“At the end of the day, I will ask myself- did I love enough, did I laugh enough, did I make a difference?”
~ Unknown

Last month we lost a great friend and colleague when Jim Miller of Golden Harvest Music passed away. I continue to be touched as his name reappears in so many conversations that are not remotely related to his direct business. His contributions continue to unfold and be seen- this was a life well lived! At the end of the day- he loved enough, laughed enough and definitely made a difference. I hope to do the same.
~ Amy

When we get busy or overwhelmed, it easy easier to focus on the daunting tasks and lack of time- not knowing where to begin. I find it helps me to pick one thing, complete the one thing and just move to the next. Don’t focus on what is not complete, but relish in the joy of those accomplished. Just keep plugging along.
~ Amy

I have failed often when starting most of my endeavors, but I choose to push through. I have had to adjust course, adapt my approach, or overcome an obstacle. I was willing to fail at the method, but not willing to fail at the goal. Adapt, adjust or overcome, but still persist; if you don’t have faith in yourself to accomplish the goal- why should others have faith in you?
~ Amy

When things get hectic we all have a tendency to comply with “good enough”. Resist that urge and take the few extra minutes to make the adjustments needed to move from good to great. That is where the magic happens. Doing it well once really does take less time (in the long run).
~ Amy

“In all activity practice Calmness.” To remain calm amidst the chaos of life requires a tremendous amount of focused energy. Be calmly active and actively calm.”
~ Chinese Proverb

After just going to print for the Salem edition, prepping for Southern Oregon and beginning the wrap up for Portland/Vancouver- all while planning 6 hospital vendor fairs and 3 release parties…Chaos is an understatement of our present office dynamic. There is a lot of energy running amuck, which doesn’t always translate to productivity. Focusing that energy is where the magic happens.
~ Amy

We often listen with our own experiences in mind and with the intent to reply. Sometimes the planned reply gets in the way of truly listening. I personally, interrupt too often and I am working to listen without feeling a need to reply.
(as I said- I am working on it- not yet mastering it).
~ Amy

We often excuse our own bad behavior because that is not how we “intended” to come across. We may be more forgiving if we remember that others may have “intended” a different outcome as well. Or better yet- try not to judge others, but instead take that effort to look more introspectively at ourselves.
~ Amy

We forget that we have a choice in how we respond to an event? We can choose to be angry, let something just roll off our backs, or choose to focus on a positive. The anger keeps us from moving on, and we are not paying attention when the good stuff happens. We have a choice- which did you make?
~ Amy

“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.”
~ Harry S. Truman

I don’t have a commentary this month; I believe the quote speaks for itself.
~ Amy

“Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people.”
~ Spencer Johnson

Sometimes we all try to “justify” what we have done, said, or even thought. Being honest with yourself can be more difficult than being honest with others, because we know when we are not looking at the whole picture.
~ Amy