Breaking News: How would you like your Spam?

Photo courtesy of: comedy nose.

Spam is something we are all familiar with as we check our email or scroll through the web. It’s annoying, noisy and begs us for attention. The message is broadcast to separate us for a brief moment from our agenda to focus on something entirely different and convince us of the significance. We have become somewhat immune from the noise as it further reduces our awareness.

The news media blasts us with “breaking news” which is anything but an emergency. Think 911, missing child alert or Hurricane Sandy. Television has basically relegated the latest little information as nothing more than Spam. The repetition of “crying wolf” has numbed us to the point of not noticing when a significant event does take place.

Commercials attempt to steal our minds for a minute of time. Competition is ferocious to “one-up” every other brand during the Super Bowl. For some, Super Bowl Sunday is a Commercial Bowl in conjunction with a football game. While the commercial messages may be spiffy, sexy or different it's only high-dollar Spam.

Today, we live in a connected world. Perhaps we need a new Warning System for relevant information. A system designed to allow a sense of urgency, eliminating Spam from being used in a serious message or news event. By not drawing lines in the sand, we have allowed technology and marketing to blur our vision between reality and fantasy.

Anything less is not worthy of stealing our attention, wasting our time or focus!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

Writer's Block- How to Breakthrough the Obstacles

The last couple of evenings, I’ve had a bit of writer's block. The inspiration to introduce an idea, story or adventure wasn’t within my mind. Lately, I’ve not been over-flowing with multiple thoughts and have been pulling recent blogs out of the thin air. But for two days my mind produced nothing. Frustration at its finest moment!

Why Me?

Perhaps it’s exhaustion from several years of burning the candle at both ends. Maybe I haven’t read enough motivating books recently. I certainly haven’t been able to surround myself with people who inspire success or think between the lines in the rust belt. Whatever the reason(s) it is a common occurrence among writers.

Last night, I decided to take the time and make the situation a positive experience.

How I Beat the Block

I took advantage of the situation by catching up on my responses to people who commented on my blogs, researched the subject of writer's block, stumbled across some thought provoking ideas and realized I have a great success story to share, right under my nose.

When a writer begins to suffer from writer’s block, the mindset slowly shifts from focusing on others to focusing on self. The soul searching experience locks you in a series of self-centered thoughts or emotions. My former tendencies often help provide insight for the psychological condition at hand. Recognizing the problem is the first step in changing the outcome.

So instead of having another unproductive frustrating evening, I broke through the chains to unleash new ideas and possibilities.

What I Discovered

Photo courtesy of: Sami Stoner.

 

The most meaningful take-away was to realize- I have the opportunity and duty to unveil the sweetest success story to ever grace our area. The young courageous lady I hope to interview is currently undergoing a tough schedule between school events and a television taping with ESPN. I hope to bring you her amazing story soon, as her time permits.

Sami Stoner and her guide dog, Chloe's latest inspiring story will be featured on ESPN on Tuesday, October 16th at 7 pm. (Eastern Standard Time). Please don't miss this incredible story of success!

Tips for Writer's Block

The next time you suffer from writer's block:

·        Use the time constructively.

·        Forget about your frustration.

·        View the time as a period of tying up loose-ends.

·        Immerse yourself in focusing on others.

I promise you, the little treasures you will encounter will not only bust through writer's block, you’ll be back at warp speed writing about something meaningful that matters!

I’d love to see your input and comments on this story.

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

One Powerful Little Lesson!

Years ago, my sponsor suggested I do something positive towards someone else’s life. He asked that I perform this feat at least three times daily and if the person found out about the deed, the attempt did not count.

The point of the exercise served to:

·        Avoid selfish thinking by focusing on others.

·        Become selfless, by helping others.

·        See the people, situations and the world in a different light.

·        Understand how lucky we are and grateful we should be.

·        Realize the power we have in making a difference in someone’s life.

·        Give me something to do in my free time to prevent boredom.

·        Replace bad habits with positive results.

At the time, I didn’t realize the full potential of trying this experiment (probably since I was too selfishly focused on my own needs). The idea sounded neat and it has been a “special tip” that I’ve managed to carry throughout my life.

I love using this technique on total strangers. I sometimes stick around to witness the look of surprise on the faces of the people affected by an act of generosity. It is beyond words to see the gratitude on their faces (and not knowing who to thank).

Several years ago, I was in a hospital cafeteria and a grieving family came into the room to purchase a meal. It was clear someone in their family had just passed away. The family were sobbing and weeping profusely . They could barely hold onto their trays and frankly, the family did not appear to be financially blessed. I felt so bad for this woman and her children.

I felt moved to do something.  

I carefully drifted over to the cashier and subtly asked her to put the entire amount of the family’s bill onto my tab. I walked out of the cafeteria at least feeling a little better for that family. It was all I could do.

Months later, someone in management mentioned witnessing the event that day, but didn’t know my name. It was nice to hear (through my wife) how this grieving family was taken by surprise in their time of sorrow and how my act momentarily lifted their spirits.

 

You see, it doesn’t take three business degrees, a fancy title or a millionaire in order to make a difference in someone's life.

It only requires our focus to change a moment in someone’s life and leave an unforgettable impression.

That one powerful little lesson Brad asked me to follow thirty years ago is still reaping rewards.

Thank you- Brad (wherever you are)!

When was the last time you secretly helped someone?

Try it- It’s worth it!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

 

What Flows Through Your Life?

I’ve had a leaking toilet with rusted bolts for some time. My lizard brain tried to ignore the problem but the new parts had been purchased a week ago and my wife wasn’t about to cut me any slack.  So, I spoke with a friend the other day, who offered some simple plumbing advice. His good natured disposition is always genuine, so who better than to ask a few questions?

Dan discussed a few probabilities I might collide with:

·        The repair would take longer than expected.

·        Something might take an unexpected twist (pun intended).

·        It’s easy to become frustrated and overreact, causing bigger problems.

·        Take your time and pace yourself.

·        If you become frustrated, take a break, go for a walk, clear your mind.

I thought he somehow had witnessed my previous handyman duties of toilet repair. I was amazed to find out most people (even plumbers) experience the same anxiety and frustration during latrine repair. The repair experience for me rates a notch below going to the dentist.

The hope was to complete the toilet bowl repair in a couple of hours. It took 4-5 hours. Instruction manuals with too small of print and no references in the small photos of the names of the parts were frustrating. Nor did it help matters by purchasing an entire different style of system (Fluid Master) than I normally do. If it wasn’t for my wife deciphering the instruction manual it could have gotten ugly.

I took breaks when I was tired or frustrated and attempted to take my time. I couldn’t stop a slow leak from one of the bowl bolts, because I over tightened one of the screws. The leak is at least slower than before I attempted the repair.

Looks like I will get Dan’s input and some new rubber washers in a few days.

The advice Dan gave me are solid virtues for anything we do in our daily lives.

·        Patience

·        Persistence

·        Focus

·        Relax

·        Rejuvenate

Sometimes we make the simplest tasks incredibly difficult.

Thanks Dan- for your wisdom and advice.

What flows through your life?

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.