Comments on: Get Ahead by being Grateful, Humble, and Hopeful http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/ Chief Morale Officer Kirk Weisler's Thought 4 the Day Thu, 17 May 2012 20:53:17 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2 By: Marria http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-584 Marria Wed, 26 Dec 2007 15:11:40 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-584 Kirk's T4D is just that.... your thoughts for the day. You share your thoughts with us. I'd like to think the majority of us really appreciate your comments and enjoy your comic material. For any who don't appreciate it should simply "unsubscribe". I celebrate Christmas as my "holiday of choice". I wish people Merry Christmas - because it's what I know. (Unless, of course, I am at work, at which time I wish people Happy Holidays, because it is so strongly impressed upon employees to be inclusive and embrace diversity. And we do.) But if you celebrated Hanukkah and said to me "Happy Hanukkah", I wouldn't be offended. I'd smile and say Happy Hanukkah right back. I won't fully express my thoughts and opinions about this topic, but I will say it seems that so many people just search for things to be upset or sensitive about. We need to just get over ourselves, stop taking ourselves so seriously and simply appreciate each other for what we are - human beings. Thank you, Kirk, for your online article. I appreciate it.... and prefer it when you are not just being politically correct. I understand that it's YOUR thoughts for the day...... not the thoughts of all your readers. Hope you had a great Christmas. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Marria Kirk’s T4D is just that…. your thoughts for the day. You share your thoughts with us. I’d like to think the majority of us really appreciate your comments and enjoy your comic material. For any who don’t appreciate it should simply “unsubscribe”.

I celebrate Christmas as my “holiday of choice”. I wish people Merry Christmas - because it’s what I know. (Unless, of course, I am at work, at which time I wish people Happy Holidays, because it is so strongly impressed upon employees to be inclusive and embrace diversity. And we do.) But if you celebrated Hanukkah and said to me “Happy Hanukkah”, I wouldn’t be offended. I’d smile and say Happy Hanukkah right back.

I won’t fully express my thoughts and opinions about this topic, but I will say it seems that so many people just search for things to be upset or sensitive about. We need to just get over ourselves, stop taking ourselves so seriously and simply appreciate each other for what we are - human beings.

Thank you, Kirk, for your online article. I appreciate it…. and prefer it when you are not just being politically correct. I understand that it’s YOUR thoughts for the day…… not the thoughts of all your readers.

Hope you had a great Christmas.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Marria

]]> By: June http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-555 June Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:02:38 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-555 <p>Kirk, My dear friend,<br /> Please, please don't go the safe route and only send me PC material. How Boring! </p> <p>When I read T4D I get your heart not dogma.</p> <p> Must we be in agreement about everything you choose to pass on or can we, on occasion agree to disagree? </p> <p>You have my permission to treat me like a thinking adult and send any material that you fancy. I am<br /> Not threatened by another perspective.</p> <p>Keep up the good work. </p> <p>In closing may I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New<br /> JUNE</p> Kirk, My dear friend,
Please, please don’t go the safe route and only send me PC material. How Boring!

When I read T4D I get your heart not dogma.

Must we be in agreement about everything you choose to pass on or can we, on occasion agree to disagree?

You have my permission to treat me like a thinking adult and send any material that you fancy. I am
Not threatened by another perspective.

Keep up the good work.

In closing may I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New
JUNE

]]> By: "K" http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-554 "K" Fri, 21 Dec 2007 23:58:45 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-554 <p>Hi Kirk,<br /> I considered typing a response for your newsletter but then felt that it would just be taking a dig at people who well we’re sharing their opinion.</p> <p>Your “Thoughts 4 the Day” are well your thoughts…and we have chosen to subscribe to your “T4D” for your thoughts.</p> <p>It’s it unfortunate that that some people took offense to them but the public has chosen to read your T4D’s because of their uniqueness and underlying morals that make a person look inside themselves. </p> <p>You have a gift, a gift to pull at peoples heart strings and don’t forget that.<br /> Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones.<br /> Sincerely,<br /> -K</p> Hi Kirk,
I considered typing a response for your newsletter but then felt that it would just be taking a dig at people who well we’re sharing their opinion.

Your “Thoughts 4 the Day” are well your thoughts…and we have chosen to subscribe to your “T4D” for your thoughts.

It’s it unfortunate that that some people took offense to them but the public has chosen to read your T4D’s because of their uniqueness and underlying morals that make a person look inside themselves.

You have a gift, a gift to pull at peoples heart strings and don’t forget that.
Happy Holidays to you and your loved ones.
Sincerely,
-K

]]> By: Stephen http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-552 Stephen Fri, 21 Dec 2007 23:57:14 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-552 <p>Kirk,<br /> Thank you for these emails. I often look at what you offer the same way I look at the Holiday Dinner Table. I may not like everything on the table and I may not try everything on the table. It sure is nice to be sitting at the table with family and friends. I am grateful for all the work that goes into preparing a meal or an email. Keep on bringing us together and I will continue to sit at your table. :-)</p> <p>I look forward to receiving your emails everyday. Thank you.</p> <p>Merry Christmas to you and your family<br /> Stephen</p> Kirk,
Thank you for these emails. I often look at what you offer the same way I look at the Holiday Dinner Table. I may not like everything on the table and I may not try everything on the table. It sure is nice to be sitting at the table with family and friends. I am grateful for all the work that goes into preparing a meal or an email. Keep on bringing us together and I will continue to sit at your table. :-)

I look forward to receiving your emails everyday. Thank you.

Merry Christmas to you and your family
Stephen

]]> By: Andrea http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-551 Andrea Fri, 21 Dec 2007 23:52:35 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-551 <p>Kirk,</p> <p>It's not you that I'm puzzled by, but by the guy in the video (Stuart Shepard).</p> <p>I grew up Jewish. As a kid in the 50's, the media hardly mentioned Hanukah. I always felt like something was wrong with me, I didn't fit in, because we did not celebrate Christmas.</p> <p>Most of the people on this floor where I work are from India. I know people now who are Hindu, Muslim, Pagan/Wiccan, Agnostic, Atheist, etc., and they are all good people who want to wish others well. Many of these people don't celebrate Christmas. But when someone says Happy Holidays, it is inclusive, and those who do not celebrate Christmas don't have to feel left out.</p> <p>I guess that Stuart is one of those people who thinks that the US is a "Christian Country". Well, what about the rest of us??? Don't we exist, vote, pay taxes, serve in the armed forces, spend $ in the economy, teach young children, etc.? He makes me cringe, because it appears that some of us are invisible or not worthy of his notice or concern.</p> <p>Keep at it, we'll let you know when something misses the target. 99% of your messages are excellent!</p> <p>Happy {insert your favorite holiday} and best wishes for a wonderful New Year!</p> <p>Andrea</p> Kirk,

It’s not you that I’m puzzled by, but by the guy in the video (Stuart Shepard).

I grew up Jewish. As a kid in the 50’s, the media hardly mentioned Hanukah. I always felt like something was wrong with me, I didn’t fit in, because we did not celebrate Christmas.

Most of the people on this floor where I work are from India. I know people now who are Hindu, Muslim, Pagan/Wiccan, Agnostic, Atheist, etc., and they are all good people who want to wish others well. Many of these people don’t celebrate Christmas. But when someone says Happy Holidays, it is inclusive, and those who do not celebrate Christmas don’t have to feel left out.

I guess that Stuart is one of those people who thinks that the US is a “Christian Country”. Well, what about the rest of us??? Don’t we exist, vote, pay taxes, serve in the armed forces, spend $ in the economy, teach young children, etc.? He makes me cringe, because it appears that some of us are invisible or not worthy of his notice or concern.

Keep at it, we’ll let you know when something misses the target. 99% of your messages are excellent!

Happy {insert your favorite holiday} and best wishes for a wonderful New Year!

Andrea

]]> By: Floyd http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-550 Floyd Fri, 21 Dec 2007 23:51:54 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-550 <p>Kirk:<br /> I was relating to your personal journey of stretching people and the unintended offense that is sometimes caused, you feeling awful about it and then coming back after a while and continuing to stretch the folks you engage. Such is the life of a caring change agent. You care and you drive change. Hmmm, it is sometimes a very tough go on the ol' psyche. I know because I am ask to drive and lead change but do it so that no one is offended - and of course I am told when I have offended someone, but to protect their anonymity, I don't know who it is, what I have specifically done to offend them nor when I have done it to offend them -- oh yeah, and please don't walk on eggs shells when you are being the leader we need and want you to be. Tough pleasing everyone. I care, too. so I try to be transparent about who I am, what I believe, give people an opportunity to debate our differences. Some times those that are offend are too introvertive to speak out, so I hear about them being offended days, weeks, or months later via a third, fourth or fifth party and then I still only hear about the general "offending" personality that I sometimes have for people...............oh yeah, and please don't walk on eggs shells when you are being the leader we need and want you to be. So thank you for your transparency and I look forward to hearing from you again.</p> <p>Floyd</p> Kirk:
I was relating to your personal journey of stretching people and the unintended offense that is sometimes caused, you feeling awful about it and then coming back after a while and continuing to stretch the folks you engage. Such is the life of a caring change agent. You care and you drive change. Hmmm, it is sometimes a very tough go on the ol’ psyche. I know because I am ask to drive and lead change but do it so that no one is offended - and of course I am told when I have offended someone, but to protect their anonymity, I don’t know who it is, what I have specifically done to offend them nor when I have done it to offend them — oh yeah, and please don’t walk on eggs shells when you are being the leader we need and want you to be. Tough pleasing everyone. I care, too. so I try to be transparent about who I am, what I believe, give people an opportunity to debate our differences. Some times those that are offend are too introvertive to speak out, so I hear about them being offended days, weeks, or months later via a third, fourth or fifth party and then I still only hear about the general “offending” personality that I sometimes have for people……………oh yeah, and please don’t walk on eggs shells when you are being the leader we need and want you to be. So thank you for your transparency and I look forward to hearing from you again.

Floyd

]]> By: Keith http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-549 Keith Fri, 21 Dec 2007 23:51:08 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-549 <p>Kirk, I'm sure a person in your position can get VERY discouraged by some of the replies that come back to you re: your T4D. All I can tell you is KEEP IT UP!!!! Even if I disagree with a quote, a point of view, an idea, etc., that you send out they at least MAKE ME THINK and/or MAKE ME CONSIDER A DIFFERENT VIEWPOINT OR OPINION.</p> <p>True leaders like you are a dying breed, unfortunately. Please keep doing what you're doing for the majority of your subscribers who believe in what you're doing and appreciate your insight.</p> <p>A Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family and a Happy New Year in 2008!</p> <p>Thanks!<br /> Keith</p> Kirk, I’m sure a person in your position can get VERY discouraged by some of the replies that come back to you re: your T4D. All I can tell you is KEEP IT UP!!!! Even if I disagree with a quote, a point of view, an idea, etc., that you send out they at least MAKE ME THINK and/or MAKE ME CONSIDER A DIFFERENT VIEWPOINT OR OPINION.

True leaders like you are a dying breed, unfortunately. Please keep doing what you’re doing for the majority of your subscribers who believe in what you’re doing and appreciate your insight.

A Merry Christmas to you and your wonderful family and a Happy New Year in 2008!

Thanks!
Keith

]]> By: Terry http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-542 Terry Thu, 20 Dec 2007 21:22:29 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-542 <p>Kirk,<br /> I take all your articles as I think you intend -- for me to use to the best of my ability and delete the ones I may not agree with. But most of all, I assume you send them with the best of intentions and with the understanding that as long as there are at least two people in the conversation, there will be more than one opinion. Please keep them coming -- it keeps me thinking all the time. I like to think! </p> <p>Have a great Holiday Season, whatever that may be. I have a wonderful time planned with four generations as I am a lucky person. My mother, my wife, my children and 5 grandchildren. Call it anything you want -- IT IS A GREAT TIME IN MY LIFE. </p> <p>My guess is with your personality and comments, you too have a great time planned with your family. ENJOY! </p> <p>Terry</p> Kirk,
I take all your articles as I think you intend — for me to use to the best of my ability and delete the ones I may not agree with. But most of all, I assume you send them with the best of intentions and with the understanding that as long as there are at least two people in the conversation, there will be more than one opinion. Please keep them coming — it keeps me thinking all the time. I like to think!

Have a great Holiday Season, whatever that may be. I have a wonderful time planned with four generations as I am a lucky person. My mother, my wife, my children and 5 grandchildren. Call it anything you want — IT IS A GREAT TIME IN MY LIFE.

My guess is with your personality and comments, you too have a great time planned with your family. ENJOY!

Terry

]]> By: Debbie http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-541 Debbie Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:36:22 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-541 <p>Kirk,<br /> I enjoy your daily serving of food for thought. For me, anyway, it does exactly what you've intended: it makes me take a moment to think about something other then service levels, bottom line profits, and which email complaint to respond to next. For that I thank you.</p> <p>I got a chuckle out of your season's greeting message - there is so much truth to protecting everyone in the effort to be grateful, humble and hopeful. To this, may I say:</p> <p>May our Lord and Savior bless you and your family richly. May His peace rest upon you. May you continue to share His love and joy especially at this most holiest of seasons, the celebration of God's greatest gift to us - His humble, grateful, and most hopeful servants.</p> <p>Merry Christmas!<br /> Debbie</p> Kirk,
I enjoy your daily serving of food for thought. For me, anyway, it does exactly what you’ve intended: it makes me take a moment to think about something other then service levels, bottom line profits, and which email complaint to respond to next. For that I thank you.

I got a chuckle out of your season’s greeting message - there is so much truth to protecting everyone in the effort to be grateful, humble and hopeful. To this, may I say:

May our Lord and Savior bless you and your family richly. May His peace rest upon you. May you continue to share His love and joy especially at this most holiest of seasons, the celebration of God’s greatest gift to us - His humble, grateful, and most hopeful servants.

Merry Christmas!
Debbie

]]> By: Annika http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-540 Annika Thu, 20 Dec 2007 19:33:36 +0000 http://kirkweisler.com/t4d/2007/12/20/get-ahead-by-being-grateful-humble-and-hopeful/#comment-540 <p>Dear Kirk-<br /> I just wanted to let you know that I was so not offended by yesterdays blurb about Christmas catalogs at all, but was rather uplifted. for those that were offended, I don't think they quite got what you were trying to convey. I know the key to a happy life is simple forgiveness, especially when you would rather take offence. Wither you are Christian, Jewish, Pagan, Atheist or whatever-- the world is not a perfect place for any of us. But when we can forgive each other of our differences and learn to appreciate those differences-- then love takes over, hearts are softened and true understanding replaces ignorance.<br /> I am only working temporarily at my company, helping a lady who gets your emails who is out on maternity leave, and I have been so impressed with what you have to share. Thank you for taking risks to help make the world a little more tolerant, open minded, inspired, and well rounded. I hope you never stop taking risks to promote good. Everyone is on a different level of character development, and I just hope that those who were so offended yesterday didn't get you too down. </p> <p>Sincerely,<br /> Annika</p> Dear Kirk-
I just wanted to let you know that I was so not offended by yesterdays blurb about Christmas catalogs at all, but was rather uplifted. for those that were offended, I don’t think they quite got what you were trying to convey. I know the key to a happy life is simple forgiveness, especially when you would rather take offence. Wither you are Christian, Jewish, Pagan, Atheist or whatever– the world is not a perfect place for any of us. But when we can forgive each other of our differences and learn to appreciate those differences– then love takes over, hearts are softened and true understanding replaces ignorance.
I am only working temporarily at my company, helping a lady who gets your emails who is out on maternity leave, and I have been so impressed with what you have to share. Thank you for taking risks to help make the world a little more tolerant, open minded, inspired, and well rounded. I hope you never stop taking risks to promote good. Everyone is on a different level of character development, and I just hope that those who were so offended yesterday didn’t get you too down.

Sincerely,
Annika

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