Awaken Your Day - Nov 9, 2017 - You believe, I believe, we all believe.

"Some people can't believe in themselves until someone else believes in them first."
- Good Will Hunting
 - Borrowed from "Engineering the Alpha"

Guilty as charged. This was me. Well, maybe is some ways it is still me, with bigger dreams creeping on the horizon...but some years ago, it was all me. I needed something to build on and I looked outside of me for some portion of guaranteed acceptance. Some little corner of mesh that would be my safety net.


We know this is not always healthy. We know we need to find a way to start within for the strongest core to then be our foundation. That will come. So if you are one who needs someone else's belief in the power of you, that is okay... as long as you accept that as a solid and use it.


I believe in you. I can say that because I learned how to believe in me ... after someone else's belief in me allowed me to be just me, and in that chain reaction I was set free. Please ignore the rhyme there...that was unintentional and not meant to be motivation cheese. Nacho cheese.


So ... learn to believe in yourself more deeply through all you have accomplished... and if you need to kick-start that belief on the back of someone else showing you theirs in you, so be it, just recognize how it opens you up and then most important, move forward with that belief. Embrace it. Grab on and enjoy the power it gives you. You must embrace it if you ever want a shot at creating that belief within yourself for you to then build on.

 Someone else's belief in us is a great building block, no, more so it is a great blueprint ... it shows us there is value here, and we need to read it, adopt it and run with it.


I believe in you - I am on the same builders path.


Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - finding your reason to believe.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - November 8, 2017 - If you think it ....

"I think I can! I think I can!! I think I can!!!”
- The Little Engine , that could.

So will you set yourself up for success today, or will you focus on struggle and be mentally tired before the day begins ?


Just asking.


Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - thinking.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - Nov 7, 2017 - Choices

"If you choose to start your day off great, the rest of your day has a great lead to follow."
- Pierre Couturier

That is all.
Make a choice.
Stick with the choice.
Partner with your choice.
Support your choice.
Defend your choice.
Have lunch with your choice.
And finally - no matter what,
Take your choice home with you.

Good Morning, Greater Day. Greater You - making good choices.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

AYD - revisit. It’s a revisit today due to internet and computer issues. But this revisit is still a good way to start he week. Good morning.

Awaken Your Day - November 1, 2016 - Counting Fun

Find someone smiling or responding to you with one ....that's one. Now keep counting.
What you focus on has power over you and your day.

Good morning , Greater Day. Greater you ... looking for big numbers.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my day.

Awaken Your Day - Nov 5, 2017 – Could you remind you please?

“One day you’ll look back and realize that you worried too much about things that don’t really matter.”
- Power of Positivity



Some things are worth repeating.
Let’s be honest. Some things we need repeated. Busy lives create diversions from consistent mindsets. It happens.
I think quite often, 5 feet from the doorway of the day people are already worrying about later in the day. We have something to be done by noon, it is now 6 am and we are already worrying and mounting the stress quota like it was 11 am.

Picture that. You have deadline stress already maxing out your focus, your energy, your reserve energy, your happiness balance, your What If safety supply, your tolerance, your patience, your sense of humor, your confidence, and your ability to be rational …. And you are 6 hours away from said deadline ( or appointment etc etc). Wow. Exaggerating? To some degree … but you get the point.

It is not that this thing I use as an example does not matter, but it is how we manage the matter. It is how we worry and change the landscape of the “matter”. Where we prioritize the relevance. Where we prioritize OUR relevant energies. And we do not see the consequences that stack up, like a heavy burden.

I would like to have a button right beside the doorway that I have to hit before I leave the house. It would have 5 of those good reminder / motivational comments that randomly play every time you hit it. And it needs to have like your dad’s voice… or Morgan Freeman because everybody listens to Morgan Freeman. And this one… “One day you’ll look back and realize that you worried too much about things that don’t really matter” …. That would play every Third time I hit the button.

I think it would make me want to go out and play more often.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You … not thinking about noon, when it is still before 5am ( ala Joe Duncan).
AYD – Pierre Couturier – Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - Nov 4, 2017 - Memories

Motivation can find you in many ways. I like it when it comes from within - from moments you have already lived, and when you trip over those moments during reflections of happy times.

No great Speech today about living life to the fullest - instead might I suggest you linger on some memories that remind you of times when you already have lived, loved, and laughed to the fullest.

Good Morning, Greater Day. Greater You - Reflecting on times that display some of the Greater You.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - Nov 3, 2017 - Better by a nudge

"Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Till your good is better and your better is best."
- St. Jerome

It is simple really. Take something you want to get better at.
And do one small thing to move forward.

Do not worry about how big that step forward is ... the momentum will build itself as long as you recognize your own effort.

 Now, as I have stated before, excuse me while I practice what I speech.

Good Morning, Greater Day. Greater You - nudging forward.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

AYD - morning revisit post because we lost the file for today’s post. And, good morning.

"Start from wherever you are and with whatever you got. "
- Jim Rohn

Now recognize where you are and ALL that you have.

Awaken Your Day - Nov 1, 2017- Look Deeper

Challenge - Find something positive in everyone you interact with today. If the situation allows it, share it with them.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - changing your awareness point of view. 
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

Awaken Your Day – Oct 31, 2017 – Don’t complain when you can review.

“Failure when analyzed will provide the building blocks for future successes that will be far greater than the failure itself.”  

• Steven K. Scott
  How often do we catch ourselves retelling a story about something that had gone wrong, in a complaining kind of way?   And all the while not noticing that nowhere in our sad tale, do we mention any kind of progressive reasoning or lesson.  Just the same Boo Hoo details that seem to gain more dramatic emphasis each time we tell it.  We are still annoyed, angry, feeling unfairly treated and so on.
  No?  You cannot recall doing this?  I bet if I asked you to recall a time or ten that you were annoyed by someone else doing it there would be instant recall … on them, on their story, on all the details and your own level of agitation you felt .  
  How is it that many of us cannot see how we apply so great amount of energy on the “doesn’t gain me success to be worried about this” category?  How many of us look at our own situational “failures” with more of a “what can I carry forward from this experience”  outlook?
  How can we start to be more in control of positive growth versus easy negative venting?
  A simple willingness to face our demons.  That’s it.  So, if you are ready to energize, then get ready for battle.
  This is your A5 moment.  Analyze 5. Think of five things today where you “failed”.  Things did not go as planned, or you were not fantastic the first go, or even relationships.  It would be a bonus if these 5 are things you can recall complaining about… to someone, and then to someone else, and then that other guy, and the dude that sold you coffee…  ( connecting the dots yet?).
  Take your 5,  and then for each one, to start, replace your feeling of failure or disappointment, with one positive growth identification you took away.  Maybe, this is the first time you are seeing it this way … and that my friends, is the Awakening moments to build your strength of the day on.
  Good Morning, Greater Day.  Greater You – turning your OLD disappointments into something to stand on.
  AYD – Pierre Couturier – Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.  Switching Gears.

Awaken Your Day - Oct 16, 2017 - An idea whose time has come.

"There is nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come."
- Victor Hugo

I bet you are thinking of something big to connect to Victor's words. Someone else's something big. Maybe you have your own big idea and this comment created a vision of your idea hitting the mainstream. Great. So you can see what that looks like.


And now ... lets draw it back. Let's look at the foundational push behind all great ideas. Let's relate it a little more intimately ... Let's consider You. You are the idea whose time has come.


Grabbing control of your morning, and leading that to your evolving day is what we share here. It is part of a passionate pattern we are trying to kick-start, to lead from one day to another to another and so on. Building our consistency, until we have our natural habit of taking control of our day and then the other contributing elements of our life.


You are the idea. Your time is now. For anything You want to fulfill in your life. You are the idea.


Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You ... is the whole idea.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - Oct 11, 2017 - Let it sink in.

"Your worth is not tied to the opinion of others."
- Joe Duncan, Before 5am

Mic drop.
I don't have alot to add. But of course I worry that we will read that, say "Yeah" and then it will disipate and we will fail to absorb the impact of how true that should be.


We need to work on letting go of what others think about us in many aspects of our life. This is something we all struggle with somewhat ... as we analyze when it is okay to not care and then examples where we think we need to be mindful of it still.


All good. For now.

 But ... we still need to let that thought sink in and we need to give it some attention. If you can release even a few of the strings you have tied to some opinions of others, you willl find emotional energy that will surprise you.

 Hint - start with people you don't know and won't know after your lives cross.
Release the lines. Cast of the ropes.


Good morning, greater Day. Greater you ... learning how to undo knots.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

AYD - chose a rerun this morning. Sorry. But it’s one I needed while my brain was running overtime. And the thought is still valid. Have a great day. Turn it up a notch. Oct 10 2017

Awaken Your Day - Oct 6, 2016 - Give and Receive


"If you put out 150%, then you can always expect 100% back. That's what I was always told as a kid, and it's worked for me so far!"
- Justin Timberlake

Self analysis.
How much effort do we put forth ?
How much pressure do we apply on our performance efficiency?
In life. As a spouse, as a worker, a boss, a coach, a parent... any of the aspects of our lives, where our output brings value.
Before we can complain about the surroundings and our assorted environments ( emotional, physical, financial) we must assess just what percentage of our attention, effort and drive is being put forward ... before we can measure what is coming back.
And I have just had my Wake Up call for the day.

 Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You ... once you see how much more is still there to apply.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day – Oct 9, 2017 – Affecting the last page, now.

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
- C.S. Lewis

These kind of comments tend to take us somewhere right away.
You might be thinking right away about your life. The whole deal. The grand scale of where you wish you were by now versus where you are.
Or, a goal. A marriage, a dream, a job, or a project.


You might be doing just fine but now reflecting on how you might have done things a little different. Keep in mind it is not always about starting from an unhappy place.


Like today. It is only just beginning. So far, you may have just rolled out of bed.
Technically, minus a yawn or a groan, you are still beginning.

 In which case … you are at the beginning, of the day…the week. You have the power to adjust the Matrix … you can alter the now and the end.
Mind blowing isn’t it?


So … when I say Good Morning – you could think of it as an idea, or an order … or a forecast to build on.


Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You – starting to Look at things just a little different, and causing ripples.
AYD – Pierre Couturier – Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day – Oct 7, 2017 – Do You Check In?

When you were young, your parents probably had a curfew for you. And some would have asked you to “check in” sometime before your curfew. It was a status check for them. An emotional and security touch point. And, a point where they could alter the plan if needed.


If you have taken management training, you may recall as part of the soft skills, they recommend you do a “check in” with your staff – where you strike up a conve...rsation first thing in the day and casually talk about what is “good and not so good” in your day so far. We avoid the word “bad” as that often dictates focus and becomes harder to move past with that label.

It is a good tool, this “check in” and sadly we do not use it often enough just with ourselves. A morning check in should be part of routine. A recognition point ... where we can alter the plan - or the path of the day - where needed. ( psst...that is the point, in case i get really wordy from here on.)
All you do is ask yourself … What is good and not so good so far today? It can be anything but keep in mind, we avoid the overall classification of “bad” because it just paints a topic with a "higher wall" paint color. For example, maybe you have a cold…that is your “not so good”. Your good might be that you have the day off. Okay, so your cold …being not so good… is more of a set back. So you can adjust your day, focus on self care because that is a priority. With self care you can later tackle that to do list that you don’t have the energy for now. Relax. Tell yourself it is okay to relax and go about not getting stressed but focus on getting better. It helps to frame our reaction to the “not so good” as we put it into a better perspective instead of it being a stress that generates more stress and then shite gets “bad”.


So… allow me to “check in”. What is good about my morning? What is not so good?

 What is good is that I have now been on the treadmill at 340 am for two days in a row and I feel like I want to keep the pattern going. I am awake and the day has started on the right foot. Not so good, would be I am in camp, but this morning, more so that because I am awake and thoughts are rolling, I am in a creative writing mood and would love to stay in front of the computer with my thoughts as they are all connecting and my ideas are racing in circles…but I have to work. So … it’s another notepad and pen capture –a-thought-when-I- can kind of day. But ... my not so good is nothing that is going to ruin the day.

 And you?


Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You – just checking in honey, all is okay.
AYD – Pierre Couturier – Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

Awaken Your Day - Oct 6, 2017 - Self Awareness Trend or # or something.

I am not trendy.
I'm usually a couple years behind what is "in style". If you know me, then you know this to be true. In fact, you knew before I did.
And ... I am okay with it.

 ( Side note ... I really dislike ( used that instead of a stronger more offensive word usually preceeded by a four letter and and ing) the term "in style". Sets a ridiculous set of boundary lines that people so often bounce between on their path to self identification.)

 And... in my older age I am getting more opinionated. Just letting you in on that secret.
I'm okay with that too. But, I see a need. While I am finding a voice on matters of issue... I recognize I must enhance my awareness and knowledge before I spout off and spit my opinion. More knowledge will aid me in not sounding like a fool see.

What is the point? Well, I'm not beating myself up or being self diminishing, I was simply finding myself this morning all caught up in the news and half truths and misleading stuff...realized I was hypnotized by some of it, found that to be the trend, then thought about not being trendy...and now you see how my mind works.

 So... after spending a few moments with my own personal plus minus columns - i thought, what shall i attempt to do today and this weekend to improve... what little hash tag will I so cutely create for myself. ( side note... really hate this B.S. lets make everything a # ) . So ... in an effort to play along, what is your # trick for yourself today? Mine...
#chasingconsistency
#makefocusafriend
#takealookatonethinginmyminuscolumniwouldliketoimproveon

There... I feel better and cuter and more up to date already.
Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - embracing you.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

Awaken Your Day - Oct 5, 2017 - Sum it up.

"Work hard, be passionate, be grateful, follow your strengths, add value."
Brendan Burchard

I read this in Success magazine as I was flipping the pages. This was raised in bigger font and colored letters. I just sort of stopped. Pause for internal searching effect I guess you could say.

Do I? Am I? How am I? Do I and how can I? and Do I?

And if I answer my own questions, to some summary good thought directions, with some honesty and internal truth ... my thoughts will guide me to some focussed attention today on all the Sums of some good advice.

Good Morning, Greater Day. Greater You - asking yourself some summary questions.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - Oct 4,2017 - Overwhelming

“Don’t wish it was easier, wish you were better. Don’t wish for less problems, wish for more skills. Don’t wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom.”
- Jim Rohn

There is a lot going on.
Seems like always.
Let’s be sure to try a little harder to apply our focus on better perspective and personal action that will give us compounding or multi use gains.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - challenging yourself to be, a better you.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

Awaken Your Day - Oct 2, 2017 - Your Journey

"It's a long journey to finding yourself. Just go on that journey. It's worth it."
- Keith Robinson to Kevin Hart - lecture of being yourself

I got nothing. Message is simple.
Step up, step out. Explore what makes you..you.

 Are you a personality copycat because it is easier to fit in or have you found some happiness changing the mold.

Have you found a cookie cutter shape, or did you grab some pliers and start twising and bending to make your own yet.

If you have not already found You ... it's a fun trip.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You ... as you are beginning to see.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - Sept 26, 2017 - Right there waiting ...

You want to be inspired?
Some days you need it?

Stand in the middle of your home.
Now ... with eyes wide open, slowly turn in a circle.
Room to room. Repeat.

 Follow the story.

 Listen to the laughter.

 See the sunshine of every growing moment.

Inspiration can find you anywhere ... and most often right where you created it first. It is there ... right there waiting.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You ... with every page of your story right up to the bookmark you move today.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day – Sept 25, 2017 – A Business Arrangement

“Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark.”
- Jay Danzie.

At the end of this day, I will ask myself, “How was that for an interview? Would I want to work with me? On a team, at a job, or in a friendship, how did I represent this My Personal Organization? “

Something to lead me into my day.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You – Representing.
AYD – Pierre Couturier – Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - Sept 22, 2017 - Right Here, Right Now

"Beware of destination addiction, a preoccupation with the idea that happiness is in the next place, the next job, with the next partner. Until you give up the idea that happiness is somewhere else, it will never be where you are."
- Collective Evolution FB page

Right Here. Right Now.

 So often we talk and dream of some goal destination or place in our lives. When I ... The day I ... And so often I discuss here a reflection on all the moments of your life that have lead you to the right here and right now. The Journey to the Now Happy already attained.

Can we come into the Now, now? Are you recognizing what all Right Now has for your happiness? I am sure in many ways we do ... so consider this just a reminder to share with someone else who may be longing for a better time and place, a Later Time and Space, where they Plan to be happy. Help them be Happy ... even for a moment with who they are... Right Here, Right Now. It will make the rest of the Journey a lot more exciting.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - avoiding destination addiction and helping someone else do the same.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - Sept 21, 2017 - I see choices all the time.

"We either make ourselves miserable or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same."
- Carlos Casteneda

But we don't see the choice.
We fail to grant ourselves two selections on the quiz sheet.
We take the road most often travelled. It has a sign up in huge neon... REACTION.

And we follow. Like a moth to a flame. A fly to a lightbulb. A mosquito to that zapper thing. And we get worked up. And we get emotionally exhausted.

Wonder what would happen if we just held onto our Reaction for a moment longer, to investigate a more well rounded and self bettering response?

Good morning, Greater day. Greater You - working just as hard at getting emotionally charged as you do drained.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - Sept 20, 2017 - All Starts With You Week

"I am my own experiment. I am my own work of art."
- Madonna

Humour me.
Humour you.
Sometimes you need to allow focus to centre on ... you.

 So let your thoughts go. Don't worry for a moment about perception of selfish.
You are a canvas. Or a mound of clay. A piece of music. Now do one of those "life story in 60 seconds picture flashes". How far you have come. How the "art" has taken shape. How the image and sound has changed and grown along the way.

You are a canvas. Or a mound of clay. A piece of music. How might you add to your experiment today? How might you appreciate where this project is .... right now?

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You ... admiring your work.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - Sept 19,2017 - Move it or lose it?

"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must move faster than the lion or it won't survive. Every morning, a lion wakes up, and it knows it must move faster than the slowest gazelle or it will starve. It doesn't matter if you're the lion or the gazelle. When the sun comes up, you'd better be moving."
- Maurice Greene, 5-time world champion sprinter

Life goes on around us. It does not stop. Your job rolls along, the people around you keep moving.


Any destination you have in dream shape for yourself, you need to be moving. Somewhere out there .... all of the elements that shape this day are rising to meet their role - playing their part on how this day will take shape around you ... what are you doing?


Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - moving .
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my day.

Awaken Your Day - Sept 11, 2017 - Have you ate today?

You already know how to make this day your own. Monday or any day, you have been perfecting the recipe for as long as we have been Awakening together. You know the ingredients you need to make it best for you ( and the spill over effect for others around you is anything but messy) .

So once we know the consistent mix to achieve the outcome we desire - we are free to experiment and see what we can add to make the day tha...t much sweeter in our favor.

Try adding a pinch of these today ... where they might fit best.

REJUVENATE
INVIGORATE
CAPTIVATE
MOTIVATE

Let's see how any of these add to the experience of living today.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You ... playing with beneficial ingredients.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

Awaken Your Day - Sept 7, 2017 - Passionate Living

"Your passions are the loves of your life. They are the things that are most deeply important to you. They are the things that, when you're doing them or talking about them, light you up."
- Janet Attwood

It is often said that we should live our lives with Purpose. While it is true, sometimes that statement can be visualized as a large undertaking. It takes practice and consistency for many of us to build up to living that all the time.

So let us start on a smaller scale so that we can learn to be in our "Purpose" zone more naturally.
Purposefully, begin the day spending a few dedicated mental moments, fuelling your Purpose Energy, by thinking about our Passions. Those we love and their influence on our lives. Those things we do that we love and the rush of emotion that comes when we are doing them. The sparks to our souls. The electricity that lights our way.

Daily. If you are not one of those already living your passions, then spend some time dedicated to them. If you are already achieving this, I dare say spend a little more. Your passions can be your biggest Why when other things are trying to weigh you down.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - enjoying the Passionate moment.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - Sept 6, 2017 - Simple forgotten truths

"Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and start being excited of what could go right ."
- Tony Robbins

Short and sweet and not much for explanation needed. But for you to relate, you need to apply this to something you are worrying about now, or something you were worried about that turned out very well.

Make a connection with this simple truth.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You -addressing the truths around you.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, daddy and author to my day

Awaken Your Day - Monday, Aug 28, 2017 - Unique Qualities

They say that no two are exactly the same. How can that be?
Of all the trillions of snowflakes, how is it possible that no two are exact? As my son might say, "Mind....blown."...

Now if we were to grab hold to that concept, that glorious idea of the ultimate individuality and compare that to ourselves, If I say… you, like a snowflake, are unique. There is not another out there exactly like you. Will you doubt me?
Or will you enjoy the thought for a moment?
Doubt me if you will … that’s allowed. But wouldn’t you rather just hang out with yourself for a bit … and enjoy the thoughts that cross your mind about all the things that make you unique. The possibility that there is no other You ... the same as You.
Cool thought for a Monday… when so many out there are all acting miserable in unison. Go on… be a Snowflake. I dare you.
Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - as soon as you enjoy just how specially unique you are.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - Aug 25, 2017 - Keep Building

"Become a lifelong student of your craft. School is never out for the professional."
- Brian Tracy

Open your mind, and the education around you will find it's way to you.

Reach beyond what you think you know, and another chapter will present itself.
 
Enjoy what you do by celebrating the achievement of getting here.

Parent, executive, professional sports.
Welder, plumber, secretary or a fabulous assistant.
Cashier, store owner, writer .

It all counts. And they are all made better, when the person engaged in that craft seeks to know it well.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - opening more doors in a room you know well.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - Aug 16, 2017 - Give it some Color

"The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn, like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars".
 ~Jack Kerouac

Colorful right? Paints a picture doesn't it? As I was reading that quote it was like someone had their hand on the dimmer switch of my morning light ... and was turniing it up a little at a time.
This is the energy I want to feel today.

 I am surrounded by mad people all the time... just not the right ones. Often, it is reflections of myself - living in a house of mirrors and my not good "mad" environment. So ... it is in these times that we need to have our enhanced awareness in our pocket. Pull it out like a free pass and change the energy of the day.

Read the quote again. Put some life into it. Read it aloud or in your head. Imagine you are auditioning for a role in a movie and you have to let the words come alive. Energize - splash it with Energy Color.

Now look at your day before you ... and Give it that same color splash before you leave to join the other mad people.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You .... getting all Mad about it.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to My Day.

Awaken Your Day - August 14, 2017 - It is not Complicated

Keeping it simple.

There is a ton of one liner feel good messages out there right now - and that is good. Except we need to realize that for every catchy "you can do it" phrase ... you still need to do it. Do something. Most people have forgotten the motivational spark before they walk out the front door.

Overall, it is not complicated. We just need to want to play in a zone of awareness for whatever the goals are that make those phrases appealing. That is stll a learning thing and is ongoing.
So ... keep it simple. You know that one about being the change you want to see in people? You do not have pay for the next 50 people in line at the drive thru. You do not have to run into a burning building. You do not have to be in a good mood aaaaaaaalllllll the time.
 
Smile, and say good morning. That might be all it takes today. Magic can make it's own path. It just needs you to give it a starting point. It is not complicated.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - just letting it happen.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Opportunity Monday Day.

Awaken Your Day - Aug 10, 2017 - Pleasure to meet you.

"Everybody has their own story to tell. Your life is like a book that you don't ever get to put down. So make it interesting."
~Brian & Johnathan

How often do we sit down to look at our life? I mean really look at it There are times when we get asked some questions, and we recite some summary points of detail and interest gets peaked at the story we tell.

But how often do WE sit back and look at those points and get a little "That is very interesting!" moment - truly of our own?

Might I suggest that you pause and take a moment to introduce yourself... to yourself. Look at those interesting fun facts about your life. I am certain, there are parts of this story you really enjoy.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - with a story or two to tell.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - Aug 2, 2017 - That time again...

Gratitude. Thankful.

5 things in your life that you are grateful for.

 Spend a moment with each one. Feel.. actually take the time to let the feeling go through you....

Enjoy them.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You ... for all you have around you.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - August 1, 2017 - New Pages, New Stories

"So often in life a new chapter awaits. You ride off into the sunset and discover it's the sunrise. "
~Robert Brault

Chapters end.
Sometimes, leaving us wanting more. Sometimes feeling just right, and sometimes leaving us disappointed.

 But we are better for having read and lived, that chapter, no matter what feelings that final sentence may have left us dealing with.

A new chapter awaits. Life turns another page and if we have retained anything, consciously or subliminally, we will take it forward to help our reception to the next entry ... the next adventure ... the next sunrise and Awakening.

Some want to forget the past, where I might say embrace it. All of it - the good and the not so good. Embrace it, for you are a more evolved You than you would have been. I can tell you that you are stronger for it all but you hear that every day. I say ... there is more to you now and it is with this more developed set of eyes that you will turn the page and see the wonderous colors of the new sunrise.

You have lived some creative life. Put it to use on the life you still have to live.

Good Morning, Greater Day. Greater You - with every page you have ever turned.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to My Day

Awaken Your Day - July 31, 2017 - I Believe

"Yes, I believe you can."
- Pierre

 ( pssst.... the trick is to let that sink in for awhile, get hyped up, let your mind settle on something that you were not sure of and voila, push away from the desk with determination and self belief and then go out an conquer the day. Just saying. In case you needed some help. )

Good Morning, Greater Day. Greater You - because you chose to be.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

Awaken Your Day - July 28, 2017 - Luck, no. Just great energy.

“Some days even my lucky rocket ship underpants won’t help.”
- Calvin and Hobbes

Yes, yes they will ! If you remember first how they got the power to BE your LUCKY rocket ship underpants. Remember the times they saved the day…remember how you discovered they were lucky, and the faith and belief you applied to them every time after when you called upon that LUCK to get you through a tough spot.

Any adversity you may face today – you choose right now before the day has begun that you will be ready for it. Adversity, big or small – not so fun challenges, big or small – to your FLOW ( oh how I love that word and will be exploring it so much more in the days to come) big or small.

Our positive energy stalls or lets “distractions” take the lead role because we often do not maintain the level of feel good that gets us through. We let our great energy pulse slow down. Not intentionally, but because we do not LEAD with it. Hence, AYD. Lead with our best … Rise to that level of awareness and desire and then.. only then… turn the knob and leave the house.

Like anything we do. Here is an extreme example -
A gambler hits a losing streak and says, “Well, my luck just ran out.” Nope. Nope. Hell Nope. He lost focus. Lost the energy when one or two hands didn’t go his way and then desperation started to creep in, he wanted to turn it around, started to rush some decisions, made some careless bets, began to bobble, lost some more, quicksand rising, focus become more desperate, hail mary and then… and only then… his lucky rocketship underpants didn’t help.

One negative thought breeds like weeds in the garden. Like ants at a pic nic. And then… where does our thoughts go? Where do we apply our energy and emotion. What do we ALLOW to happen?
We must train ourselves, through consistency, and our chosen environments ( physical, emotional, mental etc) and like minded people… to maintain the best in our line of vision. To challenge any adversity because Yes damnit, my lucky rocketship underwear will help … like all the other times before.

Good morning, Greater Day.
Greater You – powerful in wearing every lucky thing you have.
AYD – Pierre Couturier – Husband, Daddy Skins, and Author to my Day

Awaken Your Day - July 27, 2017 - Simple Start to a Powerful Engine

“The power you discover from believing in yourself and your dream, is strong enough to bring light to every corner of your life.”
- Pierre Couturier

Just going to leave it at that. Explore your thoughts - see what you can light up.
Have a tremendous day.

 Good Morning, Greater Day.
Greater You - acting as your own flashlight.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - July 18, 2017 - One for you and two for me...

"Identify your problems, but give your power and energy to solutions."
- Tony Robbins

I do not think any of us has a hard time identifying our problems. If anything, we fail to see how often we are identifying our problems, because if we were aware of that big statistic at the bottom of our Unbalance Sheet ( like how I did that ? ) then we might get a true sense of where all our energy goes.

We spend alot of time talking about the problem because that is the known variable. Staring us in the face. Problem being we keep repeating, redescribing, rehashing and revisualizing the easy to see stuff like we think we will magically see a way around it.
 
Identify an issue, yes. And then, look around it. Ask yourself what pieces of information about the problem do we still need to gather in order to see the WHOLE picture. With the added details you may form more of a picture of the issue, restoring some of the balance. From this vantage point you can then apply your energy to solution with more Quality questions - because we have not worked ourselves into the middle of a cloud of despair.

Identify a problem, but not dwell the scenery so long that the path to solution grows over.
Good morning, Greater Day. Greater you - accepting and addressing.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

AYD - Opportunity Monday. Reflection on a timeless idea. Good Morning.

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.
www.awakenyourday.com

Awaken Your Day - July 16, 2017 - Celebrate

Inspiration can find you anywhere. We are fortunate enough to have family and friends who have found success and happiness - chased a dream and have caught it ( or are still chasing but enjoying the chase).

Yesterday I heard a little inspiring news about a friend of ours, Sean. Among other big changes in the last couple years, recently he made a decision to look into a dream he had of acting. He went to a casting call, and not on...ly landed a part, but got the lead role in short indie film! The big story is that he followed up on a dream. He took the critical first step and was rewarded by his own courage. Needless to say, very happy for him, and inspired by his taking that step.

Today I take some time and think about this story, each of our family members whom are all creating moves and reasons to celebrate in their lives - and many friends and their growing successes and / or adventures they are deciding to follow up on.

We are blessed to have many examples around us of success in following your heart, your passions and just believing in ourselves. There are so many reasons to feel inspired, as we look close to home to those who we care about, and celebrate in their achievements of finding happiness. Be happy for them, and grateful you get to applaud them.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater you - surrounded by a successful blanket of inspiration.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - July 14, 2017 - Make A Change

I went down a path this morning. Saw something that set me off, shook my head, and brought about a long train of connected aggitated thoughts all related to my physical environment.
And the challenge presented itself.

When you encounter a challenge that requests you spend alot of time building resentment, repeating negative details that will not make sense no matter how many times you tell them, stirring up your anger .... these challenges eat away at more than just your present mood. Time. Wasted time ...eaten away and leaving a void in your head and your emotional energy accounts.

Today the trigger was part of my physical environment. The first path to realign successful control of my time and energy is to change my physical environment ... but when that is not an immediate option ... the foundational path is to always change my focus. There is no reason to focus on the negative moment and let it distract me from seeing the rest of my day or my surroundings and the value that is yet to be discovered.

So with that ... I make an adjustment, Awaken My Day on a new page ... and rework the Challenge to something constructive. Because I am aware of the consequences.

See the challenges for what they are before they absorb all that you are in that moment.

 Good morning, Greater day. Greater You ... sometimes having to try a little harder, but finding a way.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

Awaken Your Day – July 13, 2017 – Be the Bigger You

“Dream big, think big, plan big – and listen to the people who build you up and move you forward.”
- John Addison

Multiple actions in one. First allow yourself the freedom to believe in Bigger goals. Second, consider those in your life that support you in that belief and really absorb how that support makes you feel. And finally, ask yourself one simple question … “Why would I choose to listen to speculating, skeptical doubt versus motivating open minded belief support?”

Go ahead. Be the Bigger You.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You – Yes, you really can be.
AYD – Pierre Couturier – Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - July 12, 2017 - One Small Step

"You'll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine. "
- John C. Maxwell

Does that make sense?
Does it sink in?
Did you take a moment to bounce it around?

Consider a change or growth step you desire - and why you might not be getting there. What can you adjust today to apply more in that direction? ( bonus points - actually doing this exercise is a step in the right direction)

For example - I spend too much time daily on little things and thus always have "a lot" to do. But where I need to change is in applying priorities. Focus on the big ticket goal and I see a lot of the other stuff falls in line when I do - otherwise I'm too busy on the clutter.

Your daily routine - where do you see one small change that can be one giant leap in your sense of progress?

Good morning, greater Day. Greater You - open minded for change.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy, and Author to my day.

Awaken Your Day - July 4, 2017 - Celebrate

While friends and family celebrate a U.S. holiday - let's take it one step further. Why don't we all simply be inspired by what WE have achieved up to today.
 
Think of a day in your life that changed things. Sent you down the path you are on now. Changed your Course. Changed your fate.

I met my wife in 1996 - that day would prove to be significant obviously for the rest of my life now. But there was a December day, in 2002, when the phone rang. I said, "Hello" and unexpectedly it was her voice. And from that moment, I have reason to Celebrate every day.

Positive Reflection helps us value and build the moments we live now. Use the tools your glorious life has give you. Celebrate.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - created all along the way.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - June 30, 2017 - Help it burn.

"You get the best effort from others not by lighting a fire beneath them but by building a fire within them."
- Bob Nelson, best selling author and motivational speaker

"What do I have to do to light a fire under your ass?!" - said a few different people to me when I was younger. Oh, if only I knew then, what I continue to learn now. More so, if only THEY knew then ... what I know now - about people, life and me.

I think of work, and past coworkers. Old jobs, old friends.
School. Family. Ah ha moments and passions coming into view. Moments feeling lost and no sunshine in sight.

 All around us we can recall and touch memories that relate to a fire within ... or a lack of.

So let us focus, try to embrace the obvious. What lights our fire? What ignites our passions? How do we stoke that fire, catch a flame? What drives you on to be your best? At work, at play, and in your pursuit of a happy You.

We can build our own fire within - and watch those flames light up all the reasons we want to keep it that fire burning bright.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - feeling the burn.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - June 29, 2017 - Ya, I got nothing, but I know where to find more.

Up at 330 am. Cardio room by 340. Just 20 min hard power walk at an incline. That was the plan. Not much to speak of but it is what I needed, and I was doing it. Maintaining an effort at consistency and not disrespecting what I have started.

Back to the room, cleaned up, then breakfast then time for me ... time to write, time to plan, to review my goals, assess the day. Working on maximizing my time for that in turn opens my eyes to where I can be more efficient with MY time. I don't have a lot of MY time when I am working my day job ... or that is what I thought. I got nothing.

Isn't that what we tell ourselves? I have no time. I can't find the time. I wish I had time. Bit of an excuse. A whole lot of excuse.

We have time. As soon as you put more thought into what is ultimately important to you - you will find time. Remove something that takes up your time, or be more strategic in how you use and block out your time. You can find it. I have started, and now I'm getting much more out of that time. And there are so many compound benefits that will just land in your lap.

Ya, I had nothing, then I looked a little harder and I found a lot more.

 Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - taking some time back, for you.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - June 22, 2017 - All Around Me There are Reasons to Find Joy

Say it.
Hear it.
See them.

Good morning. Greater day. Greater You - Seeing Color all around you.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - June 20, 2017 - Rainbow Bright

Inspiration can find you anywhere … as long as you are open to it.
Do you dream in color?

This is one of those conversation questions that goes back to who knows when, and I will let you google it to revisit the whole debate.

 But … my question is, Do you dream in color?

As we think of our life dreams … Do you dream in color?

Those things you want in your life, the goals and plans and desires…. How bright are they?
Are the colors YOU APPLY to images in your heart and mind magnificent … or just standard contrast?

As we express the ideas and paint the picture for all to see … do we enhance the image, adjust the contrast, fix the brightness. Do we play with the passion setting?

Have you thought of it? How bright do you want your life to be?
Your desires can become only as wonderful as the picture you create for them. Take that with you … and give it some thought … but for now, understand that the same applies right here and now … to the start of your day.

Consider this day a color by numbers picture. What choices will you make in your color selection? Vibrant or shades of grey?

Do you live in color … today?
Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - choosing to enhance the image before you.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

Awaken Your Day - June 19, 2017 - Simple Truths

"You're not going to want to put in the work of winning if you're not fired up about going to work."
- John Maxwell

Pausing for sink in effect.
Waiting for all the thoughts to rush through.

Some are lucky to love what they do.
Others are off in space thinking of what they would rather be doing.
You can feel the fire at either end of the spectrum.

 Should you be one who is not content where you are right now, that is fine. But you will do yourself a favor that will help you get to that desired place if you do engage the here and now.

Whatever you are, Be a good one.

The benefits will find you. They will lift you to the win you seek.
Now, Monday - Fire it up.

Good morning, greater Day.
Greater You - applying the best of you #winning.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

AYD - 2013 Replay.

If you can't say anything nice, try try again.

"To say something nice about yourself, this is the hardest thing in the world for people to do. They'd rather tak...e their clothes off."
- Nancy Friday

Hard to feel successful and command your daily performance, if at first you cannot acknowledge that you are the lead character in this number one hit show that is your life. - Pierre

I grew up timid. I was a shy kid. I was not very good at sports, or music, or much... but I had a big heart.

As I got a little older, all I wanted was to be liked and understood. But that simple want, created bigger fears. One of my biggest fears was being misunderstood about how I portrayed myself...and so, I was always afraid to say anything good about myself for fear of being viewed as conceited. Not sure how it all came about...but it was there. And it dominated me, and made me even more timid. That was then, but it was always my Now.

As life gives us experiences that slowly shape us, like a sculpture taking shape out of stone, one chip at a time, we eventually become a recognizable piece of art. Gradually as we look upon the invention before us we learn that we have taken on a shape that we understand. We can follow the lines that form the image. We can touch them and recollect the journey we have taken. And in this special little story, we find moments to feel good within ourselves. Maybe we recount some strength we have learned. We recall where our smile comes from. We recall achievements, born from practice and dedication. I can go on and on...but I think you remember feelings like these.

What many of us often do not do ... is share these feelings, in expressing our feel good about ourselves.

Fear of acceptance maybe, or of being misunderstood. Why do we find it so hard to say, "Hey, I like me, and here is why." Not an easy answer, but with awareness, we can try to move that emotion to the side, to make room for some expression that carries far more benefit.

So at first we can acknowledge it ... that it is difficult for us. We can carry on and then ask ourselves "Why", or we can jump from the edge of the pool and cannonball in.

Say something nice about yourself, I dare you. Tell me something I don't know about you.
Or...stand on the side of the pool, naked... and the rest of us will float around looking at you ... not knowing what greatness hides behind all the shivering goose bumps.

I am Pierre Couturier. I am a good husband. I am constantly trying to learn how to be a better dad. And I am becoming a better Author of my days, all the time. Oh...and I have chubbin cheeks that I learned to appreciate.

Have a good morning, so it can be a greater day, because a greater you makes a better environment for all those around you.

Join me - www.awakenyourday.com

AYD - rewind. And good morning

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
www.awakenyourday.com

Awaken Your Day - June 12, 2017 - Say Thanks

"Behind every great man there is a surprised woman."
- Maryon Pearson

Someone helped you to this level of happiness in your life.
Probably alot of someones. Think of one. Think of two.

Take a moment to honour them today. With a thought, a smile, a hug and a Thank You. Say it to the heavens, say it on the phone or drop them a text just to put it out there.

"Thanks! Your support helped me get here."

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - with help along the way.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

AYD - throwback to last year as I am awakening my yard work. Have a wonderful day- because you have that choice.

Awaken Your Day - June 7, 2016 - Recognize

"There's only few people who have the strength to honor someone's achievement without envy."
- Aeschylus.

Let's be honest, I don't know who Aeshcylus is. And his actual quote might look more like this " It is in the character of very few men to honor without envy a friend who has prospered."
So while I don't know him. I like what he says. And it had me thinking...about some good friends who are great people and who have achieved great success - inspiring success - and that I do not envy them for it - rather I admire the qualities in them that helped them attain that success.
Inspired by their hard work, focus, determination and drive. And the positive outlook all along the way.

You have these people in your life. Spend a moment today letting their success inspire how you approach your day and maybe your own actions. Couldn't hurt could it. But ask yourself if are one of the few who can avoid envy and pay more attention to the footsteps these inspiring people leave for us to follow.

Good morning, greater day. Greater you ... with some greatness around you.
AYD - PIerre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my day.

Awaken Your Day - June 7, 2017 - Oh boy! Did I ever ...

"You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."
- Mae West

I often encourage you to reflect on the life and times that taught and brought you here.
So, mid week ... water cooler story time. Reflect back and think about some highlight reel things you have done. Shake your head things, " Wow! I did that !" things, "Oh we were a little wild" things... and of course, "My Mom still doesn't know!" things.

Live a little moment of a time you really LIVED a little moment.

If you could do some of that stuff ... well then, what might you get away with today?

 Good morning. Greater Day. Greater You - remembering an adventurous you.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my day trying to find that old notebook so I can hide it.

Awaken Your Day - June 6, 2017 - And Life says, "What have I taught you?"

"What does throw in the towel mean?
The saying "to throw in the towel" means to give up on something. To throw in the towel, an image from the sport of boxing, means to give up a struggle, to quit the fight, to surrender. The saying "to throw in the towel" means to give up on something."
- from google, when I typed it in

You already knew this. Somedays you feel it.
Throwing it in. Raise the White flag. Sit on the kitchen floor with your head in your hands. Somedays.

I awake this morning to meet a "someday". Feeling like I am in the middle of boxing ring, I can't see clearly in any direction and I'm swinging at some issues that taunt me like misty ghosts. Not able to pin point a target shape, because I am not sure what exactly I'm trying to hit ... solve.... fix .... understand ... make sense of ... help ... overcome ... so, ghosts. And I reach for something. Where is my towel?
 
But what happens when I throw it? Then what? The "opponent" is still there. Just resting between rounds. Fight's not over.

I, we, have to believe, that these "somedays", these times in our lives, are like a surprise quiz. This is life, simply asking, "What have I taught you?"

We know the material, we know the theory, and now we must apply it when needed. When facing a Towel day - consider it Quiz day.
1. What have I taught you?

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater you - passing a quiz and ready to go another round.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my day.

Awaken Your Day - June 5, 2017 - I'm Just Getting Started

"You don't have to be great to start but you have to start to be great."
- Zig Ziglar

"Begin and Believe" - Pierre Couturier

Sounds so simple right. Maybe that is why we often overlook it.
Think of something you want to do but have not yet. Something simple or something big - results will be the same. You are going to start working toward it.
 
A little each day. Where you can fit it in - but you MUST fit it in. A mere 15 minutes per day. You can do that. You shouldn't have to deny yourself that over everything else.

Now ... one more thing. Enjoy the start.
Be happy you are on your way. Remember every minute you can apply to this thing you wish to do, is a minute of successful enjoyment on your way to doing it. The overall will be alot of work, but not this little portion. This little part is your plan today, that is all.

Skeptical? Try it with a book. Or a tutorial. Enjoy what you are doing. Be glad you began.
You will thank you in a very short time.

Good morning. Greater Day.
Greater You - gaining from smaller and more tasty bites.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to My Day

Awaken Your Day - June 4, 2017 - Sunday Thoughts

"My therapist set half a glass of water in front of me. He asked if I was an optimist or a pessimist. So, I drank the water and told him I was a problem solver."
- Unknown

We are in a battle daily and we do not even know it.
The potential enemy is First Impression Auto Response.
( You are trying to sound out the acronym ... don't because you just proved the point.)

 There are a lot of things that come at us in a day that have now become so routine (like cliché use and things like half full half empty) that our response defaults to an immediate Impression template from all the other times and we auto respond without a pause to evaluate.
 
I had heard the old half full half empty speech so many times that I was numb to the meaning. I didn't really and honestly consider how it applied in a new moment and what I might get from it. The phrase came along and I was reminded to decide on how I felt in the moment. Until somebody said something about, " that is the right amount of mix now where is the vodka?"
 
You have a Sunday before you. And since there is no NFL today to allow you an excuse for Sunday Automatic Pilot - I suggest you go to battle. Drink the water where you can. Find every glass around you today and determine what "problems" you will solve.

Good morning. Greater Day. Greater You....turning off the Auto Responders.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - June 2, 2017 - Mr. Zulu, Engage Self Drive

What have you done for you lately?
Wish?
Hope?...
Postpone?
Procrastinate?
Wish Again?
Ponder what might have been?
Say .."It's too late to start now" ?

Or.
Take action.
Any action.
forward moving action.
Delay excuses because I'm too busy .... taking action.
Enhance self awareness by saying "Geez I'm tired - so i should get up and do something."

So ... now what does your Friday look like?

Good morning. Greater Day. Greater You ... putting yourself in Gear and pushing forward.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - June 1, 2017 - Just keep swimming...

"It always seems impossible until it's done."
- Nelson Mandella

'Impossible' for those big dreams or big hurdles.
'Scary' for those unknown territory things.
'Pressured' for those unplanned and must things.

No matter.
You already know and have experienced the relief of just the finish. In many forms I dare say.

'Wasn't so bad.'
'Hey, that was actually fun.'
'I am so glad I didn't quit.'

What seems "impossible" on your plan for the day?
Have you considered attacking it with more energy and a focus on the achievement versus the negative anticipation?

 Try it. I am sure you will find ... you like it. You really like it.

Good morning. Greater Day. Greater You - when it is all through.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to My Day.

Awaken Your Day - May 29, 2017 - I think I can, I think I can...

"We celebrate success, but I think we should also just celebrate giving it a go."
- Phil Keoghan

Sometimes we need to give ourselves credit for having the guts, courage or sense of adventure to just committing to trying something new. We don't have to be damn good at everything, but alot of life opens up just from us pushing our own limits, opening new doors, making an attempt at something.... anything.


Now - come up with 3 or 5 things you tried that you might have never thought you would or it would not have crossed your mind or path. From food to parasailing.... whatever.


And relive the feeling you had, knowing you stepped outside your comfort zone. Come on... where is the "This is Crazy This is Crazy! This is Crazy!" feeling??


Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - taking a leap.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - May 26, 2017 - Only You have the power to prevent ...

"Your problem is not the problem. Your reaction is the problem."
- Robert Rhau

This is one of the greatest things a person can learn. I have shared this comment in different words, shapes and with assorted levels of intensity, but it all comes down to this ... it is not what happens to you, it is how you respond.


Things are going to happen. Some beyond our control, some we can plan or prepare for and then there is just all the other clutter stuff that life adds to the map.

So all this is good to talk about... but like most things, if we do not apply this right now to something we lose the awareness on the point. Your job today - identify a problem you have right now. Be it with a friend who has done you wrong, or something at work, an issue with your child or family of somekind, your car won't start, you burnt your lip, stepped on a lego, or forgot to change the cat litter.


Anything !!!


And now ... understand .... your reaction to your problem has this crazy power to control you - in the moment, in the day or if you are really annoyed maybe all weekend and into next year. It can control you and how you impact others right now.
It was just a lego. It hurt. It's done now. 
Now What ?

Good morning. Greater Day. Greater You, commanding and showing the Greater You.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy, and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - May 25, 2017 - Growth Decisions

"The only way to change your life is to make a decision and change conditions."
- Robert Pino

Now the first mistake many may make is they will read this and focus only on something negative in life that needs fixing. And it does not have to be just fixing or repairing or sorrow that motivates us.


You can be happy as can be and just wish to grow - and it still applies - a decision has to be made and conditions need to be changed.
It does not have to be deep soul searching but if you wish go ahead.


For me for example, I believe if I make a few small but significant changes, these will in turn compound into more positive growth changes and benefits.


So this morning, I am signing up - FINALLY - for some priivate swimming lessons. I am 46. I love the water .... except when I sink. And I sink very well, so I would like to change my conditions.
No sink no more. No. No likey panic in water...no. Fish swim good. Be like fish.


Something simple to add to your growth. The day is yours.
Good morning, Greater day. Greater you just because there is so much more to find in you.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

Awaken Your Day - May 24, 2017 - Repeat

"Success is the sum of small efforts - repeated day in and day out."
- Robert Collier

As I have said, it is never enough just to read something motivational and say, "Golly Gee that makes sense. What a nice thing and so true!" One has to pause and apply. Listen and enact. Read is the action... next is your reaction.


I can say this because I am constantly reminding myself of the very thing I need to do as well.


So, start simple. What do you want and what are you doing to get it .. daily? What little baby step could you do today and repeat tomorrow that will compound to your eventual achievement.
 
What could you accomplish toward your goal... if you gave it 15 accumulating progressive minutes per day for a year?


You have done nothing so far so what will it cost you to think long term.... but consistent? Worth a shot.
 
Now... repeat....


Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You, again and again and again.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - May 15, 2017 - Goals

"In the absence of clearly-defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily trivia until ultimately we become enslaved by it."
- Robert Heinlein

What is on your daily list... just because it has always been?

Is your purpose represented in the list?


Good morning, greater day. Greater You - ensuring there is time for creating a greater you.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - May 18, 2017 - Stormy Times and You Are Here

"... this too shall pass."

Wandering through thoughts of some tough situations recently, looking for a roadmap or a connect-the-dots to help some things make sense. Even that wonderful X marks the spot and the nice red letters proclaiming "Your Are Here" would be great, so we can take a breath, feel the ground beneath our feet and have a beginning point amid the storm we find ourselves in.

Navigating through life isn't always easy. We all have a plan until something punches us in the gut. Be it a day, a situation or something close to our hearts. It's hard when tough times make no sense. And when things happen that don't make sense, desperate thoughts become a tornado whipping around us all day, hoping to rein in the calm that was our safe haven not so long ago.

Pause.
Regain your vision.

Try to control the temperature of the current happenings and see if we can find our perspective. What is this compared to the grand picture? What I feel right now is a product of the moment - and it is surprise, disappointment, startled, and scared from an unplanned part of a day. It is not a representation of every moment of every day. Nor is my current situational storm that surrounds me.

Pause. Regain our vision.
Assess.
We have the tools to think clearly. We know, with our hands on that this too shall pass, because after a deep breath, I can see it ... the moment, and the sign clearly says, "You Are Here."
And we begin.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - Just rubbing a sore gut, and then moving forward.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy, and Author to my day ... looking for X on the map.

Awaken Your Day - May 10, 2017 - Precious

(Repost from 2008, June 19)
"If everybody could understand how precious one day is, everybody would be more successful."
- Martin Latulippe, Speaker and Luminary

Often, a statement like this needs an example to help us see the full meaning. We could go on and on trying to find that one perfect mental picture that would tap into our emotions and trigger our understanding. We are all different in how we absorb a message like this.

So why don't we just sit back for a moment or three, and let the things that we hold precious in our life run through the picture window like a movie. Allow the meaningful moments to linger.
Focus on what matters. Feel their value for a moment. A dedicated moment.

 Do not revisit conflicts, or hurt feelings. Do not catch yourself wishing for other things beyond what you have or what you have achieved.

Right now is about , right now. We need to touch how precious today is.

One of my dreams now is to continue living this life I have right now as it gets better and better with each new piece of understanding that I am given. I feel I am becoming more and more the man that my earlier circumstances often dictate I would never be. Having that awareness is my tool to help me understand how precious today is.

I wish for you today, one more piece of your own understanding, and with it, ten more moments of value that you can feel.

Good morning, greater Day. Greater You - feeling every moment's value.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

Awaken Your Day - May 8, 2017 - On your mark! Get Set!

"We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us happy is something to be enthusiastic about."
- Charles Kingsley

Go!
And then, I am speechless. When the obvious hits you square between the eyes, really, what is there to say? Should you say anything? Or should you choose to spend a quiet moment with the realization that is around you like a healing cloud, and let it sink in.

I am talking about Enthusiasm. It is a choice. It is often the road forgotten because the road signs pointing you in the better feeling direction are obscured by the clutter we attach to our vision like magnets on a fridge.

Read Charles' words again. How much different is your day, more importantly how much more improved is your focus when you approach your day, your job, your task ... with Enthusiasm?
I say - enough to make it worth your time and energy. Enough to heal what ails you. Enough to change your experience and in so doing, change you for the better.

So... Monday. Instead of thinking about work and how much money you make and the comfort and luxury it brings... think about how good you are at what you do. Think Enthusiastically about your skills, what you bring. Do this with your work, your sport, your music and hobbies and teaching and outlook and breathing and your laughter and your sharing and...

your life.

Enthusiasm is that ingredient that improves everything you experience - Pierre
 
Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - adding a new ingredient to everything you cook up in life.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Enthused and Infused Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - May 5, 2017 - Push Your Limits

( repost from Aug 29, 2008)

Push Your Limits
Before you stands a weekend....
A finish line of sorts for many of us who work at a job for a standard Monday to Friday obligation.
Before you stands a weekend, and often with it - an idea of what you will do with your time.
There is the list of what you should, or "have to" do.
There is an idea or a list of what you "want" to do.

Many of you have a list of some sort ... and many have an invisible word behind some of those things.
I want to work on the car ... "but"...
I want to take the family to the lake, "but"...
I want to work on my business,
I have to take the kids back to school shopping,
I need to get in some time for ...
I sure would love to ...
"but"
Do you know your boundaries? Your self made limits.
Do you know or can you see beyond them to that symbolic goal line where you have to get in order to check off items on a list of any kind.
Have a good weekend... as I picture you, and all of us, reaching beyond the boundary limit... and doing something a little more with our time.

 Good morning, Greater Day.
Greater You - pushing yourself in a good direction.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - May 1, 2017 - A piece of advice from a long time ago ( May 2008)

Quick and easy this morning, but something that makes sense.


"Throw out an alarming alarm clock. If the ring is loud and strident, you're waking up to instant stress. You shouldn't be bullied out of bed, just reminded that it is time to start your day."
- Sharon Gold

My wife says there are times when I would sit bolt upright in bed when the alarm used to go off. Would like to see a visual of my heart when that sudden bolt of panic hits it. Maybe that is why I felt defeated thru my mornings on those days.


Remember to take a moment for you. Deep breaths and a visit to your present state of mind.
Change it now if you need to. Change the alarm clock before there comes the time that you "need" to change your state.


Good morning...Opportunity Monday...what is the step you will take today?
Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - recognizing a simple change.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day

Awaken Your Day - April 25, 2017 - TBT

( borrowed from the archives - May 22, 2008)
"Those too afraid to chase their own dreams, are always first to discourage yours."
- Author unknown to me

It never fails really. I run across this statement, and without another word being spoken in support of it, I have visions of memories - just like the movies - that come at me one after another of people who had no reason to "rain on my parade" , however it was their immediate reaction to do so.

Keep in mind that if you too have this - I would like to remind you that you are looking backwards to see them.

Victim or victor? Are those faces and unknowing comments spurring you on - or dragging you down?

I know I spend less and less time looking back because I am too distracted by the cheering of those that have chosen to support me, as they stand at the "goal" line encouraging me to keep going - to keep pressing onward. Those memories of doubt are becoming more and more faint. As are the faces and the names of those who cared nothing about my dreams - but more about their fear of being more alone with their uncharted dream.

Looking forward, and good morning.
Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You - with a positive-forward point of view.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - April 12, 2017 - Your Courage as it Fits

"Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."
- Anonymous

There is no confirmation to say it is All or Nothing.

Should it be difficult, we do not have to totally quit, nor do we have to conquer right now.
 
Catch your breath.
Step back from the emotion in the moment brought on by the feeling at a moment ... for it can throw a solid plan a distracting left hook.

 Regroup. Assess your position. Gather your thoughts.
Contrary to what you may feel in that moment, all is not lost.

 Many a deal has been made, after a step back, when vision clears and the roaring has subsided in hearts and ears.
"I will try again tomorrow, " is a thought that has saved the heart many a battle.

Good morning, Greater Day. Greater You ... having reached tomorrow.
AYD - Pierre Couturier - Husband, Daddy and Author to my Day.

Awaken Your Day - April 7, 2017 - Effort

“… and I had read every book on these subjects I could find.”

Effort. How much do we apply to leave our mark? To turn the wheels. To gain momentum.

How much effort do we apply to our wishing and hoping? If you are one of the fortunate ones who can see clearly that picture of where you want to be … are you also one of the ones applying the effort to get there?

I have a wonderful library at home, at least in my opinion. Books on Leadership, Management, Self Betterment, Passion, Law of Attraction, Growth, Success, Writing. I also have a lot of book marks in many of those books where I paused reading. Where I … INTEND … to pick up where I left off.

As I follow or read about many of the men and women who have attained their level of success, I often read the phrases regarding desire, passion, determination, focus –
“… and I had read every book on these subjects I could find.”
Sounds like consistent effort.

For a long time I could measure my effort by where the many assorted book marks sat in all those books in my library. I sat back one day and realized I had a lot of books on all angles of success … and they sure looked good on that shelf. With all those papers sticking up.

How many times have I stalled my progress, in reading and learning to channel my passions … and in my daily actions and reaching for my passions.?

Gotta go. I have a few spare minutes this morning and my effort is calling me back to Page 8 of this new book about Believing in myself and page 36 of another about raising my son. I am excited to absorb every page of both … don’t want to risk another book mark.

Good Morning, Greater Day. Greater You … understanding your effort level, and adding to the half full cup.
AYD – Pierre Couturier – Husband, Daddy and Author to My Day.