One of the most beneficial lessons in life management is to harness the power of our self-talk. As I look back at my own life, it's easy to see how my self-talk kept me caught up in the criminal justice system for most of the first 38 years of my life. My thoughts were not focused on change and I spent most of my mental energy on figuring out ways to get better at being a thief!
The impact of my self-talk was not something that was even a part of my conscious awareness. How many of us spend time thinking about what we think about? We might caution our children about thinking negative thoughts, but usually it's just a passing comment. Yet when we become aware of the influence our self-talk has on our lives, it's like a revelation! When I first encountered Lou Tice and became aware of how powerful this concept is, it changed my life. Looking back, it seems so simple, yet so few of us consider how we talk to ourselves.
There is a constant stream of self-talk that is continuously running through our minds. To the degree that the self-talk is negative or devaluing, it lowers our opinion of ourselves and takes much of the joy out of life. The self-talk that runs through a group can lower their expectations. It can be tiring to be around negative people who are always bad mouthing others and tearing down their self-esteem.
Unfortunately, in difficult times, it is easy to get caught up in a downward spiral of negative self-talk. Current reality can be challenging at times, but most of us have gotten through tough situations before. Keeping a positive outlook doesn't mean that you're weak or blind to current reality. However, that energy can be used to stimulate your creativity and allow you to stay motivated.
Change is a part of our world. It can be experienced as a problem that we have no control over, or it can be looked at as an opportunity to open up new markets and create new products and services. The self-talk that goes on in an office or a plant has direct impact on the culture that we work in.
Life isn't always easy. We hit rough spots now and then, and at those times, staying focused on what you want and controlling your self-talk can be a great help. Our mental feedback can paint a picture of what we want or what we don't want. It's a choice. We don't intentionally go around making mistakes, so there's really little value in painting a picture of the mistake. We move toward what we think about. We need to change the picture we paint if it's one we don't like or want in our lives.
A phrase that became a part of my self-talk following a mistake was, "That's not like me. Next time I intend to..." Then you paint a mental picture of what you want. When assisting others, the same techniques work: "That's not like you. I see you as...," and you paint them into a new picture. Gradually, this becomes a part of your new vocabulary. Being positive is not being soft; it creates high expectations in yourself and in others.
Becoming conscious of our self-talk can be a huge leap in awareness and awareness is the first step to change. We were all gifted with the ability to control what we think about. It's been my experience that it's more fun to think about what you want your world to look like. Positive feedback is the breakfast of champions! Look for the unique qualities that make us what we were intended to be - in yourself and in others.
I once saw a poster that showed a picture of a little child with the caption, "God didn't make no junk!" It was very simply and profoundly stated. Keep that in mind when times get a bit challenging. We're all made of strong, resilient stuff and we can get through it!
Peace,
Gordon Graham
Change Agent
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
The First Webinar by Instar Performance was a success!
On July 9, Instar Performance conducted our first Webinar: Managing Change in Challenging Times. It was a new experience for me. I'm used to a live audience with the ability to read body language and adjust the presentation accordingly. However, that said, I was very pleased to connect with people across the country without the airports, planes and hotels! I still do live presentations, but this increases our ability to reach more people and stay in touch.
A friend of ours, who works with men and women dealing with drug and alcohol issues, used the opportunity to put me on speaker phone, allowing his group to participate as well. What a nice resource for someone working to make a difference in people's lives.
Instar will be hosting a Webinar every couple of weeks, so if you know individuals or groups who might benefit, let us know. Email us at info@instarperformance.com. The next Webinar will be on Self-Talk, that constant stream of conversation going on in our minds at all times and its power to move us toward or away from our goals and desires. This key concept also allows us to understand how to increase our circle of influence.
Take care and let Instar know how we can assist you in your efforts to improve our families and our communities.
Warm personal regards,
Gordon Graham
Change Agent
Instar Performance
A friend of ours, who works with men and women dealing with drug and alcohol issues, used the opportunity to put me on speaker phone, allowing his group to participate as well. What a nice resource for someone working to make a difference in people's lives.
Instar will be hosting a Webinar every couple of weeks, so if you know individuals or groups who might benefit, let us know. Email us at info@instarperformance.com. The next Webinar will be on Self-Talk, that constant stream of conversation going on in our minds at all times and its power to move us toward or away from our goals and desires. This key concept also allows us to understand how to increase our circle of influence.
Take care and let Instar know how we can assist you in your efforts to improve our families and our communities.
Warm personal regards,
Gordon Graham
Change Agent
Instar Performance
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Accountability
For half my life, I placed the blame for my failures outside my own control. I didn't realize the impact that our thinking patterns have on our behavior. I didn't know that if you change the way you think, you change the way you act. Not just on Sundays, but every day! This was a profound truth for me.
Discovering this truth was a significant emotional event in my life and caused me to have an epiphany - that I have the power to change my life. This was the single most empowering realization of my life, and was the catalyst for turning my life totally around. I had a vision of how I could make a difference in the world, and I never looked back after that day.
The whole idea of the impact of comfort zones was illuminating. I realized that prison had become a comfort zone for me. I felt God had left a component out of me, that I didn't fit in outside prison walls. While there are some people in prison from affluent neighborhoods, they really are the exception. The majority of men and women who fill our prisons come from environments that have few opportunities, where drugs are part of the culture; there are many single parents and a high rate of poverty.
Prison is a part of the expectation for young people in these environments. There are few, if any, decent-paying jobs and they feel locked out of the American dream. Dealing drugs and stealing become part of the culture; even an aspiration. A lot of young people succeed despite the culture, but when there's nothing to lose, there's not much at risk if they get busted. When they come out of prison back into the same old, same old, it's easy to fall back into the same old haunts, same old friends and the next thing they know, they're on the chain car back to SingSing. Some escape the life, and many give back to society and work to make a difference. That's the good news.
Unfortunately, the general public is fed the bad news. Only the heinous crimes get front page. These visuals play over and over in people's living rooms from New York to Seattle. It gradually creates an illusion that everyone locked up is a public safety threat. There are tons of men and women doing good things, but they never, or rarely, make the news.
I recently visited our women's prison in Washington. The cost to the taxpayer is $42,000 per year per inmate. The prison is a better environment than many of these women have on the streets. If we invested half of that amount of money on assistance, childcare, etc., most of those women would never be in prison, or could make it on the outside. Only a small percentage of these women are an actual public safety threat.
Our approach to public safety needs a major overhaul, however when we are talking about threatening people's jobs, change becomes a challenging endeavor.
We have created a system where success is built on failure, a system where the product is people. What a paradox. Maybe someday... We can only hope.
Peace,
Gordon Graham
Change Agent
Discovering this truth was a significant emotional event in my life and caused me to have an epiphany - that I have the power to change my life. This was the single most empowering realization of my life, and was the catalyst for turning my life totally around. I had a vision of how I could make a difference in the world, and I never looked back after that day.
The whole idea of the impact of comfort zones was illuminating. I realized that prison had become a comfort zone for me. I felt God had left a component out of me, that I didn't fit in outside prison walls. While there are some people in prison from affluent neighborhoods, they really are the exception. The majority of men and women who fill our prisons come from environments that have few opportunities, where drugs are part of the culture; there are many single parents and a high rate of poverty.
Prison is a part of the expectation for young people in these environments. There are few, if any, decent-paying jobs and they feel locked out of the American dream. Dealing drugs and stealing become part of the culture; even an aspiration. A lot of young people succeed despite the culture, but when there's nothing to lose, there's not much at risk if they get busted. When they come out of prison back into the same old, same old, it's easy to fall back into the same old haunts, same old friends and the next thing they know, they're on the chain car back to SingSing. Some escape the life, and many give back to society and work to make a difference. That's the good news.
Unfortunately, the general public is fed the bad news. Only the heinous crimes get front page. These visuals play over and over in people's living rooms from New York to Seattle. It gradually creates an illusion that everyone locked up is a public safety threat. There are tons of men and women doing good things, but they never, or rarely, make the news.
I recently visited our women's prison in Washington. The cost to the taxpayer is $42,000 per year per inmate. The prison is a better environment than many of these women have on the streets. If we invested half of that amount of money on assistance, childcare, etc., most of those women would never be in prison, or could make it on the outside. Only a small percentage of these women are an actual public safety threat.
Our approach to public safety needs a major overhaul, however when we are talking about threatening people's jobs, change becomes a challenging endeavor.
We have created a system where success is built on failure, a system where the product is people. What a paradox. Maybe someday... We can only hope.
Peace,
Gordon Graham
Change Agent
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Technology
As I've traveled across the country, talking with people from many sectors of society, the common theme is change. How do we equip ourselves and the people we work with to respond to the myriad of changes taking place in our world? The reality of a global economy and the speed of technological innovations can be overwhelming, especially to older generations. The challenges and transistions we all face are greater than ever before in our history.
These changes have created amazing communication tools with the ability to contact hundreds of people with one transmission from your chair. For some, these changes are positive things that make their life easier and more fulfilling. For others, life gets more complicated. From a business standpoint, it is extremely valuable to have instant access to business associates and clients around the world. The ability to set schedules and include others in business meetings and decision-making improves engagement of co-workers and collaborators. There is much to be said for the positive features of technology.
The downside inherent in email, faxes and text messages is that we lose the intimacy of a handshake, and the ability to read non-verbal communication. I'm a fan of technology and what it can do to unite and inspire people; having said that, I still treasure the intimacy of human-to-human contact. I'm talking about a hug, a handshake or a fist-bump with a cantankerous union leader or a reserved plant manager. That makes my day! It exemplifies for me that we all want the same thing - to be acknowledged, respected and involved. My goal in life is to connect the disconnected and improve the planet we all share.
Peace,
Gordon Graham
Change Agent
These changes have created amazing communication tools with the ability to contact hundreds of people with one transmission from your chair. For some, these changes are positive things that make their life easier and more fulfilling. For others, life gets more complicated. From a business standpoint, it is extremely valuable to have instant access to business associates and clients around the world. The ability to set schedules and include others in business meetings and decision-making improves engagement of co-workers and collaborators. There is much to be said for the positive features of technology.
The downside inherent in email, faxes and text messages is that we lose the intimacy of a handshake, and the ability to read non-verbal communication. I'm a fan of technology and what it can do to unite and inspire people; having said that, I still treasure the intimacy of human-to-human contact. I'm talking about a hug, a handshake or a fist-bump with a cantankerous union leader or a reserved plant manager. That makes my day! It exemplifies for me that we all want the same thing - to be acknowledged, respected and involved. My goal in life is to connect the disconnected and improve the planet we all share.
Peace,
Gordon Graham
Change Agent
Monday, June 15, 2009
Gordon Graham on STAYING FOCUSED
Gordon Graham on STAYING FOCUSED
This is an interesting time for people in every sector of our society. It’s a time that challenges our ability to maintain our focus on what is truly important in our lives.
The bankruptcy of General Motors was a heart-wrenching event for yours truly. I’ve had a relationship with GM and the U.A.W. for thirty-odd years. Many of my close friends work for GM. They range from regional directors to plant managers, from union leaders to men and women on the production line. The impact that just one plant closure can have on the economy of a community is devastating. Many of the General Motors plants are the largest employers in small and mid-sized cities. The tax revenue provides the resources for education, social services and many other community needs. When a plant closes so do many small businesses that depend upon the work force as their customer base.
Change is a constant in today’s rapidly evolving world. My hope is that our leadership will recognize the importance of keeping decent jobs in our communities. We all recognize that the world keeps getting smaller with the increase of technology and the emerging global economy. The free trade system as it has played out has not been a fair trade system for America’s workers, and our current health care system alone puts us at a tremendous disadvantage.
Leadership needs to understand that the men and women who build our cars and trucks don’t need an edge, they just need a chance to compete on a level playing field.
Peace,
Gordon Graham, Change Agent
www.ggco.com
This is an interesting time for people in every sector of our society. It’s a time that challenges our ability to maintain our focus on what is truly important in our lives.
The bankruptcy of General Motors was a heart-wrenching event for yours truly. I’ve had a relationship with GM and the U.A.W. for thirty-odd years. Many of my close friends work for GM. They range from regional directors to plant managers, from union leaders to men and women on the production line. The impact that just one plant closure can have on the economy of a community is devastating. Many of the General Motors plants are the largest employers in small and mid-sized cities. The tax revenue provides the resources for education, social services and many other community needs. When a plant closes so do many small businesses that depend upon the work force as their customer base.
Change is a constant in today’s rapidly evolving world. My hope is that our leadership will recognize the importance of keeping decent jobs in our communities. We all recognize that the world keeps getting smaller with the increase of technology and the emerging global economy. The free trade system as it has played out has not been a fair trade system for America’s workers, and our current health care system alone puts us at a tremendous disadvantage.
Leadership needs to understand that the men and women who build our cars and trucks don’t need an edge, they just need a chance to compete on a level playing field.
Peace,
Gordon Graham, Change Agent
www.ggco.com
Friday, June 12, 2009
Fair Trade
Change is a constant in our lives, and as the speed of change increases, it becomes more challenging to stay ahead of the curve. The days of lifetime employment seem to be a thing of the past. Flexibility, creativity and entrepreneurship are required to stay in the game.
Since the early 70's, it has been apparent that smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles were the future of the automobile industry. The bankruptcy of General Motors is the result of leadership without vision. However, it's the men and women who work in the plants who suffer most. The workforce in the U.S. is comparable to any in the world, but they compete on an unfair playing field. We need a change in how we establish guidelines in a global economy. To produce a product off-shore at $2.00 an hour, and then bring it back to the U.S. and compete against products made here is unfair. The cost of health care alone makes us unable to compete against a country that provides its citizens with universal health care.
At Instar Performance, our curriculum has been a resource to assist individuals, organizations and communities in taking a pro-active approach to the changes we're all experiencing. The ability to anticipate the impact of a global economy on the marketplace helps us better prepare for a new reality. When the economy suffers, the purchasing power of the consumer is impacted; this in turn as an effect on the tax dollars collected, which ultimately has a huge ripple-effect on people's lives. It's always our most important services that suffer, i.e. education, health care, and the most vulnerable members of society. We seem to lack the foresight to anticipate the impact that change has on our economy.
Having been a boxer in my early years, it would be like asking me to fight with one hand tied behind my back! There's no "free trade" if it isn't "fair trade." How many more major backruptcies will it take to come to an agreement that levels the playing field for our workers? My empathy is with the workers on the plant floor whose jobs are at risk because of decisions being made in corporate boardrooms, far from the production lines.
Peace,
Gordon Graham
Change Agent
Since the early 70's, it has been apparent that smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles were the future of the automobile industry. The bankruptcy of General Motors is the result of leadership without vision. However, it's the men and women who work in the plants who suffer most. The workforce in the U.S. is comparable to any in the world, but they compete on an unfair playing field. We need a change in how we establish guidelines in a global economy. To produce a product off-shore at $2.00 an hour, and then bring it back to the U.S. and compete against products made here is unfair. The cost of health care alone makes us unable to compete against a country that provides its citizens with universal health care.
At Instar Performance, our curriculum has been a resource to assist individuals, organizations and communities in taking a pro-active approach to the changes we're all experiencing. The ability to anticipate the impact of a global economy on the marketplace helps us better prepare for a new reality. When the economy suffers, the purchasing power of the consumer is impacted; this in turn as an effect on the tax dollars collected, which ultimately has a huge ripple-effect on people's lives. It's always our most important services that suffer, i.e. education, health care, and the most vulnerable members of society. We seem to lack the foresight to anticipate the impact that change has on our economy.
Having been a boxer in my early years, it would be like asking me to fight with one hand tied behind my back! There's no "free trade" if it isn't "fair trade." How many more major backruptcies will it take to come to an agreement that levels the playing field for our workers? My empathy is with the workers on the plant floor whose jobs are at risk because of decisions being made in corporate boardrooms, far from the production lines.
Peace,
Gordon Graham
Change Agent
Monday, April 27, 2009
Gordon Graham on "In the Game!"
Gordon Graham: In the Game!
As the transition from Gordon Graham & Co. to Instar Performance evolves, I want you to know that G.G. is still in the game. I’m healthy and involved in assisting individuals and organizations to improve relationships and managing changes that contribute to a better world.
Next week Cat and I will be at a Ford Motor plant in Kansas City. We’re working with a management team that’s intent on keeping jobs in their community. It’s critical that we maximize our skills and abilities to be the best that we can be in this global economy. The strategies that were once considered “soft skills” are now understood to be a critical component in keeping jobs in our plants. It’s the collective habits, attitudes, beliefs and expectations of the work force that make us competitive. It’s the ability to engage the hearts and minds of individuals on the line that will help keep jobs in our communities. A non-threatening learning experience creates the awareness that each of us plays a vital part in this goal.
It’s important that when we ask people to change we offer new tools. Each of us needs to see the W.I.I.F.M. (what’s in it for me?). We all work for our own reasons; perhaps it’s building a better life for our families, vacation property, a new car, keeping jobs in the plant, etc. It could also be as basic as “just” making a positive difference in the world. Every day brings new opportunities, so stay in the game!
Be at peace,
Gordon Graham
www.ggco.com
Friday, April 24, 2009
Gordon Graham on Change in a Global Economy
Gordon Graham: Change in a Global Economy
Change is the only constant in our world. With the increasing impact of a global economy and the explosion of technology it’s easy to feel out of control. Over the past 30 years I’ve worked with both labor and management, especially in industrial plants. This may be the hardest hit work force in the country. There is no simple solution for men and women who have spent their adult life working in a plant that now has no future. When a plant closes the whole community suffers. It’s hard to imagine the devastation that occurs until you visit a city that was thriving and is now surrounded by empty factories and boarded up storefronts. Automobile plants with 17,000 employees where fathers, grandfathers, sons and daughters worked are now vacant shells.
How do people recover from this kind of setback? The steps a company takes in order to compete are out of the individual’s control. The game has changed! The abilities and skills of the American worker are as good as or better than any in the world; however the playing field is not level. We have companies and organizations competing with others that are not saddled with health care and legacy costs, and that pay workers a quarter of the wages of the American worker.
The good news is that we can still compete by producing quality products and by engaging the hearts and creative talents of our employees. We can develop constructive, high performance cultures that can counteract the seeming disadvantages we face. In order to do this we need to engage the creative ideas and energy of the work force. This requires a compensation system that is more equitable and is transparent. Giving huge corporate bonuses to CEO’s when the company is losing money is unconscionable! When times are tough everyone needs to share the burden, and when times are good everyone should share in the rewards.
A final thought on trust: We need to build a culture where trust is the bedrock. We have gone through a period where greed and corruption have destroyed our trust in financial institutions and in corporate leadership. Talk shows, politicians and the media bombard the airways with character assassinations and accusations of every kind based on someone’s political views. It’s out of control and embarrassing to most average Americans. When “Joe the Plumber” gets more airtime than health care, we need a reality check!
Peace,
Gordon Graham, Change Agent
www.ggco.com
Friday, March 27, 2009
Gordon Graham: Daily Affirmation
Daily Affirmation: "Today is the first day of the rest of my life and I feel grateful and fortunate for each new day."
Daily Affirmation:
Daily Affirmation: "I am open to new ideas and eagerly seek out ways to improve my business and personal life."
Gordon Graham: New York! New York!
New York! New York!
by Gordon Graham
I love New York! However I learned this week that it is so much more enjoyable when you’re not fighting a major head cold! My colleague and I were consulting in a specialty paper plant near Saratoga Springs. I spent the day speaking to all the employees in the plant, starting at 5:30 a.m. eastern time. Do you realize that is 2:30 a.m. in Seattle? The final group session ended at 4:30 p.m.
With this client, both the company and the union recognize that they need to be the best they can be to survive in today’s economy. There’s no room in these challenging times to allow a ‘disconnect’ between union and management leadership. Leadership must find a way to engage their people, keeping their energies focused on turning out the best end-product possible in order to keep jobs in our communities.
I flew out of Albany and met Cat Crosslin, my long-time associate, in New York City. New York is a city that will capture your heart if you like a fast-paced, high energy environment. Sure enough, the city got Cat! She had an opportunity to see the play, “Wicked,” on Broadway while I was hard at work in Albany. We then met with writer and publicist Judith Katz, who is a very talented, innovative and energetic woman. I was very impressed with both her talent and her heart.
Gordon Graham & Company is going through a major transition here in Seattle presently, not unlike many companies. However, we will still be doing our best to assist individuals and organizations in managing the changes these challenging times are demanding. The letters, phone calls (my style of communication), e-mails, texts, etc., that we receive keep us motivated to continue to make a positive difference in the world. Thanks for your continued support, and thanks for the contributions you are making to your communities.
Peace,
Gordon Graham
Gordon Graham & Co.
www.ggco.com
by Gordon Graham
I love New York! However I learned this week that it is so much more enjoyable when you’re not fighting a major head cold! My colleague and I were consulting in a specialty paper plant near Saratoga Springs. I spent the day speaking to all the employees in the plant, starting at 5:30 a.m. eastern time. Do you realize that is 2:30 a.m. in Seattle? The final group session ended at 4:30 p.m.
With this client, both the company and the union recognize that they need to be the best they can be to survive in today’s economy. There’s no room in these challenging times to allow a ‘disconnect’ between union and management leadership. Leadership must find a way to engage their people, keeping their energies focused on turning out the best end-product possible in order to keep jobs in our communities.
I flew out of Albany and met Cat Crosslin, my long-time associate, in New York City. New York is a city that will capture your heart if you like a fast-paced, high energy environment. Sure enough, the city got Cat! She had an opportunity to see the play, “Wicked,” on Broadway while I was hard at work in Albany. We then met with writer and publicist Judith Katz, who is a very talented, innovative and energetic woman. I was very impressed with both her talent and her heart.
Gordon Graham & Company is going through a major transition here in Seattle presently, not unlike many companies. However, we will still be doing our best to assist individuals and organizations in managing the changes these challenging times are demanding. The letters, phone calls (my style of communication), e-mails, texts, etc., that we receive keep us motivated to continue to make a positive difference in the world. Thanks for your continued support, and thanks for the contributions you are making to your communities.
Peace,
Gordon Graham
Gordon Graham & Co.
www.ggco.com
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Gordon Graham: Common Ground
Common Ground
I was in Memphis, Tennessee last week at a conference that brought management and unions together to explore ways to improve relationships and increase competitiveness in our rapidly changing world. This conference was a collaborative effort by the University of Tennessee, state, federal and local governments, as well as labor organizations and corporate leaders. It offered an open forum for sharing ideas, plus a variety of workshops and speakers brought in to unlock awareness and investigate avenues to becoming more competitive in the international arena.
The sponsors of the conference were overwhelmed with the response and participation and overall, it exceeded everyone’s expectations. People were able to take back new ideas and a renewed sense of hope to their organizations and agencies.
Although several groups have been able to keep this energy alive in spite of tough economic conditions, we need more of these activities. Only with a concentrated effort by both labor unions and management teams will we be able to keep well-paying jobs in our communities. Organized labor has a major role to play in improving workplace culture and this conference was a great start to a complicated challenge. The days of “us versus them” needs to take its place in history and it will take the ingenuity and commitment of all parties to keep jobs in this country. The men and women on the line need to be engaged and allowed to bring their creativity and energy to the party, while management needs to open communication and solicit input from hourly employees.
My thanks go to the sponsors and coordinators for inviting me to participate in such a valuable event.
Peace,
Gordon Graham
Gordon Graham & Co.
www.ggco.com
I was in Memphis, Tennessee last week at a conference that brought management and unions together to explore ways to improve relationships and increase competitiveness in our rapidly changing world. This conference was a collaborative effort by the University of Tennessee, state, federal and local governments, as well as labor organizations and corporate leaders. It offered an open forum for sharing ideas, plus a variety of workshops and speakers brought in to unlock awareness and investigate avenues to becoming more competitive in the international arena.
The sponsors of the conference were overwhelmed with the response and participation and overall, it exceeded everyone’s expectations. People were able to take back new ideas and a renewed sense of hope to their organizations and agencies.
Although several groups have been able to keep this energy alive in spite of tough economic conditions, we need more of these activities. Only with a concentrated effort by both labor unions and management teams will we be able to keep well-paying jobs in our communities. Organized labor has a major role to play in improving workplace culture and this conference was a great start to a complicated challenge. The days of “us versus them” needs to take its place in history and it will take the ingenuity and commitment of all parties to keep jobs in this country. The men and women on the line need to be engaged and allowed to bring their creativity and energy to the party, while management needs to open communication and solicit input from hourly employees.
My thanks go to the sponsors and coordinators for inviting me to participate in such a valuable event.
Peace,
Gordon Graham
Gordon Graham & Co.
www.ggco.com
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Gordon Graham: Corrupt Judges
Corrupt Judges in Pennsylvania
by Gordon Graham
A recent article exposed two judges in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania who were getting financial kick-backs for sentencing young people to private prisons. For more on the article check out this link: http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/02/13-3
This outrageous and unjust activity is yet another example of just how corrupt people in power can become. It’s also an example of how vulnerable people are when they are caught in the web of an unjust system. Young people are especially at the mercy of the system when they are without competent representation.
Fortunately the Pennsylvania situation is not the norm. Most Judges are honest and administer their duties in honorable ways. However it causes concern and raises the question; “How many young men and women have been unjustly sentenced by these two corrupt judges?” If I was serving time in prison I would want a review of my case. The criminal justice system has never really been “just!” This case just exposes how unjust it can become when we blindly trust in the integrity of those in power.
I feel empathy for my friends in Pennsylvania who play by the rules and work to demonstrate that the criminal justice system is, in fact, just. Corruption by people in power should carry the maximum penalty, administered by judges who realize that the damage done by these two will have a negative impact in prisons, jails and courtrooms for years.
Gordon Graham
www.ggco.com
by Gordon Graham
A recent article exposed two judges in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania who were getting financial kick-backs for sentencing young people to private prisons. For more on the article check out this link: http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2009/02/13-3
This outrageous and unjust activity is yet another example of just how corrupt people in power can become. It’s also an example of how vulnerable people are when they are caught in the web of an unjust system. Young people are especially at the mercy of the system when they are without competent representation.
Fortunately the Pennsylvania situation is not the norm. Most Judges are honest and administer their duties in honorable ways. However it causes concern and raises the question; “How many young men and women have been unjustly sentenced by these two corrupt judges?” If I was serving time in prison I would want a review of my case. The criminal justice system has never really been “just!” This case just exposes how unjust it can become when we blindly trust in the integrity of those in power.
I feel empathy for my friends in Pennsylvania who play by the rules and work to demonstrate that the criminal justice system is, in fact, just. Corruption by people in power should carry the maximum penalty, administered by judges who realize that the damage done by these two will have a negative impact in prisons, jails and courtrooms for years.
Gordon Graham
www.ggco.com
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Gordon Graham: The Real Deal!
THE REAL DEAL!
by Gordon Graham
Today I had lunch with Lou Tice, Chairman and Founder of The Pacific Institute. It’s always enjoyable to spend time with Louis. His seminar was the catalyst for turning my life around 38 years go. We don’t get together as often these days but I always come away with new ideas and am motivated to speed up the process of improving the world I live in.
I was reminded of one of the first questions that went through my mind when I initially went through the Achieving Your Potential seminar all those years ago. “Why didn’t I have access to this information when I was sixteen?” Maybe I wouldn’t have listened, but maybe I would have. Imagine the savings to society, myself, and my family if these concepts had been available to me then.
By the time I was introduced to T.P.I.’s process I had spent 17 years in and out of maximum security prisons, committed a number of crimes, been involved in riots, spent 365 consecutive days on bread and water, been shot, and was recognized as the leader in the prison culture. I have no idea what all of that cost the taxpayer. I do know that there’s a good chance that none of these things would have happened if I had been aware of the process that is offered by The Pacific Institute.
Now here’s the good news! T.P.I. has developed a process for youth called PX2. I had a chance to preview the content and delivery of this program a couple of days ago. It’s the real deal! It reaches young people where they are and with a delivery system that relates to their world. There’s no way to measure the impact that this type of education can have on our youth. But if it keeps one youngster from taking a wrong turn in life, or gives them tools to live a more fulfilled life, you can’t put a dollar figure on it.
PX2 could be the key to helping change the culture in our inner cities. It may also keep some youngsters from making the kind of decisions that kept me trapped in a destructive lifestyle for a good part of my early years. Hindsight is always 20/20. There’s no guarantee that something like PX2 would have changed the course of my life. However, I would have liked the opportunity to make that choice. Every young person should have that opportunity. They just might discover how great they really are!
An old Chinese proverb goes, “If you cut an apple in half anyone can count the number of seeds in an apple, but no one can count the apples in a seed.” When the time is right, the mind is open and the seeds get a little nourishment, great things can happen! PX2 is full of seeds. We just need more planters and a little more nourishment to start the growth process. (See what a lunch with Louis can do?!)
Peace,
Gordy Graham
www.ggco.com
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Gordon Graham: Michael Phelps--Decisions have Consequences
DECISIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES: A High Profile Example
We’ve all been young at some point, and there’s a good chance that we’ve made a mistake or two in the process of becoming mature adults.
Some of the mistakes were so serious that we had to learn our lessons the hard way.
The media frenzy surrounding Michael Phelps' lapse of judgment is out of proportion to the event itself. Obviously he made a bad decision, but the amount of attention it’s been getting far surpasses that given to Wall Street executives who have ruined many people’s lives by their dishonest acts.
The daily drive-by shootings and gang violence is generally back page news.
How fair is it to destroy a young man’s career as a result of one instance of smoking pot?
His career has been damaged, and the negative publicity has cost him endorsements and great embarrassment.
It would be much more valuable if we would focus on the gang activity and violence in our communities.
We all should look in the mirror before passing judgment on a young man who has raised the bar for athletes in this country, and brought great pride to the USA during the Olympics.
Michael Phelps made a poor decision. The lesson for him, and for young people in general, is that the decisions we make have consequences. To decide to smoke dope or commit illegal acts can damage a career, cause great personal embarrassment or worse.
The short term gratification is never worth the long term pain.
Hopefully, for Michael Phelps, this is a lesson learned. He knows he made a mistake. I suggest we all be big enough to let it go at that.
Peace,
Gordy Graham
www.ggco.com
Gordy Graham: What do I want?
What Do I want?
by Gordon Graham
When working to change behavior, whether for ourselves or others, it‘s important to keep the focus on what we want the end result to look like. It’s easy to point out the inappropriate behavior, but this has a tendency to reinforce what we don’t want. What would it look like without the problem?
When we make an error or mistake we need to learn from it. Saying to ourselves, “that’s not like me,” and then, “the next time I intend to…,” shuts off all the judgment and puts the focus back on what you want. The same technique works with young people as well as other adults. Instead of, “that’s like you, you’re always late,” stop and respond with, “that’s not like you; I see you as a person who is very responsible.” Then ask what you might do to assist in making a positive change.
It’s also important to catch people doing things right, and when you do, offer positive feedback, e.g., “I really appreciate that you’re such a reliable person; you are very important to our success.”
Don’t expect immediate change, but keep focusing on what you want. Invite others to have input, and let them know that each of us can make a difference.
Peace,
Gordy Graham
www.ggco.com
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Gordon Graham: Thoughts on Change
Thoughts on Change
by Gordon Graham
Everyday I receive a number of letters from men and women in state and federal prisons from across the United States and Canada. Generally the letter is response to one of our video based programs that are utilized in prisons as a resource to assist inmates in changing their approach to life. Often the letter is just a thank you for creating an approach to change that they can relate to, at other times it’s someone wanting a magic pill.
The one common theme is a desire to break the cycle that keeps them caught up in the system. I’ve been at this for 38 years and still struggle with how to respond in a way that is helpful, but that also deals with reality. There is one truism that cuts through all the rationalization and blame fixing. If you stop doing whatever it is that puts you in prison, the cops will stop arresting you. However, it took me a long time to internalize that message.
There are some practical ideas that can trigger a change. When you, deep down in your soul, make a commitment to do whatever it takes to improve your life, your thoughts and energy change. No one knows when this happens but you. The way that you think impacts how you act. So when you change the way you think your life changes.
Principals drive behavior. If you honestly look at the principals that you hold to be true it will give you a starting point for change. A principle of unconditional honesty has been my guiding principle for the past 38 years.
Accepting accountability for who you are and for where you are in life is a strong foundation for accepting accountability for your future. I recognize that life isn’t always fair. Things occur that are out of our control, but if we come back to our center of influence and ask the question, “What can I do about it?” It will put you back in the driver’s seat.
Affirmations have been a tool that I’ve used for many years. When I neglect using affirmations life doesn’t work as well. The other thing that I do is stay in touch with a Higher Power. This is personal to me and I respect other people’s right to believe as they choose.
I also stay focused on what I want in my life. Sometimes it’s necessary to see through the pain to the pleasure in our lives.
Peace – Gordy Graham
Affirmations
1.) I believe in myself and I believe I make a difference.
2.) I believe that good things happen to me and I take all setbacks as temporary.
3.) I treat all people with dignity and respect.
by Gordon Graham
Everyday I receive a number of letters from men and women in state and federal prisons from across the United States and Canada. Generally the letter is response to one of our video based programs that are utilized in prisons as a resource to assist inmates in changing their approach to life. Often the letter is just a thank you for creating an approach to change that they can relate to, at other times it’s someone wanting a magic pill.
The one common theme is a desire to break the cycle that keeps them caught up in the system. I’ve been at this for 38 years and still struggle with how to respond in a way that is helpful, but that also deals with reality. There is one truism that cuts through all the rationalization and blame fixing. If you stop doing whatever it is that puts you in prison, the cops will stop arresting you. However, it took me a long time to internalize that message.
There are some practical ideas that can trigger a change. When you, deep down in your soul, make a commitment to do whatever it takes to improve your life, your thoughts and energy change. No one knows when this happens but you. The way that you think impacts how you act. So when you change the way you think your life changes.
Principals drive behavior. If you honestly look at the principals that you hold to be true it will give you a starting point for change. A principle of unconditional honesty has been my guiding principle for the past 38 years.
Accepting accountability for who you are and for where you are in life is a strong foundation for accepting accountability for your future. I recognize that life isn’t always fair. Things occur that are out of our control, but if we come back to our center of influence and ask the question, “What can I do about it?” It will put you back in the driver’s seat.
Affirmations have been a tool that I’ve used for many years. When I neglect using affirmations life doesn’t work as well. The other thing that I do is stay in touch with a Higher Power. This is personal to me and I respect other people’s right to believe as they choose.
I also stay focused on what I want in my life. Sometimes it’s necessary to see through the pain to the pleasure in our lives.
Peace – Gordy Graham
Affirmations
1.) I believe in myself and I believe I make a difference.
2.) I believe that good things happen to me and I take all setbacks as temporary.
3.) I treat all people with dignity and respect.
Gordon Graham on "Patience"
Patience
by Gordon Graham
Patience has never been one of my strengths! This article is written on February 2, 2009 and Obama hasn’t turned the country around yet! He’s been in office for almost two weeks and the economy still sucks! How long does it take to rebuild a broken system? When you’ve dug yourself into a deep hole the first step is to stop digging! I think Obama has managed to stop most of the digging and he appears to have a competent team assembled to begin the recovery process.
When you look at the massive challenges we face as a nation it will take all of the creativity and talents of all of our leaders. A foreclosure on your home feels just as painful to a democrat as it does to a republican. When you loose your job it’s discouraging to listen to leadership playing politics with your future.
We need our elected officials to focus on solving the problems we face as a nation! To oppose a possible solution because it is presented by a democrat or a republican is unfair to the men and women who are struggling to stay afloat. I also recognize that each of us ahs a part to play in bringing about positive change.
I watched the Super Bowl on Sunday. It was a demonstration of two teams focused on winning. There was no withholding your support because you didn’t like the play that was called! The offense, defense, special teams, coaches and support people all had one goal, to win the game!
How powerful would our leadership be if they came together around one goal? There’s a time for politics, but this is not that time. We need our leadership to come together around putting this country back on track. We need jobs, we need to stop the foreclosures and offer a bridge so people can stay in their homes, we need to hold banks accountable for their use of taxpayers dollars and we need leadership that will support solutions to these challenges rather than oppose good ideas because it didn’t come from their party. Lastly I guess we all need a bit of patience!
Tips
1.) When you lock-on to current reality, it’s difficult to stay motivated. We need to see through the current situation to the end result we desire.
2.) Time is the only thing that we all share equally. Twenty-four hours regardless of wealth or position. So invest it wisely based on your priorities in life, i.e. family, friends, health, career, etc.
3.) If we look back in our lives we will find times when we were faced with difficult challenges and we got through them and recognize that we will get through today’s challenges as well. There are times when patience is a virtue.
by Gordon Graham
Patience has never been one of my strengths! This article is written on February 2, 2009 and Obama hasn’t turned the country around yet! He’s been in office for almost two weeks and the economy still sucks! How long does it take to rebuild a broken system? When you’ve dug yourself into a deep hole the first step is to stop digging! I think Obama has managed to stop most of the digging and he appears to have a competent team assembled to begin the recovery process.
When you look at the massive challenges we face as a nation it will take all of the creativity and talents of all of our leaders. A foreclosure on your home feels just as painful to a democrat as it does to a republican. When you loose your job it’s discouraging to listen to leadership playing politics with your future.
We need our elected officials to focus on solving the problems we face as a nation! To oppose a possible solution because it is presented by a democrat or a republican is unfair to the men and women who are struggling to stay afloat. I also recognize that each of us ahs a part to play in bringing about positive change.
I watched the Super Bowl on Sunday. It was a demonstration of two teams focused on winning. There was no withholding your support because you didn’t like the play that was called! The offense, defense, special teams, coaches and support people all had one goal, to win the game!
How powerful would our leadership be if they came together around one goal? There’s a time for politics, but this is not that time. We need our leadership to come together around putting this country back on track. We need jobs, we need to stop the foreclosures and offer a bridge so people can stay in their homes, we need to hold banks accountable for their use of taxpayers dollars and we need leadership that will support solutions to these challenges rather than oppose good ideas because it didn’t come from their party. Lastly I guess we all need a bit of patience!
Tips
1.) When you lock-on to current reality, it’s difficult to stay motivated. We need to see through the current situation to the end result we desire.
2.) Time is the only thing that we all share equally. Twenty-four hours regardless of wealth or position. So invest it wisely based on your priorities in life, i.e. family, friends, health, career, etc.
3.) If we look back in our lives we will find times when we were faced with difficult challenges and we got through them and recognize that we will get through today’s challenges as well. There are times when patience is a virtue.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Gordy Graham: A New Way
A New Way
by Gordon Graham
It feels like a new day! The past is a part of history, the future remains a mystery, but the present is what is. We need to deal with “what is,” but the focus should be on what can be.
Every day I become more aware of the rapid changes that are occurring across the country.
Much of the change is driven by technology. In reading, hearing and seeing the political approach to the election of 2008, we have seen a dramatic difference in campaign strategies.
Obama was directly in touch with voters from Oregon to Delaware. His use of the web, Face Book, the Blackberry and all the other internet connections kept him in touch with you and me at the grass roots level. He’s someone that most of us felt could understand our challenges, hopes and dreams. McCain seemed to be a throwback to a different time in history. He seemed to be talking to an audience that wasn’t aware that the world has changed. We are a diverse society, no longer able to fit old solutions to the world’s problems of today; a society that is coming to recognize that diplomacy is at least as important as military strength. McCain’s service to this country is something that every
American can admire. However, it’s a new day and we need a new way if we are to regain our image as a leader of the free world.
I have great respect for Obama. However, I am closer to McCain in terms of technology.
The internet, the web, Face Book, and all the other technological tools are still beyond my abilities. Fortunately I have Cat, Kate and Eve who work to keep me connected to the information highway. Newsletters, blogs and on-line learning are today’s reality. The ingenuity of the high tech world continues to amaze me. The marketing power of the web, and it’s ability to place opportunities in our living rooms is truly awesome. The world is changing and we must choose either to adjust or we will be a memory from “back in the day.”
So with this in mind, we will be offering on-line courses that allow people to sign up and participate in our curriculum on-line. There will be courses to help individuals gain insights and tools for self-improvement, as well as how to deal with the changes we all face. We will offer programs for correctional facilities, parole and transitional services for prison inmates. Another area of focus is union/management relations, and how to build strong companies and organizations right here in our own country. We will continue to add
other courses which will assist individuals and organizations in dealing with change, the only constant we can all count on.
Change has become the driving force for organizations and individuals as we strive to remain competitive in today’s economy. Change has been my personal mantra for the past 38 years. Just when I think I’m on top of things, they change! With a new president and new leadership in Washington D.C., this country has the opportunity to create a change in direction that will benefit not only the U.S., but the entire world.
Change is an inside job. It starts with each one of us. I’m excited about what we can achieve over the next four years. I’m in!
Peace,
Gordy Graham
Gordon Graham & Co.
www.ggco.com
by Gordon Graham
It feels like a new day! The past is a part of history, the future remains a mystery, but the present is what is. We need to deal with “what is,” but the focus should be on what can be.
Every day I become more aware of the rapid changes that are occurring across the country.
Much of the change is driven by technology. In reading, hearing and seeing the political approach to the election of 2008, we have seen a dramatic difference in campaign strategies.
Obama was directly in touch with voters from Oregon to Delaware. His use of the web, Face Book, the Blackberry and all the other internet connections kept him in touch with you and me at the grass roots level. He’s someone that most of us felt could understand our challenges, hopes and dreams. McCain seemed to be a throwback to a different time in history. He seemed to be talking to an audience that wasn’t aware that the world has changed. We are a diverse society, no longer able to fit old solutions to the world’s problems of today; a society that is coming to recognize that diplomacy is at least as important as military strength. McCain’s service to this country is something that every
American can admire. However, it’s a new day and we need a new way if we are to regain our image as a leader of the free world.
I have great respect for Obama. However, I am closer to McCain in terms of technology.
The internet, the web, Face Book, and all the other technological tools are still beyond my abilities. Fortunately I have Cat, Kate and Eve who work to keep me connected to the information highway. Newsletters, blogs and on-line learning are today’s reality. The ingenuity of the high tech world continues to amaze me. The marketing power of the web, and it’s ability to place opportunities in our living rooms is truly awesome. The world is changing and we must choose either to adjust or we will be a memory from “back in the day.”
So with this in mind, we will be offering on-line courses that allow people to sign up and participate in our curriculum on-line. There will be courses to help individuals gain insights and tools for self-improvement, as well as how to deal with the changes we all face. We will offer programs for correctional facilities, parole and transitional services for prison inmates. Another area of focus is union/management relations, and how to build strong companies and organizations right here in our own country. We will continue to add
other courses which will assist individuals and organizations in dealing with change, the only constant we can all count on.
Change has become the driving force for organizations and individuals as we strive to remain competitive in today’s economy. Change has been my personal mantra for the past 38 years. Just when I think I’m on top of things, they change! With a new president and new leadership in Washington D.C., this country has the opportunity to create a change in direction that will benefit not only the U.S., but the entire world.
Change is an inside job. It starts with each one of us. I’m excited about what we can achieve over the next four years. I’m in!
Peace,
Gordy Graham
Gordon Graham & Co.
www.ggco.com
Monday, January 19, 2009
A New Day!
We anticipate a new day under new leadership. It will take tremendous courage to change the course of this country. Good words are important; they can get you elected, but they only last a short time without the actions that bring them to life. I’m optimistic about our new leadership, and excited about the possibilities that lay before us. We need jobs that pay decent wages, workers need a voice in the game, and unions give them that voice. Unions, like any democratic organization, are judged by their leadership. I’ve been impressed by the leadership of the U.A.W. They were willing to “put skin in the game.”
Labor built this country, and unions are the last advocates for keeping decent paying jobs here. Politicians need to address the greed and self-serving culture that is destroying people’s ability to find jobs that pay a living wage. We need to bring jobs back to our cities and states, and stop the out-sourcing that has destroyed our manufacturing base. Unions give our working men and women a voice in the future of our country. It has proven to be extremely dangerous to leave our future in the hands of politicians and greedy multi-national corporations.
This is a new day, and we need a new way. We voted overwhelmingly for change in this country. Obama rocks!
Gordy Graham
Gordon Graham & Co.
Labor built this country, and unions are the last advocates for keeping decent paying jobs here. Politicians need to address the greed and self-serving culture that is destroying people’s ability to find jobs that pay a living wage. We need to bring jobs back to our cities and states, and stop the out-sourcing that has destroyed our manufacturing base. Unions give our working men and women a voice in the future of our country. It has proven to be extremely dangerous to leave our future in the hands of politicians and greedy multi-national corporations.
This is a new day, and we need a new way. We voted overwhelmingly for change in this country. Obama rocks!
Gordy Graham
Gordon Graham & Co.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Gordy Graham's Daily Affirmation:
Gordy Graham's Daily Affirmation: "I believe in myself and I believe I can make a positive difference in this world."
Gordy Graham: Dealing with Challenges
Dealing with Challenges
by Gordon Graham
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change! Problems and opportunities can be two sides of the same coin. These are important concepts to keep in mind when things appear to be in turmoil.
There’s no question about current reality. The country is going through some very challenging times and it’s easy to get caught up in a negative mind set. However, it’s important to remind ourselves that the way we react mentally will have an influence on the outcome.
That doesn’t suggest that we ignore our challenges, but that we focus on creative ways of moving forward. To see through the present situation to what we will look like without the problem.
A good mental exercise is called the flick back, flick up technique. Flick back mentally to a challenging time in the past and then flick up to when you had worked through it. We have all gone through many difficult situations and we are all still in the game. Looking forward with hope and a positive expectancy can brighten the day.
The way that we think has a lot to do with the way that we act. It’s important to remind ourselves that we can control how we think. We can’t control the actions and conversations around us but we can control how we react to them.
See yourself six months from today, looking back on today and thinking “That was an interesting time!”
5 Tips for Managing Challenging Times
1. Keep in mind that we have control over how we react or respond to situations.
2. Recognize that bad news sells papers so don’t get caught up in the gloom and doom scenario.
3. Step back and evaluate options that may be available and have patience with yourself and others.
4. Stress can cause damage to relationships, so be gentle with those you love – again patience.
5. See yourself through the current situation into a positive future.
Be at peace and have patience with self and others.
by Gordon Graham
If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change! Problems and opportunities can be two sides of the same coin. These are important concepts to keep in mind when things appear to be in turmoil.
There’s no question about current reality. The country is going through some very challenging times and it’s easy to get caught up in a negative mind set. However, it’s important to remind ourselves that the way we react mentally will have an influence on the outcome.
That doesn’t suggest that we ignore our challenges, but that we focus on creative ways of moving forward. To see through the present situation to what we will look like without the problem.
A good mental exercise is called the flick back, flick up technique. Flick back mentally to a challenging time in the past and then flick up to when you had worked through it. We have all gone through many difficult situations and we are all still in the game. Looking forward with hope and a positive expectancy can brighten the day.
The way that we think has a lot to do with the way that we act. It’s important to remind ourselves that we can control how we think. We can’t control the actions and conversations around us but we can control how we react to them.
See yourself six months from today, looking back on today and thinking “That was an interesting time!”
5 Tips for Managing Challenging Times
1. Keep in mind that we have control over how we react or respond to situations.
2. Recognize that bad news sells papers so don’t get caught up in the gloom and doom scenario.
3. Step back and evaluate options that may be available and have patience with yourself and others.
4. Stress can cause damage to relationships, so be gentle with those you love – again patience.
5. See yourself through the current situation into a positive future.
Be at peace and have patience with self and others.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Gordy Graham's 5 Tips on Talking to kids about drugs
Gordy Graham's 5 Tips for talking to young people about drugs
written by Gordon Graham
1.)Whenever possible avoid a confrontational approach. When we feel pushed
we automatically push back.
2.)Be pro-active in discussing the issues surrounding drug use, i.e., make
the problem something that impacts communities and families on a larger
scale than just your son or daughter.
3.)Respect the young person's right to have opinions. Develop an
understanding that we are on the same side and solicit their input.
4.)Avoid a judgmental approach. The goal is to fix the problem not fix the
blame.
5.)Take advantage of opportunities to discuss current events (newspaper
articles, news stories) relating to the consequences of drug use, however,
not with an "I told you so" attitude.
A sense of unconditional love should override every conversation.
written by Gordy Graham www.ggco.com
written by Gordon Graham
1.)Whenever possible avoid a confrontational approach. When we feel pushed
we automatically push back.
2.)Be pro-active in discussing the issues surrounding drug use, i.e., make
the problem something that impacts communities and families on a larger
scale than just your son or daughter.
3.)Respect the young person's right to have opinions. Develop an
understanding that we are on the same side and solicit their input.
4.)Avoid a judgmental approach. The goal is to fix the problem not fix the
blame.
5.)Take advantage of opportunities to discuss current events (newspaper
articles, news stories) relating to the consequences of drug use, however,
not with an "I told you so" attitude.
A sense of unconditional love should override every conversation.
written by Gordy Graham www.ggco.com
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Gordon Graham: First Look at 2009
First Look at 2009 – January 5, 2009
by Gordon Graham
The beginning of a year is always a time for reflection and for making New Year’s resolutions. 2009 looks like it holds some significant challenges, and also some great opportunities. There’s real anticipation for our new leadership to take office, and also a sense of trepidation, depending upon your point of view.
I’m blessed with friends who hold some very different perspectives from Yours Truly. The beauty of friendship is that you can agree to disagree without damaging your relationships, because the basic decency and core values of the individuals involved are generally very similar. A lot of time and energy can be wasted trying to convince people that we have a monopoly on the “real truth,” which can cause a rift in the relationship, or people start to avoid our company.
There are certain things that are best avoided when we are with new acquaintances, they would include religion, politics and government to name a few. We can explore these topics with our close friends, with the caveat that we respect the other’s right to believe as they choose. Some of my best friends hold positions differing from mine on issues that are close to my heart. However, I recognize that they are caring, loving human beings who happen to disagree with my point of view. Life would be quite boring if we only associated with people who always agree with us.
One of my New Year’s resolutions (in addition to my yearly health resolutions!) is to recognize how blessed we are to live in a society where we can express our points of view. We can agree to disagree and then sit down and break bread together, remaining close friends.
2009 should be an exciting time for new beginnings. I look forward to Obama taking office. I’ve read both of his books and admire the depth of his knowledge, and the broad range of his personal experiences. We live in an extremely diverse society and there needs to be a respect for our differences, and a willingness to build on our areas of agreement is an essential component of coming together in unity.
Obama’s understanding of the deteriorating of our inner cities, and the lack of opportunities for young men and women growing up in these environments is encouraging.
He recognizes that there is a connection between the number of young males ending up in prisons and these poor environments. This gives me hope for addressing the problem where it exists, in our inner cities. We live in a great country that has the capability of ending the cycle of poverty and prison. This year of 2009 could be the start of something new, a change that will be of value to all segments of society.
Peace,
Gordy Graham
Gordon Graham & Co.
www.ggco.com
by Gordon Graham
The beginning of a year is always a time for reflection and for making New Year’s resolutions. 2009 looks like it holds some significant challenges, and also some great opportunities. There’s real anticipation for our new leadership to take office, and also a sense of trepidation, depending upon your point of view.
I’m blessed with friends who hold some very different perspectives from Yours Truly. The beauty of friendship is that you can agree to disagree without damaging your relationships, because the basic decency and core values of the individuals involved are generally very similar. A lot of time and energy can be wasted trying to convince people that we have a monopoly on the “real truth,” which can cause a rift in the relationship, or people start to avoid our company.
There are certain things that are best avoided when we are with new acquaintances, they would include religion, politics and government to name a few. We can explore these topics with our close friends, with the caveat that we respect the other’s right to believe as they choose. Some of my best friends hold positions differing from mine on issues that are close to my heart. However, I recognize that they are caring, loving human beings who happen to disagree with my point of view. Life would be quite boring if we only associated with people who always agree with us.
One of my New Year’s resolutions (in addition to my yearly health resolutions!) is to recognize how blessed we are to live in a society where we can express our points of view. We can agree to disagree and then sit down and break bread together, remaining close friends.
2009 should be an exciting time for new beginnings. I look forward to Obama taking office. I’ve read both of his books and admire the depth of his knowledge, and the broad range of his personal experiences. We live in an extremely diverse society and there needs to be a respect for our differences, and a willingness to build on our areas of agreement is an essential component of coming together in unity.
Obama’s understanding of the deteriorating of our inner cities, and the lack of opportunities for young men and women growing up in these environments is encouraging.
He recognizes that there is a connection between the number of young males ending up in prisons and these poor environments. This gives me hope for addressing the problem where it exists, in our inner cities. We live in a great country that has the capability of ending the cycle of poverty and prison. This year of 2009 could be the start of something new, a change that will be of value to all segments of society.
Peace,
Gordy Graham
Gordon Graham & Co.
www.ggco.com
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