Meaningful Mondays - Arrows Out

"WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT, YOU BRING ABOUT. WHAT YOU BROUGHT ABOUT, YOU THOUGHT ABOUT."

“Acts of kindness create a ripple effect of neurochemical uplift—benefiting the giver, receiver, and even the silent witness.”

RECEIVING kindness can:

GIVING kindness releases:

These positive neurochemicals reduce inflammation and boost immune cell production.

WITNESSING kindness can cause a release of oxytocin, leading to downstream effects on serotonin and immune function.

The observer experiences what's called 'moral elevation'--which includes a sense of warmth and inspiration. This is associated with Heart rate variability improvements, cortisol reductions, and positive neurochemistry shifts (dopamine, serotonin).

"...everybody is a genius, but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." Even though he said it - he proved it wrong-- because he didn't believe it.

"Struggles are stop signs -- they are stepping stones."

"Our response to struggle determines our future."

This week's Empowering Question: How can I see today's struggles as stepping stones rather than roadblocks?

Too many people live their lives hoping Einstein is in the room when the tough questions come. “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”

“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.”

“Once you stop learning, you start dying.”

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

“Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.”

"We tend to become like those whom we admire."

How do you measure your success? By chasing the next achievement?

"If you are paddling only for yourself, don't be surprised when no one else wants to get in your boat."

"You don't see rivers measuring themselves by the size of their banks. They measure themselves by the lives they nourish."

"Your horizon should move as you move. That's how you know you are growing."

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

"Every man has a defining point in his character where success or failure begins. It is the moment he makes a firm choice and never looks back."

Don't let your ESSENTIAL be at the mercy of the important. Knowing your 'ESSENTIAL' gives you the power to say "no" to even the very important.

Desires dictate Priorities. Priorities structure our Choices. Choices determine the course of our lives. "The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule but to schedule your priorities."

We all have an “Obituary Moment” waiting for us.

What if we created our own Obituary Moment—right now?

The 'What do I Really Want" exercise to expand your authentic desires and creativity. Use paper and a pen - set timer for 10 min.- write without judgment, let it flow... everything you really want.

Do this exercise several times. Start over each time and see what your mind does. It only takes 10 minutes.

“Clarity isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about knowing what we value and what we’re working toward."

"Clarity of vision drives the courage to make bold choices."

"When we’re clear about our priorities, decisions become simpler. Without clarity, even small choices can feel overwhelming."

"Desires dictate our priorities; priorities shape our choices; choices determine our actions."

Would you agree that everything we do influences future generations?

Many decisions are aspirational: "I want to be in good shape, spend more time with family, or grow my business." But choice happens in the NOW. The simple choice of hitting snooze or staying up late can conflict with our worthy desires or aspirations.

Let's go Upward, Onward, Outward, one choice at a time.