I cannot imagine what they must be going through as they pass the long hours in the dark, not knowing if it is day or night. Fortunately, the rescue team is able to keep in close contact with them. 

No Cost Is Too Great

The fact that there are 33 human lives at stake, makes it relatively easy to work in extraordinary ways and spend what ever it takes to rescue the miners. The crews are working around the clock to save the precious lives of these hard working men.

Their efforts, have caused me to think about things differently. I find myself wondering about what is trapped inside of me. I am certain that there are some pretty awesome characteristics that are trapped deep within me that really want to be free. I know they are there, because I often hear them call at me.

As I think this way, I begin to wonder what I am doing to set the future me free. LIke the rescue operations, it will take a lot of work for me to get to them. I must be willing to work around the clock, if I want them to see the light of day.

The Best Of Me

I recognize that the process of discovering the best me is a constant adventure. I also recognize that I am already pretty good, but that does not mean that there is not a better me trapped inside the layers of this external shell hoping and waiting to be born.

When I consider the future me, I can't help but think abut the current me. I do my best to make sure the current me is anxiously engaged in work that will create a better me for tomorrow. It is easy to get caught up in short term pleasures that yield very little long term benefits. Becoming our best requires us to be at the helm of our legacy 24/7.

What is lingering inside of you?

What are you willing to do to free your better self?

I hope you will consider these two questions carefully and then think about what you can do to become your best. There is a better you waiting to be born. You can accelerate that process by digging at the shell that is keeping you trapped. 

Live Today! Love Today!

Dr. Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

The Big Transition

There was a moment, when I realized what it means to give the bride away. It actually felt very real to me. A lot of different thoughts flooded my mind as I let go of my precious and beloved daughter. I found myself pondering the circle of life and for a brief moment, I was blessed with a vivid vision of what the future me will look like. I enjoyed that moment, but felt the sadness that naturally comes when relationships change.

My thoughts led me to consider the Tibetan Monks who create the Mandala Sand Paintings. They painstakingly lay into place millions of sand particles over a period of months and years to form a beautiful work of art. 

The monks begin the work by visualizing what they want the painting to be. Then they draw an outline on a wooden platform and begin to lay the colored sand grains into place. The paintings often include ancient spiritual symbols and family genealogies. The purpose of their work is to re-consecrate the earth and its inhabitants. The monks believe that by drawing attention to the purposes of life, it will help us regain a focus on what really matters.

Giving My Daughter Away

Traditionally the sand paintings are destroyed shortly after their completion. This is done as a metaphor of the impermanence of life. 

It was this part of the Tibetan Monk story that captured my attention. In many ways, I felt as if Stacy and I had built an amazing work of art, only to give her away. I know, that this is the order of things, but knowing, did not take away the momentary sting of letting go.

Letting go is like that. It requires us to move forward with faith, hoping that something better will be manifested. I know that I have not lost my daughter. I know that we will enjoy many more magic moments before our time on earth together is over. But. I also know that our relationship will now change.

She is an adult and is now sharing her life with another adult. It is no longer my role to place the beautiful grains of sand in her life. She and Mike are now responsible for creating their own mosaic of life. 

The Circle of Life

A friend asked me how I felt on the day after the wedding. I told him that I feel too young to have a married daughter. He said that he also thought I was too young. I realized that the exit door is opening – I am still in the middle of my time, but it will soon be over.

I spent a few moments taking inventory and realigning my life with what really matters. Life, as we know it, ends. Nobody gets out of here alive. Our life's work will be blown away, like the sands of the Tibetan mandalas, as soon as it is complete. Knowing this, helps me make sure that I am totally and completely enjoying the placement of each grain of sand. I'm not wasting any time on putting pieces in place that do not bring me joy. I hope you will join me in doing the same.

Live Today! Love Today!

Dr. Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Life Is Busy

We were a busy family and I know our friends and family members were busy too. Sometimes they would travel great distances just to be together for a couple of hours. To them, visiting was a priority.

Now, I often wonder how they found the time to visit so often. My life is full. Every moment seems scheduled and so I tell myself that I rarely have time to sit and visit. Lately, I have noticed, that no one else seems to have time to visit either. Our lives are consumed by the demands of work and life. 

We are blessed to live in a time that enjoys so many wonderful technological advancements. All of these tools of technology were designed to give us more time, yet they seem to suck the time away from us. Many of us now connect with our friends through only a few brief lines of text. The advances in social media certainly make it possible to stay in touch, but they do not compare to the enjoyment that comes from a face-to-face meeting.

What Stands In The Way?

I recently spent some time examining my use of technology. I discovered that television shows and website browsing are activities in which I regularly engage during the times in which I could be visiting. I realized that my parents and their friends did not have access to these distractions and so, despite their busy schedules, they had time to visit. 

Their visits filled them up and created enduring relationships. The visits I have online seem to bother me. They don't fill me up, they just serve as creative distractions that allow me to avoid authentic communication. They give me the sense of open communication but leave me without the ability to grow relationships of lasting trust. At best, online communication is a shallow form of checking in. I think the majority of us long for something much deeper.

When was the last time you evaluated how you spend your time?

Do you take time to visit in your living room or on the front porch with your family and friends?

Are you forming relationships that are more than just bits of text on the screen?

I met a man the other day who cautiously admitted that he does not use a computer. I could tell that he was embarrassed by this admission and that he was worried I might think he was out of touch with the times. I actually found myself admiring his commitment.

I do not suggest that we should follow his example and eliminate the use of computers, but I do believe we need to spend a bit more of our time social networking the old fashion way;  face-to-face in a comfortable chair with all electronic distractions set into silent mode. This is how trust is fostered and relationships are built. I hope to join you in a quiet place soon.

Live Today! Love Today!

Dr. Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Back In The Saddle Again 

Today, I feel rested and ready to jump back in to the game of life. As I sat down to plan my week, I realized that I am in the midst of some very significant commitments. Several of these projects are set to kick-off over the course of the next two weeks and I am not ready. 

A part of me feels very worried. The weight of these responsibilities is heavy and there is a lot riding on their successful completion. My immediate desire is to ride off in multiple directions with the hope of getting as much as I possibly can get done on each project. I know this strategy will not work so I am tempering this desire with focused planning.

The Busy Life

Sometimes when we are busy, we feel the urge to move quickly. Because there are only so many hours in the day, we believe that moving fast will help us accomplish more. Unfortunately, many of us have come to know for our selves, that speed is usually not the best solution. The truth is, it often leads to more pressure and stress and a lot of mistakes. 

The key is to align our actions with our purpose. This ensures that we are always moving in the right direction. Movement in the right direction, even in the most stressful of times, is always more valuable that moving quickly. We have all experienced the thrill of going no where fast. It is in those moments when we long to be on the right path.

Busy work is often necessary, but we must make sure that our busy efforts will actually lead us to the results we want. If it won't, then we need to find out what will, or we will begin to feel overwhelmed and out of balance. 

Moving Forward

Forward progress, gives us a sense of satisfaction. It helps us feel good about the work we are doing and renews our energy. 

Are you making progress on your meaningful goals?

Do you appreciate the progress you are making?

When was the last time you slowed down so that you could make sure that you were moving in the right direction?

We are in charge of creating our own legacy. We will leave one, whether we focus on it or not. Planning, helps me understand the ramifications of each and every move i make. When I plan, I move with purpose, when I fail to plan, I become subject to the random pulls of the universe. Whenever I feel busy, I remind myself that there will always be enough time to accomplish the things that matter most. Then I spend a few minutes reconnecting with what really matters. It may seem like a delay in the heat of things, but it always saves me time. 

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Family Ties

This week, I have been in the mountains with my original family. By that, I mean my mother, my uncles and aunts, and my brothers and sisters. Our children are with us, but they are not the focus of this event. Instead, we are focusing on the people that brought us all together – our ancestors. 

It is fun to be together. The memories of the good old days are constantly on our minds. However, the common purpose that brings us together is not strong enough to overcome our individual differences and perspectives. This is made evident by the story telling that is going on. I have heard many different versions of the same story. Each witness learned different things or understood different intentions. 

The Same Difference

Many of the same events shaped our growth and development, but the level of diversity that is found within our own family amazes me. The fact that we came from the same background makes it very easy for me to believe that we are the same, and that we see things the same way. I often find this assumption to be very wrong. Sometimes, I am unable to let go of it before a lack of respect is felt, or an offense is taken. Is it any wonder that many of us struggle so much when we are engaged in teaming with people who grew up in very different homes and with different values? 

The work of diversity and inclusion is something very dear to my heart and a driving force of my work. Nevertheless, I find it difficult to put on my working hat when I am with my family. The pull of our similar experiences makes it difficult for me to see each person individually. But when I am able to see things with my eyes open, I discover the most wonderful differences. 

Some of these differences are so surprising that I find myself wondering how they are possible. These are the ones that are difficult to accept. Thankfully, I have learned that acceptance is not what most of us want. Instead, we hunger for understanding.

A More Perfect Union

Once, we feel understood, our need to be accepted is significantly diminished. This is because the most passive forms of acceptance come from external sources. True acceptance comes from within. It cannot be given; it must be felt internally.

Understanding on the other hand requires an active effort. It only comes when we allow ourselves to see what someone else is seeing. To gain it, we must open our mind and suspend our own judgments and assumptions. It does not require acceptance, it simply requires us to see the other. It is enough to be seen, and once we are seen we begin to accept our self. Understanding leads to self-awareness, which leads to acceptance.

When we understand each other, we are able to produce amazing results. Understanding provides the freedom to contribute our differences for the good of the whole in a way that acceptance never can. Understanding allows me to be different instead of forcing me to become the same. It provides a greater sense of value, which leads to me becoming and sharing my best.

Is your goal to accept, or understand others?

What can you do to be a better listener?

Are you willing to see people as they are instead of as you think they should be?

There is no escaping diversity. It is found in even the most similar groups. This is a fact for which we should feel an immense amount of gratitude. After all, if we were all the same, there would be no need for all of us.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

We are in Nephi, Utah, our home away from home. It feels so good to be here. I enjoy the simple and relaxing pace of life, which fosters a natural relief from the cares of my world. I don't feel the way I feel here, anywhere else. Simply put, I feel free.

The First Breath

We arrived Saturday evening. When I stepped out of the car a powerful image came to my mind. The only way I can describe it, is to say that I felt as if I were coming up for air. Let me explain.

I like to swim, and when I am in our pool, I often swim several lengths under water. I always begin with a goal in mind, hoping to set a new record for underwater swimming. As I make the turn for the last lap, I am almost always out of air. I push on, knowing that I can surface whenever I want. Sometimes, before I reach the top, my eyes feel like they are going to bulge out. When I finally surface, that first breath is magical. It fills my lungs with the oxygen I need and life quickly returns to my oxygen-deprived body.

That is what it felt like when I arrived here in Nephi. My first breath out of the car was a cleansing breath. It filled me with a quiet calm feeling. I immediately felt oxygen returning to my tired body and soul. I knew I needed it, I just didn't know how badly.

A Place To Repose

I am thankful for this special place. Every time I come here, I feel refreshed and renewed. It is great to have a place like this to escape from the cares of the world.

Where do you go when you need to get away?

How long has it been since you came up for air?

This year, we will only spend a week here in Nephi. It feels like such a short moment, but I am sure it will be enough. Life has already returned to my being in so many different ways. Life is good!

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548 

I See Me

This morning, during a meditative moment, I pondered some instructions on how to live a balanced and happy life. I saw a few gaps in my own personal behavior and began to contemplate how I might grow beyond these personal stoppers.

As I thought about each item, the faces of the people I described at the beginning of this post entered my mind. I saw that the things that are bothering me about them are actually things that are bothering me about me. My behavior, in many ways parallels their behavior. The circumstances are different, but the actions are very similar.

As I allowed myself to dig deeper, I began to see an even bigger sin. The image of the "judgmental" me stood before my eyes and I witnessed the pain that I am causing others. Instead of comforting them while they were in need of comfort, I judged them. My words did not condemn them, but my silent actions added to their sorrow.

Convicted, I sat marveling at how easy it is to project my own sins upon others. The rancor I feel at their behavior is actually a release from my own disappointment. Judging and condemning someone else for some reason, makes me feel free from my own fault. They become the worst side of me, and I somehow eliminate my own guilt.

Moving Forward

The purpose of my life is to help others become their best. There is work for me to do so that I may fulfill that vision. The growth opportunity now standing before me is one of letting go. I constantly say that life is not about what we do, it is about what we do about what we do. My behavior has been inconsistent with that belief. I have held on to the past, instead of allowing the people in my life the freedom and opportunity to move forward. This grip on what happened, will continually prevent me from moving forward. These questions helped me refocus my efforts.

What do I really want for my friends?

Am I comforting them in the moments when they need comfort?

In what way can I support them now?

Am I willing to forgive myself and move forward?

I finished my morning meditation knowing that some of the judgement remained with me. I know that awareness is only the beginning and that I have work to do now to let go. As I let go of some these feelings, my own imperfections stare me in the face. It is easy to feel angry with myself, and guilty for behaving in such a way. These feelings don't last long because I willingly forgive myself and consciously decide to be better. As I look at the previous me, I feel grateful for the lessons learned. The sun is shining and I can see a glimpse of the future me. This gives me the hope and the faith I need to move my feet. See you on path.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Creative Avoidance

When I waste these moments, either sleeping or engaging in activities that are unaligned with my purpose, the rest of the day follows suit. Things just don't flow like they should and I end up wandering around in a bit of stupor trying to catch up. My search for replacement moments that will allow me to connect with my "best self" is rarely, if ever fulfilled.

My greatest disconnects happen during the summer months. It is during this time that I experience the biggest conflict between the demands of my personal and professional life. When my children are in school, they are also getting up early and going to bed early, but when they are on summer break, they stay up late and sleep in.

When I stay on course with my "early to bed and early to arise" way of living I spend fewer moments with them. It is sometimes difficult to balance the value of getting up early with my value of spending family time together. Over the years, I have become free within these competing interests and found ways to manage the dissonance.

My Key

My game begins early. My chances for a productive and successful day are magnified when I get up early. I know this because I have experimented with my schedule. I do my best to organize my life so that I am aligned with this awareness and I allow myself the luxury of breaking away when other interests would be better served. The key is that I know when I am most productive and I do my best to be awake and in motion during those times.

Do you know when you are most productive?

Are you maximizing those moments?

What strategies to you use to make sure nobody interrupts you doing that time?

Early works for me. It may not for you, and there should be no pressure to follow what works for others. If you want to be your best, then you must know when you are most likely to be at your best. Those who learn to live during those moments are able to succeed in during the times when they don't have their best stuff. They choose to organize their day in ways that allow them to live in the the rhythm of their best. Are you doing the same?

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

I was staying in a Hilton Hotel, and while I was arranging my things, I discovered a little book called Be My Guest - The Autobiography of Conrad Hilton. I opened the book and was immediately captivated by this unusual story of success.

A Man of Faith

At the time, the only thing I knew about the Hilton family, was that they had a famous heir who was traipsing around the world in a spoiled and erotic frenzy. I assumed that the she came from a long line of excessive living and believed that she accurately represented her roots.

Conrad's story painted a much different picture. He was a man of faith. His mother taught him that prayer was the best investment that he would ever make and so he began nearly every day at his place of worship on his knees in prayer.

He credited the power of prayer to have saved him from the pains of economic turmoil. He said it brought peace in his life. Conrad did not keep his belief in prayer to himself. He spoke about it everywhere he went. His efforts led to the initiation of our National Day of Prayer. He was a very powerful leader, and he was not alone in his belief in prayer, as many other powerful leaders of his time, including many of our government officials, regularly espoused the power of prayer.

What Happened?

Today, just a mere 30 years after Conrad Hilton's death, most business people see prayer as an absurd habit and not a behavior worth developing. I know only a few leaders who consider it an important use of time. I have written about it before, and received emails stating that I am foolish to write about such a topic and that doing so will lead to an erosion of my reader base. Some have gone so far to suggest that praying is a lot like believing in Santa Claus and that it is something only a child would believe in doing.

I wonder what happened? How have we moved so far in so short a time? How is it possible, that only 30 years ago, some of our greatest leaders were speaking of prayer and its power in their lives without any fear of being called childish or foolish.

We Need To Pray

Conrad Hilton's story influenced me. His was not an easy journey. He nearly lost everything during the Great Depression, but he remained faithful to his belief in prayer and eventually rebuilt his empire. My mother taught me to pray too. It was a difficult habit to learn and I admit feeling the pressure from those who scorn its practice, but I stuck with it until I learned to view it as one of the most important investments I make each day. I am grateful for Conrad's willingness to extol this virtue. I love learning from successful people who have the integrity to share their keys to success.

What are your thoughts about prayer?

Is it an investment you regularly make?

Have you experienced its power in your life?

Many believe prayer is a passive process, but it is much more than that. I view it as an active conversation that continues throughout the day. I also learned that the answers to our prayers do not always come in the way we hoped they would come. Generally speaking, we must be willing to submit our will to the will of God. That is a hard thing to do, because it requires faith. In way, the critics of prayer are right – it does require child like faith.

I pray with the attitude that everything depends upon God, and then I get up and begin to move my feet as if everything depends upon me. As I am working, I listen for the guiding responses that always come. It is not always easy to align myself with those messages, but I have learned that it is worth it. The times when I decided to do it my way, are the times when I have suffered the most. I am grateful for my understanding of the power of prayer. I dare you to make it one of your most important daily investments.

Live Today! Love Today!

Dr. Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

For some members in our little group, this will be the most difficult experience they have ever faced. For others, it will be a welcome relief from the pressure they face on a daily basis. For me, it will be my first experience as the oldest person in the group. I don't feel it, but I know my time to stand on the top is ebbing, so I will enjoy every moment as we ascend to wonderful heights. 

We will all see something different when we stand on this high point. That is one of the greatest things about life – despite the face that we share each day with each other, our experience is always individual. 

I am thankful for the high points in my life. There have been many, and each one brought different meaning and purpose to my tiny / grand existence. That is why I am constantly reaching for new heights. I need to stretch and be stretched so that I can become my best.

What are the high points of your life?

What lessons did you learn from standing on the top?

When was the last time you reached for a new peak experience?

I will think of you when I am on the top of Southern California. I will express my thanks for your support and my desire for you to become your best. Please do the same for me!

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Sometimes, my work interferes, but I do my best to be here and to be a part of their lives. I was not born a father, and so I have learned many lessons along the way to becoming the father I am today, and I realize that I still have so much to learn.

I have experienced many honors, earned many degrees and enjoyed many breakthroughs in my work, but none them compare to the thrill I feel when one of my children call me dad. Their beautiful faces inspire me and fuel my desire to reach for the next level.

Consequently, I have come to understand that the greatest work I will ever do is within the walls of my own home. It is here that I will leave a mark that cannot be erased. It is here that my legacy will be formed. Thank you Christina, Jacob, Joseph, John, Sarah, Rebekah and Leah. You make it so easy to be happy and to put other interests in their proper perspective. Thank you Stacy for creating this beautiful family with me and for continually breathing life into our dreams.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548 

Be Prepared

Our purpose is to scout the trail in advance of a 60 mile hike we will take next week with a group of young men. There was heavy snowfall this year, and the last couple of miles before the summit are on a very steep ridge line.

Too much snow on the ground can make this difficult for the inexperienced hiker to pass safely.  Our plan today is to observe conditions, and select an alternative trail if necessary. This will also give us a chance to identify any other potential dangers.

Today's hike is simply a planning hike. We are investing our time and efforts to better understand the conditions of the trail before we subject our whole organization to its rigors. In away, you can say we are gaining competitive intelligence. We want to understand the cost before we fully invest our resources.

The Power of Planning

These preliminary efforts, remind me how important it is to plan. The amount of energy we spend on this task is directly correlated to the amount of success we experience. Most of us are very good at planning our work efforts, and even our vacations, but too few of us are good at planning life.

To me, life planning exercises are more important than any other type of planning exercises. Yet for some reason, our investment in this activity is surprisingly small. We barely recognize the fact that we are wandering until we reach the end of the trail of life and realize that we have many things that are left undone.

When we take the time to carefully plan our life, we begin to understand which paths we want to take, and which ones we want to avoid. Planning also helps us feel like we are in balance. Successful people plan regularly. In fact, statistics state that the most successful people plan an average of 30 minutes per day. 

Which Way Do I Go?

Today, is a day of discovery. We are seeking to find the safest trail where we will experience the greatest amount of success when we bring our whole team. I liken this step to the dreaming phase of life. It is vitally important because it helps us to identify which way we should go. It also brings certainty to the trail.

What obstacles ahead may prevent your success?

What is your plan to avoid them?

How much time are you spending on life planning exercises?

Life is meant to be enjoyed. It is also meant to be lived on purpose. Time spent on planning exercises helps us to bring critical steps and activities in focus, which always leads to sense of balance and a position of strength. I dare you to invest a few moments each day on discovering, through the power of planning, what you want out of life. I promise your efforts will bring great results. See you on the trail.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Why Is The Last Mile The Hardest Mile?

Because it was a huge business opportunity, my preparation ruled my days, and often spilled into my nights. The closer I got to deadline, the more "it" was with me. I was grateful to enter the home stretch, but the work intensified as I neared the finish line.

To survive, I told myself that I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. You know the story, the one when we tell ourselves that:

"everything is crazy right now, but when this project is over, I am going to take a break, get some rest and reenergize myself, and then . . . life won't be crazy anymore."

I say it is a story, because it rarely, if ever, happens. Most of us finish major projects and then find ourselves immediately launching into the craziness again. That mythical break is not based on reality. My project ended yesterday, and I wake up today with new deadlines looming. They cannot be ignored.

Renewal of Energy 

I am fairly confident, that what I describe is a common experience. If we are good at what we do, we will always be asked to do something new when we finish it. I know it is hard to get a breather in between these tasks, but I really don't think we would want it any other way. The purpose is in the journey, we are not meant to be idle.

If we let it, the finish line experience can be a revitalizing and rejuvenating experience. The last mile may be the hardest mile, but the last 100 yards can and should be the easiest. 

To me, a critical and important part of reenergizing myself is to spend a moment taking it all in, before I cross the finish line. As I get ready to cross, I express thanks for not only my efforts, but the efforts of all of those people who have supported me along the way. I allow myself the chance to remember the starting line and all that has happened since that moment. I see the growth that has occurred and that visual quickens my step.

This mental breather gives me a great sense of satisfaction before I finish, and then the actual finish releases a sense of great accomplishment. Instead of crossing the line fatigued and relieved, I cross feeling confident and revived. That gives me the energy I need to catch my breath and move on to whatever is next.

Don't Hold Your Breath

Sometimes, when we are in the midst of the craziness, we hold our breath. The thought that "when this is over, life won't be crazy anymore" is a breath holding strategy. When we hold our breath, we fail to revitalize ourselves. Breathing, in the moment refreshes our being. It sometimes feels counterintuitive, but there are actually many ways to do this. We just have to look for them.

How do you catch your breath?

What gives you the energy to move from one project to the next with the intensity you need to raise the bar?

Who supports you along the way?

LIfe, doesn't wait to be lived. Its beat goes on whether we are ready or not. When we realize that the finish line is really just the next starting line, we can prepare ourselves to cross both with amazing amounts of energy.  

There will always be something new until we die. Don't wait until it is over to breathe, breathe now!

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Good Times

As I sat in my chair and attempted to take it all in, I thought about the many things that are going on in each life. None are immune to the challenges of the day. Each one is facing some test that is different than anything they have ever faced before. We are all running to stay ahead of the challenges that life is throwing our way.

As I looked around, I did not see worry and despair on any of the faces. I saw the face of hope. That made me realize how good life is. The problems we meet make our sweet moments even sweeter because they give us perspective. We know what true joy is, because along the trail we have felt sorrow.

It's Your Choice

I am convinced that the way we experience life is a product of our own imagination. We invent it. We may not choose everything that happens to us, but we are certainly free to choose how we respond. We can be miserable if we want, or we can be happy. I choose to live after the manner of happiness. This means that I will be happy during the good times and the bad times. I choose to live that way.

Living in this way does not make the bad times go away, it just makes them bearable. No matter how successful, or happy we become, adversity will always raise its developing head. If we greet it with a smile, then it becomes one of our greatest sources of growth. If we kick at it, it can potentially consume every ounce of energy we have. 

What Do You See?

As we drove home from the graduation, we noticed the beautiful rock formations that mark the entrance to our little town. The sun was shining just right and its rays defined the rugged beauty of the rocks in a way that I don't recall ever seeing before. Stacy and I noticed it at the same moment and said, "look at that". 

I immediately thought of the numerous times I have driven through that beautiful entry without seeing its beauty. It is always there. I simply must look to see it. Sometimes, I am too busy to look and so I miss the show.

The same is true of life. The beauty is always there, we just have to look at it. When we do, a flood of happiness rolls over our life. 

Which way are you looking?

Do you see the beauty in your life, or are you being consumed by its trials?

Do you know how to be happy in the midst of adversity?

Happiness is a simple goal. It is waiting for you to take hold of it. I dare you to see things differently. Look around and see the shine that happiness puts on life. You will be surprised at how bright it is, when we live in that light.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

This Magic Moment

We are excited and we are concerned. There are many things to be happy about and there are many things to worry about. I suspect that this is normal. We don't have much time to prepare. The wedding is planned for August 14th.

As the shock wears off, I find myself reflecting on my own story. Some of the things that were said at the time of our engagement are starting to make sense. The concerns of a parent are real to the parent, but totally unfounded for the couple being married. Together, Stacy and I formed a union that proved to be stronger than any of the concerns of our friends and family. I hope the same thing happens for Christina and Mike.

Choice

In a strange way, I feel very good about something. The man my daughter is marrying is not the man we would have chosen for her. Our hopes and dreams created a very different picture. That may sound harsh to admit, but I do not mean it in a critical way. I simply find myself feeling very happy that my daughter is making her own choices. To me, it is a sign of our success as parents.

We know, that our influence is still felt and respected. She knows of our concerns, we have discussed them openly with her. Despite our apprehensions, she is moving forward with her choice. That is the way it should be.

Life is Good!

I called each of my brothers and sisters this morning as soon as I got the news. We are a busy family, and I wanted to make sure that they got the date on their calendar so they could begin to plan. Each conversation was distinct. Some shared perspective, others shared advice and all shared hope. These conversations were different for me. In many ways they marked new beginnings.

During one conversation, I felt myself moving on into a new phase of life. I saw the exit door opening just a crack. I could see that my time is giving way to my children's time. Very soon, we will have 14 kids instead of 7 and many tiny voices will be calling us Grandma and Grandpa. I did not feel afraid by this vision, I felt excited. 

And so it begins. it seems like only yesterday that we hunted through the mall for the very last Little Mermaid video and now we give our princess away. We are full of hope. We want the best for her, and we know we cannot give it to her. She must find it herself. To some, that may seem scary, but I wouldn't want it any other way. See you soon Grandma!

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Inventing Reality

This caused me to have a deep conversation with myself about reality. An influential person in my life taught me nearly 20 years ago that I can invent whatever reality I want to invent. He told me that when I argue my limitations they become mine and I am stuck with them.

This is quite an amazing thought. Can it really be true? Is the only thing that limits our opportunities our own fears, doubts and/or willingness to accept the status quo? Do we really have the power to accomplish anything we want? What do you believe?

Almost a month ago I started on several very powerful and difficult challenges. I dreamed that I could accomplish these goals within a 90 day period. Many around me think I am crazy. This does not change the fact that I am doing things that they thought would be impossible. I am tired, and challenged but I am building the physical and mental muscles I need to make it happen. I look forward to the time when the rest of me becomes accustomed to the physical and mental exertion that my mind so easily embraces. I am getting tired of waiting for the rest of me to catch up with who I am becoming.

Making It Happen

Since I began this process I have not used an alarm clock. I wake up every day at exactly 4:30 AM. I have not felt tired when I get up. I have not felt like I want to stay in bed, even when my body is still sore, but I have yet to finish a day when I felt like I could keep going. In fact, when I finish, I can barely crawl into bed.

Despite what I am accomplishing, doubt sometimes creeps into my mind. Today I saw the immensity of the task at hand. I thought to myself, "How can I possibly believe that I can stretch myself in these ways?" I was consumed for a moment with the response, "I can't." But for some reason I just keep going, even when I didn't feel like I could keep going. I found my self screaming, "THIS IS NOT MY LIMIT." "I AM DESTINED TO BECOME A BETTER ME."

A Powerful Purpose Statement

I often reflect on a song titled "Corner of the Sky" from the Broadway Musical Pippin. The version I have, is sung by the great Diana Ross. The chorus of that song says – "Rivers belong where they can ramble, Eagles belong where they can fly. I've got to be, where my spirit can run free. Gotta find my corner of the sky."

What a great purpose statement. I don't want to be mediocre or normal. I want to continually push my limits and discover just who I am really capable of becoming. It is not easy being a "Master of Make It Happen." Each experience raises the bar, which means that I must continually be something better each time out. That is a lot of pressure to operate under, but it is the only way that I believe that we can truly satisfy the demands of continuous improvement.

What limits are you running up against?

How will you break through them?

As I tear down the walls of previous realities, I discover that I built those walls. I truly am the one who decides my own limits. My reality begins and ends by my own definition. I haven't figured out how to levitate or walk through walls but I no longer believe that it is impossible. I know it sounds crazy, but today the asphalt felt like foam padding. Go figure! 

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

It's Not My Problem

A couple of months into the assignment, my client and I were discussing an issue related to his well being. He was feeling some pressure at home and it was spilling over into work and creating some conflicts. He said he could see that he was lashing out at some of his team members because he could not lash out at home.

In the middle of the conversation, he blurted out – "The problem is my wife. She is doing a lot of things that are challenging our family. She is lazy and is expecting too much out of me. I am the "king" here and in my home, but she doesn't treat me like one. I want her to treat me like a king." It sounds kind of funny to write it down now, but that is exactly what he said.

The look on my face must have been one of disbelief because he immediately asked for my thoughts. I recognized that I was in a precarious situation. Our focus had shifted from the professional to the personal and I knew I had to tread lightly, but I also knew I had to be honest.

The King's Focus

For my first question I asked, "How does a "King" treat his "Queen?" I followed it up with "What is he willing to do for her?" These questions caused him to think and he began to relate the behaviors that you and I have read in all good books about kings. It was hard for him to miss the point as he answered "the king does everything for his queen."

I wasn't totally convinced that he got it, so I countered with, "How are you treating your Queen?" As we discussed his behavior, he quickly realized that he was not acting like a king. We talked about what he could do to rectify the situation and began a plan of action.

The King Within

It wasn't too long before I ran into his wife at one of the company's social functions. She approached me with haste and for a moment I was a little worried. Her first words were, "I don't know what you did to my husband, but please keep doing it." I enquired about what was going on and she said, "He sees me again." We didn't have time to get into all of what that meant, but I understood that he was making good on his goal of treating her like a queen.

After that, in nearly every conversation this man and I had, we spoke about his family and how he could become a better husband and father. The progress he made at home made him happy. His happiness spilled over into work and it wasn't long before his direct reports began to say something similar to what his wife had said, "we don't know what you are doing with our boss, but keep doing it."

The truth is, the only thing I did was ask the right question, but that is a very powerful thing to do. The question caused my client's eyes to open and he saw his own behavior. He did not have to do anything about it, but he chose to grow. He did the work. He developed himself and became the "king" of his home. His kingly side was always there, he just needed to develop it. Once he did, those around him began to treat him like a king.

Are you acting like a "King" or a "Queen"?

Do the people around you know that you value them and that you would do anything for them?

What can you do today that will make them more aware of your willingness to serve and love them?

I realize that love is a funny word to use in a professional sense and that some of you may not be married. That does not exclude you from this lesson. It is true that there are corrupt kings who treat their subjects poorly. You must not behave that way. You must be a noble "king" or "queen" and do your best to serve and love your people. It is the only way they will ever see you at your best.

I ran into my client and his wife at an event the other day. When he and I were alone, I asked him how things were going, and specifically how his wife was treating him. He flashed a big smile and said, "like a king". I couldn't have been more happy for him.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

I had spent time with him on a few different occasions, but I never really got to know him. Today, I attended the funeral and learned a lot about the mark he made in the world. 

Ordinary Lives

He was really just an ordinary guy, just like you and me, just like most everyone else for that matter. Nothing he did could be considered world changing, yet he regularly changed the world of the people around him. He came from a very large family and many of them spoke about his charitable nature.

He really didn't have very much, but he always gave them something. Sometimes it was the gift of time, other times it was just a simple piece of candy. They all knew that if they needed something, he would be there to help.

Our Legacy

The funeral experience got me thinking again about the legacy we each leave behind. For whatever reason, many of us believe that our legacy is connected to the greatness we achieve. This sad belief is fueled by society's mirage that the highest achievements in life are usually the most difficult, and therefore may only be achieved by a select few. The higher the standard, the fewer there are that can reach it. Not everybody can get to the top – so we honor those that do. 

This idea contributes to the false belief that what we do really matters. Here is why I think it is a false belief. Can you name the top musicians, actors, politicians, ministers, athletes, public speaker or any other category of fame from 100 years ago without googling it? How about the criminals, schmucks, dirtbags and/or villians of the same time period? Most of us would answer no, to these two questions – and that is precisely my point. Very few of the things that we value as a society are really the things that matter.

Point of Impact

Our impact will only be felt by those closest to us. That is why it is so important to make sure that we spend the majority of our time developing and fostering those relationships. I am not going to live for 100 more years, but I may live another 40 – 50 years. During that time, I will have grandchildren and even some great-grandchildren. Some of my great-grandchildren will be alive 100 years from now and if I take the time to love and cherish them, they will remember me.

They are the keepers of my legacy. If I ignore them, they will forget me just like everybody else. It is crucial for us to learn this as early as possible and then to live and behave accordingly. Any other way will only lead to unfulfilled potential. 

Here are the questions for the day:

Are you giving the least to those who matter most?

Are you more concerned about what the world thinks of you then what your family thinks of you?

Who do you love? How do they know?

Driving through the grave yard today reminded me that we are only here temporarily and none of us will get out alive. Too often we take ourselves and life too seriously. It is meant to be fun and full of joy. If it is anything else for you, then it is time to let go and . . . 

Live Today! Love Today!

Your personal legacy depends on it!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Quite Spots

I am grateful to enjoy two or three quiet spots. It is great to get away to think about things so that I can put them in proper perspective. 

There are many noisy spots that I regularly enjoy, and they also give me energy, but the energy I get while sitting in one of my quiet spots is different. The opportunity to reflect and ponder the events of a day, a week or a month fills me with a sense of renewal and a love for life. The time I spend in these quiet spots are a just a few small moments, but they really do fill me up. 

Time Away

Some of my quiet spots are indoors and some are outdoors. It really doesn't matter where they are, and I know that different people will find them in different places. The important thing is to find a couple of places to stand and think openly – even talk openly at times about our plans and dreams.

We need this space to listen to our own voice. We really don't do that enough. We must not be afraid to hear it, and we must not allow others to drown it out. Our voice is the most important voice and sometimes the cares of the day render it difficult to hear. That is why we need this time away.

Some people call this meditation – I call it quiet time. I need it to keep me fresh. 

Do you have a quiet spot?

How often do you get there?

Are you listening to the voice within you?

You are the author of your life. If you want it to be what you want it to be, then you must take time to listen to the story you are writing. Don't be afraid of it. Don't worry that you will do it wrong. Listen to that voice and move forward. The first step may always seem difficult, but it is the one that sets your soul free.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Rise and Shine

I must admit, that this is not my normal behavior. My alarm is in the other room, because it forces me to get up and turn it off. There is no chance to hit the snooze button – I must get up. I purposely put it in the other room, because there are many days when I would just rather roll over and stay in bed.

Today, I awoke with abnormal energy. It made my morning routine enjoyable and as a result I felt more aligned with my perfect day. I found myself wishing that I would wake up every day with this same kind of energy and so I naturally began to ask myself questions about what made this day different. I wanted to know why it was that I awoke with so much energy.

The Difference Maker

As I pondered this thought, I quickly realized that it really had nothing to do with what was going on for me today, but everything to do with what I did yesterday. Yesterday, I spent a lot of time thinking about the week and the way I wanted to spend my time. I knew there were a lot of activities to choose from and so I carefully planned the ones that would most likely accelerate my plan for growing and developing my business.

There were some tough choices as I realized that I could not do everything. After I had looked at the week, I began to look at each day. I felt an excitement building within me as I thought about them. I knew that I was going to have a good week and I went to bed thinking about all of the fun that I would have this week. 

I actually had a hard time falling asleep. I kept thinking about what I would be doing and how I would be reaching for my purpose in so many different ways.

As I thought about those feelings today, I realized that the days in which I find myself struggling, are usually the days that I face without any thought for my long term desires. They are the days that happen to me, instead of me making them happen. They are the days when I allow the internet to be a distraction instead of a tool for success. On days like today, I don't have time for that, because I am anxiously engaged in many great causes.

Sticking To A Plan

The difference is in the planning. It is what creates the excitement for the day, or at least it should. If it doesn't, then I would say you are planning the wrong things.

How serious are you planning your day?

Do you make the day, or does the day make you?

Do you allow yourself to be free within your plan?

I read a quote one time that wished that people would every once in a while spend as much time planning their life as they do their two-week vacation. I think most of us dream about planning our life, but get distracted when we find out how much work it actually takes. Vacation planning happens once or twice a year for most of us, but life planning must be done daily. It only takes a small amount of time, maybe fifteen or twenty minutes, but those few minutes make the difference. I invite you to take some time today and plan your exciting life. No one is going to it for you, so make it happen.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-348