Power

I bought a new book today.  It is by J.K. Rowling – Very Good Lives.

It is based on a speech she gave to the graduating class of 2008 at Harvard University.  I highly recommend this small giant of a book.  I read it in thirty minutes, but its impact will last a lifetime.

And now, Ms. Rowling speaks to us:

~”If you choose to use your status and influence to raise your voice on behalf of those who have no voice

~”If you choose to identify not only with the powerful but with the powerless

~”If you retain the ability to imagine yourself into the lives of those who do not have your advantages

…“Then it will not only be your proud families who celebrate your existence, but thousands and millions of people whose reality you have helped change.

“We do not need magic to transform our world; we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already:  we have the power to imagine better.”

~J K Rowling

Imagine that, our influence could continue working on behalf of thousands and millions who come long after we have left this earth, simply because we heard their voices and we continued singing their song. 

Perhaps it is time to help a brother in need, to encourage one who is downcast, and to bend low enough to lift another up to a new height.

Let us use our voices and influence to make a difference somewhere in this world.

That would be a fine display of power!

Class dismissed.

P Michael Biggs

Up-Words Web Site

Offering Up-Moments

One Moment at a Time

Be Careful with Books

Warning!  Books could be dangerous.  You never know what is inside of them. 

They might contain words of hope, words of inspiration, and words that encourage people. 

Books have been known to inspire revolutions and start love affairs.

Books change people. 

Be very careful when reading a book.  Be prepared to be changed.

You may now return to your normal life.

P Michael Biggs

Up-Words Web Site

Offering Up-Moments

One Moment at a Time

How the Phone Is Answered

Answering a phone is marketing – pure and simple marketing.  And everyone markets.  One day in a sales meeting I called four businesses so my sales team could hear the differences in phone personality.  It was quite an experience.

So you’re not in sales?  Do you have a cell phone?  How is it answered? 

Is there a smile to your voice?

Do you respond with a pleasant tone?

Is there an “I’m glad you called”?

Of course you get to choose how to answer your phone.  Just consider how you come across, and if you are okay with that, then march on.

Class dismissed.

P Michael Biggs

Up-Words Web Site

Offering Up-Moments

One Moment at a Time

Possessions

I saw a homeless young man last week and bought him some food.  It costs $3.85.  We engaged in a bit of a conversation long enough for me to know he has been living on the streets of Seattle for 2 years.

He was grateful for the food and went on his way.

Today I saw him again.  I greeted him and we exchanged pleasantries.  With great eagerness he pointed to a skateboard hanging from his shoulder.  He told me one of his friends had given it to him.  He was proud of that possession.

 

I seriously doubt that he has many possessions to call his own.  He borrows the parking lot where I work to sleep at night. 

And you and I have an abundance of stuff.  He was as proud of that skateboard as you and I might be of a new Lexus. 

Perspective. 

This exchange gave me a pause for reflection.

P Michael Biggs

Up-Words Web Site

Offering Up-Moments

One Moment at a Time

Happy

The chase is on for “happy”.  Are you into it?  Are you running this race?

Here is what I’ve learned about happiness.

~One size does not fit all.  It is a tailor-made program, and you are the designer.

~Happiness isn’t in money or fame.  I see too many people with all of that stuff and they seem pretty miserable.

~Do the “pass it on” thing.  The other day Carolyn and I paid for another customer’s ice cream just because.  That made us happy, and the lady too.

~Give thanks.  Show appreciation to all those around you – the retail clerk, the policeman, the dry cleaning lady, the bank teller, the grocery store manager.

~If you are happy, then please tell your face.  SMILE!

Class dismissed.

P Michael Biggs

Up-Words Web Site

Offering Up-Moments

One Moment at a Time