Labor Day Weekend was never one of my favorite holidays growing up. It always signaled the end of summer. The pool closed. School started on Tuesday. When we had a boat it was usually the last ride of the season. It was when summer fun ended and the world was about going to work and getting things done. You knew that soon the days would be shorter and the sunlight at 8PM would be no more. The time between Labor Day and the arrival of Fall was synonomous to me with establishing new routine. Once the chill filled the air and leaves began to show off their beautiful colors, I would be invigorated again.

As much as I celebrate the first day of Spring and love playing in the Summer, Fall is my favorite season. I love the colors and the clothes. Hiking in the mountains in the Fall delights me as much as walking on the beach and playing in the surf. Change is the one constant in our lives. Labor Day Weekend is a reminder that change is taking place. I am looking forward to going to the beach tomorrow: maybe playing in a park and eating grilled hot dogs burned to a crisp and maybe seeing a movie.

Fun is definitely on the agenda.

Recently, I was told about a business meeting that when being recounted to me sounded like it was full of gloom and doom. It didn't sound very solution based. In fact,even when possible personnel solutions were mentioned, it seemed more emphasis was on affordability than on the positive attributes that were to be gained. There also seemed to be finger pointing. Personally, I believe time is often wasted when blame becomes more important than solution. You want to understand reasons why; however, I don't think it is necessary to throw people under the bus when searching for the needed remedy to moving forward.

Some people feel that they need to seek attention and praise; that by stepping on someone else it will elevate them. Some people are never, ever at fault. They are skilled at reflecting responsibility. Many of us have been in such meetings. Negative is far more powerful than positive energy. It is an unfortunate but true fact of nature.

It is frustrating and exhausting for those that concentrate on finding solutions, training, and motivating others to do their best. To explain to them day in and day out "why" they need to continue working towards a common goal. Explaining "how" it will make a positive difference. I understand that it must feel like efforts go unappreciated. That you aren't making a positive difference. You can feel your contributions are taken for granted, while others loudly toot their own horn and make it a point to have more visibility and face time with the boss. It's really not much fun.

As the champion for the company, doing your best to be part of the process that brings in orders, trains those that are producing product,willing to run errands, come in early, stay late without needing kudos that they are making a positive difference that can't be quantified. No one person or decision is usually the cause of downturns in business. Maybe what happens when there is a downturn a company loses it collective confidence just like an individual when something in their life goes off track.

By inspiring a team effort, presenting positive possibilities, harnessing the skills and talents of the group, concentrating on uplifting and empowering others may result in the increased initiative and drive that is necessary to move forward. Studies show that a positive work environment is markedly more productive than one where staff are constantly reminded that they are working to keep the wolf from the door.

I was sent this today from someone I worked with over a decade ago. He said it made him think of me. Wow!

I feel a little like a used car. I am walking and eating healthier. It is making my "motor" more tuned and running better. Unfortunately, the outside shows the wear and tear of years of aging and neglect. I love my baseball cap that has the message: "Scars are like tatoos only with better stories." That being said, there are days I wish they weren't there. Don't get me wrong. I have earned every wrinkle, smile line and the choices to worship the sun without proper care were mine. I am even grateful for my scars for they are battle ribbons of my survival. There are just sometimes that I would like to look and feel pretty. Better to continue to tune my "motor" and be healthier than to spend time concerned with the outside. If I was given a choice to have my appearance magically improved but would have to give up playing in the surf, getting dirty camping, etc. I would leave things as they are. I am a happy person who may want to feel prettier every once in a while but isn't willing to spruce myself up with the make-up and clothes that might make that possible. I guess I will be the used car that looks rusty on the outside but is actually quite happy to have gone many miles and would rather have a tuned engine for more miles than a new paint job. LOL I am already over myself. Silly me.

It was spotlighted in the Erwin Record. We lived in Erwin, Tennessee for many years and I had the pleasure of being a teachers' aide, substitute teacher (even got to coach at the Blue Devil Relays & hold a controversial Black Light Art Contest).  I worked at my dad's plant selling t-shirts and helped at the YMCA. I still miss the people and cherish the memories. I am glad that my sons Tom and Jim got to make good friends there after bouncing around the country in their very early years. Thank you to the Editor and Staff of the Erwin Record. I hope this stimulates some sales. Royalties are being shared with the American Cancer Society.