Awaken Your Day

Awaken Your Day - January 27, 2012 - Stand and Count Yourself In

2012-01-26T21:44:00.000-08:00

"The deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated."
- William James

I struggle with this one a little bit. Not because I do not agree, but rather because I can see myself having to explain it often. So many people are afraid to admit that we like to be appreciated. We do not want to be misunderstood.
You see, it is not about Ego. Nor is it about needing to be "Employee of the Month." Simply, it is the need to know we matter. To know we make a difference.
Have you ever looked at one of those pictures - puzzle pictures - and you are supposed to look at one spot and this vision appears of the picture in the picture? Is that not how some of us feel? Like we are this lost person in a hidden picture, waiting to be found. Hoping someone, or everyone, takes the time to look so much closer. To reward us with a little focus?
We are one person in so many, but we want to know that we make a picture.
We could easily go so deep into this, with regard to relationships, or our work, or even more importantly, with our goals and dreams.
The world would be such a better place if only we were understood, and 'they' could see us for all we have to give. Has that desire not crossed your mind?
Hey.
Hey, I have an idea.
No really, I might be the first one to think this.
Do you think, just maybe... it could start with You?

We touched it before. On many occasions. We discussed how important it is to Believe in ourselves. We discussed that if we did it - Believe in us - that sooner or later others would do it to. If we change our state, it would carry on around us. If we focus on our successes and not our failures ... you see the pattern. It surrounds us. It starts with You, and it carries over all on it's own.

Is it really that different of a concept?

Stand on a street corner and look up. Stay there. Stay looking up. How long before others around you begin ... to look up?

Okay, I dare you. Do it. Do that moment experiment, and when you are satisfied with a number of people that are looking up, Walk away. Walk with confidence. You are someone and you have somewhere important to be. Eye contact and then straight forward. How long before you notice people's movements. They begin to look at you. Strong and moving. Eyes fixed. You are someone. Maybe they move for you, but they all look. They "have" to.

Firm stride.
Eyes fixed on something far more than this moment.
Impressions change. Right in front of your eyes.
Trust me. And so it works with overall appreciation as well.

Begin to show appreciation of yourself. Show it in your acceptance of your accomplishments. Show it in your acknowledgement of your passions and your strengths. Show it in how you care for you. Show it in your smile, and your enjoyment of your life. Show it in how you treat others.

When you practice getting to know the feeling, and understanding the feeling of appreciating your unique and limitless self - you will begin to find that your appreciation is contagious. And natural.

I used to fear that people would judge me as conceited if I brought attention to myself or my accomplishments. I worry too damn much. I sold moments of a great life on caring what someone might incorrectly assume about me. Afraid to appreciate that I desired genuinely to make a difference and that people felt I did.

Repeat after me ....

I worked hard to find myself.
I worked hard to become who I am.
I have dreams and goals to compliment my work and effort to get to this point.
I appreciate what I have accomplished.
Get to know me.
I did.
And it has become a wicked friendship.

There is my next bold T-Shirt.

Good morning - to you, and everything you appreciate about you.

Time you visited the list. As you do, notice how many others begin to read over your shoulder.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Friend.

Awaken Your Day - January 16, Momma Always Said...

2012-01-15T22:02:00.000-08:00

"I've always believed that a lot of the troubles in the world would disappear if we were talking to each other instead of about each other."
- Ronald Reagan

This is one of those statements that is so often responded to with, "Well, yeah, I know that!" or "Yeah that is true, BUT..."

Quite simply it is a habit that Mr. Reagan is speaking of. A learned habit. And for the sake of our mental health, and our friendships, and good old fashioned common sense, we need to start acknowledging moments where we can apply this very simple belief.

One catch at a time, and we can change our pattern, or habit. And if we can do this and become more aware of our approach, and our moment and method of expression... we will most certainly feel the positive ripples effect more moments... some of which are still yet to take shape.

Speak with me, not behind me, and I will hear much more of what you are not saying.

Good morning, and happy chatting.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author, and Friend.

Awaken Your Day - January 13,2012 - A Puzzle to Enjoy

2012-01-12T21:35:00.000-08:00

“When I was young, my ambition was to be one of the people who made a difference in this world. My hope still is to leave the world a little bit better for my having been here.It’s a wonderful life and I love it.”
- Jim Henson

Life is a fun puzzle. At least I understand it that way now.
Funny how you can feel so lost at some points along the way,
and then something brings it together and you can see with great meaning and purpose.
We need one, to appreciate the other.
Lost, and found.
It is all a part of understanding our value, and the difference we can make.

I like to think that with each step I have taken,
I have left in plain view, a piece to this puzzle;
So that others may find it easier to put it all together.

It’s a wonderful life, and I am so grateful to have found it.

Good Morning.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Friend
( Originally posted Jan 15 2008)

Awaken Your Day - Jan 11/2012 - I Commit Myself

2012-01-10T21:19:00.000-08:00

"The moment you commit and quit holding back, all sorts of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance, will rise up to help you. The simple act of commitment is a powerful magnet for help."
- Napoleon Hill, 1883-1970

We have no mathematical formula that we can use to calculate how much precious time we sacrifice while we 'ho and hum' on decisions. Just know you cannot get it back.

We cannot measure in feet how much further along we may be had we just...decided one way or the other. The yard stick goes about a yard, when you don't run with it.

We have no way of seeing what we might truthfully be missing out on in the many definitions of success ... if only we had put that first step forward. Time does not wait.

We clutter our minds and our passions with the "What if's" and the "Oh, I don't know"... and the clutter helps us shield our eyes...not from the possible "Ouch!" of failure...but the real possibility of success. When you make that decision, and make it sharp, it is done. And the cluttersome clouds disipate with the coming rush of wind as you set sail with target in mind.

I dare you.

Once you commit, you do not sputter your words as you describe to others what you want to do. You are doing it, and your actions speak with sparkling clarity. You turn on your magnet, for your actions give clarity to others in your like minded surroundings, and they feel the pull of your momentum. This is when you retell the tale with phrases like, "Things just started to fall into place, one after another..."

A choice of commitment greets you every morning, and continues throughout your day.

Commit to you at the first chance you get, and to taking the day for all it is worth. But it must be true.
Be the element you wish to be surrounded by, and others will feel the magnet that is your chosen energy.

Good morning, and that is my commitment choice... It IS a good morning.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author, and Committed....( so to speak).

Awaken Your Day - January 10, 2012 - If the Truth Hurts, Record and Play it Again

2012-01-09T21:47:00.000-08:00

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

Funny...how inspiration can find you anywhere...and slap you in the face with a big fish as if to say, "HELLO...you listening??"

Please excuse me while I sit down and clearly define a goal and work on getting rid of a few chains i have wrapped myself in.

Right when you look for a sign to give you a direction...Pow!!! Right in the kisser. Sometimes a meeting with the obvious might hurt, but it is exactly what we need.

Good morning.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Slave to Daily Trivia Working on my escape plan.

2012-01-04T22:12:00.000-08:00

" Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told,' I'm with you kid. Let's go' "
- Maya Angelou

Are you waiting? Or are you Creating?

I had to quote myself and really ask this question to my inner passions recently.
Well...alot of times recently.

What am I doing today, that will get me closer to those goals and dreams that I long to obtain for my family and I?

When it took me longer than 15 seconds to come up with an answer, I knew I did not have a satisfactory one.

So...I made a simple pact with myself, to do a simple gesture. One that I have learned from many successful sources...but somehow had managed to not carry forward for my own progress.

I began by creating a quiet place, and turned off the distractions. You know...the television.

I bought myself an instrumental CD of spanish guitar playing. No lyrics, as they too distract my scattered thought process.

I placed a picture of my wife and son in front of me by my computer. My "Why" in this world, yes they are...and my deepest running motivation to be all I can be.

And then...well then I pulled out a bunch of old and ongoing 'To Do' lists. I reviewed them...actually only a couple of them...all 10 pages each of them. An eye opening punch in the gut.

And I felt what I already knew. Life was passing by while i made lists of unimportant things. Lists that only made me feel more lost and more overwhelmed and ultimately, truthfully, made me further and further away from successfully reaching for a meaningful goal or dream. Too much cluttersome stuff occupying good property in my head.

So, I am now on a decluttering my life mission. One calm step at a time. As I do, I will focus on the consistancy of my little successes and I will breathe as I enjoy the compounding benefits from breaking things into clean and attainable goals.

I am making progress on my dreams .... with one simple, measurable and consistant step at a time. And I can feel it... I can enjoy the moments I now create... and I can remember these feelings. I have been here before. Come on...I'll show you.

Hello Old Friend, Let's Go!

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Guide...

Awaken Your Day - January 4, 2012 - Your Impression in Life

2012-01-03T21:52:00.000-08:00

"If you're here four more years or four more weeks, you're here right now. I think when you're somewhere, you ought to be there. It's not about how long you stay in a place, it's about what you do while you're there, and when you go, is that place any better for your having been there?"

- Karen Hall and Jerry Stahl

- Pic by Adrian Luhowy

I have told you before that I believe that if we are sharing moments here each day, you are a unique person. One who has an interest in the depths of who you are. Many of us do not realize that life rolls along, and we are not leaving our own distinguishing mark that we all undoubtedly can.

You are unique, and I believe, Unlimited.

You have a signature. It is my wish that each of us finds it, sees it and leaves it wherever we touch so that everyone else gets the benefit of the best we have to share.

Working on leaving my mark, and hoping to encounter many of yours along the way,

Good Morning.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Come play cars Daddy", Author and Friend
Reposted from September 2008

Awaken Your Day - Sept 23, 2011 - Walking In Your Shoes

2011-09-22T22:29:00.000-07:00

" Do not think of knocking out another person's brains because he differs in opinion from you. It would be as rational to knock yourself on the head because you differ from yourself ten years ago. "
- Horace Mann, 1796-1859

Have you ever found yourself doing something new, like playing a sport, or even a new job, and someone better than you gets angry or impatient with you for slowing them down; being in the way?

Funny how they forget that they were just learning once too. How they forget what that was like, and only see you as an obstacle, and an inconvenience.

Remember how you felt at that moment?
Awkward, and intimidated maybe. Out of sorts, and certainly uncomfortable.

Ever wonder if you were the creator of those feelings in someone else...when you acted the very same way?
Consider it.

I do not believe that any of us are without life's ironic lessons. Sadly, they do more good once we experience them and become aware of our own actions.

Awareness is a great friend to have, and even a greater asset. That and an honest capacity for caring about the feelings of others.

Carry that awareness with you today. Make it a "shoe on the other foot" kind of day. Make it a day, without casting a stone, or an unnecessary judgement.

You will thank you later.

Good Morning,
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Father, Author and Aspiring Speaker

Awaken Your Day - Sept 22, 2011 - Dream and Enjoy It

2011-09-21T21:39:00.000-07:00

I dislike "Reality Television". When you think about the scripted drama and the productions that make me feel that there is not so much "reality" involved, yes, that is when I dislike Reality Television.

But...when I look into the faces of people expressing their dream, when I see true heart speaking passion and that expression distracts me from the suffocating elements of television production...when I hear the message and the dream speaks for itself ... well, that reality I long to see more of. And I applaud the owners of those dreams for choosing to believe.

Please, Dream. Let the dream speak to you ... and then express it without fear.

Please.

Good Morning.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Dreamer

Awaken Your Day - Sept 6, 2011 - Laughter, a Good Part of Any Plan

2011-09-05T22:39:00.000-07:00

" 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
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Life Student

Awaken Your Day - Aug 31, 2011 - One Moment Lights the Way...

2011-08-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

Your day has begun.
You have already had numerous thoughts about what you will be doing, and what needs to be done.

Now.... Pause.

Just focus on one simple question, without distraction of the clock.

What is good with you right now?

And on that beginning - take the step to greet the day.

Good Morning
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author

Awaken Your Day - Aug 30,2011 -

2011-08-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

" The way we see the problem is the problem. "
- Steven Covey, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

It is always beneficial, to take a moment away from a stressful environment, and breathe.

Pause for perspective. Imagine time has stopped and all you can see is frozen still. Now walk around the situation. Take your time. Examine the snapshot while you have "stepped" away. Allow thought to flow without the strain of rebutal or need to be explained. Look to understand.

Is our view complete? Do we see all the details from our position? Are we responding from a point of vantage, or from an inner podium of emotional charge? Are you still comfortable from your angle?

It is not always about right and wrong. Finding solution is very gratifying.
Are you willing to be part of the solution...to what may not be a problem at all.

Just be aware of the value in a personal "time out".

Good Morning

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Mentor in Training

Awaken Your Day - Aug 29,2011 -

2011-08-28T21:02:00.000-07:00

"You are nothing unless it comes from your heart. Passion, caring, really looking to create excellence. If you perform functions only and go to work only to do processes, then you are effectively retired. And it scares me - most people I see, by age 28, are retired...If you go to work only to fulfill the processes and functions then you are a machine. You have to bring passion, commitment and caring - then you are a human being."
- Horst Schultze, former COO of the Ritz Carlton

I understand it is not easy.
We cannot all be those wonderful success stories; starting off in some difficult place and telling the tale of how we stood strong and worked hard and here we are today..."successful!" .... by some definition.

Are you retired? That is really a shifty way of asking...have you given up and settled for your life to be a constant execution of the routine? You traded passion for familiar somewhere along the way, and you cannot make this tale sound grand and wonderful, even if you could identify where along the way it happened.

There is no better time to ask ourselves, than in the doorway of a Monday morning, if we are idling like a machine. Waiting for the start button, and another "shift" begins.

I am asking you, if you fit into this catagory, to become aware of how it makes you feel. Can you accept that with a little more attention, you can look into some after market accessoies for this "familiar machine" and rekindle an old passion. "Whatever you are, be a good one."

You might sweep floors. You might fight in court. You might drive a bus or you might have your own business. Do Horst's words above describe your present feelings?

Take a new interest in whatever it is you are doing. Add a little thought, and passion to what you do. Let your awareness help you refocus, and in that I believe is where we have the opportunity to see what we do with new eyes...and stepping out of the routine to have a look can be very informative.

Let an idea be created for what you really want to be, by giving more of yourself to the moments we are presently in.

Good Morning, I wish you a passionate "Ah Ha!"

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Family Dream Planner

Awaken Your Day - Aug 26,2011 - Friday Smiles are Shining

2011-08-25T22:53:00.000-07:00

A Friday creates a more appealing atmosphere all on it's own. For many it is the end of the work week, and the beginning of our precious time off; from the job, the routine, the schedule.

So why should we not just relax our motivated mind, and join in the fun.

Please enjoy a few moments with one of my favorite comedians, Mr. Steven Wright.
Have a great day.

" I intend to live forever - so far, so good"

A beautiful woman moved in next door. So I went over and returned a cup of sugar. “You didn’t borrow this.” “I will.”

Borrow money from pessimists - they don’t expect it back.

I installed a skylight in my apartment. The people who live above me are furious.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author

Awaken Your Day - Aug 24, 2011 - Override Your Personal GPS

2011-08-23T22:23:00.000-07:00

" There are people who make things happen; there are people who watch things happen; and there are people who say, 'What happened?' "
- Often referenced Quotation

Who do you choose to be today?

No long interpretive explanation. Just making you aware that you do have a choice, in a matter you may not readily recall once the map of the day lays itself out before you have a chance to turn on your Personal GPS.

May it be an action filled morning.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Day Planner

Awaken Your Day - Aug 23, 2011 -

2011-08-22T22:35:00.000-07:00

" Let us be grateful to people who make us happy: They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. "
- Marcel Proust

Set aside some dedicated time to think of the good qualities of two people in your life that more often than not, make you smile.

Remind yourself of a good moment that stands out for you with each of these people. Now, today, should you encounter any time that tries to introduce you to stress, pause and think of these moments...and do your best to move forward with a more pleasant outlook.

Good morning,
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Friend

Awaken Your Day - Aug 17, 2011 - Challenge the Doom and Gloom

2011-08-16T21:25:00.000-07:00

" You will find yourself refreshed by the presence of cheerful people. Why not make earnest effort to confer that pleasure on others? Half the battle is gained if you never allow yourself to say anything gloomy."
- Lydia M. Child

I came by this in an email today. And I almost turned and ran. Then logic set in, and I saw a challenge for what it was worth. If I could go a day and not allow gloom to enter into my itinerary...that would be a really nice accomplishment. No gloom - not by my own creation nor to allow it thru outside influence.

"I think I can! I think I can!"
All Aaabbboooard.

Let's try. Just like your body, if you feed it with all good foods and vitamins and minerals your whole system including your mind, operates much more efficiently and effortlessly. Energy grows. So, logic states that if we do the same with our mind and emotions...we will also think and operate with less toxins in our system that will only slow us down.

So...Challenge. We need, for one day, to reduce our Gloom intake and our Waste output. Do not absorb negativity around you. Do not buy into and contribute to gossip. Try not to complain about little details. Do not be eager to add two cents to a rant in the lunchroom.

And ... while you are focussing on reducing your wasted energy thru leaky gloom...we cannot just think about problems, we must also factor in some growth time. So part two is a continuation of Monday...should something occur that is a difficult moment today, try to think of the good that can come out of it.

One day. One hour at a time. If it helps, break it out into 15 min intervals; this will keep your mind on the task, and will give you little steps that will feel like building success with each progressive one.

May i predict that as you gain each 15min segment...you will pick up momentum in your thoughts and you may even hitch a ride on that new energy.

Blow out the carbon...give me a day of attentive effort to stop the spread of gloom.

Pierre Couturier
Father, Daddy, Author and Challenger

Awaken Your Day - Aug 1, 2011 - Just a Nice Thought

2011-08-15T21:56:00.000-07:00

" I think that when you invite people to your home, you invite them to yourself. "
- Oprah Winfrey

That's a nice thought. Your home is an expression of you in many ways, even more so than we may realize.

Life is busy and full of distractions. Sadly, one of the things we are easily distracted away from is our most familiar environment, home. And by distracted, I mean that we do not often walk thru the stories that built the home.

Remembering the markings on the door as our children grew taller.
The tale of why that wall just had to be painted that color.
The day the garage was finally finished.
That signature planter out there on the deck that you found at the flea market.
How family always sleeps so well on that cheap mattress in the basement.
That first summer when you laid sod with the neighbors and got caught in the rain and mud getting home.
The day we met the builder for the final inspection ... and called this house, our home.

In a moment of no distractions, I find it sometimes fun to invite myself into our home.
It is refreshing to take the grand tour.

If these walls could talk...they would have so much to say.
And my wife and I can proudly say that it would start with, "Welcome. Let me show you around."

On your way out the door this morning, or just after you get your coffee, but before you sit down... just pause for a moment and find a part of you, in a reminding reflection from one of the many "Home" moments around you.

Invite you to gaze upon a reflection, of you.

Good Morning
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author

Awaken Your Day - August 15, 2011 - Profit from Hard Moments

2011-08-14T22:43:00.000-07:00

"I merely took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues."
- Duke Ellington, 1899-1974

A difficult moment crosses your path. You live it once then in that moment.
You live it again when you stop your life, to tell the tale, again to ask "Why Me?", again when you choose to tell the tale again, and then to question how ... all the while, watching the difficult moment continue to get further away in time. But reliving the moment, over and over, you keep the picture and the feeling alive and clear .

You can sacrifice more time, making yourself late for the living that was offered to you this morning, or you can recognize what it is and was... and roll it forward. Don't stare difficulty in the back, calling out for it to come back and help you relive the harshness - again.

Say "Thanks for coming! You taught me something today." And then make the moment work for you.

Turn that frown upside down.
When life hand you lemons, make lemonade.

Cliches can be annoying in a moment of difficulty...so just focus on the truth.
Every situation, good and bad, has a positive for you to collect and grow with.
How you respond to a situation will tell you how hard you looked for that positive.

"Look behind that cloud that hides it.... and you will see the sun is still shining." - Pierre

Good morning.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Life Student

Awaken Your Day - Aug 4, 2011 - Word of the Day, "Expression"

2011-08-03T21:50:00.000-07:00

Expression.
Try to resist the urge to say the word ten times, or you could find yourself looking at it funny and wondering if you have in fact been saying it correctly all this time.

How do you express yourself? Be it anger, or happiness or love ... do you openly express with words, or gestures. Do you write? Do you sing? Or maybe you just stay quiet, and tucked into yourself?

Make today one of Expression. If you feel regret, call an old friend. If you feel love, call your parents, your children or your spouse. Take the time to tell them about some feelings you want to share. Make a connection thru the gesture.

Do not worry about what to do after, or what to say after. Make the connection, and let the moment carry the value for you...and what happens next will work itself thru.

Sometimes, a little expression from us about feelings, is exactly what someone else needs to Awaken Their Day.

Share a moment, light a day.

Good Morning
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author, and Expressionist.

Awaken Your Day - Aug 3, 2011 - Ode to be Silly

2011-08-02T22:54:00.000-07:00

" USA Today has come out with a new survey - apparently, three out of every four people make up 75% of the population. "
- David Letterman

Now you just have to repeat that one.
Go ahead...around the water cooler, or sitting with the crew at lunch.
Say it, and then just carry on like you really meant to say it.
And then wait for it....wait for it....
You are bound to get someone on it.

Humor, in a silly form can be just what is needed sometimes.

I was thinking about an upcoming camping trip with my wife and son, and I was thinking about what I could do with our boy to make sure he has a fun time. And of course this train of thought takes you on an unplanned journey down memory lane. One thought leads to another, until I remembered when I was younger, and how innocent our jokes were.

When I was little, I had a joke book, and my mom would sit and listen to me read each joke to her. Even then, I think I felt uncomfortable being silly. Now I see, that I really did not know what I was missing. Buy, of all the jokes I told, Mom had her definate favorite.

What is green, and goes "Slam! Slam! Slam! Slam!" ?
Give up?
Answer: A four door pickle.

Ya, I didn't get it either. The picture did not help. But my mom, she laughed so hard she cried. Just a silly little boy's joke, but she laughed so hard. I remember the sound, I remember her wiping tears, and I remember her smile. One of my fondest memories of my mom....her hysterical laughter...and it will forever be tied to a silly little innocent joke.

I am all for personal reflections...especially when the moments we revisit tickle our heart once again.

Oh silly...I did not realize how much I missed you.
Now go ahead...remember how it feels.

Good Morning, Good giggles.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author, and Silly student.

Awaken Your Day - Aug 2, 2011 - Renovations are not all Paint and Nails

2011-08-01T22:02:00.000-07:00

" Every man is the architect of his own fortune."
- Sallust, 86B.C. to 34 B.C.

Today it is my intension to sign up for a class, and go back to school. An educational facility.
I realized that while I desire to build the stairway to my dreams, I may need a foundation upon which to build my platform. To reach for the stars, I know I need that little bit extra under my feet.

So, with that in mind, I came to understand that I want to do some renovations. Adding a room you might say. Knock down a wall or two that I probably was unaware that I had built ... but can now see them as obstacles in my way. Good thing I was not a good carpenter, or these walls ( sometimes knows as fears or emotional barriers...paradigms...habits...rake on the lawn with the tines sticking up...) well, then these walls would not be so easy to tear down.

I have a plan. I did not have one before, and so the idea of self renovations was rather intimidating. Renovations can sometimes paint a "words not required" picture that something is old, or worn out...or maybe even broke. And then, it may feel hard to get excited over the idea now appearing to be a depressing chore.

I need a renovation. Not my life, just me. Not a rebuild, just an addition. I did a little research, skipped the page of self doubt because the fine print on that page is horrible on the heart...and I am glad to say, I have a blueprint for a successful addition.

Addition. Not that scary, not "Change"... but a pleasant, refreshing, foundation assisting Addition.

Who knew I had in me?
How about you....anything you were curious to add on to your glowing personality? A skill, or an experience; an adventure or just a dream that needs to be dusted off?

Renovations ... and look at that, they signed my name on the drawings.

Good Morning.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy to Inspire, Author and Dream designer.

Awaken Your Day - July 29, 2011 - I remembered my spare rope.

2011-07-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

If you feel like you have come to the 'end of your rope', and frustration and despair seem to be the only thing you can see, your next action is obvious.

Pause the thoughts that are circling around you.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath.

Now, with a steady mind ... tie a knot to another piece of rope.

In the darkest moments, it is easy to surrender our sight and reason.
Knowing this, you can trust your sense of touch to reconnect you to your memories and experience - to guide you to the light switch.

The end of the rope is a great place to add an extention to venture further than you thought you could.

Hang on,
Good Morning
a
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Friend

Awaken Your Day - July 28,2011 - Viruses Among our Thoughts

2011-07-27T21:18:00.000-07:00

" At birth we are very much like a new hard drive - no viruses, no bad information, no crap that's been downloaded into it yet. It's what we feed into that hard drive that starts the corruption of files."
- Nikki Sixx, Founder and Bassist of Rock Band Motley Crue

Inspiration can find you anywhere.

This whole analogy to viruses is not an uncommon one. Nor can it be touched on in short form here...so I dare say we will visit it again in more depth. For now, I think it is something that we can ponder throughout this day in a positive way.

Negative thoughts are viruses. Gossip is a virus. Stressing about the past mistakes we may have made - virus. Excuses and procrastination...wonderfully designed viruses.

Do you sometimes find yourself thinking about a time before, when "We used to..." and "We would laugh..." and my all time favorite agitation igniter, "Oh, if I knew then what I know now!!"

Guess what.... you know NOW what you know NOW that you did not know then, so why not take it and act on it instead of giving away energy to contemplating the impossible...energy to daydreams about wish it could have beens and speculating conversations about what you would have done different had you then known what you are referring to knowing ... Right Now.

Virus.

Clean out the hard drive. Run a complete system scan. If you can sit there and create what you would have done differently back then, then you can actually do it Today and everyday.

Run a system scan...do you catch yourself in any of these moments? Can you identify 5 Viruses that you let run amok in your day, and your energy reserves...and the silver lining of your dreams?

We all have corrupted files ... we trip on them daily. What will we do with those files.

Good morning...now run a full scan. Your "system" will operate alot smoother.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Comfortable 40 something.

Awaken Your Day - July 27, 2011 - Action Speaks Louder Than Fear

2011-07-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

" You never know what you can do until you have to do it."
- Betty Ford

Not alot of deep, overexplanation today.
Quite simply...there is no better cure for your doubts and fears than just taking a leap of faith in yourself, and putting that first foot forward.

A little bit of action helps your dream wheel start turning.

Time to start moving. These birthdays don't stop for anyone.
Have a wonderful day.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and now...Older Friend.

Awaken Your Day - July 26, 2011 - Finding Our Own Solutions

2011-07-25T22:59:00.000-07:00

" You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. "
- Dale Carnegie

There are those times, when thoughts are born and take on larger shape from but a single statement that magically initiated a chain reaction.

Often in these times, if we follow the trail of thoughts, and connect the dots ... we find other answers that previously had been disguised in cluttered corners of our hearts and minds.

Consider today's comment...and let the thoughts begin to flow...and then, open your mind to the picture they create. Find your meaning, in the message.

Good morning
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Friend.

Awaken Your Day - July 21, 2011 - Attitude Increases Success Rate

2011-07-20T21:43:00.000-07:00

"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it."
- Lou Holtz

I awaken this morning knowing I have a task to complete today.
Actually, I have a list of tasks that should get finalized.

I know I have the ability to do them. So I begin with no stress in that regard.
There may be a challenge to get them all complete in the time I have, but I do feel Motivated to do try.
For if I succeed, I can go on my days off feeling more at ease, knowing there are no loose ends for my return to work, nor for my office partner to contend with while I am away; thus allowing him time to work on his own tasks, without my added burdens.

I could put in a half share of effort...and get a one or two things cleared up.
I could just not worry about it.
Or, with just a little more dedication and a little less visitation... a little more attention to the moment and less dreaming on the next few days to come... a little more pride in my workmanship and respect for my co-workers, and honestly...you realize that the extra effort is minimal, and the work is done.

Would I want to work with me?
Yes...I feel I have become THAT guy.

Where is your attitude when it comes to the day ahead?
What ripple effect does it have when you walk into work?

Good Morning.
Glad you came in today. It's always nice to see you.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Da Dee, Author and Coworker.

Awaken Your Day - July 20, 2011 - Square One

2011-07-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

"Everyone who got where he is has had to begin where he was."- Robert Louis Stevenson

Be it a desire for a good day, or a goal you have in mind, or designing that wonderful "Where do you want to be in five years?" answer...

Your first step forward ... is still forward.

Begin and Believe.
Momentum will rise.

We have to start somewhere...and it might as well be right here.

Good Morning
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy and Mentor, Author and Friend

Awaken Your Day - July 19, 2011 - Only One You.

2011-07-18T21:24:00.000-07:00

"There is only one you...Don't you dare change just because you are outnumbered."
- Charles Swindoll

Five things.
Five unique things about you ... that you honestly like about you.

Five things.
Five other unique things, that you are proud of about yourself.

Five minutes.
Five minutes to acknowledge you.

Sometimes, it is a well deserved moment that we take, to just sit back, breathe a relaxed breath...and take stock of some of our achievements, and our attributes. A moment we overlook all too often.

There is only one you. Get reacquainted.

Good morning to you.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Friend.

Awaken Your Day - July 18, 2011 - Focus on What is Yours to Control

2011-07-17T22:13:00.000-07:00

" A great preservative towards angry and mutinous thoughts, and all impatience and quarreling, is to have some great business and interest in your mind, which, like a sponge shall suck up your attention and keep you from brooding over what displeases you."
- Joseph Rickaby

Time is a very valuable asset. But, everyday we spend some of it.
The clicking of the clock and the turning of a calendar page, these are payments from our treasure that we cannot avoid paying. These fees are extracted naturally.

With that thought, it should go without saying that for each daily transaction, we would want to invest this payment wisely. Get a return on our trade. Priceless time for....something that is yours to focus on.

However, it is far too easy to get caught in the trap of anger and frustration in our day, and start spending our "money" without discipline. Like the spontaneous buying section just before the cashier, there is always some little widget or gadget or just gotta have it that captures our attention and energy. A headline, a rumor, an alarm clock that didn't ring sooner.

Notice the similarity. Standing in line at the till you see things you had no intention of buying when you came to that store. That was not your intended transaction. And most often, neither is allowing our selves to becoming more tightly focussed on an arguement, a traffic incident, a bad report, a coworker that is annoying, etc etc etc. We get drawn in...and then brood over the transaction. Spending more time...more precious time, on repeating it in our mind, instead of repeating our path to a goal or special interest over and over and buildiing energy up.

Consider angry expression to be like a money pit. And consider time to be your money. When we focus our energy on expressing, repeating, expanding...our frustraions and aggitations...we are tossing our money into a bottomless pit. Speeding up the clock. Paying compound interest...on a debt that is often not ours.

Preserve your strengths, your energy resources and watch compound interest work in your favor...as soon as you focus your attention to detail, on those details that lift you up - above the dark clouds that we encounter .

Good morning.
No time for brooding sorry, I have something else on my mind.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Dad, Author and Friend

Awaken Your Day - July 15, 2011 - Dream a Little Dream for Me

2011-07-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

"I paint objects as I think them, not as I see them."
- Pablo Picasso

When was the last time you looked up and saw a cloud for what it really was?
A picture book with rolling pages.

For the most part, I fear we have surrendered that innocent and amusing game of exploring our imagination and finding pictures and faces and storybook pages in the fluffy shapes that pass so casually overhead.
Surrendered the game, and all the value that it brought with it.

Why is it that as adults, when we see clouds we have trained ourselves to think, "Overcast, Rain, Cold"?
What happened to "Hey that looks like...!"? With clowns and dogs and wild horses calling our attention skyward ... maybe I could find a story up there to tell my son.

I found my self this last evening gazing out the window lost in thought ... when suddenly up in the sky the face of an old witch appeared, with a long pointy nose, and an even more pointed chin to go with her evil grin. I was going to call you, but then before I could even say a word...her chin was a seat and her nose was a man and I could see this crazy race car and out of no where this huge buffalo was going to hit the car but this space ship was coming from above him ... and well... the story kind of gets a little weird from there.

Guess you had to be there.
I hope you find the spot I did, and hold hands with imagination for awhile. It's pretty neat.

Good Morning -
Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Dad! You come play, okay?", Author, Friend...Daydreamer

Awaken Your Day - July 14, 2011 - Wishing and Hoping

2011-07-13T22:29:00.000-07:00

"I bought a million lottery tickets. I won a dollar."
- Steven Wright, Comedian

It is fun sometimes, to just allow the mind to wander and play "What if..."
And, sure it is fun to "Wish" for things...

As long as you don't just stand around and wait for that elusive magic to suddenly occur, and make it all easy in but an unrealistic moment.

Are you Waiting, or Are You Creating?
- Pierre Couturier

Good morning.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Dad, Author and Friend

Awaken Your Day - July 13, 2011 - So Easy to be Thankful

2011-07-12T20:36:00.000-07:00

" If a fellow isn't thankful for what he's got, he isn't likely to be thankful for what he's going to get."
- Frank A. Clark

My apologies for being away for a few days. Got a little distracted with quality family time. Which brings us to today, and this moment.

If you have followed AYD for long then you know that periodically we stop, and give thanks to at least 5 things; just to get our thinking caps going and to remind our thoughts to remember.

So, as usual, I will go first.

I am thankful for simple moments that mean so much. I was having a sandwich supper with my son tonite. No television, no distractions, just he and I and the tricks to get him to finish his supper. My reward was that he ate, and he shared with me his laughter each time I played silly with, "Don't you dare eat that sandwich," and he proceeded to stuff his face into it. The innocence in a child's smile...when you see the purity of his giggle in his eyes...for this I am so very thankful.

I am thankful that my wife still enjoys her girl nites out. We have this little thing called Trust. It is not only meant in the way we all automatically default to thinking, but for us it also means that we have an unspoken trust... I trust that she knows I expect her to be in the moment with her friends and to have her well deserved Self time when she is out. She trusts that I feel and know that she deserves it, and I do not clutter it with insecure man thoughts of any kind.

I am thankful for friends who understand my work, and understand when we do not have alot of time to share, but that the time we do share is valuable, and together we make the most of it.

I am thankful for my awareness. Understanding where I have been has made me a leader of present moments, rather than a victim who continues to trade new days of opportunity, for old days of loss.

I am thankful the fire that burns within. Any fire. All the fires. To feel passion for anything, is something precious. To act on it, to share it with others... well, that is why we are here in the mornings. Awakening our sleeping understanding of a fire that burns inside each and everyone of us.

Go thru your list of any five. I ask you. I challenge you. It takes but a moment to do, but the thoughts will stay with you all day.

I thank you for sharing your gratitude. You will thank you as well.
Good Morning.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Dad!!!!!, Author, Friend

Awaken Your Day - July 8, 2011 - The Weekend is Your Canvas

2011-07-08T06:29:00.000-07:00

" The best way to predict the future is to create it."
- Peter Ferdinand Drucker

What will you do today, and this weekend, to move a step closer to your goals, your dreams?
What action will you take to invest in accomplishment?

For any thing we want to happen, we are the artist in charge.
And the painting simply needs to get started.

Enjoy your creation.
Good Morning

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Da-Dee, Author, Friend...and Garage Cleaning artist today.

Awaken Your Day - July 7,2011 - Greatness is a Thought Away

2011-07-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

" Nurture your mind with great thoughts; to believe in the heroic makes heroes."
- Benjamin Disraeli

It is well documented, and even more widely believed, that we become that which we think of most.
So why not put your thoughts into your self Belief, and the limitless possibilities you have when you embrace it?

Take a moment and truly just lose yourself in thinking great thoughts. About your dreams, your career, your relationship, and mostly just about all that makes you the extraordinary person you are today. Think of the peak moments you have seen and will see in all of these areas of your life.

It took some work to get here, now, to this level of success. Think about it once in awhile. Play connect the dots with your memory moments and see how they created the path you so adventurously have taken to this moment. And then, lay out more dots of the next Great Thoughts that may lead you to even greater trails.

It is not a test, nor is it difficult, and it does not have a format or rules or anything to analyze.
Just enjoy the simplicity of thinking Great Thoughts.

Oh, and if you utter the word "But" anywhere in those thoughts, then you really have not let yourself go to relax and enjoy the reward of the whole exercise. Shame on you.

Good morning.
Gotta run, I get to see my wife and son today.
Great thoughts.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Da-Dee, Author, and Thinker

Awaken Your Day - July 6,2011 - Assignment Thursday

2011-07-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

"What can you do right now to begin to turn your life around? The very first thing is to start making a list of things to be grateful for."
- Joe Vitale, Author and Speaker

It is an assignment, and it speaks for itself, and the meaning behind it will speak to you with each item you write down, and each moment of thought you dedicate to them.

Sometimes, the best moments in a day, are in recognizing the ones that brought you this far.

Feel free to share your list with us.

Good Morning, Good day, and a Wonderful Right Now.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Father, Author and Friend.

Awaken Your Day - July 5, 2011 - Your Successful Choices

2011-07-04T21:19:00.000-07:00

“Success means doing the best we can with what we have. Success is the doing, not the getting; in the trying, not the triumph. Success is a personal standard, reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that we can be.”
~ Zig Ziglar

Worth repeating. Please read it again.

A very respected man, Mr. Ziglar’s words are relevant to many situations we experience. I would like to apply to them to one that I am sure has affected many of us; conflict in our working environment.

Often we encounter someone, or something in our day that finds a way to defy our nature, and brings to life that dark cloud within which begins to blanket us with negative frustration. This results in our expression of our darkened feelings. The feast on your good energy is now a two course meal.

We could spend our time drawing attention to the encounter of "inadequacies” of a co-worker, or a nonsensical situation that occurred ; telling anyone that will listen about what was done, or more aggravating, what was NOT done.

I could…and I have.

The lesson is - I find I am no better for doing so. No matter how many times I fall victim to the easy trap of blame and vent, I do not gain ground on feeling better with my expression of the frustration. I do not win. Whine and complain are an exhausting duet.
Destination – frustrated.

Population-me.

Personal Growth- 0 %

Accomplishment - a closed minded emotional view of the moment, where in a third party’s eyes I may be viewed as no better than the person or situation that brought me to this point.

However, there is some good news. With Awareness of this stealthy trap, we find we have Option 2 – granted not always easy to think of in an anger filled moment. Draw on awareness, and … Rise Above.

“It is not what happens to us, it is how we respond to what happens that defines us.”

“Success is a personal standard, reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that we can be.”

Steps of success come in all shapes and sizes. Master your response with day to day situations, and you climb effortlessly. People, places, things and events may be beyond your control, but recognizing the moment for what it is will assist your actions to be proactive rather than reactive. Your actions in overcoming and rising to the familiar challenge – that is all you.

I dare assure you, your positive reaction will get noticed, and thus become another moment, of your growing success.

Good Morning - welcome to a day of Successful Choices.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Da-dee", Author, Friend and Occasional Babbler.

Awaken Your Day - July 4, 2011 - Some things are worth Repeating.

2011-07-03T21:19:00.000-07:00

No, not the fourth grade...and not your driver's exam. Preferably not month end reports, or tax audits, or your homework.

But yes to memories, and smiles and for certain we like to repeat our victories. So, with that in mind, I came across some thoughts we shared on Aug 4, 2009...and I thought they were worth repeating.

Seize the day for what it is ... the beginning of a choice...to have a great week.

"I am more and more convinced that our happiness or our unhappiness depends far more on the way we meet the events of life than on the nature of those events themselves."
- Karl Wilhelm Von Humboldt

Combine this with the often quoted comment that it is not what happens to us but how we respond to what happens, and you can see that our success in many ways comes down to a practiced awareness.

An awareness of our gratitude for the things we have versus our envy for those things we do not.
An awareness of our passions, and how they motivate us to constantly step forward...big, or small.
An awareness of our achievements - that show us the greatness of how far we have come.
An awareness of how we desire to grow, learn and become rather than hiding in a shell.
An awareness that we are unlimited in what we can do.

When we go thru our days energized by the awareness that we are in charge of our moments, no matter what event we meet - we meet it with our best foot forward and our mind on our true destination. The idea is that a negative event, will then not control you but instead you will have the ability to navigate thru or past it, for you met it with power and not vulnerability. The shadow of the event, will not be allowed to make it look larger and more ominous for you are viewing it with open eyes and mind - which gives you a more direct light source for these moments.

You give yourself a better chance to see events for what they truly are, and not what emotion paints them to be.

The impact of an event is lessened, for your response to it is also more controlled. Unless of course it is a great and joyful moment...in which case you might let control go and just enjoy with reckless abandon.

Open your mind to the idea that you begin the day, with all the tools you need to be a great designer of the day that lies ahead, or to be a great handyman if you need to be to fix those moments that do not go so well.

Meet, greet, and respond accordingly.

Each day and event is like one of those kids books, where the choices you make during the story take you to an assortment of alternate endings.

Good morning, and great meetings.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Da-Dee, Author,Friend and Dreamer

Awaken Your Day - July 3, 2011 - Sunday Kind of Love

2011-07-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

Sunday really should be a day of rest.
There should be no hurried schedules. No firm appointments.
No regime.

Do we get so caught up in routine of our work week that we also create the same kind of pattern unwittingly with our valuable personal time...and in particular, our Sunday?

I like to think of Sundays as a time not so much for taking charge of the day, but rather letting it take charge of you. Of course my wife would argue this as I do not always practice what I preach, and for a long time, I considered Sunday to be my catch up day. Felt productive at the end of it...and usually exhausted.

So...let me throw some ideas at you. The common denominator being that you have to take the value in the moments and maximize their worth. You have to relax.

Go watch a ball game. Make it a kid's league game. Feel their energy and absorb the fun.
Call up a friend and go to the park.
Toss around a frisbee, or a football or just some conversation.
Read the paper....slowly. Find those sections you so often skip over.
Flip thru a photoalbum...and let a memory remind you to smile.
Say Thank you...to everyone, for everything today.
Get an ice cream. And lick it like it was your very first one.
Go for a walk and window shop on old main street. Then buy yourself something...because it is just a wonderful day.
Take a deep breath. And then take time to enjoy how it felt. And take another.

Awaken your no hassle Sunday.
Keep it simple...and hold on for all it is worth.

I wish you well.
Good Morning.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Nite dad. I uv yoo", Author, Friend.

AYD - July 2, 2011 - You Have More In You

2011-07-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

"If I accept you as you are, I will make you worse; however, if I treat you as though you are what you are capable of becoming, I help you become that."
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

They say that to be successful, one of the key elements is to surround yourself with like minded people.

Sometimes, however, it is not those that think like we do, or share our passions for the same dream that will provide that intensity match that promotes our fire ... sometimes, it is people outside of your dream but who still see your potential, and respect you and your dream because you do, because you have shown them just who you can be ... sometimes those are the people that provide that encouragement right when you did not know you needed it.

In those moments, you may feel as though you are being challenged, and you are. It is not offensive in nature. Rather, it is respect in a challenge to reach for what you can be...and not try to hitch hike on excuses.

Friend, family, mentor, co-worker, or boss - if they allow you to just be, then they will never see you reach for the top row, where we all know the good prizes are.

"3 balls for two bucks. Step right up. Everyone's a winner! You sir, yes you! You look like you want to try..."

And, good morning.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Nite Dad", Author, Friend, and Believer

AYD July 1, 2011 - Which way do I go? Which way do I go?

2011-06-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

Alice came to a fork in the road. "Which road do I take?" she asked.
"Where do you want to go?" responded the Cheshire cat.

"I don't know," Alice answered.

"Then," said the cat, "it doesn't matter."
- Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

There are times when we feel a little lost. Hard to find the path, or direction that we yearn for to guide us to our meaning. It is crucial that we do not allow our energy to be spent focussing on only the emptiness that comes at this time. When we do, we sadly discover that the only progress we have made is completing the negativity circle and planting our feet in our very own footprints...the ones we left when we started feeling this way. By the way, when your heart feels heavy, those imprints we leave can get deep.

It is the very common understanding that when our spirits are low, our eyes follow. I am not aware of too many dreams being found kicking pebbles and finding poetry lines that rhyme with "Oh, Woe is Me!"

Recognize this time for what it is. An opportunity to find out something about yourself, thru brainstorming and exploring a new outlook. Don't like the scenery in front of the eyes, blink....and look in another direction. Change your poem to be, "Get to Know Me!" and let that be your mission. Who R U?

It is not always easy to define what we want...so start by identifying clearly with what you Don't Want. Your first step on finding a new trail could simply be the one you take AWAY from where you don't want to be...and then, well, you won't have any of those deep, sad footprints to retrace ... so you will have no choice but to lift your head up ...

When you see Alice, politely tell her to get out of the way...you have somewhere to get to.

Good morning...see you on the trail.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Best Friend, Dad - DaDeee, Author and Explorer.

AYD - June 30, 2011 - Tough Jobs are Filled with Life Lessons

2011-06-30T17:51:00.000-07:00

"The successful person makes a habit of doing what the failing person doesn't like to do."
- Thomas Edison

Let's be honest, the most obvious of these habits is good old fashioned Hard Work.

I had a job once that I thought was pretty simple. Basic labour work. Sweeping floors in a Fabrication shop. All day, sweep. All day tomorrow...sweep. Some other odds and ends, and then, yup...sweep. I did my job...and one day a Journeyman at the shop took it upon himself to teach me how to sweep properly. The lesson represented one of my most insightful of my life. Understanding that even something as simple as sweeping, had a more beneficial way to be done - opened my eyes to giving more quality effort in any task I had to do.

From that day on, more so than before, I embraced every task I was given. I would finish a job and while I waited around for direction from my foreman, I stayed busy doing whatever around me needed to be done. I was always in motion. There was always something to do, and it did not have to wait until I was told to do it. And yes, some of those tasks were tedious, boring and just not interesting. What I did not know, was that I was also being noticed. I was also making a difference because I was getting things done.

The value of my actions was shown to me indirectly when lay offs came. I was the least experienced out of four of us Labourers. I worked with a couple seasoned guys who made it pretty clear that they considered themselves too experienced and too good to do some of the work we were given. They said so, loud and clear. Last coffee came, and as I patiently waited for my envelope and my departure letter, the other three guys came in angry...and didn't even say goodbye. They all had envelopes.

I was not a bad worker, yet I still learned alot that day. The message was pretty clear, and hard to miss. And I remember to this day, why they kept this inexperienced, quiet, no complaining kid. I was the only labourer in that shop for some time after that, and somehow even the Project Manager knew my name and would stop me in the shop to ask me how I was doing.

You can leave a lasting impression, and create a solid name for yourself, just by applying your best effort...sometimes to the job no one else wants to do.

May you find a moment this morning that Awakens Your Day.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Hi Dad", Author and Friend

Awaken Your Day - June 29, 2011 - And a Touch of Humor Should Guide You

2011-06-28T22:57:00.000-07:00

"Think twice before you speak, and then you may be able to say something more insulting than if you spoke right out at once."
- Evan Esar, Esar's Comic Dictionary

You have to admit, there must have been a time when you walked away from a verbal smash and grab opportunity, only to think about what you SHOULD have said. Let the memory serve you with a "one day we are going to look back at this and laugh" kind of smile.

And then in reality, allow yourself to explore the truth in the awareness of many situations where if we can avoid emotion filled retorts to a comment, or situation, or coversation - and think for but a moment longer before we retaliate with venom...we embrace the opportunity to reach out and take control of the moment before we make it worse for ourselves.

Alot like the game of hockey where the frustrated player ends up getting the penalty for retaliating, I too have made myself appear to be less competent when I reacted / retaliated without due care to an oppressor rather than taken a moment to assess the situation for what I clearly knew it to be, and then beaten him at his own manipulation. "Mom! This guy at work is picking on me!" You get the picture.

You hold your cards. Spread them out so you can see what you have before you make your play.

Good morning, Twice.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Daddy, we play Crash, Okay?", Author and Friend.

Awaken Your Day - April 8, 2011 - The Road You Build Is Your Design

2011-04-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

"A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her."
- David Brinkley

Many of you have come to the last leg of the race. Rat race of a working week.
Friday shows you a light at the end of the tunnel; something to reach for; the finish line ahead.

Many of you will enter your weekend feeling like you need a break, and I am sad to say, you may even waste some of this refreshing reprieve from the day to day grind by moaning and complaining about the events of the week and how stressful they were.

WERE.
Past tense.

DONE.
Remember the Finish Line you reached for?

Have you ever seen a marathon runner, finally finish the goal of completing the event, and then ask the reporters and television crew to follow them back along the course so they could see as they remember and retell the crew every place along the way that they stumbled or faced a tough moment?

I would think, you might want to look back, and say, "Ya, it was a tough week...but I made it and now I know I can do it! "

And with that frame of mind...might I ask you just what you are capable of achieving this weekend, with your own time to invest ... in you ?

The road you build is by your design.
Use yesterday's news if you like, but the moment you are in, is much fresher material to mold.

Good Morning
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Friend

Awaken Your Day - April 6, 2011 - With One Small Change, I Can ...

2011-04-05T22:43:00.000-07:00

"One doesn't discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time."
- Andre Gide

We can get really deep with this idea...or we can keep it simple and find it very easy to apply it to our day.
Basically, if you wish to grow, expand, do new things, test the waters, dabble, or just let curiousity get the best of you...you have to be willing to input something new into your existing routine. And, it is simple to start doing it.

If you go out for lunch today, order something new and not the safe usual.

If you go grocery shopping, put the ingredients for a new recipe on your list and then make it.

Read the full article in the paper and not just the headline.

Ask someone at work about their tasks, and get to know what all goes into their role.

Try on some clothes that you usually walk by because, "Oh, I just don't know".

Plan a one day get away on the weekend and see what your local area has to offer.

The ideas, are endless and can be small or large. To introduce more awareness, more experiences, and maybe more joy into your life, you need not look far, you just need to begin by moving a little.

One step at a time, could see you Creating some wonderful new experiences and opening countless new doors.

Good Morning
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Friend.

Awaken Your Day - April 5, 2011 - Pursuit for Pleasure Today

2011-04-04T21:40:00.000-07:00

"The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do."
- Walter Bagehot, 1826-1877

Yes that really does enhance the feeling of achievment.
So why just stop the pleasure there?

Could you not then also rise to the challenge with ANY negativity?
Could we not stand firm when confronted by negative energy from someone or something in our day? Because really, that too is a form of draining your belief that the moment or situation could not be something better.

Almost as if to say, "You cannot find a better perspective."

This may just be the one time when it is okay to derive pleasure at someone else's expense.

How often in your day could you find pleasure in being more powerful that someone else's negative drive to absorb your energy?

I dare you to find out. What have you go to lose, except maybe some negative bonding?

Good morning,

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Da-deee, Author, Friend

Awaken Your Day - Mar 31, 2011 - Been There, Done That, Respect It

2011-03-30T22:25:00.000-07:00

"Show me a man that cannot bother to do little things, and I'll show you a man who cannot be trusted to do big things."
- Lawrence D. Bell, Founder, Bell Aircraft

If you find yourself thinking and feeling that you are too good, or too important to do tasks you deem to be beneath you, then you may not have the best perspective of the moment at hand.

I have had some interesting jobs in my work experience. Everything from a telephone operator, to a construction worker, to entertainment, and sweeping floors. I have even made beds and cleaned toilets. At the time, I may have hated some of my jobs, but reflecting back, I would not change a moment.

I like to think that working my way up, gave me a better perspective, and appreciation for the efforts that many do, so that the rest can have comfort.
People sometimes have to take on a job that seems to be looked down upon, and at the time, they are often judged personally by the way we judge the said position. This is a tremendous injustice to the soul of the person.

Think of it this way...many famous contributors of "big things" in your way of life, started out with nothing but the courage to do what they had to do for work, and they had the heart to keep their self esteem alive while struggling in a role that we may see as less than fitting of our standards.

Think back to a time that you "survived" on your way to where ever you are right now. Look back and recall how you felt then, and how you feel now about that time. Are you not a better person for having that chapter to remind you of what it takes to work hard?

Rather than being judgemental, we need to remember that on some parallel, We have Been there...We have Done that... and so, we should Respect it.

Good morning, See you There.
Pierre Couturier

Awaken Your Day - Mar 29, 2011 - Share Your Thanks

2011-03-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it."
- William Arthur Ward

How do we usually feel when we let that guy in to our lane when we are in tight traffic, and in return we get a big old nothing to acknowledge our gesture?
Not the typical little wave of thanks.
Not the tap of the brake lites.
Not the wave out the window.

Now pick that situation up...like a puzzle you made on the table, and lay it down over any example of where someone makes a courteous gesture for you, and you fail to acknowledge it.

Held the elevator. Service with a smile. A "certainly" on your request over the phone.

Simple things become memorable moments if we just take the time to express our gratitude. Make it a habit, and watch it grow.

The Best of My Day is Calling.
Good Morning.
Pierre Couturier Husband, Da-Dee, Author, and Friend

Awaken Your Day- Mar 28 2011 - Opportunity Knocking

2011-03-27T21:59:00.000-07:00

"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered."
- Nelson Mandela

Here we are again. A place you are familiar with. Monday morning.

You have a choice.
Follow the stereotype and create that which you dread the most; Whine and moan; Shade in the expected dark cloud; And find excuses for lack of energy. Essentially...blame blame blame.

Or.... Change your perspective, and your vantage point. Take the wheel. Sound the alarm.
Opportunity Monday is coming, and you are revising the Manual.
"Chapter One - It is a great beginning to an exceptional week."
Good Morning.

Pierre Couturier

Awaken Your Day - Mar 27, 2011 - Leading Made Easy

2011-03-26T22:16:00.000-07:00

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader."
- John Quincy Adams

A certificate is not required.
Not a licence.
Certainly not a degree.

Fact is, it is not necessary for you to take any special training, in order to lead by example. That kind of leadership, comes easier than you think.
Enjoy all that you are, put your enjoyment of your life on display in your actions, and others will be influenced by you.
The reward, and your "certificate" comes ... when they follow your lead, and become a leader themselves.

Good morning, good day.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Da...Dee, Author, and Friend

Awaken Your Day - March 26, 2011 - Don't Give Up

2011-03-25T21:51:00.000-07:00

"Just don't give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there's love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."
- Ella Fitzgerald, Jazz Singer

I heard a voice today. A little old friend, whispering in the back of my mind. It has been around alot lately...I think just trying to get reacquainted. Trying to rebuild my trust in the message I used to hear so clearly, but for awhile have not felt burning within.

I believe the voice we sometimes hear in our heart and mind is not our unfinished dreams tormenting us for failing, but rather, our still potential dreams trying to save us from the torment promised, by the fear of failing.

If you have stepped away from an idea, or a passion that once burned very bright within in you, then I urge you to set aside some time to revisit this light, and fall in love with an idea once again. Take a moment to retrace some past steps you achieved...and you may just find a new energy is born for your already existing passion.

Good Morning.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Da..deee", Author and Friend

Awaken Your Day - Nov 8 - Foot Prints in Quicksand

2010-11-07T21:06:00.000-08:00

I want you to be light on your feet today.
Is it wrong of me to show a demanding side?

I think not.

I believe that if you choose to share time here each day, then you have the power to make a difference...just by being you, and offering others a chance to step where you have stepped.

You all know I have a hard time believing in this Myth about Mondays and the negativity that comes so naturally with the mere thought of waking up on this day of the week. I have a hard time accepting that so many people so readily expect so little out of this gift...until I start to think that maybe they actually just expect so little out of themselves.

Should you choose to follow the lead of the uninspired, you will simply find yourself standing on their shoulders in the quicksand they seem so determined to find.

I challenge you to run to the front of the pack, and let them see you do it. Take the lead position today, and accept Monday's offer to leave the first ever known Footprint in the Quicksand. Being light and on top in your attitude will show that while you may not avoid all the draining obstacles of this weekly beginning, you can certainly avoid that sinking feeling.

Monday is an invitation to a first impression. Let others see impression, your well placed Foot Print in the Quicksand, so that they too can extend their meeting with that strong beginning.
Good Morning...and thanks for your help.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Da...dee", Author and Friend.
www.thecardconnection.ca

Awaken Your Day - Nov 5 - Keep It Simple

2010-11-04T21:58:00.000-07:00

"A smile is the shortest distance between two people."
- Victor Borge, 1909-2000

Sometimes, the greatest of inspiring moments, comes in the simplest of truths.
Why do we assume it is so difficult to find a moment to grow on?

Simple truth, simple gesture, great reward.

Fill in some gaps today, with a simple tool, used genuinely.

Have a wonderful day.
Create a wonderful day.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Da...dee", Author and Friend
www.thecardconnection.ca

Awaken Your Day - Oct 26 - The story before now reads out loud.

2010-10-25T22:24:00.000-07:00

"Everywhere I go I find a poet has been there before me."
- Sigmund Freud, 1856-1939

Finding the beauty in the moment...understanding the meaning in some words.

There was a time in life, seemingly a long time, where I feel I did not understand the "poetry" that was speaking in many of life's experiences and little moments. And now I must say, I can read lines of rhythmic balance and flowing grace in many areas that life takes me.

I do not want to ruin where today's statement may take you personally, so I will keep my thoughts brief. To me, "Everywhere" is every new experience life leads me to, such as marriage, and fatherhood, and the journey to be an aspiring speaker. There is a poetry to it all that just feels good.

It is also "everywhere" that my thoughts travel, while searching for the treasure that is my expression, and my desire to share it while I come to understand my passions.

As I find myself growing within and expanding my understanding of just who I am and who I want to be ... I come across some thoughts and words that seem to finally 'come together' into an enlightened "poem" if you will.

In that moment, I feel as though I am walking in the footsteps of the poet that was there before me, the one whom with these words I am finding, painted the picture that now cascades thru my mind and spurs me on. The beauty of the thoughts coming together, and the passion I feel inside as I discover a hidden part of me now defined, is very much like that perfect poem, that just seems to find your day when you need it the most.

With this thought, that 'everywhere I go I find a poet has been there before me', I am much more eager to go somewhere new, to see what the poet has left for me to find. What magic might I discover today, around me and within me?

Good morning. Enjoy the rhyme.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, 'Da....Deeee', Author and Friend.
www.thecardconnection.ca

Awaken Your Day - Oct 25th - The Desire To Play

2010-10-24T21:47:00.000-07:00

"The path to our destination is not always a straight one. We go down the wrong road, we get lost, we turn back. Maybe it doesn't matter which road we embark on. Maybe what matters is that we embark."
- Barbara Hall

Embark on a journey, or a dream. Something big or something small. By now you know that I believe we can apply parallel meaning to the big ideas in our lives, and our regular day to day adventures that ultimately lead us down the path to brighter days.

So as you stand once again before Opportunity Monday - with the choices of roads laid out before you - may I encourage you not to settle. Do not play connect the dots on a piece of carbon paper from last week. Do not settle for the norm..

Today, confirm a step toward something enriching. Visit your thoughts, your dreams and those far off desires. Embark on an adventure of small sorts and just simply revisit a "someday, maybe I will... ". And then if you feel a little more adventurous again, a little more courage, like the kind that comes from Believing in yourself ... if you feel that, then maybe you can take another moment and ponder what the next step is or Could Be.

Opportunity Monday plays by pretty fair rules. It only asks that you consider joining the game.

Good morning.
Good day, and safe journey.
Bring me back a postcard.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Da...Deeeee", Author and Friend
www.thecardconnection.ca

Awaken Your Day - Oct 19, 2010 - Keep It Simple

2010-10-18T21:54:00.000-07:00

"Underpromise; overdeliver."
- Tom Peters, in the Chicago Tribune

Nice and simple don't you think.
Now see how many places in your life you can apply this thought.
Where can you apply it today?

At your job, meeting a friend, playing with the kids, helping with dinner, a chore around the house, or a personal goal you made for yourself.

You stand to gain, no matter where the commitment is centered.

Start with your best foot forward today, and then keep it right out there in front of you with every following step.

Good morning, and great delivery.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Da-Dee, Author and Friend
www.thecardconnection.ca

Awaken Your Day - Oct 14 - To Better or Not

2010-10-13T22:15:00.000-07:00

"To try to be better is to be better."
- Charlotte Cushman, 1816-1876

For a long time, I could not understand this simple statement.
I was too burdened by looking at the overall mountain of effort it was going to take to get myself from where I was not happy to where I would be happy. In fact...I was so overwhelmed that I actually failed to even visualize what my "happy" destination looked like.

Imagine thinking about achieving success...and not realizing that while I am longing for success, the picture in my mind that was supposed to be inspiring me, was only the image of the letters...spelling, "Success". I don't even think I went so far as to "dream" the letters in vibrant, energizing color!!

Sometimes we need things told to us in the simplest of expressions.

"To try to be better is to be better."

Make an effort. There, you are now in a better place than you were. Simple enough.

First recognize where you are that you are not content with, identify with this moment, this place, this state of affairs, what ever it is you wish to be past and "better." Now, you voice it out loud...you accept this as your starting point, you admit to yourself that this is where you presently are positioned...you breath deep and accept this confession to yourself. It's okay, we have to start somewhere and we get nowhere sitting in a chair reciting the Lyrics to "Oh Woe is Me".

And now, to take control of the situation since you have embraced it... you simply take one step of effort into some form of action... you are now trying to be "better"... and in this little beginning effort ... you have achieved something I believe in very strongly.

You have just taken 51% control. You identified the issue at hand, and you took one step forward into some action... and you now have controlling interest in your solution. You have already made advancements into Better. The next step is to be happy about that, and let that energize you to take another step.

One step at a time, while you know you have controlling interest in the task at hand.
Doesn't that feel, Better?

I look forward to seeing some names registering to the 51% club. We will discuss this philosophy more in the weeks to come. It's good to be a member of this club. I like it.

Until later...good morning.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Da...Dee", Author and Friend
www.thecardconnection.ca

Awaken Your Day - Oct 13, 2010 - Don't Forget the Obvious

2010-10-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

It is so easy. So easy that we all do it. Sometimes, often.
It is so easy, to forget to be thankful for some of the obvious things in our lives.
Surely we do not intend to take these things for granted. However, life's activities have a tendancy to pile on ... and our focus gets derailed somewhat...and our obvious, yet oh so important pieces get hidden under layers of "life stuff".
Even when these pieces are right there in front of us.

So I thought, since Thanksgiving was just here, I might ask you a question...
Did you just go thru the motions of another holiday, saying "Thank You" only at the table during Grace, and then rush thru the festivities...?
Did you find a moment and stop, and actually look around your life and identify a few things you are truly thankful for?
Did you pause to FEEL thankful?
Did you take but a moment to actually embrace your gratitude, and let the feelings that come with such a moment make you feel better.... like a full breath of fresh air on a cool morning.

No?
Then I suggest we share a moment now.
You know the drill, as we have done this before, and we will do it again, for it is a simple gesture that carries alot of meaning.

I will start.

I am thankful I get to fly to work, instead of driving a treacherous hiway, for it brings peace to my wife's already worried heart...and thus, it is one less negative thing to think of while I am away.
I am thankful that each of our families, my wife's and mine, love and accept each of us fully into their lives and look at us as One. Not everyone has this comfort, and i know that many other parts of our marriage are made easier by this love and acceptance.

I am thankful for turning 40, and not feeling older.

I am thankful for every life lesson I have learned, and that I do not have an Ego that guides those lessons.

I am thankful that I like who I am, and that I don't feel I need to act like someone else to be accepted.

I am thankful that I have learned to think more rationally, instead of reactionary. It makes a difference in the quality of my moments.

I am thankful for well placed pictures that allow you to have captured a moment, and then to escape to it, as often as you like.

I am thankful that my wife taught our son to say "Daa-Deeee" and for how fast my heart beats when he smiles and runs to me.

And yes, my biggest obvious, is that I am thankful for my wife and son and every storyline that led them to be my life, and all I can do to compliment theirs.

Anyone can just easily say, "Thank you for this...and that"... but i am asking you to Feel Your Gratitude...and in so doing, you will revisit the Why of your Gratitude. Pick a few, pick many. There are no rules.

Take care.
Have a wonderful day, and Thank you...for stopping by.
See you tomorrow?

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Da Dee, Author, and Friend.
www.thecardconnection.ca

Awaken Your Day - Sept 10, 2010 - Do You Hear Voices?

2010-09-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

"None of us will ever accomplish anything excellent or commanding except when he listens to this whisper which is heard by him alone."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

The one time it is okay to listen to the voice in your head.

And it all ties in with believing in yourself, and your goals. Believing what that little voice is telling you; that you can achieve, you can reach forward and obtain your desires and your successes. But you must listen to that inner you that whispers while there may be other sounds trying to distract you.

We can apply this to big scale items like a goal ... or we can simplify it down to something in your daily routine, like exercise. That little whisper is your conscience and also your cheering section. Keep your focus on your "Why" and let it guide you to what you Do want for results, while you might just be feeling for the moment that you Don't want to put forth an effort.

Right now your whisper is reminding you that it is the end of the week, and you will feel even better if you finish it strong.

Good morning.
Did you hear that?

Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Da-Dee", Author, Friend
Visit The Card Connection and make someones day.

Awaken Your Day - Sept 9,2010 - Gratitude

2010-09-08T21:40:00.000-07:00

Your word for the day, and I hope you choose to embrace it, is Gratitude.

Try to show it. Try to feel it. Try to express it so others can receive the joy from someone being grateful.

To start you off in the right direction and to get the feeling warmed up, right now without thinking alot, come up with 5 things you are thankful for.

It could be your family, someone special, the roof over your head, your job, your friends, your health or the lack of an issue or dark cloud greeting you this morning. What are YOU thankful for?

Now, if you have your five, pause for a moment.... and now, stop to think of each of your five things for a moment each. Uninterupted focussed thought, so that you can feel WHY you are thankful.

When we pause life's busy pace for a moment and actually focus on something we are grateful for, it allows us a minute to once again truly touch it, and I dare say you will be Thankful that you did.

I am thankful for you, and that you share these mornings with us here.
Have a wonderful day.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Da-dee", Author and Friend

Awaken Your Day - Sept 8, 2010 - No Worries

2010-09-07T22:14:00.000-07:00

"Worry? I don't worry so much; I just figure it out."
- Larry Edward Foles

And that my friends is your wake up challenge for the day.
If you have no worries, we applaud you and challenge you to then assist others in figuring it out.

But, should you greet the day and find that a worry is trying to share your breakfast ... pause and adjust your thinking. If you redirect your energy from worrying to actually stepping back and taking another look, another angle ... you may just find a new path to overcoming the thought that is keeping you from enjoying that coffee.

Pause, identify and focus as you ask yourself, " What is the first thing i need to do to direct the this situation to a more comfortable path?"

One step leads to another, and a path may just show itself .

Have a great morning, and the rest will follow.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Da-Dee", Author, Friend

Awaken Your Day - Sept 2, 2010 - The Tortoise and the You

2010-09-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

"For fast acting relief, try slowing down."
- Lily Tomlin

We do it to ourselves really. Most often we only have the reflection in the mirror to blame.
We get overwhelmed, and the biggest reason is the urgency we put onto a task or all tasks.
That urgency tenses up so many of our nerve endings at the same time, we exhaust ourselves and often find ourselves spent and wondering why we are so tired when we really have not accomplished much.

Like most energy drinks...we charge ourselves up...just to crash shortly there after, and we are twice as useless as we were before we sought our boost, or roared into action.

Try taking ten full deep breaths before you carry on any further. Don't just read " ten deep breaths"... do it. Now, and not while you are flipping your eggs, pouring your coffee, confirming the meeting, adjusting your tie, folding the laundry, washing your hair, checking the weather etc etc etc....

The key is to STOP.

Let me put it another way. That guy you swerved out to pass because he just was in your way and you were in a rush... look over to the left. That is him sitting there with you at the red light. Yes, you got there first...but look at his relaxed demeanor...and now look at your tight grip on the steering wheel. Watch him for a second. I bet he hasn't looked at his watch once.

Take a moment to collect yourself. When you feel like you are picking up speed at the cost of maintaining control, put the world on pause and take a moment to yourself.

It will all be there when you step back into play.

Good morning, and you still owe me 10 full deep breaths.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Da-dee", Author, Friend.
Entrepreneur

Awaken Your Day - Sept 1, 2010 - And This Day is Mine

2010-08-31T21:05:00.000-07:00

"Every morning I remind myself that I can make the choice to feel good."
- Louise L. Hay, "Affirmations"

Did you wake up this morning prestressed over a day you already anticipated would be difficult?
Did you already start off choosing to be defeated before you had even begun?
Did you lay in bed, brain mapping your anxiety?
Have you lost the race before you have even stepped up to the starting line?

Shame on you.

You are missing this grand opportunity to dress the part of the champion. To read for the lead role in the script of today.

It is not too late. The day has not seen you "unprepared" yet.
The events on the schedule, not yet unwrapped.
The contract is not yet signed.
The dots, are not yet connected.
"I"s dotted, "T"s crossed? Nope.
No commitments have been made to be miserable.
You didn't make any promises yesterday to be miserable today did you?

You are only warming up. Stretching before the starting line.
And what do we feel as we step up to the starting line? As we anticipate the sharp sound of the gun, and our heartbeat gets faster with energized emotion. We are excited. Our chest heaves as we focus on the start. "I will have a good start. So many races are Won, right at the start."

So many races are won...right at the start.

Your day today, is yours to command; right from the start. Put your good energy into that thought instead of reaching for and poking a dark cloud.

We lose so much of our energy reserves, speculating the negative that has not even occured yet. So when something happens in our day where we need just a little strength to see it clearly for what it is and to avoid the left hook, we are already too distracted to get out of the way, and too weak to attempt a counter.

Every morning, we need to remind ourselves, that we have a choice.
See you at the starting line.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Da-Dee", Author and Friend.

Awaken Your Day - Aug 30, Triumph

2010-08-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

"I've made the most important discovery of my career...the most important discovery of my life. It's only in the mysterious equation of love that any logical reasons can be found. I'm only here tonite because of you. You are the only reason I am ... you are all my reasons."
- John Nash - as taken from "A Beautiful Mind"

Again, I am certain that these words, like so many other meaningful expressions, are right now being interpretted in an assortment of ways. As we each trace the path from our own present circumstances to the part of us that words such as these touch, we see a multitude of ranging stories, travelling a scattering of routes and pathways.

That is the beauty of expression. It can carry so much meaning while it shares the road with others on the same quest...or while carving a road named just for you. Either way, we can all share the value it brings.

What this shares with me today is Triumph. The story itself is one of great Triumph over greater adversity. But take it one step further, and enjoy the Triumph that comes with understanding love. Being able to define your "reason". The Triump... that comes with being able to give as well as you receive. To see the effect on someone you care about so deeply, when they come to understand and feel how loved they are.

When you are able to find the logic in your "Reason"...when you are able to express understanding to yourself, this is a great day of success and Triumph.

If you feel as though you have not yet found it, please do not feel discouraged, for the journey to finding it, can be a most wonderful ride as well.

Embrace your day, your reason...and enjoy your Triumphs...all of them.

Pierre Couturier

Awaken Your Day - Getting there is Half the Fun - June 9,2010

2010-06-09T05:19:00.000-07:00

"The reward of a thing well done is to have done it."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Think of a time when you had to tackle a task... maybe yardwork, or a school project, or a report for work ... and when you finished, you sat back and looked at it...feeling good about your efforts and your finished product.

It is always so easy when you complete a task to look at it and say, "That wasn't so bad." At the beginning, it may have appeared more intimidating for any amount of reasons...but once you got started, and you picked up some momentum, along came a wave of good feeling with your progress, and we find ourselves riding that until the task is done. We look upon our work with a good feeling, a reward because we know we applied ourselves and we made an accomplishment.

Enjoy the rewards that come with a feeling of accomplishment, no matter how small. Compliment yourself for seeing it through and completing what you started. And then... review the path you followed to get it done. Acknowledge the efforts to overcome obstacles, and make a mental note to yourself....

"I did it, and I can do it again."

Often people focus far too much on "surviving" thru a task or conflict to get thru, and they forget to acknowledge the art of accomplishment - the reward. Acknowledging this reward for a job well done, will help us see the next task for what it is, and not the burden we fear it to be.

Good Morning... and may you find many rewards.
Pierre Couturier

Awaken Your Day - Stand Up - June 8, 2010

2010-06-08T05:24:00.000-07:00

"Only some people get what they want. Those are the people who show up to get it."
- Diane Houston

We can dream.
We can wish.
We can think positive thoughts.
We can get caught up in all the hundreds of ways to hear the same messages of success.

The common, and most often overlooked, element in succeeding in achieving what we want -
Action.

As I have said before, When Opportunity knocks... you still have to get up to answer the door.

Good Morning.... Time to get up the courage to Show Up.

Pierre Couturier

Awaken Your Day - Hey, Head Up!! - June 3, 2010

2010-06-03T05:35:00.000-07:00

"May I never miss a sunset or a rainbow because I am looking down."
- Sara June Parker

A simple comment.
Now allow it to take you further.
Another deep well of awareness awaits if we but give it two minutes of thought.
Two minutes of thought that could slowly, lift your chin for the rest of your day...and as we know, the chances of a brighter day increase with every degree that we raise our chin, our view, our attitude and our awareness.

I cannot see what rewards await me, if I am lower my attention to dwell on the many faces of defeat.

( Defeat: temporarily giving in to adversity - Faces: a cold, a rainy morning, being tired, or any other reason we choose to step forward into a brand new day with our head hung low before we have even allowed this day to present it's argument for a generous start.)

Good Morning. May we have this in common.

Pierre Couturer

Awaken Your Day - That which does not encourage me, Can make me stronger. June 2, 2010

2010-06-02T05:30:00.000-07:00

"What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity? Our attitude toward it. Every opportunity has a difficulty, and every difficulty has an opportunity."
- J. Sidlow Baxter

Books upon books upon books have said it.
You can spell it out in a vast array of expressions.
It is not what we encounter or what happens to us, it is how we respond.
A difficult time or obstacle can stop you, or it can spur you on.
You can feel defeated and surrender more valuable energy,
Or you can see reason in the moment, grasp it like a "How Not To" manual and overcome the moment as you move past it with new knowledge and awareness.

The taste of the victory will be much sweeter when you have the sense of accomplishment to reflect on. It is not the mountain we still have to climb that we need concentrate on, it is the victory of the steps we have successfully taken.

I look off into the distance to my goal...it is a journey away. I take a step. I look up again, and I realize... it is closer than the last time.

Opportunity is much like inspiration...it can find you anywhere...as long as you are open to accept it.

Good Morning.
Pierre Couturier

Awaken Your Day - The Time Is Now - June 1, 2010

2010-06-01T05:25:00.000-07:00

"You pile up enough tomorrows and you'll be left with nothing but a bunch of empty yesterdays. I don't know about you, but I'd like to make today worth remembering."
- Meredith Willson

Think about it.

Are you Waiting? Or are you Creating?

Good Morning, Good Choices.
Pierre Couturier

Awaken Your Day - Pick Your Influence - May 31, 2010

2010-05-31T05:43:00.000-07:00

"Keep away from small people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."
- Mark Twain

They surround us, sadly. People who take away our good energy. This is not a pessimistic thought. Not a negative beginning. This is awareness. And when we are aware of it, we can better respond when we see the proof of it rise up around us.

"Small" people impact our day. Little attitudes, little negative comments, little drains on your view of the good that is also around you. And we best combat it, by not being open to it. Be on your game right now, from moment one on a Monday morning - when many of us are the most vulnerable to a "small" influence that takes charge of our whole week, without a definable moment for us to identify until it is too late.

Great people around us, are a gift to grab onto. Start your day, your week, off right by making a contact with them, and being on that team. Watch your day get better right before your eyes...and you in turn could just become that "great" influence to someone little...needing to break out themselves.

Good Morning

Pierre Couturier

Awaken Your Day - Enjoy the Journey - May 18, 2010

2010-05-18T05:40:00.000-07:00

“I really do believe that all of you are at the beginning of a wonderful journey. As you start traveling down that road of life, remember this; There are never enough comfort stops. The places you’re going to are never on the map. And once you get that map out, you won’t be able to refold it no matter how smart you are.

So forget the map, roll down the windows, and whenever you can, pull over and have a picnic with a pig. And if you can help it, never fly as cargo.”
- Kermit the Frog

It doesn’t have to come from Dr. Phil to make sense. Read it again…and take it in, for what you determine it to mean.
Sometimes the best messages are hidden in the simplest places.
A place where a child could find it … or an adult should.

Have a wonderful weekend.
Happy Birthday to our great friend, supporter and Entrepreneur – Jason S.

Pierre Couturier –
Author – “All She Is…”
Lifepath Mentor
http://successisyours.lifepathpro.com/

Awaken Your Day - May 12 - Pick A Miracle

2010-05-11T20:53:00.000-07:00

"Miracles: You do not have to look for them. They are there, 24-7, beaming like radio waves all around you. Put up the antenna, turn up the volume - snap...crackle...this just in, every person you talk to is a chance to change the world..."
- Hugh Elliot

Inspiration can find you anywhere, if you let it.
Opportunity can be knocking, if you are not too busy listening intently to the Grey of the Clouds to hear it.

It is not greed, to want to absorb the best of every moment you encounter in your life.
It is not silly either to talk about it...want it, look for it or reach for it.
Chance encounters create pathways that we may never have found. Encounters with people, encounters with circumstances.
You see it all the time in your t.v. shows ... or in interviews with successful people, or lover's telling a fairytale story.... those famous words - "This never would have happened if I hadn't..."

Miracles are not restricted to religion. Nor are they always financial, or strictly health related.

Miracles are all around you. They dress up to look like an assortment of life's moments. And I think they wait.
They wait to see if we are looking ... they wait to see if we believe. And then they introduce themselves, and create one of those special stories everyone loves to hear.

It is not greed, to want to absorb the very best of each and every moment you encounter in your life. Put up your antenna, turn up the awareness. Any moment you could meet a Miracle - hoping you notice so it can say ...

Good Morning.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Father, Author.
Believer.

Awaken Your Day - The C Word - May 11,2010

2010-05-11T03:53:00.000-07:00

"I am looking for alot of men who have an infinite capacity to not know what can't be done."
- Henry Ford

My first recruit is the little man now sleeping in the next room. Our 14 month old son…is right at that point in his dream creation career, where new adventures come constantly. From taking a few steps, to almost running, or conquering climbing a stool to sit all by himself with a “Ta Da” grin – watching him defy “Can’t” is …well, simply a humbling and wonderful experience.

I watch his actions, often prompted excitedly by Sandra, my wife, and at this age I am rewarded with witnessing the quick progression he has to understanding and figuring things out. His thought mechanics are beginning to turn gears in his tiny mind so much more now, and I get to share his successes in facial expressions, and his determination in repetition of a task that has peaked his interest.

Repitition…not abandonment of a task. Determination.

I admire him. For he knows nothing of this disease “can’t”. he just tries and tries again…and when he succeeds it is a wonderful treat to see this little smile turn into a beaming ray. The joy from his victory warms the whole house. And it lightens the heart to see him so sure of himself as his little walk shows a “yup I did it” confidence.

I want to go back to not knowing what can’t be done.

That is part of this journey we face when we set out on a goal. "There is nothing I cannot do in order to achieve this dream"…and somehow, when I need more inspiration than my achievements or leaders and books and motivational people can provide…when I need that like minded environment to help me keep my edge, I will sit and watch the expert, right there in the playroom…as he masters yet another curiousity…and he smiles at me…

Good Morning…and may you never know…what can’t be done.

Pierre Couturier
Father, Student, Husband
Author, "All She Is..."

Awaken Your Day - Beginning Day - May 10, 2010

2010-05-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

“Don’t be afraid if things seem difficult in the beginning. That’s only the initial impression. The important thing is not to retreat; you have to master yourself.”
- Olga Korbut, Gymnast – four time Olypic Gold Medallist

This can be applied to many things we do that are new to us.
But focusing on our journey of Personal Development, we sometimes need to remember that this is not a race. It can be tough, for once we find that desire to make a change, we rush in headlong with excitement only to discover some stumbling blocks…and then discouragement sets in. Often, this is the end of the path. The charge falters. And we struggle.

This is where we just need to keep in mind, that this Path was designed with many Points of Interests. Like a tourist, we have a destination, but there are many places along the way to stop and take in the sights.

Good Morning Monday - Not a difficult beginning.

Pierre Couturier –
Lifepath Mentor
Author – “All She Is…”

Awaken Your Day - A Mirror tells a Story, May 7 2010

2010-05-07T05:12:00.001-07:00

“The voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”
- Marcel Proust

How do you see yourself?

One of the greatest joys I have discovered on this voyage, my quest to Personal Prosperity Development, is simply how I see myself. How I have come to clearly see what qualities I had hidden, waiting to be…discovered.

In many ways, I feel like a large clean canvas – waiting for the artist’s brush. And the beauty of this thought, is that I never knew I could paint. I closed my eyes one day, and then I opened them to this person I had somehow never met.

My voyage led me down a jungle path to say the least. But it feels like an adventure as I discover my self hidden treasures. Within me I have found Passion, Belief, Confidence ( THAT was a great day ). I have found Desire and a Mission. I have Purpose. I have the power to create my destiny.

My old eyes did not see these things. These pieces of me, all the while, waiting to be found so that I might use them to uncover more of what this glorious life has to show me. So that I could see this life’s landscape with new eyes.

How do you see yourself? Are you confident that you have considered all that you have within you?

I challenge you this morning, to look at yourself with new eyes. I give you a clean canvas. And now … paint your portrait or the landscape of your life – using Only every quality you possess.

Close your eyes to the doubts and questions of yesterday. Open them this morning.
I believe your Voyage is well under way.
Enjoy your weekend. Spend some time on you.

Pierre Couturier –
Author – “All She Is…”
Lifepath Mentor
http://successisyours.lifepathpro.com/

Awaken Your Day - Butterfly Effect - May 6, 2010

2010-05-06T05:22:00.000-07:00

Coming to the end of our "History Sessions" soon...and moving into New thoughts for New Days shortly. Hope you have enjoyed revisiting some of AYD beginning sessions these last few weeks, and you are ready to take on new Awakening moments to chart your energy thru your days.

“How do we change the world? One small act of random kindness at a time.”
- Morgan Freeman, as God, in the movie ‘Evan Almighty’

Inspiration can find you anywhere. It helps if you are open for business.

Some nights I over-think my work. Last night after dinner my wife and I sat down to relax and enjoy a movie together. While I did bring some notes to the room so I could look them over, I actually didn’t do anything but kick back and enjoy the movie and the time to ourselves. And then, a simple line I know I have heard somewhere before, comes in at the time in the movie when it all comes together. “One small act of random kindness at a time.”

A score of reflections and memories came to me of times when I did something little for someone and I felt good remembering the gesture. And then more memories came to me of times when some stranger did something extra for me, and I felt good remembering the gesture.

It takes very little effort to make a difference. Ponder how great the difference can be if more of us made the same little effort.

Have a great morning.

Pierre Couturier –
Lifepath Mentor
Author – “All She Is…”

Awaken Your Day - Oops, a bit redundant. - May 4, 2010

2010-05-04T05:25:00.000-07:00

“Circumstances may cause interruptions and delays, but never lose sight of your goal. Prepare yourself in every way you can by increasing your knowledge and adding to your experience, so that you can make the most of opportunity when it occurs.”
- Mario Andretti, Race car Driver

Not everything goes according to plan. That is fine. Often an obstacle jumps out at you like some little creature on a video game, or a ghost in a twisted suspenseful movie.

“AAgghhh ! I didn’t see that coming !”

It is not the end of the trip. You do not have to start all over. All is not lost. As we will repeat over and over again – One step at a time.

Even if you must here the cliché, “Slow and steady wins the race,” keep in mind that any forward movement is toward your goals. That forward movement includes increasing your knowledge and awareness of your destination. Even reinforcing your energy by reviewing how far you have come on your journey – it matters too. It counts.

A weekend stands before you. I suggest you enjoy it in every way possible … and I expect that enjoyment to include you taking a couple of steps of any kind toward your desires.

Circumstances may interrupt you, but if you stop cold … that is your choice.

It is a good morning – hold on for the ride.

Pierre Couturier –
Lifepath Mentor
Author – “All She Is…”
http://successisyours.lifepathpro.com/

Awaken Your Day - One Step , May 3, 2010

2010-05-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

“The victory of success is half won when one gains the habit of setting goals and achieving them. Even the most tedious chore will become endurable as you parade through each day convinced that every task, no matter how menial or boring, brings you closer to achieving your dreams.”
- Og Mandino, author.

We have already shared this philosophy on some of our other mornings. Worded differently and from some other respected opinion. But what better comment is there to revisit at the start of our work week? One goal at a time, big or small, begins with one step at a time. Progress is to be your focus. The road that lays before you for any task you face, any goal you wish to achieve, can be so much more exciting for you to tackle, when you look behind you and celebrate HOW FAR YOU HAVE ALREADY COME.

You are well on your way to opening some doors in Opportunity Monday.
Good Morning

Pierre Couturier –
Author – “All She Is…”

Awaken Your Day - You Might Just Be... - April 29, 2010

2010-04-29T05:42:00.000-07:00

“To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.”
- Josephine Billings

Just a thought. Someone appreciates you.
Take a moment and appreciate that as an accomplishment that gives value, and thus to you should be, valuable.

Good Morning.

Pierre Couturier –
Author – “All She Is…”
Lifepath Mentor
http://successisyours.lifepathpro.com/

Awaken Your Day - Getting in Motion - April 28, 2010

2010-04-28T05:29:00.000-07:00

“Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”
- Will Rogers

Success is your destination.
Success in anything you desire.
You think of something you want and you follow that with a step toward it.
And another.
And another.

A new job.
A new car.
A dream of riches.
Or…to simply have a good Wednesday in a busy week.

Your train is coming. Is today the beginning of the ride of your life?

Good morning.

Pierre Couturier –
Lifepath Mentor
Author – “All She Is…”
http://successisyours.lifepathpro.com/

Awaken Your Day - Yes you can - April 27, 2010

2010-04-27T05:16:00.000-07:00

"Don't be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so."
- Belva Davis, Award Winning Journalist

I read this quote this morning, and I am reminded of so many little clips of solid, and inspiring advice that attach themselves to the feelings this simple statement brings. I could go on and on about the meaning here, and how to not get discouraged by the work ahead of us when we identify our dream, and begin down the road to reach it.

Let the words take you on a mental journey. Go over the ground you will cover from thought to action to achievment. Do not dwell or stall your progress with mental thoughts of obstacles you may encounter. And remember, these ideals are not just for your long term goals. They can be applied to something you are encountering just today.

I am 90 days away from a life milestone. I reach 40, in 90. I have been afraid of the space between my dreams and my present reality...until I take the time to remember that I too create my reality. The space is just one easy to achieve step at a time.

Join me on my progressive journal as I begin to quicken the pace. 40 in 90 and I must do something productive each and every day.

Good Morning...And away we go.

Pierre Couturier

Awaken Your Day - Believe Big - April 26, 2010

2010-04-26T05:18:00.000-07:00

Finally this morning we come to part three of developing the power of belief. Guide three to acquiring and strengthening your power of belief in your own success.

3. Believe Big. The size of your success is determined by the size of your belief. Think little goals and expect little achievements. Think big goals and win big success. Remember this, too ! Big ideas and big plans are often easier – certainly no more difficult – than small ideas and small plans.

Want a recap?
Nice and easy – sure and purposeful.
Think success, don’t think failure.
Remind yourself regularly that you are better than you think you are.
Believe Big.

Once again, keep in mind, these guidelines are something you practice to boost your self awareness. Little by little, you will start to adopt them more and more. And then…these pieces of your puzzle, make it easier to find the other pieces … and a picture takes shape.

I have had to practice these myself, and I will continue to work them into my checklist.

Have a great day – because it is yours to have.

Pierre Couturier
Lifepath Mentor
Author – “All She Is…”
http://successisyours.lifepathpro.com/

Awaken Your Day - Successful Belief Part 2 - April 23, 2010

2010-04-23T05:31:00.000-07:00

This morning is short and sweet and to the point. We give you part two of the guide to acquire and strengthen your power of belief in your success.

2. Remind yourself regularly that you are better than you think you are. Successful people are not supermen. Success does not require a super-intellect. Nor is there anything mystical about success. And success isn’t based on luck. Successful people are just ordinary folks who have developed belief in themselves and what they do. Never – yes, never – sell yourself short.

This, is something I can share with you from the heart. This is something I was guilty of doing for a long time. And now I understand that this is part of the action you must take on your journey. Not selling yourself for less than you can achieve, you are acting for your benefit. Seems obvious but a lot of us still do it. Becoming aware of Not doing it, this counts as a step forward.

You can think positive, you can be positive…and this little guide is filler to help you stay on course. This is liner notes on the script of your goals and dreams of success of any kind. These little pieces of wisdom are part of the glue that holds you together while you are building all you want to be.

It is a day to remember, when you start to discover, and then accept, what you are truly capable of.

Pierre Couturier
Lifepath Mentor
Author – “All She Is…”
http://successisyours.lifepathpro.com/

Awaken Your Day - Successful Belief - April 22, 2010

2010-04-22T05:13:00.000-07:00

You have heard me discuss how very important it is to believe in yourself and in your dreams. In the next few days I would like to share something with you from “The Magic of Thinking Big”, by David J. Schwartz. I would like to share with you three guides to acquire and strengthen your power of belief in your success.

1. Think Success, don’t think failure. At work, in your home, substitute success thinking for failure thinking. When you face a difficult situation, think, “I’ll win,” not “I’ll probably lose.” When you compete with someone else, think, “I’m equal to the best,” not “I’m out-classed.” When opportunity appears, think “I can do it,” never “I can’t.” Let the master thought “I–will-succeed” dominate your thinking process. Thinking success conditions your mind to create plans that produce success. Thinking failure does the exact opposite. Failure thinking conditions the mind to think other thoughts that produce failure.

And that my friends is where your success begins. You cannot sell yourself short. Begin today to alter how you approach things. Gather up more of this approach in your everyday activities and build up your belief.
Failure thoughts, are doubtful thoughts, and those lead to apprehension and then hesitation and then you may not realize it, but you deny yourself the ability to give your best effort.

Have a successful day.

Pierre Couturier
Father, Husband, Author, Life Student

Awaken Your Day - No Settling Here - April 20, 2010

2010-04-20T05:30:00.000-07:00

“I’m not willing to settle for less than I can be, or feel, or do, or experience in my life!”
- Anthony Robbins, World Class Life Coach and Motivational Speaker

Mr. Robbins says that people who live with passion, say this to themselves. A lifestyle you take on.

You try it.

Say it out loud.
It sounds good.

Say it.

Hear it.

Feel it.

Trust it.

Believe it.

I dare you.

A new day has Awakened. Do you know where your motivation is?
Let’s get started.

Pierre Couturier
Lifepath Mentor
Author – “All She Is…”
http://successisyours.lifepathpro.com/

Awaken Your Day - Believe - April 19, 2010

2010-04-19T05:22:00.000-07:00

“Believe in yourself, and there will come a day when others will have no choice but to believe with you.”
Cynthia Kersey

How many times have we heard this expression? Maybe it was worded differently, but I bet it was spoken by a number of different people who have crossed our paths.

It is the start of many great things to come your way. You will find this in financial inspiration books, and personal motivation books, as well as spiritual and leadership guides of all types. Salesman and teachers and businessmen and counselors. Look to your heros. I can safely say somewhere, from all those people and in all those books, you will find reference to Believing in You.

Take a moment this morning, to sit back and focus on your accomplishments. Pretty impressive.

Start with Believing in Yourself, and it will be with ease that you
Awaken Your Day.

Good Morning
Welcome to Opportunity Monday

Pierre Couturier

Awaken Your Day - Actions and Words - April 16, 2010

2010-04-16T05:18:00.000-07:00

“After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done.”
- Author Unknown

I was reminded of this little comment while I attended a very informative training seminar this last weekend. From the seminar, I carried away with me volumes of priceless information in my head and in my notes. One of those pieces of information made it much simpler for me to also stay reminded, that for a long time this little quote described me fully. I like to think that I am making distinct progress, but still the instructor put it in a way that should assist me in making great strides to put that bad habit fully behind me.

Many of us follow this pattern. Let’s see if you recognize it.

We get an idea…or feel a desire…and what do we do?

We talk about it.

We think about it.

We want it.
We plan for it.

We hope for it.
We wish for it.
And we dream about it.

What don’t we do?

ACT on it.

You would think that with all those things we DO,
that the positive Rewards that we Envision as we DO them,
would make us more excited for the rewards and then we would just
take ACTION toward our desire.
But for some reason, far too many ideas and desires falter and dissipate right here.

If we look at it in this way, we really only have one thing left to do to move toward attaining that which we desire. We have already taken 7 giants steps … reach inside, push the “Believe” button … and take just one more.

Even when opportunity knocks, you still have to get up to open the door.
There is a lot more to come on this little word that defines all of our results.

It is a good morning. It is a time for Action.

Pierre Couturier
Lifepath Mentor
Author – “All She Is…”
http://successisyours.lifepathpro.com/

AYD - Victory Is One Step Forward - April 15, 2010

2010-04-15T05:23:00.000-07:00

“Victory is not about First Place, we are victorious when we learn from the experience and improve ourselves for the next challenge.”
- Rickson Gracie, Member of the world famous Gracie family in Gracie Ju Jitsu.

As it is in sport, it is also very applicable to everyday life. I am constantly reminded each day to reflect on the lessons of yesterday to help me take the next step toward a goal, or to get through a difficult task.

Each step you take toward achievement, is a form of victory; especially if it is one more than the last attempt.
Each and every goal you set for yourself and attain, is a victory. You may not get there on the first try, but that does not diminish the achievement.

Good morning.

Pierre Couturier –
Lifepath Mentor
Author – “All She Is…”

AYD - No Criticism Zone - April 14, 2010

2010-04-14T05:19:00.000-07:00

"Don't be distracted by criticism. Remember the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you."
- Zig Ziglar, Author and Speaker

Part of my enjoyment with AYD, is when i come across someone else's words, that bring together so many loossely related thoughts of my own... all into one nice little package of what i have been trying to phrase but could not bring together. And then, that previously elusive, understood expression...becomes mine forever. And now, ours to share.

Many times I wondered how to react within my own power, when I get unjustly criticized. Often, I found myself giving in, and allowing the power to shift from my domain, from my learned inventory, to those who did not earn it. Later, I would lose twice, for i realized too late what I had done, and then I was knee deep in self criticism for allowing someone else to take away my hard earned value. Negative, attracts more negative.

I would like you to keep that thought in mind, for anyone who makes an attempt to criticize your dreams, or you as a person.

"Remember the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you."

You know your successes and your achievements. You are armed with your earned Self Respect. An dyou need to ask yourself, and make sure you stand up for yourself, when you ask this very simple question....

"Is there any room for this person's junk on my list of success?"
"Do I have room for this hitchhiker on the trail I am blazing with my desires, and my determination for achieving my goals?"

I will tell you straight up - on your adventure...on your climb...on your quest...with your personal development, the burden of criticism can become a very heavy, exhausting back pack. Did you pack for this trip, or did someone else?

"Remember the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you."

So continues our Victim or Victor series.
You have a choice to make with the value of your time and effort.
Victim? Or Victor?

Stand and ignite your light - so the critics can no longer speak out of turn from the safety of arrogant darkness. Or, you allow them to blindfold you, casting you into darkness, and leading you away from a treasure they don't believe exists.

My fellow Achiever, My fellow Believer - You are much stronger than that.

Good Morning

Pierre Couturier

AYD April 13 - Everybody Loves A Comeback

2010-04-12T21:02:00.000-07:00

It doesn't have to be the bottom of the ninth, down by 3, bases loaded, three balls and two strikes.

It doesn't have to be the last time out with 2 seconds on the clock and only one shot left.

It does not have to be rags to riches, or an all nite cram to get a final exam B+ so you can graduate.

Nor does it have to be that full recovery from life threatening cancer, although that one is always special.

The point is, that it does not have to be earth shattering, news making, nation wide thrill generating circumstances to give value to or define your Comeback.

It can have far more meaning, and be far more personal, far more familiar ... and still make all that impact - to you.

Everybody loves a Comeback.

Especially if it is back, to your fullest potential.

Let's try this again, shall we?

Good morning. Glad to be back, and nice to see you.

Pierre Couturier

Awaken Your Day - Aug 5 - Seeds You Plant

2009-08-04T22:45:00.000-07:00

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."
- Robert Louis Stevenson

Recently it came to my attention, how very little effort it took to create the beginning of a positive interaction in our lives. We made friends with our neighbors. It is not that it was hard, it actually stands out because it was rather easy to do. But the planting of that seed makes you see how much easier life is when you take the moment and the sincerity to do so.

And, of course, as these thoughts passed over my overactive mind, I also thought of the other seeds we have planted...and the positive relationships that make our life more enjoyable because of them. And then, thoughts of those friends who took the time to get to know us first.

It is a very good feeling to carry with you ... when you see the seeds you plant, grow into a solid relationship; working or daily acquaintance or personal friend.

There was a time in my life when I had to honestly say there was really not many people I could count on. Today, I would have to say, I have a "garden" that many would envy.

And I am thankful.

Good morning. Get planting.

Pierre Couturier
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Awaken Your Day - Aug 4 -

2009-08-04T06:05:00.000-07:00

"I am more and more convinced that our happiness or our unhappiness depends far more on the way we meet the events of life than on the nature of those events themselves."
- Karl Wilhelm Von Humboldt

Combine this with the often quoted comment that it is not what happens to us but how we respond to what happens, and you can see that our success in many ways comes down to a practiced awareness.

An awareness of our gratitude for the things we have versus our envy for those things we do not.
An awareness of our passions, and how they motivate us to constantly step forward...big, or small.
An awareness of our achievements - that show us the greatness of how far we have come.
An awareness of how we desire to grow, learn and become rather than hiding in a shell.
An awareness that we are unlimited in what we can do.

When we go thru our days energized by the awareness that we are in charge of our moments, no matter what event we meet - we meet it with our best foot forward and our mind on our true destination. The idea is that a negative event, will then not control you but instead you will have the ability to navigate thru or past it, for you met it with power and not vulnerability. The shadow of the event, will not be allowed to make it look larger and more ominous for you are viewing it with open eyes and mind - which gives you a more direct light source for these moments. You give yourself a better chance to see events for what they truly are, and not what emotion paints them to be.

The impact of an event is lessened, for your response to it is also more controlled. Unless of course it is a great and joyful moment...in which case you might let control go and just enjoy with reckless abandon.

Open your mind to the idea that you begin the day, with all the tools you need to be a great designer of the day that lies ahead, or to be a great handyman if you need to be to fix those moments that do not go so well.

Meet, greet, and respond accordingly.
Each day and event is like one of those kids books, where the choices you make during the story take you to an assortment of alternate endings.

Good morning, and great meetings.

Pierre Couturier
Father, Husband, Author, Entrepreneur, Friend and Believer.
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The Card Connection

Awaken Your Day - July 31 - Are You Rechargeable?

2009-07-31T05:56:00.000-07:00

"Oh, my friend, it's not what they take away from you that counts. It's what you do with what you have left."

- Hubert Humphrey

There is a weekend on the horizon.
One more day of work...just one more day.

I have two things to consider today, both with the same question to follow.

Oh my friend, it's not what they take away from you that counts.

We often encounter someone, or ourselves, that is at this point in the week, somewhat drained.

They wonder if they have enough energy to enjoy the time they get to themselves.

"Where is all that energy I had at the beginning of the week? I felt like 100%!"

Well... let's see...

Work related stress - 20%

Household chores- 10%

Raising children - 15%

Finances and planning - 20%

World News - 5%

Daily unnecessary stress ( traffic, line ups ) - 10%

Left over positive energy to build momentum on - 20%

The question is .... Are You Rechargeable?

"Oh, my friend, it's not what they take away from you that counts. It's what you do with what you have left."

Example number 2:

You have a goal. A dream. Something you believe in and are working on. You started with energy and passion. 110%. Where is it now? Why can you not keep it going? But...But...But...

Let's see.

Not surrounded by like minded people - 20%

Pessimistic attitudes - 20%

Fear - 25%

Distracted or unfocussed passion - 20%

That maybe leaves you ( and I, and so many like us ) with 25% Belief in yourself from where you started. For many, that is being generous.

The question is ... Are You Rechargeable?

Along the way, and along the day we face so many actions and influences that nibble away on our passions and energies. Call them distractions, call them excuses - it does not overly matter. What we need to stay in charge of is our awareness to this life fact. Some of us are in better control of our energies and some of us are still learning how to get to that level. We stand together.

Red Rover Red Rover...we call Inspiration over.

Are you Rechargeable? Do you slowly give up each time you take inventory of your Passion/ Energy level? Are you at a point where you come around the bend for another try but this time you are only starting with 80% total? Then 65%? Then wondering why you try?

Awareness, acceptance or adaptability to setbacks, control over those things that we know will continue to attempt to drain our energy. These are your tools. Don't act surprised ... just use your tools.

Are you tired?
Are you a Victim ... or a Victor?

Are You .... Rechargeable?

Good morning.

All systems go.

Pierre Couturier
Father, Husband, Author, Entrepreneur, Friend ... & Believer.

Awaken Your Day - July 30 - To Grow or Not to Grow

2009-07-30T07:23:00.000-07:00

"And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."
- Anais Nin

Sadly, many of us do not even know that we are living so tightly in our familar and secure bud.

I am an example of one who wishes he had explored a little more. I do not mean all of a sudden one day I wish I just decided to go bungee jumping or skydive. It is extreme thoughts like that that discourage many people from the simple act of thinking of what "blossom" might mean to them because they see it as a drastic change.

I just wish to encourage you to take some time NOW to grow. Grow in any amount, at any speed that suits you. But Blossom you should...Please.

Take a class.
See something new.
Read a book.
Try new foods.
Learn to swim.

Just open yourself to something you want to experience. Expose yourself to new sights, sounds, smells.

A day, or many days do come.... when we far too often say, "I wish I would have..."

I did it this morning, and now it is time to erase a wish from my "Is it too Late?" list.

Good Morning.

Pierre Couturier

Awaken Your Day - July 28 - A Duel

2009-07-28T05:50:00.000-07:00

Quick, short and simple today.

I challenge you to a duel...or should I say I invite you to participate in a duel. Between the "Have" and "Have Not". Between the "I Want...I Wish... I Need" and the "I Have...I Did.... I Acheived".

Everytime you see something today that you want, or you think of something you need ( training, material thing, feeling ) I want you to list - yes...actually write down - something that you have already achieved .

For example - I wish I could have a new car. And... I bought and have paid off my old car.

Our mission today...is simply to recognize the skills we have already displayed to get to where we are and to have attained steps and things that we wanted in our lives. Once we recognize that we already have the skills to achieve, we can begin to push ourselves to reach for the next level of our goals.

In recognizing our achievements we stand a better chance of harvesting further belief in ourselves and our abilities to grow further.

Good morning, and may you be pleasantly reminded by a large list.

Pierre Couturier

Awaken Your Day - July 27 - 39 Fresh Start

2009-07-27T06:02:00.000-07:00

Milestones.

Not just to reach for, but also they act like a rest area on the dream trail to pause and reflect. You have heard me say numerous times that we need not look ahead and be discouraged by the mountain of a journey before us, rather we need to look back with enthusiasm and express boistrously, "Wow, look how far I have come!!"

Hitting a milestone in age always causes one to reflect; and often that reflection hilites regrets.

We cannot do this.

My wife asked my yesterday if I was happy with where I find myself at this stage of my life. I told her I am thrilled where I am with my marriage, and our child, but I admitted that I had a few things I would have liked to have put more energy too. In saying that, I was happy to realize that I was not dwelling on regrets of incomplete attempts; instead I was calmly identifying those few things where I could improve my effort for the next push - but the dream was not dissolved. My awareness was and is my companion.

I have far too many blessings to be feeling self pity, or self anger for things I did not complete.

Milestones.

I turn 39 years old today. 39. I find it hard to believe. Where did the time go? What have I done? What do I long to do? How much time is there left for me? Have I found my skills? Have I touched my inner belief ? Can I share my passion? Am I successful?

39? Really?

"A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams." - John Barrymore

I have defied the odds in my lifetime.
A few times. Definitively. Luckily.

So I am only mildly surprised as I discover how I feel this morning, and ... for the first time, it is really sinking in. I do not feel 39.

I do not feel lost. Nor panicked. And I do not feel like it is a race now to accomplish something because of this number. No. Instead I feel quite different than I expected. I know I am where I am because of decisions I made along the way, and I know that where I will be tomorrow will depend on the decisions I make now, moving forward from this marker.

It may have taken me this wonderful journey to now, to properly see the vibrant picture layed out before me - but at Mile marker 39 - I truly feel like I am just warming up.

How fitting is it for me, that this next stage begins on Opportunity Monday?

Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen....we are starting the engines.

Pierre Couturier
Father, Husband, Author, Entrepreneur, Friend... and Believer.

Awaken Your Day - July 21 - Do you see what I see?

2009-07-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

"The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning."
-Ivy Baker Priest

What does Ivy's comment mean to you?

It's not the end of the world.
Whenever one door closes, another opens.
Find the positive in every negative.

I am a firm believer that we all receive and process messages in our own way. We all paint a different picture in our minds even though we have heard the same words. The meaning you may not grasp today, you will when it is painted differently tomorrow or a year from now with a different sentence. And maybe that is right when you need to find your own understanding of the message.

I like the way Ivy put this today, for it gives me a simple, yet easily referenced picture that tells me a thousand words of reassurance. Like the old association techniques for remembering things, I can, in a moment of anger or maybe despair, I can picture a blue world, and I will then think 'round', and then 'no beginning, no end' and then 'flow' from this negative moment into a new one and I can think 'end of one chapter, and the turning of the page,' and so on.

I can draw on this resource, no matter how fast my real world is spinning out of control. And I can draw a full breath, clear my head and calm the waters before I ride the rapids into the day.

We find our messages in different paintings by the same artist. That is what makes us unique.
That is what keeps the dawn always coming around.

The world is round. I may come to the end of a road ... but I am sure that is a path I see up there to the left. I wonder where it goes.

May you encounter a new beginning today, in anything you need to.

Pierre Couturier

Awaken Your Day - July 17 - Christmas in July

2009-07-17T05:36:00.000-07:00

"I wish we could put some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month."
- Harlan Miller
Borrowed from "Chicken Soup for the Soul - The Wisdom of Dads"

I often wonder why it is that joy, or intensity seems to increase more drastically at specific times and in certain ways as to reinvent interest is something and bring us to "the edge of our seat."

Like playoffs during sports like Hockey. They always seem to play so much more focussed at THAT time of year. "This is Playoff hockey!" I would like to see them play that strongly all year.

Like the last two minutes of any football game...when all of a sudden that final drive to win the game produces the most exciting and well played football of the entire afternoon. Where was that excitement for the first 58 minutes?

Like when we hit rock bottom, and we have no choice but to focus on nothing but climbing up, and we generate a success story.

It drives me crazy as I wonder again, WHY can they not play that intense throughout the game? Why can we not focus on success before we are get so low? Why THEN does it mean something enough to bring out the best in who we are and what we do?

And so... Christmas in July.

Why must I wait until December to capture the famed "Christmas Spirit"?

Ignore the gift giving as that is not what this is about. The energy. The feel good, the love thy neighbor, the jolly, the music the thinking of others. "Hey Bill, have a Merry Friday, July 17th. Why? Well, because you can, and should." And Bill thinks, "What is wrong with you? It is July, not December. You can't get away with acting like that in July. Merry Friday?!! What? No. We don't do that. It's December...it's always been December, And give me back my lawnmower."

Is it because Christmas is a predetermined mind set? Is it because we are told that at THAT time we SHOULD feel this way and so THAT becomes what IS? It helps that Christmas is filled with this labelled support and focus and like minded people. Surrounded by Like Minded People... is that not one of the fundamental elements to Success? Success of any goal or idea or thought or feeling.... surround yourself with those that think like you.

When the setting is laid out for us, it is almost like Permission to be a part of the Joyful Atmosphere. It is Christmas, therefore I am Christmasy. We simply "role" into it.

So... who says we cannot adopt this wonderful emotional frame of mind...this expressed goodness and joy.... why cannot we adopt this and parallel it anytime. "Role" into it. Put aside the gifts and the main theme of Christ for the moment, as this is just plain and simply touching on the Spirit of the Holidays. Choosing to spread good Cheer...because we can and should.

Let John and Susan break into the Beach Boys at the office; because it is Christmas in July and summer beach songs would be the Carols of summer. In fact...I dare you to go summertime caroling. Go on, get some friends and knock on doors and break into song.

"Let's go surfing now, everybody's learning how. Come on and safari with me....come and safari with me."

Just think of it. The spirit of Christmas in July.
Just imagine the changes you could make with a simple phrase at this time of year.

That guy that just apologized for his bad manners in traffic..."Hey, it's okay. It's Christmas."
That new temp at the office that just shredded instead of copied your file..."Hey, it happens. Don't worry, it's Christmas." ( Watch the face on that one...it would be priceless.)

Or you, taking a moment to stop your busy life, and pick up the phone to catch up with friends and family and to wish them well ... because it is Christmas.

A predetermined mind set. Like minded people.
Invent it anytime you want to....don't wait for December, when today is right here.
Open a jar of Christmas on somebody.

Have a fantastic weekend, and a very Merry Christmas in July.

Pierre Couturier
http://www.thecardconnection.ca/
Father, Husband, Author, Entrepreneur and Friend.

Awaken Your Day - July 14, A Shared Value

2009-07-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

"Children have more need of models than of critics."
- Carolyn Coats

While being a new dad may afford me the opportunity to ramble on and on, day after day about the wonders of a child, and the newly discovered effects they have on all aspects of our lives ... I find I am intrigued to share with you first the parallels I am discovering between many of the comments and thoughts about children and life as an adult.

You see, I have tripped over a few things that appear to be common opinion when considering our children ... that really should be continually applied to our adult life.

Today's expression for a strong example.

When it comes to our children, or children in general, it is like an immediate understanding and acceptance that it is so important that they receive good influence, and guidance, and that we promote their little spirits in so many ways. They need time to be young, and cute, and silly and to learn and to see the world with wide eyes and dreams beyond dreams. We tell them they can be anything they want to be, and we preach to our friends that with our children, "things will be different than when I was a child."

When it comes to our kids, we expand our mind to capture awareness and ideas to offer them every opportunity to succeed and to find happiness in their youth, and their career paths and in picking good friends, and finding love, and ... and ....

And when did we stop opening the door to all of these wonderfully life altering thoughts for ourselves?

What is worthy of giving to our children, to bring out the best of the world for the best of them ... why do we not keep pursuing this for ourselves with as much focus to how important it is now as well?

Models and critics. One example.

Do you not need more of a mentor and role model, than you need people criticizing your work, your desires, your dreams? A rough day at the office can be like a rough report card day.

If we embrace what we demand for our children, and remember that the value of these thoughts and impressions on their little hearts and minds carries forward to be a value label on ours as well...

would we not continue to be a better role model in our more well embraced happiness?
Just like the same action allows them to be a more happy and adventurous little spirit...

Just a thought for a Tuesday...may it awaken something in you.

Good morning.

Pierre Couturier
Father, Husband, Author, Entrepreneur...and Friend.

Awaken Your Day - July 9 - Better & Happier

2009-07-09T05:14:00.000-07:00

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier."
- Mother Teresa, 1910-1997

Easier said than done?
Sometimes maybe.
But if you are finding your way, one step at a time, and you are becoming more and more whom you wish to be, one step at a time ... then really, all you have to do is be the best self you are trying to be, and those that meet you will leave better and happier for meeting you.

Idealistic thinking maybe. But I am allowed, and so are you.

It would be nice to know you are that person at work that brightens the day for those around you; even when they don't realize it until they see you.
It would be nice to know that a friend, in a time of need, thought that just speaking to you would maybe bring the peace they cannot find within.
It would be nice to know that people speak fondly of you when you are not around, and that the vote is unanimously in your favor.
It is always nice to know that you made a difference.

All of that, just by being the "You" you try to be. Your dedication to enhancing your day, shines in your actions...and from that others become better, and happier just being around you.

Thanks for sharing, now go out there and share your influence.
Good morning.

Pierre Couturier
Father, Husband, Author, Entrepreneur, and Friend.