Sunday, January 30, 2011

Story on a Restaurants Wall - The Mexican Fisherman

Yesterday, as I was sitting and having a sandwich, I looked up to read a story that was framed on the wall. I wanted to share it with you all. It speaks to remembering how much of life we miss because we are so busy working to hard at it. Enjoy!

The Mexican Fisherman
A boat docked in a tiny Mexican village. An American tourist complimented the Mexican fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.
"Not very long," answered the Mexican.
"But then, why didn't you stay out longer and catch more?" asked the American.

The Mexican explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.

The American asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"

"I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife. In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs...I have a full life."

The American interrupted, "I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you!

"You should start by fishing longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra revenue, you can buy a bigger boat. With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an entire fleet of trawlers.

"Instead of selling your fish to a middleman, you can negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant. You can then leave this little village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City! From there you can direct your huge enterprise."

"How long would that take?" asked the Mexican.

"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the American.

"And after that?"
"Afterwards? That's when it gets really interesting," answered the American, laughing. "When your business gets really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!"

"Millions? Really? And after that?"

"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta, and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends!"

Friday, January 28, 2011

Yoga for Dummies

I am sure there is a book out there for people like me, but I am learning a bit of Yoga through the Wii system and I like it.

Now don't laugh as i am sure it isn't really close to what happens in an hour class, but maybe some day I will feel comfortable enough with my balance to actually attend a real class.

I guess what I am finding is how learning how to pay attention to your balance and breathing is hard work! I never knew Yoga had that in it...well maybe I did as I know a Yoga Instructor and she keeps telling me that. Anyway, as I was trying the poses tonight I was forced to clear my mind and think only my balance and breathing. Kind of cool just clearing the mind after a long week and paying attention to something I do more than anything else....breathe.

My posture improved, my mind was calm, and my body stress was released. Maybe that is why so many people have said I should try Yoga! Wait!! That would mean they know something about me that I refuse to agree with! Okay, you got me. I can be a little stressed and a little fast moving in body and mind.

Ah Yoga---breathing and balance. Sounds a little like positive living to me!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

When will I learn?

One of my goals of living a positive and purposeful life is to pay attention! Viewing all that is around you allows you to figure out where you need to make minor adjustments to gain a better balance and a more positive life.

Last night I went Cross Country Skiing. Yes it was fun and yes it was a learning moment, but I forgot one important thing, a good hat to cover my ears! I froze my ears a few years ago and every time I am in a cool wind or cold weather I wear something warm over them. I have learned, well I thought I had learned.

This morning I get up with a crazy ear ache and bells ringing galore all because last night I didn't wear an appropriate hat over my poor little ears! So when will I learn?

I guess it was a great reminder of why I have hats and ear muffs in every coat I own. After having to come home today because of the headache I got from the issues with the ears, I thought again--learning moment!

So, when you start looking at positive and purposeful living remember it isn't always about epiphanies or major events. Some days it is about remembering what you learned and following the learning.

Here's to my ongoing joy of learning!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Minor Adjustments!

Good morning everyone. Nice to see you still here, or at least I hope I still have a few readers.
Today I wanted to talk about making minor adjustments. This concept came to me this week with the creation of a Biggest Loser team - TEAM LIFE MATTERS!

There are 20 of us working to support each other during our individual quest for healthy living. The response has been amazing and fun and even though it has been only one day, I have found myself excited to have friends in healthy living passion.

This morning when I woke up I was thinking about what has made the difference this past week as we all started planning our attack to the challenge and it came to this - Minor Adjustments!

I could have a goal of losing 40 pounds, eating fruits and veggies galore and going to the gym 6 times a week. Yes, I could and for a long term goal those are great, but how do you start when you are faced with a seemingly daunting task of 40 pounds? How do you think day to day about 40 pounds? Well you don't!

Life isn't about losing 40 pounds overnight it is about making minor adjustments. Adjustments on walking up the escalators or just riding, adjustments on eating a seconds or not, adjustments about watching someone else workout or actually working out, adjustments about going once a week to the gym or not at all.

Most of the time, life isn't about making dramatic changes it's about making minor adjustments! Adjustments to the day to day things that happen around us. Taking the stairs, eating less, walking an extra block or thinking a positive thought. Very minor adjustments with great impact!

So today I vow to pay attention to my ability to make minor adjustments every day. In thoughts, words, and actions. Won't you join me?

Sunday, January 23, 2011

House Cleaning

The house, like my life, needed a good cleaning out! Getting rid of the clutter, scrubbing the dirt, throwing out old habits and putting meaning back into the day.

I love long winter days just for this reason. A time to look around and house clean. What means something to you? You keep. What doesn't matter to you? You get rid of. What is holding you back? You let it go. What is dirty and not healthy? You stop.

The past few weeks I have been in this mood. Now I was told "it's about time" but it took me some time to get to a point that my physical environment life caught up with my personal self life. You have to get to this point on your own and Lord knows I have arrived.

Old furniture, old carpet, old self, old clothes, old everything is gone. It is a new day and a new life.

So what has been happening since this change? Well I started a Healthy Living Team - Team LIFE Matters, I have started on a number of books and video projects, I have went ice fishing twice and have more planned, I have begun to look forward at the next home on the water, I have changed, yes, I have changed.

I have gone through the winter quiet and come out with a spring renew attitude. An attitude that puts me on top of my world and ready to see every day as an opportunity to improve. It is a great feeling. It took a long time to get here again, but the journey has taught me so much. I have changed.

Sometimes just hearing others story of 'getting it' helps others move forward, so today I share my story of house cleaning inside and out!

Friday, January 21, 2011

Is it cold enough to go fishing?

Silly question if you live in Minnesota right now, as -30's is making some really good ice!

I am always amazed at people who think I am just crazy for going out in zero degrees to fish, but it just is my thing. It clears the mind to watch and wait for bobbers to go down and flags to go up. It isn't about the cold or catching, but the true giggly feeling I get when I get a bite!

I am excited this week as I joined "The Fishing Fanatics" here in Minneapolis. A group of 104 people who plan trips out year round just to fish. I love it! They also do a lot of education for newbies in the sport which is again, right up my alley! What a perfect group for me to join!

So, tomorrow fishing with friends, next weekend fishing tournament, weekend after that a quick trip to Fargo, and then three more weekends after that of tournament and plan old good time fishing! Ah, I love winter!

Videos are coming soon so stay tuned!

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Are you lying there because you don't want to be somewhere else?

There is a quote from the movie Serendipity that goes "Maybe we’re lying here because you don’t wanna be standing somewhere else."

It is said when one of the main character is looking for a woman he met and he travels across the states to find her rather than stand at the alter with the woman he is engaged to marry.

I like this quote because it speaks to how much we need to take changes and never settle. If you think something is better for you out there, then lie there rather than stand somewhere else.

All of us have those times in our lives that we wish and dream for something different. We may get lucky enough to get a taste of that dream or wish, but how many of us would fly across the states and go after it? How many of us just stand somewhere because it is safe, because it is planned, or because it is comfortable?

When it comes to that time when you can either stand where you are at or lie down at something new are you willing to give yourself permission to go and try. Go after your dreams? Go after your purpose? Go after your passion?

Yes I know the world puts all sorts of restrictions on how we live but the world cannot put restrictions on our dreams and wishes. The world cannot decide if we will stand where we don't want to be or lie where we think we should be. It is up to you! It is up to me! Each of us responsible for our position.

You want to make your dreams come true? You want to change your world? If so then think. "Maybe we’re lying here because you don’t wanna be standing somewhere else."

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Is anyone else ready for spring?

I must be as the snow is getting old and when I see the sun I think of warmer days.

When I started my coaching business, it took a long time to figure out what to call it. The name had to fit what I wanted to relay to my clients as well as the process. I like metaphors and feel they give a real life example to personal issues. So I thought long and hard about a metaphor that would relay what I believe to be my approach to coaching and consulting. I landed on Four Seasons Coaching.

Just like there are four distinct seasons to a year (well in Minnesota there is) there are four distinct processes in purposeful living. Discovery, changing, growing and evaluating.

Winter is the discovery phase - it represents a time when you can think and process your life. We have resolutions, celebrations, and time to just be.

Spring is the changing  phase - it represents a time when you take what you have learned through discovery and make adjustments to attitudes and lifestyles. You become excited about the future. This season is the time of new beginnings.

Summer is the growing phase - it represents a time to take your adjusted life and grow into it. Learning new skills or abilities happens during this phase. It isn't hard to see how this phase goes with summer with gardens, fields and trees all growing and thriving.

Fall is the evaluation phase - it represents a time when you take stock of what you have grown into and began planning for more discovery. The leaves fall and the season begins to change and plans are made on what to do next summer.

This winter has been a season of discovery for me. I have discovered that as much as I love work, I really would love work more closely aligned with my passion of helping others live purposeful lives. Now this doesn't mean I am going off and quiting my job and hoping for the best! NO, it means that I have discovered past ambitions that I want to explore this spring and summer. A fishing show, books, talk radio, and traveling. All were discovered while shoveling snow, ice fishing, reading, working, and just having quiet time.

But now I am ready for spring! Both literally as well as figuratively. I am ready to start trying things, making videos, talking about my passion on radio, writing books and so much more. My 'to-do' list no longer speaks only to fixing this or washing that but it has "make video of set up", "send script to Jodee", and other 'to-do's that are related to my purposeful life goals!

I have 4 ice fishing tournaments that I will participate in during the next 6 weeks and each will be a video presentation on you tube. I have talk radio happening sometime in March and I am working on turning this blog and my dissertation into books. This is all because of the winter phase of discovery.

Living positive and purposeful doesn't just happen. You have to take the time to discover, change, grow and evaluate! The results are amazing when you do!

Here is to all of us looking forward to Spring!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Proof of Janice taking care of Janice

Part of my goal of living with purpose is to make sure that I take care of myself. I don't always remember to do this and many, if not most of, the time I am more concerned about helping others live their passion rather than dedicating time to my passion.


For me there is such a desire and passion to fish it feels less like a hobby and more like an obsession.

Suzan with the First Keeper Walleye

Janice with her first Keeper Walleye

Professional Ice Bobber Watcher

The past few months my concentration has been on my family, friends, work, and pets. It is what it is and I don't regret the concentration I have for them, but there comes a time when Janice needs to concentrate on Janice. This past weekend was all about Janice taking care of Janice. No hosting, no problems, no worrying about others feelings, no fixing anything and no spending energy on all that is around me. This weekend was about me and my passion!


As we drove north (350 miles north) I noticed my mind removing thoughts of work and general life and moving more into excitement of the catch. Excitement to see what a Walleye looked like again. Excitement of staying in a cabin where below me was 2 feet of ice and 25 feet of water. I didn't sleep in the car (normally I am napping within 20 minutes of leaving home). I was in tune with my surroundings and excited about the time I could spend taking care of me.


It was a glorious weekend. Cold with -24 temps---makes good solid ice; fish were biting a bit---even if it was a little slow; friends were giving me grief left and right---and I them; and memories were made.


Checking Rattle Reel

It was a weekend that reminded me what I need to do more of -- Janice taking care of Janice.

In the 'busyness' around us all, remember to take care of yourself. It is the key to taking care of others as we all know that when you are not healthy in body, mind and soul you are not healthy for those you love.

Here is to each of you caring enough about yourself to enjoy yourself!


When the fishing is slow you find ways to be silly!


Froze and Beautiful

I love pine trees!


Monday, January 10, 2011

What a weekend!

Well I have pictures as well as video from this weekend so when I get home I will get them all sorted out and posted, but it was quite the weekend.

Fishing was slow, but we managed to keep 10 on Saturday of which 4 were eaten for a fresh fish fry on the lake. Sunday we moved over to another bay and met my fishing buddy Mike and we kept 12 walleye/sauger and 1 monster perch.

I pulled a 21" walleye out of the the hole mid-day but with a size rule that all fish over 19.5 inches need to be released immediately it was released quickly without a chance even for a picture. Knave witnesses though so hopefully that will do.

The fishing was slow, but the weekend reminded me of how much of my life's satisfaction comes from spending time with Mike and Suzan 3 miles out on a lake with 3 feet of ice below us. We talk and giggle and give each other a hard time, we change hooks often, depth often, and did I mention giggle and talk?

Life's satisfaction this weekend wasn't about catching the most fish, it was trying to catch fish with two wonderful people! If I could do that once a week I was seriously be the happiest person alive.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Where did I put the bug jigs?

Okay, I would guess many of you have no idea what a bug jig is but for anyone who fishes walleye hanging out deep you probably have your favorite lure that you bring with. I like to try a variety of jigs or lures - Lindy Spoons, Swedish Pimples, Bug Jigs, and Glowies...they all make for a fun time.

Red, green, pink, yellow and white, each color and lure has a time and place.

So why write a blog about this? Well, one of my true dreams is to be a TV personality. Probably something many of you didn't know about me, but I love to act and love to teach. I have always dreamed of having my own fishing show. This dream came up again over the New Year's when I was sitting and watching the fishing shows and again noticing that all of them were hosted by men. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying this is all bad, but I keep thinking about all the women out there that love to fish and love to be outside and love to connect? What can we do about them? About people like me?

I wrote a Facebook post about my dream and I got a huge response and support, so this weekend I will try and take a few videos of the fishing process as well as hopefully the catch. Now I can't see the video being all about fishing because that isn't want fishing is all about for me. It is about dreaming, learning, and being part of group that has a passion and desire to connect!

Now I know my dream is big but like they say "you can't win if you don't try". I will need to buy some software to help with the video editing part but I hope that when I return on Monday I will have something to share with all of you as well as the world.

So, find the bug jigs, pack up the car and head out. It's going to be a great weekend of dreaming and making dreams begin!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Where did the week go?

Is it really Thursday already? Seriously, where did the week go? I remember starting the week but not so much anything in between.

I guess I have been a little preoccupied this week with the excitement of heading out to the frozen waters for the weekend. That as well as coming back from time off and getting back in the swing of things.

I caught up on my "to-do" lists left over from 2010 as well as got a bit ahead for 2011 as well. Still I have no idea how it got to be Thursday!

I am not sure where this blog post is going but thought it was my reality today to tell you all that some weeks just go by to fast and maybe it is time to slow down and enjoy.

So for all of you that feel e same way about this week or others, enjoy a few minutes of reflection.

Monday, January 3, 2011

How hard was it this morning?

Whoa! I haven't taken time off and stayed at home for a very long time. I was able to sleep in, sit on the couch and do nothing, and just hang out. It was great, but this morning I felt the impact of time off. It was with mixed emotions that I got up at 6:15 to start my 'normal' routine again. A new year but the same routine I have had for over 7 years now.

Get up and go to work! There could be worse things. I could get up and not have a job to go to or anything to look forward too. I am lucky but still it was hard to awake knowing my time away was over.

The saving grace to the day was actually getting to work. There is something inspiring for me to go in to work and be greeted by folks with "Happy New Year"! Something inspiring about seeing people renewed and smiling. Something inspiring about going into a routine I truly enjoy.

As the day went on there were the normal issues and problems, but through each of them there was something different, something special about the day. Maybe it was that everyone had a few days off to think about 2010 as well as plan for 2011. Maybe for just a few hours this weekend people took stock in what was and is important to them and today they showed that spirit in them.

How hard was it this morning? Not to bad. I felt like I needed a nap around 1pm today, but all of a sudden it was 5pm and I was back home feeling good about my day.

Starting a year inspired and surrounded by inspired people is an amazing feeling. May each of you enjoy that for yourself this week.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

It is a Crisp and Clear Morning!

I am not sure where December went but all of a sudden you can tell it is January! The temperatures have fallen and even with the morning sun the air feel crisp.

Maybe it is because we had all the snow we receive in a winter in December or maybe it is because I am excited to go ice fishing next weekend, but there is something about January I really love. It is the beginning of the year but also the middle of a long winter!

The temperatures are falling making good ice for fishing. The days are getting longer but the sun doesn't seem to warm like it does in December. You can almost count the days until the first thaw now. Everything is still. The snow crunches below you. The hustle of December is gone. Just everything about January is crisp and clear!

It is like you can take a deep breath of the cleanest air you will ever get. Crisp and clear!

I know for many this is the time of the year when you start going a little stir crazy being inside. You long for spring so you can get out and walk the dog, start planting seeds for the garden, and spring clean, but I hope today you sit back and enjoy the January day. Find some good in the day. Notice the crisp and clear morning and marvel in the world around you.

You may surprise yourself! You may actually enjoy it! You may actually find yourself watching a sunrise and saying "whoa what a wonderful day", I know I am.

Saturday, January 1, 2011

1/1/11

The first day of the first month of the eleventh year! If there was ever a day to celebrate Number 1 today would be it!

Let's celebrate Number 1 - that means you! You are Number 1!

Maybe a quick cheer to help you all get in the mood! "We're Number 1, We're Number 1"! Okay, not much of a cheerleader type. I apologize for any of you who are doing the whole kick and hair thing right now.

But you ARE number 1! You should be the most important person in your life! You should be the ONE person you take care of before anything or anyone else! YOU should be Number 1 in your world!

Now this doesn't mean that you get to go and 'screw' the world, many do and all of a sudden they have the "Me Me" attitude. There is the difference. Being Number 1 and "Me Me" have no place together!

The "Me Me" world assumes everyone else is there for you! It is an attitude that you are the center of their world and that they need to do everything to make you happy! Remember, everyone is a Number 1 so they don't have time for you to be their center!

Being Number 1 in your world means living your passion. Not the passion of others or what you think your passion should be. It means looking at yourself and living with your personal life's passion.

You are Number 1 in your world when you live your passion every day of the year! It starts today! Live your passion and be your Number 1!

Time to celebrate folks! "You're Number 1, You're Number 1"!