thankfulforamillion

Posts Tagged ‘positivity’

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MAKERS Nationwide Search

In You on August 24, 2012 at 1:14 pm

A few months ago, I interviewed Filmmaker Dyllan McGee of “MAKERS: Women Who Make America” (Check out the interview here). Well, now they are on the hunt for new additions to the MAKERS family.

Read below to find out more information. You or someone you know could join Condoleeza Rice, Alice Walker, Violet Palmer, Vivian Stringer, Faye Wattleton, Nichelle Nichols, Faith Ringgold, Marian Wright Edelman, Barbara Smith, Bylle Avery, Ruth Simmons, and many more women in this exciting platform recognizing female role models!

~Thankful

SUBMISSION INFO:

MAKERS.COM is conducting a nationwide search for six women who are transforming America through leadership, activism, and positive social impact! Though these women are unknown to the masses, MAKERS will afford the six finalists $10K grant money to continue their work, film their inspirational stories for an upcoming PBS documentary, and feature them as “Next MAKERS” on the AOL developed interactive website. Anyone can submit an entry for either themselves or for someone they know through September 27th on MAKERS.Com/NextMAKERS.

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Hope, Gratitude, The Olympics, and You

In You on August 6, 2012 at 2:30 pm

LONDON 2012-

It’s remarkable. Numerous Olympic athletes, along with their friends and family, have livened up the atmosphere in London. I was here last summer and today there’s a marked difference; the town is filled with hope and positivity. It’s too bad I can’t bottle this up and take it home.

Every four years Olympic athletes serve as an inspirational beacon for their countries. But ask any athlete, their success is never unhampered by extenuating circumstances: injury, financial hardship, family issues, etc. But no matter, something inside of them, the love for their sport, their will to be champions, or their hope and belief that anything is possible, keeps them going. Many of these athletes, especially American Track and Field athletes, compete for little to no financial gain. They aren’t compensated like basketball players. Some have modest contracts, while others hold down part-time jobs to make ends meet. They are forced to stay physically in tune while working. For those of you who find it hard to go for a jog after a day of work, just imagine training at the elite level. Simply put, Olympic and Elite level athletes do what they do for the love of their sport.

There’s another side of the Olympics that’s not-so-inspirational, but definitely present, the definition of failure. So much emphasis is put on ‘medaling.’ And sometimes, more than just medaling but winning Olympic gold. Placing 4th is often regarded as failure, but someone has to get 4th right? As someone who’s not competing in the Olympics, it would be hard to imagine considering myself, or anyone for that matter, a failure for getting anything less than a gold medal. For those who place 4th or 23rd at the Olympics, they’ve competed at an unbelievable level and are among the best in the World. But we all know that success is bred from hunger. So, if you have the desire to perform at a high level, no matter your profession, there’s very rarely a sense of contentedness. We achieve one level of success and always want more.

So what’s the take away for non-elite athletes, for those working in finance, as doctors, as assistants or writers? There’s a saying, “Do what you must to do what you love.” I undoubtably agree with this but only under two conditions, that one have hope and gratitude. Like these athletes, everyday won’t be perfect, some days you’ll see professional or personal setbacks. But if you’re on a path, you must have hope that you are capable of achieving what you’ve set out to achieve. And if you have gratitude, you’ll find satisfaction on every level of your journey as you steadily climb higher, take a step back, and everything in between. Otherwise, what’s the point?

~Thankful

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Older and Wiser

In You on June 25, 2012 at 9:44 am

 
I hope to come away from every year having learned something. Last week, I asked for a little ‘Birthday Advice.’ I figured, with seven days left, I wanted to learn as much as possible!

A many of you know, my goal is that Thankful For a Million serve as a positive and inspirational online space. I realized that with my musings and interviews, readers are always getting advice from someone else. So, today the advice comes from you. I’ve compiled the best life advice submitted over the last week. If you have any to add, write your advice in the comments section.

Thank you to those who’ve contributed! Enjoy!

~Thankful

 

Alex

Always trust that there is enough – enough time to do what is important, enough support to do what is right, enough strength to help others, enough stuff to share with people in need, enough grace to cover your mistakes, enough love to keep you going.

 
Christina

Cherish the ones that matter.
 

Skylar

Your mom is 99.9% right about every suggestion/advice she gives, listen to her and do what she says.
 

Anonymous

Do what you can for people, when you can, and don’t keep score.
 

Francesca

Always be able to laugh at yourself and never take life too seriously.
 

Laura

Do what you like and like what you do.
 

Charlotte

Do what you love in life. But be practical about it. Approach your area of work/expertise with generosity and gratefulness. Know life is short and care for it and all those around you.

 

Kevin

You are enough, Whatever it is you want to accomplish you have all the ability to accomplish these goals within yourself. You are enough.

 
Steven

I wanted to share a piece of advice in the form of a poem. I was introduced to this poem in 7th grade and it’s been an inspiration to me ever since.

    If – By Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

 

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Birthday Advice

In You on June 18, 2012 at 10:40 am

 

 
Happy Monday! Today is the start of my birthday week. “Birthday Week”- Obscene, I know. I’ve never been big on gifts, so this year I’m asking for advice.  Your advice can be in regards to anything: love, health, careers, etc. Sky’s the limit! Please consider this your birthday gift to me! Submit below.

~Thankful 

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Keeping Up With The (Digital) Joneses

In You on June 4, 2012 at 12:39 pm

 
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, they’re all wonderful. How else would we be able to constantly connect and keep up to date with our friends as far back as grade school? No matter where we go, we can instantly stay in touch with loved ones all over the world.

Sign into Facebook and you’re inundated with updates like: “Andrew and Lisa are Engaged,” “I just purchased my first house,” “Check out my new ride,” and “On my way to Fiji!” People are certainly quick to share good news, and this is great. However, it’s important that we remember to congratulate people on their individual successes and not internalize others’ activities as an indicator of our deficiencies.

Recently, I spoke to someone who expressed that they were feeling a little anxious. A number of their friends were engaged, or moving on to new jobs and they were starting to feel as though they were falling behind. Let it be noted, that the person referenced is working hard towards his or her own goals. Nonetheless, they aren’t immune to slipping into a game of timeline comparison. “Well, he’s 24 and just got engaged. So, I should be ready to do the same, right?” Not at all.

It’s easy to look at one person’s life and relate it to your own. I’ve done it myself. Occasionally, I catch a glimpse of someone’s vacation photos and think, “Why am I in this office? I need a vacation.” Whenever I have moments like these, I try to remind myself why I’ve chosen to do what I’m doing for that moment. Because, a solid ‘why’ can erase every bit of my self-doubt.

Now, while there’s the danger of falling victim to endless comparison, there is an upside. My friends and I always talk about “Stepping our games up.” And, this isn’t so much about measuring our own successes against our peers; it’s about allowing our peers to help elevate our progress. Seeing others thrive and achieve serves as inspiration rather than a litmus test.

So, if you’re happy with the direction you’re headed, stay on the path. If you think it’s time to switch gears, make a change. And, remember to congratulate people on their decisions and successes, but don’t compare.

~Thankful

I hope you’re all enjoying the start of June!

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The Multi-Hyphenate

In You on May 16, 2012 at 9:53 am

Producer-Writer-Director

Singer-Songwriter-Pianist

Financial Analyst – Sports Blogger – Television Personality

Interior Designer – Commercial Boater – Actress

Coach – Security Guard – Poet

No, I didn’t make-up any of these titles. I know someone who represents each of the preceding Multi-Hyphenates. Interestingly, I’ve met people for whom the idea of having more than one profession seems ridiculous. Our natural urge to categorize everyone and everything in our lives, doesn’t come easily when discussing people of multiple means. They want to know what happened to the Doctor, the Trader, the Executive. I’ve heard people from the East Coast attribute Multi-Hyphenate “ism” to the effects of West Coast living, as if to suggest that people on the more conservative coast can be easily defined. In fact, one person described above lives in Washington, DC.

Now, whether or not having more than one profession is linked to the increasing need for people to get their financial hustle on, or to advancing technology, which allows people to pursue multiple interests, there are certainly positive effects. First, I’d argue that this allows some to lead richer and more experienced lives. Second, and perhaps most importantly, I think it signals a psychological shift. People are realizing that they’re truly capable of anything. Of course, it’s important to become a student of your craft, but there’s no need to pigeon hole yourself.

A few days ago, I met a girls’ high school basketball coach. He also worked as a security guard. To hear him talk about his athletes, I could tell that he was passionate about seeing them succeed, both on and off the court. Our discussion revealed that he dabbled in poetry. He agreed to read some aloud. His work was really amazing. Each poem had a clear message and rhythm. I instinctively asked, “Were you an English major?” Coach laughed, “No. Girl, I didn’t go to college. I read a lot of poetry and soon, just started writing.” I was amazed, but was quick to remember, sometimes that’s all it takes, just start. Once he finished reading some selections, I suggested that he go to an open mic. His work was well written, and amongst the two of us, well delivered. To my dismay, he immediately questioned his talent. “Nah,” he said, ” I’m just a basketball coach and security guard. I don’t have any business at an open mic. I wouldn’t know what to do.” I couldn’t believe my ears. Of course, I fired back, “By my estimations, you’re a basketball coach – security guard – mentor – poet. I’m sure you’re much more, but we’ve only just met.”

While some consider the Multi-Hyphenate scattered or unfocused, I consider them open and evolved. They’re able to fill more than one role successfully, perhaps leaving room to pursue Second, Third, and Fourth Loves. So, I say, take a hint from the Multi-Hyphenate. Stray away from the instinct to categorize. Recognize your potential. You can do much more thank you think.

~Thankful

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TGIM

In You on May 7, 2012 at 8:34 am

 
Thank goodness it’s Monday, get it? Okay, I’ve never heard anyone say that. I’ve only heard complaints about the end of the weekend. So, in lieu of complaining about the beginning of a new week, I’d like to share 3 things that I’m thankful for.

 
1. Second Chances

For everyone already skipping through their week and looking forward to Friday, consider the following. We’re all liable to mess up. At least in my case, I learn by trying. And, often, learn more from failing than succeeding. So, in order for me to even have an opportunity to use what I’ve learned, I need second chances. They don’t come along often, but I’m ready to take advantage when they do. I’d like to think of my Monday as a new opportunity. No matter what happened professionally or personally last week, Monday is my chance to try again.

 

2. Close Friends

You know that person you can call and vise versa, no matter the situation: You’re stressed at work, you’re worried about family, you have an exciting secret, you need advice, or you’re bored. I don’t know what I’d do without them. They’ve been as important to me as family. And, I’m very selective about who my close friends are, so they become a part of my family.

 

3. ‘Aha!’ Moments

People say that  ideas are a dime a dozen. That may be true, but an ‘Aha!’ moment is a must if you want to have a good idea. It’s that moment where you figure everything out, or at least something that’s been stumping you. It’s that moment when you come up with an idea so good that you have to write it down. Most of my ‘Aha!’ moments come right before I’m going to sleep. It could be because I’m finally clearing my mind. Whatever the case, I keep a box full of index cards in my bedside table. If I have an idea while I’m trying to get shut-eye, I turn over immediately to write it down.

 
I hope that you all are embracing your Monday and taking advantage of the fresh start! When the beginning of a week seems daunting, I just give thanks to important things in my life. Now it’s your turn! Click the link below to share, or share in the comments section. And, by the way, it’s Teacher Appreciation Week. So, if you see a teacher, give thanks! Happy Monday!

~Thankful

 

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Even Oprah’s Doing It

In You on May 3, 2012 at 9:31 am

Giving thanks is a major part of this blog. And, Oprah is on a similar mission to promote worldwide gratitude with her “Thank You Game.” Click the picture below to find out more information!

I hope everyone is having an inspiration filled Thursday!

~Thankful

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