“My son’s experiences with addiction have provided me with a gift that has changed my life!” Life is full of surprises. Sometimes we are delighted by the unanticipated gift; other times we are knocked off our feet by the unexpected news. Either way, a surprise could be an opportunity for you to experience, celebrate, or enjoy something that you didn’t expect. I was thinking about life’s surprises when I was listening to...

“Since everything around you is in perpetual motion, standing still allows everything to pass you by.” I have been sharing my thoughts on 100 Pedals for nearly ten months now. There are several messages and beliefs that I have consistently and, hopefully, clearly shared with you. The theme of my messages is that we all have been blessed with a unique set of gifts and talents that others are looking for and need. And, by...

“The time we have is not defined by us; what we do with what are given is — make a conscious choice and make a difference.” With all the tributes, information, and commentary shared through the passing of Steven Jobs, one couldn’t help take notice on the significant contributions he made in all walks of life. Here was a man who shaped the world of technology, ushered an entire generation into a new frontier, and inspired just...

“You are never alone. There is always someone in your world looking to share their gifts and looking to discover those that you have to offer.” By nature, we are social creatures. Some of us are more social than others. Regardless of the level of our social proclivities, we are all naturally inclined to surround ourselves with family, friends, others that we simply feel safe and comfortable with. Because we have a tendency to...

When you observe something in need of improvement, change, correction, or elimination and take no action – you have accepted the status quo and relinquished your right to complain about it. Years ago I worked for a manager that would challenge me to be accountable for anything that I observed was, in my view, not functioning or working properly. Whenever I would walk into his office with a complaint or observation, he had two standard...

While we often can’t anticipate, predict, or see the change that’s coming our way, we have the ability to embrace it as an opportunity to transform our current situation for the positive. Whether we plan for it or not, change happens. There are many times when we least expect it, are not prepared for it, or devastated by its news – change hits us. Fortunately, there are other times when we create and embrace change. Those are...