Awaken Your Day - Aug 30,2011 -

" 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 - July 29, 2011 - I remembered my spare rope.

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 27, 2011 - Action Speaks Louder Than Fear

" 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 20, 2011 - Square One

"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.

"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.

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

"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

Awaken Your Day- Mar 28 2011 - Opportunity Knocking

"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 - March 26, 2011 - Don't Give Up

"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