neil

As you may have figured, I think the most important thing we can do as significant adults is to BE significant adults. Our kids and grandkids are much more interested in who we are and what we do than what we say.I can’t imagine the fears that are swarming around our young people with all this uncertainty but I do know that I can supplement and replace that with Hope and Love which arms them with a shield, gives them […]

My favorite expression of HOPE comes from EMILY DICKINSON;”Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul – and sings the tunes without the words – and never stops at all.” Isn’t that a bright and beautiful way to think of what can be. My bird is the remarkable Hummingbird.My HOPE is fueled by Gratitude. Just the thought of the mighty Hummingbird perched and pollinating the soul gives way to the possibilities each of us has and/or can […]

One of the many advantages I find in living these many years is that I have experienced and learned from many great minds. Here in North Carolina we have a treasure. His name is Nido Qubein. I have been learning from his wisdom for the past 30 years. He is a remarkable man who just keeps on giving. You have probably read that I tout the Horatio Alger stories of folks that start with so very little other than courage […]

Simple, concise and oh so effective.In my 20 years of belonging to Toastmasters I prided myself on being the best listener in the meeting. I would tell new and often nervous members that if they needed encouragement up there all they need do is to look at me. I was hanging on their every word. I laughed at their humor, I nodded in agreement, etc. Being an active listener forges a bond with the person speaking.I find when you offer […]

HOW DO YOUR GRANDKIDS SEE YOU?As a group we possess a unique and powerful influence in our families. It is what I call Grandparent Power. We are endowed with great opportunities since these beautiful and trusting little souls think we are just plain wonderful, very wise, funny and all knowing. Think about that, We are given a powerful gift. Now what? This is the chance to find and mine those great qualities and interests they are enthusiastic about. I can […]

Whether or not you can see or communicate with your grandchildren there is something you can do. One group of Grandparents that are involuntarily challenged by being thrust into the role of parents due to circumstances, ie drug abuse, incarceration, etc., to save these precious children from falling into the abyss of a struggling foster system. It is known that millions of Grandparents households are taking care of their grandkids with no parent present in the house. Known as “Kinship Care”, […]

As a Grandparent I am always on the lookout for opportunities to plus my Grandchildren. While they were small I was known as the King of the upside down hug. I had to put that title aside as they grew to be too big and tall for my back. Now I want to be known as the Happy Grandpa. I do think modeling is one of the best gifts a Grandparent can offer to their Grandkids. Let me warn you, […]

At a time like this I find that we have to dig a little deeper for a positive outlook. I am not a blind optimist but as you see in the TED talk by Bill Gates there is always hope. It was Albert Einstein who said “The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination”. There will probably not ever be another PAUSE in our lifetimes that allow us to exercise these Imagination muscles. I choose hope and imagine […]

In case you haven’t noticed credible good news is hard to come by lately….He says sarcastically. My metrics for credibility are tough when it comes to what I share with you all. Someone has to be engaged, invested, tested and have good intentions. I will leave it up to each of you to see if I have delivered. The person is one Bill Gates being interviewed by TED founder Chris Anderson and Whitney Pennington. His foundation has been dealing with […]