So I started a fairly strict diet and started spending a bit more time exercising in the hotel (it’s one of the reasons some of these blogs have been missing as I’ve made the decision a few times to spend an hour in the hotel gym instead of being in front of my computer). My calorie intake is way down (don’t worry, I’m alright), but I’ve had to change my eating habits to survive this diet and lose some pretty significant weight.

The biggest shift? I eat slower. A lot slower.

I’ll eat several times throughout the day, but I’ll take a salad, or a shake, or an egg breakfast, or any other meal and stretch that out to 15-20 minutes of eating if I’m by myself. If I’m with others, I try to be one of the last to finish even if my portion is smaller.

What’s happened is that I actually taste my food and enjoy the experience of chewing. I try to enjoy the flavors and textures.

Here’s where the metaphor comes in…

Are you doing this with life right now?
Are you savoring the little moments?
Are you enjoy the texture of your day to day?

Or are you scarfing down life, missing out on memories and/or relationships, and finding yourself unsatisfied?

Take a moment this week to savor life. It’s pretty awesome

We had some flexibility in terms of how we spent our Monday. I did need to drive up to my current speaking engagement in Visalia, but other than that, she could take almost any one of the trains home. We didn’t have to worry to much about price. After enjoying a late brunch with my brother and sister, we decided we should extend our visit just a little bit longer and caught on afternoon matinee. I drove her to the Anaheim train station and waited with her by the tracks until her train arrived.

We sat there talking, making planes for her upcoming visit to Phoenix, and laughing about the great moments throughout the weekend with my extended family. Finally, her train arrived, we kissed each other goodbye, and I waved as she boarded the train.

As I started driving to my speaking engagement, I thought about how that can no longer take place for an airport. That finally story is lost, or at least it takes place outside the security gate. If a plane gets delayed, more time is spent waiting by yourself.

This blog isn’t about the changing nature of airline security (I’ve definitely experienced that in the years since 9/11), but rather it’s about how we craft our own stories.

Far too often, we make our daily interactions with people far too similar to the plane goodbye. It’s the quick drop off of someone at check-in or the goodbye wave at security. We don’t tend to linger or make the moment last a little bit longer.

But what if we did? What if we took just another moment or two today to enjoy the time that we share with people? What if we didn’t rush through our dinners, but enjoyed a leisurely meal and good conversation?

It may seem ridiculous, but we used to do this more as people before we made our lives about work, gadgets, and gizmos.

Airline security had to change after 9/11, but there is nothing that made us have to switch from “train” to “plane” in our own lives.

Enjoy the time you have with others–it’s such a valuable gift : )

No, this isn’t a rant blog–seriously, keep reading (I’ve purposefully left the hotel’s name out of it).

Rather I think we can all learn from one minor shift in service.

This morning, I ordered an omelet with no cheese. The waitress asked me again if I would like cheese.

“No cheese.”

I ended up saying it about 3 times.

As I waited for my omelet to emerge from the kitchen she popped by several times. She asked me, “would you like more coffee, sir?”

But there was no cup in front of me.

A few minutes later she came by and asked how I was enjoying everything.

But there was no food in front of me.

A few minutes later she came by again with my omelet that had cheese on it, which she quickly returned to the kitchen to fix.

A few minutes later she came by and asked if I wanted more coffee.

But I still had no cup in front of me and I had already told her I would not be drinking any coffee.

A few minutes later she came by and asked how I was enjoying everything.

I informed her I would be doing a little bit better if I had food.

In other words, she forgot about me every time she came by and treated me the exact way she treated every other customer.

When I last praised this property I wrote about the individual attention the waitress provided. She greeted me each day by name and by the end of my 4 days at the property she already knew my order. She did this with each customer, truly treating them as a GUEST.

I’ve had restaurants make mistakes with food orders in the past, but some are still able to provide an incredible experience to the care and attention they give to each person. They remember minor things about each customer, already knowing the coffee order–especially when it is decaf.

As we get busy with our organizations again, let’s not forget the minor details about the people with whom we work.

Let’s still provide some individual attention.

It’s the most important ingredient to show we really care.

First, are you still drinking water and turning off your electronics? Are you working out? Have you signed up for the President’s Challenge with me (trust me, it’s great and really simple if you just dedicate some time)?

I’m hoping the answer is “yes” to all of the above questions. If it’s been a “no,” this is the week to change it.

And this is going to be a great week.

The focus this week? Gratitude.

You have three assignments this week, and I think you’re going to love them.

Assignment #1

Spend 1 minute when you first wake up and 1 minute before you got to bed, reflecting on 5 things in your life for which you are grateful.

Yep, that’s it. When you wake up in the morning, spend that first minute thinking about what you love about your life and things you like in your life.

Yeah, I know, there are things we hate and things we are frustrated with and things we want to change.

But this isn’t about that.

5 things you love about your life.

If you need help beginning to thinking about this, check out one of my favorite site, 1000 Awesome Things, for some inspiration.

If you make this a habit, it’s amazing how much it can affect your mood. I’d encourage you to continue this long after this week is over.

Assignment #2

Record it (& share it).

At a bare minimum, get out one piece of paper and write down your 5 things every morning and night. Ideally your list will shift a little bit each day.

A few weeks ago, one of my friends started to post an evening list as her facebook status. It was so nice to read these daily updates amidst my newsfeed that normally complains at least 2-3 facebook complaint statuses. I’ll be posting my evening list page each day during this week as an example. I’d encourage you to do the same for one week on your own profile. Just a list of 5 things for which you are grateful.

Assignment #3

Say “Thank You” this week.

I know you probably already do it, but I want you to make a habit out of saying “thank you” this week. We’ll do some more in depth with thanks in a future week, but this week, I just really want you to make it a part of your interactions. If you eat out, say “thank you” to the wait staff. If you go to the movies, say “thank you” to the person taking your tickets or heading into the theatre to clean up after you exit. If you buy some new clothes, say “thank you” to the cashier and the changing room attendant. Say “thank you” if siblings help set the table.

The list goes on and on.

Say “thank you” and do it in the most sincere way as possible. Try not to ever say “thanks.” Try to say, “thank you.” If you have a moment, provide a specific reason why. “Hey, I know that theatre is pretty trashed. I really appreciate you coming in and cleaning it up. It was so nice to sit in a clean theatre when we came in. Thank you.”

That’s it. 3 assignments that will only take up a small fraction of your day.

Do them!

Thank you for participating in Summer School 2011!

1) The Dallas Mavericks won the NBA Championship and owner Mark Cuban let original owner Donald Carter accept the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy.

2) Newt Gingrich’s entire campaign staff quit gaining much national attention.

3) I sat and watched the closing credits of X-Men: First Class.

So you’re probably thinking, what does this have to do with anything?

As I sat in the theatre and read hundreds if not thousands of names during the X-Men credits, I couldn’t help but think, “wow, a lot of people worked on this.” As much attention as James McAvoy & Michael Fassbender are gaining for their great portrayals of Professor Xavier & Magnetto, hundreds if not thousands supported the film that made this happen. They wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.

Newt Gingrich, although recognized as one of the great minds of the Republican Party, is unlikely to capture the nomination for President simply because he no longer has a cast of hundreds supporting him. Those closest to him in his campaign at this point in time have all resigned. Whatever reason it might be, all the brilliance in the world won’t help if their isn’t a team in the background.

Mark Cuban was known for being vocal if not overly vocal as an owner. He was flashy and constantly in the spotlight. But then there was this championship run where he remained incredibly silent. During the moment of triumph, he allowed the original owner, the man who helped create the Mavericks, come and receive that first award. There was a great deal of POSITIVE publicity about this act.

So the lessons?

No one can do it all on their own.

Great success is often a team effort.

We must recognize those who have come before us.

It’s that simple.

There is a huge cast of characters that helped shape me into the person and speaker that I am today. That list includes (but in no way is limited to): Mom & Dad, Dave, Jane, Mary, Grandma & Grandpa, Great Grandma, Grammy, Jim, Chad, Don, Dick, Alice, Bruce, Phil, Sue, Tara, Jim, Judith, Marek, Larry, Erik, Michelle, Christine, Michelle, Sally, Polly, John, Robby, Molly, Katherine, Ashlee, David, Ross, Wil, Will, Carol, Jeff, Liz, Gary, Craig, Stan, Mike, Dave, Jason, Josh, Jonathan, Glenn, Collin, Mike, Phil, Scott, Stu, Norm, Mike, Grant, Brendon, Ed, Patrick, Hayley, Cara, Jill, Sandi, Sandy, Don, Terri, Micah, Carolyn, MaryBeth, Chris, Mary Jane, Janet, Paul, Suzi, Patty, Tracy, Jennifer, Erin, Jenni, Matt, Scott, Dave, Charlie, Joe, Jeff, Scott, Kevin, Rob, Darrin, Courtney, Ben, Bob, Matt, Steve, Andrew, Andy, Bonnie, Shannon, Cori, Dustin, Brett, Paris, Tiffany, Anne, Nancy, Kindra, Doug, Steve, Kurt, Mike, Kristi, Tonya, Sharon, Kathleen, Victor, Matt, Dave, and many, many, MANY more. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

Who is on your credits list?

Don’t forget to check out Patrick’s Summer School 2011.

My first trip took place ages ago when my mom’s teaching partner invited my sisters and I up for a weekend trip. That weekend I learned to waterski–super fun!

A few years later I began what would become an annual trip. One of my good friends celebrates her birthday in early August. Several years ago just after taking the California bar, she invited several of her law school friends and other close friends to a weekend of relaxation and water sports. The following year she and I reconnected and an invitation was extended to me as well. I first attended in 2005. At the time I only really knew my friend (and some of her girlfriends from her high school). It had honestly been ages since I had hung out or visited with any of them. The law school friends, the friends of friends, the husbands or spouses of friends were all knew to me.

We had fun then, but not as much fun as we had this year.

I’ve been every year since 2005 (exception being last year when a remodel of the house prevented the celebration). This year as people arrived, I recognized my excitement over the familiar faces. People who had once been strangers were now people I really looked forward to seeing. We shared the standard funny stories, built up over the years. We checked in to see if some of the beloved elements would still be present like Oasis Island, where many a lazy Saturday (and sunburns) took place or my BBQ chicken (something that is quite popular after a day on a wakeboard). We asked about new life developments and challenges. We laughed. We joked.

Overall, I think we’ve become quite comfortable with one another simply because we’ve celebrated some life together.

But then we also welcomed new faces. This year brought the addition of 5 new faces (5.5 if you count the newborn baby who joined us for an afternoon). The new people fit in right away–the group welcoming them and bringing them into the fold. They brought in their own stories, their own humor, and created moments that will now be the memories we describe in future years (one example would be the high speed tubing pirate battle with Jon causing a great deal of laughter).

Long story short, I had fun. I feel refreshed and I’m glad this random group of people are in my life.

Why did I write all of this? To encourage you to seek out SHARED EXPERIENCES with others. Each year we create new memories. Each year we’re closer because of that. We’ve had long afternoons to just talk. We’ve had late night giddyness (not this year–we realized we were not as energetic as the past and fell asleep too early) that leads to funny conversations down the road. We’ve shared meals and the community that develops from them.

Find the opportunities to create these moments with people this year–and maybe you’ll find that these people might really be friends.

Much love to the Delta 2010 crew!

“Nah, they’re closed.”

“What?”

“Yeah, saw their sign. It’s their annual summer break.”

Just before the meeting I made a quick walk to the bank (of course, nothing feels quick when it’s 116 degrees outside–sidenote: drenched with sweat when I arrived at the meeting). On my way back, I walked by House of Tricks, a wonderful restored home that serves really good food, and was surprised to see it empty. I hoped it wasn’t a permanent closure, another establishment fallen prey of the current economy. On the front gate, a piece of paper explained it all:

TRICKS is CLOSED for our annual summer break and will OPEN August 2nd. Sorry for the inconvenience.

I was disappointed at first, knowing that I’d probably have to share this news in our upcoming dinner brainstorm. Still, as I walked, it actually made me happy.

I have several good friends that work in the restaurant industry. As talented chefs, they work long hours, preparing amazing dinners for the patrons, but often missing out on dinner for their own family. The idea of taking a few weeks off in the summer, when the outdoor ambience of House of Tricks is likely to be used a little bit less makes such great sense. Give that time for the workers to reconnect with friends and family and come back recharged and enthused.

If you subscribed to this blog, you probably notice there wasn’t a single post in June. It wasn’t my initial intent. I thought I might keep up with some regular thoughts and ideas. However, once I got back to California, I spent more time just recharging. Work was able to truly take a break. I only did one speech and spent just a few hours one day doing necessary paperwork for others. I spent more time just being with my family and enjoying my youngest sister’s wedding. I enjoyed visiting with my extended family while they were in town. I had long lunches with good friends. I took mini-roadtrips to visit others. I just lived some life for a bit.

And then I returned to Arizona, 40 days after I left. I came back, recharged, energized. My days back have been pretty productive, booking some new engagements, and preparing for some leadership conferences. I have a bunch of new ideas to share in blog format and I’m even considering a few new stories to work into my keynotes. In my personal life, I’ve been more productive at the gym, really good about cooking great meals at home, and still finding ways to connect with good Arizona friends. I really do believe I’m coming back stronger.

So here’s my thought: It’s the middle of July. If you’re life tends to be dictated by the school year, you have just about another week or so to disconnect and recharge. I’m not saying neglect your important work, but give yourself a specific timeline to recharge. If you work a normal 9-5 day, pick one weekend and make it about recharging. Don’t make it a to-do list. Seriously, get off facebook and connect with your friends over an iced coffee. Don’t read this blog for a few days–read that novel you’ve been meaning to get to instead. Bring it back to some of these things you like about life.

Recharge.

We’ve got quite a bit of road ahead of us. In the time being, let’s take a moment to enjoy the scenery.

I don’t understand a single word in the video, but you can tell there is great meaning in it. I had watched the video several times before I started hearing news stories on it. Turns out this was a special birthday surprise put on by the bus company for its employee. It was part of a larger campaign to find unique ways to recognize the service of their workers.

In a day and age where most companies tend to cut back or make rewards simply monetary, it’s nice to see creativity that recognizes that special part of the human spirit.

How can you do the same this year? What creative ways can you recognize those that help you? How can we make the people around us truly feel special?

These are a few of the questions I hope you wrestle with in the coming months. Please let me know the cool answers you discover!

I’ve watched the video a few times now at first for a good laugh (the little girl is undeniably cute), but then with some introspection. I can’t remember the last time I truly rambled off a big list of those things I’m grateful for. If I’m truly honest, I know I’ve been in a state of deficiency over the past few days. I may have posted a blog about The Code and a need to approach the world with a mindset of abundance, but I haven’t quite been there.

And then I watched this video. How could you not want to live with this energetic appreciation? Sure, I wouldn’t run around screaming it out to people on the streets, but I could easily look into the mirror each day and list five things I like about my life.

So here goes for today:

1) I really do love my job. I’m still amazed I get paid to stand on a stage, tell some stories, and talk about how we should all live better lives.

2) I love my extended family. My immediate family is a given, but my cousins are ridiculously awesome. I regularly laugh at our back and forths via text, facebook, and face-to-face interactions.

3) I love my ability to see friends and family around North America. It’s been an incredible year visiting with people from all different parts of my life and seeing their current hometowns.

4) I love sleeping in. This was on my mind yesterday. I had two back to back days of 4am-1am (yep, two 21 hour days right next to each other). It was amazing to go to sleep late Saturday night and sleep for several hours.

5) I really love the fact that on Wednesday I get to meet up with a friend of mine who just spent six months serving in Afghanistan. He returned safely to the US last week and on Wednesday, we’re going to meet up and celebrate with good conversation.

So that’s me. What about you?

If you need some ideas, check out the great site 1,000 Awesome Things that I mentioned in my April 28th blog.

That’s why I was surprised on Monday.

I received an email from the Sundance Volunteer Coordinators.

Why? Because April 18-24th is National Volunteer Week. They wanted to thank the Sundance Volunteers (again! they did this several times throughout the festival). At first I thought it was a generic email, but then I as I read it has some comments from my various supervisors at the festival highlighting some of my personal contributions.

If you’ve been to my ACTIVE APPRECIATION workshop, you know how much I love this email:

A) The comments were incredibly SPECIFIC. I can’t believe that my supervisors had the time in their schedule to write these thoughts down. We were pretty busy during the festival–yes, there was a lot of fun–but it was a pretty hectic schedule.

B) The comments focused on the INDIVIDUAL. A generic email to all volunteers would have worked, but Sundance took the time to data-merge something to customize it for the recipient. It made me feel as if Sundance valued MY service.

C) It was so UNEXPECTED. I really didn’t expect to hear from Sundance again until August when the Alumni volunteer process begins, but there was an email for me on Monday just saying “thanks again.”

So my challenge today is to recognize those volunteers around you. If you can, volunteer a bit this week. Make something happen.

Who knows… you may bring a smile to someone’s face.