Comments for T4D

Comment on There is no ‘ohana’ without ‘kuliana’ by Uilani

Uilani — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 02:33:30 +0000

Aloha,

Kuliana is a learning process which is passed on from Kapuna’s (elders) or those that have the wisdom of lessons learn that need to be passed on to those of us just beginning the journey. It is our Kuliana to step up and be of service to mankind and mother earth. Mahalo

Comment on “That’s just the way I am.” by Mike Donovan

Mike Donovan — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:57:43 +0000

Kirk,
Here is something I have alwasy carried with me - not sure who told me or where it came from -

“Character is what you do when nobody is watching”. - It is your truest reflection of yourself.

Comment on Have you discovered your second wind? by Dr. Paul

Dr. Paul — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:54:59 +0000

I’ve been really inspired by the endurance that people have. My son recently had a strong finish in the Utah State cross country finals (finishing behind none other than Brad Barton’s son!) so I’ve been looking at the analogies of life that we find in running. A great example is the race wherein the current world record for the mile was set. As you watch this video, just contemplate the role of pacesetters, competition, and the “third lap”. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvCsj7eJKKA

Comment on Life is Long by AW

AW — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:31:02 +0000

Kirk, I love this post. My father is much like the walk-away father mentioned in the comment above. He is closing in on 60 now and has many, many regrets of decisions that he can never ever fix. Sad. While I still harbor pain from his decisions that negatively impacted my life, I do everything I can to use him as an example. An example of what NOT to do. I work hard at what I call Regret Prevention. I ask myself questions often, “Is this chore list as important as time with my husband/son? In 5 years, will this decision haunt me? In one month, will I care that my husband didn’t wash my sweater properly? Will this benefit or wreak havoc on my family’s future? Can I respond to this disappointment differently?” Hard, hard stuff in the heat of moment. But if I don’t take the time to do it NOW, I WILL regret it later. In some instances, I already regret. SO frustrating when it’s preventable, yanno?

Every choice has a consequence. We must make the life choices that has consequences that we and those that it impacts can live best with.

Comment on The Law of “Reciprocity” by AW

AW — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:12:10 +0000

My mother is visiting from Japan this month. Japanese, known for their hostessing abilities and excellent customer service, sometimes have a difficult time in the US. I took Mama to a Texas souvenir store the other day and the lady behind the counter would not give us an extra bag for one of the gifts. Not only did she not, but she did it very rudely. Considering that most of their customers are not coming back (out of state or out of country tourists), she might not think it’s a big deal to be rude and deny somebody a 3 cent piece of plastic. But it IS a big deal. My mother has a bad taste now about my country, which is embarrassing to me. Because I’d like to think this is not typical of the American business. It’s also a big deal, because I will let everyone I know that Texas Treasure #2 (store 340 on the map) at Grapevine Mills Mall is not a good store and they need to go somewhere else. I have nothing good to say about them and they will probably lose business because of a 10 second exchange that was handled poorly.

Comment on Life is Long by Tom

Tom — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:24:56 +0000

Kirk,

Your thought for the day hit home. Last Friday I attended the funeral of my 30-year old nephew, a police officer killed in the line of duty. Officers from all over the state, and many outside, attended the funeral along with family, friends, and community. My nephew was hailed a hero and the eulogies detailed a man who lived a full life, loved his wife and their 4-week old twins, and gave his all to serve and protect his community.

His father left my sister when my nephew was young–a decision that negatively impacted their lives. However, they moved forward, and my nephew lived an exemplary life of service, love, and loyalty. My sister’s ex-husband on the other hand, choose a less than stellar life.

He also attended the funeral. While others shed tears of loss, this man shed tears of pain and regret. He realized the impact of his decision and how he missed out on knowing his son and being in his life. Now that opportunity is gone. I have never seen such a despondent, sad, and lonely man as this. I will never forget his uncontrollable sobs, and cries of “What have I done?” and “How could I have been so selfish?”

Decisions indeed determine destiny. A father’s decisions have left him alone and hopeless. The son’s decisions led to a full life of love and service–a hero remembered.

Many thanks for your dedication Kirk. I know it takes much time and effort to keep T4D going while also giving time to your family. I know you have a busy schedule. But I read your thoughts every day. They add a positive lift to my day and help me stay focused on my values.

Comment on Life is Long by Mike Donovan

Mike Donovan — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:08:38 +0000

Kirk,
Your statement “Decisions determine destiny…. let’s work to make them wisely! ”

Can not be overstated, decisions made in a moment of passion often come back to bite the owner.

Comment on The Law of “Reciprocity” by Amy

Amy — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:20:49 +0000

Yes, this may work, unless you are CEO of AIG! Tough to wine and dine potential brokers at The Best Western!

Comment on A Day to Reflect - a personal story of my own by Cynthia Spence

Cynthia Spence — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:47:21 +0000

Kirk,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and words. I just returned from a ASTD Conference in Arlington, VA and had the privilege of visiting Arlington Cementary. In our day to day lives, we tend to take the service and the deaths of those who are putting their lives on the line to protect us for granted.

My recent visit to Arlington and your words have brought my consciousness to a higher level which I will strive never to allow to lessen again.

Thank you,
Cynthia

Comment on A Day to Reflect - a personal story of my own by Angela Reinhart

Angela Reinhart — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:14:46 +0000

Thank you, Kirk, for your service and for the very moving message you posted on Veteran’s Day. It reminded me of my 17 year old daughter’s poem that she wrote about her experience playing Echo to Taps at the military funeral of my sister-in-law’s father earlier this year. He was a WWII vet who had also played Taps at many military funerals in his lifetime.

The fog was very thick that day. Visibility was just a few hundred yards. The cemetery was across the street from the public school, but we coudn’t see it. The kids were let out for recess just as the gravesite rites started. So we could hear children laughing and playing in the background as we watched from a short distance from the gravesite for her “echo” to be more effective. Here’s what she wrote:
Ode to Life and the Hereafter by Teresa Reinhart, age 17, February 4, 2008

Quiet,
Mysterious,
Wonderful,
Joyous,
Sad,
Tears
Those sad tears of the living
For the dead do not cry.
Only those that must go on!
But in these moments there is also joy.

At the graveside
The fog rolls thick
Barely visible
But still there
That reminder
Of what will someday come to pass

While the graveyard stays silent
Voices are heard in the distance.
Children frolic, voices ringing loud and clear into the silence
Not knowing
Not caring,
And yet, it seems to those in mourning
As though the one they grieve
has just opened the gates to Heaven
And the living are listening to his passage -
His children ready to greet him.

A military man –

One shot
Then another…

One bugle …
A quiet answer

… as though their loved one
has taken up their mourning call
And wants the living to realize
he’s okay,
And is in that happy place.

He is telling them
That there is joy,
Music,
Laughter,
Singing,
Peace.
And no matter what happens,
He loves them,
And he will greet them when they come.
No more tears of sorrow will fall.
Only those
Of eternal
Happiness.