Do you MiP?

In a world where we don't want to Make it Personal, I've decided to take a different approach and spin it 180 degrees.  In my mind, it's all about Making it Personal.  Look around... when you trust someone or give of yourself, volunteer, celebrate, share, or even dance, you're always making it personal.  That's right!  What do you think Facebook and social networking is?  Make it Personal  or "MiP" is just that.  So, the next time you "do something", remember to MiP... Make it Personal and MiP if Good!

Is ALL starts by being true to YOU

Ok... I admit it.  I watched Opera today.  And I'm really glad I did.  Ellen D was Opara's guest and I think there's a "bigger" reason why I chose to watch the show today of all days.  Prior to Ellen's success, she was having a difficult time in life.  One thing that Ellen said that really hit home (when asked the question: When did it start turning around for you Ellen?) was; "When I started being honest with myself."  I guess this is the gateway for all of us.  And at the age of 40, for some reason it hit me like a brick that stopped me in my brain tracks.  It's not like I haven't heard this before, but for some reason the true message was like the separating of the dead sea.  I can see!  When something like this happens, it's one thing to say that your eyes are open and it's another to actually be able to see.  Well now's my chance to MIP and be honest to myself first so I can spread it around in everything I do in life.  I guess I have some work to do.  Time to get busy!

LG

In The Spirit of Sport

Today is a big day in the eyes of so many Canadians. It's hockey day in Canada and we need to win and continue to do so if we want to win Gold in hockey at the Winter Olympics. A little over a week into the Olympics, they continue to create big buzz across Canada and around the world. For their efforts, our Canadian Athletes have achieved 10 medals, 5 of which are gold. Very impressive. What makes you proud? What gets you excited. Even if you're not a sports fan, you can't deny yourself the sense of pride that comes with success and achieving greatness in life or whatever you do. Unfortunately, not all of us are willing to put ourselves "out there" to ever sniff greatness in life. I'd have to say this is a result of most of us not wanting to fail or be disappointed with our performance so we choose to do what's easy and what we're most sure of. I think we put so much pressure on each other to gauge success by the accumulation of "stuff" that we often prevent ourselves from truly finding our moment, our time that defines who we really are. If you do, great, if you haven't, don't wait till it's too late. My Mom and Dad had eight children and their priority was always to ensure they gave us everything we needed to succeed in our lives. Never once did they ask for anything in return. So whether it's sports or just doing what you do in life, do it well. Now that I'm 40, I suddenly find myself reflecting on where I've been and where I now want my life to go. So, I strongly urge you to test yourself, push yourself with the goal to always Make It Better! Life's too short... Live It, Love It, Long for It. GO CANADA!

PS Thanks Mom and Dad.
G

What's Your Cause? Get Cause!

Curious? Regardless of what it is, find your passion and making money will come. Before I make the official announcement, I need to bring some clarity to my own mind in how things are going to be launched to provide me with the opportunity I think this can really be. Cause has always had a big place in my mind, my heart and my very soul. So it makes complete sense for me to start taking measures to live my passion and to leave my Legacy in Life. Coming Soon.

G

Reflect on Life... You Must Like What You See In The Mirror

I've always said, "Life must be fun or it's not worth living." However, there are actually many different definitions of what life is and means to people. Maybe it's a married with no children thing (and believe me... it's not always a blessing, kids really do serve a purpose in one's sense of place) or maybe it's a result of how seriously I take having fun. I'm not talking about Patrick Kane fun (back of limo in the news), but rather being able to smile on demand, laugh or move with a jump in your step. It's not about being content, but rather being driven, fulfilled, and feeling a sense of purpose in who we are and what we are doing with what you've been given. Hmmm. Because as a good friend of mine once said, "Life is not a race." So when the next time you pause, reflect or just sit in silence, make sure the person you seen in the mirror is truly the person you want to be. Now go forth and prosper. Live Life Large! and remember.... Make It Better!

G

More Than Just A New Year

Happy New Year! Today is not only the 1st day of 2010, but a chance for all of us to "launch" forward to new heights to Make It Better. I would like to put forth a friendly challenge to each and everyone of you to take a piece from Nike's playbook and "Just Do It". With this, I'd like to invite you to "Get Connected" by emailing joinmib@gmail.com so we can create a new friendship of like minded individuals inspired to Make It Better. To kick start my own new year, I'm working on the launch of a new publication that will showcase those individuals, groups, and companies who are executing great acts of "Make It Better" in their personal and professional lives. So watch for the new MIB Publication and media network coming later this month Cheers!

Leslie S. Gagne and I MIB.

One Life Lost... is one Life Too Many!

In our society, we value life. In addition to many things, this is certainly what makes us different than other societies around the world.

After running into the woods after his dog, Chance, James Delorey, who was an autistic child, became lost. Fortunately, Chance made it back to lead rescuers to find James. Unconscious and suffering from Hyperthermia, the 7 year old was then air-lifted to Sick Kids Hospital in Halifax Nova Scotia. Unfortunately, James died this morning.

I'm not a parent, but I have two that love me dearly. I can't imagine what James' parents are going through today, but I do know this could have been prevented. In a world where we are surrounded by technology, the loss of James under these circumstances is unacceptable. What will it take for us to realize the same technology we use to find our stolen cars or to locate a black box in downed airplanes, can be used to find our lost or abducted children. Yes, I know there's a "grey" area here. However, I, like James' parents and most of you who are parents, would be willing to over look this grey for a chance to hold your child in your arms again or to give him/her yet another big hug and a kiss before bed tonight. James' parents can't do that anymore and for that, I am going to make it my priority that this does not happen to anymore children. If we could had inserted a "beacon" or GPS chip on or inside James at birth, rescuers would have been able to find him in time so that he'd be home tonight for dinner and thinking about waking up on Christmas morning to open his presents from Mom and Dad.

Think about the many children who are abducted each year around the world or simply become lost and never to be found.... If you value the life of your son or daughter as much as you do your automobile, then I think it's time we make the same investment so that all children can be found if lost or taken away from us.

Email your thoughts and join the MIB (Make It Better) Cause!