Readers share their Thoughts! June and July 2010

Reactions to Painting and other things I hate

Maria:

I so agree with you about viewing 'prep work' as a job all it's own. In fact, so much of life is just that: preparing for that big party, preparing for that exam, preparing for a job interview, or that great vacation! So, when you realize that the majority of your life is 'prep work', it is truly important to also try to see it as fun. I love your idea of making 'prep work' it's own job, but I prefer to make 'prep work' enjoyable. Put on music that you love, schedule a 'tea & dessert break', invite a friend to join you, even if only by speaker phone. If 90% of life is 'prep work', we should learn how to enjoy it.

Raven
Image & Lifestyle Consultant


Maria-

Never thought of it that way. Thanks for the great tip - again!

Beverly



Dear Maria,

I enjoy your newsletter-so many helpful hints..

Your ideas, thoughts and encouragement tells me that I can still grow and be the best person
that I was meant to be-by the Grace of God. I wish you continued success in your own life and all that you do to help others.

Take good care and may God Bless you always.

Sincerely,

Sandy



Reactions to CLEAR YOUR DESK!


This is an excellent strategy, one that I practice often. Years ago I was knee deep in paper and I was also interviewing a new candidate for a managerial position. She came in, and my desk was covered. I took my arm, gathered the entire mass of paper into a pile and dumped in the floor. I then said, okay, now let's talk. I hired her and she took the position. About a year later she told me that she took the job, because in that moment during the interview she knew I cared about what she had to say and only what she had to say. I was focused. IT WORKS!


Taryn Pyle



Oh how true it is!

Ira Walzer


This is one of those things that you just forget. Thanks for the reminder, Maria!

Josephine Q.

Regarding article on humming:

Whistling is good too! :)
Happy holiday!
Jan



It is a great tool, I never thought about that but yes, it is like Hindus with OM, thanks a lot.

ME



That is a great idea only problem is my most trying times are in the middle of the night when I wake up with how will I get this or that done. My husband may not appreciate the humming therapy!

SH

Try this! Humming in your head? Or singing in your head. Imagine the humming in your mind. Still works!

Maria



Hi Maria . . . you're ideas always make me smile! Thank you again!

RG




I so enjoyed your article and I find that the older I get the easier it becomes to do the right thing. After about 45 years of age, you don't care as much what other people think.
The only thing that bothered me about your article and it being the 4th of July is that this country is a Representative Republic not a democracy. It is democratic to the point of being able to vote for who you want to represent you in any government - city, county, state and federal, but that does not mean that they will vote or represent you on what a majority wants.
Case in point - Florida was able to vote on a referendum to reduce class sizes in schools which passed. In the process of voting for something a lot of people thought was necessary, it created havoc with our finances in Florida (property tax increases, etc.), because no one thought of what it would cost us. When I graduated in the 1960's, most of our classrooms had 35 to 40 students. The only differences between then and now, college entrance scores were higher and there was discipline. If you got in trouble in school, you also got in trouble at home.
Hope I didn't go on too long and I hope you have a great 4th of July in this great, beautiful, important Republic and especially our little piece of paradise!
"I pledge allegiance to America and to the Republic for which it stands. . . . ." Thanks, Nancy Jordan, Fernandina Beach



You know you really have some good helpful, practical hints and ideas. Thank you!

Anonymous



Read article here!







Maria, I totally agree with all three of these, but especially the stapler. When I worked I learned the hard way that paperclips just don't get the job done. They seem to attach things to themselves on their own, and those things are filed wrong and lost forever!! Staples are much more well behaved.



Nancy




My kids and I are having so much fun with Camp Curiosity. Thanks for creating such a fun program.

Elizabeth R


Your words have changed my life. I really am a different person. Joyce


I just wanted to tell you that your last article about the paper towels was really great. You are always coming up with these simple things that just make complete sense.

TZ

I love Anthony Wolf's books and have had the chance to attend a few of his trainings back in CT. The "Why do you have to get a Divorce and when can I get a hamster?" is also another great one.

Agnes


Another great idea! Thanks, Maria!

GE