Highlight Reel

People sometimes get highlights in their hair to accent their natural color or to make themselves stand out in a crowd.  You have seen the ones with green, purple, or orange streaks.  You may actually like the brighter hues for you own look and style.  If they work for you, wear them with confidence.  Even if you do not have highlights in your hair, you do have them in other places.  If you are interested in the NBA playoffs, you can always keep up with what happens in the games by watching the highlights on the various sports shows.  You may not be a professional athlete, but you can have your own highlight reel.  Think of the slam dunks, blocked shots, and fast breaks that you have completed recently.  They might not have been on television, but others can visualize them when you talk about them.

Slam dunks are those accomplishments that you finish with decisive exclamation points.  It's okay to show a little swagger every now and then.  If you reach a weight loss goal, wear a bold and colorful outfit to show off your new figure.  When you celebrate a milestone birthday, graduation, or retirement, don't wait on someone else to acknowledge the occasion.  Throw yourself a party.

Blocked shots represent your ability to rise to meet the challenges to your plans.  You can deflect distractions by being in position to see them coming.  Monitor your health by having regular physicals, dental exams, eye exams, and any other tests that are recommended for your gender and age.  You can prevent, or block, some illnesses before they manifest.  Procrastination may cause you to feel pressure  as you approach certain deadlines.  When you put things off until the last minute, there may be anxiety and stress.  You can block procrastination with accountability.  Impose penalties on yourself for not working toward your objectives at a consistent pace.

Fast breaks are those opportunities that present themselves to you unexpectedly.  You must be prepared to take action quickly.  If you want to get a new job or start a business, you never know when you will need to promote your most valuable product - you.  It may not be a formal interview or sales pitch.  You may be in the grocery store or at the dry cleaners when a casual conversation with another customer reveals that they have a need for your service or product.  Information is a valuable commodity.  Expose yourself to a variety of topics and be aware of current events.  You may not have the answer to a question, but if you are able to point someone in the right direction then you are viewed as a key link, or bridge.  It is good to be known as someone that can connect the dots.

Leave a comment and share the slam dunks, blocked shots, and fast breaks that you have executed recently.    

Repair or Replace

The things that you use on a regular basis eventually begin to show wear and tear.  Appliances, cars, electronics, clothes, and shoes are some examples of items that need to be maintained.  Even if you take excellent care of  your things, at some point they will no longer work as designed.  If something has served its purpose and is no longer needed, you might decide to throw it away.  More often, you will probably decide if you want to repair or replace it.  What factors do you consider to make that call?

Repairing an item may be the best choice if you are dealing with something that has sentimental value to you.  If it cannot be replaced, then you want to do everything possible to preserve it.  Promises and non-digital photographs are examples of things that are not easily duplicated.  If they are broken or destroyed, you feel a sense of loss.  A typical repair kit might include tape or glue.  You need an adhesive to put things back together again.  Identify the people, places, or things that function as bridges in your life.  They can help you put together the broken pieces.  A close friend may be able to provide the right words of support when you need to fix a situation.  A spa or favorite vacation spot can improve your perspective on difficulties that you may be experiencing.  If you have a motto or song that inspires you, it might help you establish a bond with others.

Replacements are needed when something is damaged beyond repair or you want a newer, improved model.  Technology changes at such an amazing pace (mobile phone, computers, cameras, televisions, etc.) that a lot of people get new devices every few years.  People and relationships are not that interchangeable.  However, roles and responsibilities can be reassigned, or replaced.  As you grow and become exposed to different experiences, some people in your circle may not be able to advise you as they have in the past.  You still love them and value their opinion, but must recognize when someone else is better equipped to assist you.  If you get in a situation that is slightly over your head, a lifeguard (family member or friend) can rescue you.  When you are lost at sea and cannot see the shore, you need the Coast Guard (an experienced team of people trained to search and rescue).  Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.  Know the difference between who can throw you a life preserver and who will jump in to pull you out of trouble.

Leave a comment and share areas where you may need repairs or replacements. 

Crosswalks

Do you always use the crosswalk when going to the other side of the street?  There is an automated signal to alert you when it is safe to step in the road.  It is usually easy to spot the crosswalks.  There are the white lines in the street and the poles on the sidewalks.  Wouldn't it be nice if there was a walk or don't walk instruction for everything that you do in life?  You can apply the principle to common things like eating or shopping.  If you are adopting a healthier diet, you may ask should you eat certain things.  When you are shopping, depending on cost or style, you might ask if you should buy something.  The common denominator between the crosswalk, eating, and shopping is that you have to make a decision.

When you were a child, do you remember your parents telling you to look both ways before crossing the street?  That is still good advice today and it can be used to help you recognize the best time to pursue some of your goals.  Consider what is coming on your right (pros) and what is approaching on your left (cons).  Make a list for comparison.  The objective is to avoid getting hit by traffic, or those things that will impact you negatively.  You don't want to get run over, or overwhelmed, by worst case scenarios.  Be patient when selecting your openings to make moves regarding career, relationships, major purchases (home, car, etc.),  and other life changing events.  Look for the signals that will tell you when it is safe to make the first step toward the next leg of your journey.  Ask your self the following questions to help you determine if it is time to walk. 

1. Are you passionate about where you are trying to go? 
2. Are you disciplined enough to do what it takes to get there? 
3. Are you prepared for the benefits that come with success?

If you answered yes to all three questions, step off the sidewalk and cross the street that is standing between you and your ultimate destination.  Leave a comment and share your upcoming or recent crosswalk moments.

Hats

Have you noticed that there have been a lot of occasions for hats recently?  The Royal Wedding, Easter, Mother's Day, and the Kentucky Derby are all places where hats receive a lot of attention.  They come in all shapes and sizes.  What does a person's choice of hats say about them?  Can you get a sense of what is in someone's head by what they are wearing on their head?  The trim and attachments often make a statement.  What do you think of when you see the bows, feathers, and beads on the hats? 

Bows have symmetrical loops, a middle knot, and hanging tails.  Each loop may represent opposite ends of the ambition scale.  The knot provides the balance to ensure that there is sufficient drive and desire to pursue your dreams without being single-minded about it.  The tails that extend from each loop can help you monitor and adjust your focus when needed.

Feathers are soft and remind you of wings.  When you see them, think of situations where you need to take flight.  A feather is a tool to help you defeat procrastination.  It can tickle you to get a reaction from you.  Dusting tools may also be made from feathers.  Brush the dust off of some things that you may have put on the shelf a while ago.  Make the time to take a second look at past aspirations.

Beads might dangle and make noise.  They may be stitched into the hat in a particular pattern.  The colors usually make them instantly noticeable.  They are attention grabbers.  Make sure that you are prepared for the spotlight when it is turned on you.  Work hard and be able to produce when you get opportunities.

Leave a comment and share the hat adornments that can help you this week.   

Bumper Stickers

Do you notice the bumper stickers on other cars when you are driving or stuck in traffic?  The statements range from humorous to informative.  You may get an idea of what the driver cares about by the words that follow them.  Some may let you know that their child is an honor student at a particular school or that they are fans of a sports team.  Others might support a specific cause (cancer research, political candidate, environmental concerns, etc.). 

You might be reminded of a favorite hobby, motivated to participate in an organization, or amused by the phrasing or graphics when you glance at some of the stickers, window decals, or magnets.  Some common messages that you may see are Baby on Board or Support Our Troops.  Do you have anything on your car to give people an idea of what is close to your heart?  The next time that you are stuck in traffic, pass the time by looking at some of the other vehicles to see if there is something interesting being promoted or communicated. 

Leave a comment and share the bumper sticker, decal, or magnet that caught your attention this week.