responsibility for your foibles than by trying to cover them up.
If you find yourself acting as a mediator between disparate parties, humor is also a handy tool. Use it to release tension and help each side get a glimpse of how the other side sees things. If you can get people who disagree with each other to laugh at their situation for a moment, they will relax and be more receptive to a mutually agreeable solution. Humor releases tension and loosens people up so that they are willing to work together toward a common goal. It takes the heat off for a moment so that parties can cool down and get back to being productive.
Your assignment today is to look for examples of how humor can help in various situations in your life. Where can you apply humor to mend a relationship, ease someone’s burden, or bring people together?
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Music is extraordinary. It is an amazing tool for inspiration. Whether you are a fan of chamber music or Led Zeppelin, you probably know how effective music is in altering your mood. If you are feeling frazzled, soothing tones can bring your pulse down to a manageable level. If you are lethargic, a driving melody will pick you up faster than a cup of coffee.
Music does have the power to wash off the dust of everyday life, to transport you, and to adjust your mood, so take advantage of its influence. Consider your array of choices. Through today’s technology, you have melodies throughout the centuries and across the globe at your fingertips. You may find you really have a connection to Gregorian chant, a form of music that was first notated back in the 10th century. The contemporary music of Tina Turner might make you feel powerful and energized. South African music provides a mind-boggling choice of styles from folk tunes to jive. Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony has the magical ability to transport you to a country scene and trap you in a driving rain storm.
Does music play a part in your daily life? Do you ever take time out to stop what you are doing and actively listen to your favorite tunes? Explore how music affects you. Find out more about its positive and powerful influence. It is one of many art forms that have a direct line into your soul.
Your assignment today is to get down and boogie! Spend at least ten minutes listening to music and observe how it affects your mood.
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Personal responsibility: two words that will give you the key to success. You are responsible for everything you do in life. If you truly want to change, you must start by looking in the mirror. It takes courage to take personal responsibility. It would be much easier to blame someone or something else for your problems or shortcomings.
Susan grew up in a small town. Her parents were abusive, and she had very few successful role models around her. She got pregnant when she was sixteen years old and dropped out of high school to raise her child as a single mother.
There were a host of people, places, and things Susan could blame for her situation, but she decided to take a different route. Susan couldn’t change the tiny town where she was born; she couldn’t change her parents; and she couldn’t pretend the little girl she held in her arms didn’t exist. She only had the power to change one thing— herself. That’s exactly what she did. Susan went to night school and got her GED. She read about a company she really admired in the newspaper and applied for an entry-level job. Once she had a foot in the door, she went back to night school and earned a bachelor’s degree, which led to her first of many promotions. Susan changed herself, and that changed her circumstances.
Your assignment is to think of at least one situation where you avoid personal responsibility. Make a plan to change yourself and take responsibility for your actions.
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