Just Another Day

While driving home with a friend of mine, we stopped for gas! While waiting for an open pump, she asked me to wait in the car when she goes in to pay, allowing her to leave her purse in the car. Agreeing and explaining that I will get out and place the nozzle in the gas tank as I do I see 2 shiny pennies... Heads up! ... Woohooo!!! bending down to pick them up, I say Thank You for the great find... thinking one for me and one for my friend.

Before my friend returns a blue van pulls in to use the pump in front of us, a lady gets out  she is also going insdie to pay, we make eye contact and share a quick smile. As soon as the tank is full, my friend gets in the car starts the engine when all of a sudden the lady from the blue van is knocking at the passenger window... my window...it was half way opened. She says excuse me but I am compelled to tell you something. As we listen she asked if I knew who Bret Butler? Answering honestly, I did not ... she said I look like her, not knowing if this was a good thing or a great thing : ) I said thank you... She said she was an actress from Grace Under Fire, a TV program 'You Must Google her and read her story', my friend was not too sure about this moment I could sense her guard was up.  Then the woman opened the car door stooped down and continued talking for another 5 or 6 minutes... telling us about herself, asking us to guess her ethic background...telling us a quick version of her life ending it with how she felt compelled to speak to me, not knowing why she just knew she had to. She asked if she could  give us a hug then she would be on her way. Smiling and agreeing she hugged my friend and myself thanking us for listening... as she closed the car door I asked  her name ... she said "Thank You, my name is Wendy" with a big smile she strutted away to pump her gas. My friend turns and looks at me while driving away saying..."You really are a magnetic, this never happens to me unless I am with you... you attract others where you go, from now on I am not taking you anywhere ... ever again!" We laughed until it hurt! 

Thinking how human interactions can be really truly amazing. Later that evening I shared the story with Jim. He smiles and asks did you tell her to get use to it?... reminding me of other times when this happened.

I believe in goodness... and I share smiles... receive hugs...listen to funny, sad and happy stories from strangers, some become friends, others become a story to smile or even laugh about... 

A Touch of Lemon

When I met Mr. Jim Lemon, I was a sixteen-year-old freshman at Houston's Jackson Junior High and the chances of my finishing high school were slim. I was a troubled teenager with an attitude, living in a neighborhood that fostered troubled teenagers.

Mr. Lemon taught American history and it was clear from the first day that his classroom was not going to be disrupted. It was apparent very quickly that Mr. Lemon was quite different from the other teachers I had known. Not only was he a disciplinarian, but also he was a great teacher. He would never settle for my usual standard of classroom work. Mr. Lemon pushed and prodded and never tolerated the mediocrity that had become my standard.

On the occasion of our first semester report cards, Mr. Lemon called me aside and asked how it was possible that I was a B student in his class and a D and F student in the rest of my classes.

I was ready for that question. I passionately told him about my divorced parents, the local gangs, the drugs, the fights, and the police - all the evils that I had been subjected to. Mr. Lemon listened patiently and when I was through he responded, “There’s a problem with your list Mr. Phillips, you are not on it.”

Then Mr. Lemon explained that the only person responsible for my situation was me. And the only person with the potential to change my situation was me, and that when I personally accepted that responsibility I could make a significant change in my life.

He convinced me that I was failing not because I was a failure, but because I was not accepting the responsibility for my results in those other classes. Mr. Lemon was the first teacher I had who made me believe in myself. He inspired me to become a better student and he changed my life.

Ten years later, I spoke to him again. I was preparing to graduate from Chaminade University in Honolulu.

It had taken weeks of telephone calls to find him but I knew what I had to say. When I finally did get Mr. Lemon on the telephone, I explained what his brutal honesty had meant to me, how I finally graduated from high school, and how I was a proud staff sergeant in the Army. I explained how I had married the most beautiful and wonderful woman of my dreams and how we had a beautiful a daughter.

Most of all I wanted him to know that I was about to graduate magna cum laude after going to school for four hours a night, four nights a week for three years. I wanted him to know that I could never have done any of these things if he had not been a part of my life.

Finally, I told him that I had been saving money for two years so that I could invite he and his wife to come to Hawaii at my expense to be part of my graduation. I'll never forget his response. Mr. Lemon said, "Who is this again?"

I was just one of hundreds of students whose life he changed and he seemed genuinely surprised of his impact.

Perhaps none of us realize the impact that we have on other people nor do other people have any idea how much of an impact they have on us. How much, then, should we be aware of our influence on others to make sure that it is for the best? And how much more should we tell those who have had a positive impact on our lives?

Rick Phillips

Rick Phillips is a motivational speaker and trainer. You can visit his website at: www.rickphillips.com 

Being Great Helps Others Feel Greatness

What a great feeling when you met someone that is succeeding and it resonates within you.
As they share their journey of successes, trials and errors you feel as if you can succeed too. The universe gives clues ... Seeming as if you NOW have permission... to take control of you, you remember you have talents, abilities, your belief is greater. You must create a plan that gives you a healthy balance …  execute it … Take action … Get out there and make your world a better place … Helping others succeed along the way … Now that is purpose !!!

Being real and having fun is like winning only better ♥

Yesterday 'was'... Today 'is' ... Tomorrow 'will' be !!! I love good surprises !!!

I keep learning that one way of being happy is doing things for other people ♥ ♥ ♥ Every time I allow the lesson I share a blessing ♥ ♥ ♥

We all have Great Possibilities with in us ... some people are just more aware and allow it to shine...