It’s been an interesting year, 2011. We continue to live in hectic times—a turbulent and uncertain economy, and the ongoing war on terrorism. Our individual and collective losses have been staggering. But, throughout it all—and perhaps despite it—we’ve witnessed countless examples of the resiliency of the human spirit; evidence of the abiding faith, buoyant optimism, and incredibly strong senses of caring and community that define our great nation.

As I start yet another year…I find myself reflecting on my own many blessings— loving family members, continuing good health, reasonable financial success, and many truly wonderful friends and associates. I know that I’ve been very, very fortunate in this life experience and I plan to continue paying it forward every day that I’m on this earth.

Perhaps the most valuable lesson I’ve learned in my life journey so far is this: Life is short, fleeting and entirely uncertain. Having dealt with my own challenges, I would strongly recommend that you recognize and appreciate all of the small things that are very ordinary, but very sacred.  I’ve learned not to be complacent about good fortunes, like health, freedom, mobility, opportunity and more.  And most importantly never, I never want to miss the opportunity to tell  friends and loved ones how much I care and appreciate them and all they do.

It seems somewhat trite to talk about living life differently. I think we all struggle at doing the best we can in the moment. That said, however, it does seem that with a plan, focus and action items, we have a stronger probability to get to a “new” and “better” place we chose to be, rather than settling for the security and comfort of “the same”.

I’m not giving up the fight!  Let’s continue the goal to become a better person, wife, husband, friend, family member, influencer, leader, guide, confidante, and helper…whatever the choices.  Here are a few simple questions to ask:

• How do I plan on getting what I really want
• What will I do differently in this moment to live the life I envision?
• What will I do to build and design a legacy that goes beyond my lifetime to help others on the lessons’ I’ve learned on my own journey?
• What will be the one activity I do every day to carve out a little bit of joy and happiness and peace for myself, no matter what the circumstances?
• How can my own energy positively impact another in some small way…even a total stranger?  A smile, a laugh, opening a door…you know the drill…
• What time will I invest in me to become more of what I desire to be?  Expanding your knowledge and wisdom comes with the investment of some kind of purposeful activity like taking a class, reading great books, finding a mentor….time!

Simple questions require a little thought and a mechanism to keep you focused so you can execute what you will need to do to get to that “new and better place”.

It does start with gratitude for where you are now. When you are grateful for the present, no matter what, you set yourself up for getting more of the good stuff. This is a time to recognize our many blessings. I’m recognizing mine and thanking you in advance for being your best you. I wish you joy, and love, and prosperity. But most of all, I wish you peace and joyright now and all year long…
and that this will be the year, you live your best life!

Terri Murphy

Okay…it’s Thanksgiving once again.
Plans for turkey, travel and thanks and giving can be heard in passing conversations…
But let me ask you a question…
How truly “grateful” are you for the ordinary?
Unfortunate as it is, as humans, we get caught up in the doing versus the being and often overlook the supreme gifts of the obvious…
• How about being able to gulp and enjoy a cool glass of water?
• The freedom of using your body to get from place to place without assistance or equipment?
• How about being able to speak any words, especially the words, “I love you”?
• Enjoying the simple act of eating and swallowing to ease the pain of hunger?

Unless you’ve spent a little time in a hospice facility lately, we can’t appreciate the gifts of health and freedom. We hear it all too often that if you have your “health” you have it all, and I painfully know how true this statement is. My wish for you is that in this moment you celebrate these extraordinary but simple gifts, especially today. Until we’ve lost them, or see someone we love who have lost them, we can’t fully embrace the true “presents” that they are. What are you especially grateful for this Thanksgiving?

Fox13‘s Darrell Greene Interviews Terri Murphy On Part Time Job Tips

Got job? 5 Tips to help turn Part time into Full Time

Looking for a some part time work to get you through a financial “crunch”?  But what if a part time gig could turn into a career of your dreams?

As a coach and communication consultant, we often help individuals and executives clinch the interview with some attention to communication basics.  Don’t lose at the interview table! Take advantage of creating a uniqueness to your visit with your interviewer by keeping in mind these 5  basic communication tips:

1)      Start with your attitude! From a psychological standpoint, don’t think “part time” – think “Opportunity” – You will act differently knowing that you are making a possible investment in a permanent position.  Your brain rules so your thought process needs to be right from the get go.  Even if this one specific job doesn’t work out the way you had hoped, there are can be some magical people connections and opportunities that may lead in a referral or new opening in the future

2)      Dress for the job- How you look speaks volumes and what you know may be diminished if you are not properly attired for the position. Women especially need to avoid barriers like jangly jewelry, revealing clothing choices or too much perfume.

3)      Be prepared, enthusiastic, but not pushy or appearing desperate.   You won’t know the politics of the office and don’t want to appear threatening or needy.

4)      Be on time and dependable.  Regardless of your generation, many businesses still work on a traditional time line…The boss/manager needs to be able to depend on you to be there when you have agreed to be there.

5)      Even if you don’t get the job, send a thank you note.  So few people will take the time and this gesture will set you apart as someone who shows initiative.  If their current choice doesn’t work out, you just might get the call.

Part time jobs can open doors to career opportunities you hadn’t even thought about!  So suit up, show up and knock ‘em dead with a great smile, a clean and neat appearance and a sensational attitude.  You could walk out with a brand new job and with a brand new adventure!

Terri Murphy is President of Terri Murphy Communications, Inc, and is a communication and e-marketing specialist.  For more information visit: www.TerriMurphy.com or email: Terri@TerriMurphy.com

Copyright©2010  All Rights Reserved

Dr. Tony Alessandra

www.Alessandra.com

www.PlatinumRule.com

Prosperity Series Memphis Featured Sales Expert

Today was the opening day of our local Farmers Market. I got there fairly early and was delighted to see the early morning hustle and bustle of local entrepreneurs eager to profile their fresh veggies, breads, flowers, honey and other goodies.

Familiar faces were there walking through the booths with coffee in hand. There was energy around the movement as this real “community” lives.

During the winter months, the only way we were connected was by email or a simple blog. What was most interesting was the way we connected after communicating electronically since October of last year.

One of my favorite booths is owned and operated by an adorable Laotian family.  The little ladies there simply sparkle with joy as they arrange their fresh vegetables on display.  The most powerful connection is in using few words.  They know how to say “hello” and okay” with ease.  But if you really want to get a strong connection, try saying “thank you” in THEIR language.  It is the most joyful reaction I’ve ever seen!

As I walked toward their booth after months of not seeing them, I waived and they nodded… and then I said “thank you” back to them in their Laotian language…causing them to  begin waiving wildly and smile widely!  They were visibly delighted…all because of one little word…with a special “twist”…having it THEIR way.

How many ways can you say thank you today to your clients, customers, friends and family? 

Tom Peters said “Never underestimate the power of the tiniest personal touch”, and as usual, he is so right.  The power of human connection continues to be the magic that bridges relationships and often is the key to successful entrepreneurships…no matter what you are selling!

Bio: Terri Murphy is an author, speaker, e-communication consultant, and author of 5 books, including her latest with Donald Trump. She is the founder and Pres. of WomensWisdomNetwork.com and serves as CIO of U. S. Learning in Memphis and one of NAR’s GAME CHANGER 2010 Coaches. visit www.TerriMurphy.com or email: Terri@TerriMurphy.com

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