The Queen of Survival
Darcy Keith
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Got Happiness?

Mother’s Day is a recent memory.  Like most moms, I was treated to a day where I could do whatever I want.  I was Queen of the remote control.  The lunch menu detailed food that I wanted, and I didn’t have to cook it.  My daughter, young as she is, made several Mother’s Day cards at school, church, and home with various scrapbooking adornments, which she proudly presented to me and begged that I select my favorite one.  The sun was shining, and the day was happy.

There are times in our lives where things may not seem happy or joyous at all.  Events happen and steal our joy.  How do you recover from this?  Where are you getting your joy? 

I must confess, life is not all roses.  One of my six year-old daughter’s favorite sayings is, “It’s not fair”.  She is learning that life isn’t fair at times.  What would life be like if we had everything we wanted?  King Solomon in the Bible had it all: power, fame, fortune, and wisdom.  Yet, he put his happiness in temporal things and became very unhappy.  Have you ever said to yourself, I will be really happy when I get that new car?  How long does this happiness last?  Or what about an accomplishment you have achieved.  The next one must be bigger and better.  It’s never enough and the cycle continues, searching for the happiness “high” that you experienced before.

What makes you happy?  I’m not just talking about for a few hours or days.  I’m talking about happiness for a while longer.

Here are four suggestions on living a happier life:

  1. Think of the small things that make you happy and write them down.  This could be a sunny day, the smell of freshly cut grass, or hearing your favorite song on the radio.
  2. Keep everything in perspective.  Put things in their proper place.  If something makes you unhappy, consider the scenario in the big scheme of things.  Will it really matter when you are 80 years old?
  3. Look at the root cause of what makes you happy in your life.  Remember what gives you joy.
  4. Put yourself second and serve others, which is contradictory to what the world says.  Happiness in serving another person first, rather than ourselves, is a humbling experience that shows others that they matter more than us.  Have you heard of the saying, “Giving the shirt off of your back”? 

Happiness is a great feeling.  The wonderful thing about being happy is that it can be found in small packages.  Why not take time to look for the small stuff that makes you happy today?

Posted by Darcy Keith at 5/29/2010 11:10 AM | Add Comment

How Do YOU Bounce?

   A few weeks ago, Spring Break was enjoyed by kids of all ages, including mine.   Olivia enjoyed spending time with her cousins and grandparents for part of the week.  On one of the days, her grandparents took her to the Children’s Museum.  However, it was only going to be half of the day that they would be able to enjoy at this activity, fun-filled building.
     At lunchtime, Olivia wasn’t feeling very hungry and her stomach wasn’t feeling well.  Instead, she was feeling sick, and that she was.  One of the best things about being a grandparent is that you can send your grandchild home whenever you want, and being over an hour away from their home, that’s what they did.  I took Olivia home, and the poor thing was sick for the rest of the day.  But, the next day, she bounced back to her normal self. 
     Fast forward six days later.  I’m not feeling very hungry, and my stomach was feeling sick.   I’m down for two days.  I felt like I’d been hit by a Freightliner truck again– just kidding.   I didn’t bounce back like I thought I would. 
     Have you ever been in a situation where you didn’t bounce back, or show resilience, like you thought you would have?  This could be from illness, from getting a new job (or finding a new one), other life changes, etc.  It’s the ability to be flexible, to recover strength, good humor, etc. quickly.  When life gives you a change that you didn’t expect or want, how do you bounce?  Do you bounce well, or do you let it deflate you? 
     Sometimes, God allows situations to test our faith.  One thing I’ve learned from my car crash is that the role of faith & resilience in recovery from traumatic events is a common observation, not to mention support from my family and friends.  My Faith in God Almighty was a major factor in strengthening my resilience and promoting recovery.  Faith in God can do the same for you.
Until next time, be your best always,
Darcy

Posted by Darcy Keith at 4/25/2010 2:57 PM | Add Comment

March Madness - David v. Goliath: Are you facing a Goliath in your life?

There’s a big sports buzz again in Indianapolis, and it’s not about our Indianapolis Colts.  It’s about our hometown university, Butler, playing in the NCAA Final Four tournament, which is also being held here in Indianapolis this upcoming weekend.   Who would have thought that a university of 4200 students would have a team that defeated top seeded teams and are now playing in the Final Four versus a university of 47,100?  Does it seem unfair that a team from smaller school would be playing against one over ten times its size?

Butler has been compared to the Milan High School basketball team in the movie, “Hoosiers.”   The real-life team Milan High, won the Indiana boys basketball title back in 1954, when there was just one classification of basketball.  Milan took on the big boys and won.  Butler, a small university, is also taking on the big boys in the NCAA tournament: Syracuse, Kansas State, and now Michigan State.  But just like David versus Goliath, the Butler boys have “smooth stones” in their pocket to knock out the big competition in players Gordon Hayward, Matt Howard, and Shelvin Mack.  They haven’t listened to critics and sports writers.  The boys have gone out and executed a good game of basketball, both offensively and defensively.

Have you ever been faced with a big decision or challenge in your life?  How do you react?  Do you “play” with fortitude, perseverance, and determination to do the best you can, or do you approach it with an attitude of “there’s no way that I can win against this HUGE adversary?”  When you apply fortitude, perseverance, and determination, nothing can stop you from succeeding.  The Butler boys haven’t let the Goliath colleges intimidate them.  Instead, they are taking one step, or game, at a time.  And, they have succeeded.

I’d encourage you to look at the “Goliaths” in your life.  When an issue seems too big, here are some thoughts:

  1.  Seek counsel from others on how to develop your game plan. They can help “coach” you to success.
  2. Take one step at a time with your game plan and include fortitude, perseverance, and determination.  You may be surprised at the outcome. 
  3. Evaluate and make adjustments to the plan as you go, if needed.  If the opposition changes “players”, be prepared to make “substitutions”, too.

The Butler Bulldogs basketball team hasn’t let the big boys stop them.  You can overcome big challenges, too.

Posted by Darcy Keith at 3/31/2010 7:38 PM | Add Comment

It's Freezing Out There

“Mommy, can I go sledding?”  I did a double take to see if it was my six year-old daughter who asked me that question.  At the beginning of January when Olivia was playing in the snow for the first time this season, she dramatically entered the house sobbing and proclaiming how she never wanted to go sledding e-v-e-r again.  Snow had gotten down in her boots and gloves, and her feet and hands were cold.  She didn’t like the ice cold, freezing feeling that it gave her. 
Fast forward to two weeks later.  Several inches of snow on the ground closed school, and the neighborhood kids were out playing in it with their bright colored sleds.  Olivia quickly forgot the cold, freezing feeling that the snow gave her two weeks prior.   She happily put on her snow suit, grabbed her gloves and hat, and out the door she went to join in the fun.
Isn’t that how we look at life?  There are times where we may get burned or not enjoy what life hands us.  How do you handle setbacks or times when you feel you got burned?  Do you allow a setback to be an opportunity for a comeback and enjoy what life has to offer?  Or, do you allow the experience to keep you “inside”, peering through windows into the happiness of others’ lives.
I must admit that there have been times in my life where I’ve gotten “burned”.   I retreated for a short time to lick my wounds, but then had a choice to make.  I could choose to stay where I was or try again to experience what life had to offer.  Ultimately, I chose to take that first step forward again and get back out there in the world.  No regrets. None.  I don’t want to live my life throwing myself a pity party or feeling sorry for myself.  Instead, I am now glowing with a life full of purpose and passion.  It all begins with that first step.  It may seem like that first step is insurmountable, but it can be done.  I did it. My six year-old did it.  You can do it.
There was still a lot of snow on the ground here for most of January and February.  My daughter and her friends built snow castles and sledded down hills, having a great time.  Had she stayed inside and not experienced the fun of playing in the snow, she wouldn’t have experienced the laughter and joy that it brings. 
Are you going to let a little snow and cold dampen your spirits when you get burned?  Or, are you going to take a moment to regroup and live life with passion and no regrets?   Your future is in your hands.   So, grab your sled and go enjoy the snow!
Until next time, be your best always,
Darcy

Posted by Darcy Keith at 3/25/2010 4:36 PM | View Comments (2) | Add Comment

The Three Greatest Things about Love

     There was a time in my life where Valentine’s Day didn’t have much meaning to me.  I didn’t have someone special in my life to share it with, I wasn’t the “popular” one in school who got several paper flowers from admirers, and the day just seemed like another day where everyone else seemed happy and in love.  Everyone, but me.
     Love – we all need it and have experienced it in different forms from parents, children, spouses, siblings, friends, pets, etc.   There is romantic love, love for a sport, love for God, love for your community, love for art…you get the picture.  Love is the greatest source in which we can access.  Some of us measure our life achievements and sense of ourselves by who loves us and if we are doing what we love. 
     There are three great things about love that I don’t want to miss out on in life.  First is the feeling of giving love.  I enjoy showing my husband and daughter how much I love them.  Sometimes, I show them by doing special things for them or just whispering, “I love you.” Second is receiving love.  At the end of each school day, my daughter proudly tells me, “Mom, arms out.”  Then, she goes into the farthest room away from me that she can.  Shortly, I hear a pitter patter of her feet.  Next thing I know, she jumps up into my arms, giving me a big “school hug”.  My day isn’t complete without receiving her gift of love.  Or maybe, it’s your dog meeting you at the door when you get home, with his tail happily wagging and his tongue hanging out of his mouth.
     And third is enjoying or experiencing love.  When you were growing up, were there times in which you enjoyed the love within your family, community, church, etc.?  Are you working at a job or have a hobby that you love?  The question is, are you doing what you love?  If not, what is holding you back?  I’ve been blessed to have experienced not only my own family’s love, but love from God.  He loved us so much that he sent his son to die for our sins so that we can have eternal life.  How cool is that to experience?

Posted by Darcy Keith at 2/22/2010 8:17 PM | Add Comment

What do you and the Superbowl-bound Colts have in common?


2-1-10 Inspiration - What do you and the Superbowl-bound Colts have in common?




Encouraging you to be your best always,

Darcy Keith, The Queen of Survival

Posted by Darcy Keith at 2/1/2010 8:54 PM | Add Comment

Can you hear me now?

Happy New Year!  
     Snow was falling when I filed into the AT&T company store at the outdoor mall near our home.  My Blackberry had suddenly given me a “white screen” (frozen up) while perusing e-mail and didn’t work the rest of the day.  Relying on my Blackberry from which to operate my business when not at home, I made a mad dash for the nearest AT&T company store at my first opportunity.  
     I was greeted warmly by sales associate Ryan, and he took a look at my Blackberry.  To make a long story short, I had to get a new one.  According to their computer system, my account didn’t have insurance for a new phone.  However, I informed Ryan that I could produce a receipt which showed that I did purchase insurance when I bought the phone.  Now, some business folks could disagree that taking a customer’s word over what a company has in the digital records may not be good business practice, but Ryan and his manager took my word that I could produce the receipt detailing the insurance coverage purchase. Well, that and I have all of my phone, cable, satellite, and internet business with AT&T.
     Ryan went the extra mile in listening to my need and worked towards a solution, though the solution wasn’t within his “authority”  - he gave me a new phone with what appeared to be no record of insurance.  He worked towards a solution with me, set up my phone, and even wrote down a website where I could create my own custom ringtones. 
     I walked out of AT&T as a very happy customer not only with a new Blackberry, but also with a new touch screen phone for my husband (a Christmas present), complete with insurance for his phone and a phone accessory case.  Great customer service on Ryan’s part turned an unhappy customer into a very satisfied customer who bought additional products and services. 
     What is the lesson in all of this?  If we listen to our customer's problem, work towards a solution, and go the extra mile, we not only we gain a satified customer, but a loyal and repeat one in the process.
     By the way, I returned the next week, with receipt in hand from the AT&T distributor who had sold me the phone and the pricey insurance plan.
Until next time, be your best always,
Darcy

Posted by Darcy Keith at 1/21/2010 9:49 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

#1 Rated "Wealth" Show on Blog Talk Radio featuring my story and success on Saturday, Dec. 19th

Was I excited to receive an e-mail asking if I was available for an interview on the #1 Rated "Wealth" Show on Blog Talk Radio for Saturday, December 19th!
Heather Wagenhals’ Unlock Your Wealth Radio, a two hour national broadcast, airs weekly through BlogTalkRadio.com. Each week, Wagenhals offers tips on money, credit, and real estate opportunities relevant both to the consumer and investor while she features new guests to coincide with the featured key. The Keys to Riches® is a baker’s dozen of investment strategies that teach listeners how to think like the rich and gain control of their money.  Past guests include Sharon Lechter, co-author of Rich Dad Poor Dad, Tom Hopkins author of How to Master the Art of Selling, famous sports psychologist Dr. Gregg Steinberg, and Armando Montelongo and Than Merril from A & E’s Flip This House.
The keys Heather is featuring this week are "Forget the Perfection Principle" and "Review, Revise, and Recommit." Basically, Heather will be teaching listeners the importance of forgiving oneself for mistakes and moving on and the need to constantly review your plans, revise based on life's changes, and recommit to your goal.  
The show is available at www.blogtalkradio.com/unlockyourwealth (the specific link to my episode is http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=-1&msgid=0&act=11111&c=384118&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogtalkradio.com%2Funlockyourwealth%2F2009%2F12%2F19%2Funlock-your-wealth-radio--week-50).

During this busy time, I hope you have an opportunity to tune into the show at 1 PM EST this Saturday.  If you are unable to, I'm sure the interview will be accessible via the above link after it is over.
Wishing you a blessed Holiday season, 
Darcy

Posted by Darcy Keith at 1/2/2010 10:19 PM | Add Comment

What is Christmas All About?

     What is Christmas all about?  Do you get what you really want?  Children have been waiting all year for it, and the time has arrived.  It is Christmas.  Kids get giddy with excitement in anticipation of opening presents and what is underneath the bright, shiny paper.  They sit glued to the TV screen during commercials, anxious to see what the next new toy is, while parents may want to skip or fast forward through the retail ads.  It seems like Christmas becomes more commercialized each year. 
     It is also the time of year that several television stations air various Christmas programs.  Every evening, Olivia would ask, “What Christmas show is on tonight?” and then would run to the refrigerator that displayed the TV show title listing and peer at it with anticipation.  Next, I would either hear a shriek of excitement or an “Oh” depending on if she had seen it before.

     One evening, “A Charlie Brown’s Christmas” was the Christmas show on TV.  This was one of my favorites since I was a little girl.  In directing the school play, Charlie Brown gets frustrated when he picks the wrong Christmas tree for the play.  He says that everything he does turns into disaster and guesses he really doesn’t know what Christmas is all about.  He then shouts, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”  The lights dim as Linus takes center stage.  A spotlight shines on him as he begins a dialogue of the real meaning of Christmas – the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour.  After he finishes telling the story, he walks over to Charlie Brown and says, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.”

      During this Christmas season, do you allow the commercialization become part of your life?  Is Christ the focus of your giving and thoughts for the season?  Do you feel like Charlie Brown in that everything you do turns into disaster?  Despite the presents that are under the tree, I want Olivia to know the reason that we celebrate Christmas.  It’s not about giving and receiving presents, but that we did receive the greatest gift God could ever give us, his son Jesus.  Jesus can bring you out of any disaster you may be experiencing if you believe and trust in him.  I must admit I like the warm feeling I get from giving a gift and seeing the joyous expression on the other person's face when they open it.  How about you? 

     May you and your loved ones have a blessed Christmas holiday and Happy New Year!

Until next time, be your best always,

Darcy

Posted by Darcy Keith at 1/2/2010 10:14 PM | View Comments (1) | Add Comment

Laughing My Head Off at 20,000 Feet

Laughing My Head Off at 20,000 Feet

A week and a half ago, I experienced what many air travelers also may have at one time or another, when I traveled to Kansas City, MO for the first of three speaking presentations for the week.  I had booked a flight on Delta that would put me where I needed to be in plenty of time for the association's reception that evening.  After the passengers boarded the plane and the plane backed up from the gate, it stopped.  We sat and sat.  Then, the pilot came over the intercom and announced that our plane was too heavy to fly (this was a new one for me). 
For the next forty minutes, we sat on the tarmac burning fuel so that the plane would be light enough to fly.  For those of us who had connecting flights, well, we didn't make them because of the delay.  So in Detroit, me and my new friend, Jennifer - whom I discovered was also flying to Kansas City from Indianapolis - sat in Detroit and waited for the next flight. 
Finally, when it was time to board the new flight, we did and then stayed at the gate for what seemed like an eternity.  Then, this pilot came over the intercom and announced that the bracket on the plane's fuel door was broken, and we would be sitting there for another hour and a half as the plane couldn't be fueled until it was fixed.  Fortunately, Delta allowed the passengers to get off the plane.  After a nine hour adventure, we finally got on the plane and make it to our destination, Kansas City.
On Thursday, I made another trip to Missouri - this time St. Louis - on American Airlines.  The plane ride to St. Louis was good and uneventful, but the return flight after my third presentation on October 3rd was a memorable experience.  It was memorable not in the fact that the plane was delayed or the ride was bumpy.  It was memorable due to one person, Jason the flight attendant.
During the safety instructions, Jason lip synced to the pre-recorded female voice.  He also gave several facial expressions during the safety dialog, which garnered loud laughter from all of the passengers.  His small gesture of adding humor and putting airline passengers at ease made our flight experience more enjoyable and took the tension out of flying and all of the hassles that go along it.  Though it's my preferred method of travel for longer distances, I found Jason's sense of humor to be a breath of fresh air.  The tone for the rest of the flight was one of smiles and laughter from the passengers.
For those folks and customers that you come into contact, how do you make them feel?  Do you go the extra mile to make their purchasing experience a positive one; do you smile when you greet someone in the hallway or on the street?  In what way can you make someone else's day just a little bit better, especially when the person may be having a bad one?  Jason's actions didn't cost any money do make the passengers' days a little brighter.  But, the customer experience was memorable and enjoyable that likely earned many repeat customers on American Airlines.
The Golden Rule is do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  I encourage you to go one step above and beyond.  Not only does it make you feel good that you made someone's day, but also you may have made a loyal friend or customer in the process.

Until next time, be your best always,

Darcy
P.S.  Welcome to the 250+ new subscribers from all over the world!  If you enjoyed this newsletter, please feel free to forward it on to others who may enjoy it, too.

Posted by Darcy Keith at 10/13/2009 7:57 PM | Add Comment
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