One stormy night many years ago, an elderly man and his wife entered the lobby of a small hotel in Philadelphia. Trying to get out of the rain, the couple approached the front desk hoping to get some shelter for the night.
"Could you possibly give us a room here?" the husband asked.
The clerk, a friendly man with a winning smile, looked at the couple and explained that there were three conventions in town. "All of our rooms are taken," the clerk said. "But I can't send a nice couple like you out into the rain at one o'clock in the morning. Would you perhaps be willing to sleep in my room? It's not exactly a suite, but it will be good enough to make you folks comfortable for the night."
When the couple declined, the young man pressed on. "Don't worry about me, I'll make out just fine," the clerk told them.
So the couple agreed.
As he paid his bill the next morning, the elderly man said to the clerk, "You are the kind of manager who should be the boss of the best hotel in the United States. Maybe someday I'll build one for you."
The clerk looked at them and smiled. The three of them had a good laugh. As they drove away, the elderly couple agreed that the helpful clerk was indeed exceptional, as finding people who are both friendly and helpful isn't easy.
Two years passed. The clerk had almost forgotten the incident when he received a letter from the old man. It recalled that stormy night and enclosed a round-trip ticket to New York, asking the young man to pay them a visit.
The old man met him in New York, and led him to the corner of Fifth Avenue and 34th Street. He then pointed to a great new building there, a pale reddish stone, with turrets and watchtowers thrusting up to the sky.
"That," said the older man, "is the hotel I have just built for you to manage."
"You must be joking," the young man said.
"I can assure you I am not," said the older man, a sly smile playing around his mouth.
The older man's name was William Waldorf-Aster, and that magnificent structure was the original Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The young clerk who became its first manager was George C. Boldt. This young clerk never foresaw the turn of events that would lead him to become the manager of one of the world's most glamorous hotels.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
I am capable...... I am worthwhile
I am capable. I am worthwhile.
I am beautiful. I am lovable.
I shall accept both my strengths
and my weaknesses for they are me.
I shall never again believe the "lie"
that if I make a mistake,
I am a mistake.
My mistakes are the learning tools
that I shall encounter on my life journey.
When I learn from my mistakes,
I give them meaning
When I give my mistakes meaning,
I can be gin to forgive myself,
I can begin to heal.
I shall not use my mistakes as excuses
to give up on me.....
My mistakes are not me.
I shall seek the wisdom to nurture
my heart, mind, body, and soul
so that I may feel more centered
providing an energy reserve that allows
me to climb the mountains in my own life
providing an energy reserve that allows
me to love and support others
who are climbing a different mountain
providing an energy reserve that allows
time for friends, play
and the celebration of life.
I shall allow myself to feel capable
so that I may seek excellence.
I shall allow myse lf to feel sadness
so that joy may return.
I shall allow myself to feel joy
so that I may be revitalized.
I shall allow myself to feel afraid
so that I may find courage.
I shall allow myself to feel alone
so that I may know me.
I shall allow myself to feel beautiful
so that I may feel free.
I shall allow myself to feel lovable
so that the loving may seek me.
I shall allow myself to feel pain
so that I may heal.
I shall allow myself to feel worthy
so that I may fulfill my purpose.
When I am centered,
I see the perfection in the world,
myself and others.
When I find the world to be imperfect,
I will take responsibility
for painting it that way.
I will look into the heart of a rose,
or the eyes of a newborn baby
and again know perfection.
I take responsibility
for creating my own life story
through the choices I have made;
to blame others is to give away
my personal power.
Who will I allow to write
the next chapter of my life?
I shall seek the courage to believe
in a God or Higher Power
who will laugh with me in the sunlight
or cry with me in the darkness.
I shall make a small difference on this planet through the work I do.
When I leave I will have done my share.
I shall live, love, laugh,
and learn on my journey.
Eat it Up! Before it Melting...
I am beautiful. I am lovable.
I shall accept both my strengths
and my weaknesses for they are me.
I shall never again believe the "lie"
that if I make a mistake,
I am a mistake.
My mistakes are the learning tools
that I shall encounter on my life journey.
When I learn from my mistakes,
I give them meaning
When I give my mistakes meaning,
I can be gin to forgive myself,
I can begin to heal.
I shall not use my mistakes as excuses
to give up on me.....
My mistakes are not me.
I shall seek the wisdom to nurture
my heart, mind, body, and soul
so that I may feel more centered
providing an energy reserve that allows
me to climb the mountains in my own life
providing an energy reserve that allows
me to love and support others
who are climbing a different mountain
providing an energy reserve that allows
time for friends, play
and the celebration of life.
I shall allow myself to feel capable
so that I may seek excellence.
I shall allow myse lf to feel sadness
so that joy may return.
I shall allow myself to feel joy
so that I may be revitalized.
I shall allow myself to feel afraid
so that I may find courage.
I shall allow myself to feel alone
so that I may know me.
I shall allow myself to feel beautiful
so that I may feel free.
I shall allow myself to feel lovable
so that the loving may seek me.
I shall allow myself to feel pain
so that I may heal.
I shall allow myself to feel worthy
so that I may fulfill my purpose.
When I am centered,
I see the perfection in the world,
myself and others.
When I find the world to be imperfect,
I will take responsibility
for painting it that way.
I will look into the heart of a rose,
or the eyes of a newborn baby
and again know perfection.
I take responsibility
for creating my own life story
through the choices I have made;
to blame others is to give away
my personal power.
Who will I allow to write
the next chapter of my life?
I shall seek the courage to believe
in a God or Higher Power
who will laugh with me in the sunlight
or cry with me in the darkness.
I shall make a small difference on this planet through the work I do.
When I leave I will have done my share.
I shall live, love, laugh,
and learn on my journey.
Eat it Up! Before it Melting...
12 Steps to improve - Self Esteem
As adults, we can choose the messages we accept or reject. As Eleanor
Roosevelt said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission."
Building high self-esteem is a process, not something you can develop
overnight," says Jeffrey Keller. "Yet, I believe every person has the
capacity of high self-esteem. The question is, are you ready to make a
commitment to increase your self-esteem? "
If your answer is yes, here are 12 steps to get you started:
----------------------------------------------------------
Step One
Stop comparing yourself with other people. There will always be some
people who have more than you and some who have less. If you play the
comparison game, you'll run into too many "opponents" you can't defeat.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Two
Stop putting yourself down. You can't develop high self-esteem if
you repeat negative phrases about yourself and your abilities. Whether
speaking about your appearances, your career, your relationships, your
financial situation, or any other aspects of your life, avoid
self-deprecating comments.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Three
Accept all compliments with "thank you." Ever received a compliment
and replied," Oh, it was nothing." When you reject a compliment, the
message you give yourself is that you are not worthy of praise.
Respond to all compliments with a simple Thank You."
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Four
Use affirmations to enhance your self-esteem. On the back of a
business card or small index card, write out a statement such as "I
like and accept my self." or "I am valuable, lovable person and
deserve the best in life." Carry the card with you. Repeat the
statement several times during the day, especially at night before
going to bed and after getting up in the morning. Whenever you say the
affirmation, allow yourself to experience positive feelings about your
statement.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Five
Take advantage of workshops, books and cassette tape programs on
self-esteem. Whatever material you allow to dominate mind will
eventually take root and affect your behavior. If you watch negative
television programs or read newspaper reports of murders and business
rip off; you will grow cynical and pessimistic. Similarly, if you read
books or listen to programs, that are positive in nature, you will
take on these characteristics.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Six
Associate with positive, supportive people. When you are surrounded by
negative people who constantly put you and your ideas down, your
self-esteem is lowered. On the other hand, when you are accepted and
encouraged, you feel better about yourself in the best possible
environment to raise your self-esteem.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Seven
Make a list of your past successes. This doesn't necessarily have to
consist of monumental accomplishments. It can include your "minor
victories," like learning to skate, graduating from high school,
receiving an award or promotion, reaching a business goal, etc. Read
this list often. While reviewing it, close your eyes and recreate the
feelings of satisfaction and joy you experienced when you first
attained each success.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Eight
Make a list of your positive qualities. Are you honest? Unselfish?
Helpful? Creative? Be generous with yourself and write down at least
20 positive qualities. Again, it's important to review this list
often. Most people dwell on their inadequacies and then wonder why
their life isn't working out. Start focusing on your positive traits
and you'll stand a much better chance of achieving what you wish to
achieve.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Nine
Start giving more. I'm not talking about money. Rather, I mean that
you must begin to give more of yourself to those around your. When you
do things for others, you are making a positive contribution and you
begin to feel more valuable, which, in turn, lifts your spirits and
raises your own self-esteem.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Ten
Get involved in work and activities you love. It's hard to feel good
about yourself if your days are spent in work you despise. Self-esteem
flourishes when you are engaged in work and activities that you enjoy
and make you feel valuable. Even if you can't explore alternative
career options at the present time, you can still devote leisure time
to hobbies and activities, which you find stimulating and enjoyable.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Eleven
Be true to yourself. Live your own life - not the life others have
decided is best for you. You'll never gain your own respect and feel
good about yourself if you aren't leading the life you want to lead.
If you're making decisions based on getting approval from friends and
relatives, you aren't being true to yourself and your self-esteem is
lowered.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Twelve
Take action! You won't develop high self-esteem if you sit on the
sidelines and back away from challenges. When you take action -
regardless of the ensuing result - you feel better about yourself.
When you fail to move forward because of fear and anxiety, you'll be
frustrated and unhappy - and you will undoubtedly deal a damaging blow
to your self-esteem.
----------------------------------------------------------
The "real you" is a magnificent, unique being with enormous potential
and capacity for experiencing love of yourself and extending love to
others. As your self-esteem grows, this "real you" emerges. You begin
to take more risks and not be afraid of failure; you aren't as
concerned with getting approval of others; your relationships are much
more rewarding; you pursue activities that bring you joy and
satisfaction; and you will make a positive contribution to the world.
Most importantly, high self esteem brings you peace of mind ... when
you're alone, you truly appreciate the person you're with - yourself.
Roosevelt said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission."
Building high self-esteem is a process, not something you can develop
overnight," says Jeffrey Keller. "Yet, I believe every person has the
capacity of high self-esteem. The question is, are you ready to make a
commitment to increase your self-esteem? "
If your answer is yes, here are 12 steps to get you started:
----------------------------------------------------------
Step One
Stop comparing yourself with other people. There will always be some
people who have more than you and some who have less. If you play the
comparison game, you'll run into too many "opponents" you can't defeat.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Two
Stop putting yourself down. You can't develop high self-esteem if
you repeat negative phrases about yourself and your abilities. Whether
speaking about your appearances, your career, your relationships, your
financial situation, or any other aspects of your life, avoid
self-deprecating comments.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Three
Accept all compliments with "thank you." Ever received a compliment
and replied," Oh, it was nothing." When you reject a compliment, the
message you give yourself is that you are not worthy of praise.
Respond to all compliments with a simple Thank You."
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Four
Use affirmations to enhance your self-esteem. On the back of a
business card or small index card, write out a statement such as "I
like and accept my self." or "I am valuable, lovable person and
deserve the best in life." Carry the card with you. Repeat the
statement several times during the day, especially at night before
going to bed and after getting up in the morning. Whenever you say the
affirmation, allow yourself to experience positive feelings about your
statement.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Five
Take advantage of workshops, books and cassette tape programs on
self-esteem. Whatever material you allow to dominate mind will
eventually take root and affect your behavior. If you watch negative
television programs or read newspaper reports of murders and business
rip off; you will grow cynical and pessimistic. Similarly, if you read
books or listen to programs, that are positive in nature, you will
take on these characteristics.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Six
Associate with positive, supportive people. When you are surrounded by
negative people who constantly put you and your ideas down, your
self-esteem is lowered. On the other hand, when you are accepted and
encouraged, you feel better about yourself in the best possible
environment to raise your self-esteem.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Seven
Make a list of your past successes. This doesn't necessarily have to
consist of monumental accomplishments. It can include your "minor
victories," like learning to skate, graduating from high school,
receiving an award or promotion, reaching a business goal, etc. Read
this list often. While reviewing it, close your eyes and recreate the
feelings of satisfaction and joy you experienced when you first
attained each success.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Eight
Make a list of your positive qualities. Are you honest? Unselfish?
Helpful? Creative? Be generous with yourself and write down at least
20 positive qualities. Again, it's important to review this list
often. Most people dwell on their inadequacies and then wonder why
their life isn't working out. Start focusing on your positive traits
and you'll stand a much better chance of achieving what you wish to
achieve.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Nine
Start giving more. I'm not talking about money. Rather, I mean that
you must begin to give more of yourself to those around your. When you
do things for others, you are making a positive contribution and you
begin to feel more valuable, which, in turn, lifts your spirits and
raises your own self-esteem.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Ten
Get involved in work and activities you love. It's hard to feel good
about yourself if your days are spent in work you despise. Self-esteem
flourishes when you are engaged in work and activities that you enjoy
and make you feel valuable. Even if you can't explore alternative
career options at the present time, you can still devote leisure time
to hobbies and activities, which you find stimulating and enjoyable.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Eleven
Be true to yourself. Live your own life - not the life others have
decided is best for you. You'll never gain your own respect and feel
good about yourself if you aren't leading the life you want to lead.
If you're making decisions based on getting approval from friends and
relatives, you aren't being true to yourself and your self-esteem is
lowered.
----------------------------------------------------------
Step Twelve
Take action! You won't develop high self-esteem if you sit on the
sidelines and back away from challenges. When you take action -
regardless of the ensuing result - you feel better about yourself.
When you fail to move forward because of fear and anxiety, you'll be
frustrated and unhappy - and you will undoubtedly deal a damaging blow
to your self-esteem.
----------------------------------------------------------
The "real you" is a magnificent, unique being with enormous potential
and capacity for experiencing love of yourself and extending love to
others. As your self-esteem grows, this "real you" emerges. You begin
to take more risks and not be afraid of failure; you aren't as
concerned with getting approval of others; your relationships are much
more rewarding; you pursue activities that bring you joy and
satisfaction; and you will make a positive contribution to the world.
Most importantly, high self esteem brings you peace of mind ... when
you're alone, you truly appreciate the person you're with - yourself.
An interesting reflection : Slow Down Culture
An interesting reflection : Slow Down Culture
It's been 18 years since I joined Volvo, a Swedish company. Working for them has proven to be an interesting experience. Any project here takes 2 years to be finalized, even if the idea is simple and brilliant. It's a rule.
Globalize processes have caused in us (all over the world) a general sense of searching for immediate results. Therefore, we have come to posses a need to see immediate results. This contrasts greatly with the slow movements of the Swedish. They, on the other hand, debate, debate, debate, hold x quantity of meetings and work with a slowdown scheme. At the end, this always yields better results.
Said in another words:
1. Sweden is about the size of San Pablo, a state in Brazil.
2. Sweden has 2 million inhabitants.
3. Stockholm, has 500,000 people.
4. Volvo, Escania, Ericsson, Electrolux, Nokia are some of its renowned companies. Volvo supplies the NASA.
The first time I was in Sweden, one of my colleagues picked me up at the hotel every morning. It was September, bit cold and snowy. We would arrive early at the company and he would park far away from the entrance (2000 employees drive their car to work). The first day, I didn't say anything, either the second or third. One morning I asked, "Do you have a fixed parking space? I've noticed we park far from the entrance even when there are no other cars in the lot." To which he replied, "Since we're here early we'll have time to walk, and whoever gets in late will be late and need a place closer to the door. Don't you think? Imagine my face.
Nowadays, there's a movement in Europe name Slow Food. This movement establishes that people should eat and drink slowly, with enough time to taste their food, spend time with the family, friends, without rushing. Slow Food is against its counterpart: the spirit of Fast Food and what it stands for as a lifestyle. Slow Food is the basis for a bigger movement called Slow Europe, as mentioned by Business Week.
Basically, the movement questions the sense of "hurry" and "craziness" generated by globalization, fueled by the desire of "having in quantity" (life status) versus "having with quality", "life quality" or the "quality of being". French people, even though they work 35 hours per week, are more productive than Americans or British. Germans have established 28.8 hour workweeks and have seen their productivity been driven up by 20%. This slow attitude has brought forth the US's attention, pupils of the fast and the "do it now!".
This no-rush attitude doesn't represent doing less or having a lower productivity. It means working and doing things with greater quality, productivity, perfection, with attention to detail and less stress. It means reestablishing family values, friends, free and leisure time. Taking the "now", present and concrete, versus the "global", undefined and anonymous. It means taking humans' essential values, the simplicity of living.
It stands for a less coercive work environment, more happy, lighter and more productive where humans enjoy doing what they know best how to do. It's time to stop and think on how companies need to develop serious quality with no-rush that will increase productivity and the quality of products and services, without losing the essence of spirit.
In the movie, Scent of a Woman, there's a scene where Al Pacino asks a girl to dance and she replies, "I can't, my boyfriend will be here any minute now". To which Al responds, "A life is lived in an instant". Then they dance to a tango.
Many of us live our lives running behind time, but we only reach it when we die of a heart attack or in a car accident rushing to be on time. Others are so anxious of living the future that they forget to live the present, which is the only time that truly exists. We all have equal time throughout the world. No one has more or less. The difference lies in how each one of us does with our time. We need to live each moment. As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans".
It's been 18 years since I joined Volvo, a Swedish company. Working for them has proven to be an interesting experience. Any project here takes 2 years to be finalized, even if the idea is simple and brilliant. It's a rule.
Globalize processes have caused in us (all over the world) a general sense of searching for immediate results. Therefore, we have come to posses a need to see immediate results. This contrasts greatly with the slow movements of the Swedish. They, on the other hand, debate, debate, debate, hold x quantity of meetings and work with a slowdown scheme. At the end, this always yields better results.
Said in another words:
1. Sweden is about the size of San Pablo, a state in Brazil.
2. Sweden has 2 million inhabitants.
3. Stockholm, has 500,000 people.
4. Volvo, Escania, Ericsson, Electrolux, Nokia are some of its renowned companies. Volvo supplies the NASA.
The first time I was in Sweden, one of my colleagues picked me up at the hotel every morning. It was September, bit cold and snowy. We would arrive early at the company and he would park far away from the entrance (2000 employees drive their car to work). The first day, I didn't say anything, either the second or third. One morning I asked, "Do you have a fixed parking space? I've noticed we park far from the entrance even when there are no other cars in the lot." To which he replied, "Since we're here early we'll have time to walk, and whoever gets in late will be late and need a place closer to the door. Don't you think? Imagine my face.
Nowadays, there's a movement in Europe name Slow Food. This movement establishes that people should eat and drink slowly, with enough time to taste their food, spend time with the family, friends, without rushing. Slow Food is against its counterpart: the spirit of Fast Food and what it stands for as a lifestyle. Slow Food is the basis for a bigger movement called Slow Europe, as mentioned by Business Week.
Basically, the movement questions the sense of "hurry" and "craziness" generated by globalization, fueled by the desire of "having in quantity" (life status) versus "having with quality", "life quality" or the "quality of being". French people, even though they work 35 hours per week, are more productive than Americans or British. Germans have established 28.8 hour workweeks and have seen their productivity been driven up by 20%. This slow attitude has brought forth the US's attention, pupils of the fast and the "do it now!".
This no-rush attitude doesn't represent doing less or having a lower productivity. It means working and doing things with greater quality, productivity, perfection, with attention to detail and less stress. It means reestablishing family values, friends, free and leisure time. Taking the "now", present and concrete, versus the "global", undefined and anonymous. It means taking humans' essential values, the simplicity of living.
It stands for a less coercive work environment, more happy, lighter and more productive where humans enjoy doing what they know best how to do. It's time to stop and think on how companies need to develop serious quality with no-rush that will increase productivity and the quality of products and services, without losing the essence of spirit.
In the movie, Scent of a Woman, there's a scene where Al Pacino asks a girl to dance and she replies, "I can't, my boyfriend will be here any minute now". To which Al responds, "A life is lived in an instant". Then they dance to a tango.
Many of us live our lives running behind time, but we only reach it when we die of a heart attack or in a car accident rushing to be on time. Others are so anxious of living the future that they forget to live the present, which is the only time that truly exists. We all have equal time throughout the world. No one has more or less. The difference lies in how each one of us does with our time. We need to live each moment. As John Lennon said, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans".
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