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Archive for August, 2017

The Important Lessons

Posted on: August 31st, 2017

The Important Lessons

My twins recently celebrated their 11th birthday. In the midst of the excitement, friends and family I began to think about how they are growing up. I began to really ponder the reality that they will be starting middle school in the fall. I began to think about what values I want them to have as they slip further into independence. Over time I have noticed their social circles widening. The extra-curricular activities have become more intense as they advance in levels of dance, gymnastics, karate, and music. As their lives change I am struck with the realization that I will not always be there to protect them. I will not always be there to make decisions for them. With this reality looming I ask myself, what is the most important life lesson you want them to learn?

As a society we seem to have loss the basic principles of integrity. These simple principles of honesty, respect for our fellow man, empathy, and compassion appear to be rarely reflected in our current culture. I often hear people say things like, “kids now days have no respect.” I don’t believe kids have necessarily changed. I do believe that unfortunately many kids have not had the best examples shown to them by the previous generation. So, what are we to do? I cannot answer that question for you, but I will answer for myself.

I plan to remind my children of the importance of doing all they do with integrity. I will teach my children not to be self absorbed but try to empathize with others. I will continue to teach my children to treat others the way they would like to be treated and not to be afraid to stand up for what is right. I will not only focus on my children but any child that is within my sphere of influence.

As school begins my hopes and prayers are that my children will excel in their academics. I hold the same desire for them to excel in the development of their character.

 

Author

Alicia Lurry MA LPC CRC

What is Your Mission Statement?

Posted on: August 3rd, 2017

What is your Mission Statement?

A mission statement is defined as a formal summary of aims and values of a company, organization, or individual.

Recently I have been thinking a lot about my mission. I firmly believe we are here on this earth for a specific purpose and plan. I believe no one was born by mistake. I also believe that without clear direction and objectives, we are all susceptible to being aimless and never really living to our full potential. We often think of mission statements in relationship to organizations. Here are a few mission statements from familiar organizations:

  • The U.S. Army’s mission is to fight and win our Nation’s wars by providing prompt, sustained land dominance across the full range of military operations and spectrum of conflict in support of combatant commanders.
  • Nike’s mission statement is “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world.” The legendary University of Oregon track and field coach, and Nike co-founder, Bill Bowerman said, “If you have a body, you are an athlete.”
  • Starbucks mission statement 2013. “Our mission: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.”Sep 14, 2013

Each of these organizations have clear mission statements that speak to their existence. These mission statements help to develop the goals and objectives that lead to organizational success. Consequently, everything that is done within the organization should be a reflection of the overall mission. What if we developed personal mission statements? What if we discovered and developed a specific mission for our life? Would we begin to operate on purpose? Would we become more enthusiastic and passionate about our lives? I pose these questions for you to ponder. I cannot answer the questions for you. I have decided to develop my mission statement and begin the journey of aligning my actions to my mission. If you have been challenged in discovering your way in life, I encourage you to join me in this exercise. Let’s discover what happens.

Author

Alicia M. Lurry MA LPC CRC