M.E.'s Thoughts

What is success? A number in the bank? A BMW in the driveway? A job title? We are all taught to strive to measure up. But what are we measuring against? Many of us look at our neighour and think "if I had what they have, then I would be a success; my life would be complete." Yet it is almost guaranteed that our neighbor is looking at the person across the street and thinking the same thing. Success should not be defined by external measures. That will only end in disappointment. No matter how much wealth and status you gain; how much you fight, trample or stress your way to the top, there will always be someone with more. So then, what should success be based on? It is... ...Knowing your value and living up to your potential. ...Discovering your unique "you"; knowing there is no one else in the world that can do something exactly the way you can ...Touching the lives of others; making an imprint on the world. ...Walking through every open door, or cra

So, let’s be honest for a moment. Who ever thought a few years ago that an accounting firm would be using social media and blogs to connect with their clients? Facebook was created for friends to find each other and keep updated on the things happening in their lives. Twitter? A forum for celebrities and individuals to post every little random thought or activity just in case someone out there cared to know they were eating a piece of pepperoni pizza at that moment. But Social Media is growing up; it is quickly becoming a tool for serious business.  Why? Even a few years ago, work-life balance was all the buzz. Health experts and business analysts promoted the importance of creating a good balance between career and lifestyle for mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. However, with the advent of new workplace philosophies, things are evolving at a rapid pace. Companies such as Google and Apple are providing flexible work schedules and recreational facilities on-site that encour

According to a recent report on the radio, 80% of us do not take coffee or lunch breaks during work. Instead, we scramble relentlessly to get the job done. However, as soon as that job is finished, there always seems to be another waiting in the wings. Yes, working tirelessly on a project may be necessary on occasion, but is should not become a way of life. Sometimes allowing distraction to tempt you off track is actually of benefit. Too narrow a focus on a destination in the distance can lead to tunnel vision. Keeping your eyes only on the horizon, you are likely to miss the scenery along the way. Try taking the odd detour; it can sometimes offer a whole new vantage point bringing a fresh perspective. Without a little exploration, there is no discovery. It is easy to allow ourselves to become overwhelmed with our never-ending "to-do" lists; to constantly be looking at what is ahead rather than focusing on the moment. It is true that goals are good, they keep us moving f

The difference between crazy and innovation is that crazy gives up. Every new idea seems unrealistic to most until tried, tested and proven possible. We are taught from an early age to weigh facts, consider odds, anticipate problems. Natural tendency causes us to doubt until something is proven, rather than believe enough to make it true. Human history has demonstrated that we can change the concept of truth with the introduction of rogue ventures. How did we change the fact that the world is flat? That small pox is an epidemic disease that kills? That Pluto is a planet? One crazy person with one crazy idea who would just not give up.

Without the clouds There can be no breaking of the sun Without the rain There would be no rainbows Without the pain There can be no relief Without injury No healing can take place Without failure There is no overcoming Without despair We cannot have hope Without weakness We cannot accept grace Without bondage We cannot experience freedom Embrace life's challenges Even when you are in the valley For atop the next mountain There is a silver lining