NOT THE SHARPEST KNIFE IN THE DRAWER

By Vernalee

Are you one of those folks who think that "you are all that and a bag of chips!" Of course, you don’t have to answer that question. We often deny who we really are anyway.

We can see straight through other people with X-Ray vision though. "I ain’t mad at ya!" That's your issue, not mine. But before we move on, allow me to share aged old illuminating admonition. Stay humble! Keep your feet on solid ground! What goes up may come down! Don’t let what you have change who you are! Don’t elevate your level of importance or put your arrogant head in the clouds, and look down on others. What you see on the outside is not always what lies within! Stop underestimating folks and relegating them to be stupid because they don't speak with the most elegant words or behave with pristine etiquette!

If you equate what they lack to stupidity, you may be greatly mistaken. You know exactly who I'm talking about. It's the folks that the elite pompously relegate to the corner of ignorance for not being able to intelligently function to their level of acceptance. They have given them catchy descriptions, one liners in fact. Here is a modest list: * Dumb as a bag of nails and a box of rocks. * The light’s on but no one’s home. * A few cards short of a deck. * A few fries short of a Happy Meal. * The elevator doesn’t go all the way to the top floor, ... and of course - * Not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

Stop!

Don't be fooled! They may not be the cream of the crop, but their common sense may put them light years ahead or equal to the academic greats with their street savvy. Much their eyes have seen! Common sense is their strong suit. You probably know some of these folks. I proudly know many. So be careful! They let the name calling roll off their backs. The streets have toughen them up and granted them immunity. “Sticks and stones may break their bones, but names will never hurt them!”

Therefore, don’t disregard what they know! Don’t underestimate their intelligence.

When it comes to mother wit, they wrote the book ... and can run circles around the best! Watch it! They may not be the sharpest knife in the drawer, but their blade still cuts! Photo credit: www.shapedbyfaith.com

YOU DON'T GET A SECOND CHANCE TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION

By Vernalee

First impressions are lasting impressions. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. People size you up within seconds after meeting you. Therefore, put some serious thoughts and efforts into the process prior to meeting someone for the first time. Approach is key. Favorable lasting impressions can be enhanced if our moves are orchestrated. The ultimate goal is to be – memorable. According to experts, there are several steps to this process. 10 Tips for making a great First Impression: 1. Maintain eye contact. 2. Keep an opened friendly face. 3. Have good body language. 4. Be genuine. 5. Don’t boast. 6. Smile. 7. Appearance matters. 8. Use the person’s name. 9. Have a positive mindset. 10. Practice. So plan your meeting. Be prepared; be smart. Make your first impression count. Have a good introduction and a firm handshake. Look good; smell good. Leave knowing that you will be remembered. Achieve the objectives of the meeting … by walking away leaving your mark! As a final tip – don’t be late! Photo credit: LinkedIn.com; Source: Business Content PLR

UNEASY LIES THE HEAD THAT WEARS THE CROWN

By Vernalee

“Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown,” a slogan which originated from a William Shakespeare play - describes a person who has great responsibilities, power, and prestige and is constantly worried; a person who subsequently doesn’t sleep soundly because of the pressure. The uneasiness proliferates and the stress of it all can turn their hair from black to white almost overnight.

The expression fits people who are charged with making weighty decisions – leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, CEO’s, parents, care givers, and the like. Sleepless nights, stress, and worry are accompaniments to the “crown.” Balancing activities, duties, and responsibilities so that nothing tilts is part of the process. The wearer of the crown becomes a juggler who must maintain equalization in their lives and those of others. Careful and cautious they must be to manage it all and minimize the stress. Not only do they have extremely weighty decisions to analyze and make, all eyes are upon them at all times! The expectations can be overwhelming and unrealistic. Are the constant observers pleasurably watching, hoping that the wearer of the crown succeeds or waiting to see them faIl? Who knows? While most sleep (Zzzz), they know not a snoring moment as they are usually in deep thought determining the next steps. Figuring stuff out comes with the territory.

The scrutiny in general and the stress in particular can be unbearable at times.

Stop!

Speaking of pressure, it can be heavy enough to make one scream. If this describes you ... Go ahead; release it, let it out! It is imperative that you stay “cool, calm, and collected.” When your release valves are open, they help you manage more efficiently, remain less stressful, and make wiser decisions. Some days when the crown becomes too heavy to wear and the conscious bothersome, the desire is to take it off and throw it in the trash ... which is unrealistic because among other things, there are too many people who are dependent upon you.

Ok.

What now? Wise up, make prudent decisions, and get an occasional good night’s sleep! With time, graduate and become indoctrinated with sensible maneuvering namely – to take one day at a time.

To those who wear the crown, there is no rest for the weary. However, I invite you to let the admonition of Matthew 6:34 soothe your soul. “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Smart thinking! Right? With age does comes wisdom! Photo credit: The Dutch Crown