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Welcome to AYD, and may this be the start of great things to come.
Pierre

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"What can we do, starting today, to build lasting success?"...."We all want to be part of something. We all want to feel great about the choices we make."

Monday, December 8, 2014

AYD - Dec 8, 2014 - Fresh Construction Site

Often in the search of that inspirational push to light the path of the day, we often overlook the clean canvas in front of us, while we rummage through the crumpled up pages of yesterday.

Good morning, Greater day.
Greater You, becomes a designer of greater good.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

AYD - Nov 26, 2014 - Why Be Normal?

"If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be."
- Maya Angelou

So...it's morning.  You have a routine.  You look in the mirror.  It's you. It has begun. 
Or has it?

Not long ago we bought our son some pairs of super hero socks.  If memory serves me correctly, it was after one wearing that he proudly came down the stairs beaming like he had some sneaky secret.  Kids are great because they cannot hold it in.  They can't hide the Ha Ha they want for very long.

Excitedly he had a Spider man on one foot and a Batman on the other.  Distinctly red versus yellow and black.  He was happy.  More importantly, he had not been tripped up by "Normal".  He was having fun doing the opposite.

A simple silly example of breaking the mold.  No one got hurt.  No one got embarrassed.  Actually I kind of envied his choice to "just do".   So while I did not have my own Spiderman and Batman socks to run upstairs and get so I could copy cat our kid... I did absorb the pure joy that he displayed in something just a little off the beaten path.  I took his smile with me that morning, and that in turn allowed me to be a little better than normal in an office routine.

So, look in the mirror.  Make a silly face.  Do the A,E, I,O UUUUUUU.... with big mouth face.  Go find your own mismatched socks and put them on.  'Normal' today is just not in the forecast.  Find something new within you.

Good morning, greater day.
Greater you is beating normal with a stick.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Monday, November 24, 2014

AYD - Nov 24,2014 - Hello Monday - I work harder than you.

"Be humble, hungry and always be the hardest worker in the room."
- Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

Simple and to the point.  Compounding benefits to all three points. 

We all need some kind of philosophy.  Some kind of platform.  Sometimes, the shoes we want to fill or fit into are really not that hard to become accustomed to.  The mold is already well shaped and worked ... we just make it more complicated and blister causing because of the anticipation of complexities. 

Three little ideas wrapped in one easy to install foundation to stand on.  Humble, Hungry and Work Hard.  The rest will start to firm up all around you.

P.S.  The hardest worker in the room thing... it works and has for me when I did not even know it ... however, if you are with a group of 5 year olds, cleaning a play room post tornado, try not to be the hardest worker in the room... you will soon be lead hand everytime.

Good morning, Greater day.
Greater you, well ... if the shoe fits ...

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my day.

Friday, November 21, 2014

AYD - Nov 21, 2014 - This Obvious Moment

"If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. "
- Milton Berle

This obvious moment brought to you today by .... every successful person you know.

No big elaborate breakdown needed.
Build a door ... then open it and lay out the welcome mat. 

Good morning, greater day, building momentum for your weekend.
Greater you ... can hear opportunity coming up the sidewalk.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my Day.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

AYD - Nov 20, 2014 - One Skill, One Plan, Progress Continues

"Don't wish it were easier.  Wish you were better."
- Jim Rohn

Facing a difficult task ?  A project of some kind?  A meeting, a deadline, a new job, or even parenthood?

Pause.
Identify one skill that you think would help you along the way.  Like Survivor, think of one comfort that you would grab hold of ... in the form of a skill ... that would make it less intimidating and easier for you to accomplish your task.

Now plan your route to get it.  Only one thing to focus on, to make you better and more equipped to take on challenges.  Secret - one step at a time, brings you closer to bigger and compounding successes and as you go, alot of things become easier .

Good morning, Greater day.
Greater you, is taking steps forward.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my day.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

AYD - Nov 18, 2014 - Pause for Grateful Identification

"Outside of love, no two things are more valued in another person than trust and loyalty."
- Zig Ziglar

Theme this week, keep it simple.
Assignment for today - start with Gratitude.
How?
Identify someone in your life you know you trust.
Identify someone in your life that gives you their loyalty.
Two people, one person for both, or lucky you to have multiple names.

What do we do with what we are given?

Pick the name you chose for trust.  Now ... You are given a feeling of trust.  Identify how that feels, and then ask yourself, "What does that give my life that I may not have easily identified with?"   

For example ... if you have a relationship with trust, you have no reason to be jealous, therefore you spend less time being insecure, you spend less time arguing over matters related to speculation from insecurities and questioning another person's motives or actions etc.

Now, we have identified what you DO NOT have to deal with in your relationship that has trust, can you see more clearly the values in that relationship that you enjoy everyday?   Lack of petty fights for example, maybe better communication.  Negative elements command attention.  Elements that bring peace are ... well, just there for you to enjoy on your journey.  So today, Pause for Grateful Identification, on the elements you get to enjoy.  The strong silent types. 

Put the negative junk on hold.  It will most certainly call back, but hopefully now, we are a little more distracted by something more worthy of our attention.

Good Morning,
greater day.
Greater you ... makes someone else thankful.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my Day.




Monday, November 17, 2014

AYD - November 17, 2014 - Beginnings

Make a fresh start today, on anything that you need to.
Look forward, not back.
Deep breath in .... long exhale .... and away we go.

Good Morning
Greater day.
Greater you ... is just a step away.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my Day.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

AYD - Oct 1, 2014 - Play It Again Sam

"Do what you did at the beginning of a relationship and there won't be an end."
- Anthony Robbins

The driving philosophy behind my the book I wrote for my wife, "All She Is..."

Take time to stay on track with your thoughts, feelings and emotions.  What are the things that inspired you in the beginning of relationship.  Those things that motivated you to be more, display more, express more.

Keep one hand always touching the elements that brought out the best in you.  Always outline the feelings you felt so that they don't get dusty.  Remember the joy you felt while you focussed on giving joy to that someone.

Always do, what inspired their love to grow toward you, and the seeds of this relationship will never be dormant.

Good morning,
Greater day.

Greater you ... is just a walk through memories away.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my Day with help from reading a chapter from yesterday.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

AYD - Sept 30, 2014 - Words Make the Point, You Make the Move

"A real decision is measured by the fact that you've taken a new action. If there's no action, you haven't truly decided."
- Anthony Robbins

Pretty much says enough.  No need for my babble enhancement today.

I am just going to sit back, listen to the obvious, and let it sink in a little deeper.

Good Morning, Greater Day.
Greater You ... means you took action.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to My Day

Monday, September 29, 2014

AYD - Sept 29, 2014 - Understand Your Power

"A sense of curiosity is nature's original school of education."
- Smiley Blanton

Someone will ask you a question today.
Do you understand how much your sharing an anwer can do?

Many are afraid to ask questions.
Some, like children, ask what we often feel are too many.
You have a great opportunity before you.  ( With children, tremendously rewarding.  Co Workers...maybe not as much, but still a great opportunity.)

If we focus on the growth that can be attained from our patient response - ( like less fear on that person's part to ask more to learn more to gain confidence more to grow more) - and take in a breath of sharing and understanding before responding in haste or initial frustration .... we can create a very positive ripple.

Respond to curiosity in the best way you can.  Be a teacher and learn about yourself and the potential of others at the same time.

Good Morning,
Greater Day.

Greater You ... might get honored by someone asking you for information.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

AYD - Sept 9, 2014 - Remember Your Podium Stand

"The idea of overcoming is always fascinating to me. It's fascinating because few of us realize how much energy we have expended just to be here today. I don't think we give ourselves enough credit for the overcoming."
- Maya Angelou

There was a time you faced adversity.  You may have been scared.  You may have been unsure.  And, you achieved.  You overcame and you stood up tall on your very own podium of success.

Recall one of your many moments and stand on it today.

You could. You did. You will again.

Good Morning, Greater Day.
Greater You, shines on from memory.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to My Day

Monday, September 8, 2014

AYD - Sept 8, 2014 - Basics Always Deliver

"Each day do something to make you feel happy, until this becomes a habit."
- Remez Sasson

When the days come that I cannot find my own voice or thoughts to guide me onward and upward, I have to remember that when in doubt, keep it simple, and follow the basics.  These will maintain the progress, even on those days when I don't feel I can move mountains.

Basics are the foundation of learning and growth.  Sometimes, reviewing them is exactly the step forward we are looking for. 

Good morning, greater day.  Greater you, if worth reviewing.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my Day

Monday, August 25, 2014

The Achievement is Near

"All change is hard at first, messy in the middle, and gorgeous at the end."
- Robin Sharma

Sounds like a Monday.  The key to remember as we encounter Monday, or Change, or an anxious moment coming closer with each passing moment .... We can do this.  We can put one foot in front of the other and drive on through. 

We have the experience. 
We have the history.  We have the chapters already written.

We have the advantage because we know we are entering a hard stage.  We know we may have to work our way through some clutter, and we know there is a finish platform that will make it all seem a whole lot easier when we get there.  So act like we are already there.  Hang onto the anticipation of how good it will feel when you get through the unknown and let that help you find the courage to trudge through the lesson learning stages.

We Know The Benefits of Achievement ... and With That We Find Another Ounce of Strength to Step Forward.

Be it change ... or Just another Monday .... We can take on the challenge.

Good Morning, Greater Day.

Greater You, Looks back on a good battle that helped you Become Greater.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my Day

Monday, August 18, 2014

AYD - Aug 18, 2014 - The Obvious

"You don't need to attend every argument you are invited to."
- Zig Ziglar

It is unfortunate that we cannot always recall the most obvious of good advice right when we need it the most.

Grab hold of this little safety net today, and keep it in mind should you receive a last minute invite.

Good morning, Greater day.
Greater You, picks your own meeting schedule.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to My Day

Friday, August 8, 2014

AYD - Aug 8, 2014 - We are not meant to be carbon copies.

"Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it."

"I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine."
- Bruce Lee

Some of us come to this self acceptance sooner than others.  For some it is always a battle.
The day you discover that you have released the burden of shaping your clay to appease others, it is an awakening within.  You have no idea what happiness you have been hiding from.

Release yourself from shape shifting, "how do you like me now?" habits.  There is only one you.

Good morning, Greater Day.
Greater you, is an original masterpiece.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to My Day

Thursday, August 7, 2014

AYD - Aug 7, 2014 - Not Complicated

"Leave everyone you meet, better than you found them."
- Robin Sharma

Somedays I find myself searching too hard for that moment to Awaken the day.  Somedays, I forget that I am not supposed to forget the basics. 

Want to make progress today?  Then try not to complicate the task.  Sometimes, the day just asks that you keep pace with yourself and maintain course.  Stay consistant without the need for new road signs along the way. 

You will still shine, and you will still inspire, and you will still have the opportunity to have created great meetings with the paths you cross.

Have a good day, just being who you are and maintaining the course.

Good morning, Greater day.
Greater you, shines through.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

AYD - Aug 6, 2014 - A Simple Reminder

“At the end of the day, it's not about what you have or even what you've accomplished. It's about what you've done with those accomplishments. Its about who you've lifted up, who you've made better. It about what you've given back"
- Denzel Washington

Somedays, when things get "busy", we just need a little reminder on things that help us stay grounded.  Things that enhance our perspective.  Elements to ponder and help us take a deep breath.

Remember every step on your ladder, and what gave you the strength to keep climbing.

Good morning, greater day.
Greater you, shares what made you greater.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my day.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

AYD - Aug 5, 2014 - Forge Your Way

"Some people enter our lives and leave almost instantly.  Others stay, and forge such an impression on our heart and soul, we are changed forever."
- Author Unknown

Leave a mark.  Let it remind people you have touched of the good you are and the greatness you shared - so it can be shared again, and again.

Good Morning,
Greater Day.

Greater you, leaves a mark without knowing it.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

AYD - July 30, 2014 - Get Involved

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."
- Benjamin Franklin

It works with children.  We are purposeful when we are guiding them and we rely on this truth.
It works on us.  We know this as surely we can remember complaining that someone should have done this for us instead of giving us orders, or not recognizing our accomplishments while they point out a fault.
It works on others.  If we remember to use the lessons we have learned from our own growth, and share it forward for their benefit too.

Get involved... so you can learn more.
Involve someone so the learning is compounded.

Good morning, greater day.
Greater you, is inviting others to follow your lead.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my Day.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

AYD - July 29, 2014 - Little Things

“One resolution I have made, and try always to keep, is this: ‘To rise above little things’.” 
- John Burroughs

It is a good plan.  Not always easy or simple to do ... but a good plan.

Tuesday challenge to enhance the day - Stick to the Plan.

Good morning, Greater day.
Greater You, rises above little things.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my day.

Monday, July 28, 2014

AYD - July 28, 2014 - The Ability You Own

"We must learn to apply all that we know so that we can attract all that we want."
- Jim Rohn

So very often we hear a comment like this, and we connect it to a physical element.  An object we want or desire.  We summarize that if we work harder, we will achieve that material item.  While this may be true, it is not where the lesson needs to stop.

Attracting the things or outcomes in our lives includes all the day to day moments, and in fact I dare say it somewhat depends on them.  We need to develope the patterns on the little and often overlooked opportunities, in order to make our actions automatic when hunting big game like goals or measured progress.

Today, we want a successful week.  We want a great launch from the starting line.  We have been here before.  We have learned how to be prepared for this morning or this trip or this meeting ( and so on ...and so on...).   Take a moment, and see if we have prepped well enough.  Have we applied what we have learned so that today has energy stored and focus on the road ahead.

Just speaking about it seems to charge the battery, even if I have not identified my itinerary.

We have the ability to recognize all the tools in our box ... let's use them and pick up draw our desires into play.

Good morning, greater day.
Greater you, is simply a wonderful example to follow.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my Day.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

AYD - July 22, 2014 - Self Challenge

Tough Love Tuesday

"If you cannot be positive, then at least be quiet."
- Joel Osteen

Challenge yourself today to one thing .... should you find yourself in a rut, or in a negative moment, make the attempt to not add your voice, or your energy to the growing black hole.

Instead, hold back and observe.  Is there any good that can come to you, from just being another sound whose enunciation of the issue is muffled by dark chatter?  Listen, and look for the sense to be found.

There is no progress to be made by simply being a Re-run Voice on an issue.  We need to pause, review what we know, see what we cannot change and in the time we reserve being quiet, we may just hear an idea for a solution.

When dark clouds are upon us, we do not need to reach for a darker pencil to fill them in.

Good morning, Greater day.
Greater You, Is a break in the clouds for someone else.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

AYD - July 17,2014 - Apply and Become

"Whatever you are, be a good one."
- Abraham Lincoln

Let that sink in.  Explore the idea of it within yourself.

In the industry I am in right now, I started out sweeping floors.  Not something that would motivate a 19 year old in the morning.  Then one day, someone showed me properly how to sweep the floor.  Technique ... and a little understanding as to the value of doing it right.  How that simple act had benefits to the others working in that area.

An understanding was born.  An seed for the concept of appreciation and self respect was planted.

Later I kept my job because of the simple lesson I was shown, and my effort to sweep the floor properly and stay busy.  Simple task, simple increase in awareness, simple and easy increase in effort and caring.

Simple concept ... no matter what you do, or want to do.  Apply yourself even a little more, and you will succeed in ways you are not even aware of, and will benefit in ways you cannot count. 

Good morning, Greater day.
Greater you, is without need of explanation.

Pierre Couturier
Applying Husband, applying daddy, and working at being a good author to my day.

Friday, July 11, 2014

AYD - July 11, 2014 - I Can See! I Can See!

"The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak."
- Hans Hoffman

For a cluttered, too-many-things-on-the-go-at-the-same-time kind of guy like me this statement today is gold.  Very obvious, but still gold. Like flipping thru a yearbook and seeing the 20 years ago version of yourself... always there, but always "Ahhhhh" when you see it again.

 I am often like those old little Family Circle cartoons where they show the mom asks the boy to do something simple, like take the plate to a table, and they show you with a dotted line his wonderful adventure in out up down all around the neighborhood before he finally gets the plate 6 feet to the table.  Oh look!  A squirrel.

Yup...that's me. Past life I was a dog I am sure.  But I am aware of the simplicity by which we can "find" our priorities and flick the neon sign on to keep us focussed again... even for a momen....Squirrel!!

Step One - Stop .... and Take a deep breath.  It is essential to come to a complete Mind Stop.  ( Try that later today, when something gets going, like a coworker, just say "Mind Stop!"  but try it with a friend before you pull that one on the boss.)

Step Two - Admit it... say, "Self...we have a problem."  We have to identify that we know we have too much on the go, and we need to realign our wants and needs with the - here, now and "that's not even relevant until next year."  You should notice a weight being lifted already. See?  Simple.

Step Three - As the fog is lifting, pick out the shapes of the items on your Do List that are now not overlapped like a pile of pick up sticks and sort them to their catagory.  Once you see a task by itself and not under a pile of others, it is easier to asign priority level to it.  I am revising my To Do list as I write this.

Step Four - Repeat, Deep Breath.  Already feels better.

Step Five - Once you have things mentally, or paper to pen catagorized let the necessary items "Speak".  Washing my truck is a Sunday thing and all the sub tasks for it like buying the polish, getting the Shop Vac etc...are not necessary right now on Friday... so shush those items.  "Friday Family Fun Night" has it's hand raised and is squirming to say something more important.  This is my 'necessary'.

Step Six - Relax into Action.  You have simplified your Do list and self expectations. You have taken a breath to stop the race and can see the tornado is dissipating. 

 I have focussed on Task lists.  Start there.  And when you feel more of the unnecessary is out of the way, you will feel more simplified and less burdened with other areas and feelings as well.

Good morning, Greater day.
Greater you, has become more of the necessary.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my Day.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

AYD - July 10, 2014 - The Contribution of a Great You

"If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way."
- Napoleon Hill

Go forth today and be You - but be a damn good You.

Your contribution of this brings value to all those whose appreciation you have earned, and those who may need to see that it can be done.

Good morning, Greater day.
Greater you, is your inspiring contribution.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

AYD - Show Me Some Dance Moves

"Dance like no one is watching."

Always good advice.  Basically means, let go and just be yourself. Don't get hung up on fears of judgement.  The happiest of people appear to be those that live their life like that.... and not just on the dance floor.  They carry themselves differently.  They command attention.  They are like a magnet.

Have you ever really sat back and taken a moment to enjoy people watching?  Just step out of the main flow of foot traffic and gaze upon the faces going by?  Picture an often used scene from movies of people walking on a crowded New York sidewalk.  Who grabs your attention?  Who stands out in this simple and repeated activity? Can you find the magnets?

If I were standing on the side this morning as you walked by in a group of people, might I be drawn to look at you for some unannounced reason?  Can I see the dance in your expressions? 

You may not be able to physically Tango with a rose in your mouth all through your day, but you can embrace your day like life is a dance and wear your Gratitude of that in your appearance.  You can dance in many different ways and not worry about what others think.  You can share the joy of your dance with your attitude, demeanor and expressions. 

"Dance" like no one is watching - if you wish - or let it all show - for just remember, some of the ones watching, are just trying to learn some feel good dance moves. Inspired people may be quieter than the judgemental...but they are there in larger numbers.

Dance your dance like noone is watching, but please allow me to enjoy your flow of expression as it is more inspiring than you know.

Good morning, greater day.
Greater you, has moves you never knew you had.

Pierre Couturier
Dancing Hubby, Dancing Daddy, and Author to my Day.

Monday, July 7, 2014

AYD - July 7, 2014 - Make Eye contact with the Meaning

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."
- Henry David Thoreau

A statement that could launch 1000 books.
Or something as simple and meaningful as your day.

Perception can be the enemy that writes your script before your emotions get past the headline ... or it can be the greatest success planner you ever partner with.

A goal, a morning, a task ... or the love of your life.

Take time to soak it all in.  Take time to truly see the value in what is at hand.

Take time to understand what this statement says to you personally.

Good morning,
Greater day.

Greater you, is seeing more than a passing glance.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my day.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

AYD - June 26, 2014 - Swing Batta Batta

“Every strike brings me closer to the next home run.”
- Babe Ruth

Fall down 7 times, get up 8.  Same message.
Learn from your mistakes.  Same message.
Just keep swimming...just keep swimming.  Same message.

If we stand and let the ball go by without a swing, we argue on it twice.  Once with ourselves for the indecision and lack of action; and once with the guy yelling out to the world that we just missed a wonderful opportunity with one universally understood word.

"Stttteeeerike !!!"

And we plead our case with excuses.

"That was up here!"  ( Translation - I was afraid to reach.)
"That wasn't near the plate!" ( Translation - I was uncertain.)
"Are you blind?!" ( Translation - I missed that opportunity, how did you see it?)

But if we swing for the fences ... everyone, including ourselves, know we mean business and we are not afraid to put ourselves in play.

Take a swing, you will energize.
Catch a piece of that ball, and watch how all those players stand up at attention on the next pitch.

Good morning, Greater day.
Greater you, shows people you can reach the outfield.
Swing Batta Batta.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my day.

Monday, June 23, 2014

AYD - June 23, 2014 - Simple You Time Starting Line

Opportunity Monday

Before you get caught up in commitments outside of your home or family, take 15 minutes to look at your day, or your week so you feel like you have Your goals identified and touched. 

It takes no time at all to get caught up in the Tornado of life so remember to start your week with your agenda, before the outside rush takes over.

Good morning, greater day.
Greater you, is great for everyone you touch.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Friday, June 20, 2014

AYD - June 20, 2014 - Easy Advice to Share and Inspire

"Today you are You, that is truer than true.  There is no one alive who is Youer than You."
- Dr. Suess

Inspiration can find you anywhere - even at a Pre-Kindergarten graduation. 

Messages we offer our little ones, are very often messages that could bring revisited value to us as well.  While we are attempting to guide young minds to an open field of inspired opportunities,  we could do ourselves a great service if we just practice what we Speech and tag along for the ride.

Now, embrace You today ... for there is noone that is Youer than You.

Good Morning, Greater day.
Greater You, inspires others to walk their way.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

AYD - June 18, 2014 - Keeping It Simple

I find myself busy.  Often cluttered with a list of tasks.  More so, I dare say I might be unprepared in my time management and balance between writing and work and man of the house stuff.

And it is in these moments ... while I want to deliver a day changing message, but am late for a meeting ... that I really need to remember the value of simplicity.

I often share with you how the messages we receive each day, we hear numerous times through different mediums and expressions, and how sometimes the message might come in a fog, and others loud and clear.  So I should not be afraid to be misunderstood if I just keep it simple, and trust that there are days when that is exactly what we all need. Simple and to the point.

I have alot to do today - and I needed for myself, as well as to share, an impacting message that is simple and yet climbs onto my shoulder as a companion for the day.

When the day had demands, reach for the inspiration that is ready and waiting ...

"Be the change that you wish to see in the world."
- Mahatma Gandhi

How is that to get the day started?

Good morning, greater day.
Greater you ... is simply inspiring.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my Day

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

AYD - June 17, 2014 - A Professional Was Here

"A professional is someone who can do his best work when he doesn't feel like it."
- Alistair Cooke

Leave the impression, by going the extra distance.
At Work.
At School.
Carrying out daily activities.
Completing a goal and building dreams.

We always have the opportunity to put forth and display our Standards in our actions and our output on anything we do.  We could do ourselves a great service by remembering that showing up is the hard part ... the executing of a task to the level of quality that we have already grown to offer is simply the follow through.

Very often we get caught up and studder start the effort by focussing on our emotions in that moment.  We are tired.  We are angry.  We are feeling unfulfilled ... and many more thoughts that simply delay the start of something good.  We all have completed something, or talked a child through their defiant stages of something and then said, "There all done...now that was not so bad was it?"  To which the common reply is, "No.  Once I got started it all went well."

Find a moment today to add the certification of "Professional" behind your name - because you showed up and gave your best signature to a task at hand.  Extra credit if you are able to change your mood from "not feeling like it" to "can't wait to get started."

Good Morning, Greater day.
Greater You, can be a professional grade example of how it is done.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.  Professional.




Monday, June 16, 2014

AYD - Monday, June 16 - All Those On a Mission, Please Step Forward

"Why are you trying so hard to fit in, when you're born to stand out."
- Oliver James

There really is not much more that needs to be said.  Embrace your day, like you know how. 
Leave your mark, for you make it distinct.

Good Morning
Greater Day.
Greater You, is a gift that keeps on giving.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

Friday, June 13, 2014

AYD - June 13, 2014 - Planning or Reacting

"Both Optimists and Pessimists contribute to our society.  The optimist invents the airplane and the pessimist the parachute."
- Gil Stern

Do you make your plans with more focus on growth and feelings of achievement, or do you make your plans to handle the worst case scenario and consequence?

When you build your yellow brick road, do you stall the project to engineer the escape path off to the side for the "just in case" ?

It is perfectly fine to be careful, and consider consequence.  Especially if we have the well being of others to consider;  like our family and home.  We simply need to ensure that for our progressive forward momentum to that great potential of compounding "success", that we put the ratio of our energies much higher in the favor of Soaring upward to the wonderful unknown Success stars,  and much lower on the floating down - "oh crap this could really hurt" landing.

Good morning, greater day.
Greater you ... might just build an airplane.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

AYD - June 11, 2014 - Power Up

"Ask not what the world needs.  Ask what makes you come alive...then go do it.  Because what the world needs is people who have come alive."
- Howard Thurman

Power Source.  That is our quest.  What is our power source, that will respond and drive us when we hit the switch?

Find something you do, or more often for many of us, something we once did ... that releases a passion inside.   If you are doing it, embrace it a little more with the gratitude you have for what it brings out of you.  If you used to embrace it, then rekindle the friendship and retrace your old footprints on how to start again.

Plug in.  Reset. Power Up.  The world needs you.

Good Morning.
Greater Day.
Greater You ... is the energy many need to help light their way.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my Day.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

AYD - May 29, 2014 - You say Tomato, They say Toe-mato

"People who go to the top think differently than others." - John Maxwell

"Nothing limits achievement like small thinking; Nothing expands possibilities like unleashed thinking." - William Arthur Ward

People who go to the top ... we read this and our mind leaps to the penthouse suite or the image of a person standing in the corner office of a big corporation.  The stereotypical image is one that is very automatic.  The subliminal connection to success.  The auto fill of our thinking.

However, I challenge you to allow, like we always do at AYD, to allow these blanket concepts of overall growth and googled images of success to actually begin right here and now.

You can get to the top of your Day ... just by thinking differently than others.  Look around at those who wear their choices for all to see.  Look for the obstacle people and avoid repeating their actions. 

Standing at the top of your day is a spring board for other enthusiastic take overs.  Choose wisely.  Look for the folks that are off the leash.  It is contagious to even watch them walk.

Now...
Good morning, becomes a greater day.
A Greater You, Becomes a Beacon for others to think differently.

Pierre Couturier
A different husband, A different Daddy, and a wordy babbling expression loving Author to my Day.

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

AYD - May 27, 2014 - Laughter, A Good Part of Any Plan

" If you ask what is the single most important key to longevity, I would have to say it is avoiding worry, stress and tension. And if you didn't ask me, I'd still have to say it. "
- George Burns

Sometimes, a simple yet obvious truth, can be the best advice.

Good morning, greater day.
Greater you, is wonderful to discover.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to My Day.


Monday, May 26, 2014

AYD - May 26, 2014 - Just a Reminder

Opportunity Monday.

Just saying. 
Wink wink...nudge nudge.

Good morning, greater day.
Greater you, is a greater you.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Friday, May 23, 2014

AYD - May 23, 2014 - Total Recall and Recharge

It dawned on me recently that I have everything I need to be the success I want to be.
Resources and experience and mature perspective are all there.
Only thing missing is a more direct line reference center in my brain that would guide me to the right tool, at the right time, and with focus.  I am working on it.

So with that, I thought ... I know I have these tools so then I should initiate Recall Sequence and get reacquainted with them.

So sometime today... preferably this morning so you can Awaken the idea ... follow my lead.

Identify 5 people in your life that have taught you something of far reaching value.  Remember them, remember their qualities ... and revisit the valuable lessons.  Spend a dedicated moment on each.

Identify 5 books in your home ( or memory if you do not keep them) that you enjoyed in any way.  They could have been motivating, or allowed you the gift of laughter or personal insight.  5 books you invested time in and received a return on investment.  What did you like? What did you discover?  What did you share?

Identify 5 jobs you have held that have brought you to a new and improved self.  You might have disliked it, but now you know more about your wants and dreams.  You might have loved it, and it made you more in control now.  5 Jobs, and what did you take away from them.  If you had a negative experience, this is not a time for paying interest on the past ... it is time to pull the learning from the ashes of anger.... this is a value lesson.

Step into the Recall chamber.  Recharge with reflection on lessons learned and put a fresh coat of paint on the hidden values you greet each day with.

Good Morning ... yes it is...and it will allow me a greater day.
Greater You, lets you find more than you remembered about you.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to My Day

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

AYD - May 13, 2014 - Use Your Team

"None of us is as smart as all of us."
- Ken Blanchard

When the day starts off and you are already overwhelmed... use self leadership 101, and remember that you are surrounded by people talented in their own way.

You do not have to do it alone.

Good morning, Greater day.
Greater you, is a better for everyone.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Friday, May 9, 2014

AYD - May 9, 2014 - Because You Can, You Should

"Here's to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes...the ones who see things differently -- they're not fond of rules...You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can't do is ignore them because they change things...they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do."
- Steve Jobs
 
It just deserved repeating today.  Could be an affirmation every morning really.  A mantra.  It is not who said it, it is what it says to you. 
 
We all need a kickstart.  A motivating factor.  Not all of us are able to find it easily...and it is even harder to maintain focus when we do.  So us crazies need to encourage the motivation.  Let your hair down....share an idea or thought.  More so, share the passion with confidence and without fear of the raised eyebrow and wrinkled up nose expression in return.
 
Awaken Your Day.  Begin to write your daily script first thing ... in your format, before the preauthorized templates come into play.
 
Show a little crazy ... think a little wild... push the human race forward, starting with you.
Because you can...maybe you should.
 
Good morning you Nut.  Where shall we begin?
 
Good morning, greater day.
Greater You, shows everyone it is okay to test drive an adventure.
 
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

Thursday, May 8, 2014

AYD - May 7, 2014 - Are You Waiting, Or Are You Creating


"Don't wait for something big to occur. Start where you are, with what you have, and that will always lead you into something greater."
- Mary Morrissey

Sometimes we do not even realize that we have sat back into "Wait" mode.

Status Quo.
Is what it is.
Standard Procedure.

Underneath our 'routine' activities ... we would like that unexpected life moment to just jump up and change everything for us.  And it is so easy to not see, that during our 'routine' we could be slowly edging in the Shift we are wanting to make.  We could be working the construction for the Off Ramp that allows us to explore out to a new road.

We need our like minded individuals.  We need those successful stories around us.  We need to bring closer those "It can be done, it has been done" stories and people to keep the idea right there on the horizon ... to help us not drift back to that steady place of just keeping it between the lines ... for another mile, another day, another flip of the calendar.

Opportunity has called recently, and I have been "waiting" for a free moment in my "routine" to be able to call back without distraction.  Funny.... my "routine" has been that distraction and I realize in a much less obvious way, I am once again,  waiting.

Notice - Construction to commence, expect acceleration to commence.

Good morning, greater day.
Greater you, is just better for everyone around you.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my day.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

AYD - April 23, 2014 - Out of Balance- Out of Mind

“I think the most significant work we’ll do in our whole life, in our whole world is done within the four walls of our home.”
- Stephen Covey

Word for the day - Balance.

We do not often sit down when things feel off.  Our mood, our day, our job.  Things don't feel right and we cannot put our finger on it.  Often, we stop there and just continue to feel off.

When our child is off, we should be analyzing his HALT while we search for understanding to his behaviour in a particular moment.  Is he  Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired ?  HALT.
My wife and I learned to apply the same concept to ourselves and we discovered it worked well.  It helped us recognize the cause of our feeling "out of balance" and gave us the tools to realign our mood, and thus our control on our responses.

Work can slowly pull you out of balance.  Our focus can easily go to the To Do list and the tug of war can creep to the exhausting side before we recognize the warnings. 

Remember your Balance.

Get your feet back under you by taking a breath in the mornings.  Look around at your Home and all the elements that make it.  Gaze upon the pictures on the wall; the faces, the stories.  Enjoy the quiet for a moment.  Home, is the creation of your balance.  Our feet fit well here in the Wall of Fame molds.

This is where all your success is built on and from.  Let it relieve that wobbly feeling ( in whatever form it brings to you).  Regain your Balance ... and then Begin your day.

Good Morning,
Greater Day.

Greater you, is a an example of Balance to remind others.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

Monday, April 21, 2014

AYD - April 21, 2014 - Kick Start With Purpose

"I began to have an idea of my life, not as the slow shaping of achievment to fit my preconceived purposes, but as the gradual discovery and growth of a purpose which I did not know."
- Joanna Field

 
Thank you Ms. Field.  I read these words today and I found myself grateful for the simplicity and the knowledge that I was not alone in my thoughts.  A picture was given to repeated emotions.
 
As I grew up my ideas of success were started in a messy chunk of clay.  Not a block, as that would imply that it started out as a preshaped package of mentored ideas build on lessons learned and now waiting for my imagination to run wild with ideas on how to shape this nicely offered hand delivered shape into anything I wanted. 
 
No, Not a block... but a chunk.  Like someone handed you a Rubik's cube all messed up already and you had no idea where to start.  I had to tinker just to get an idea of a vision.  Had to work it, so I could get a hint of a picture, like looking at the clouds to see that which no one else can.  I had to follow a pattern, fail, examine, try again.
 
Over time, I felt anxiety for the shape of my purpose eluded me.  Alot of feelings come and go as we discover ourselves.  Axniety, haste, worry, failure, lost, desperate, remorse, some joy, some hope, some excitement.  Best of all, was over time, I began to feel comfortable.   The comfort came from being able to see the gradual growth of understanding of myself, and life experiences.  To, Connect the Dots.  I met, "Ah Ha!", and began to date Right, instead of Wrong, decisions.  I developed a better relationship.
 
So many lessons learned, now under my feet as stepping stones to more doors to open, and more purpose to reveal.  The more I understood, the better grip I had on decisions now before me.  The more appreciation I discovered for all that had come to me.  This all leading to clarity in my purpose.  Gradually ... the purpose I had not known.
 
So, a little heavy for a Monday ... but yet, really quite simple.  The reflection of your timeline and milestones in coming to know you and your purpose for what it is today ... makes any challenge show itself for what it is.  Not insurmountable, but rather, just another exciting day on the journey.
 
Monday is no different.  You have been here before.  Help it understand it's purpose.  Help others to see the value.  I never knew that Monday's purpose was to start me off right.  First gear. 
 
Many races are won at the starting line.  In the reaction time.  Tune up your purpose early ... for you overall, and for your week.
 
Good morning, Greater day.
Greater You, is a great leader for those around you.
 
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

AYD - April 17, 2014 - The Greatness You Become

"The older I get, the greater power I seem to have to help the world; I am like a snowball - the further I am rolled, the more I gain."
- Susan B. Anthony, 1820 - 1906

Nice and simple for a Thursday.

Think of one of your life's lessons learned.  And then explain the value of that new point of view, to yourself.  You know, it's that old, "If I knew then what I know now .... " question.

How have I grown in my life experience, and how does that growth bring value to my life?

You might learn not only to recognize your growth successes, but also how to appreciate yourself for making the change.

Good Morning, Greater day.
Greater you, comes from the less experienced you before.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my Day.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

AYD - April 15, 2014 - Obviously, I Need the Obvious

"It's a very funny thing about life; if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it."
- William Somerset Maugham

No matter how valuable the message - we often miss it.  Not just one in our lives, many.
As we have stated before, many of life's messages come at us many times, with different words or delivery methods ... but we are not always ready to receive them.

Maybe, it takes the unmistakeable vision of the Lord in your oatmeal before the "AH HA!" is seen and trusted to be a sign.  Maybe, it just takes the obvious statement staring us in the face.  The less than best result right there... speaking volumes.

And then, it just takes listening to the obvious.  Turn up the volume.  Listen for the bass beat.

Sometimes, I need that good old black-and-white, point form, in the shape of a pointy toe shoe to kick me right square in the ....

You get the idea.

"It's a very funny thing about life;  if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it."

Good morning, Better day.
Greater you, refuses anything less.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.



Thursday, April 10, 2014

AYD - April 10, 2014 - Right Before Your Very Eyes

"Eye contact is the best accessory."
- Takayuki Ikkaku, Arisa Hosaka and Toshibhiro Kawabata

We encounter it daily.
We think of it rarely.
We are usually too busy to realize how much it gives us.

Eye contact.
Impact.
First impression.
Stories.
Imagination.
Emotion.

Let yourself explore.  Walk through a crowd, or just pay attention when you talk to those you encounter today.

What does your accessory say about you?  How much does it command the impression you introduce?

Good morning, Greater day.
Greater you, is there for all to see.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my Day.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

AYD - April 8, 2014 - Friends ... Priceless Luxury in Life

“We stand in silence for another moment and I realize how lucky I am to have someone I can be myself around in all my melancholy glory.”
―    Marisa Calin, Between You and Me

Friends.  They come in all shapes and sizes ... be thankful their personalities do as well.
As I have gotten older, I have come to put less pressure on friends.  I am more worried about being a burden than anything.  But we are blessed to have some wonderful people in our lives.

Little secret... when I was younger, I was a needy kid.  I latched onto people.  I needed a hug.  I recognize... I was probably uncomfortable waiting to happen.  I was a really good friend ... but I was a bit much me thinks.  Life was different when we were younger.  Our expectations were different.

In life experience now, we have come to accept the invention of "busy" and "schedules".  So when friends understand but accept you anyway....when you can call someone up after a week or so and it is no big deal - it sure takes the pressure off.

Like last nite.  A good friend called me up with a crazy idea.  Figured we should join ball hockey. 
I have never played ball hockey. 
Not a big running fan on a good day.
I am nursing an injury.
I had about 30 seconds to decide. 

He planned it well I think.  Had the family in the car so I could not swear at him.  I think it was revenge really.  Getting back at me.  For not calling.  Thinks I am a big sack of couch.  We never wave in the driveway anymore.

So now I am going to play ball hockey.  Get some exercise.   Because I have great friends.  Athletic friends.  The kind that can pick you up when you are down.  Literally...down. Winded.  Gasping. 
And for that ... I am thankful.
Recognize one person that takes you as you are.  Understand how precious that is.

Good morning, greater day.
Greater you, because friends encourage you to be.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my Day.

Monday, April 7, 2014

AYD - April 7, 2014 - Throw Monday A Curve

“Sometimes I lie awake at night and I ask, "Is life a multiple choice test or is it a true or false test?" ...Then a voice comes to me out of the dark and says, "We hate to tell you this but life is a thousand word essay.”
- Charles M. Schulz

Monday has an uncanny ability to throw many of us off track.  We comment alot about taking control of Monday but no matter how prepared one can be, it still likes to throw us off the planned route to start the week if we let our guard down.

So don't let your guard down.

Doctor it hurts when I do this ...  "So, don't do that."

"Monday is so lousy" ...  Well it sure is NOW!  Thanks for coming out, sorry you didn't make the team.  Go back to bed.

If today comes at you like a multiple choice test, don't just "when in doubt" it and default to option C .  Don't ride the fence with " E.  All of the above".  Find the answer that drives you to certainty.  Find the obvious path to the passing grade.  Make some notes, show your work.
This is not a race.  Think about your answer to this skill testing day.

If life is a thousand word essay... then you should spend a moment and come up with a captivating first sentence.  Monday...and every day.

Chapter 43, week 41 - "I awoke to the clean slate of a gloreous day.  And then ..."

Good Morning,Greater day.
Greater you,  has the answer key to the day's exam.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to My Day.



Friday, April 4, 2014

AYD - April 4, 2014 - Do Something....Better

“Your life only gets better when you get better.”
- Brian Tracy

Nice and quick.
Pick something you are doing today.  Do it better.
Take extra time, add extra focus, ask a better question on How.

Household chores.  Tasks at work. Hobbies, sports, smiling.

Just open up to the idea - Your life only gets better when you get better.

Good Morning,
Greater day.
Better You ... presents a better you.

Pierre Couturier
Better Husband, Better Daddy, and then a Better Author to my Day.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

AYD - April 3, 2014 - Self Discovery

"Learning to live what you're born with is the process, the involvement, the making of a life."
- Diane Wakoski

Too deep for a Thursday morning? Not really. Take it at face value.
Your mission, should you choose to accept, is to consider three things you have come to like about who you are, and the life you have built with those elements.

Don't be shy...or bashful... or fear Ego talking. Give light and center stage to a few elements of you that have shaped your life.

The joy of it all comes in the Discovery first of what we are born with. Finding a skill, or a frame of mind. Finding a passion or something that others really appreciate about you. Learning to live with what we discover about ourselves takes on a few different stages.

Ah Hah!
I never thought of it like that.
I like this.
I am okay with this.
I don't have to be That Guy ... I like me.

Sometimes uncomfortable, as we struggle to find the right words to hilite our meaning, and sometimes then great as we see the pieces of this magical puzzle slip into place.

It takes time. A lifetime. But it is constantly moving us forward. No one can tell us how many pieces are left in the box. That is part of the learning. That should be part of the Joy we Discover and the mystery we chase.

How much more of Me is there hidden? Because I have come to appreciate what I have discovered about myself so far.

A simple mission - a few things you can identify with that you were born with.

Me ?
Expression - a passion to communicate.
Chubby Cheeks - something Brad Pitt will never have. And...
An Inner Smile - a book worth of meaning here, and it took a while to find it.

Good morning, good learning, greater day.
Greater you, allows others to see it is okay to be great too.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my Day.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

AYD - April 2, 2013 - Sometimes, What we Need is Right There

“For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have you ever heard how sometimes a person will spin a globe, close their eyes and then stop the globe with their finger and decide that that is where they are going to go ?

I kind of did that this morning.  Really, we talk about making the conscious decision every morning to start the day off more purposefully and the day will get better from there.  But somedays I do the spin and point to find a driving point for the day.

I do it so I can avoid overthinking, and to prevent hunting for a message my passions have not highlighted yet.

So this morning, I landed on something obvious, yet so true.  Timeless, obvious, truth.  Inspiration can find you anywhere...if you let it.

Easier said than done, sure - preventing this minute of angry to rob us of happy ... but if we can enhance our awareness of simple truths we command control of many more anger inspired moments giving us the potential to make it easier done ... more often.

Many years ago I read an interview in a magazine from many more years previous.  Gene Simmons of KISS was stating to a writer that he does not spend time on anger.  Hate takes too much energy.  Wow... hate takes to much energy. 

I was a young man, in awe of people like Mr. Simmons at the time;  so when I read this commented philosophy, even in my youthful maturity it left an imprint.  Anger is really exhausting.  Mental fatigue is draining.

Older and wiser now ... I cannot say it has always been on my shoulder ready to be a guardian of the reactions I have given to things I cannot control ... but I can share with you that I am more aware of this truth than previously in my life.

And like many things we discuss here at AYD .... if you gain one more moment than before of awareness to a meaningful and useful message ... then we are learning and retaining more than we had before.  An awakening if you will.

Grab onto a moment today. Be purposeful in your search to keep 57 seconds of an angry minute back to yourself.  Shorten the Angry time and count the Awareness time to your favor. 

Starting... now.

Good Morning, Greater day.
Greater you, is a you less angry and more in command of your feelings.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Monday, March 31, 2014

AYD - March 31, 2014 - We do What We Can... And Then, A Little More

“Rules of living
Don't worry, eat three square meals a day,say your prayers, be courteous to your creditors, keep your digestion good,steer clear of biliousness,exercise, go slow and go easy. May be there are other things that your special case requires to make you happy, but my friend, these, i reckon, will give you a good life.”
 
- Abraham Lincoln

Read, Enact, Review, Repeat.
Some substitutions are permitted.

But what is this Biliousness... ?
Biliousnsness - Definition - Noun - 3. peevish; irritable; cranky. 4.
extremely unpleasant or distasteful
 
There... I learned something new today.  Use that at the water cooler and you will command attention all day.  " I must steer clear of all this biliousness.  Carry on without me!"
 
Bottom line is - we all know how to live a good life.  We know what we need to avoid, what we need to appreciate.  We know we need to take better care of ourselves, to make good decisions.  We all have lessons learned from a variety of sources.
 
The trick, is to alter what we are doing if we truly want to alter the outcome.  Heard this many times.  Why do we wait until after the effect shows it's reflection.
 
Each day, grab hold of one moment where you can alter the direction.  Communicate better with ourselves and we will maintain control of the script that is the day before us.
 
Good morning, Greater day.
Greater you, will book mark a moment for others to look more closely on.
 
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.
 

Friday, March 28, 2014

AYD - March 28, 2014 - Love the Simple Days

There are days when thinking is not a necessity. 
Days, when we need to just chuckle, and enjoy the cute wisdom of humor.
Lately, my son has been coming up with some wonderful and insightful chats with mommy at bedtime.  I love the mind of a toddler, and the escape it gives us from everything else.  ( And to be able to just say some of that crazy stuff and get away with it... amazing.)

So today I thought ... why not share some of the wisdom of a character like no other, that right now reminds me alot of our own little man. Calvin and Hobbes.

Have a wonderful Friday, and let a great weekend follow it.

"Life's disappointments are harder to take when you don't know any swear words.”

“People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world.”

“Who was the first guy that look at a cow and said," I think that I'll drink whatever comes out of those things when I squeeze them?”

“Well, remember what you said, because in a day or two, I'll have a witty and blistering retort! You'll be devastated THEN!”

“Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us.”

“Talking with you is sort of the conversational equivalent of an out of body experience.”

“Some days even my lucky rocketship underpants won't help.”

And to end on a good note ....

“I think we dream so we don't have to be apart so long. If we're in each other's dreams, we can be together all the time.”

Good morning, greater day.
Greater You, is a just what others might need.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author of my Day.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

AYD - March 26, 2014 - Friendship and All it Means

“The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, not the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when you discover that someone else believes in you and is willing to trust you with a friendship.” 
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is a great discussion.  Friendship. 

More than that, it is a great feeling. 

I cannot say much more than that this morning without muddying the whole thing.

Call a friend.  Share some laughs.  Spread some forgiveness.  Keep what matters close to mind.
There is an element of you that breathes because friends appreciate it and share in it.

Call a friend.

Good Morning, Greater day.
Greater you, is a map for others to see how to be greater too.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my day.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

AYD - March 25, 2014 - Words With Meaning

Word to consider today - "Trust"

A word we use, but not necessarily think about.
What does it mean for you to "trust" ?  What does this feeling of 'trust' give you?
Can you identify what 'trust' gives you in a relationship ( of any kind) that we often do not consider because there is no conflict to draw attention to the concept of 'trust' ?

For example - in a solid love with  a partner, you have 'trust'.  With unspoken, unhindered trust, you have a LACK of jealousy.  Where there is no jealousy, you have less trivial arguements and more focus on the elements you care about in your partner - where there is no reason for jealousy, you have no reason for resentments born from lack of communication about feelings ( another spin off of distrust)  ... you have more opportunity to express and show natural affection.  More natural affection, leads to more good thoughts and actions.... and so on... and so on...

All from recognizing a value in our lives that when in place, is often not demanding attention.

Can you start your day by recognizing, 3 people in your life that you trust.  Trust with your heart, your life or even your child's life.  Your feelings, your future, your secrets?

Think about the person. Then think about how it feels to be able to have the feeling, and the security of Trust.  Finally... consider all the treasure your relationship with that person has, because of this wonderful element you have been able to achieve in and believe in .... trust.

The gift that keeps on giving.

Good morning, Greater day.
Greater you, provides opportunity for others.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, and Author to my day.