Being Present & Abundance Mentality

Spunky, curious, strong, resilient, and smart all contained in a little 23 lb. 2 & 1/2 year old body. We didn't know what to expect when we traveled to China earlier this year to pick up our daughter from an orphanage in Hunan Province. We had no idea AnLi would be so full of spirit and life. Of course, she wasn't at first. Understandably, she started very reserved and scared as she took in her new environment.

Eating has been one of the biggest challenges as she easily becomes distracted with so many options. Based on experience, we only place one item in front of her at a time, but she is so worried about what is coming next that she fails to enjoy what she has in front of her. AnLi's eyes scan the oven, the counter, and whatever else that comes out of the refrigerator and her concerned face says it all.

Have you ever been like that? Have you ever worried so much about tomorrow that you cannot enjoy today? Have you ever been so distracted by something out of reach that you fail to see the good things that are right in front of you? Have you ever viewed others as a threat rather than an asset?

If you were to appreciate one good thing in your life right now, what would it be? How can you learn to enjoy it more? Would you be happier enjoying the good things in your life? It all starts by recognizing your current mindset. Are you viewing things (and people) with an abundance mentality?

The good news is that it is possible. AnLi now knows that she will always have plenty of food to eat. As a result, she enjoys what she has in front of her, and of course she excitedly looks forward to what is coming next too.

How can you be more present and maintain an abundance mentality?

Employee Engagement Defined

Engagement. Engagement. Engagement. Nowadays, it is an employer's "Holy Grail" to profitability. Yet what exactly does it mean?

While there are many definitions, few are as concise or as simple as the one I recently received from a friend that described it this way:

“Employee engagement is when the business values the employee and the employee
values the business."

It seems so simple doesn't it? So, why is it so hard to achieve? Is this elusive management "must have" doomed to follow fads of the past?

Before you think this is going away, I encourage you to check out one of the fastest growing on-line communities on the subject: http://employeeengagement.ning.com/ (Note: I have no personal interest in the site, but I find it to be very informative and useful).

Let me know what you think.