You can find several powerful lessons in A Touch of Gray by Lou Vickery (Amazon). The main one is the story of relationships built on who you are instead of societal barriers. Another lesson inspired me based on the author’s story on what got him inspired to finish the book. “Coach Lou” as I call him (a...

Many of us hold back, sometimes unconsciously, on pursuing dreams—because of fear.  We sometimes dwell on possible negative results like failure or embarrassment.  Coaching clients and seminar students often say that they stay in their “comfort zones” too much because of “what people might think” if they tried something special. Consider the people you admire most—they...

Parents, teachers, mentors–this can be a resource for your influence on students/loved ones Consider these two sets of best practices for your best-self strategy, which summarizes how you do your best and can be used to coach others who ask about how to do their best (“Mom/Dad/Teacher, you keep telling me to do my best;...

Be your best-self and be happy...

Two organizations known for vetting before they honor someone or use in a broadcast–the Reagan White House and the Jeopardy Television program, both, call Raymond Weeks of Birmingham the “Father of Veterans Day.” You can see the clip (1 minute) and/or or pass to a teacher or journalist: To see more: Tribute to the Founder...

1945: WWII ended. As November 11 approached, many thought Armistice Day (1918) should change to honor veterans of all wars, not just WWI. 1946: Raymond Weeks of Alabama took action, leading a delegation to the Pentagon and gaining support from General Dwight Eisenhower for “National Veterans Day 1947” showing him a draft program for the...

Focus on the summit more than on the distance up the hill. The statement is in my constitution, and reading that statement this morning provided an inspiring reminder. I am reviewing and improving my constitution to provide as a sample at the Life Leaders workshop: “Draft the Constitution of You.” When we internalize meaningful life...

Constitution Day and Citizenship Day is a combined event observed in the United States on September 17. This event commemorates the formation and signing of the Constitution of the United States on September 17, 1787. It also recognizes all who, by coming of age or by naturalization, have become US citizens. The founding fathers believed in...