Autism and Authenticity: Jason McElwain

I'm in a bit of a current events mood lately, and this article and video clip (from CBSNews.com) tells of Jason McElwain, an autistic high school senior from Greek Athena High School in Rochester NY, and his Triumphant Day. It has everything I look for in this blog--emotion, inspiration, authenticity ... and Triumph, of course.

Some of my favorite movies of all time revolve around inspiring sports stories like Rudy, Glory Road, Hoosiers, etc. I have plenty of favorites but these are probably the Top Three. (If you haven't seen them, I highly recommend it).

We all love feel-good movies, well most of us do, and they don't get much better than this one about J Mac, as they call him. Stories like his tell of just not giving in to incredible odds. They're "David and Goliath" tales, in almost every instance, where success comes hard fought and only after great sacrifice, effort and sometimes loss. They are stories about individuals who pay the price asked of them, and more, who Triumph in the process, and who leave amazing legacies behind.

Here's the article that goes with the CBSNews.com news report about Jason. I'll let it speak for itself, along with the video linked below. You will easily see why I felt they should be included as today's inspirational post. I love these kind of stories, and this one is a good one. Enjoy. 

JP Triumph 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r93vABC1M7A&feature=related

(CBSNews.com)  It was the stuff of Hollywood, but it was real.



Senior Jason McElwain had been the manager of the varsity basketball team of Greece Athena High School in Rochester, N.Y.



McElwain, who's autistic, was added to the roster by coach Jim Johnson so he could be given a jersey and get to sit on the bench in the team's last game of the year.



Johnson hoped the situation would even enable him to get McElwain onto the floor a little playing time.



He got the chance, with Greece Athena up by double-digits with four minutes go to.



And, in his first action of the year, McElwain missed his first two shots, but then sank six three-pointers and another shot (video), for a total of 20 points in three minutes.



"My first shot was an air ball (missing the hoop), by a lot, then I missed a lay-up," McElwain recalls. "As the first shot went in, and then the second shot, as soon as that went in, I just started to catch fire."



"I've had a lot of thrills in coaching," Johnson says. "I've coached a lot of wonderful kids. But I've never experienced such a thrill."



The crowd went wild, and his teammates carried the excited McElwain off the court.



"I felt like a celebrity!" he beamed.



McElwain's mother sees it as a milestone for her son.



"This is the first moment Jason has ever succeeded (and could be) proud of himself," reflects Debbie McElwain.

"I look at autism as the Berlin Wall, and he cracked it."



His teammates couldn't be happier.



"He's a cool kid," says guard Levar Goff. "You just get to know him, get used to being around him. A couple of weeks ago, he missed practice because he was sick. You feel different when he's not around. He brings humor and life to the team."



Jason's next goal: to graduate.

  

Erasing Hate: The Triumphant Racist

This is an excerpt from an article written by Helen O'Neill on October 31, 2011.

I try to share current events and various news stories every now and then, especially ones like the following. This is an inspiring story of a reformed skinhead who chooses to endure agony to have his hate-inspired tattoos removed. It’s a great example of Triumphing over HATE ... or anything holding us back from living a full and abundant life. They say most hate is caused by fear and fear is brought on by ignorance. When we choose to look past our differences, get to know each other better, replace unfamiliarity with understanding and fear with appreciation, new opportunities unfold to us that are difficult to imagine. The whole world becomes a better place.

Here’s one Triumphant example of a skinhead-turned-father who, in his own small way, is helping to make it just that. The full article, if you'd like to read it, is posted on KSL.com at the following link: 

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=157&sid=17882740&title=reformed-skinhead-endures-agony-to-remove-tattoos

  

Nice job, brother. My “tatt is off" to you.

J. Patrick Laing

Reformed Skinhead Endures Agony to Remove Tatoos

"We had come so far," she says. "We had left the movement, had created a good family life. We had so much to live for. I just thought there has to be someone out there who will help us."

Add caption

After getting married in 2006, the couple, former pillars of the white power movement (she as a member of the National Alliance, he a founder of the Vinlanders gang of skinheads) had worked hard to put their racist past behind them. They had settled down and had a baby; her younger children had embraced him as a father.

EDITOR'S NOTE: A reformed skinhead, Bryon Widner was desperate to rid himself of the racist tattoos that covered his face—so desperate that he turned to former enemies for help, and was willing to endure months of pain. [Second of two parts.]

And yet, the past was ever-present—tattooed in brutish symbols all over his body and face: a blood-soaked razor, swastikas, the letters "HATE" stamped across his knuckles.

Wherever he turned Widner was shunned—on job sites, in stores and restaurants. People saw a menacing thug, not a loving father. He felt like an utter failure.

Continued…..

On June 22, 2009, Widner lay on an operating table, his mind spinning with anxiety and hope. A nurse dabbed numbing gel all over his face. Shack towered over him in protective goggles and injected a local anesthetic. Then he started jabbing Widner's skin, the laser making a staccato rat-tat-tat sound as it burned through his flesh.

Widner had never felt such pain. Not all the times he had suffered black eyes and lost teeth in bar brawls, not the time in jail when guards—for fun—locked him up with a group of black inmates in order to see him taken down. His face swelled up in a burning rage, his eyes were black and puffy, his hands looked like blistered boxing gloves. He had never felt so helpless or so miserable.

"I was real whiny during that time," he says.

"He was real brave," says Julie.

After a couple of sessions, Shack decided that Widner was in too much pain: the only way to continue was to put him under general anesthetic for every operation. It was also clear that the removal was going to take far longer than the seven or eight sessions he had originally anticipated.

They developed a routine. Every few weeks, Widner would spend about an hour and a half in surgery and another hour in recovery, while Julie would fuss and fret and try to summon the strength to hide her fears and smile at the bruised, battered husband she drove home. It would often take days for the burns and oozing blisters to subside.

Shack and his team marveled at Widner's determination and endurance. The Widners marveled at the team's level of commitment and care. Even nurses who were initially intimidated by Widner's looks found themselves growing fond of the stubborn former skinhead and his young family.

Slowly—far more slowly than Widner had hoped—the tattoos began to fade. In all he underwent 25 surgeries over the course of 16 months, on his face, neck and hands.

On Oct. 22, 2010, the day of the final operation, Shack hugged Julie and shook hands with Bryon. Removing the tattoos, he said, had been one of his greatest honors as a surgeon. But a greater privilege was getting to know them.

"Anyone who is prepared to put himself through this is bound to do something good with his life," Shack said.

I couldn't agree more. Anyone who puts themselves through  challenging, painful or difficult experiences for a higher good deserves to be congratulated. I think Bryon definitely does. If you read this, your story is inspiring to us all. 

Thanks for your example. We won't soon forget it..... Most respectfully, JPR

Simple Truths: Dancing in the Rain

It's late and I've been busy working prepping a Quick Start Guide for one of my Internet ventures, One24. If you haven't taken a look at it, feel free to. You can learn all about it at www.timetotriumph.com. That being said, before I hit the sack I wanted to share with you a story I recently read. This is from another daily newsletter I'm subscribed to called "Simple Truths." I've seen very few stories of Triumph more inspiring than this. 

I hope you enjoy it. I'd encourage you to subscribe to Mac's free inspirational messages. I'll write more tomorrow. I appreciate your readership.

Night all ... JP Riv

Learning to Dance in the Rain

The date was July 16, 2008. It was late in the afternoon and I was sitting in my hotel room in Louisville, Kentucky. I was scheduled to speak that evening for the Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA).

I was a little "down in the dumps." I hadn't gotten to exercise lately because of my traveling schedule and recently I'd experienced some mild bouts of vertigo (that inner ear condition that can cause the room to start spinning.) You got it...speaking and "spinning" are not good partners!


My keynote presentation was scheduled for 7:00 PM, but I had been invited to show up at 6:00 to see a performance they said I'd enjoy. Little did I know that I was about to see something I would never forget.



They introduced the young musician. Welcome...Mr. Patrick Henry Hughes. He was rolled onto the stage in his wheelchair, and began to play the piano. His fingers danced across the keys as he made beautiful music.



He then began to sing as he played, and it was even more beautiful. For some reason, however, I knew that I was seeing something special. There was this aura about him that I really can't explain and the smile...his smile was magic!



About ten minutes into Patrick's performance, someone came on the stage and said..."I'd like to share a 7-minute video titled, The Patrick Hughes story." And the lights went dim.



Patrick Henry Hughes was born with no eyes, and a tightening of the joints which left him crippled for life. However, as a child, he was fitted with artificial eyes and placed in a wheelchair. Before his first birthday, he discovered the piano. His mom said, "I could hit any note on the piano, and within one or two tries, he'd get it." By his second birthday, he was playing requests (You Are My Sunshine, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star). His father was ecstatic. "We might not play baseball, but we can play music together."

Today, Patrick is a junior at the University of Louisville. His father attends classes with him and he's made nearly all A's, with the exception of 3 B's He's also a part of the 214 member marching band. You read it right...the marching band! He's a blind, wheelchair-bound trumpet player; and he and his father do it together. They attend all the band practices and the half-time performance in front of thousands. His father rolls and rotates his son around the field to the cheers of Patrick's fans. In order to attend Patrick's classes and every band practice, his father works the graveyard shift at UPS. Patrick said..."My dad's my hero."

But even more than his unbelievable musical talent, it was Patrick's "attitude of gratitude" that touched my soul. On stage, between songs, he would talk to the audience about his life and about how blessed he was. He said, "God made me blind and unable to walk. BIG DEAL! He gave me the ability ... the gifts I have ... the great opportunity to meet new people."

When his performance was over, Patrick and his father were on the stage together. The crowd rose to their feet and cheered for over five minutes. It gave me giant goose bumps!

My life was ready to meet Patrick Henry Hughes. I needed a hero, and I found one for the ages. If I live to be a hundred, I'll never forget that night, that smile, that music, but most importantly, that wonderful "attitude of gratitude."



I returned to Chicago and shared Patrick's story with my wife, my friends, and our team at Simple Truths. About two weeks later, I received a letter from a friend. He said, "Mac, here is a quote from Vivian Greene that I think you'll love!" "Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass... it's about learning how to dance in the rain!"



I thought...that's it! We all face adversity in our life. However, it's not the adversity, but how we react to it that will determine the joy and happiness in our life. During tough times, do we spend too much time feeling sorry for ourselves, or, can we, with gratitude...learn how to dance in the rain?



It almost sounds too simple to feel important, but one word...gratitude, can change your attitude, thus, your life, forever. Sarah Breathnach said it best...
"When we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that's present....we experience heaven on earth."



What I just shared is the introduction to my book, Learning to Dance in the Rain...The Power of Gratitude. My co-author is BJ Gallagher and she is one of the most talented and creative writers I've every known. It was an honor to work with her on this beautiful book that can truly change the way you think about life.



Keep dancing,



Mac Anderson
Founder, Simple Truths

From Cancer to Kung Fu

Today I thought I'd do an update on some recent Triumph Times posts:

>  My grandfather, Bill, is still holding strong. He has terminal cancer as I've said, he's in a great deal of pain, but he almost seems to be growing stronger every time I see him ... it's like he's actually transcending the trial he's undergoing. He is determined to stay himself, to keep smiling, to keep serving others, and to "keep his chin up," as he puts it. Right to the end, he is Triumphing. Right to the end, he is an inspiration to us all.

>  My daughter Brighten just won 5 medals in her meet on Saturday, including 3rd overall for the meet. She's placed several times in the last 3 meets, she's headed for Sectionals and, possibly, the State finals after that (they only take the top 72 gymnasts but she's got a good shot, according to her coach, even though she's only in her first year as I've mentioned). I couldn't be prouder.


You know, she fell again on her balance beam routine, but she jumped right back up and did the rest so well she still scored a 9.0 ... even with the fall. That's almost unheard of and it's a great tribute to not only "not giving up" and "getting right back up," but, also, doing so quickly, not hesitating or commiserating when it does you no good.

Think about it, if she had gotten frustrated, had thrown up her hands or even slumped her shoulders (technically speaking) for even a moment, she would have likely lost more points and probably not placed at all. Instead she gave that extra "Umph" she needed, she didn't let disappointment get her down, and she won 3rd place. It was a great Triumphant reminder that applies not only in sports but many areas of life.

>  And then there's writing and writers: I've written about Hemingway, Faulkner and Allie Hanley, etc. I've been writing this blog here since the 12th of October. Since that time, I've had people practically coming out of the woodwork saying how much they enjoy it. They're enjoying the writing, from what they say, and they're grateful to Allie for her "kick in my kiester." Today? I'm hoping for more [in blog] comments--what do YOU want to see and hear more of herein--but, through Facebook and email I'm hearing lots of great feedback. There seems to be a real hunger for this kind of motivational material. I've even had a couple parties contact me about full-time writing jobs. We shall see but it sounds like fun....

>  As I highlight different "Umphers" here at The Triumph Times (those Triumphing over their lives and their challenges), I would be remiss to not mention my good friend, TV / movie producer, Russell Cunningham (of RLC Motion Pictures in Sydney, Australia). Russell is an American producer now living Down Under with his Aussie sweetheart, Colleen. He recently produced a movie called Birth of a Warrior starring Tonny White, the youngest kung fu master in the world (Tonny was trained by the same grand master as superstar, Bruce Lee). For less than most of us have spent on our first home, and maybe our latest car, Russell and his team scraped the movie together from start to finish--a Triumph in and of itself.

They did this in an economy that has decimated the Australian movie industry; they did it following the loss of two, previous fully-contracted films (a half-a-million dollar loss combined, directly related to the economic crash); they attracted Tonny White to the film and got additional talent to donate their time and efforts and names; the list of "Triumphs" goes on and on. Through it all, Russell has stayed strong, weathered the storms, believed in his team and worked to make the project, albeit a small one, come to pass. He continues to beat the odds; he continues to be a perfect example of Triumph. (If you knew him, you would know that quitting just isn't in his nature. But it hasn't been easy, as he will tell you, and he isn't finished yet).

If I had to guess, I'd say ... keep an eye out for Russ. You're going to see more of him and RLC Motion Pictures in the future, I'm sure. He's a talented producer with a real vision and passion for his work. These are both, of course, prerequisites if you want a truly Triumphant life. You take your licks ... you keep going ... you follow your passion (even when it's hard) ... and you stick with it. In short, you follow Russell's example. Do so and you will rarely go wrong.

I'm proud of you, Superman, and I look forward to many more to come ... films, stories, awards and Triumphs. Birth of a Warrior probably isn't going to win any Oscars anytime soon ... but, your effort and commitment should. They're an inspiration to us all.

Keep filming. We'll keep watching.

Just one of your fans,

JP River

Birth of a Warrior trailer:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHDhjWhPlx0&feature=related

Tonny White demo film:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJrGUQu1nI4

RLC Motion Pictures site / movie:  http://rlcmotionpictures.com/

John C. Maxwell on Transformation

    

I'm subscribed to a daily coaching service with a successful speaker and writer I enjoy, Mr. John C. Maxwell (http://johnmaxwellteam.com). He sends out a daily "Minute With Maxwell" message that shows up in my email each morning and always starts my day out right. He's considered one of the most respected speakers in the world and has written over 60 books and sold 20 million+ copies worldwide. I think it's safe to say he has a thought or two that are worth hearing. I've certainly enjoyed his insights.

I've wanted to share with you one of his "Minutes" and today's seemed like an appropriate choice. He's speaking about "Transformational Leadership," talking about how a transformational life (one we've been referring to as a Triumphant one, I think it's safe to say), a life without regrets, all starts with a choice to change. It really all begins with the choices that we day in and day out.

It's not rocket science, but it is a good reminder. John then goes on to share a great idea for how to effect change in our life. I think you'll appreciate it.

My recommendation would be to click on both links ... his main site (above), so you can "meet the man" and sign up for his daily minute, if you'd like to, and this last site (below), so you can hear this specific thought on transforming. Both are worth the sixty seconds they will take you. I've been personally enjoying his counsel for over a year now.

If we're not growing we're dying ... if we are not changing, we're probably growing stale. I hope we aren't.

Onward and upward,

Patrick-Riv

http://www.johnmaxwellteam.com/transform/

    

Confidence: the Stuff of Triumph

Confidence: the stuff of heroes ... the secret of kings ... the essence of champions ... the trait of true leadership. What is it exactly and where does it come from? Are we born with it, or is it acquired? Can it be developed, or is it discovered? Any thoughts, readers? What do you think confidence really, truly is...? Does it exist, like the picture suggests, purely because and when we believe that it does?

Lots of questions but I think they're important ones in any discussion of personal Triumph. We've all seen those men and women who seem to exude confidence--it seems to almost ooze from their pores. In my experience, it's a mystery. Why do some have it and others don't? Why do some of us struggle while, to others, it comes so naturally, so easily, it seems? It's an age-old question.

For some, confidence is consistent, at other times it's fleeting. Sometimes it's a facade, a wave, a ripple moving like a tiny fishing ship tossed at sea. Other times, it's real and strong and seemingly immovable, like a giant sequoia tree in the deepest forest. As we know, both get blown by the wind, even ravaged at times, but one isn't moved and the other one is, and maybe even drowned; we've all experienced this. Even the most confident of us, at times, feel vulnerable, shaken and alone. And then, we're strong again, confident.... It's bizarre, a good question, a good topic for discussion. And then, I ask you, at the same time, isn't vulnerability and worry, in certain ways, an asset or a strength as well? Isn't it a sign of true confidence to admit when you are human, wavering or weak? Isn't this the essence of strength ... to be honest in your weakness, to admit when you're not perfect but, rather, to be human, authentic, accessible and real?

Lots of great questions. We all want to be confident and I think we all can be, in our own personal ways. One man's confidence is another man's weakness. One may seem arrogant. Another may seem too subdued. I think, ultimately, it doesn't really matter: it is for each of us to decide if our brand of confidence makes us happy and if it's moving us in the direction we desire. If it is then it's sufficient. If it isn't, then we need to keep trying. As long as we are okay with ourselves or, at least, okay with the person we're becoming, then we're good to go. We can sleep well at night and wake prepared for what life hands us. We can Triumph over it all. No other opinion matters nearly as much as does our own.

Another bit of good news is that, regardless of how we currently may see ourselves, we can improve upon that perception and that preparation and situation, and do so all the rest of our lives. We're rarely stuck in the process of progression. We never have to be satisfied with the status quo, who we are or how we act or interact today. We can get better, little by little, if we truly desire ... and this is the essence of how we Triumph over life: we never lie down. At the same time, it's okay to be at peace with who we see in the mirror, to love ourselves, if we do ... and to be pleased with the person we've become and are unveiling. It's a Triumphant "balancing act" of sorts, but one that is important we each define. When are we good enough? When are we strong enough? When is it okay for us to relax and stop trying so hard? Answer that question and we'll find more satisfaction and joy than we probably thought possible. We'll feel more sure, more peaceful and, ultimately ... more confident, and that, my friends, is rarely a negative thing.

I'll stop talking now. It's late. Please ... share your thoughts. When do you feel most confident? What have you found that helps you get there? What, in your own life, has helped you develop greater confidence, and courage? What do you suggest the rest of can do to get there in our own separate ways? Please share with us your insights and ideas.

Thanks for listening. I appreciate "the shot in the arm" your ongoing readership provides.

Ever more wise and more confident,

JP River

Quotable Quote: Dr. Seuss

I love this quote from Doctor Suess I saw recently on Facebook. It SCREAMS Triumph. Troubles...? Trials...? A topsy turvy Life...? Bring them on for we are ready and will not shrink with the dawn.

Thank you, Doc....

JP River

‎"I learned there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead, others come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready, you see. Now my troubles are going to have trouble with me." -- Dr. Seuss

"Get Back on that Horse" (or Balance Beam)

This blog on Triumph wouldn't be complete without a nod to my youngest daughter, Brighten, aka Beepster (short for Beautiful Princess Star). Let's just say, she is a powerhouse, a mighty might and takes after her mom in the sense she’s driven and doesn't give up easily.

Brighty is in her first year of gymnastics and, although she's a novice, she's taken to it like a fish to water. Not only does she have the perfect build—she's tiny with big feet—she seems to have a knack for it, a passion and a love of all things gymnastic. She’s winning lots of medals and just qualified for sectionals. Most important, she’s having fun. Maybe she’s found her calling...? I hope so.

You know, seeing her routine brings to mind a lesson on success I once heard that referred to the “Three P’s of Success” … Passion, Practice and Persistence. These are the essence of our diminutive daughter these days ... and anyone, I believe, who is Triumphing at what they do.

First, they’re Passionate (Brighten definitely is; she basically eats, sleeps and drinks gymnastics, and never seems to tire of it). Second, they Practice (no joke, she spends more time upside down these days than she does right side up; she’s constantly bouncing off the furniture, cartwheeling down the aisles, etc.). Third, they’re Persistent (you’ll see in the video clip attached how persistent she is, even when she falls, she bounces right back up). It’s an inspiring reminder for us all.

In gymnastics as in life (or marriage, business, trials, etc.), we mustn't give up … even when it’s hard. Other than those rare times when it’s just not in our power, we have to “get back on that horse,” or, as it were in this case, on that "balance beam."

I’m proud of you, Tiny. You’re an inspiration to your old dad. We’re looking forward to the college scholarships I’m sure you’ll earn (here's hoping). That only leaves four others we have to be worried about.

Onward and upward,

Daddy-Patrick 

Check out the clip. Her form looks just about perfect to me, even in failure. You go baby-girl! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BcIvHtqm08

Inspiration From a Gifted Writer

As you know, I've highlighted a few different writers on this blog ... Faulkner, Hemingway, Hunter S. Thompson and so forth. I never cease to be amazed how talented some are, and where their passion, pathos and inspiration come from. It varies for all of us, of course, some positive, some not. Mine, personally, has come from multiple sources, people and lessons learned. Most recently, a friend of mine, Allie Hanley, an entertainment writer and film contributor in Seattle who writes for www.culturemob.com, was the last in a long list of influences that made me finally sit down and start writing this blog.

Among other things, Allie encouraged me to get off my hind-end and just start writing ... something, anything!  "The key is to just write daily," she told me, "in a journal, on a blog, whatever: JUST WRITE!"

Well, I've been talking about it for years. I have a couple of "Next Great American Novels" struggling along, but not very quickly. I really have wanted to write and do want to get my voice out into cyberspace; so ... with Allie's prompting, and several good examples, I bit the bullet and did so. And you know? I am loving the challenge. Don't know what you think about it, but the hits I'm getting would suggest that people like the concept, and the content. I hope so. I am certainly enjoying the experience.

Thank you, Allie, for the kick in the caboose; thanks to all of you who've inspired me and taught me (my grandmother, author Lucile Tate, among others--she's a future blog post subject; Og Mandino, CS Lewis, Malcolm Gladwell.... the list is long and growing). Thank you all. I appreciate the push.

It's not Shakespeare, but I don't think it has to be. Thanks for reading....

JP River

Note: If you'd like to read some of Allie's awesome CultureMob articles, go to http://culturemob.com/author/alliehanley

Questions, Comments, Suggestions, More....?

Question for you: what principles, topics or stories would you like to see addressed on this blog? I've already had several visits to the site, just in the first couple of weeks, but very few comments or questions have been left. In my experience, this is quite normal. Most people like reading anonymously and don't tend to write or leave comments for a variety of reasons. I understand this. However ... I'm sending this out to all of you: what do YOU want to hear, learn more about or discuss...? What stories or subjects have you come across in your lives that you would like to share or see addressed more on this site.

If you would prefer to contact me directly, rather than posting directly to the comments page, you're welcome to do so at JPLTriumph@gmail.com. I look forward to your feedback.

How are you liking the site so far, anyway? Any suggestions, comments, concerns?

Thanks in advance and "here's to Triumph...."

Respectfully ~ JPR

"Theirs a Problem With Youre Email" (sic)

A lot of folks these days are unemployed or underemployed. We’re looking for new or better jobs … for ways to “Triumph” more in our careers. It’s a tough market out there and we need every bit of help we can find. Following is just that—an informative help I received this morning from one of the newsletters to which I subscribe. I found it both insightful and entertaining. If it helps you or you can pass it along to someone who it does, I’ll be grateful. For many of us, if we’re not Triumphing in our work or professional lives, it’s difficult to be able to focus and do so in other areas as you know.

Mark Cenedella, CEO of The Ladders, an online job search assistance service, wrote the following on how to make your resumes and cover letters more effective. It agrees with my recent comments on focusing on what’s important and on being more concise in what we write. “Less is more” is usually true, as I keep saying. I continue to try learning this myself.

Enjoy the lesson. It’s a good reminder for us all.

SIMPLER IS SAFER, by Mark Cenedella

"A lot of the bad e-mails I see aren't bad because the person writing them is unintelligent. Quite the opposite. They are bad because an intelligent person is trying to say too much, in too complicated a way, with too many words, in a bid to sound qualified for the job.

But that is just exactly the wrong approach. Because, in fact, what employers and hiring managers are looking for is somebody who can communicate clearly and effectively. Rarely do long, complicated words and complex sentences make you sound easy-to-understand.

And those longer, more turgid e-mails have a much higher chance of a misspelling, grammar mistake, or unclear meaning, than a simple e-mail.

It reminds me of a famous exchange between two Nobel Peace writers, William Faulkner (famous for complex, dense prose) and Ernest Hemingway (who rarely used words greater than two syllables): Faulkner: "Hemingway has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary." Hemingway: "Poor Faulkner! Does he really think big emotions come from big words?" 

If you're trying to get a job, simple, clear communication is far more effective than big five-dollar words.

As an example, which of these two people would you rather hire?

Sally Simple writes, "I work well with teams that might not necessarily like each other in order to get them to understand the other side's viewpoint. I like to use a bit of humor so that we can all work well together and be successful as a company."

While Terry Turgid elucidates, "My background indicates a capability to bring together disparate elements of the organizational structure in which inherent tensions arise due to the substance of the work output, the cross-utilization of organizational resources, and competition for allocations and prioritizations that occur as a result. And I try to always be ready with a quip or bon mot in order to enable those elements to optimize their effort co-ordination and process implementation in order to achieve synergistic outcomes on behalf of the global organization."

Now both of those say the same thing (I think), but which candidate would you put in charge of getting sales and marketing to work together? Or leading the product and logistics groups on an important new initiative?

I'll take Sally Simple every time.

Okay, folks, that's my two bits on e-mails.

I hope you have a clearly successful and simply wonderful week!

I'm rooting for you,

Marc Cenedella, CEO & Founder" 

TheLadders.com is a private United States-based company providing an online job search service. It launched listing only vetted job offers with annual salaries of $100,000 or more. On 19 September 2011 they removed the $100k minimum salary requirement, opening the site to jobseekers who didn't meet the previous experience/value qualification. Unlike other employment sites that charge companies to post entries, TheLadders.com charges both job seekers and employers for their listings, and states that they confirm the authenticity and quality of each listing on the site.

Responsibility and "Triumph Insurance"

I actually don't think I'm going to write (at least not often) on Saturdays or Sundays. Everybody needs a day off and I have five busy children who need my attention at gymnastics and soccer and so forth when I'm actually in town. They like having me present and I think that five days a week is probably enough writing. So, I'm writing to say I'm not going to be writing, at least not on the weekends, at least not until or unless I feel duly impressed that something just has to be said and cannot wait until the coming Monday.

For today, I do want to "break with tradition" and write on the weekend, sharing with you a quick  insight that came to me this afternoon. It's about responsibility—I guess because I spent most of the day with my children and was reminded how much responsibility I have to them and we all have to those we have stewardship over and responsibility for. Whether that's your kids, your partner, your employees or whoever ... a big part of leading a "Triumphant" life is being a “pattern of Triumph” that others can learn from … of doing what it takes to make a difference in others’ lives. Only then have we truly Triumphed, at least in this "Umpher's" opinion.

I think it's fair to say that no one can ever, truly say they've Triumphed without having helped a few others along the way, and oftentimes many ... in business, marriage, parenthood, entertainment, innovation, education, or what have you. TRIUMPH, by its very nature, adds to and amplifies the lives of those it touches. We Triumph most when WE touch one another (and I'm not talking foot rubs or bear hugs). You know what I'm getting at.

The following ad from Liberty Mutual Insurance is an effective reminder of this truth. I get emotional almost every time I see it. 

Hey, have a nice weekend, everybody. It's already half-way over but I'm still going to enjoy the rest thoroughly. I hope you do too. Don't forget to watch the clip.

Live responsibly....

Patrick-Riv

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iw97CfZtyGw&feature=related

A Lost Boy and a Joint Rescue Effort

It’s late and I got home a short while ago from watching a great sci-fi movie called “In Time” tonight, starring Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried. It’s a futuristic film about how the rich have unlimited “time accounts” and the poor "run out of time" at the age of 25, or (usually) go on to live day-to-day trying to make their last few hours stretch. It was a new twist on the old dilemma of and juxtaposition between the incredibly wealthy and all the rest of us.

There are lots of reasons for mentioning this concept in this blog … “using our time well,” “not wasting a minute,” “choosing wisely where we focus our time and efforts” (all good Triumph principles), etc., etc. It wasn’t what I would call a terribly uplifting movie, but it was entertaining. I actualliy want to write on another topic, though, tonight, a story I just saw on CNN tonight.

As you’re seeing, if you’re following this blog at all, there isn’t a specific format or outline that I’m following in my posts. Quotes, historical figures, current events, movie reviews—they’re all options. Anything that strengthens, motivates, encourages or inspires is fair game. One thing’s for certain: I have an unlimited number of topics to choose from and discuss. (The only thing I’m hoping for is that more of you start commenting; as much as I like talking, I don’t like feeling I’m the only voice being heard).

Take this story from CNN.com that I stumbled across this evening—speaking of racing against time. This young autistic boy was just found, having survived five days lost in a Civil War park in Central Virginia (North Anna Battlefield Park). He was found alive this afternoon at a nearby quarry, authorities said, “lying in a fetal position in a creek bed about a mile away from where he'd wandered off.” He was flown by helicopter to a nearby hospital, where he was reunited with family and “appeared to be in good shape.” Get this: the boy is autistic … non-verbal … went five days without food or shelter. It’s a wonder he was fine. He is obviously a fighter, an “Umpher,” as we call them on this blog, even if he can’t speak or write or get up and give a speech about it personally.

The most Triumphant part of this story, despite the boy’s personal sacrifice and effort, in my opinion, lies in the fact that about 6,000 VOLUNTEERS showed up and helped out with the search over the last 5 days, along with “about 300 professional searchers in the park and surrounding areas, Hanover County authorities said” (quoted from CNN.com). They literally had to turn volunteers away, not because they didn’t want them, but because they couldn’t support them all. This is another great reminder regarding Triumphant results. We all know this but it’s good to have another example...! 

Often times, for us to Triumph personally, we need a helping hand to make it come to pass. This little boy was lost; a lot of us feel the same way in life. He was "hungry, cold and thirsty;" I think so many of us can relate—in our relationships, our careers, or our financial prospects, and more. I personally have, on many occasions throughout my life, felt this way. Literally or metaphorically, we find ourselves in need of being warmed or filled at times. In my experience, I have often been helped, assisted and “filled” by strangers who often never even knew the role they played. Other times it was the direct result of a friend or loved one reaching out. Both were very much appreciated.

I’m grateful for their help and I'm sure many of us can relate. We've all given and received help, both intentional and not. It's one of the beautiful things that keeps this world of ours going around. 

Let me just end by just saying that, whether you’re the contributor or the beneficiary, the “filler” or the “fillee,” as it were, it’s valued. We’re all in this together. And, if we look for ways to help each other out even more, to accept help when it’s offered, to work together and be there for each other, we will never regret it. It is absolutely a key to helping all of us Triumph here in life. 

I hope we’ll all look for more ways to make this a high-frequency occurrence. Best wishes to Robert Wood Jr. and his family. Your son inspires us, as do the thousands of volunteers who came to your aid. We’re grateful for your story … and the way that it turned out.

Welcome home, Robert.... John Patrick “River” Laing