Balance is Important

I know that I have written about this before but I really believe that it is important!  Having balance in your life is critically important in to optimize your chances of being happy.

There are many important areas of life including your profession, family, faith, recreation, and relaxation.  Having balance means having the right combination of each of these areas in your life.

Of course, your profession is what pays the bills but it also defines who you are.  Giving the right amount of attention to your profession pays for everything but it also empowers you to be who you want to be.  So work hard, continue to improve your work skills and give work your attention.

Your family defines who you are also.  We are all responsible for our family life and having a good one is a great blessing.  Always put your family right up there in your list of importance.  This goes for immediate and extended family.

I believe that your faith life defines who you are.  Being devoted to God is critical to your happiness.  Practicing your faith and beliefs is your most important mission.  You are a role model whether you chose to be or not and that is part of God's plan I believe.

Recreation helps to define who you are.  All work and no play makes you a dull person.  It is true.  Find something to do in the area of recreation.  It is important.

Rest makes it all possible.  Be sure to get enough of it.

There is a lot right

We often hear that there is a lot wrong with our world and society.  I know that there is a lot right.  The majority of people are really good people.

In campaigning for political office, I have come to experience the warm reception and interest of voters in my ward.  This has been a fantastic experience and one that helps me to understand that there is a lot right with people.

I know that we have a lot wrong with our world.  People do awful things to each other.  But they are a minority.  In talking with people face-to-face, I just know that most people mean well a do good things.  What do you think?

Grass Roots

Since I have been campaigning for public office, I have a new understanding of the term grass roots.  To me it means working with people at the individual level.  It means getting to know people and what is going on with them.

In politics, it is a way to get to know the voters and what issues are important to them.  If as the candidate, you get elected, you have an idea of what needs to be done in your ward, city, state, region, country.

The same principal applies to sales.  In order to serve customers, you need to know them, know their needs, and be able to match up solutions with needs.  Individuals buy and individuals vote so getting to know as many people in your district or territory is the best way to serve your constituency.

Combining Good People With Service

One way to serve is to run for political office.  I know that many politicians in the national media have given a bad name to politics without naming anyone.  On the other hand, I have had some role models in my lifetime who are or were public servant politicians.

One who comes to mind was our City Council President in the suburb of Cleveland where I grew up.  Let's just call him Frank because that was his first name. Frank was a wonderful and honest man who served out of the sense of duty.  Even though his term was several decades ago, I remember him to this day as an honest politician and one whom I trusted, respected, and admired.

When I decided to pursue an elected position in my current city, it was inspired by Frank.  If I could just serve others like he did, I would be so proud.

Having met so many good people on the campaign trail, I am really empowered to serve and for that reason, I am willing work in full speed to get that done.

Many Kind and Good People

I have been campaigning for political office for the last few days and I am very encouraged to be reminded that there are many kind and generous people in this world.  This is not a reference to gererousity with regards to charitable giving but rather generous behavior toward others.

While walking door to door, I have been warmly received by many voters who have treated me with kindness and respect and I am grateful for that.  My point is that this world is still full of really great people who do have a strong sense of civility and responsibility.  Meeting wtih people on the campaign trail and sharing some of their stories has been most enriching.  This campaign gives me a reason to connect with so many people in my community.  I would like to share some experiences in future posts.

When you have a reason to visit with and get to know people, it opens the door to understanding who we are as a community, a nation, and a world.  Unfortunately, we hear a lot of negatives on the news so our view of the world becomes tainted.  I am thrilled to experience the kindness of others while reaching out to them.

Giving Back to the Community

No matter how successful a person might be in their life and in their career, they do have a responsibility to help to make this world and their community a little bit better place.  Our experiences allow us to understand things and see issues and matters in a particular way.

Over the past five years, I have been involved in my city's Planning Commission.  This is a panel that reviews and votes on plans to build, improve, or call attention to local businesses.  I was not exactly sure what to expect going into the position but I have really gotten a lot out of it.  There is a lot that goes into making a successful city, one that is both prosperous and pleasant.  I can honestly say that is the case in Middleburg Hts., OH.  It is both.

I am trying to extend my communty service by running for a ward councilperson position this Fall.  I gave a much better idea of what to expect because of my Planning Commission experience.  I have a lot of work to do to get elected.

In addition to my life experiences and Planning Commission work, my job experience of being a manager and a sales representative have also prepared me for community service through City Council.  I hope to be able to convey to prospective voters why I believe in my qualificatoins.

Honesty and Integrity

Even though none of us is perfect, there is a lot to be said for striving to have honesty and integrity in our lives.  Not just since 911 but even long before that, we have found it hard to trust others because of a lack of integrity.

There has always been crime like robbery, but now in the information age, there are so many more ways to cheat others.  Stealing information from others through cyber means is probably one of the biggest concerns for using the internet for sharing information of any kind.

That does not pre-empt the practice of honesty and integrity with online activities.  What's right is right, even when nobody is watching or knows who you are.

Being of Service

It is very important to be of service to others in life.  I have known this for a very long time and being of service is not always the easy thing to do.  For that reason, it is important to have service related activities built into your lifestyle.

For example, caring for an elderly relative or parent is something that many people work into their weekly schedule.  If they are lucky, they can take turns with others in being of sevice.  Checking on those in need or visiting relatives in a nursing home is a great service that many good people do on a regular basis.

Then there are many volunteer opportunities available to all.and I have witnessed firsthand the many giving caring people in our world who volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, the Cleveland Foodbank, or at food shelters that serve meals to the needy.  It is always heartwarming and encouraging to understand the giving nature of so many people in our world.

I would like to find more ways to be of service to others.  I would like to follow the example set by others I have witnesses so that I can be a role model like them.

Higher Education

I have always been a big believer and supporter of higher education.  I strongly feel that everyone should strive to achieve the highest level of education that is practical and attainable.

With that being said, I would add that the traditional four-year college education might not be for everyone.  There are many vocations that require specific training that leads to a good career.

For example, machine operators seem to be in demand in the U.S.  With companies attempting to reshore manufacturing, skilled machinists are needed in many manufacturing operations.  With skill at operating such machinery, an individual should be very employable.  Such skill can be learned from various institutions.

Skills requred to be successful cross many career paths and often these careers do not exactly require a four-year degree.  I am not discouraging college by any means but an individual should examine their whole career path upon completion of high school and chose the higher education path that will benefit their career choice the most.

Getting Going Again

I have not posted anything on this blog for a long time.  It is not that I do not have any ideas, but just that I have been busy.  This blog has kind of been a catch all for ideas, thoughts and reflections that I like to share with others.

As with any blog, when you don't post much, you lose your audience.  I believe that blogs are an excellent way to share ideas with others and get feedback.  With that being said, it is time to get going again.