by Lynn Sanders | Sep 4, 2024 | DMM Blog
My dad’s health was declining, and I knew I needed to visit him in Florida while I could.
When I got to his condo, I noticed my brother and his wife, sitting nearby. I approached them with my blue “Who I Am Makes A DIfference” blue ribbon, and they shooed me off. They didn’t feel comfortable. Especially because it seemed silly, inconsequential, unnecessary.
Everyone was in such a somber mood. My dad wasn’t talking anymore.. He just responded to questions with a “yes” or “no.” I wanted to get the group smiling. I keep a stack of blue ribbons in my purse to lighten people’s spirits, and I definintely wanted to use them with their permission.
I turned to the caregiver, hovering beside my dad. She allowed me to honor her with this ribbon, a globally recognized tool to unite humanity through the power of love. She listened to me, as I acknowledged her kindness, compassion and dedication to my dad. I spoke freely from my heart, and her eyes brimmed with tears.
“You’re going to meke me cry,” she said. I smiled as I placed the ribbon above her heart.
I then turned to my dad’s wife, Hana, who had been my dad’s loving companion ever since my mom passed away so suddenly. Hana’s smile was so bright as I honored her. As I placed the ribbon over her heart, she exclaimed, “You made my day!”
Then it was time to honor my dad. I leaned close to him in his wheelchair, and showed him the blue ribbon. His eyes followed me intently.
“I have a gift for you,” I said. “It’s a blue ribbon that says, “Who I Am Makes A Difference.” Then I started reflecting about why he meant so much to me.
In my mind, I was remembering the year after my mom passed, and my dad had gone mentally off-balance. His anger was at himself, but he couldn’t face those recriminations, so my husband and I became scapegoats. Dad and I didn’t speak for at least a year. Forgiveness took time. Yet the sadness remained etched into his face. Hana had been a blessing to ease his pain. I didn’t want to dwell on those unhappy times.
So I focused on the good he did for me: supporting our family, caring for me as I grew up, taking me to Riverview when I was small. I asked if he’d accept my gift, and he nodded “yes.” He heard every word.
“May I have permission to place it on you?” He nodded “yes” again.
We both knew that love was the most important thing to remember. As I gently secured the ribbon over his heart, a small tear fell from his eye, sliding down his cheek. Everything was still. Dad motioned with his hand, beckoning me to move even closer.
With a great deal of effort, he spoke in a raspy, whispery, slow voice – “May I – kiss your – cheek?”
“Of course,” I answered softly. Dad’s head leaned towards me. In that instant of his kiss on my cheek, I was thinking – this might be the last time I ever see my dad again. A wave of sadness swept over me.
Yet in almost the same instant, another thought arose. If that’s the case, I’ll be glad that I have this memory – of honoring dad.
I then kissed dad’s cheek too. For a minute, we were swept up in a timeless love. No words needed to be spoken. I mentally took a picture of that moment, savoring the sweetness of just us together.
Over the year, my dad’s health worsened. Before I could catch a flight out to Florida, he passed away… alone in the hospital due to Covid. My brother Mark was able to sneak into his room just once, to see him for a few minutes. By that time, my dad was mainly unconscious.
In that final week, I was so sad that I didn’t get to see dad again. I felt some consolation in knowing that at least we shared a precious memory. That moment of us wrapped in a cocoon of memories filled with love. I’ll never forget it.
“Who I Am Makes A Difference” Blue Ribbons have touched over 50 million people worldwide in 12 languages, and the mission is to reach one billion people. Most people are never honored for simply being who they are. It takes just a minute to honor someone and uplift their life. The ribbon has even saved lives.
It certainly made a difference for my dad and me. A final tribute to my his life. And my acknowledgement of gratitude.
For those who want to learn more about this amazing empowerment tool, visit: https://blueribbons.org.
You may never realize the power of your words… or the power of a “Who I Am Makes A DIfference” blue ribbon unless you go out of your comfort zone, and decide to honor someone. It can make all the difference in your life.
.
by Lynn Sanders | Aug 22, 2024 | DMM Blog, Personal Development
Our inner story is the foundation of everything we do.
It’s the quiet, often unnoticed narrative that plays in the background of our minds, shaping our beliefs, mindset, and, ultimately, our actions.
This inner dialogue can either lift us up or hold us back.
The outer story, the one others see, is simply a reflection of that inner conversation.
We have the ability to choose how we are at each moment.
While watching the Democratic National Convention, I’ve been impressed by the recurring theme of joy. The choice to recognize the unity among us. To choose to dream in a better future for everyone together. That’s an inner story that deserves attention… because it’s focused on positive values.
So — what brings you joy? What are you grateful for? What thoughts run through your head that can be focused on a positive perspective? We need to be mindful of those inner thoughts every day.
To prepare myself for each day. I choose to do a meditation practice. It keeps me in a positive inner mindset.
I remember hearing the great motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar talk about the power of our thoughts. He said, “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily.”
When my new children’s book, ADVENTURES IN ECUADOR: Diary of a Volunteer needed to be reformatted four times — four times — it tested my patience. A wave of frustration swept over me. After a few minutes, I took a deep breath and calmed down. I decided to focus the positive thought — Let’s make this better!
I was able to rely on a very talented person who also shared my positive thinking. She redid the technical details. We collaborated with the vision and belief that everything will work out for the best. And it has!
Now, we’re planning a book launch party on September 5th at 7:00 pm CST, and I’d love for you to join us. You’ll meet Zully JF Alvarado, Founder/Director of Causes For Change, whose healthcare mission in Ecuador inspired many, including me, to help children in need. You’re invited to celebrate the launch of ADVENTURES IN ECUADOR — and receive a free gift too! I’ll soon be posting a registration page. We’re celebrating this journey of publishing, and would love to have you there.
You can check out my book on Amazon and on my site. Stay in touch with story tips and strategies by getting my free 7-Keys To Grow Your Business Story guide at: https://DifferenceMakersMedia.com.
Remember — the key to stepping into your greatness rests in your inner beliefs.
When you truly believe in your ability to overcome challenges, your actions naturally align with that belief. Then, the results you see in your outer world start to change.
It’s all connected—inner mindset, outer actions, and the results that follow.
So, as you navigate your own journey, remember to tell yourself positive thoughts.
Let your inner story be one of resilience, determination, and hope. When you get up after falling, you’re telling the world that you believe in your strength.
And that belief? It’s contagious.
by Lynn Sanders | Jul 4, 2024 | DMM Blog
Whenever you communicate, your feelings get transmitted along with your words.
Be conscious of your feelings when you reach out to someone new.
Are you connecting from an authentic feeling of wanting to serve? Or do you feel propelled to take action due to feeling needy?
Whether you say anything or not, people will pick up on your feelings and thoughts. So put yourself in a mindset of giving. You’re here to solve someone’s problem. You don’t need this exchange to be a sale. You’re here to serve.
The Irish poet, William Butler Yeats in 1823 expressed it best, “There are no strangers here: Only friends you haven’t met yet.””
If you’ve hesitated to follow up frequently, you’re not alone. Statistics prove that a “sale” typically occurs after 5-12 times of contacting. You heard me correctly…. 5-12 times of being in touch!
How often are you in touch with your ideal clients?
My friend and colleague, Bob Burg, an incredible speaker, internationally recognized best-selling author and trainer has this to say from his book, Endless Referrals…
” All things being equal, people do business with people they know, like and trust.”
That’s more relevant today than ever. With the whirlwind of negative stiff happening in our world, you need to BE THE ONE. Step out with kindness. Cultivate relationships built on trust. Be available.
While most people only follow up two or three times, you can follow up regularly. Demonstrate that you care.
The success you seek is in the follow-up. Nancy Matthews, one of the co-founders of The Women’s Prosperity Network, offers a 12-Step Follow-up System. Here are the first three tips…
TIP #1: Call to simply say, “Hi!” If you consider each person as a friend or a future friend, it’s natural to want to know how that he/she is doing. When you reach out to find out what they are up to, they will inevitably respond with – “What’s new with you?”
That’s your opportunity to share your news… Here’s a simple example.. “I’m doing great! One of the things I’m most excited about is a new program that I’ve launched ____________. (Then, you fill in the blanks.)
TIP #2: Email (or mail) something that matters to THEM (your prospect). For example, I want to congratulate you on your _________. Or “I just saw this article and thought of you…”
TIP #3: Send a card with a personal message. People rarely get letters or cards in the mail anymore. I use the excellent service at Mailbox Power. You can automate your cards for birthdays and holidays, as well as customize cards for any occasion. Here’s my link to learn more: https://mailboxpower.com/lynnsanders
Remember this: People don’t care about how much you know, until they know how much you care!
Think of follow up as keeping in touch with a friend — or “friend-to-be.”
That makes it a LOT easier!
To Your Success,
Lynn
by Lynn Sanders | Apr 28, 2024 | Personal Development
by Lynn Sanders | Mar 28, 2024 | DMM Blog
