Lesson #14

Lesson #14: If you want things to change you have to get involved.

When I was in high school my dad ran for supervisor of our township. He won and became a member of an elite group of governing members. As a daughter, it was kind of cool to have my dad be a Supervisor. His photo still hangs in the township building alongside other former and current members of the board.

And now that he lives on a small (and I do mean small) island in the middle of the Carribbean you'd think he'd be kicking back. Well, not quite. Now he's on the board of the civic association. He's involved again.

The lesson in this comes from what happens when my dad gets involved in things. He changes them...and for the better. What others say can't be done, he does. What others say there's not enough money for, he finds a way to fund. What others complain about, he just gets it done. He's taught us that if we want things to change, we have to try to change them ourselves. And that's a powerful lesson. Thanks, Dad!

I love you!!

Lesson #13

Lesson #13: Make a list.

For as long as I can remember my dad has kept a notepad,usually a yellow legal pad, on his desk with a list of things to do. Everyday he writes his list and everyday things get crossed off.

It helps him organize his time, feel accomplished, and prioritize tasks.

I'm happy to say that this is a lesson that I whole heartily embrace. My husband usually gets bug eyes when I show him lists of things that I want to get done, but it works for me. I like crossing off things as I go through the day and it helps me remember what it is I have to do. Sometimes after chasing around the kids I'm a bit scatterbrained so it helps me come back to reality.

My dad was and still is right. Start a to do list. Then mark things off as you do them. You'll feel better about your day and you'll sleep a little easier at night. Thanks, Dad!

I love you!