The STU-PENDOUS BLOG!

There is an activity we do at camp with some of our campers that asks them to think about how they will be remembered when they die. What will be written about them, what will be said. The belief is that once you understand that you are mortal and have only a very short time on earth you will live a more full life. I know that I have spoken (or written) about this before, it’s a very important topic to discuss.

Over the weekend my mother in law passed away after a long battle with Cancer. I didn’t have the greatest marriage but one thing that was for sure was the love I had for Linda. She was always so supportive of me and my dreams. Mostly there with a smile and a quality hug. I called her mom right up until the last time I saw her. She was a wonderful women who fought for her children, created a new life for them, worked crazy hours even when she was ill to make sure that her children and grand children didn’t go without. She always found a way to get me some of the most memorable Christmas presents. She found much more joy in the giving then the receiving. I will miss her. We will plant a tree in her memory at camp this spring, something that blossoms.

As I drove home from London the other day and having 5 hours to think (bad weather), I reflected on how I will remember my other “mom”. If I spoke at her service I would say the following…

Linda was a warm, caring and giving mother. She sacrificed her time, energy and personal happiness for her children and grand children. She was a fighter and never gave up. The loving Grandma that would sneak a treat to the grandkids even when she wasn’t supposed to. She loved me long after she was required to. She will be remembered every time I call out my daughters name, Emily Linda Saunders. She will be remembered every time I hear her words of advice when going through some tough times. They where simple and short… “no matter what has happened or what will happen remember you are a good person and a great dad.”. Linda, I will miss you and I hope you are looking down upon for many years to come.

Here is today’s question… read it, write it, answer it and share it here on the STUpendous BLOG.

When you pass on what will be written about you? Write one paragraph about how your life was lived. Are you working towards that life now?

Today’s picture is of Linda… Thanks for coming into my life.

For more information on YLCC or Stu Saunders speaking email info@ylcc.com

Wonderful night last night. I went and saw the Dixie Chicks movie “Shut Up and Sing”. Fantastic documentary. Loved the attitude of the chicks and specifically their lead singer, Natalie Maines. If you don’t know the story it basically goes like this… War breaks out in Iraq, that same night the Chicks have a concert in London, England. During the concert Natalie makes a comment about the war and specifically President Bush.

“… we’re ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas.”

What would happen next was incredible… the US, specifically the southern states, created a good old Beatles record burning, verbal assault, hate filled American freedom movement. Amongst the pressure of record sales dropping by more then 60%, being dropped by entire radio networks and being slammed by politicians and fellow country singers. They did not back down. Their tour sponsors wanted to drop them, their record company wanted them to change their message, cancel tours and beg for forgiveness. They didn’t.

I am not trying to say that the Dixie Chicks are brilliant activists or future politicians but it does make you take a long hard look at where we are today as a society. Where you are today. Even who your friends are.

Some one said once that pessimists complain about the wind, optimist hope it changes and leaders adjust the sails… The Dixie Chicks adjusted their sails. If you look at them now they just won 5 Grammy Awards, their album has gone double platinum and they are still the biggest selling female band in history.

George bush on the other hand is becoming almost a joke. Even hard core republicans are distancing themselves from him. Perhaps he should adjust his sails instead of waiting for the wind to change.

Today’s question… read it, write it, answer it and share your thoughts here on the STUpendous BLOG.

How can you adjust your sails today to help you create that life you dream of? What are you hoping will simply change?

Today’s picture is from that movie… take the time and rent it. It’s great, a little scary but inspiring.

Sometimes the best things happen when there is no camera around… I heard that a couple of years ago. I try and carry a camera with me wherever I go. Sometimes though in a rushed situation I forget. It happened yesterday. I was on the way for a nice Sushi lunch when I saw it. My first SNOWBOW! A rainbow but in the winter… therefore it was, a snowbow. It was a complete snowbow, both sides could be seen. Incredible! My friend joked that if we turn right and drive for an hour we could find that pot-o-gold at the end.

I wished for a second that I had my camera. I wanted to capture that moment so I could show my friends and kids. No luck though. I will have to hold on to it up in my head. Close my eyes and try and remember it. Paint the scene as clearly as I can.

It’s amazing how if you choose too, you can create anything in your mind. Your perfect day, the perfect game, your perfect year or even your perfect life. The more you visualize it the more real it becomes. It is also more likely to become a reality. It is an amazing power we all have. We used it as kids all the time without even trying. It was magical.

Here is today’s question… read it, write it, answer it and share your thoughts here on the STUpendous BLOG!

If you could create the perfect life for yourself, what would it look like? Where would you be, who would be with you and what does it look like? How old are you when you reached that scene? This is a powerful exercise… close your eyes and create.

Today’s pic is of a blank canvas… what’s on a blank canvas? Potential!

For more information on YLCC or Stu Saunders speaking email info@ylcc.com

Happy Valentine’s day world. If you aren’t celebrating with a partner today then put out what you want to find in a mate! I am not in a relationship. I am very aware of what I want in a partner, I know what that person looks like and I know how I want it to unfold. The Law of attraction says if you are specific, honest and really see the person you want, the universe will make it happen. Today I spent some time putting it out there (again), I wonder who was listening?

I am single. I have loved, lost love and thought I was in love. I know the love of my parents, the love of a friend. I understand what it is to have a GREAT love, one that sets itself deep inside of your heart and will not leave. I know most importantly what it is to love a child and to be loved by a child. Adults, although sometimes pretend to be more mature and sensible, can be so far from that. When my son says to me “I love you daddy!” I know he means it.

Even if my greatest love never becomes a reality, I know I had one and most importantly in the eyes of my children I am worth the greatest of love of all… the love of a child.

If you are single today, put it out there. Don’t put it off. Say it to the Universe, be specific, feel it and see it. If you are in a relationship, celebrate it. Not just today because Hallmark says, but every single day.

Here is today’s question… read it, write it, anwer it and share your thoughts on the STUpendous BLOG!

If you could pick your ultimate partner who would you pick? What qualities would they possess? What would they look like. What would they say to you on that first date? Don’t be afraid to ask… someone is listening!

Today’s picture is of a rose for my greatest love… Ok UNIVERSE your turn!

For more information on STU Saunders speaking or YLCC Leadership Training Centre email stu@ylcc.com

Recently “history” was made when two African-American men where the coaches in the Superbowl. It was a big deal in the media because it simply hasn’t happened before. It is something that isn’t “normal” for our society. Two black men, coaching… it was BIG news.

Well the US is now facing another challenge. It’s going to be all over the news and you should pay attention to it. The United States has always been a country of innovators and innovation but not a supporter of internal change. Two candidates in the upcoming presidential race are “different” then the norm. A women and an African-American man are running for the Democratic Candidacy.

Some “experts” have said this is a bad move for the Democratic party. They will have to fight against themselves to lose this race. The overall disapproval of George Bush and the Republican Party has been widely covered and the polls are all in favour of the Democratic Party. They should easily win.

So what’s the point? It was said recently in a southern US paper that the ONLY way that the Democrats could lose the race was by running a woman or a black candidate. Sad. What will happen next will be interesting and will be a statement of the American mind set. Rumours are that Al Gore will eventually put his name in and run for office. That would be the final nail in the Democratic coffin.

A woman, a black man and an environmental activist as the leading candidates for a presidential campaign. What should be hailed as the single greatest opportunity for the US to show the world they are ready for change, could be an election that will set back social progress in the West for the next decade. I hope that voters in the US are wiser then that. Every dynasty or empire has fallen mostly due to ignorance. Here is a chance to finally learn from history.

Here is today’s question…. read it, write it, answer it and of course share your thoughts here on the STUpendous BLOG!

Have you ever had the opportunity to make a change in your life but where afraid? What would your life look like now if you had?

Today’s picture is of Barack Obama one of the most interesting candidates in many years.

For more information on YLCC or Stu Saunders please go to www.ylcc.com or email STU at stu@ylcc.com

I am constantly finding people all around me to draw inpiration from. One that I have found as a real motivator since I started my first company 15 years ago is Richard Branson. He is the founder of Virgin Records and since he has founded dozens of more “Virgin” companies. He is a Billionaire a few times over.

Yesterday he announced that he would personally give a cash reward to any scientist who could create/discover a way of removing green house gasses from the atmosphere. He would give 25 million dollars to the first person to do it. 5 million up front and 20 million over the next ten years. Awesome.

We need to find solutions to our problems, not blame. Just like in our own lives or business. Who cares why now… we know! Let’s stop pointing fingers and start changing the future. Way to go Richard Branson and Al Gore!

Here is today’s question… read it, write it, answer it and share your answers here on the STUpendous BLOG!

What is one thing you could stop doing TODAY that is holding you back? Why aren’t you doing it?

Today’s pic is of Richard Branson (left) and Al Gore. They have taken the world in their hands and trying to fix it. Regardless of your race, colour, religion or status, there is only one planet we ALL live on.

For more information on Stu Saunders speaking or any of our programs email stu@ylcc.com

I got a chance to watch the much talked about movie “The Secret” the other day. It’s a very good explanation of what we have been teaching at camp for years and the way I have lived most of my adult life. I haven’t mastered the secret yet but I am working on it every day. The film is just a reminder of what I already know. It does work.

What really hit me was while watching Oprah yesterday (I am a closet Oprah watcher) they where discussing the movie and got on the topic of forgiveness. I have tried to forgive people in my past, I know it’s important. In fact it has been said that until you forgive those that have wronged or hurt you you are giving away your own power. Then it hit me… the words of Dr. Michael Bekwith, he said, “When you can thank the person for the lessons that you learned, then you can truly forgive them.”.

Incredible. What anger are you holding on to that you need to let go of? Is it hard? Yes… but it’s possible. What have you learned from that person or the situation that you dealt with. Are you a better person, a more organized or more compassionate or even more careful person. You have learned something… what is it? It has shaped who you are today. You don’t have to call them or go for coffee with them. Send them a note or an email. Make sure you are sincere not condesending or mean.

Try it. Let it go. It could change your life… for the better.

Here is today’s question… Read it, write it, answer it and share it here on the STUpendous BLOG!

What or who could you thank for the lessons they have taught you? Where could the energy you spend being angry or bitter go if you weren’t wasting it on negative thoughts?

Today’s pic is from the Secret… give it a watch and keep an open mind. I have said it many times before… The Universe wants you to succeed.

For more information on YLCC and how you or your children can learn “The Secret” contact stu@ylcc.com

What are your fears? Why are they your fears? I remember years ago when I was just a young teenager how many dreams and goals that I had. I wanted to do, be and have so much! More often then not, I held back. My biggest fear was failure. I was so scared of looking like a failure or suffering rejection. So I did what most people do… nothing.  It’s safer.

Then one day my high school principle told me a story about “the dash”. If you look at a head stone of any grave it will have a birth year and a year of death. It looks like this, 1950 - 2007. All that tells you is the starting line and the finish line, it doesn’t tell you anything about the race or journey… the dash in between. Too many of us stop ourselves. We are the road block to our own success. Instead of admiting our own fears, we yell at the universe, our parents, friends teachers, employers, government and whomever else we can think of.

“My parent’s made me this way!”, “My teacher is out to get me!”, “The government is out to ruin me!!”, “My boss just wants me to fail!!!”

Does any of that sound familiar? My friend Robin Sharma calls it “Victim Speak”. It doesn’t have to be that way. Take ownership and make the change. It is hard and it takes time. Break through your fears, don’t let YOU hold you back.

Here is today’s question…. read it, write it, answer it and share your thoughts here on the STUpendous BLOG! If you are new to the BLOG thanks for reading… please pass on the link to a friend!

What fears are you holding on to? What fear, if you broke through it, could change your life?

Today’s picture comes from a retreat at our camp. RH King… they broke through their fears and obstacles!
 
For more information on YLCC or Stu Saunders speaking please go to www.ylcc.com