We’re in this together…

We’re in this together…

I want you to know — we are in this together.

Life has felt very challenging lately.  The world’s tumultuous news.  Healthcare concerns.
Our own vulnerability to outside events.

I want to be open with you.  After dealing with emotional challenges lately — from the loss of my father to the ongoing concerns over a friend with a serious illness, my lower back has been responding with severe pain.  I just went for spinal x-rays and had an MRI yesterday.

As I know, our inner self affects the outer self.  I just got off the phone with a doctor who recommends that I have back surgery!  Yikes.  I will do whatever I can to avoid something so drastic.  And yet, I will be open to hearing that perspective.

I prefer listening to a highly recommended chiropractor and amazing physical therapist, and taking less invasive measures.  So I’m doing my best to take care of myself, as I serve several clients to let them know I’m still here for them.  In the meanwhile, I’m pausing to reflect…

What is the gift in this situation?  I invite you to consider the gifts in your own challenges…

No matter what happens around us, we still get to choose our thoughts.

So here’s what I CAN do… (And what you can do too!)
   
1.  Take Deep breaths.  This calms down the nervous system and tells our brain that we’re alright.
2.  Say Positive Affirmations.  Our brain is a computer, taking in all the thoughts and messages that we repeat to ourselves.  I’m choosing to say:
“I am good enough.”
“Every day, in every way, I’m getting better and better.”
“I make a difference.”
3.  Visualize A Happy Place.  The mind can take us places to feel better.
4.  Take Positive Action.  Let’s do what we CAN in any situation.  Speak up.  Write a blog.  Give yourself time for more sleep.
5.  Remember – You Are Not Alone.  We are what we think.  And sometimes, we need support beyond what we consciously know.  That’s why relationships are so important.

“To the world, you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world.”  Dr. Seuss

Sending you all much love,

Lynn

What happens outside reflects what’s inside

What happens outside reflects what’s inside

I thought I had learned this lesson, but it’s happening to me again…

What happens on the inside affects the outside.

You may already know that thoughts affect feelings, which then lead to actions — either positive or negative.  It’s up to us to decide what thoughts we want to think.

Yet, even when we’re conscious of this truth, life tests us, doesn’t it?   
Again and again, we get to choose how to react to situations beyond our control.

I’m getting a heaping dose of challenging lessons right now, and I’m diligently choosing to follow practices that put me into a better mindset.

One of my dearest friends is dealing with ALS, a most devastating disease, and the anguish that she feels has affected me.  As I write these words, my lower back hurts, and I realize it has an emotional component.   (I also got a back x-ray yesterday, so I’m not certain of my next steps…)

According to Louise Hay’s book, You Can Heal Your Life, each part of our body reflects different emotional components.  The back relates to the foundation of our life.  So — when something major shakes up the foundation of our being, our body reacts in its own way.

Still, we DO have control.  Our mind is in charge.  We DO choose how to deal with adversity.

One of my heroes was my beloved friend, Roland Takaoka, who was a master at mindset.  He served as my wingman for four years during the live streaming broadcast of “The Difference Makers.”  Roland would joke and laugh, even though a third stroke had left his entire right side paralyzed.  Most people never knew of his physical condition, because you only saw him onscreen from the waist up.

As Roland used to say, “Expand in joy.”  He was one of the most optimistic people you’d ever meet.  When he suddenly passed away from a fourth stroke on August 23, 2018, I knew I HAD to publish his memoir to carry on his positive legacy.  It’s quite an uplifting, humorous story of his experiences in the hospital and rehab.  A fascinating read on mindset.

You’re welcome to check out the reviews or buy Roland’s Story: Inspired By A Stroke at: https://bit.ly/Amazon-Roland (I have a few copies left for $20 (includes shipping), if you want it personalized. Just contact me with your mailing address, and we’ll work out the details.)

Keep in mind — when faced with challenges, contemplate what you CAN do. 

For my friend with ALS, I”m organizing a recorded “Love Letters” zoom party this Saturday with her inner circle.  Whoever shows up will share their love for her, a favorite story, and then she’ll get the recording.  It’s an uplifting way for her to see the faces of loved ones before a major medical procedure on Monday.

I share this with you because I believe we’re all facing “stuff” right now.  It’s not always within our control.  Yet — what we CAN control is our thoughts.

We CAN choose to take positive actions every day.

It’s the least we can do… and the most we can do…

To continue making a positive difference.

Thanks for being you!

Warmly,
Lynn
I’d like to know your birthday…

I’d like to know your birthday…

HAPPY EARLY VALENTINE’S DAY!

I’ve been learning more about follow-up, and wanted to ask you —

How do you show people that you care?
How do you acknowledge someone’s birthday?
How often do people hear from you? Most of us could benefit from being more diligent about following up. Follow-up is the key to business success. 
Yet — how many people take action to improve?

Now is your time to make a BIGGER difference.  And that also means — expanding in your skills to follow up.  When you follow up, you’re building relationships, establishing trust, and showing people how much you care.

So — How do you become a follow-up expert?  I suggest starting with a small step.
Check out Mailbox Power.   You can send a free thank you card.  A postcard. A gratitude message.  A holiday card. To learn more about its system, and how you can benefit, I’ve got a surprise for you.
First — let me put you on my birthday card list.   There is no obligation and it’s private.
Here’s the link: https://app.mailboxpower.com/address/LynnSanders/98441

Next, to learn more, I invite you to join a free workshop on follow-up with an expert. 

My friend and business connections professional, Stephanie Massman of Bam Connections, is offering a free workshop to this group, about how you can use Mailbox Power to build your impact.
No obligation!  (You can choose to use the free 14-day trial.) Stephanie will be teaching us on Tuesday, February 15th, from 1:30-2:30 pm (CST).
You can register here — http://evite.me/MRfFDmmqQJ

Thanks for your time and thoughtfulness.

I look forward to being of service to you!

All the best,
Lynn
All You Need Is Love

All You Need Is Love

I’m returning to earth.

After mourning my father’s passing, I feel like I’ve been poised between worlds.

I stepped away from the everyday.  No work.  No social media.

Instead, I observed the Jewish tradition of “shiva,” gathering together online with my Congregation Hakafa, relatives and friends to say prayers and feel loving support.

I just happened upon a talk from Will Smith who said, “To love and be loved is really all there is, and everything else needs to be set up to support that.”

Isn’t that the truth?  Lyrics came to mind…

“All you need is love…”

     “Love makes the world go round…”

                  What the world needs now – is love, sweet love…”

Love applies to business too.  We’re here to build relationships.  Trusting, caring relationships are built on love.

Here’s my advice:  Whatever you do, I invite you to simply “be love.”

It’s within you. Let it shine. Our world needs your ripple of love… now more than ever.

Most of all, be kind and loving to yourself! 

As my Difference Makers Media “family,” I wanted to share a past moment with my biological family. So I’ve attached a snapshot from another time…a reminder to treasure each moment.

All we have is this time.  That’s why it’s called, “the present.”

Let’s treasure it — and each other.

With virtual hugs,

Lynn

Time Sensitive: My father’s passing…

Time Sensitive: My father’s passing…

There are times in life when we need to take a pause.

A time to stop the world and get off.

For this week, I’m basically “off” the grid… no social media posts, minimal meetings.

Just reconnecting with family members and friends to tell them the sad news.

My father, Gil Bogen just passed away on Monday.  Dad was 96 years old,
and he lived a very full, adventurous, outspoken life.

How do you sum up a life in a brief blog?  Here are a few words — Loving family man, outspoken leader for Vietnam veterans, compassionate doctor, proud author and lifelong Chicago Cubs fan.

You can hear my parents share their stories about growing up in the Depression at:
http://bit.ly/BogenStories In tribute to my father, here are three lessons that I learned from him.
1.     Speak up for what’s right. 
2.     Never give up!
3.     Believe in yourself.

Thanks for being part of my online spiritual family. 

I appreciate you more than you know.   You’re very important to me.

May you be blessed with capturing many stories from your loved ones.

With love,
Lynn
Difference Makers Media