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.

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.

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.