mckinleysthoughts

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What’s Your Code?

As many prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, I’m asking you what’s your code. What is it that unlocks within you that makes you the person you are today? I recently visited one of my favorite chicken restaurants and they were playing Christmas music. Christmas music is one of my favorite times of the year because it only happens for a short time. Sure, we can listen to Christmas music all year if we want; however, it is a time when it sets or unlocks for me one of my codes.

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To everything, there is a Season

“To everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 Let me pose a question to you today. Do you believe everything happens for a reason? Today, I can’t stop thinking about the words from the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1 My purpose for asking this question is many times at least for me I try to follow or understand what the Holy Spirit is speaking to me about. This is not meant to be a sermon or intended to give you any prophecies. It is however for me to share my faith and understanding God’s grace on my specific calling or purpose in life.

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Grief and Bereavement

Today, let’s talk about “Grief and Bereavement” which is something that is overlooked in many ways.

The Best Teacher in Life is Experience. ~ Lebron James Those words may not mean anything to you or sound hollow unless you have had the experience of going through what is called grief or bereavement.

Grief and bereavement are related to loss, but they are not the same thing.

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You Don’t Know Me!

Recently, I had to stop and think about the words that came out of a parishioner’s mouth when she said, “You’re a brave person by going to back-to-back Masses.”

Now and then I attend both the Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:PM and depending on the event or organization, I must also attend the Sunday morning 11:15 AM Mass.

However, after those words were said to me, I said to myself you don’t know me very well.

At first, I thought about the character of this person and then I thought about how long I’ve known them.

Then I thought about my character being challenged if had I said anything back to the person.

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Curtis Leadership and Training

Curtis Leadership and Training is founded on continuously adding value to others. Service to others is a crucial component and the guiding principle by which Curtis Leadership and Training exist. It’s always committed to providing the best possible services while consistently exceeding customer expectations.

Know more: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/courses/

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Embracing Change

If I were to ask a question of how you navigate change your answer would be on many levels of thought.

Your answer would partly derive from your ability in being adaptable.

Adaptable Definition & Meaning – Merriam-Webster

Each of us must be able to adjust to new conditions as I’m reminded of the book “Who Moved My Cheese? An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life” by Dr. Spencer Johnson.

There are four characters in Who Moved My Cheese. Sniff and Scurry (The Mice) and Hem and Haw, (The Little people) who navigated the maze all had characteristics readily seen in people.

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Self-mastery could be anything

If I were to ask, what areas of self-mastery are you most proud of, what would it be?

Self-mastery could be anything.

When I think about self-mastery, it could be driving, washing dishes, cooking, or being self-sufficient.

Why self-mastery, you ask? I say, why not give yourself the credit you deserve? At the same time, what are we doing to perfect our gifts and share them with others?

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Leadership Development Coach: The Catalyst for Organizational Growth

Leadership development is not just a buzzword; it is a critical component of any organization that aims to thrive in a competitive market. Effective leaders inspire their teams, foster innovation, and drive the company’s vision forward. However, leadership is not an inherent trait; it is a skill that can be cultivated. This is where a Leadership Development Coach comes into play.

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State of Mind

This week, I’d ask you to consider what state of mind you have been in lately.

Better yet, have you had any “Whoosah” moments?

Whoosah is a slang expression variously used to indicate or achieve a state of calm and relaxation.

Particularly when you don’t have anywhere to go, you can let your mind wander or relax. I decided to relax.

However, how do you put yourself in the proper frame of mind in California, celebrating 100 years of Toastmasters down the street from Disneyland?

On top of that, the second day you’re in California, there is an earthquake.

Between the peaks and valleys and various roller coaster thoughts, I wasn’t on vacation but on an adventure that would be an incredible seven-day journey. Over the last seven days (August 11, 2024, through August 17, 2024), I had the unique opportunity to be in a specific state of mind during our Annual Toastmasters Convention in Anaheim, California.

It was our centennial celebration!

What was interesting for me was being with and around like-minded people who brought Toastmasters into their minds and worlds.

Notably, being around so many like-minded people, with the majority present having the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation behind their names, me included.

The Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award represents the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters.

Even though we were celebrating 100 years in the area where Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, our founder, created the vision of Toastmasters, something was different.

My state of mind during the Annual Toastmasters Convention had me reflecting on why I was here and the opportunity to attend a Toastmasters meeting at the first club established. (Smedley Chapter One Toastmasters Club in Santa Ana, California.) Founders District!

The meeting theme was “Walk in the footsteps of Ralph Smedley.”

I physically took a tour from his Church to the YMCA building, which all happened under the vision of Dr. Ralph C. Smedley. To be clear, Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organization that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person.

Toastmasters International, as the name implies, has approximately 270,000 members in more than 14,000 clubs in 150 countries.

Seeing and hearing each of the 150 countries’ names and flags during the opening ceremony or the parade of flags this week was a state of mind.

Our newest country, added to the list less than six weeks ago, was Mauritius, officially the Republic of Mauritius.

During one of our leadership training sessions, I had a NEXUS moment when the gentleman introduced himself and gave me his card.

All the top three leaders of each district (known as the Trio) attended workshops in their specific areas, and the gentleman from the Republic of Mauritius was also a Program Quality Director, like me.

It was electrifying during the opening ceremony on Wednesday night, with the entire Toastmasters community present.

Sitting in the audience, I thought about the connection of my two grandsons’ father, who has roots in Mauritius because his mother is from that island.

Today, many speakers, myself included, give credit to their experiences with Toastmasters.

Yet, every day, people have no idea of the benefits of Toastmasters International.

It’s an organization where members invest in themselves at a small cost of $60 every six months. Those joining the first time also pay a new member fee of $20, which supports your designated pathway projects.

The Toastmasters International tagline is “Where Leaders are Made.”

When I think about leaders and Toastmasters, I also think about a call to action.

Each of us wants our listeners to take action after hearing our speeches. With Toastmasters, the learning never stops. Join Toastmasters, and you will:

Toastmasters is not about flying alone like the Eagles; it’s more about being a pigeon and flocking together to help each other succeed.

  As they say, “Don’t be afraid to be outnumbered; Eagles fly alone, pigeons flock together.”

I admit my adventure never stopped, as the first leg of my trip back home took me to Atlanta. I heard babies crying on the plane and watched an individual needing medication as I hustled to get from Concourse A to D to catch my connecting flight.

As luck would have it, I made it to my seat within twenty minutes, and the aircraft closed its doors, not knowing it would be grounded from taking off because of the thunderstorms in Atlanta.

I learned that they had weather birds or spotters in the air to determine the best routes for things like this.

  It didn’t matter to me because I was on the plane and had nowhere to go but home.

There was no connection except to get in the car.

As I thought about everything I had been through the entire week, waiting for the storm to pass was the least of my worries.

Today, I challenge you to think about the state of mind you have been in lately and all those “Whoosah” moments. Where you able to achieve a state of calm and relaxation?

  Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/state-of-mind/

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An Act of Kindness

When did you last pay attention to your surroundings, and were you kind?

  After September 11, 2001, or 9-11, many of us, myself included, paid closer attention to our surroundings when we walked into any building or restaurant.

  It would be fourteen years later that out of nowhere, we were forced to pay closer attention in our churches after the mass shooting at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.

  Charleston church shooting | June 17, 2015 | HISTORY

  Have you ever had a moment where you asked yourself if only people could see what you see?

  This past Saturday, I had such a moment or experience as I stood at the podium praying the Rosary before the congregation’s start of the 5 PM Vigil Mass.

  It was a moment of reflection and gratitude, witnessing several years of being part of the church and seeing the same parishioners walk through the doors before Mass.

  In most churches, people tend to sit in the same pews each Saturday or Sunday.

  I am a Saturday Vigil Mass person and have primarily sat in the same area for four years.

  As I patiently awaited my rotation with the other person saying the decade, my inner thoughts were, “I wonder if people could only see what I see.”

  The opportunity to watch people entering through the doors and going to their specific pews brought me gratitude in various ways.

  It all started when I noticed a very active parish couple enter the sanctuary.  The wife was escorting her husband, who was disabled, to find a seat to sit.  If only you could have seen the smiles on both of their faces walking in and sitting down and interacting with each other.

  For me, it was the wife giving her husband all the attention he needed and the husband being grateful for his wife’s arm as she escorted him to his pew.  I would call it a badge of honor.

  Too many times I’ve seen disabled people struggling, yet they grin and bear it, while others are oblivious to their physical challenges.

  While seeing it from the pulpit, I had not witnessed that specific act of kindness until this past Saturday.

  The genuine concern, boldly given that I’m here for you and that you are my priority, is what I felt,

  I also intentionally looked at the facial expressions as I stood looking out.  It was something about the demeanors or their conduct of manner through the actions of those entering the church as each person found their way to sit down.

  I noticed how some held the hands of their spouse or significant other while others honored their commitment by attending Mass.

  As one who fully understands the concepts behind the book “The Starfish and the Spider” by Ori Brafman, I have an inside view that others do not have. I was trained for five weeks by the author to think, act, and operate more decentralized.

  Mainly because many have never read the book “The Starfish and the Spider” or even know why only a few of us are trained in this concept. As Walter Brennan would say in The Guns of Will Sonnett, “No brag just fact.”

  I thought about everyone there each week doing their specific duties to help make the church operate in a decentralized manner, myself included.

  “The Starfish and the Spider by Ori Brafman explores the power and potential of decentralized organizations and their ability to thrive in today’s interconnected world.”

  https://irevolutions.org/2010/01/09/starfish-spider-decentralization/

  It’s hard to believe that almost 14 years ago, in October 2010, I was one of the few selected by the Army to receive training in these concepts and be taught by the author Ori Brafman.

  After completing the course in November 2010, before Thanksgiving, my signed copy of the book is one of my prized possessions.

  I count my Starfish training as a privilege and continue to use it today.

  You and I pay attention to various things, and sometimes, what we need to pay attention to what is right under our noses; however, we can’t see it.

  We’re too busy being distracted and are caught off guard when others find what we are looking for.

  Today, I challenge you to take a few minutes and ask yourself if you are paying attention to your surroundings and being kind.

  I also ask that you think about the various insights you’ve had this past week through the act of paying attention.

  My specific insights, for example, this past week was seeing children growing up and watching parents beam with pride.

  One of the Parishioners I serve with as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, who usually sits either in front or behind me, had their oldest son at Mass this weekend.

  I’ve seen him before during the holidays and when school is not in session.

  As I greeted the family, I asked, “Is this the West Pointer?”

  The short answer was yes, and an acknowledgment that their younger daughter, who recently graduated high school, is now witnessing what West Point was all about as a first-year Plebe or a Fourth Class Cadet compared to her brother.

  As I close, I must reflect on the wife who showed kindness in caring for her disabled husband.

  In the military, we are taught and reminded that someone is always watching us without knowing it.  Therefore, our actions sometimes speak louder than our words.

  As Bob Kerrey say’s, “Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.

  The Starfish training I mentioned today taught me kindness and changed how I see things.  Ori Brafman’s final comment to us before graduation was to be kind.

  These are words I have never forgotten.  This past weekend was my reminder to be kind to others.

  Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/an-act-of-kindness/

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Cares of the World

Every day, people, me included, can get caught up in the cares of this world if we are not careful.

While traveling through a local area of town, I noticed all the various businesses and shops serving a specific community. I could not discern if they were thriving; however, I did not need their services. I am blessed and grateful, knowing my life could have been different.

My mind immediately thought that some of these businesses only exist to play on the hearts of others as it relates to the cares of this world.

[mckinleysthoughts]

An Act of Kindness

When did you last pay attention to your surroundings, and were you kind?

After September 11, 2001, or 9-11, many of us, myself included, paid closer attention to our surroundings when we walked into any building or restaurant.

It would be fourteen years later that out of nowhere, we were forced to pay closer attention in our churches after the mass shooting at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.

[mckinleysthoughts]

Going the Distance

Today, three words inspired me: “Going the Distance.”

  When I retired from the military after 30 years in 2004, I received an autographed picture of my favorite Country Music Singer, Toby Keith.

  Unfortunately, he finished his race last Monday, February 5, 2024.

May he rest in peace.

  Toby Keith Cause of Death: Stomach Cancer Symptoms, Causes And More (today.com)

  My question is, what round, quarter, or time in your life are you in?

  I realize that might not mean much to some of you; however, let me add more context to my question.

  This past weekend, while visiting the city of New Orleans for Mardi Gras, I thought about all the people going great distances to assemble for the various parades and events.  I witnessed people from different parts of the United States.

  Then, before the 0700 AM Mass on Sunday morning, I attended St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.   I met two people interested in where I was from, not being a local parishioner there.

  What you don’t know is that for over 38 years, I have, in some shape, form, or fashion visited St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, multiple times with my wife.  My wife was the last class to graduate when the church had a school associated with it.

  Nonetheless, ironically, my wife decided not to make the trip this weekend, and I had promised after Mass in the morning that I would return home.

  Through the conversations, they knew my wife and her older brother, who attended St. Rose de Lima Catholic School.

  Immediately, I thought about a person preparing to go the distance.  You and I, for the most part, probably have a favorite sport or activity we like to play, which requires us to go the distance in preparation.

  Therefore, I also see it as going the distance as it relates to how well we have lived.  Can we now do what we used to, and what preparation is required to continue these things?

  Not knowing the two people I met, I gave them clues about who I was associated with as my weak ties became strong ties connecting my wife’s family with them.  Both of the people I met went to the same school with my wife and knew her late brother, who passed away years ago.

  I always find it interesting to see the six degrees of separation between the people I meet and their connections with me.

  My question to you this morning is, when people start connecting the dots in your life, what might they say about you?  How far have you gone in making a difference in someone’s life?  How far back will they reach as they remember you, negative or positive?

  We only have a specific amount of time on this earth, so why not make a difference while we can?  I’m also aware that each person has a resolve to do certain things or not in life.

  As I walked away from the people I met over the weekend, I wondered if my weak ties that started the conversation became strong ties.

  When someone calls your name today, how well will they remember you going the distance, or are you already knocked down?

What history are you making for yourself?

  There is something about achieving dreams and making history, like last night’s Super Bowl for those in attendance.

  Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/going-the-distance/

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From Dreams to Reality

Most of you are aware that last Wednesday (June 19, 2024), many people around the United States were able to celebrate the newest federal holiday.

Although this holiday is only in its third year, I have seen a difference in places of employment taking advantage of this specific federal holiday.

Banks were closed, trash pick-up did not occur, mail did not run, and most federal buildings were closed.

It was Juneteenth National Independence Day, which celebrates the end of slavery in the United States.

Depending on when and where you were born, this holiday may not mean anything for many.

However, today, “From Dreams to Reality” is not about hatred, pointing fingers, watering down Juneteenth, or any other negative words or connotations. It’s about unity.

Today is about recognizing both the power of the pen and the people.

“Juneteenth was first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. (Power of the Pen)

This historic event marked the first new federal holiday since the adoption of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983.”

Juneteenth: History, celebrations and more about the federal holiday (msn.com)

When I think about when President Ronald Reagan signed Martin Luther King Jr. Day into law on November 2, 1983, this is a true testament to resilience. (Power of the People.)

MLK federal holiday declared | November 2, 1983 | HISTORY

Essentially, from Martin Luther King Jr. Day being signed into law and then Juneteenth being in law, it was 38 years.   Believe it or not, we are officially celebrating an end to things like the Jim Crow Laws and what freedom means in America.

Jim Crow Laws: Definition, Facts & Timeline | HISTORY

Everything that happens on Juneteenth only reminds us how far we have come as a nation and people of color.

I am not naïve that racism will never be eliminated; however, I’m forever grateful to those who stood in the gap to help eliminate it for me and others after me.

As my parent’s rest in peace, I know they are rejoicing in heaven seeing the results of President Joe Biden signing the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.

However, that doesn’t stop me from educating our youth and my children.

I must tell you that I had a wonderful four-hour Juneteenth Celebration at the Birmingham V.A. Medical Center in Birmingham, AL.

Knowing Juneteenth is a Federal Holiday, the Birmingham V.A. Medical Center held its program on Friday, June 21, 2024.

Additionally, because my Toastmasters Club V.A. Voices Toastmasters is associated with and sponsored by the Birmingham V.A. Medical Center, we were invited as a vendor in the program with other hospital sections.

I’m proud that the Birmingham V.A. Medical Center, which I’m associated with, supports Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Beyond (DEI-B).

It was the best four hours of learning in a while that was both educational and entertaining, particularly in the culture of celebrations that evolved on Juneteenth in 1865.

I was unaware of three specific things: the color of Red and the connection to Juneteenth.  (Red drinks, Red Velvet Cakes, and Red Watermelons.)

Juneteenth: Why red food and drinks have become powerful symbols | CNN

The second was the Juneteenth flag colors, created in 1997.

What the Juneteenth Flag Means – the Colors, Symbols, and History (oprahdaily.com)

The third was about the Birmingham African American Genealogy Group (BAAGG).  I did not know it was the oldest African American Genealogy Group in Alabama, established in 1999.

The Birmingham African American Genealogy Group Inc – Alabama 1999-2024 (baagginc.blogspot.com)

Never in my wildest dreams, when I joined Toastmasters five years ago, would or could I have imagined that I would be part of a program of this magnitude.  The theme was “From Dreams to Reality,” which says it all!

I don’t know how you celebrated your Juneteenth this year; however, I ask that you think about how you will take some time to reflect on the importance of Juneteenth next year.

“Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do.” —Barack Obama

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/from-dreams-to-reality/

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Celebrating and Honor Our Fallen Comrades and Those Forgotten!

Today is Memorial Day, and not be confused with Veterans Day.

What Is the Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day? | HISTORY

Earlier this week, I donated to the Veterans of Foreign Wars as they stood outside the local hardware stores, giving out poppies to symbolize the lives lost in service.

Ironically, many looked the other way so as not to be bothered.

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Dispositions and What Others See

This week focuses on the various dispositions of what others see.

I overheard a father telling his son what he would do to him; however, it was not worth repeating if he disobeyed one more time.

That same day, as I visited my local Walmart, many know someone usually checks your receipt on the way out the door.

Depending on how many items they may wave to you on your way out the door.

[mckinleysthoughts]

Celebrating and Honor Our Fallen Comrades and Those Forgotten!

Today is Memorial Day, and not be confused with Veterans Day.

What Is the Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day? | HISTORY

Earlier this week, I donated to the Veterans of Foreign Wars as they stood outside the local hardware stores, giving out poppies to symbolize the lives lost in service.

Ironically, many looked the other way so as not to be bothered.