Humility is not to be paraded

When one is humble, it is a given through research that one knows his/her strengths and weaknesses. Exposure to both does not make a person anything but real and not afraid of stating a voice or being subject to criticism. The individual who is humble is often a leader and someone who influences others by being honestly fair.

In today's world, many individuals seem to be constantly wanting praise and ignoring what matters most; compassion and empathy. What we might consider are those who are genuinely struggling, not those who continually exploit the system.

Corporate heads tend to dismiss those who cannot buy stocks, get a huge salary, but they continue to live the grand life. Disregard for those in need is very telling of a world destined to be subject to more narcissism than humility.

Leadership and humility go hand and glove. Think about the bosses you have worked for who really have helped you to become well trained and stood by you as you succeed or not. They are well disciplined and accept you as you are, and when you do not live up to performance expectations, a second chance is always available. If you ignore that chance, you are relieved of your job through your own will.



Regardless of the criticism that may ensue, leaders who succeed are thought of as honest and real. That is known as a boss who clearly knows herself or himself, one who is direct and doesn't play games with people's livelihood.
When you rise to the occasion of motivation and new ideas, all employees are influenced by a good leader who accepts all ideas by the staff. Even though the Ideas may not be relevant to the situation at all times, good leaders attempt to resolve issues by continuous and motivational influence. Employees then believe they are part of the organization. That is one way to encourage a partnership that is lasting for the long run. It keeps recidivism to an all time low and employees who feel they have some ownership of their company.

Even though humility in leadership is a great attribute, one needs to self-reflect and explore all the ways that projects can be improved. This is generally done through feedback from the team. Mistakes are made and humbly asking the team for their interpretation of those errors stands to give you honest opinions that eventually gives leaders more self-confidence and employees a strong belief in transparency.

---

Gloria M. Reiske is an MSW, LCSW with more than thirty years experience in education, administration, social work, and coaching. She has authored many articles and is published in local media, having written a men and grief manual for training purposes throughout Virginia and an article for children and grief. Email her at gloriareiske@blogspot.com and check out this article on Facebook.

Earning and Learning!

Being in a status quo mode won't get you a greater earning power. Every article and book I read gives me the impression that one does not grow without constant learning. In my case, if I did not read or research topics of interest, the lightbulb ideas that you are concerned with would have no foundation. The articles I write about are current and real life opinions that you generate.

Changing to a different position is not easy but if you are fulfilling your passion and taking a chance the other side of the coin is better for your career then step up to the plate. Everything we do requires practice and sometimes months and years of learning something new. Circumstances are often the momentum that carries you to a different level. Are you ready to continue to grow, learn and take the chance that propels you to a more positive place in your life? Ask yourself if you have viewed your life in the past and believe that your work history is satisfactory to your needs.

When I was about 50 years old, I took the chance to complete my master's and it definitely changed my life for the better. For years I served others in volunteer positions, but when I was able to get a higher degree in social services, then I was able to step forward and serve others in a professional way. If you are at the crossroad of your life, think seriously about your future and how you can benefit yourself and your family. Not everyone will see your changes as positive, but the influence comes from you, not anyone else.

With a strong support system, friends and family will encourage your decisions and walk beside you. Earning is not always about finances, it is about what you can legitimately and actively be prepared to live by, not how much you make. Learning is about being prepared to undertake many avenues through your experience and knowledge and continued preparation that may come your way.

You can often educate yourself each day and build your support system through cohorts, community efforts, and exposure to new undertakings. Sometimes you can utilize your own workplace as a path to more and more success. If you cannot find the right fit for yourself choose another path.

Earning and learning is the central part of this article. Therefore, now is the time for you to seriously look in the mirror and stop seeing a fog. Keep a clear view of your values, your integrity and your focus. Being satisfied in a position that you dislike because it is comfortable and pays the bills, is not always in service of yourself.
The argument here from those who are not willing to think out of the box, tells me you are not keeping step with the current opportunities.

Perhaps taking a chance with your future is about the influence of others. Perhaps you need to have a voice. After all this is your life whether you share it with others or not.

Take time to quietly be alone with your thoughts and make a decision that matters to you.

---

Gloria M. Reiske is an MSW, LCSW with more than thirty years experience in education, administration, social work, and coaching. She has authored many articles and is published in local media, having written a men and grief manual for training purposes throughout Virginia and an article for children and grief. Email her at gloriareiske@blogspot.com and check out this article on Facebook.

Mission - What is it?

For years I have been writing articles which are controversial, educating and current. Today, I decided to expand my support system and think seriously about my mission. I write because I believe in the content and value of my articles. But, although I ask for feedback, I get a trickle of response. Therefore, today will be my change day.


My mission will be: Today will be used for present revelations. Today is the present and what I do will be practical. Today I will share with others what is meaningful to many people everywhere. Today I will measure the impact that my articles have on others.

My mission statement is clearly in the evolvement stage. This is it: Today is realizing that actions speak louder than words. Today is sharing positive ideas that are achievable. Today I will seek to influence and serve others.

My values are: principles-respect-family-friends-leadership. My vision is to be a voice for those who come together to unite and join those who, each day, add value to others.

Regardless of what you perceive to be helpful through my writings, take time to read them and give me your wise feedback.

---

Gloria M. Reiske is an MSW, LCSW with more than thirty years experience in education, administration, social work, and coaching. She has authored many articles and is published in local media, having written a men and grief manual for training purposes throughout Virginia and an article for children and grief. Email her at gloriareiske@blogspot.com and check out this article on Facebook.

Purpose and what it says about your life!

Someone asked me what the purpose of my life has been for thirty years. It is a daunting question. Each step I took was dotted with process and then goals. Training, learning and reading were the overseers that triggered most of my life as a Mother,  an Administrator and Educator. Did my life have purpose? From the time that I was a young girl, from a small town in Massachusetts, I knew that my family had my back. But, when I became an adult, moved away from my secure support system, for a time I had to depend on my own support system, build new relationships and take on responsibilities that required serious decisions. Those were the years when I quickly learned that not everyone you meet has your back. My purpose then was to carefully take care of myself, my young family and my husband. Soon my naïveté was transformed into the harshness of reality.

Dennis Waitly said that "Purpose is the engine that triggers your life". Looking at your life and your accomplishments, can you honestly say that you have always had a genuine purpose? The answer to that question is a huge, NO. We change locations, jobs, and relationships. All this keeps us developing and adjusting and acclimating. We cannot say that we are the same person today that we were over the years.

Today, we need to be humble enough to know that we can define our ego, not by constant praise but by servicing others. Some of us will live out our lives in the circumference of a small circle and some of us will expand our circle to include those less fortunate than ourselves. That is what I call having a real purpose in life.

To the point, perhaps there is a need to have less naive belief in what a company's mission is if it does not have a firm, moral view. Recently, I had lunch with an experienced administrator who was aghast at the changes of a major insurance company. As I processed this information, it was obvious that these changes, in the positive,  should have been made many months ago. It will affect a whole program that has existed without proper monitoring.

There is something more important than the tragic events of the present. To lead your life with the knowledge that everything is destroyed, will you feed on the blind information that is brainwashing your daily lives? Will you take a more positive stance and foresee the plans that may move us forward? The latter, in my view, is your purpose and you might want to focus on it.

Your life is very important and so are your young, upcoming sons and daughters. Give them the voices that could be different than yours, but listen to their concerns. Forget your influence and give them the freedom they deserve.
Purpose is defined as a target, an aim, a goal. What is your purpose in life? This is not the time to be quiet and simply go on day-by-day without a purpose.

---

Gloria M. Reiske is an MSW, LCSW with more than thirty years experience in education, administration, social work, and coaching. She has authored many articles and is published in local media, having written a men and grief manual for training purposes throughout Virginia and an article for children and grief. Email her at gloriareiske@blogspot.com and check out this article on Facebook.

Want to be a CEO? (Diversity, Knowledge, Experience, Relationships)

Wherever you are in your career stop and look carefully at your past history. Some people have little knowledge about their preparation to be the one who is qualified to lead a company. In your career have you diversified your knowledge of the functional parts of a company?  

Perhaps you were offered the top position because you had potential and only some knowledge of what it takes to be CEO. If you were flattered by the offer yet knowing that you were not qualified, you accepted the position. Certainly, you will have a moonlight period but six or nine months down the road you are floundering and are not certain of your decisions. Nevertheless, you carry on as though you know what you are doing. Either you will be asked to resign, or get fired, and that always affects an ego.

Being a CEO is about knowledge, diversity, experience, relationships and if you lack these qualities, start where you are and climb the ladder. Many of us took positions we learned from and moved into positions step-by-step. This means building relationships, professional development, and gaining diversified experience in many arenas. All this is not accomplished in one day, one week, one year but over a reasonable period of time. It may mean educating yourself and being in positions that help you reach your goal.

As a young professional, there were times that I was put in a tenuous position. Therefore, I depended on those who had expertise in various topics and consulted authors who researched the topics that were unfamiliar to me. To this day, I consult with those who have the experience, knowledge and relationships that lead me to making good decisions. Build your support system and you will always have someone who has your back.

Being a CEO is far from being a walk in the park, and be realistic about your knowledge of the facts. Are you ready to take on the many issues that confront companies each day? Do you know what they might be? Let me give you a thumbnail sketch of those issues. Often the bottom line are finances and maintaining the revenue and increasing that revenue is paramount to the company surviving. Next and equally important is fulfilling the mission of the company. This involves topics like relationships, experience, knowledge of many facts gathered over many months and years. If you are a novice in these areas will you be successful?

Not all CEO's are capable of addressing the above issues and make wrong decisions. The truth of the matter is, it is often a black mark on the company and tends to be the thing that brings down a workable organization.

You may have the potential, but is that enough to project you into a a position that requires discretion and knowledge in many different areas? Trying it out is not like trying out new shoes.
Be true to yourself and do not get tied up in the company's need to fill a position. Your career choices are important and a wrong decision on your part may be the end of your climb to the ladder of success.

---

Gloria M. Reiske is an MSW, LCSW with more than thirty years experience in education, administration, social work, and coaching. She has authored many articles and is published in local media, having written a men and grief manual for training purposes throughout Virginia and an article for children and grief. Email her at gloriareiske@blogspot.com and check out this article on Facebook.

Chart your own course!

I'm in the process of reading David Brooks book, "The Road to Character" and it is both historical and current. It is very provocative and talks about how we function and how we conduct our lives.

It is quite apparent that over time we have evolved from believing that we are self-effacing, soothing and gracious to self-promoting, fragile, and jarring as Brooks has so aptly written. Adolescents that I know are either less than humble, fostered by parents and supporters, or service oriented and often doing for others and joining charitable causes. Those whose limited understanding of humility in adolescent years stoked by family and friends, choose to flatter and fawn them through adulthood. If that is the case, you are certain to have self-promoting individuals who are blind to the global issues of the day.

What we hear about these days is division, dilemmas, and more, but where are those who firmly believe that we are a nation of great character, externally and internally? There are those in my family who respect each other and fully understand what it means to be self-effacing. These people are in the majority. Why? We don't hear enough about their good deeds but we do hear about the erraticism of the self-promoting.

Remember that self-promoting often means you are pounding your chest in service of yourself. While you are charting your course believe that you are self-effacing. Joshua Marine wrote, "Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful".

If this sounds like riddles, read the words carefully. Once you are in your first, second or third job are you considering another job? If so, will you chart your course according to your needs or is it about what you think you know. That is a serious point and when you make your final decision do not be influenced by new money in your eyes. You can argue that you want a better life that you can indulge in but is all this worth the effort.

What are you missing? Here is the fact! You are missing time with family and friends, a time to cherish and you never get it back. Not all promotions or job changes are in service of all, but chart your course and be true to yourself.

---

Gloria M. Reiske is an MSW, LCSW with more than thirty years experience in education, administration, social work, and coaching. She has authored many articles and is published in local media, having written a men and grief manual for training purposes throughout Virginia and an article for children and grief. Email her at gloriareiske@blogspot.com and check out this article on Facebook. 

Females - Come up to your standard!

Rise to the opportunity you have to be first, not second-hand citizens. For many years, many females historically have stood up loud and proud to make changes that reverberate today. Names that come to mind are, Eleanor Roosevelt, Marie Curie, Saint Mother Theresa, Sandra Day O'Connor, Indiri Gandhi, Pearl Buck, LaDonna Harris, Louisa May Alcott, Susan B. Anthony.

From what I read there are still major problems like pay inequality, veteran's care, and much more, but another female is willing and has the ability to correct these inadequacies. Trust seems to be a major issue but as I watch TV and read many reviews, there is constant repetition of the same old story. The women I mentioned struggled hard to overcome their own issues because, as I see it, they were in the minority. Nevertheless, they pursued their beliefs with some putting their lives at great risk. Were they viewed as trustworthy? The answer to that is really revealed historically. Read their biographies and then make your decision.

When you fight for getting a voice that benefits people you may be called an opportunist, self-serving, dishonest, and yet you keep moving on toward your beliefs.

When you sit back and complain but are not active, you lose. When you attack another human being, without any evidence, you lose.

Some of us only hear what sounds great. Do you honestly believe everything you hear?

Can you sift through the rhetoric and decipher the truth? This is true in your personal and professional life. Listen carefully and be astute about not being a martyr or influenced by anyone that seems to have the answer.

All females have a right to speak up when they believe strongly on an issue they are passionate about. Not only speak out but talk about your cause and start the conversation. Who knows that your idea and cause may take hold and you will have great support. To sit back and do nothing is sad and unacceptable. Come on females, stand up and be counted. Live up to your standard and go beyond your comfort zone.

Age has nothing to do with this issue. Whether you are young or older, get your idea on the table.

Be forceful enough to pursue your dream and then live it.

Gloria M. Reiske, LCSW
Matt28gmr@gmail.com
Check out this article on Facebook. 

Too close for comfort!

In your professional and personal life do you keep a respectful distance from your colleagues and your family? Transparency is the key but ask yourself if you keep people feeling guilty by your actions.

Let me give you an example. Your family member is asking for some space but you are not willing to listen to their needs. Instead you make them feel guilty that they want the space and hover over their decisions. The manner which is most prevalent is by manipulating them. This is often done through their vulnerabilities or their wish to satisfy your needs instead of their own. Their is a huge divide here and again you have people who continuously live their lives in the role of dominator and call this caring. I call it selfish.

In the workplace, the same is true. Employees have supervisors who advise them. Is this advice honest and without subjectivity? Is their workload realistic or is it a dumping ground for the supervisor's idea of workload? If the supervisor has ulterior motives in service of himself or herself, this is subjective.

The issue is how you conduct yourself as a role model and it is pertinent to the behavior of your family and your co-workers.  If you scoff at this message, think seriously about how you appear to those you choose to associate with daily. Meaningful relationships take years to build, but it is not like building a house of cards.

Using offensive language and judging others reminds me of an egocentric, irreverent person who gets attention by claiming to be what he or she is not. Eventually, these individuals will be discovered and discredited for being unreal. All this may take a long time because the influence is often believed over time. It's called manipulation and it is learned behavior that tends to capture the meek, children, and some adults.

What appears to be "close" is often just the opposite. Some clues of this great phenomenon are, gift giving for the sake of being the good guy or girl without true empathy but expecting an applause, being in touch daily just to be in the other person's life without giving a single breathe of fresh air. It's about encroaching in a life that should have some freedom.

Granted some families are close naturally but being so close that one person dominates in service of himself or herself can be most destructive. So the same exists in the working world. It's destructive because it gives only one person the ultimate voice which is verbalized as the only way to think and the only way to believe.
Supporting this behavior is appalling and my suggestion is to BE your own person.

---

Gloria M. Reiske is an MSW, LCSW with more than thirty years experience in education, administration, social work, and coaching. She has authored many articles and is published in local media, having written a men and grief manual for training purposes throughout Virginia and an article for children and grief. Email me at gloriareiske@blogspot.com and watch for this article on my business Facebook page.

Morality in Your Professional and Personal Life

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines morality as simply right or wrong behavior. Although this sounds too simple, this involves values, integrity and honesty among other things.

In your professional life do you embrace the values of your company or do you just go along to get along? Are your cultural values in conflict with the real you? Perhaps your salary dictates the path you take. Involved in all this is the expression of your everyday lifestyle. In this time of turmoil, perhaps you stay under the radar just to keep your job. 

That is a helpless feeling and one that often influences and determines your behavior.

Ask yourself if this behavior also creeps into your personal life? If you have a family, are you teaching them to speak the truth honestly and without reservation? Transparency is required to lay your belief system out on the table.

Ignorance is bliss but thinking that you can hide under a rock and let the world drift by is like telling yourself that birds don't fly. Each day is brand new and you need to decide your course and walk that road. Sometimes that is very difficult, but so is blindness to situations around you.

Companies that are successful depend on everyone to join with the honest mission of good faith, good honest heads and hearts. Although I am not an idealist, I have devoted my life to helping others and that is not always pretty, but it works. Changes are made from your dedication to the "right" behavior not the rhetoric of the mindless few who choose to dislodge this behavior by their dark and morbid ideas. This serves no purpose except to energize people and blind them to the truth.

Consider your personal life the most important part of your well being. Walking with those who historically have, through their respectful and daily lives, demonstrated behavior that is not boastful but humble, is the epitome of a life well spent.

---

Gloria M. Reiske is an MSW, LCSW with more than thirty years experience in education, administration, social work, and coaching. She has authored many articles and is published in local media, having written a men and grief manual for training purposes throughout Virginia and an article for children and grief. Email me at gloriareiske@blogspot.com and watch for this article on my business Facebook page.

How Do You Define Yourself Professionally?

You can say a professional has many attributes, but what are they? Can you name a few and do you have the qualities that demonstrate them? Perhaps I can list a few for you and then decide if you fit into them.

1. Communication - A true professional can and does communicate with peers and their team with focus. When you think before you talk, you have taken the step that will surely define you as respectful and a good listener. When you have your teams ear and can explain exactly what you mean, the hope is that your communication skills are finely tuned, concise and come from your wisdom and expertise. When you communicate well, you empower others to make good decisions.
2. Customers - Your customers vary from the one who works with you, and for you. Let me explain. Customers come first in any organization and if you do not believe that you need your cohorts to believe in your product, then your are on a slippery slide. When you put the customer first, you can be reassured of a successful business. When you satisfy the needs of those you work with, you definitely rise to the top of the satisfaction scale.
3. Expertise - You measure expertise by experience, and that needs some explanation. Experience is not about the length of time in one position, but it is about your accumulated knowledge over time. Do you have the knowledge necessary to do your job and do you perform to the very best of your abilities? If you cannot respond affirmatively, what are you doing in your position? Experience demands that you always increase your knowledge.
4. Expectations - Professionals have little time off because they are expected to do their job no matter how long it takes. To qualify that statement, a professional has the responsibility to balance work and home whenever possible. To be an obsessive compulsive individual serves only to be so driven that nothing else matters except "the job". If you are living this life, look in the mirror and ask yourself if you want to be that person.
5. Model - Attributes of a professional means also that you may need some repair in your attitude, your performance, your knowledge, and you need to admit to your shortcomings. When you strive ethically, morally and humbly to be your best, no matter what, chances are you are on the right path. Transparency is not just a word but gives you the freedom to honestly be yourself.
6. Empower - Finally, empower yourself and be proud of your professional self. We all need to take stock of how we see ourselves and how others see us.

---

Gloria M. Reiske is an MSW, LCSW with more than thirty years experience in education, administration, social work, and coaching. She has authored many articles and is published in local media, having written a men and grief manual for training purposes throughout Virginia and an article for children and grief.
gloriareiske@blogspot.com
View my business Facebook page.

Interviewing and your resume - prepare or dare!

While interviewing is very important you need to ask yourself three questions.

1. Can you sell yourself with confidence and enthusiasm?
2. Have you done your homework and identified the company strengths and how you will fit into the organization?
3. Are you qualified or just want a job?

Let's explain each question:

1.  Do you understand the mission of the company? If you are confident in yourself, and enthusiastic about ethical work requirements, do you drive that message home? You cannot fake what you don't know and if you try you will be relegated to the bottom of the pile.
2. Inquire from within and outside the company just who you will be working with and for what. Get all the information you can about the company before the interview as you most certainly will  be asked what you know about the company. Ask pertinent questions when appropriate as this is not time to be uninformed. Listen and direct your questions and answers after you have enough information to intelligently join the conversation.
3. Qualifications play a major part of the interview. You may believe you are qualified, but what gives you the notion that you can do the job. Interviewers have little time for small talk. Be prepared to sell yourself to a team or interviewer who is attempting to fill the job with a qualified person and one who will fit in with co-workers and colleagues.

Personality, integrity, honesty, capabilities, abilities are some of what you will be questioned about and you must be on your best behavior. Stress related and crisis issues are often on the agenda and you will be asked how you would handle these.

Be honest in your responses as interviewers will most definitely identify your weaknesses in those areas. If you are nervous, let the interviewer know you as a humble soul and real. Now is the time to let your anxiety show. You can only be seen as someone who is direct and honest.

One very strong indicator of your preparedness for the job is a recent resume, one that talks about your work life with enthusiasm. Long tirades about how wonderful you are will draw a yawn and a polite thank you, but you are not the one. Interviewers are looking for a resume that identifies you as a person who needs little coaching and training. Scrutinize your resume and think of it as a sleeper or an active piece of information about you. Remember that most of the time you are among many who applied for this job. The best marketing tool is YOU. Don't wait for interviewers to offer you the job, compete for it.

First impressions are sometimes one of the check marks that interviewers see, so do not show up late or in your latest designer clothing. If you are comfortable and not pretentious, you will score higher than if you pretend to be someone you are not.

Do not dare your interviewers to find the qualities you possess by being unprepared.

---

Gloria M. Reiske is an MSW, LCSW with more than thirty years experience in education, Administration, social work, and coaching. She has authored many articles and is published in local media, having written a men and grief manual for training purposes throughout Virginia and an article for children and grief.

Gloriareiskelcswblogspot.com
Read my business Facebook.

Persuasion and Integrity is a Great Marriage!

Nobody can honestly deny that these two are good partners. Persuasion though can be elusive. You can persuade others to view your influence as true or a way to exploit others. Or, you can persuade others by being a trusted model, which encompasses integrity. When we believe in someone our expectation is that they will listen and advise or guide according to the principles of morals, and values.

When we discover that they only want to have you think they understand the situation but are basically giving you two left hands, run the other way. When you are seeking answers, you are vulnerable. In that vulnerability, you hear solutions that are false.

Even though the final word is yours, sift through all rhetoric that you hear and do not be influenced by individuals who get pleasure from your pain.

Now is the time to gather all your thoughts, in the quiet of the night and consider what will be your decision and not the person who gives you false advice. Being too trustworthy only gives you blind faith. Blind faith reminds me of walking into the fog and not finding a way out.

Transparency and saying what you will do and do what you say is true integrity. Some will not like your honesty but stay the course and you will always succeed in my book. Persuasion means influencing others according to good values, but it is also about having the ability to influence others not coerce.

Integrity talks about  consistency, reliability, transparency, and honesty in all your dealings, professionally and personally. Integrity says you admit to your mistakes and process how to resolve the problem.

Coercion is not persuasion. It entails your egotistical nature and is detrimental to your behavior. It does, most definitely, define the person who believes there is only one view, yours. People who coerce instead of honestly persuading, often are seen as bullies and do not manage their teams successfully.

Over the years integrity and persuasion are a great couple and cannot be separated. Like a good marriage, these two are truly a match to envy and repeat over and over again.

To finalize this duo, remember that your reputation is at stake and you have a choice to make, one that will follow you the rest of your life. With so much confusion in today's world, it is a breathe of fresh air to think that you can honestly make changes that will make a difference.

What Happens Now!

We need to speak out and not be afraid to honestly talk about the issues that will impact our well being now and in the future. Lately, I have been hearing a lot about the younger generation giving the impression that they can make decisions for us. Unfortunately, we cannot be cast aside and we do have wisdom, experience, and have made some serious crisis decisions. Granted we now have the voices of many more young voters and we applaud their decision to voice their needs and concerns.

This time marks a turn around. It pretends to be a force to be reckoned with and greatly influenced by those ideas from the real people who are talking out about their mixed bag of concerns. That is refreshing! That is real! But don't dismiss the millions of people who believe a strong woman can attempt to right the wrongs we are living with each day.

  Those who want to divorce themselves from reality need to gather their facts and honestly take into consideration their future. Arguments fall short of reasoning. Unify and join the many who truly believe we have the choice to bring about changes that can continue to help us walk the path to a better life in several ways. Ask yourself if the strength of the strongest bridge will keep us in balance.

Parents stop and let your children make up their own mind. This younger generation is quite independent albeit more bold that past generations, but isn't that teaching us that  our voices do matter. It also tells me that the younger generation is more of an influence than just someone blowing in the wind. If only we could lay down our arms and join the forces that eventually will continue to enforce the policies that will make us one united  group.

Those of you who are comfortable need to take in consideration who put you there. Those who are struggling need to continue to fight for their rights, both human and economic. Some pundits think they can carry the torch and envision what the future will bring. Since when are they the only kernel to consider? Since when are those few the dictators of the universe.

We can all have an opinion, but do we really listen to each other or are we so entrenched in our own views that we forget that others may have more in common with us. If we have never been in the shoes of others, can we honestly tell the Administration and others how to solve our problems?

So much is happening all over the world that anger and frustration are taking the place of good common sense and realistic decisions that benefit the majority. Why can't we come to a meeting of the minds and work on our common ground rather than rhetoric that is false and brings fear to the millions who need our support.

Read Sterner's book, "Practicing Mind" and you will soon begin to process not reach for the goal by putting the cart before the horse. Give yourself the opportunity to think through your decision and be certain that you have taken time to process.

Motivation, Innovation, Preservation

After reading the May edition of Success magazine from cover-to-cover, my take away was, those whose energy is positive are the most successful. No matter what happens in your life, there isn't a day that goes by when you don't influence, motivate, or energize those who surround you. Granted all that may not be positive, but if you strive to climb up the honest ladder, you are certain to reach your goal.

The down side of the equation that frustrates us most, all is not equal. And, we do have failures. Failures can pull us to our knees, but if we don't dust ourselves off and find a new beginning, we stay in the same old track. 

Sometimes a new beginning means a new life, new friends, and a good attitude. Recently, my daughter wrote a tender and honest piece about those we need to get off our list. They are like dangling participles, and if we have been the only one to sustain the relationship without reciprocation, it is time to end that connection. Judging others because they do not meet your expectations is fruitless.

Unconditional love begins with you and that must be preserved in whatever you do, professionally, or personally. If you have lived long enough, you have mentors, friends, and family who accept you as you are, always.
Let motivation be your guide to a life that, each day, sends you up the path to a life full of deeds that are innovative, compassionate and fulfilling. Take time to address the important things in life.

Working 24/7 without any form of relaxation or recess, is just plain crazy. It serves no purpose and only shortens your life. There is always a need to either fill out monthly reports, tend to crisis, succumb to everyday and at times, anxious lives, but not each day is filled with these demands. Cherish the good days!

Preserve the connection with those who really care and let go of the those who thrive on what appears to be real. Get to know the people who quietly and lovingly have your back. Pay attention to family and friends who are always the same, honest, giving and out for the betterment of society.

When you step foot on the floor, take the step that will be of most benefit to those you come in contact with and savor the moment. If you pat yourself on the back too often and think you know all the answers, it will soon be your turn to step back as others may believe you are a braggart and will dismiss your words.


Innovate, rather than pulverize, as this is what makes us listen to the ideas of those who came before us and those who will generate more ideas. Young and old alike contribute to society. In our professional and personal lives, we are not targets in a dart game, but we are responsible for our actions. We can have many adventures, but let them be respectful and in good taste. Be the model, not the tyrant!

Reaction-Fear-Balance

I have a few comments that might jolt you to recognize that only you can bring your life to a balance. We go along and let others decide what path we will take. Life is hardly about Little Red Riding Hood and the big bad wolf. It's about allowing yourself the freedom to make your own decisions. The big bad wolves of the world are pure rhetoric and fear of themselves. When you listen to their tales, they often spin the same old tune.

When someone tells you all will be fixed with a turnkey, in a moment, be weary. Nothing is ever accomplished in its entirety overnight. Use your reasoning power and give yourself the time to process what you hear. Being so reactionary that your future hangs in the balance with hanging participles dangling like icicles in a rainforest, should be a sign that something does not fit.

If what you fear is too alarming, and you do not have the confidence to bring balance to your life, stand back and consider all your options. Charming people are not always telling you the truth. What is YOUR direction? Do you have a plan that YOU follow or do you follow those who exude the words but never know how to execute them into a finished product?

Empowerment is not just a word. Empowerment is powerful and conducive to taking your own lifeline and planning your future without the influence of those who utter nice words but never follow through for you. What is the purpose to YOUR life? Wisdom and purpose is one lifeline that always directs your decisions. Depend on them to guide you.

You may believe that all your balls are in balance but as Michael J. Gelb says in his book, "More Balls Than Hands", "The secret to juggling is to overcome your fear of making mistakes". When you free yourself of the hanging participles, it frees you to get to your goal. Guaranteed, when you are more fulfilled, by adopting your chosen life plan, each day will be more dynamic and productive.

---

Gloria M. Reiske is an MSW, LCSW with more than thirty years experience in education, administration, social work, and coaching. She has authored many articles and is published in local media, having written a men and grief manual for training purposes throughout Virginia and an article for children and grief.

Onions and Turnips

Onions and turnips are very different, but in cooking and combining, they often go together and function well. Leaders and their teams are very much like that. One bad onion could spoil the dish like one bad turnip could make you very nauseous.

Leaders often educate and motivate, while their team can be innovative and productive. Together, they fit hand and glove. Teams that have a poor leader neither motivates, or works well together. Even though your opinion differs from the others, it does not mean you are right or wrong, it does mean all opinions are worth reviewing.

Teams that have one person who takes everything personally, is bound to offset the balance and when that happens, very little is accomplished. If you are fortunate enough to have been chosen for a team, take time to observe the behaviors within the environment before you step foot into the ring. Know your team and give your opinion judged on fact not fiction.

Stepping out of the box may be risky, but shows more research has been done and the team who goes beyond traditional problem solving is to be commended for its ingenuity and forward thinking. Leaders who allow their teams the opportunity to address their concerns and take action, stands to get to the goal. Changes that take place can benefit the majority of the recipients.

Soup made from onions and turnips is not to everybody's liking, but those who do indulge, find the combination very tasty. When teams combine with those who choose different ideas, it becomes a new and often rewarding experience.

In Amy Cuddy's book, "Presence", Maya Angelou wrote, "Stand up straight and realize who you are, that you tower over your circumstances". Not every comment is earth shattering and not everybody who does not participate is lacking in new ideas. Maybe they need a way to engage and regain their personal power.

Putting a diversity of ideas on your team and asking for a plan gives the leaders who have the power, an opportunity to increase their standing and thrive, if the plan is reality not a whim.

Companies today are merging and if we are going to accept their monopolized undertaking, we need to prepare for the future. We cannot conduct business as usual but we do need new ideas and new life. Does that mean hiring young, inexperienced mellinials or experienced older employees? Hold on to your seat as the answer is hire both to mix both ideas and I will leave you with those thoughts. Using your common sense, along with team cooperation, usually wins the game.

---

Gloria M. Reiske is an MSW, LCSW with more than thirty years experience in education, Administration, social work, and coaching. She has authored many articles and is published in local media, having written a men and grief manual for training purposes throughout Virginia and an article for children and grief.

Peace and Hope

If I could reach out to the families who are having their struggles from illness, accidents, other health concerns, this would be my wish. Focus on the bright side! That will probably be the hardest thing to do. Weigh in on your strengths. Remain strong for yourself and for those who are struggling everyday.

Be an advocate for all the children, and adults who are trying to be in remission. Do not only give lip service, but strive to stand beside them and allow their wishes to be heard.

Without hope, we give up our reason for living. If we can rescue those who are in danger, we can do the same for our loved ones. Live day by day not in the future. As we age, we are often plagued with new concerns. Maybe that tells us that good clean living is often the answer to longevity.

Make 2016 your year for change and whatever it takes to bring your entire body in balance with your needs is worth the effort. Remind yourself that each one of us has an obligation to be a role model for our families and friends. This message is for everyone and not for a few. Discipline is not easy, but the impact is forever. Once you make the decision to take care of yourself, you will not return to your old self, but advocate for giving yourself a makeover.

Those adults who are struggling with illness, but have lived the high life over the years may have to consider the consequences. It is never too late to turn your life around and when you do, be grateful for those moments when you walk the path to a life  of peaceful existence.

Hope is never lost and for those of you who are caring for loved ones with dire needs, live each day with the notion that everyday is precious. The struggle to survive means that each day is a new day and you must make the most of it. Those who have experienced the trials of war are never the same persons, but many move forward and are the role models for all of us.
 
Our fallen heroes should remind us that life is a gift and needs to be treasured. We all have an obligation to our families and friends to be the best that we can be everyday. The rhetoric that we hear on TV and radio and in conversations rarely tells the truth but leaves us questioning reality. The safety of our lives is in our hands. Let us not forget our responsibilities and the future of our children. Let us live in peaceful co-existence.

---

Gloria M. Reiske is an MSW, LCSW with more than thirty years experience in education, Administration, social work, and coaching. She has authored many articles and is published in local media, having written a men and grief manual for training purposes throughout Virginia and an article for children and grief.