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

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

Friday, October 5, 2012

AYD - October 5, 2012 - Planning Makes Perfect

"Most people spend more time planning their summer vacation than planning their lives."
- Source Unknown

This point does not need alot of explanation to hit home, or to make the connection.

Think about a vacation you took.  First, it was a "vacation".  The word represents a book of emotions and feelings and motivations.  Time away to from your routine to enjoy.  Time to see someone or something that is exciting and you are not always able.  Something to look forward too.  Something of value.

We plan ahead.  We anticipate.  We feel good now thinking about being there then.  We get excited thinking about the result.  We put in extra effort to plan it, pay for it, get ready for it, and to make sure we have a checklist of actions and plans to make the big plan successful.

Why should setting our goals be any different?
Why do we settle into a routine in our life and accept that as, "The way it is", and live anxiously for those "insert vacation here" moments?

Where is the parallel we need to make, between the energy we fertilize for a vacation...and the energy we SHOULD fertilize for a life changing goal or skill or financial plan or education or .... the list goes on. 

The planning takes the same amount of energy.

Sometimes I like to sit and ponder how I miss these obvious connections.  I like it because then I see them, and I give them time to grow ... and instead of regret, I feel gratitude that I see it now.

I get excited planning a trip for my wife and son, and today I am excited planning out my fitness goals so I can be a more healthy husband and father....for my wife and son. 

All it takes ... is a few moments to see why we apply so much of ourselves to one idea to get a refreshing result... and pick up that template of thought and apply it to another chapter of our life for the same kind of benefits... ( and potentially lasting a lifetime).

 

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

AYD - Oct 3, 2012 - Only You Can Measure Your Desire

"Where success is concerned, people are not measured in inches, or pounds, or college degrees or family background; they are measured by the size of their thinking."
- David Schwartz

If you think you want to make or save $10, your mind will think of ways and means to get to $10.
Collect some bottles. 
Check the couch for change.
Clip some coupons in grocery flyer.

If you think you want to make or save $1000, your mind will push past previous limits and think of larger scale ways and means to get to $1000.
Collect bottles everyday, take your bike and some garbage bags.
Check the part time ads in the paper for some weekend work.
Browse thru all the flyers for additional savings and check the internet for more special offers.
Clean the garage and see what you can sell off.
Ask about overtime at the jobsite.

The size of our goal, automatically increases the size of our thoughts on the possiblities and opportunities to achieve.

This is a basic example, but it shows you that we limit our own efforts by thinking to the limits of a situation or moment.

If you have a project at work, do not just meet the deadline because then we pace our efforts to arrive Just In Time.  Beat the deadline, and then step back and list the benefits of giving more thought and energy up front.

If you have a goal you wish to achieve, do not just think of it;  write it down.  Give it legs by listing the steps you need to address.  Break it into sizable and achievable pieces... and watch your energy meter pulse as you see the clarity from more sizable amounts of productive thinking.

Think beyond the general outline.  Look thru the finish line to a spot 10 meters beyond, and make that your goal. 

Expand your thinking, expand your success, expand your appreciation for what you gain and achieve.  It has a very nice flow to it.

If you will excuse me, I need to practice my own words ... and focus on an overdue project.
Good morning...
Great thinking with you.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Thinker.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

AYD - October 2, 2012 - I Am, So Others Can See

"Be the change you want to see in others."
- Ghandi

Quite simple really.
Do not give in, or give up.  Be who you want to be, and by being the image of the better person, you influence others around you. 

By being an expression of the quality person you want to be, you influence others that are drawn to those qualities in your personality. 

One of the key elements to overall success is surrounding yourself with like minded people.  By being the best you for you,  others find that they can be themselves around you, and your personal success not only attracts others that are like you, but it opens the door for people to feel good, and explore the scary waters of just being themselves.

Again, I share with you my thoughts... "Are you waiting, or are you creating?"

Good morning.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author... And studying my reflection.

Monday, October 1, 2012

AYD - Oct 1, 2012 - One Mighty Step, and then Another

"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another."
- Walter Elliot

Keeping the goal in sight.
One more step is one more victory.
There is someplace you need to be.
There is some objective you must reach.
A race to better your own time.
A conversation to better a relationship.
A breath to regain composure before tackling the situation again.

A hard day at the office.
A toddler that is in the middle of the defiant stage of growth.
A set back in finances.
A, "What else can go wrong?!" kind of day.

When the going gets tough....
The tough focus on the next step that must be taken.
The tough remember that there is something greater to look forward to than this one moment of difficulty.

There are peaks and valleys to every "race" we sign up for.

Gain momentum while we enjoy the peak, and reflect on it and the wonderful view from that height, while you race thru the valleys that test our spirit, and our focus on what really matters.

It is a Monday, and for the faithful, you will remember that we call this, Opportunity Monday. 

Lead your races, all of them.  Lead by choice over peaks and thru the valleys.
Do this for you.  But enjoy watching the sign on sheet as others follow your lead.

Opportunity Monday.
Lead the way please.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author.... Endurance Achiever in Training

Thursday, September 27, 2012

AYD - September 27, 2012 - "I Did It !"

"Nothing is so embarrassing as watching someone do something that you said could not be done."
- Sam Ewing

You can think of a time when this may have happened.  You can think of how you might have felt.  Really, it may have been simply at the time that you did not know the How, so when you attempted you felt it could not be...BUT when you were shown How...you enjoyed finding out that it could be done.

Often times in life we must be somewhat careful with messages we received.  So much of the meaning is interpreted by an emotion driving perception.  Do not focus on the wrong feeling.

I am reminded daily of how wonderful life must look thru the eyes of a 3 year old.  In my case, our son.  We see moments that we envy in the way a child's mind works, because we see moments where they are not bothered so much by our adult distractions.  This whole topic will be big for me in the coming months as I learn more about the value of their take on events, and how we should adopt some of that innocence again.

But for today, I just want to focus on achievement.  I see a young boy trying to do something for the first time ... maybe after he has seen another child have success.  A new toy, a puzzle, or bouncing a ball.  I see his discouragement and disappointment when it does not go perfect that first time.  I see his little heart breaking.  I see how easy it could be, how easy it is for so many of us, to just give up and feel adamant that it cannot be done or that WE just cannot do it; and whether you deny it or not, even adults sit in a corner and pout.

I see the frustration.  I can relate.  And I want to do what I can to take it away, before he accepts this set back as defeat.  I offer to help, and we do the task one step at a time ... and I witness his success grow a little at a time, and with it his interest to keep trying.  And finally, I get to share in his joy as his voice expands and his eyes light up and he proudly exclaims, "I did it!"  And then he is so eager to go show his mom with a bounce in his step.

We can do that.  We can choose to open our minds to another angle, or approach, right when we are ready to give in and accept less of ourselves than we can really achieve.  Today's statement might trigger your thoughts to think of one particular act, or task, that we then connect to the "lesson".  What if you thought of it in relation to your goals or your dreams.  We try, we hit an obstacle, for whatever reason, we start to swallow the hurt that we cannot find that successful moment ... but someone in this world is doing it, that is, achieving their dream.  They are working toward it, and making it happen.

When you think it cannot be done, when you feel your most discouraged, when your bottom lip sticks out and frustration wants to comfort you into feeling so much more of the same - that is just your dreams telling you it is time to take a breath... to step back, focus, remember why you wanted to do this.  Pause and watch someone else for reinforcement.  Break it down...and try again.

That is what we tell our little ones.  And they get back up and try again.
When it comes to our dreams in life...they can be achieved.  They can be done.

Strive for the moment when you can be like a child, and gush with joy, from the wonderful moment when you can say, " I did it !"

Good morning.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author... and Striving to be a kid again.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

AYD - September 26, 2012 - In the Moment, In the Task

"He that is everywhere is nowhere."
- Thomas Fuller, Chaplain to Charles II of England

If you are like me, there is alot going on in your head, from alot going on in your schedule, with the lot going on that you must get to.  But does there need to be all this stuff?

It may just be that my schedule and my To Do list are a product of my own bad habits in planning.  I make lists so that I dare not forget anything that in the moment I am adding it to my list, is important.  Funny how something so important, makes it to my list, but then I find it on page 6 of that list a week later after I keep adding to the list.

I then find that in reviewing my list, I overwhelm myself with seeing my long list.

And so, I am all over the map of priority.  I am all over the map on overlapping interests, tasks, duties, plans and before you know it, I am back in my chair at home at the end of the day asking, "What did I really accomplish today, other than revisit my list?"

If you are all over, you are spreading yourself thin, and if you really think about it,  you have not moved forward on the progress scale with any significance or momentum building achievement.

Take time to focus on one thing.  When you Think about your list of To Do...do not exhaust your action energy with reading it all over just to get all wound up in where to begin.  Pick a starter task... and apply your all.

If you can sequence your tasks or thoughts so that accomplishing one thing, give you a head start on the next or eliminates duplicate effort...then great.

And now, apply your energy, and at the end of the day, recognize and record your progress.

Gold star for you.  And amazingly, tomorrow looks bright already.

Good morning,

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author, List Attacker

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

AYD - Sept 25 2012 - Think and Step Forward

"Thinking is hard work; that's why so few do it."
- Albert Einstein

Today, I challenge you to take 5 minutes to yourself, and Think.

Focus on You for those five minutes.

Focus on one topic within your happy self.

Think about something you achieved.  Think about the effort you put in to get to that goal.  How you felt along the way.  The two steps forward.  The one step back.  The gains and the set backs.  The rush you felt as you neared completion.  The joy you felt when you succeeded.  Focus on the journey and all the stops along the way both physical and emotional.  Is the path you walked well mapped for you to walk it again?

Think about someone that brings you Joy.  A spouse, a child, a friend or a relative.  Think about the first thing that comes  to mind as you open the door to the thought of them.  Think about the first feeling you feel, and why.  Is there a memory that introduces your feelings to you?  If so, where did that feeling come from?  Walk backwards with the good feelings and find that moment when you first embraced.  Like one of those scenes in a movie where it quickly rewinds and takes us back to the start, so that we understand how we arrived at the Now in our story...Retrace those good steps and revisit the wonders of How and Why you are gifted with these Joy feelings each time.

These steps I ask of you, are to show you the moments and elements that have meaning, and to maybe rekindle your understanding of why they matter.  How our Good has evolved.  If we Think, with intent, we can arrive at a prize moment;  be it from memory, or from new creation of a new idea or plan for more success.

Success is a place with many wonderful apartments to visit.  Think with focus, and you will discover that you might just have keys to the whole building.

Good morning,
Good day,
Successful thinking.

Pierre Couturier
Thinking Husband, Thinking Daddy, Rethinking Author, Thinking...and seeing how I arrived here.

Sunday, July 22, 2012

AYD July 23, 2012 -

"It's not enough that we do our best: sometimes we hve to do what's required."
- Sir Winston Churchill

Opportunity Monday.
Lay out your week.  Get familiar with what you know has to be done.
Now that that is clear, where is the Opportunity to do it one step better?

May you come to understand that better, is but one step further than Standard Procedure.

Good morning, good week.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and ... Stepper.

Monday, July 16, 2012

AYD - July 17, 2012 - Knowing you knowing You.

"If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it."
- Herodotus, 484BC - 430BC

Take a look around you.
Take notice of those that influence your moments, in a way that you do not wish to be an influence.
Be careful not to become something just because your enviroment beckons you to play follow the leader.

Write your own character sketch.
Define how people and peers talk about you, by being You.

Good day to you, and many happy references to the Person you are.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author...and Happy in My Own Skin.






AYD - July 16, 2012 - Review

I have to admit, I was unprepared for this morning.  I got all caught up in the activity of the weekend, and found myself shuffling priorities.  And as usual, time can easily get away from us.

As I began my morning, I found myself and others at the office beginning our day by discussing the not-so-good happenings of the weekend.  I immediately felt some regret.  While I may still be preoccupied with a couple of events on the weekend that were tiring,  there were many that were uplifting.

So with that, might I suggest that before you let a Monday start on the wrong foot, be an example for others.  Review your successes from your weekend....ride that wave and share with others how your good, was greater than any not so good, and add a little spring in your step.

You will show how you can focus on the better side, and you will inspire others to carry on thinking about the sunshine thru the clouds.

Have a great day.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

AYD - July 11, 2012 - They do because I do.

Inspiration can find you anywhere, as long as you are open to receive it.

I was attending the last of my on line classes last nite, which summarizes a personal goal into the success column, and in it...just a few little words struck me as a carry forward.

You are going to ask yourself two little questions today, and you should ask them throughout the day, and you should entertain all the thoughts that will link together and guide you from those two questions.

Consider it an assignment.

Consider it added value for yourself.

Two simple questions with alot of impact.

Can I Motivate Others?

Can I Motivate Myself?

Explore your thoughts on that.  See where it takes you.
Enjoy your travels...I am onto the next station myself.

Have a great day.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Self Motivator

Monday, July 9, 2012

AYD - July 10, 2012 - Finding Value

"Insist on yourself; never imitate... Every great man is unique. "
- Ralph Waldo Emerson


I am aware of my strengths.
I am equally aware of my weaknesses.
 
This self knowledge allows me to understand myself just a little bit more.
And with that, I can be a better man.  
 
The day, as always, is yours to script and yours to enjoy.
I suggest, that your understanding of your value is also.
 
Good morning,
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author ...

AYD - July 9, 2012 - Funny how that happens.

"Today is gone. Today was fun.

Tomorrow is another one.
From here to there
Funny things are everywhere."

-Dr. seuss, One fish two fish red fish blue fish

I used to have more wit.  My sense of humour used to be more readily available..and accessible.
I am now more distracted by other things.  Work, stress, a little complaining, worry, different worry, reruns on my worry and the list goes on.
 
I know I am not alone.  This is a club with many members.
 
Point is, we have to become aware of it, and allow the funny things to be noticed again.
I like a day filled with some good laughs.
I think the day is much more complete with amusement.
 
Take a look around you.  Take a look back in time.
Look under a rock, a dock, your sock,
Or behind the door, and crawl on the floor, look some more,
Under the couch, ask the mouse,
Behind the curtains because I am very certain...
 
From here to there,
Funny things are everywhere.
 
They are not lost, I just may have forgotten how important they are and how they need a bit more of my attention.
 
Good morning,
Have some fun.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Silly Daddy, Author, and Fun Explorer

Thursday, July 5, 2012

AYD - July 6, 2012 - Priority

"Set your sights high, the higher the better. Expect the most wonderful things to happen, not in the future but right now. Realize that nothing is too good. Allow absolutely nothing to hamper you or hold you up in any way."
- Eileen Caddy, Author

No long winded chat today.  Just simply, the weekend is upon us.  Clean up those loose ends at work, tidy up your work area, put things in place for a comfortable restart on Monday morning.

Now, put your priorities in order.
Time for a little You time.  With family, with a hobby, with a book or with a friend...whatever it may be.  But You must Buy In to the idea of investing in quality time.

Good Morning,
Pierre Couturier
Husband ( will make dinner), Daddy ( will play cars), Author ( will read something enjoyable), and Man Off the Clock

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

AYD - July 5, 2012 - Definitions

I would like to start something new here.
I would like to begin occasionally entertaining a word...and then defining it, for what meaning it brings to me at that time.
And then, to actually follow that feeling until I can better define it as well.
The idea being to introduce myself to something new, and challenge myself to something more.

Fearless.

Why not start with a heavy weight?

Is it a description of whom I wish to be?  A memory of whom I once was?
Is it a goal I have to become?
And how is it measured ?  As in, do I wish to be a daredevil and try any adreneline rush new trend... or does it refer to Life encounters, and I am fearless as to what may introduce itself to me today?

Or... just a little afterthought... maybe it can mean when it comes to my dreams, I am fearless about failure, for set backs make me stronger and help position the guide markers on my journey, and I fear nothing will get in my way for my intention is to succeed so I know I will just climb over obstacles anyway.

I like this word...Fearless... and I like how I can wear the idea of it like a coat, or paste it up in my physical environment like a wallpaper. 

I believe I will look a little deeper upon this word, and explore my past for moments that embraced it, and books that may show me how to introduce it to my days.

Definitions - yours to explore, and You to discover.

Good morning, now look deeper within.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy Author and Maybe Fear Chaser.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

AYD - July 4, 2012 -

"The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind. "
- William James, 1842-1910


You can alter your whole life...or
the moment,
the day,
the task at hand,
the path to the goal,
your effort to your dreams,
your expression of feelings,
 
and the list goes on.
 
Pick one thing, or one thought you want to alter for forward growth or progress. 
Challenge yourself to make a choice, and then the alteration of your attitude.
 
Good morning - and may you create something that rewards you.
 
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author, and Friend

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

AYD - June 28, 2012 - Getting Even

"The only people you should get even with are those who have helped you."
- Napoleon Hill

How often do we overlook the importance of a small but significant gesture?
How often do we take little things for granted, without realizing it.
We do not intentionally sluff things off.  We do not intentionally give off the impression that we are not fully engaged in the moment, when someone is speaking, or greeting, or offering assistance at some time of any kind.

So, unintentionally we may give off the impression that little gestures of help, again of any kind, are not all that important or meaningful.

Take a step back from all the distractions, and all of the "busy" in your day.

When you say "Good Morning", be engaged and mean it. 
If someone assists you in the office, with your groceries, at the gas pump, or simply opening a door - Thank them, and be fully in that moment when you express it.

Be engaged.  Get Even with those that have helped you, by giving them and their assistance the reward of your acknowledgement and attention for the full moment.

Paint you a picture - we so often pass a coworker in the hall or in the coffee room...and we so often say, "Good Morning Bob, how are you doing?"

And we so often do not miss a step as we continue down the hall faintly hearing Bob say, "Oh I'm fine...and how about you?"

Say it, mean it, stop and listen to the answer.

Good Morning
Pierre Couturier
Happy Husband, Proud Daddy, Happy Author, and Positive Revenge Seeker.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

AYD - June 27, 2012 - Being the Best You Means Letting It Go

"If you are pained by external things, it is not they that disturb you, but your own judgment of them. And it is in your power to wipe out that judgment now."
- Marcus Aurelias Antoninus, 121 AD to 180AD

I always find it truly inspiring, to catch myself red handed, doing that which I advise others not to do.
I at time fall prey to the lost moments spent ranting about external things that cause me some discomfort. Often these are initiated by my feeling judged by others that have no right to judge.  And I lose more moments vocalizing my discomfort with the misconceptions of others and my lack of desire to create the  conflict to confront it.

And I realize...I have given their misconception more power, by giving it acknowledgement. 

If you are comfortable in your knowledge that these outside judgements do not correctly portray you, then start with THAT acknowledgement, and may your next step be one of progress, and hopefully one not outlined by the lingering moment that upset you.

The guy that cuts you off in traffic does not think of you when he lays his head down at nite.
The lousy customer service you received does not weigh heavy on that individual as they collect their cheque, with or without your tip.
That friend that just does not seem to see their own hipocracy leaping around like a big man on a trampoline, yet can find all of your faults with a spotlight...

You can choose to be directed by the external things, but I must tell you, no matter how good you are at being the best you... there will always be "external things".   So your best action, is to reevaluate your judgement of how much power these things truly have on you.  And then...take that control back.

"It is not what happens to you, it is how you respond to what happens that counts."

Good morning
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author, and Still learning how to operate my own deflector shields...but it is coming.



Monday, June 25, 2012

AYD - June 26, 2012 - Passion Ripples

"When a quiet man is moved to passion, it seems the very earth will shake. "
- Stephanie Barron


Take notice as a person with Energy enters the room.  Energy and passion.  The way they greet new people.  The excited embrace or handshake.

Now, take notice of the people our Energetic friend has touched. It's contagious.  Watch the Energy ripple thru the room.  Note the atmosphere grow, as if blossoming.

Now the party has begun.

Be that Energy.  Let your passion flow thru you just for being in the moment.  Feel your energy transfer to those you touch, to those you share conversation with.

Know that you make a difference.

Ripple.

Good Morning
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author, and Ripple Maker

Thursday, June 21, 2012

"In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary. "
- Aaron Rose

Perspective, is a learned skill and a lifelong asset.
We learn it from life moments.  Lessons learned.  Maturity.
This is why it tastes so sweet and feels so good when we discover within ourselves that our opinions are changing, growing as we grow our experience bank account.

Perception and perspective.

Make them your friends.  Greet them before you invite Reaction and Emotion to the party or debate.

There is so much that we potentially miss because we do not first entertain a more interested analysis of a moment, or situation.

So many of our experiences that we take for granted, and do not even realize their overall value.
Things we have done, or seen.  Moments or feelings we have shared.

Inspiration can find you anywhere, because everything can be seen for it's extraordinary features.
Including you.

Good Morning
Husband, Daddy, Author, and Excited Analyzer.


Tuesday, June 19, 2012

AYD - June 20, 2012 - Self Growth Made Easy

Read.

If you wish to grow, to expand your knowledge, to be more well rounded, it only takes but a simple act.

Read.
Consistantly.  Even a small article per day.  Anything new to you.  Pick up a newspaper or visit one online. 
Read an article in one of the many magazines in the doctor's office, or a that flyer left in your door advertising how air conditioning works.

It takes a small step, done regularly, to expose your awareness to new adventures and a checklist of countless little things that "I never knew."

Just like the 'Ah Ha' you might get from watching that television show about how things are made, you will surprise yourself with alot of little bits and pieces of interesting, yet never sought after knowledge.

And by my definition, this little gesture of reading a little something different each and every day, is self leadership with a result of growth.

Try it.  You may find answers you did not know you were looking for, but ones that bring satisfaction in now knowing.

Go forth and multiply your wisdom.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author, Growth Experiment

Monday, June 18, 2012

AYD - June 19, 2012 - A Penny Saved...

"If you would be wealthy, think of saving as well as getting. "
- Benjamin Franklin, 1706-1790

Another way to consider the same message is, "It's not how much we make, but how much we spend..."

I am not sure how many people have quoted that, or make a living off of that simple philosophy, nor do I recall exactly how it ends... but the bottom line is becoming rich.

So, what have we learned here at AYD over our time together?  Basically that all the wonderful advice in the world is not limited to the obvious subject it is presented for. 

Being rich is not just about financial wealth.  Saving does not just refer to money.

For a fresh perspective today, allow us to consider Ben's ( yes, we are on a first name basis) advice, and apply it to our Energy.  Specifically our stressed out, venting, positivity draining ... negative energy. 

Save it.  Not for a rainy day, not for retirement, not for safe keeping.  Just save expressing it.  Should you find yourself about to spend some of your negative energy in an expression of stress, or frustration maybe, just hang onto it.  Hang onto the Energy that it takes to express it.  Put the cap back on and take a deep breath.  Fill your lungs with it.  Release it long and slow...and with it, let the frustration trickle out just a little.

Saving energy that we might spend on negative expression, will add up to alot more in our emotional bank account later in the moment, the hour or the overall day.  Let the pressure moment stop at a chosen point but do not allow the whistle to blow.  Take a deep breath when you need to, and advise yourself that you have reached your limit.

Take a walk.  Take a deep breath.  And consciously tell yourself that you have spent all you are going to on this transaction.  Next take a look at your energy levels.  Feel how rich you are.  Only when you can tell yourself that you feel richer for taking this action, then you can calmly revisit the situation that threatened your positive energy savings.

Know when to save your expressions, and reinvest them in a more calm moment to approach an overpriced negative situation.

Good morning, good energy management.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Energy Day Trader


Friday, June 15, 2012

AYD - June 15, 2012 - Use the Little Spoon

A simple change in approach, and I get more conscious enjoyment out of something simple.

If I use the little spoon to enjoy dessert, I take smaller bites but I am more conscious of the flavor and enjoyment of each small spoonful.  The pleasure lasts longer.

Maybe this would work with my goals.  Take smaller pieces and enjoy the task at hand with my mind more aware of this little bit instead of the whole "bucket of ice cream".  And the success tastes sweeter.

Maybe this would work with my chores.  Break them down to smaller more manageable pieces so I could see my progress gradually grow and recharge my focus and momentum as I see myself accumulating my completion of what was a big dreadful anticipation.  And the success feels more satisfying.

Funny how things connect...and one discovery in an unrelated experience can be your teacher to more substantial efforts.

Might that be something to carry forward to your weekend plans.

Just a thought.
Just a little spoonful thought.
Little by little - we shape this masterpiece that is within us.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy on daddy's day, Author, and Hiding from Overwhelming Lists.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

AYD - June 14, 2012 - Little by Little

Little by little.
Just a little commitment, and then the same, a little attention and then the same.  I do not have to take great leaps.  I do not have to apply unnecessary pressures to take big steps that leave me unbalanced, or not feeling ready for my next.
Little by little, and I will achieve my greatness.  I will achieve my goal, and when I do I will gather in more confidence, and this in turn will offer me ... a little more of each of my steps that led me to it.

As I revisit this passion of being here each morning, and as I rekindle my expression and need for it, I find my thoughts once again running on the familiar paths that I had carved out some time ago.  I find I am discussing my beliefs in AYD and in the philosophy we share here.  I am finding my like minded self, which I had hidden behind busy on the second shelf behind urgency and clutter.

Little by little I am reinventing this specific happy place, and once again moving forward to a desire that had shown itself to me.  I feel I am getting stronger, and growing wiser within the dream.  I am able to feel it again, even if it is just for me.

And such it is with any of us, and any of our goals that we may have put on pause.  It just takes a little attention, to a few little details, and slowly you can feel the pieces of the original puzzle start to make their way back to the center of the canvas.  Paint strokes of the pictures we created in our mind start to brighten again, and we pay more attention.  Little by little. 

If you take the time to slowly retrace each element of a dream you just you just let sit to the side, remember each piece of your previous efforts ... you get the enjoyment of the rush again. 

Reliving is fun. Revitalizing is rewarding.

Think not of why you stopped dreaming or working toward that which made your heart beat stronger.  Just pick up where you left off.  Run your mind around it again, little by little.

Now ... no pressure.  No push plans to make up for lost time.

Enjoy the focus.  Feel the passion.  And begin again, with just a little.

Have a wonderful day.
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author, And still a believer.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

AYD - June 13, 2012 - When Draining Fast, Reset !

"I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."
- Robert McCloskey

Somedays start off in a cloud of confusion.
Maybe right out of bed.
Maybe in those first 15 minutes at the office.
It's all the same.
And we find ourselves almost shaking our head in hopes of realigning the puzzle pieces before we have to say, "Can I have a do-over?"

Close your eyes tight, and click your heels together about 42 times. 
Nope...still here.

Okay, so just stop when you recognize things getting carried away. Stop.  Breathe.
And, for a moment, gather up the confusing pieces and quietly, mentally, put them into some sense of order for yourself.  Calmly identify all the things you are trying vainly to focus on at the same time....but do it one at a time. Breathe.

We must take these few moments to get our bearings,  even when we are in the trenches and the battle around us rages on.  We need to pause for Burn Out stages identification.  Connect with the moment, and then retake control of it.

It starts with recognition and awareness, while it ends with you calmly hitting a reset button.

Your morning, your rules.
"Pardon me Mr. Smith, but if we continue like this, I'm going to lose it !  Reset !"

And away we go.
Good morning

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author, Starting Line Painter.

Monday, June 11, 2012

AYD - June 12, 2012 - Hi ! What's new?

Inspiration can find you anywhere.
So I was not surprised today to find it tapping me on the shoulder from a simple moment that we live quite often.

I spoke with a friend today that I had not spoken to in some time.  And, right on cue, the thought entered my brain to ask, "What's new with you?"

As I was reflecting on our friendship this evening, and my question, my mind started to go back over memories of then, and knowledge of my friend's "now".  I smiled at how the changes he has made have made him happier, and opened new doors that he may have missed had he not ventured out and pursued his goals.  I wondered if he thought of who he was just a few years ago.  How things change.

And then the little "Ah hah" moment came to me.  And I asked myself the same question I had posed earlier. "What is new with you?" 

We answer it all the time in convesation, but really, it is just a quick summary that we give to others in a conversation that is meant to be a bullet point response and a few "Good for you"'s and then off to the next topic or on to our destination.

What do you suppose you would say if you could ask yourself the question, and then ease back and relax while you reviewed the details of all that is new with you.

Take a few moments to yourself today, and run a thought or three past the last 5 years of your life.  You need only focus on the accomplishments.   How far have you come?  What bridges did you cross?  What value did you give, and what value do you now recognize all around you? Who are you?

What's new with you?
And please, take your time in enjoying the story you tell.

Good morning.
Pierre Couturier
Happy Husband, Sensitive Dad, Proud Author, and Visitor of Memory Lane

Sunday, June 10, 2012

AYD - June 11, 2012 -

"I am here and you will know that I am the best and will hear me. "
- Leontyne Price

Acknowledge your achievements.
On a Monday morning, the start of the week, the emotional hurdle for many;  dare I, dare you, to say those words to yourself in the mirror before you step forward to greet the day.

Not everyone can be bold and outspoken and portray or express this level of confidence for all to see and hear.  Many of us feel awkward tooting our own horn.  But do not let that stop you totally.

Should you give yourself a pep talk in the mirror or in the car or in your head....who is going to know?  Who will tell on you?  Who will be there to judge you for your own hype? 

Noone.  Just you.  So it then is correct to say, that we stop ourselves from promoting ourselves, to ... ourselves.

Believe your own hype, acknowledge your greatness...but to do it, you have to believe it.

Tell the world, or just tell you.  Loud and proud, or silent and strong within.  Announce you, believe you, and do it again...and again... and again.

Good morning.
"I am here and you will know that i am the best and will hear me."

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy playing Lego, Author, and Personal Announcer



Thursday, June 7, 2012

AYD - June 8, 2012 - To Grow or Not to Grow

"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
Originally posted July 30, 2009

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
Husband, Daddy, Author Self Leader


Wednesday, June 6, 2012

AYD - June 7, 2012 - Out of the Blue, A Smile

"If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. A man should keep his friendships in constant repair. "
- Samuel Johnson, 1709-1784

I truly love to find advice from a period in life that we have never experienced, and yet the advice is just as true and effective now as it was then.  I feel these are some of our life's absolute truths.

In the last couple of weeks, I have been fortunate enuf to get in touch with no less than 5 old friends and coworkers.  All of these people and I shared moments that are positive reflections to be remembered fondly.

I think today, I will have to skim thru my old email addresses...send out an invitational "Hello, how have you been?", and see if I can brighten a day other than my own.

Whose voice would you like to hear?  Who would like to hear from a memory you created?

Good Morning.

Pierre Couturier
Happy Husband, Blessed Daddy, Author and Long Long Friend


Monday, June 4, 2012

AYD - June 5, 2012 - Better U R, Better U Feel

"The secret of joy in work is contained in one word - excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it. "
- Pearl Buck, 1892-1973

Maybe we need to start with 'Excellent Patience' so that we might endure our learning curve until we get to doing things well.  Or...and this is just a wild crazy left field thought...we could be aware when we start that to get really good at this thing we will have to put in the time and effort to learn it.  And, stay with me as this might get a little crazy...maybe we could just tell ourselves we are going to .... wait for it... Enjoy learning, and not expect perfection the first time we apply ourselves to it?! 

Kind of a risky way of thinking you might be saying... but... What If it worked? Wouldn't you be surprised?

But silliness aside, professional sports players were not perfect the first time they played.  Famous musicians had to work hard to sound great.  Teachers had to teach, drivers had to drive, husbands had to listen, and so on and so on.

With applied passion, all things we do, we become better at.  With applied passion.
Compare yourself to the first guy who ever had to rub two sticks to make fire in a cold damp cave.
With applied passion, and purpose, you feel pretty good when your efforts produce success.

You may feel uncomfortable doing tasks at a new job, but this will feel better as you learn the ropes.
You may feel discouraged taking on a new sports activity, and if you let yourself enjoy it while you grow your skill, I think you will get better, and enjoy faster.

There are countless examples..and they all count.  "Whatever you are, be a good one."

Apply yourself to the art of Applying Yourself.

I will if you will.  Start now.  I will go to the office and apply my efforts to that Software application.
What do you want to Apply to?  What will make you smile once you have mastered it?

Awaken Your Day - with Mastery on the mind.
Good Morning

Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Daddy do you wanna play cars?", Author and Seeker of Patient Learning Within



Sunday, June 3, 2012

AYD - June 4, 2012 - Listen to You Speak

"Conversation is an art in which a man has all mankind for his competitors, for it is that which all are practising every day while they live. "
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you can master the art of speaking and combine it with a mastery of the art of listening, it would not be vain of you to think you had just increased your chances at assorted fortunes.

So, for Opportunity Monday, may we suggest you simply start by becoming more aware of your listening skills, or lack of.  As well, Listen to the conversations of others, and play a friendly game with yourself in trying to determine how point may have been better made.

And assignment if you wish to accept it.
Do your best to not feel the urge to repeat yourself today.  That's it.  Try to be aware of that one exercise and see how it affects how you get your comment expressed, the first time.

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


Thursday, May 31, 2012

AYD - June 1, 2012 - Be a Contribution

" Strolling along the edge of the sea, a man catches sight of a young woman who appears to be engaged in a ritual dance.  She stoops down, then straightens to her full height, casting her arm out in an arc.  Drawing closer, he sees that the beach around her is littered with starfish, and she is throwing them one by one into the sea.  He lightly mocks her: "There are stranded starfish as far as the eye can see, for miles up the beach. What difference can saving a few of them possibly make?"  Smiling, she bends down and once more tosses a starfish out over the water, saying serenely, "It certainly makes a difference to this one."
- Passage from 'The Art of Possibility' - Chapter 4, Being a Contribution

Sometimes, a little goes a long way.  And if we all believe it, our 'little' compounds with the little offered by others.  It all adds up.  You might be the one that starts it.  You may never know, if your contribution was paid forward by another, but if you feel it, if you believe that it is, then you will feel better about making another contribution.  And there is another way, that your first contribution carries on making a difference.

I only ask that you just take a moment with your thoughts of today's little passage.  Reflect on some little contribution you have made...and enjoy being the contributor as much as someone appreciated your contribution.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author, Contributor

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

AYD - May 30, 2012 - Listen to Yourself

"Most of the successful people I've known are the ones who do more listening than talking."
- Bernard Baruch

The word Success, does not have to come with a mental picture of a mansion and possessions and a pile of money.  Success...is achieving your results, and sometimes it comes in small, unnoticable writing on the wall.

Talking, is also a word that does not have to mean what you normally picture.  You do not have to be verbally speaking to anyone, or standing on the street corner talking passionately to air.  You may just find yourself with alot of inner "talking" going on.  Have you ever gotten really quiet, like middle of the nite noone around for miles quiet, and wished you had a volume button for all the chatter going on in your own head?

Did you ever consider how many conversations we have with ourselves...all....day....long? Constant, impolite, pushy, know it all, self made chatter. It is even more annoying when you find yourself repeating...yourself...to yourself.



It is these conversations, these talks, that distract me from more active, and progressive listening.

When your head gets so busy that you are interupting you - pause for station identification...and just let one side speak, and the other side listen like it was a beautiful harmony.  One melody of thought.  The rest will wait their turn. 

You will accumulate more successful moments listening to one idea,  and making the others raise their hands to speak.

Good morning,
Shhh...the voice said go back to bed.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author, Thought Conductor

Monday, May 28, 2012

AYD - May 29, 2012 - You Have What You Need

"Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen, but give us the determination to make the right things happen."
- Horace Mann - 1796-1859, Education Reformer and Politician

There are hundreds of books I am sure about Goal Setting. Tons and tons of dialogue about sitting down and identifying your goal, ask yourself the “Why?” of it, and list the steps you will take to get there.

I have often said here that you then need to look at each step to get to it, and not overwhelm yourself with the intimidation of the Whole Goal. Celebrate each step forward and build your self belief, and your momentum driving you on to the next step; bringing your objective into view.

Today I felt it was necessary to also discuss taking inventory of the elements you already possess and the need to become familiar with them, so that you can use them to take charge of the starting line of any goal.

Part of this list, I will grant you right away, to help you get started.

Courage. Yes I know you will hear it or have heard people tell you that it, “Takes a lot of courage to do what you are doing.” I just need to ask you, Have you recognized this within? It is not just the courage of stating what you are going to do, rather I am referring to YOU accepting your starting point on the journey. Embracing your beginning point – recognizing it.

For someone wanting to lose weight, it is embracing the number or size or visual representation they see now … and saying, “Okay, now I know where I am, let me see where I can go.”

For someone wanting to run a marathon, it is going for that first run around the block, stopping because you are winded, and saying, “Okay, I know how far I can go away from the car before I am in trouble, tomorrow let’s shoot for 1.5 times around the block.” ( No connection to me here whatsoever.)

For a writer setting a goal of writing a book, it might be simple enuf to accept that you do not know where to begin…and a little research is in order.


Courage to identify and embrace the starting line for what it is, and not to trip over it and look for an excuse to stall. This puts your goal within reach.

Wisdom. The wisdom to ask for help from those who have taken the journey before you and have knowledge to share.

Ignoring the footsteps of someone successful before you is committing Goal Suicide. You may as well admit you are stubborn to a fault if you convince yourself you have to do it on your own for it to mean something. Bull.

I feel you must understand that it is not weakness to call on resources for guidance or experience to get you started on the right foot – it is Triumph. For you are smart enuf to ask for knowledge you need but do not yet have – for the benefit of your goal. You still have to learn it, you still have to adopt and apply the experience to your own circumstances. You still have to measure you own success.

Training for an endurance race, a person with some base knowledge is wise to call on someone with direct knowledge for guidance in training for those elements they are not fully aware of. Take the knowledge, apply to your body, surround it with the goal… and see results start to flourish.

Writing my book, I recognized the opportunity to call upon someone openly offering their expertise, and I saved countless hours trying to find my starting line and relax with my priorities in order. Without that expertise, I would still just have a box of notes tucked behind everything in the closet.

Should you set out on a goal….today, tomorrow…or if you shared a moment with a dream yesterday… before you start to worry…remember you have Courage, and Wisdom to keep your vision clear. Let them set the dial on your determination, and you will see growth with every thought you dedicate to your Goal.

You can do it, and you have all the tools you need to get started.

Good Morning
Pierre Couturier

Husband, Daddy, Author, and Tool Collector

AYD - May 28, 2012 - Opportunity

"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
- Author Unknown

I have quoted this before, but cannot find the author this morning.  The message still holds true. 
And maybe not more on any day than this one;  an Opportunity Monday.
We often have written this day off before it has begun.  In so doing, we have just lost a full day to set our week on track and on schedule to be a great one.

Do not let Opportunity Monday slip by.  Work now, lets your weekend become more relaxed for your efforts.

Good morning.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Fellow Monday Champion

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

AYD - May 23,2012 - Tastes Like More

"Failure is the condiment that gives success it's flavor."
- Truman Capote

Large or small, with each success, pause and remember even one obstacle that challenged you on your way to the achievment.  You will find the moment tastes sweeter for it. 

We must review the trail that leads us to the top, so that we have better skills to plan the next journey.

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author, Apprentice Success Taster

Monday, May 21, 2012

AYD - May 22, 2012 - Where Do I Begin?

There are many demands on our attention and time in these busy and fast changing times.
Many influences, and many distractions that spider web our efforts to focus on those topics with more foundation creating value.

Thankfully, there are times when we find ourselves prisoner to distractionand can recognize it, clarity allows us an unannounced glimpse to the picture.  And, I am not sure about you, but in that moment I often have a conversation with myself that I am also far too familar with.  "Where do I begin?"

When I set my target on my retirement, and financial needs for my family in that far away time, Where Do I Begin?

When I set my target on a Goal I have let slip, and my age has now become a concern, Where Do I Begin?

When I recognize that I must pursue some self betterment in my career, so that my family might benefit from more security and stability, Where Do I Begin?

When I wonder if I am preparing my son, for a life filled with experiences and opportunities, Where Do I Begin?

When I worry that I have become routine, and have forgotten to show my wife she is still the reason my heart keeps beating, Where Do I Begin?

When I ponder the choices I have made, and ask if I have done the best I could to be my best, for me, Where Do I Begin?

This is not the five year plan.  This is not next week, after exams. It is not, a resolution, and it begins after some holiday.  This is not a time for promises, "after things get a little better."

This moment crying out to be fully lived in, is the moment we recognize the topic that leads to the question, Where Do I Begin.

We Begin, right then, in the same moment.  You do not have to map out the entire solution, or solve the mysteries in that very day.  But you must begin, when the emotional connection shows you that you care enuf to ask the question, instead of just walking away.

You Begin, by simply giving it another moment of undivided attention.  Breathe, pick that one topic, and...Begin to create while it is fresh.

It is another day of Opportunity.
Where do I begin?
I believe, I just did.

Good morning,
Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and at the Beginning of many other roles.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

AYD - May 17,2012 - I Like the Wind on My Face

"We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails."
- Bertha Calloway

Quite simply, there are some things in this life that we cannot control. Some conflict or resistance that is not going to be moved by our frustrations.  In those moments we must be strong enuf to recognize the truth for what it is.

In those moments, when you accept the things you cannot alter, you will notice you do have control over your perception of the situation, and these perceptions will help your emotions, and these will help you guide your actions for a more beneficial next step.

Accept that some things in life happen without our permission.
Be the one to influence your reaction before external forces have a chance to win you over.
Adjust your approach, and enjoy your handling of the moment.

Finally, inspire others with how well you manipulate the wind into helping you rather than draining your emotional energy.

"It is not what happens to you, it is how you respond to what happens."

Good Morning

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author, Navigator in training.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

AYD - May 16,2012 - That Reminds Me Of ...

"I got a fortune cookie that said, 'To remember is to understand.' I have never forgotten it. A good judge remembers what it was like to be a lawyer. A good editor remembers being a writer. A good parent remembers what it was like to be a child."
- Anna Quindlen, Author and Journalist

I often refer to reflection as a means to stay aware of our achievements.  A good story of success, from any range of tasks, is a good way to start the next one with positive momentum. 

As I have come thru growth in my awareness, I have been fortunate enuf to find the value in the journey that I have experienced.  All of the hilites along the way, are marked off like page markers in my 'life  made' personal encyclopedia of lessons learned. 

Good times and hard times come together to form the man I have become, and they shape the picture I paint today, for myself, and for my wife and son.

In reflecting on my personal story, I see that I can be ... because I learned me, and I remember all of back then ... as it leads me to now.  I am more, from my lessons of when I was less.

A day may bring you struggles, and you have overcome struggles before.
A day may bring you joy, and it will be more joyful for you have knowledge of how to entertain it.
A day may bring you something fresh, and you will appreciate the new introduction because of past meetings.

A good greeting to the day reminds you of what is all yours to embrace.
This day is yours. Live it comfortably in the imprint of the last, or take it another step.



Pierre Couturier
Husband, "Let's play dad!", Author and Memory Traveller.



Monday, May 14, 2012

AYD - May 15,2012 - How about a Hug?

"To find fulfillment...don't exist with life...embrace it."
- Jim Beggs

Far too often, and yet often too late, we find ourselves in a moment of realization.  We come to a slow motion "ah ha" moment not unlike that movie scene where the actor's face tells you they finally pieced the pieces of the puzzle together, and it usually comes too late.

Only in our scene, we suddenly become aware that a certain amount of one of our most precious resources has some how flown by.  This commodity of time, shows less in the bank, and we question what we were given in return for this undefined investment. Where did it go?  What did we do with it?  How did we spend it? 

And this is when, we face the truth that it was our act of simple acceptance that created the routine expenditure that has now compounded to a measure that we often regret.  An amount we now identify with, as valuable.  An amount that had we invested just a little differently, maybe spread out over many more days, would have yielded a greater return.  Many small investments different from the standard routine, bring us a larger portfolio.... of skills, or knowledge, or memories, and abilities. 

Achieved Goals.
Strings of successes.
Network expansion.
Like minded links and connections.
A greater voice for passions untouched.
Conquered fears.
Conquered doubts.
A path less taken....by ourselves.

Life flies by when you sit and watch the same version of your movie playing over and over.  Life is a rush, when you step up and play the part in your favorite scene.

Embrace something new.  If only for 15 minutes a day.  Just embrace it...everyday.

Good morning.  What will you embrace today?

Pierre Couturier
Husband, Daddy, Author and Friend.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

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

"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.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

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

"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.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

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

“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)

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

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

"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).

Monday, January 9, 2012

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

"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.


Wednesday, January 4, 2012

" 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...

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

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

"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