If a fellow isn’t thankful for what he’s got, he isn’t likely going to be thankful for what he’s going to get. Frank A. Clark

It’s most amazing that week after week I find no shortages of things to be grateful for. Sometimes the list is huge while others are shorter but no less impactful. (Photo credit: labutle)

Because the gratitude posts is part of the weekly schedule, it’s become a habit, at least subconsciously, to be on the lookout for things I’m grateful for during the week. It wasn’t too long before I found myself in a self-imposed behavior modification program.  I keep a notepad nearby so that when good things happen to either myself or others, I make a note of it for later inclusion. This trains my mind to rise above the daily clutter of “bad news” and focus on what’s good in my life.

I never “intended” for it to happen this way but one thing is for sure - the subconscious mind is an an amazing tool.  When you begin to do something out of habit, it takes root down there, without you really doing much of anything.   Never ceases to amaze me.

So, my fellow gatherers at Adversity University, what exactly did I write down in my little notepad this week?

Other People’s Success

Guy Kawasaki

I don’t know you know who Guy Kawasaki is but he’s a major blogging force at How to Change the World.  Even though I’ve never met him, I’ve seen him all over Twitter. Despite his high profile, he appears to be accessible and down to earth.  He seems to be the kind of person I’d like to get to know.

One Perfect Day with IGT chronicled a day of him flying in a private jet to a speaking engagement recently. He says this style of traveling never before happened to him - until that day. As I looked at his pictures, all of my private flying experiences came rushing back to me. Suddenly I found myself envisioning this type of travel to my own speaking gigs with one major difference.

I will be the pilot!

It’s been my dream to fly the HondaJet.   For the last two years, I’ve had the pleasure of watching images of the jet grace my PC screen (screensaver), reminding me every single day that I have a dream in the process of manifestation.

The image of this gorgeous, sleek jet makes daily deposits into my subconscious mind, leading me to inspired ideas on how to make this dream come true.   Although it has a price tag of $3 million, I intend to get it.

Hey, if I can be the first deaf pilot in the world to become instrument rated, why not go for the mountain?

Congratulations to Guy for having a hassle-free and comfortable flying experience to your recent speaking gig. Thanks for reminding me what’s possible for me.  Your article was a big inspiration for me this morning because if this can happen to you, by golly, it can happen for me too!

Mags of Woo-Woo Wisdom

Congratulations to Mags of Woo-Woo Wisdom for buying a house after having rented a flat!  For as long as I can remember, I’ve been renting apartments with the sole exception of owning a co-op while living in New York City. I guess I still have the renters mentality but I can only imagine the excitement of actually moving into a nice big house after renting a small apartment for so many years.   How exciting for you Mags!   More specifically Woo-Woo!

Karen Putz

A sister in spirit, Karen Putz is outrageously funny, a great writer and a blast to be with. I hung out with her during SOBCon08 and even stayed with her family a few days after the conference was over (Chicago). Nothing gives me more pleasure than congratulating Karen for an article that was written about her in the American Chronicle: Karen Putz and “Deaf Mom World” Wake Up Internet Community to Parenting, Role Models and Acceptance with Slice of Real Life. Go on over there and take a few minutes to get to know her more. She has a GREAT story.

Way to go Karen!

Power of Technology

Blackberry

This week, I became a proud owner of my first-ever wireless device - the latest Blackberry Curve. After years of putting it off, I finally took the plunge and got myself one. At first, I was disappointed at the small size (especially the keyboard that requires the use of fingernails to type) but the more I played around with it, the more impressed I became.

Not only do I have unlimited data (for only $29.99 a month), it also has a built-in GPS. In an emergency, the GPS can triangulate my exact position for those who need to know. I can also get driving instructions, just like mapquest.  I love it!

It also has a host of other applications that would take up too many pages but suffice to say, I’m VERY EXCITED about having unlimited access to email, text messages, the internet, etc.  Never again will I be inaccessible once I leave my home.  Now, that could be a good thing or a bad thing.   We’ll just have to wait and see!

I wonder if I’ll be a Blackberry-cholic. Hmmmm……..

Telephone

I know I’ve said this already but I’m so grateful for this new telephone system that I cannot possibly leave it out this week.

Unless you’ve been deaf all your life, it’s probably hard to appreciate how easy it is for you to pick up the phone and call anyone without so much of a hassle (except for the occasional disconnection or line break-up, etc).

While growing up, I had to rely on my mother to make phone calls for me. As technology matured, I began making my own calls through a cumbersome process where an operator typed to me on a TTY what the other person was saying, often delaying the conversation considerably (i.e. “Would you please slow down so I can keep up with you?”).

Just this year, I was exposed to a brand new way of communicating on the phone. With a webcam set up on my PC, I now get a live operator on the screen (see image above - left side) who uses a combination of sign language and oral interpretation (in real time).  While I’m well versed in sign, I am mostly a lip-reader so it helps if the operator is articulate.  The smaller image on the right side would be the deaf individual making the call (or receiving them).

Thanks to this system, I can participate in teleconference calls and conduct a “regular” conversation without anyone knowing that an operator is on the line.  In fact, I’ve already had 3 teleconference calls so far.

Two weeks ago I did one with Patrick Combs that blew open doors. You can download it here for free if you’re even remotely curious to hear me speak throughout this question and answer session. I know you’re very busy and might not have a whole hour to listen to it but I’d like to ask you to hear at least part of it.  If I may say so myself, I guarantee you will at least smile. You’ll probably get a laugh or two. You might even cry tears of joy.   I’d love to hear what you thought of it in the comment section!

Let me say it again: I am extremely grateful for this new telephone system:

• I see myself conducting my own teleconference seminars easily and effortlessly - just like the other speakers, authors, bloggers and business leaders.
• I see myself having life coaching clients all over the country who converse with me on the phone.

Thank you God for this gift!

For more information on how this new system works, go to Wikipedia.

Another Blogger Writes Another Great Article

Every once in a while I come across some great piece of writing that makes me say something like, “Ah, I can identify with this!”

Phil Gerbyshak of Make it GREAT! invited a guest writer, Barry Moltz, to post a brilliant article about how we have become lazy consumers. Even if we’re given shoddy service, we’re so comfortable with the company that we don’t want to switch to another one unless, of course, we’re severely pushed to the wall.

Barry talks about Netflix and how he finally made the switch to Blockbuster, something he wishes he had done 5 years ago. Even though BB was offering faster, better and cheaper services, he resisted making the switch because of, well, laziness. I smiled at this one. Why? Because I am also a Netflix consumer. Like him, I’ve also stayed with Netflix out of laziness.   But lately I’ve been thinking of dropping Netflix and switching to Blockbuster.   What a timely a article - thanks Phil for letting Barry Moltz write this piece at your blog - I enjoyed it.

Check it out, you’ll enjoy Barry’s article: The Lazy Consumer: Forget Better, Faster and Cheaper

Adversity University Community

I continue to be thankful for the incredibly vibrant community here at Adversity University. Every week, we get visitors who are joining the conversation for the first time. Many of them are new to the blogging world. Some do not have websites or blogs of their own; yet they feel comfortable enough to share with us their thoughts, views and ideas. This is exactly what I had envisioned when I first created Adversity University in 2006.

If you’ve never commented before, it’s really easy. First of all, if you are an email or RSS subscriber, all you need to do is click on the title of the article to be brought to the blog and then leave a comment at the very bottom of the post.

Don’t worry if you don’t have a website or blog address (URL) - leave that box blank.  As far as what to write, anything goes as long as everyone is respected, loved and accepted for who they are. Don’t worry if you’re somewhat off base - if something in the post inspired you to write about something you want to share with us, go ahead and tell us!

I’m grateful that for the most part, people who leave comments are not using this blog as a blantant promotional tool. They know that’s what the URL box is for. They also know that the built-in CommentLuv feature is how I’m rewarding people for participating.  It’s a way to give back to those who take the time to write value-added comments.

Of course, i also appreciate how you are leaving “value-added” comments instead of “one-liners” like “Great post!” or “I liked it but didn’t understand parts of it.” They don’t add anything to the conversation.   It helps to know what impacted you or what areas you didn’t understand.

Thank you, especially the newcomers who’ve never left comments before.   I’m so glad you feel comfortable enough to write in.  I hope you will continue to do so!

Food for thought: What does gratitude do for you? Have you been thinking about the good things that have happened to you and others?

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