My Momma taught me better.  You don't tell people to shut up.  Well, I am just trying to get your attention.  The truth is you talk too much.  I know it is true for you  just like I know it is true for me.  Now, for you quiet types, you need to know the opposite of talking is not "not talking".  I know people who are quiet externally but they have a lot going on internally.  They simply carry on conversations within themselves while others are talking.  Sometimes the internal conversation they are having is about the one who is talking but that is another subject altogether.  My purpose is to call you to a talking "fast".  I am not saying talk faster.  I am suggesting a "fast" from talking.  Choosing not to talk.  Think about it.

What do you do when life happens to you?  You may be wanting to ask a defining question before you answer.  Is it positive or negative?  It is a natural question.  Life is positive when good things are happening.  Life is negative when bad things are happening.  Right?  I am not so sure.  I have seen it work in just the opposite way.  I have seen people win the lottery only to lose everything in the process. Something good happened to them in life but it didn't prove to be a positive.  I have also known people who have had really bad things happen to them only to see it turn into a really big positive for them.  Can negative be positive and positive be negative?  I think the answer is yes.  I also think you are the one who will choose in your life.  I want to encourage you to choose positive.

Each day you live is a gift.  Because gifts typically come wrapped in the unexpected, the "awe" factor is present.  I say typically because we live in a day and time where gifting is more like filling orders.  Folks go to their favorite stores and create this list from which gift givers are supposed to fill their orders.  I realize there is a practicality to that concept and I am sure the stores like it.  I just think we miss something when you are pretty sure you know what you are going to receive because you placed the order.  Maybe that's just me.  However, I do believe there is a correlation between the phenomena of gift giving I have just described and the way you may, too often, approach life.  It is kind of like each day can become one more check off of your list.  Instead of being a surprise, you pretty well know what to expect.  When the unexpected does arise it is generally something happening to you that you might not have ordered had you been asked.  What if you created more days for yourself? 

It is kind of a joke for most of us who are a bit older.  We can't seem to keep up with what means what anymore.  Does the word "bad" mean good according to kids or does it mean bad?  If they say they are "hooking up", what kind of relationship does that infer?  Are things "cool" anymore, or is that out of date?  We can laugh at some of those things because our parents were just like us when we were kids.  The problem comes, however, when whether young or old we don't keep up with the way our vocabulary has evolved as a culture of people.  I am not talking about new expressions like "google me" or "text me".  I am talking about words like "diversity" and "connection".  Words that have grown to have far deeper meaning if not signaling significant change altogether.  The important thing, whether we are old or young, is to not get stuck with old thoughts when life is calling for new understanding.

Someone in your world would love to have you focused on making their day.  Who would that be in your life?  In reality, can you think of anyone in your world who would not like to be on your radar screen of attention?  Motivation in this life is all about having a powerful reason why.  I can't think of anything more powerful and positive than making something happen for someone who is not expecting it.  In order for that to happen, however, you have to intend it.  It has to be purposed.  If not, life will get in your way.  How and what you do is not nearly as important as choosing to do it.  Once you have made the decision to do it, the possibilities will appear.  Here are some suggestions you might want to consider.

Have you ever found yourself stressed out?  Do you remember a time in the recent past when you were really angry?  For most people, these two questions are rhetorical.  Have I ever found myself stressed?  Are you kidding?  How about right now?  The question, itself, stresses me out.  Have I been angry recently?  Really?  Ask my family.  Ask my dog.  Ask the guy I hand signalled in traffic.  Believe me, I feel your pain.  I recognize the challenge.  The important thing for you to realize is that your narratives precede your anger.  What you think creates the context for your stress and your anger.  So, the question really is, what were you thinking?  Even better, what are you thinking?  Your answer to these questions will unlock the door to new response.  Only when you change your mind will you change your experience.