Anybody who has read my blog postings knows I am an optimistic guy. When my view of the world becomes troubled it’s usually because I’ve been watching the news. On one hand, it’s good to know what goes on in our ever smaller world where we are so connected. On the other hand, too much preoccupation with events in far-away corners of the world can distract us from doing the good that we can do in our own neighborhoods.

I was watching BBC News last night and noticed how many pockets of unrest and violence there are around the globe. There’s also the lingering concern over the state of the world’s economy. And there has now been an earthquake in Turkey to follow the devastation in Chile and Haiti. What are we to think? Some have an apocalyptic view of these occurrences. A more scientific view would say that these are normal cycles of political, economic, and geological events. 

What do we conclude? Our planet is beautiful, but it is alive. It has always held both wonders and dangers. We must be prepared for natural catastrophes. We, the people, are prone to both wondrous acts of creativity and kindness while still capable of irrational and inhumane treatment of one another. Life turns out to be all about opposites: light vs. darkness, health vs. sickness, peace vs. war, optimism vs. pessimism. Where there are opposites, we have the opportunity to choose that which uplifts versus that which breeds fear and contention. We have the opportunity to turn a blind eye or to lend assistance to those in need. And, there is always something to learn from adversity and almost always an opportunity to turn opposition into innovation when we put aside pride, anger, and selfishness. Is this being too optimistic? It’s not easy to do. It’s better than the alternative.

Of all the stories I have shared in the Customer Astonishment book, one that is easily remembered by many readers is the story of my son and me ordering our salads at that small café in Wichita, Kansas, a number of years ago. If you’ve read the book, you will recall that important Moment of Truth as I inserted my fork into that cherry tomato hoping it would be crisp and flavorful. The restaurant failed the test. As the saying goes, “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.”

The professional responses we predetermine and commit to give to customers as they face these Moments of Truth can be characterized as our Pride Factors. These are the crucial factors for creating positive impressions that demonstrate the extent to which we take pride in the work we do. These are the hallmarks of personal excellence. Thus, one Pride Factor of that Wichita restaurant’s salad chef might be: “No customer will ever taste a stale cherry tomato on my watch.”

You know, those Canadians are good neighbors. Thanks to them for hosting a generally congenial Olympics and yet a grand event full of intense and earnest athletic competition. This comment from Sports Illustrated columnist, S.L. Price, sums up some important elements of the Vancouver games…

“The USA’s 37 medals set a record for success at a Winter Games, and came amid the most controversy-free American performance in decades. With skier Bode Miller redeeming his cavalier performance in Turin, Team USA kept as low a profile as an athletic superpower can, predicting no wins, displaying no arrogance, celebrating with class. It was a switch no one predicted: The Canadians acted more like out-there Yanks, and the Americans acted like humble Canucks. And it helped set, for these games, a graceful tone.”

I’m sure Americans are proud of our athletes who represented us well and we’re also happy for Canada’s triumph.

What are we re-learning from the Vancouver Winter Olympics? My opinion?

1. For two weeks, there’s predictably enjoyable TV to watch each night. And, thanks, Bob Costas, for the truly great host you are.

2. Managing the Olympics is a big job, especially when the weather is not cooperating.

3. On a ten-point scale for fitness, coordination, and endurance, I might have rated myself a “6.5.” After watching mogul skiers, speed skaters, and other superb athletes, I’ve changed my rating to “3,” but I’m not giving up.

4. Most of all, it is a wonderful thing that millions of Americans are inspired by the pairs figure skating gold medalists from China, Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo. Theirs is a universal story of true love, remarkable dedication, and dazzling performance. The Olympics cause us to forget all the diplomatic difficulties we’re having with China. For two weeks, we are all connected as citizens of one small planet where world peace is still our fondest dream.

This western holiday began with a papal decree in the late Fifth Century AD. There are some who decry this holiday as “shameful.” And yet, whatever the resistance may be, the popularity of Valentine’s Day continues to grow worldwide. To most, it is a delightful day. What is its purpose? Is it a celebration of romance and love? Of course it is. Is it a day to express affection for those we each hold dear? Of course it is. It seems the whole wide world could use a little love and affection about now. So, when will you buy your boxes of chocolates and Valentine’s cards and who will you take to lunch or dinner at that special restaurant? Who will you lift up in some special way that says, “I truly care.”

My earliest remembrances of Valentine’s Day are of the various heart-shaped treats my mother would create and of my bashful delivery of Valentines to those elementary schoolgirls I thought to be my special friends. The day took on real meaning when I found my “true Valentine,” Sharon. It is a good day to remember that the love that brought us together has kept us together all these years.

No we are not. It’s only an angry and vocal few plus Washington politicians conducting business as usual. We have a nation with an economy at risk and where our national security is a constant concern. We need our leaders and wanna-be leaders to put aside their campaigning for another year or so and just plain address themselves to the problems we all face. If some in Washington have “got it made” and feel exempt from the problems of everyday Americans, they ought to look at the issues facing our nation through the eyes of their grandchildren and get on with creating a legacy of positive action to rebuild our national confidence and pride. 

You know me, I usually write upbeat blog messages. Well, I’m a little ticked off at those who spend their time trying to figure out how to embarrass their political opponents and block any progress whatsoever. It’s time for the United States—not the Divided States of America.

Which is it?
“If I had more money, I would save more money and do more fun things, and then I’d be happier.”
Or, is it?
“If I am happy, my work will be more productive and I’ll save more money, then I’ll have the money to do what I love to do.”

Which is it?
“If I only had more friends, I could do more fun things, and I’d be happier.”
Or, is it?
“If I am happy, I’ll get out and do more things, and I will create more friendships.”

Have-Do-Be thinking is wishful thinking. Be-Do-Have thinking is to “own your happiness.” The doing is always important, but your state of being is more likely to motivate you to do it than is your wishing.

As we have watched events unfold in Haiti, we have all witnessed the best of humanity. As the Haitian people pick up the pieces of their lives and communities, we have seen their expressions of faith and hope where there could have been only bitterness and despair. We have seen the generosity of the human spirit in the record outpouring of service, resources, money, and love from all corners of the globe. At a difficult time for America, our nation and our people have been on the frontlines in reaching out to our Caribbean island neighbors. It is all remarkable. It is an ageless truth that the worst of times often bring out the best in people.

Martin Luther King’s message of vision and hope echoes at a very important time. There are two manifestations of hope. One is about “hoping” and basically boils down to wishful thinking. It is not wishful thinking that brings about needed changes. It is the other manifestation of HOPE, which is an expression of faith. This faith motivates action. It is about believing that all things are possible. It is this hope for humanity that we know the world needs in the face of political turmoil, economic setbacks, and the great losses the people of Haiti are experiencing. Faith, Hope, and Charity are timeless virtues that help us to move forward with a spirit of optimism, determination, and generosity.

The catastrophe in Haiti is certainly fearsome. Recently in the news, we also learn that US Intelligence experts are experiencing “palpable angst” about possible new terrorist attacks. Fear is what terrorists love to create. It can be needlessly crippling for some. Yet, facing fear is a fact of life. My dad used to tell me that if everything we fear were likely to happen each day, many of us would never get out of bed. A person could become too afraid to drive a car or preoccupied with the fear of catching the flu or unnecessarily fearful about earthquakes.

The truth is most of what we fear never happens. This is a proven fact. And, often, the fearful things that happen could not have been prevented. What is the answer? Be prepared and respond well when difficult things occur. It may sound too easy to say and difficult to do, but wisdom says, “Be wise, be strong, and prepare for life’s challenges.” Such readiness is about staying in good health, spending money prudently, and setting aside what may be needed for a rainy day, a checkless payday, or an emergency situation. If and when “stuff happens,” be there on the frontlines solving problems and caring for others.

If you want the best reference I know on how to be less fearful, even FEARLESS, read the book by my great friend, Steve Chandler, entitled, Fearless: Creating the Courage to Change the Things You Can.