings on practicing gratitude year-round, not just during this particular week. For me personally, this year has been a great reminder of that mindset. Milestones are significant. We are blessed to reach them, and should take the time to appreciate and be thankful for them. For me this year I am….

• Thankful for a 25-year loving marriage

• Blessed to have celebrated my 65th birthday

• Healthy after 20 years in remission and almost 5 years for my wife

• Excited to celebrate the 20th Montgomery County Light The Night Walk

• Thankful that Blanton Advisors celebrated 14 years in business

• Proud of our granddaughter who graduated high school and move on to college

• Thankful that you all still read, and hopefully appreciate, the MMM after 20 years

Milestones are awesome. So is getting up every day, with loved ones, shelter, food and employment. Be blessed and grateful this Thanksgiving week.