Dedication, Desire, Drive

Today while driving to the grocery store I observed two people out jogging. Now the sight of two people out for a morning jog is normally nothing to write about. I mean around the world today there was perhaps millions of people out jogging this morning. So, what made it so special about these two that I should take time to write about it. And why did I include the picture to the right.

It was the circumstances under which they were running. Your see in Central Ohio, it is mid-December, so the weather is not usually really cooperative with outside running and today it was especially challenging. It was about 35 degrees and raining. If you ever experienced running in a cold rain, you will understand that it really is miserable. The rain soaks your clothes making them heavier and heavier and no matter what, your ankles and face get some exposure to the water and cold. Your feet get wet and the cold settles into your bones. And the guy in the picture is obviously challenging himself by running where he is at, higher elevation, bad terrain and he looks dressed for cold weather at the least.

Now, some of you may be saying that these people were nuts for jogging in this kind of weather or across those mountains and that terrain. Couldn't they just have run on a treadmill inside where it was warm? Well, if they have a treadmill then the answer would be yes. If not, then that was not an option. OK, then what about just taking the day off? Again, a possibility but they chose not do so. And why do you think they chose to run in these conditions?

Well, here are my thoughts on this.

First of all, anyone who has ever wanted to accomplish anything knows that there are are obstacles and challenges to overcome. And sometimes it is those very obstacles and challenges that they seek to overcome that make the journey to the goal more worthwhile.

Facing adversity in life and overcoming it makes you stronger, builds character and gives you confidence. Sure it is nice when, from time to time, things come a little easier but after you finished that run in the cold and rain, you feel more alive than ever because you not only made your goal for the day but you did so under adverse conditions. You did not give in to the fear, doubt or challenge but faced it head on. Talk about an adrenaline rush!

Secondly, if you want to succeed or accomplish anything in life you must apply the three Ds; dedication, desire and drive.

Combine these three feelings and you will never quit, never give up and even when defeat is eminent, you will find the victory in the defeat. When the goal will not be reached, you will find the positive in the negative. When the outcome will be less than desirable, you will find the joy in the sorrow. When you just "did it anyway", you will appreciate the journey!

You see these three obviously had some goal they were trying to reach so they were applying the three Ds on this day. And no matter what, they were going to accomplish what they set out to do. No, cold, no rain, no bad terrain, nothing was stopping them from doing what they needed to do this day to work towards their goal. Do you think these three will reach their goals? More than likely yes for they have already shown they have the dedication, desire and drive to do so.

Here is my definition on those three Ds:

1. Dedication: The feeling that no matter what you will work as hard as you can to see something through to the end.

2. Desire: A feeling deep in your soul that there is something you wish to accomplish or attain.

3. Drive: The internal feeling that fuels you when things get the toughest.

So, what goals are you trying to attain? Are you applying the three Ds or are you giving in to fear and doubt? Do you shrink away from challenges or meet them head on?

Thanks for reading my blog today. I hope I was able to provide you with something that you can use to better your life. Please feel free to share a comment, story, and/or provide any suggestions for topics for future posts.

May you be blessed always and in all ways!

Harry

http://www.raresenseunlimited.com/

Are you doing good?

I love the wisdom contained in quotes and so today I wanted to share some of them around a common theme. Are you doing good?

"In the time we have it is surely our duty to do all the good we can to all the people we can in all the ways we can." - William Barclay

Can you imagine how the world would be if we all followed this and made it our mantra?

"The most important ingredient we put into any relationship is not what we say or what we do, but what we are." - Stephen R. Covey

What good are you doing today?

"It's simply a matter of doing what you do best and not worrying about what the other fellow is going to do" .- John R. Amos

Are you being as kind as possible?

"Ask yourself constantly, ‘What is the right thing to do?’" - Confucius

Are you sharing your love with the world?

"Think in terms of what's good for the other person and success will seek you out." - Mary Kay Ash

Are you sharing your unique talents with the world?

"We are here to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from it". - William Osler

Take time today to ponder both the questions and the quotes and see what you come up with. It is always a good idea to reflect on your life and see how you are living. Are you contributing to society in a positive way? Are you doing good for yourself and others?

Thanks for taking the time to read this today, I am honored that you would do so. Please share any comments you have about today's post. And to make this blog even better, I am always looking for suggestions for topics.

May you be blessed always and in all ways.

Harry
www.raresenseunlimited.com

A Revealing Set of Quizzes

Who or what is most important to you in your life? Here is a couple quizzes to remind you, in case you have forgotten. We all need little reminders now and then!

On a piece of paper write down the answers to the following, if you can. And no cheating, see if you can do it from memory.

Quiz #1:

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman Trophy winners.

3. Name five people who have won a Pulitzer Prize.

4. Name the last five people that have won an Oscar for Best Actor or Actress.

5. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.

6. Name the last five World Series Champions.

7. Name the last five winners of the Grammy for best new artist.

8. Name the last five Super Bowl champions.

9. Name the last five Indy 500 winners.

10. Name the last five winners of the Masters.

Here’s Quiz #2. See how you do on this one.

1. List a few teachers that have aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends that have helped you through a difficult period in your life.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Name a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

6. Name a half dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

So, which quiz was easier to complete? Most people say it was the second one because those people have had a direct impact on their lives! So, the next time you despair about one of your celebrity “heroes” letting you down, just remember who is really important in your life.

Oh, and for those who are listed in the second quiz, why not take time out ASAP and thank them for contributing, in such a positive manner, to your life. They have helped to make you who you are today!

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog, I am humbled that you would do so. Please share your thoughts and comments on today's post and offer any suggestions you might have for topics for my upcoming posts.

May you be blessed always and in all ways!

Harry
Author: Rare Sense, One Day It Will Be Common: A Practical Guide to a Fulfilled & Balanced Life

http://www.raresenseunlimited.com

People You Should Know

From time to time, I like to feature people that I know you would benefit from knowing. Today I am presenting, Chalen Ewing and Kendra E. Thornbury:

Chalen Ewing, also known by her Cree Indian name Morningstar Woman, is a healer, author, counselor and musician. She has produced an award winning documentary and is a Life Coach Skills trainer. Chalen follows and teaches the old medicine ways and wrote the book "Childhood Lost: The Residential School Experience" concerning the trials and tribulations of Native American children forced to attend residential schools and the impact it had and continues to have on their lives and the Native American communities from which they came.

http://www.morningstarmedicine.com/

Kendra E Thornbury, MA is an international coach, spiritual guide, Manifest Mastermind Coach, speaker, facilitator, writer, entrepreneur & humanitarian. Her purpose is to inspire & guide people to be fully alive. She helps people awaken to the bounty of life and live in joy and prosperity.Kendra is on the cutting edge of spiritual thought and practice. People say she is 'wise beyond her years' and is sought out for her insight and guidance. Kendra is known for her clarity and passion. She is masterful at helping people to get out of their comfort zones, into their true potential and to create the true success they desire. Her practice is grounded in over 17 years of applied study in health, healing, yoga, meditation, ceremony, and music.

http://www.spiritalive.net/

http://www.lessonsinlawofattraction.com/

I had the honor and privilege to interview both women on my Blog Talk Radio Show and you can listen to the archives of the show by going to http://www.blogtalkradio.com/harryshade. After listening, if you would help me out and both comment on and rate the shows, I would be very appreciative, as the comments and ratings help me to continue to improve the show.

Thanks once again for reading my blog, I am blessed that you would take the time to do so. Please feel free to comment, share some people you think we would be blessed to get to know and suggest topics for my blog and radio shows.

May you be blessed always and in all ways!

Harry

http://www.raresenseunlimited.com/

It's Never Too Late!

Even though this story is a couple years old, it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. It is also a reminder that age is just a number and it is never too late to go after your dreams. Since the story is rather lengthy, I provided part of it and a link where you can go to read the rest.

Flynt, 59, making comeback with Sul Ross State University
August 23, 2007

ALPINE, Texas -- Mike Flynt was drinking beer and swapping stories with some old football buddies a few months ago when he brought up the biggest regret of his life: getting kicked off the college team before his senior year.

So, one of his pals said, why not do something about it?

Most 59-year-olds would have laughed. Flynt's only concern was if he was eligible. Finding out he was, Flynt returned to Sul Ross State this month, 37 years after he left and six years before he goes on Medicare. His comeback peaked Wednesday with the coach saying he's made the Division III team's roster. He could be in action as soon as Sept. 1.

Flynt is giving new meaning to being a college senior. After all, he's a grandfather and a card-carrying member of AARP. He's eight years older than his coach and has two kids older than any of his teammates.

"I think it was Carl Yastrzemski who used to say, 'How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?' I'd be in my late 20s or early 30s, because that's how I feel," said Flynt, who has made a living out of physical fitness. "That's been my approach to this whole thing. I feel that good. I'm just going to find out if I can perform and make a contribution to the team."

Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press

For the rest of the story go to http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2986313.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. Please feel free to share your thoughts, comments or stories with us!

May you be blessed always and in all ways!

Harry
http://www.raresenseunlimited.com/
www.blogtalkradio.com/harryshade
http://twitter.com/harryshade

A Time to Give Thanks!

Today, I want to offer my sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who takes the time to read this blog. This will be a short post, no fluff, no puff, just sincere love and appreciation.

Whether or not you celebrate Thanksgiving, which is more or less an American holiday, the tradition of giving thanks for what we have is borne out in many different traditions around the world. From ancient times to today, people have taken the time to give thanks. From celebrating the harvest to new moon festivals to sacrificing to the gods, the idea of showing gratitude knows no boundaries. It transcends time, race, creed, religion, gender and nationality.

So, it is the same today, that we should take the time, not just on special days, but everyday to show our gratitude for all the good things we have in our lives. For the more we acknowledge the good in our lives, the more we attract good things to us.

It is my wish for everyone to have all the peace, love, joy and prosperity, in abundance, forevermore. Take time today to give thanks and show appreciation to those people who have brought happiness and blessings to you.

As always please feel free to share your thoughts and comments!

May you be blessed always and in all ways!

Harry

http://www.raresenseunlimited.com/

Keeping Body, Mind and Spirit Tuned Up and Healthy

In my book Rare Sense, One day It Will Be Common, I provide information on living a fulfilled and balanced life. A huge part of that balance is in taking care of the three parts of us: Body, Mind and Spirit.

Just like a three legged chair that has a weak leg will eventually get out of balance and cause stress on the other two legs, so will that happen to us if we do not take the time to nourish and strengthen all aspects of our very being.

Here are some tips for doing just that.

Body:

Of course the obvious thing here is getting enough exercise but that is just the tip of the iceberg. Good nutrition, taking time to relax, getting enough sleep, getting regular checkups with our doctors, meditation, massage and reducing stress are all key to having a healthy body. For us to perform at our maximum potential our bodies need to be a well oiled machine. The healthier our body is the more alive we feel, which leads to a happier spirit and a clear mind.

Mind:

We must always being looking for ways to stimulate our minds. Whether it be learning something new, playing a game like chess, using meditation, reading stimulating materials, debating the latest world challenges and/or traveling to a new locale, it is imperative that we continue to exercise our minds. Study after study has shown that mental stimulation is perhaps more important to warding off dementia or Alzheimer's than anything else. So, take the time to challenge that brain of yours everyday, especially as you age. A healthy mind allows our body to perform at it's best and our spirit to be light.

Spirit:

There are so many ways to raise and keep your spirits up. You can serve others by volunteering, take time to commune with nature, become active in your place of worship, keep company with happy people, meditate, try new things, go to new places, be grateful and have a career where you live your purpose and passion everyday. Your spirit wants to soar, so give it all the energy and power to do just that by being fully involved with life. When our spirit is free, we feel great and want to sustain that feeling and so we endeavor to continue to strengthen our body and mind as well. For we know that when all three are in sync, we will feel and perform at our best.

There are so many other ways to keep you body, mind and spirit in balance. I juts wanted to provide you with some stimulation in the hope that you will decide to have the life that you want and deserve. I am sure that you have ways that you keep yourself in balance and I woud love to have you share them with us.

As always I welcome your comments, feedback and stories. Thanks for reading my blog today, I am honored and blessed that you would do so.

May you be belessed always and in all ways!

Harry
http://www.raresenseunlimited.com/