A few family members and friends are getting puppies as gifts this year. I know the little balls of energy are a lot of work especially for Mom and Dad. Don't believe that the kids will take care of the dog! You will be the one feeding, caring, and walking the dog. In the beginning, you are adding an extra child to the family, but the effort is so worth it. We all know of pets transforming lives bringing love and joy to a lonely, listless person or home.
WAGGING OF THE TAIL
What is about pets that attract us. Why do we feel the need to add an extra mouth to feed, care for something else, and add another item to our already long list of things to do. Our daughter has been asking for a dog for 10 years but we kept putting it off. Too much work, not enough time, all that good stuff. Children instinctively are attracted to the love and energy of a pet, they intuitively feel the connection and form an instant bond. What attracts all of us to our pets especially the children is the unconditional love, joy, enthusiasm, and energy that they provide.
When your dog greets you it's tail is ALWAYS wagging! How wonderful is that simple gesture of a wagging tail always greeting us with it's great to see you and I love you no matter what!
JOY
There's a reason we naturally gravitate to the wagging tail, it's called JOY! Our preference is to be around people and things that are uplifting, happy, joyful, and loving. All the more so when those wonderful emotions come without judgement and prejudice. Wouldn't it be nice if humans had a tail and then we could see if the person is happy, sad, or fearful. Well, the good thing is that we do come with our own tails and for us it's the face, more specifically our eyes, our smiles. But how often do our tails wag?
Yes, we have a lot going on in our lives. Adults, children, and families are busier than ever before but maybe we can start treating each other especially our loved ones with a little more kindness and a little more love. Let's leave our past hurts behind, drop the judgement, try to forgive and forget. Live fully in the present moment. Try to smile more, laugh more, drop the frown, lose the negativity, and restore the twinkle in your eyes. Watch how your energy and vitality improve.
Keep that tail wagging!
All the best and continued success.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
kaufmanncoaching@gmail.com
tkaufmanncoaching.com
Friday, December 24, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
CLIFF LEE IS COMIN' TO TOWN
CLIFF LEE IS COMIN TO TOWN
Wow! Philly is on fire! Cliff Lee after being spurned by the Phillies a season ago returns after snubbing the offers from Texas and the Yankees, both of which involved more $$$.
Why did Cliff Lee come back to the Phils. I know in his press conference he referenced the passion of the fans, that his wife likes the Philly location, and that the team has the potential to win a championship. But there something a little deeper, something more than meets the eye that is not being discussed or even mentioned.
CHALIE, CHALIE, CHALIE
Simply stated Cliff Lee came back to Philly because of Charlie Manuel. Chalie Manuel the stumblin, bumblin, folksy manager was almost run of town by the snooty, sophisticated media of Philadelphia for not being the sharpest tool in the shed. What the media and others didn't realize is that Charlie knew more about people, interpersonal, and communication skills than the media elite. Charlie of course has expectations of greatness, but he more importantly leads his team as a family with no preferential treatment for the superstars. He is loyal to his players and he expects hard work, dedication, and loyalty in return. When a player is in a slump, he sticks by him and defends him even if it results in personal attacks on the manager.
LEADERSHIP STARTS AT THE TOP
Charlie leads by example. When one his top players didn't run out a ground ball, he was pulled from the lineup and benched. Charlie's thinking is if my top player can lolligag then so will the other guys. The same energy that attracted Roy Halliday to Philadelphia is the same power that brought Cliff Lee. When Roy came to town, he came with a work ethic. His reputation for hard work preceeded him and transcended the entire team. Roy of course won the Cy Young this year as the national league's best pitcher.
Charlie is a players manager, a guy that keeps things loose, sticks up for his guys, and in genuinely interested in the well being of his players. Charlie Manuel is a leader, a guy that is friendly and likeable, but above all loyal. We are all just like Cliff Lee we want to be loved, acknowledged, treated with kindness, and respect. Of course Cliff Lee wanted to play for a guy like that. Who wouldn't!
All the best and continued success.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com
Wow! Philly is on fire! Cliff Lee after being spurned by the Phillies a season ago returns after snubbing the offers from Texas and the Yankees, both of which involved more $$$.
Why did Cliff Lee come back to the Phils. I know in his press conference he referenced the passion of the fans, that his wife likes the Philly location, and that the team has the potential to win a championship. But there something a little deeper, something more than meets the eye that is not being discussed or even mentioned.
CHALIE, CHALIE, CHALIE
Simply stated Cliff Lee came back to Philly because of Charlie Manuel. Chalie Manuel the stumblin, bumblin, folksy manager was almost run of town by the snooty, sophisticated media of Philadelphia for not being the sharpest tool in the shed. What the media and others didn't realize is that Charlie knew more about people, interpersonal, and communication skills than the media elite. Charlie of course has expectations of greatness, but he more importantly leads his team as a family with no preferential treatment for the superstars. He is loyal to his players and he expects hard work, dedication, and loyalty in return. When a player is in a slump, he sticks by him and defends him even if it results in personal attacks on the manager.
LEADERSHIP STARTS AT THE TOP
Charlie leads by example. When one his top players didn't run out a ground ball, he was pulled from the lineup and benched. Charlie's thinking is if my top player can lolligag then so will the other guys. The same energy that attracted Roy Halliday to Philadelphia is the same power that brought Cliff Lee. When Roy came to town, he came with a work ethic. His reputation for hard work preceeded him and transcended the entire team. Roy of course won the Cy Young this year as the national league's best pitcher.
Charlie is a players manager, a guy that keeps things loose, sticks up for his guys, and in genuinely interested in the well being of his players. Charlie Manuel is a leader, a guy that is friendly and likeable, but above all loyal. We are all just like Cliff Lee we want to be loved, acknowledged, treated with kindness, and respect. Of course Cliff Lee wanted to play for a guy like that. Who wouldn't!
All the best and continued success.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com
Monday, December 13, 2010
A Simple Recipe for Success and Happiness
How do we become successful? What is success? Success is one of those ideas that is hard to measure, hard to quantify. I often think that success is a result of doing what we want to do with our lives, sharing our unique talents with the world. If we enjoy doing what we love and sharing our talent, then as a result we will be successful and happy. Simple enough right. Yes, but HOW!
How do we becme successful and happy
What ever we set out to accomplish for ourselves, our business, or with others it's important that we keep our committment. I remember a young buck was starting a landscaping business in the neighborhood and dropped a flyer in the mailbox. I was looking for some help with the lawn and gave him a call. After deciding that he seemed like a nice guy, responsible, and earnest. We agreed that he would cut the grass, I was the first house to use him in the neighborhood. Before he started, I offered him some simple advice. DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU'RE GOING TO DO. If we agree that you're going to cut the grass weekly, then show up and cut the grass. Simple right. He provides the service, I provide the cash, but how many times do people and businesses fail in this simple concept.
Big Achievements Start with Small Accomplishments
The product didn't do what was advertised. The contractor that was supposed to show up for the work doesn't show, the mechanic doesn't fix the car, the cable kees going out. Successful people do what they say they are going to do, they follow-through, they keep their committments to themselves and others. Start with the little things you say you will do every day. Do you do what you say you're going to do. You told your child you would take them to the movies, you promised a friend you would call, help someone move, or attend a party. Now things come up, plans change we all know that but these simple acts of keeping our word, keeping our committment, give us the energy, confidence, and determination to accomplish our bigger goals. Without realizing it we develop personal integrity, a trueness to ourselves, and the knowing that I will accomplish what I set out to do.
Keeping Committments To Your Self
Whether you looking to make a million dollars, start you own dream business, accomplish some health or fitness goal, graduate high school or college, or become a better parent. The way to advance in life is to keep your committments starting with yourself. I want to eat healthier, I want to exercise more, read more, be a little kinder to my spouse and kids, spend more time with my family, advance my career, finish that project, take that trip. All these wonderful things start with an idea, a thought. All of these goals, ideas, thoughts, involve many tasks and steps, and just like everything in life we start at the beginning. Begin, and remember when you do stumble, stumble forward, forgive yourself, and keep moving ahead. I'm eating healthier but I occasionally snack, I'm exercising more but sometimes i take a few days off, I'm earning my degree but had a bad test. Whatever it is give yourself leeway while keeping the committment. I do what I say I'm going to do!
Your small successes will become your big achievements!
Continued Success. All the best.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com
How do we becme successful and happy
What ever we set out to accomplish for ourselves, our business, or with others it's important that we keep our committment. I remember a young buck was starting a landscaping business in the neighborhood and dropped a flyer in the mailbox. I was looking for some help with the lawn and gave him a call. After deciding that he seemed like a nice guy, responsible, and earnest. We agreed that he would cut the grass, I was the first house to use him in the neighborhood. Before he started, I offered him some simple advice. DO WHAT YOU SAY YOU'RE GOING TO DO. If we agree that you're going to cut the grass weekly, then show up and cut the grass. Simple right. He provides the service, I provide the cash, but how many times do people and businesses fail in this simple concept.
Big Achievements Start with Small Accomplishments
The product didn't do what was advertised. The contractor that was supposed to show up for the work doesn't show, the mechanic doesn't fix the car, the cable kees going out. Successful people do what they say they are going to do, they follow-through, they keep their committments to themselves and others. Start with the little things you say you will do every day. Do you do what you say you're going to do. You told your child you would take them to the movies, you promised a friend you would call, help someone move, or attend a party. Now things come up, plans change we all know that but these simple acts of keeping our word, keeping our committment, give us the energy, confidence, and determination to accomplish our bigger goals. Without realizing it we develop personal integrity, a trueness to ourselves, and the knowing that I will accomplish what I set out to do.
Keeping Committments To Your Self
Whether you looking to make a million dollars, start you own dream business, accomplish some health or fitness goal, graduate high school or college, or become a better parent. The way to advance in life is to keep your committments starting with yourself. I want to eat healthier, I want to exercise more, read more, be a little kinder to my spouse and kids, spend more time with my family, advance my career, finish that project, take that trip. All these wonderful things start with an idea, a thought. All of these goals, ideas, thoughts, involve many tasks and steps, and just like everything in life we start at the beginning. Begin, and remember when you do stumble, stumble forward, forgive yourself, and keep moving ahead. I'm eating healthier but I occasionally snack, I'm exercising more but sometimes i take a few days off, I'm earning my degree but had a bad test. Whatever it is give yourself leeway while keeping the committment. I do what I say I'm going to do!
Your small successes will become your big achievements!
Continued Success. All the best.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com
Sunday, December 5, 2010
A Little Dog - Do you Believe in Miracles?
Miraculous! Miracles. Sounds like such a mysterious, daunting word doesn't it. Yet, they happen every day and all around us if we are open to them. They probably have happened to you on an individual basis if you think about it or reflect on the things you perhaps attributed to luck or good fortune.
I had my own little miracle encounter the other week. I was walking our 15 month old Cavalier King Charles, Shay, who of course is adorable and very lovable. My daughter Morgan has been asking for this dog for the past 10 years of her life! Well, we have a beautiful open space park of 20 plus acres right across a busy road from where we live. So, out we went for a little exercise crossing the busy road late on a Friday afternoon. We got to the park with the sun starting to set and were enjoying our walk.
As I sometimes do, I let her off the leash to romp and roam chasing the birds. She never wanders too far and always comes back. Well for some reason when she was bird dogging, I decided to do a headstand in the nice soft grass, I've been working on balancing myself on my head for several months, and after my headstand of about one minute, I looked up and Shay was gone!
I thought she has to be close so I started calling her and my walk now became a brisk jog. The only other person at the park who was jogging around the area and spotted us earlier asked if I was looking for my dog. As if it wasn't written all over my face, I answered yes and he kindly mentioned that he saw the dog a few hundred yards away near the house by the road. My jog turned into a sprint and I was grateful that at least someone spotted her and I knew she was in the area.
I began calling her with a little more desperation. Twenty minutes passed and the sun was beginning to sink below the horizon and darkness was settling in. At this point, my mind started with all the chatter, "you knucklehead, you lost the dog! How will you face the family, what will you tell your daughter!" I told myself to be quiet, that Shay will be fine and that everything would be OK. I was now debating whether to go back home and get help or continue looking for her. I kept telling myself that there was no way she would cross the busy road on a Friday night, and the very thought sent a shiver through me. I did my best to remain calm and keep the gremlins at bay. Not easy!!
At this point, we had been gone for over an hour and I was ready to head back home with MY tail between my legs, beg forgiveness, and organize a search party. I then heard a voice in the distance calling "Tom, Tom!" My wife Lisa, I knew instantly Shay was safe!!! The tone of her voice told me that everything was OK. She then provided the details that Shay had crossed the busy road, one of my son's friends, Noah, was in a car on the busy road had seen Shay running toward our home and followed her back to our house. Noah called my son and asked if he knew where Shay was. My son explained that yes Shay was with his Dad out for a walk! Noah said that he was pretty sure he was following a solo Shay as she made a beeline for home.
Shay had crossed the intersection on Friday evening with heavy traffic and made it home safely all on her own. I can't tell you how relieved I was and how the first words out of my mouth were Thank You! Noah later explained that the traffic "parted" for Shay and that drivers pulled their cars sideways so that others vehicles could not pass while she crossed safely. Once she navigated the highway, she took the same shortcut we traverse to get to the park running like the wind.
My intellect wonders how Shay made it home on her own that evening. May be it was luck, may be it was good fortune, but I know better. Maybe just maybe it was one of the every day mircales that happen if we just pay attention.
Good girl Shay Shay!
Continued success and all the best.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com
I had my own little miracle encounter the other week. I was walking our 15 month old Cavalier King Charles, Shay, who of course is adorable and very lovable. My daughter Morgan has been asking for this dog for the past 10 years of her life! Well, we have a beautiful open space park of 20 plus acres right across a busy road from where we live. So, out we went for a little exercise crossing the busy road late on a Friday afternoon. We got to the park with the sun starting to set and were enjoying our walk.
As I sometimes do, I let her off the leash to romp and roam chasing the birds. She never wanders too far and always comes back. Well for some reason when she was bird dogging, I decided to do a headstand in the nice soft grass, I've been working on balancing myself on my head for several months, and after my headstand of about one minute, I looked up and Shay was gone!
I thought she has to be close so I started calling her and my walk now became a brisk jog. The only other person at the park who was jogging around the area and spotted us earlier asked if I was looking for my dog. As if it wasn't written all over my face, I answered yes and he kindly mentioned that he saw the dog a few hundred yards away near the house by the road. My jog turned into a sprint and I was grateful that at least someone spotted her and I knew she was in the area.
I began calling her with a little more desperation. Twenty minutes passed and the sun was beginning to sink below the horizon and darkness was settling in. At this point, my mind started with all the chatter, "you knucklehead, you lost the dog! How will you face the family, what will you tell your daughter!" I told myself to be quiet, that Shay will be fine and that everything would be OK. I was now debating whether to go back home and get help or continue looking for her. I kept telling myself that there was no way she would cross the busy road on a Friday night, and the very thought sent a shiver through me. I did my best to remain calm and keep the gremlins at bay. Not easy!!
At this point, we had been gone for over an hour and I was ready to head back home with MY tail between my legs, beg forgiveness, and organize a search party. I then heard a voice in the distance calling "Tom, Tom!" My wife Lisa, I knew instantly Shay was safe!!! The tone of her voice told me that everything was OK. She then provided the details that Shay had crossed the busy road, one of my son's friends, Noah, was in a car on the busy road had seen Shay running toward our home and followed her back to our house. Noah called my son and asked if he knew where Shay was. My son explained that yes Shay was with his Dad out for a walk! Noah said that he was pretty sure he was following a solo Shay as she made a beeline for home.
Shay had crossed the intersection on Friday evening with heavy traffic and made it home safely all on her own. I can't tell you how relieved I was and how the first words out of my mouth were Thank You! Noah later explained that the traffic "parted" for Shay and that drivers pulled their cars sideways so that others vehicles could not pass while she crossed safely. Once she navigated the highway, she took the same shortcut we traverse to get to the park running like the wind.
My intellect wonders how Shay made it home on her own that evening. May be it was luck, may be it was good fortune, but I know better. Maybe just maybe it was one of the every day mircales that happen if we just pay attention.
Good girl Shay Shay!
Continued success and all the best.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Giving and Receiving
Of course it's only fitting on this wonderful Thanksgiving day to talk about gratitude. Yes, one of those high energy words. The notion of gratitude is one of the simple yet very powerful acts we should do every day. Just like we exercise to keep our bodies healthy, we can take a daily dose of gratitude to keep our spirits high.
A Dose of Vitamin G
Just being thankful for all the things in our lives. Our family, our health, our friends, freedom, sunshine, and even life itself. The list is long. The simple task of waking up and having this day is a great place to start giving thanks. When we forget being grateful for all that shows up in our lives, we disconnect from our joy. Any time we feel a little out of sorts, a dose of gratitude or vitamin G will help revive us.
Being Thankful for Everything in Our Lives
Our world sometimes gets clouded in convincing us that we have no reason to celebrate or be thankful because perhaps life isn't exactly as we planned or that there is some perceived lack in our lives. And yes maybe all the goodies that we desire haven't appeared yet, but we can still go right on being grateful and appreciative for all the wonderful things we do have. Another thing we can do is tell someone how much you appreciate them, how thankful and grateful that they are in your life. When we acknowledge each other we lift each other up.
Giving and Receiving
One of the beautiful things about Thanksgiving is that we have the opportunity to give thanks for all of nature's gifts, for love and kindness, our talents, our peace and well being, and of course for good food and football! And when we think about how to acquire more of the good things in life, we simply remember that by giving the gifts of love, kindness, and friendship they are returned to us in greater numbers.
The universal law of giving and receiving. If we experience a lack in any of area of our lives, try giving away more of what you want, be it money, love, talents, peace, friendship, or kindness. Watch how those areas expand in abundance.
Enjoy and celebrate today and let's remember every day is Thanksgiving!
Continued Success and All the Best.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
http://www.tkaufmanncoaching.com/
A Dose of Vitamin G
Just being thankful for all the things in our lives. Our family, our health, our friends, freedom, sunshine, and even life itself. The list is long. The simple task of waking up and having this day is a great place to start giving thanks. When we forget being grateful for all that shows up in our lives, we disconnect from our joy. Any time we feel a little out of sorts, a dose of gratitude or vitamin G will help revive us.
Being Thankful for Everything in Our Lives
Our world sometimes gets clouded in convincing us that we have no reason to celebrate or be thankful because perhaps life isn't exactly as we planned or that there is some perceived lack in our lives. And yes maybe all the goodies that we desire haven't appeared yet, but we can still go right on being grateful and appreciative for all the wonderful things we do have. Another thing we can do is tell someone how much you appreciate them, how thankful and grateful that they are in your life. When we acknowledge each other we lift each other up.
Giving and Receiving
One of the beautiful things about Thanksgiving is that we have the opportunity to give thanks for all of nature's gifts, for love and kindness, our talents, our peace and well being, and of course for good food and football! And when we think about how to acquire more of the good things in life, we simply remember that by giving the gifts of love, kindness, and friendship they are returned to us in greater numbers.
The universal law of giving and receiving. If we experience a lack in any of area of our lives, try giving away more of what you want, be it money, love, talents, peace, friendship, or kindness. Watch how those areas expand in abundance.
Enjoy and celebrate today and let's remember every day is Thanksgiving!
Continued Success and All the Best.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
http://www.tkaufmanncoaching.com/
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Michael Vick an Inspiration?
The Power of Resiliency - Keep Getting Up
Down Not Out
Anyone watching Michael Vick last night had to be inspired by his performance and his story. Here was a man that spent the past two years of his life in prison, a man that disappointed himself and his fans, a man whose life was basically over. Not so fast, he and his friends had other ideas.
Knocked Out
Michael Vick fell hard, was down and out, and left for dead. He wasn't simply knocked down, he was knocked out! Not many thought he could come back and have that incredible performance while the world was watching. But someone gave him another opportunity and believed in him. How many of us have been knocked down or knocked out and how have we responded.
Get Up!
We all get knocked down and even knocked out in life. We lose our jobs, our loves, our money, our careers, our prestige, our health. How do we respond. Do we believe that we can get back up, do we believe that we deserve success and all the good things life has to offer. It's not easy when things seem not to be going your way, but keep the faith. Find a friend that believes in you or a stranger, they are out there! The power of resiliency, to keep going even when things are difficult, to persevere. If Michael and others can come back from such long odds why not you.
Believe and Begin
In Michael Vick's darkest hours, sitting alone in prison, asking himself how he went from the top of the world to this he somehow believed that he could make it back. Just as importantly his friends believed he could make it back. Donovan McNabb who knew Michael Vick since high school beleived he could make a fresh start, and it's ironic how Michael had such a tremendous performance while playing against Donovan and his team.
You are Worthy
Believe in yourself. Look to your friends and family for support in finding your way back to the success you deserve, if you don't have a supportive, loving, nurturing environment reach out those resources are available to you. Coach K in the house! Start by looking around and being grateful for what you do have and then reclaim your joy. You are worthy and entitled to all the wonderful things life offers.
All the Best.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com
Down Not Out
Anyone watching Michael Vick last night had to be inspired by his performance and his story. Here was a man that spent the past two years of his life in prison, a man that disappointed himself and his fans, a man whose life was basically over. Not so fast, he and his friends had other ideas.
Knocked Out
Michael Vick fell hard, was down and out, and left for dead. He wasn't simply knocked down, he was knocked out! Not many thought he could come back and have that incredible performance while the world was watching. But someone gave him another opportunity and believed in him. How many of us have been knocked down or knocked out and how have we responded.
Get Up!
We all get knocked down and even knocked out in life. We lose our jobs, our loves, our money, our careers, our prestige, our health. How do we respond. Do we believe that we can get back up, do we believe that we deserve success and all the good things life has to offer. It's not easy when things seem not to be going your way, but keep the faith. Find a friend that believes in you or a stranger, they are out there! The power of resiliency, to keep going even when things are difficult, to persevere. If Michael and others can come back from such long odds why not you.
Believe and Begin
In Michael Vick's darkest hours, sitting alone in prison, asking himself how he went from the top of the world to this he somehow believed that he could make it back. Just as importantly his friends believed he could make it back. Donovan McNabb who knew Michael Vick since high school beleived he could make a fresh start, and it's ironic how Michael had such a tremendous performance while playing against Donovan and his team.
You are Worthy
Believe in yourself. Look to your friends and family for support in finding your way back to the success you deserve, if you don't have a supportive, loving, nurturing environment reach out those resources are available to you. Coach K in the house! Start by looking around and being grateful for what you do have and then reclaim your joy. You are worthy and entitled to all the wonderful things life offers.
All the Best.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
tkaufmanncoaching.com
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
A Love Letter - True Love
Maureen, Reeno, a friend of mine passed on Saturday night, she was much too young at the age of 56. Reeno is a generous, kind, selfless person, and a great lover of children. She taught me
How to be a Lover, to love something bigger than yourself
How to be a Giver, even when you think you don't have much to give
How to be a Server, even when there's nothing in it for you
How to be Kind, to help someone at the moment they need you
How to be Selfless, always putting someone else in front of yourself
Reeno never had children of her own, but every time I talked to her she was raising another child in need. She helped raise over 20 children in her home all with limited means! When I tried to talk about financial matters or put the focus back on her, she always pushed me away. She had more important things to do.
Jimmy her husband and lover for over forty years never questioned her, he learned that her mission and his was to help these kids survive and thrive. It was several months before we last spoke, she called me last week and we talked. She wasn't feeling well. I told her how much she meant to me, thanked her, and let her how much I loved her. We were planning to get together when I learned of her passing. She passed in Jimmy's arms on Sunday night.
Reeno taught me about unconditional love. She loved me and her other children unconditionally. She was one of those people that would do anything for you. She never had a lot of money, a nice car, or a nice home but Reeno and Jim would always share whatever they had. It always amazed me that they had so little yet gave so much. Some day I hope to be as rich as Reeno. We all should be as wealthy.
Farewell my Love. And thank you I hope you know how much you mean to me and to so many others.
Tell someone how much you love them today and give them a nice big hug. In honor of Reeno, please remember to help that child.
All the Best and Continued Success.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
http://www.tkaufmanncoaching.com/
How to be a Lover, to love something bigger than yourself
How to be a Giver, even when you think you don't have much to give
How to be a Server, even when there's nothing in it for you
How to be Kind, to help someone at the moment they need you
How to be Selfless, always putting someone else in front of yourself
Reeno never had children of her own, but every time I talked to her she was raising another child in need. She helped raise over 20 children in her home all with limited means! When I tried to talk about financial matters or put the focus back on her, she always pushed me away. She had more important things to do.
Jimmy her husband and lover for over forty years never questioned her, he learned that her mission and his was to help these kids survive and thrive. It was several months before we last spoke, she called me last week and we talked. She wasn't feeling well. I told her how much she meant to me, thanked her, and let her how much I loved her. We were planning to get together when I learned of her passing. She passed in Jimmy's arms on Sunday night.
Reeno taught me about unconditional love. She loved me and her other children unconditionally. She was one of those people that would do anything for you. She never had a lot of money, a nice car, or a nice home but Reeno and Jim would always share whatever they had. It always amazed me that they had so little yet gave so much. Some day I hope to be as rich as Reeno. We all should be as wealthy.
Farewell my Love. And thank you I hope you know how much you mean to me and to so many others.
Tell someone how much you love them today and give them a nice big hug. In honor of Reeno, please remember to help that child.
All the Best and Continued Success.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
http://www.tkaufmanncoaching.com/
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The Power of Focus - Let's Make the Shift
What language are we most using most in our lives today. What language do we most tune it to or resonate with. Did you ever notice how often your family, friends, acquantices, and even strangers begin a converstation with by listing all their problems, or how bad things are going, or how the economy/business stinks, the phillies/eagles lost, health problems, and family problems. How 'bout some happy news. Is life really this tough?
Why is this? Focus. Let's shift our focus. We woke up today, it is a gift. Let's be thankful and make the most of today. Let's celebrate our successes, share all the good things all that is right with our lives, talk about the things we are going to do, achieve and accomplish, and move forward. The only way things will improve is if we see them improve. Start talking and thinking abundance, success, happiness, health, goodness and wealth. Begin to attract all the wonderful things you desire into your life. We cannot move to a higher ground by clinging onto a lower lower level. And we need energy to move to a higher level, energy that is attained by joy, goodness, kindness, charity, and of course love. We need to look hard to find these energies in the daily news unless of course we shift our focus.
I'm not saying unfortunate things don't happen but accept it and move on. I received an unexpected bill from my awesome mechanic. Should I pout and complain poor me or is there a better way. What if I shift the focus off of me and think how the service is going to benefit his business and therefore ultimately me. If he is not successful and goes out of business, I no longer have a great mechanic to service our cars. Interesting way to look at it yes, but from an abundant viewpoint the money goes out with love and is ultimately returned with love. Look at sharing your assets as an investment be it money, talents, creativity, caring, thoughfulness, smile or simply a word of encouragement and kindness. Sometimes the simplest acts are the most powerful.
Turn down the negativity. Better yet turn it off! The tv, newpapers, internet, music, movies, video games, advertisers and the media are inundating us with the latest disease, crime, disaster, and tragedy. I'm not suggesting we bury our heads in the sand, we of course acknowledge it and help in any way we can but do we have to live and breathe it every moment of our lives! Do we have to become the event and relive it over and over again in our conversations. There is a better way.
Spend that media time with nature, doing something good for yourself and others, time with family and friends enjoying and celebrating life and all its wonders. Life is very good indeed. We have this day, this moment to be thankful for, to be grateful for. Try this experiment for a week or more watch how your mood shifts, how your load lightens, how your outlook improves, and your opportunities expand.
There is a better way. I'll leave you with two of the most powerful words in the universal vocabulary
Thank You!
All the best and continued success.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
Why is this? Focus. Let's shift our focus. We woke up today, it is a gift. Let's be thankful and make the most of today. Let's celebrate our successes, share all the good things all that is right with our lives, talk about the things we are going to do, achieve and accomplish, and move forward. The only way things will improve is if we see them improve. Start talking and thinking abundance, success, happiness, health, goodness and wealth. Begin to attract all the wonderful things you desire into your life. We cannot move to a higher ground by clinging onto a lower lower level. And we need energy to move to a higher level, energy that is attained by joy, goodness, kindness, charity, and of course love. We need to look hard to find these energies in the daily news unless of course we shift our focus.
I'm not saying unfortunate things don't happen but accept it and move on. I received an unexpected bill from my awesome mechanic. Should I pout and complain poor me or is there a better way. What if I shift the focus off of me and think how the service is going to benefit his business and therefore ultimately me. If he is not successful and goes out of business, I no longer have a great mechanic to service our cars. Interesting way to look at it yes, but from an abundant viewpoint the money goes out with love and is ultimately returned with love. Look at sharing your assets as an investment be it money, talents, creativity, caring, thoughfulness, smile or simply a word of encouragement and kindness. Sometimes the simplest acts are the most powerful.
Turn down the negativity. Better yet turn it off! The tv, newpapers, internet, music, movies, video games, advertisers and the media are inundating us with the latest disease, crime, disaster, and tragedy. I'm not suggesting we bury our heads in the sand, we of course acknowledge it and help in any way we can but do we have to live and breathe it every moment of our lives! Do we have to become the event and relive it over and over again in our conversations. There is a better way.
Spend that media time with nature, doing something good for yourself and others, time with family and friends enjoying and celebrating life and all its wonders. Life is very good indeed. We have this day, this moment to be thankful for, to be grateful for. Try this experiment for a week or more watch how your mood shifts, how your load lightens, how your outlook improves, and your opportunities expand.
There is a better way. I'll leave you with two of the most powerful words in the universal vocabulary
Thank You!
All the best and continued success.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Let's Dance - Abundance, Magnetism, Charisma, Attraction
How does the expression go? Ask and you will receive. Be careful what you ask for. What you focus on expands. And the list goes on. The funny thing about cliches is that there's usually some truth to be found. Asking is so simple, let's just ask without thinking how.
Why do some of us attract love, money, health, success, careers, friends, and happiness. While others perhaps not so much or not in the quantity desired. The simple truth is that we get what we ask for, what we focus on, what we think about, and most important what WE ARE. Take an inventory of the list of words that you would use to describe yourself or ask you family and friends to provide an honest list.
Are you loving, caring, friendly, happy, considerate, joyful, giving, kind, honest, thankful, humble, peaceful and the list of wonderful words goes on. Or perhaps your fearful, angry, frustrated, forceful, arrogant, selfish, jealous, distraught, grumpy, mean, anxious, and depressed. We have all felt these range of emotions at one time or another, it's the human experience. We have all experienced setbacks, loss of loved ones, sickness, dysfunctional families, poverty, financial setbacks, career challenges, abuse, you name it. The key is where do you spend the majority of your time, do you relate to the positive words or the negative words. The reasons as to why we are one way or the other are not as important, as the self awareness or realization that we may be living these lower energy words/life.
With self awareness, comes the ability to change to shift. Just like when we try to change any other habit, smoking, gambling, drinking, food, drugs, etc. I know that I must change to live the life I desire. Change is simply letting go. Letting go of past hurts, sorrows, pains, conflicts. Asking for and giving forgiveness. The important thing is to let all the frustration, anger, pain, conflict go. Let it go!!! If your past is holding you back, move on, leave it behind, stay in the present moment, the now, today is all that matters.
We all at times have experienced joy, love, kindness, high energy, times when we felt great, confident that we could do anything we put our mind to. Most of us muddle around in the middle ground reacting to what life gives us on any particular day. If someone cuts us off on the road, we react and our mood shifts from good/neutral to bad, or it's raining out, or we burnt breakfast, got a flat tire, stocks/401ks are down, boss ticked off, etc. We decide how we're going to live day-by-day based on what happens to us in any given moment. We live Reactive lives. Reacting to the weather, the news, our families, friends, coworkers,and society. And of course, there is a better way.
The better way is those that lead Proactive lives. Those that find contentment, success, achievement, and joy are those that attract those things into their lives. Did you ever wonder that when you feel great, great things seem to happen to you. We are magnets. Postive attracts positive, negative attracts negative. Also positive repels negative. We know this yet we walk around sulking, complaining, listless, bored, and uninspired. Why? What do we think we'll attract?
I know we're all waiting for that spark. Well, the spark is you and you already have it. Just follow your true love, even if your obligations and responsibilities keep you from your true passion take a small step in the direction of your dreams and watch how your mood elevates and your joy expands. And if you're not ready to make that leap just yet try a gentle shift to neutral. Move away from the lower energies, shift to neutral, heal, and try that simple act of kindness first toward yourself and then toward someone else. Just try saying Thank You to someone in your life, even for the act of waking-up today. Yes, it's that easy and that powerful.
One other note. The United States is the most successful, richest, powerful, innovative, country in the history of civilization. In the course of 300 plus years, we've discovered electricity, telephones, running water, airplanes, automobiles, computers, the internet, space travel, and the list goes on. Yet with all this remarkable abundance, we are for the most part unsatisfied. Our top selling drugs are anti depressants, anti anxiety medications, we have high levels of stress, and disease. Why is this? Shouldn't we be the happiest of countries to match our tremendous wealth. The reason for our discontent is that we are not living the lives we choose. Statistics show that most of us are not happy in our current jobs and desire a change. Again, we're forced or more accurately we CHOOSE a job that makes a living and helps care for our responsibilities. This dynamic causes unhappiness, stress, conflict which of course lead to well being issues. The path to wellness, joy, passion, contentment, abundance, satisfaction, and all of the good qualities that come with living a life of inspiration are available to all of us. We simply make the choice. We know what we love to do, what we're good at doing, what makes us happy, and what ultimately best SERVES society.
We are not here for our short time on earth to dance to someone else's music. Listen for your music and get out there and dance! For our universal well being let's begin to lead lives of inspiration. That spark will ignite the world.
Continued success and all the best.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
Why do some of us attract love, money, health, success, careers, friends, and happiness. While others perhaps not so much or not in the quantity desired. The simple truth is that we get what we ask for, what we focus on, what we think about, and most important what WE ARE. Take an inventory of the list of words that you would use to describe yourself or ask you family and friends to provide an honest list.
Are you loving, caring, friendly, happy, considerate, joyful, giving, kind, honest, thankful, humble, peaceful and the list of wonderful words goes on. Or perhaps your fearful, angry, frustrated, forceful, arrogant, selfish, jealous, distraught, grumpy, mean, anxious, and depressed. We have all felt these range of emotions at one time or another, it's the human experience. We have all experienced setbacks, loss of loved ones, sickness, dysfunctional families, poverty, financial setbacks, career challenges, abuse, you name it. The key is where do you spend the majority of your time, do you relate to the positive words or the negative words. The reasons as to why we are one way or the other are not as important, as the self awareness or realization that we may be living these lower energy words/life.
With self awareness, comes the ability to change to shift. Just like when we try to change any other habit, smoking, gambling, drinking, food, drugs, etc. I know that I must change to live the life I desire. Change is simply letting go. Letting go of past hurts, sorrows, pains, conflicts. Asking for and giving forgiveness. The important thing is to let all the frustration, anger, pain, conflict go. Let it go!!! If your past is holding you back, move on, leave it behind, stay in the present moment, the now, today is all that matters.
We all at times have experienced joy, love, kindness, high energy, times when we felt great, confident that we could do anything we put our mind to. Most of us muddle around in the middle ground reacting to what life gives us on any particular day. If someone cuts us off on the road, we react and our mood shifts from good/neutral to bad, or it's raining out, or we burnt breakfast, got a flat tire, stocks/401ks are down, boss ticked off, etc. We decide how we're going to live day-by-day based on what happens to us in any given moment. We live Reactive lives. Reacting to the weather, the news, our families, friends, coworkers,and society. And of course, there is a better way.
The better way is those that lead Proactive lives. Those that find contentment, success, achievement, and joy are those that attract those things into their lives. Did you ever wonder that when you feel great, great things seem to happen to you. We are magnets. Postive attracts positive, negative attracts negative. Also positive repels negative. We know this yet we walk around sulking, complaining, listless, bored, and uninspired. Why? What do we think we'll attract?
I know we're all waiting for that spark. Well, the spark is you and you already have it. Just follow your true love, even if your obligations and responsibilities keep you from your true passion take a small step in the direction of your dreams and watch how your mood elevates and your joy expands. And if you're not ready to make that leap just yet try a gentle shift to neutral. Move away from the lower energies, shift to neutral, heal, and try that simple act of kindness first toward yourself and then toward someone else. Just try saying Thank You to someone in your life, even for the act of waking-up today. Yes, it's that easy and that powerful.
One other note. The United States is the most successful, richest, powerful, innovative, country in the history of civilization. In the course of 300 plus years, we've discovered electricity, telephones, running water, airplanes, automobiles, computers, the internet, space travel, and the list goes on. Yet with all this remarkable abundance, we are for the most part unsatisfied. Our top selling drugs are anti depressants, anti anxiety medications, we have high levels of stress, and disease. Why is this? Shouldn't we be the happiest of countries to match our tremendous wealth. The reason for our discontent is that we are not living the lives we choose. Statistics show that most of us are not happy in our current jobs and desire a change. Again, we're forced or more accurately we CHOOSE a job that makes a living and helps care for our responsibilities. This dynamic causes unhappiness, stress, conflict which of course lead to well being issues. The path to wellness, joy, passion, contentment, abundance, satisfaction, and all of the good qualities that come with living a life of inspiration are available to all of us. We simply make the choice. We know what we love to do, what we're good at doing, what makes us happy, and what ultimately best SERVES society.
We are not here for our short time on earth to dance to someone else's music. Listen for your music and get out there and dance! For our universal well being let's begin to lead lives of inspiration. That spark will ignite the world.
Continued success and all the best.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Just Begin
How many of us talk about pursuing our passion but never really get started. One of the many reasons for not living the life we're meant to, the life we've dreamed about is our fear of letting go, our fear of failure, our duty to responsibilities and obligations. But do we really want to go through our lives, run our race, complete our journey without doing what we really love. Without attempting to learn what our true purpose is, and the contentment that accompanies the loving pursuit of passion, we wind up wading in that middle ground. Successful perhaps but yet still yearning and unfulfilled. That something telling us that there is something more is the voice of inspiration calling to all of us. Guiding us, nudging us to tap into our creative side and share our joy and talents with the world.
I know what you're thinking and what you're saying to yourself. Yes But!!! The big But. I have responsibilities, I have bills, mortgage, children, college education, have to put food on the table, and the list goes on. We've all been there or are there now. A simple suggestion, just begin doing what you love as a hobby, nurture it, heed it, watch how it grows. Paint, write, sing, build, teach, play, volunteer, share, whatever the passion! Get out there and share it with the universe! First, you'll be happier and more content because you're doing what you love. Second, pay attention to the "coincidences" that begin to happen. Friends and strangers start asking about your services and products. Let it grow, stay out of your own way with the doubt/fear, you can live your life of joy if you just allow it to happen.
As the Chinese proverb goes, the journey of a 1000 miles begins with one step. Let's not focus on the end, let us just take one simple step in the direction of our dreams and begin to lead a life of passion.
All the Best.
Coach K
I know what you're thinking and what you're saying to yourself. Yes But!!! The big But. I have responsibilities, I have bills, mortgage, children, college education, have to put food on the table, and the list goes on. We've all been there or are there now. A simple suggestion, just begin doing what you love as a hobby, nurture it, heed it, watch how it grows. Paint, write, sing, build, teach, play, volunteer, share, whatever the passion! Get out there and share it with the universe! First, you'll be happier and more content because you're doing what you love. Second, pay attention to the "coincidences" that begin to happen. Friends and strangers start asking about your services and products. Let it grow, stay out of your own way with the doubt/fear, you can live your life of joy if you just allow it to happen.
As the Chinese proverb goes, the journey of a 1000 miles begins with one step. Let's not focus on the end, let us just take one simple step in the direction of our dreams and begin to lead a life of passion.
All the Best.
Coach K
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Family - Children
Familes are the center of our lives for most of us. And while families typically provide the love and support required for inspiration and fulfillment. The family can also be the cause of tremendous dysfunction and turmoil. In the U.S. and throughout the world, we witness this everyday. A successful person crediting their family for their success. Meanwhile, a lost soul of a child or adult going to prison battling drugs, violence, etc. Why the discrepancy? It's more than socioeconomic? Famous movie stars, celebrities, and every day folk experiencing challenges. We see both contented and dysfunctional families across the economic spectrum. Rich and poor families alike have parents, children and family members with problems and challenges, and also successes and triumphs. The important distinction between the families is environment but not of the material kind.
Any family that has a person that is committed to the well being of the children, that is providing a loving, nurturing environment, will find that child/children blossoming and on the road to fulfillment and achievement. We often see children coming to the fore and assuming the parenting role and providing the loving, nurturing environment in the event the parents are not willing/capable. The important things we give our children are not nice homes, fine educations, proper manners/breeding, cars, cell phones, xboxes, macbooks, and the like but simply a knowing that they are loved. The greatest feeling in the world not only for a child and for any of us is to know that we are loved. Let your child find their path, support them, love them. If we are to be content, we must all discover our purpose, our passion. When we force them into our idea of success, our "plan" for them, then we begin to interfere and again conflict arises.
Let them be children. To be free, have fun, laugh, and be without too much responsibility. They have their entire adult life to be "responsible". In today's fast paced world, the children are growing up way too fast, with schedules that would make our grandparents, even us, cringe and all at such a young age. Remember easy does it, all in good time, balance. Let them be children. Love them support them, speak well of them, and above all NURTURE them. Be mindful of what we speak, our words are very powerful. Stay positive with the child, always encouraging, speak highly of them to friends, family, everyone. Even when they stumble! There is always good to find. Let them know you are always there, no matter what!
We are all connected, like the forest, as it begins with the sapling, it to begins with child. As we know, we are not only responsible to ourselves and our families but to each other. We have some wonderful teachers when it comes to loving children such as, Mother Theresa. And we also have the billions of everyday parents, past and present, that have simply loved and cared for their child. We will elevate as a world society when all the children are loved. We all have an obligation, as the saying goes, to reach out and help that child. Namaste.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
Any family that has a person that is committed to the well being of the children, that is providing a loving, nurturing environment, will find that child/children blossoming and on the road to fulfillment and achievement. We often see children coming to the fore and assuming the parenting role and providing the loving, nurturing environment in the event the parents are not willing/capable. The important things we give our children are not nice homes, fine educations, proper manners/breeding, cars, cell phones, xboxes, macbooks, and the like but simply a knowing that they are loved. The greatest feeling in the world not only for a child and for any of us is to know that we are loved. Let your child find their path, support them, love them. If we are to be content, we must all discover our purpose, our passion. When we force them into our idea of success, our "plan" for them, then we begin to interfere and again conflict arises.
Let them make mistakes like we did, and hopefully they will learn, again like we did. Let them discover the joy of living their dream. If they know they are loved, they have no other choice but to return the love that is given. A child that loves is a child that is content, filled with purpose, which leads to an improved society and better world.
A challenge in two parent households is when one spouse is loving and supportive and the other is the practical disciplinarian. It is important for both parents to be on the same loving wavelength, and avoid the good cop bad cop. If the discipline involves yelling and screaming at the child, conflict, you know you're off base. I know this is not easy but regardless of what the child does the parents answer is always unconditional love. The only road to healing and forgiveness is love. I love you know matter what. For all you single parents out there. A special shout out to the single moms. You often feel the need to sacrifice yourself for the sake of the children and while that's admirable, it's also off base. You must care and nurture yourself. You will need strength and fortitude for the journey, and when you see your lovebirds blossom there is no greater gift to receive.
Let them be children. To be free, have fun, laugh, and be without too much responsibility. They have their entire adult life to be "responsible". In today's fast paced world, the children are growing up way too fast, with schedules that would make our grandparents, even us, cringe and all at such a young age. Remember easy does it, all in good time, balance. Let them be children. Love them support them, speak well of them, and above all NURTURE them. Be mindful of what we speak, our words are very powerful. Stay positive with the child, always encouraging, speak highly of them to friends, family, everyone. Even when they stumble! There is always good to find. Let them know you are always there, no matter what!
We are all connected, like the forest, as it begins with the sapling, it to begins with child. As we know, we are not only responsible to ourselves and our families but to each other. We have some wonderful teachers when it comes to loving children such as, Mother Theresa. And we also have the billions of everyday parents, past and present, that have simply loved and cared for their child. We will elevate as a world society when all the children are loved. We all have an obligation, as the saying goes, to reach out and help that child. Namaste.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Coach K
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Energy
Energy is something that flows through the universe, through all living things, and of course through us. We attract and maintain energy by focusing on positive thoughts and ideas. Just like a magnet positive attracts and negative repels. Basic laws of science, the way of the universe. And so it is with us. When we focus on low energy emotions of hate, anger, frustration, jealousy, and unkindness we of course attract more of that into our lives and the result is conflict. Conflict leads to stress, which leads to illness, etc.
Now when we focus on the positive emotions of love, kindness, gentleness, caring, service, and humility we attract goodness into our lives. Goodness begets more goodness and the virtuous circle begins. By practicing unconditional love with ourselves, others, and everything in the universe, we begin to understand the principle that loves conquers all.
When you or someone is in a low energy mood, usually the result of being tired/cranky, just try to be quiet. If you can't say anything positive, don't say anything. Again, simple. There can be no conflict without two parties. No argument, no conflict. Peace. By bringing more peace into our lives, we are able to literally attract anything we desire. Just like a magnet.
As the Beatles say, Love is all you need.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Now when we focus on the positive emotions of love, kindness, gentleness, caring, service, and humility we attract goodness into our lives. Goodness begets more goodness and the virtuous circle begins. By practicing unconditional love with ourselves, others, and everything in the universe, we begin to understand the principle that loves conquers all.
When you or someone is in a low energy mood, usually the result of being tired/cranky, just try to be quiet. If you can't say anything positive, don't say anything. Again, simple. There can be no conflict without two parties. No argument, no conflict. Peace. By bringing more peace into our lives, we are able to literally attract anything we desire. Just like a magnet.
As the Beatles say, Love is all you need.
Much Love,
Tom Kaufmann
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)