THE UNWRAPPED PRESENT

THE UNWRAPPED PRESENT

At this time of year, I often reflect on the Christmas mornings growing up in Lawrenceville, New Jersey - the opening of presents, the wrapping paper flying everywhere, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the sound of bacon sizzling on the stove, Christmas songs playing on the stereo, and the many hugs and smiles from my grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends dropping in throughout the day. But there is one Christmas in particular that I recall each year. A Christmas morning that changed my life.

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THE UNWRAPPED PRESENT

THE UNWRAPPED PRESENT

At this time of year, I often reflect on the Christmas mornings growing up in Lawrenceville, New Jersey - the opening of presents, the wrapping paper flying everywhere, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, the sound of bacon sizzling on the stove, Christmas songs playing on the stereo, and the many hugs and smiles from my grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins and friends dropping in throughout the day. But there is one Christmas in particular that I recall each year. A Christmas morning that changed my life.

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THIS TIME OF THE YEAR

THIS TIME OF THE YEAR

This time of the year is marked with certain time-honored traditions.

Purchasing of gifts for those near and far. Attending holiday parties with friends and family members. Packing up the car to make extended trips. Baking cookies, making pies, and taking out Grandma’s recipe of sweet potato casserole – the one with mini-marshmallows.

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THE MISSING PIECE OF PIE

THE MISSING PIECE OF PIE

There is a missing piece of pie served at my holiday feast, and I’m not sure why.
• Did someone sneak into the refrigerator last night for a midnight snack?
• Did someone skip the ham and go straight to dessert?
• Maybe someone dropped the pie and put back what was left to cover their tracks?

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THE THANKSGIVING LETTER

THE THANKSGIVING LETTER

It is nearly dusk as the sun greets the orange and blue horizon over Boston Harbor.  Judy and her daughter, Michelle, cuddled together on their living room couch. Michelle, just three years old, draws her baby doll closely to her chest, and holds her mother's hand tightly. 

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COLLEGE LETTERS

COLLEGE LETTERS

During my freshman year at Boston College, I received many letters from family and friends.  At first, I received about a dozen or so letters each week; mostly from my high school buddies relaying their college experiences. I would dutifully write back and describe my classes, friends, and the overall experience of attending Boston College.

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LET'S GO FOR A WALK

LET'S GO FOR A WALK

“Let’s go for a walk.”

“Where are we going?”

“Nowhere in particular. I just want to spend some time with you.”

“I’m kind of busy right now. Can we do it another day?”

“I would really like to go now, if you don’t mind.”

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THE BANK OF GOODWILL

THE BANK OF GOODWILL

I went to the Bank of Goodwill today and made a deposit -

  • I thanked my wife for her support 

  • I wished my kids a great day 

  • I recognized a fellow Associate for her great performance 

  • I opened the door for a stranger 

  • I made a customer’s vacation dreams come true 

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WASN'T SO TOUGH AFTER ALL

WASN'T SO TOUGH AFTER ALL

It happens. 

There are days when things do not go as planned or as hoped. 

And what would have been a very good day becomes a very tough day.

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WHO DO YOU WORK FOR?

WHO DO YOU WORK FOR?

Who do you work for? 

Yourself.
Your team.
Your family.
Your community.
A paycheck. 

One, some, all...or something else?

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MAKE SOMEDAY...THIS DAY

MAKE SOMEDAY...THIS DAY

Someday, we will have that catch. Someday, we will take that walk, have that conversation, laugh, have lunch. Someday, I will write "thank you" cards, eat better, exercise more, say "I love you.” Someday, I will make a difference, dream, serve others, give more, expect less.

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A MOMENT OF SILENCE AT GATE 42

A MOMENT OF SILENCE AT GATE 42

While queuing up to board United Airlines Flight #272 leaving Orlando for Chicago-O’Hare, my thoughts about what I needed to get done on the flight to Chicago, and whether I would be upgraded to First Class, were interrupted by the gate attendant asking for everyone’s attention.

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YOU LEAD THE WAY YOU DRIVE

YOU LEAD THE WAY YOU DRIVE

“I made it to work in only 35 minutes. A new record!”

“A new record?”

“Yes… my previous record was 41 minutes. I am on a roll!”

“What made the difference?”

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MIRROR, MIRROR

MIRROR, MIRROR

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, tell me the future, and that's not all;

I want to know what will come next;

I want to know the who, when, and how.

Mirror, Mirror on the wall, why do you not speak; tell me the answers to the questions I seek;

What makes one strong and another weak?

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IT'S TIME

IT'S TIME

Take a vacation... if just for a minute.

  • Slow down to take a look at a flower;

  • chat with an old friend; 

  • close your eyes and imagine something wonderful;

  • read a few lines from a good book;

  • make some popcorn (...with extra butter).

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"WHY?"

"WHY?"

Turning data into information, information into knowledge, knowledge into wisdom, and wisdom into our ability to make better, more consistent decisions requires a transformational bridge at each juncture.

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LET'S MAKE A DEAL

LET'S MAKE A DEAL

In the 1960s to 1980s television game show, Let’s Make a Deal, hosted by Monty Hall, the contestant would be asked to choose between three doors – Door #1, Door #2, and Door #3. Behind one of the doors would be a new sports car. Behind the other two doors would be…

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WHAT IS TRULY IMPORTANT...TODAY

WHAT IS TRULY IMPORTANT...TODAY

Hello Everyone,

Take a moment from your busy, busy schedule to reflect on what is truly important ... today.

* * * * * 

Today, you probably have a great deal to accomplish:

  • At home - shopping for that anniversary present, fixing the closet door, dropping the kids off at school, watching that much anticipated television program, reviewing your budget, spending time with the family, calling a friend, returning some mail, reading the newspaper, checking e-mail, and getting ready for (or getting rid of) company.

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THE "DO NOT" LIST

THE "DO NOT" LIST

Sometimes it is helpful to focus on what not to do...

Do not forget...

  • Do not forget to dream

  • Do not forget to laugh

  • Do not forget to cry

  • Do not forget what summer vacation feels like

  • Do not forget the child in you


...don't forget what makes us human.


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WHAT DOES LOVE HAVE TO DO WITH IT?

WHAT DOES LOVE HAVE TO DO WITH IT?

Each day, we hear the word “love” spoken in many different forms and in many different contexts. Southwest Airlines speaks of “Luv” with airline vouchers, customer service and their NYSE stock symbol, “LUV.” For Subaru, “love” means being more than a car company. “The Subaru Love Promise” is their vision to “show love and respect to all people at every interaction with Subaru.”

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