I have neglected this blog, and I regret it. I hope to keep it up on a much more timely basis.
I don't recall just why at the moment - maybe it had to do with the co-opting of my YDMAD email autoresponder - but some time back I changed this blog's title and link.
It NOW is http://ydmad.blogspot.com/
It WAS http://y-d-m-a-d.blogspot.com/
The latter one still is there. It contains some worthy, I feel, posts. I will try to figure out how to move them to this location, if I can. I think it will be worth the trouble.
In the meantime, thanks for checking in. If you have friends who would be interested in some genuine uplifting and encouragement, send 'em this way
Thursday, August 21, 2008
That insurance commercial says it well:
"Life comes at you fast."
Couldn't have said it better myself.
I can't believe I haven't posted anything here on "You Do Make A
Difference" for SO very long. Days became weeks, and then weeks
became...
Life comes at you fast.
But I am learning this: life isn't just a series of days, weeks
and months; life happens one moment, one instance, one encounter
at a time.
I last wrote about my experience at Starbucks. I have now been
there for TWO YEARS and six months (amazing!), and as much as
things have changed, so much has stayed the same.
The thing that my (almost) every day experiences there have
taught me -- with a lot of help from Above -- is that everyday
people are looking for a lot more than just a triple grande
mocha.
Oh, sure, there are those who simply want their coffee, in one
form or another. They make no demands other than the expectation
(and rightly so) of excellent products and excellent service. We
provide that, with much room to spare.
But I encounter so many who absolutely light up like the
proverbial Christmas tree when I say my usual "Hey, how's it
going?" and follow up with "I hope you have a great day."
I think the difference I see, because I TRY making it a
difference, is that, even when I am exasperated (on occasion...)
and exhausted (often), I know it matters to say it and MEAN it.
I don't always do a great job of that, although I am certain of
its value.
=> Not just because it's Starbucks policy.
=> Not just because it is common practice (or should be) in
customer service.
=> And not just because it is expected these days.
No -- because when I SAY it and MEAN it and SHOW it, it makes a
world of difference to that one person, in that one moment.
I had a woman at the drive-thru one day ask me, "Whatever
you're on, I want some of it. You're always so upbeat."
(Ma'am, you haven't seen me on a not-so-good day, but thanks
anyway).
Nevertheless, I took that as a GREAT compliment.
Responding positively, regardless, can make someone's day.
That same someone who may have just been chewed out by their
boss.
Had an argument with their spouse.
Sat stopped in traffic for 45 minutes.
(Get the picture?)
Sometimes, though, the "picture" gets really out of focus, and I
don't do a very good job. I really hate that, because I not only
maybe have missed an opportunity to be a blessing, I may have
actually made their day worse.
I REALLY hate that. Really do. Life's too short.
Then there are those who are really, really jerks. Incorrigible
(or so it seems).
I'll talk about them next. My response may surprise you.
Did me.
"Life comes at you fast."
Couldn't have said it better myself.
I can't believe I haven't posted anything here on "You Do Make A
Difference" for SO very long. Days became weeks, and then weeks
became...
Life comes at you fast.
But I am learning this: life isn't just a series of days, weeks
and months; life happens one moment, one instance, one encounter
at a time.
I last wrote about my experience at Starbucks. I have now been
there for TWO YEARS and six months (amazing!), and as much as
things have changed, so much has stayed the same.
The thing that my (almost) every day experiences there have
taught me -- with a lot of help from Above -- is that everyday
people are looking for a lot more than just a triple grande
mocha.
Oh, sure, there are those who simply want their coffee, in one
form or another. They make no demands other than the expectation
(and rightly so) of excellent products and excellent service. We
provide that, with much room to spare.
But I encounter so many who absolutely light up like the
proverbial Christmas tree when I say my usual "Hey, how's it
going?" and follow up with "I hope you have a great day."
I think the difference I see, because I TRY making it a
difference, is that, even when I am exasperated (on occasion...)
and exhausted (often), I know it matters to say it and MEAN it.
I don't always do a great job of that, although I am certain of
its value.
=> Not just because it's Starbucks policy.
=> Not just because it is common practice (or should be) in
customer service.
=> And not just because it is expected these days.
No -- because when I SAY it and MEAN it and SHOW it, it makes a
world of difference to that one person, in that one moment.
I had a woman at the drive-thru one day ask me, "Whatever
you're on, I want some of it. You're always so upbeat."
(Ma'am, you haven't seen me on a not-so-good day, but thanks
anyway).
Nevertheless, I took that as a GREAT compliment.
Responding positively, regardless, can make someone's day.
That same someone who may have just been chewed out by their
boss.
Had an argument with their spouse.
Sat stopped in traffic for 45 minutes.
(Get the picture?)
Sometimes, though, the "picture" gets really out of focus, and I
don't do a very good job. I really hate that, because I not only
maybe have missed an opportunity to be a blessing, I may have
actually made their day worse.
I REALLY hate that. Really do. Life's too short.
Then there are those who are really, really jerks. Incorrigible
(or so it seems).
I'll talk about them next. My response may surprise you.
Did me.
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
Hi There,
For those of you who have wondered what happened to me and to the "You Do Make A Difference Ezine." Despite appearances to the contrary, I haven't gone anywhere.
OK - I admit I have been a stranger - quite a stranger for too long.
In fact, I have been quite busy doing good "stuff," but maybe, like many of us, I sort of lost site of this aspect of my calling.
"Calling," you say?
Yes, I have a calling. Several, in fact. I really believe we all do. Shame is, many of us - no, most of us -miss it or have no clue at all what it may be, or may have been.
But take heart (on a couple of planes):
- I think I see where and why I lost sight of mine.
- Part of mine is to help you see yours.
OK - a lot of talk, but maybe not much of a point so far. So I'll cut to the chase.
After I use an object lesson that is.
The route I take to work takes me past some wonderfully scenic land, even in the 12 short miles I drive to work. It is, in a word, inspirational! That really helps remind me of why I work. (And, believe me, it’s about more than just money).
This week on that route I passed a small country church with it’s usual (though, unfortunately, seldom changed) marquee. "Hey - they finally changed it!"
The new one says,
"If you're looking for a sign from God, this is it."
Hmmm. Pretty presumptuous, I thought. Then I thought about it some more.
They are absolutely right. The sign wasn't a "sign," but it sure aroused reminded me that God’s messages, His signs, are all around us.
Open your eyes, Neil!
I do and He did. And when we choose to see, He not only gives us signs, He also gives affirmations.
And today I was just given two. For reasons I am at a loss to explain, I just had two NEW subscribers to my "You Do Make A Difference" ezine.
"What?" says I. I haven't advertised. I haven't sent out an issue in at least thr-, uh, fi-, er, a longold time.
A sign that I need not abandon it? I'm taking it that way. I have another ezine I had already planned to focus on, but not now at the cost of this one. Not after this.
So, for the first time in a long time (for many of you) and for the first time for two of you, I am offering my contribution.
I feel not only inspired but compelled to tell you some amazing things - maybe some inspiring things - that have transpired in my life. Soon, anyway.
=> Not that my life should necessarily interest you, but that I think some things that I have to say may be pretty amazing to you. They amaze me. <=
That’s a wrap for now. Let me leave you this issue with this thought:
. Is there something that has been "nagging" you, that you think you are supposed to be doing? Something you have suppressed, and probably for sometime?
. Are you being honest, especially with yourself, about it? What I mean is: are you selling yourself short? Are you questioning your own ability and/or willingness to even allow it to be a dream, much less a passion?
I came to realize (even if you wouldn't know it from what I have yet to achieve), that we are our own biggest limitation.
Maybe, like me, you're not a great finisher. Or not even a good starter. Or there’s something else about you stopping you.
Good. Maybe you just thought about it and admitted it.
What really lights your fire? What ways - and with or for whom - are you convinced you can "make a difference" (not words I take lightly or use glibly).
For now, think about it. See the possibilities.
See you soon. Much sooner than last time.
Promise.
Neil
For those of you who have wondered what happened to me and to the "You Do Make A Difference Ezine." Despite appearances to the contrary, I haven't gone anywhere.
OK - I admit I have been a stranger - quite a stranger for too long.
In fact, I have been quite busy doing good "stuff," but maybe, like many of us, I sort of lost site of this aspect of my calling.
"Calling," you say?
Yes, I have a calling. Several, in fact. I really believe we all do. Shame is, many of us - no, most of us -miss it or have no clue at all what it may be, or may have been.
But take heart (on a couple of planes):
- I think I see where and why I lost sight of mine.
- Part of mine is to help you see yours.
OK - a lot of talk, but maybe not much of a point so far. So I'll cut to the chase.
After I use an object lesson that is.
The route I take to work takes me past some wonderfully scenic land, even in the 12 short miles I drive to work. It is, in a word, inspirational! That really helps remind me of why I work. (And, believe me, it’s about more than just money).
This week on that route I passed a small country church with it’s usual (though, unfortunately, seldom changed) marquee. "Hey - they finally changed it!"
The new one says,
"If you're looking for a sign from God, this is it."
Hmmm. Pretty presumptuous, I thought. Then I thought about it some more.
They are absolutely right. The sign wasn't a "sign," but it sure aroused reminded me that God’s messages, His signs, are all around us.
Open your eyes, Neil!
I do and He did. And when we choose to see, He not only gives us signs, He also gives affirmations.
And today I was just given two. For reasons I am at a loss to explain, I just had two NEW subscribers to my "You Do Make A Difference" ezine.
"What?" says I. I haven't advertised. I haven't sent out an issue in at least thr-, uh, fi-, er, a longold time.
A sign that I need not abandon it? I'm taking it that way. I have another ezine I had already planned to focus on, but not now at the cost of this one. Not after this.
So, for the first time in a long time (for many of you) and for the first time for two of you, I am offering my contribution.
I feel not only inspired but compelled to tell you some amazing things - maybe some inspiring things - that have transpired in my life. Soon, anyway.
=> Not that my life should necessarily interest you, but that I think some things that I have to say may be pretty amazing to you. They amaze me. <=
That’s a wrap for now. Let me leave you this issue with this thought:
. Is there something that has been "nagging" you, that you think you are supposed to be doing? Something you have suppressed, and probably for sometime?
. Are you being honest, especially with yourself, about it? What I mean is: are you selling yourself short? Are you questioning your own ability and/or willingness to even allow it to be a dream, much less a passion?
I came to realize (even if you wouldn't know it from what I have yet to achieve), that we are our own biggest limitation.
Maybe, like me, you're not a great finisher. Or not even a good starter. Or there’s something else about you stopping you.
Good. Maybe you just thought about it and admitted it.
What really lights your fire? What ways - and with or for whom - are you convinced you can "make a difference" (not words I take lightly or use glibly).
For now, think about it. See the possibilities.
See you soon. Much sooner than last time.
Promise.
Neil
Friday, October 26, 2007
Neil's "You Do Make A Difference" Ezine
In this world of "get away with whatever you can" it appears that my well-intended "You Do Make A Difference" Ezine (which, yes, regrettably, has been inactive for over a year) may somehow have been"hijacked" by an overzealous online marketing ne'erdowell.
How?
I don't know, but I have been receiving messages myself which were generated from my OWN YDMAD ezine autoresponder by some shyster"Duckett Marketing" or some such moniker.
It makes me furious.
Until I can figure out how to disable/defeat it and demand recompense for the damage done, PLEASE consider doing the following:
1. DELETE any email that says "Duckett" or "Blog Entry" or the like.
2. Please do NOT add it to your "sp^am" list.
(Doing so will block my YDMAD ezine, since they have somehow co-opted it)
3. Wait to hear from me if you wish to stay on my list (more about that in a sec).
One option I may have to pursue is deleting the list and autoresponder account altogether and re-starting it under adifferent guise.
AND ABOUT THAT...
I am going to take this event as a sign --
"Neil, now that I have your attention, Start YDMAD Back Up Again."
This is really - and I mean it - a blessing in disguise.
I have been seriously praying for a way to expand my personal difference-making efforts.
So, "Duh"
Resurrect YDMAD and promote the heck out of it. Lord knows I have a bunch of things I want and even need to say, people to commend and recommend, and encouragements that MANY need hearing.
Whatcha think?
I hope you're having a great day and many more to follow.
Take good care and God bless.
Neil Shattles
http://www.ydmad.com/
Thanks for caring enough to want to make a difference.
In this world of "get away with whatever you can" it appears that my well-intended "You Do Make A Difference" Ezine (which, yes, regrettably, has been inactive for over a year) may somehow have been"hijacked" by an overzealous online marketing ne'erdowell.
How?
I don't know, but I have been receiving messages myself which were generated from my OWN YDMAD ezine autoresponder by some shyster"Duckett Marketing" or some such moniker.
It makes me furious.
Until I can figure out how to disable/defeat it and demand recompense for the damage done, PLEASE consider doing the following:
1. DELETE any email that says "Duckett" or "Blog Entry" or the like.
2. Please do NOT add it to your "sp^am" list.
(Doing so will block my YDMAD ezine, since they have somehow co-opted it)
3. Wait to hear from me if you wish to stay on my list (more about that in a sec).
One option I may have to pursue is deleting the list and autoresponder account altogether and re-starting it under adifferent guise.
AND ABOUT THAT...
I am going to take this event as a sign --
"Neil, now that I have your attention, Start YDMAD Back Up Again."
This is really - and I mean it - a blessing in disguise.
I have been seriously praying for a way to expand my personal difference-making efforts.
So, "Duh"
Resurrect YDMAD and promote the heck out of it. Lord knows I have a bunch of things I want and even need to say, people to commend and recommend, and encouragements that MANY need hearing.
Whatcha think?
I hope you're having a great day and many more to follow.
Take good care and God bless.
Neil Shattles
http://www.ydmad.com/
Thanks for caring enough to want to make a difference.
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