The STU-PENDOUS BLOG!

I was on the way to my families home for festive celebrations and stopped into my favourite Starbucks. Saw a poster that really got me thinking…

There was a tree and words were inside the branches, trunk and roots. Underneath the roots was a simple statement, but powerful.

“The deeper the roots, the higher the reach.”

Brilliant.

Isn’t that the truth. If we spend more time working on the basic foundation in which we grow from, the higher (the better) we will be. If you work on those habits that you know will make you a better human imagine how great you will grow.

Love it.

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

What are those habits you must instill into your daily life? What will you do in 2008 to grow your reach?

Happy Holiday’s to all and thanks for a GREAT 2007!

Life has a way of recovering its course when it strays off. I am sure of it. I had a strange night on Monday. An aquaintence of mine strongly questioned my character. It forced me to spend the next 24 hours having very deep and wonderful conversations with friends that had known me for years about this question. I was reassured that I am indeed imperfect… but a good person.

On tuesday I returned to London for a special night. One of my dear friends received for her graduation (after 6 years of post secondary schooling) a pair of tickets for Stuart Mclean’s Vinyl Cafe Christmas. She asked me to join her. It was a thank you for not only introducing her to the Vinyl Cafe but for being a very supportive, caring and good friend over those school years.

After a great dinner, a great show and a surprise latte with friends (I ran into at the show) at Starbucks, I drove the long three hours home, lots of time for reflection. What a special night.

My character was questioned, told I was a “self absorbed” individual. I found, that through my conversations those that truly know me, know me.

I feel good again! I spent a nice night with true friends. I spent an hour today on the phone with a dear friend I haven’t spoke to in 9 years. She told me stories of good things she remembered about our times together. The influences, the positives. Thank you.

It’s great to question your character. The universe has a way of showing you things that are important if you watch and listen. One friend said to me the fact that I ask the question “Am I a good person” makes me one. To question yourself, strengthens your soul.

Thanks to all, even the one person who questioned my character. I am better person for it.

Here is today’s question… Read it, write it, answer it and of course please share your thoughts!

Are you a good person? What are you doing each day to be kind, considerate and sincere? What could you do differently?

Big storm on the weekend. Over 30 cm’s of snow at my house. Crazy few days.

I went to see my dear friends new show in Niagara on weekend. On the way back my rental van ran out of gas… yes, I know. Stu, you should plan better!! You are right. The low fuel light came on and ten minutes later… out of gas. On a cold night as I coasted to a dead stop right at the entrance to a ramp. I realized that I would have to walk the long trek from my rental up the ramp, across the highway, and a 1 km walk to the gas station. Then return with the gas.

As I was preparing to go, I spotted a beat up old vehicle coming up the off ramp. I threw out my thumb… is that what you do? I have never hitch hiked before! They stopped. I must of looked kind of pathetic.

“Out of gas?” came a voice from the slightly cracked window on the passenger side. Yes was all I could say. 

“Hop in!” No hesitation, no problem. I jumped in the back and met Dan and Jackie a young couple on the way to a Christmas party. They zipped me up the road to the station, waited for me and returned me to the top of the off ramp. I ran down and quickly poured the gas into the van. The gas station made me purchase a gas can (the smallest gas can ever, 2 litres) as a child, I remember gas stations having gas cans to lend out for stranded motorists. Not anymore.

I tried to turn the van over, no luck. Not enough fuel. My ice cold red hands covered in gas. What now… my ride was gone. My friends in the vehicle waiting patiently. Just as I was about to start my walk back up the ramp in the frigid night, I saw lights. Red, blue and white. Police car!

The officer (didn’t get his name) offered to drive me back to the gas station. I rode in the back, holding my gas can, smelling of fuel. I offered to grab a cab back to the ramp. “No problem, I can wait.” he said. He quickly got me back to my van, a very quick drive which included driving backwards, lights flashing at 70 km/h on the 401 (a major hwy where I live). He waited for me to fill the tank and get the van started. Wished me a merry Christmas and was gone.

Hands cold, smelling horrible, tired and wet from the snow. I started back on the road with a full tank of gas and a heart full of kindness. I paid for the fuel, I was given the kindness. I feel good about my experience. It wasn’t a horrible event, it was an exciting adventure! Thanks to the Dan, Jackie and the OPP officer who helped me. Merry Christmas to you!

Here is today’s question… Read it, write it, answer it and of course PLEASE share your thoughts and comments here on the BLOG!

What have you done lately to display your kindness? What could you do today to share some of your heart?

Spent a wonderful weekend with some friends. Close to 100 of them. We had our annual YLCC family Christmas and was blessed with a great turnout despite some bad weather.

The big part for me was the gathering of four dear friends. Three from one part of my life and another of from a different time in my life. Through the simple act of asking I was blessed with the reunion of four friends.

15 years ago myself and three high school friends dreamt of the concept of Youth Leadership Camps Canada (YLCC). It was a small little camp, three days long, 50 campers. It has grown, it has blossomed. It is not even close to being done. I am still trying to find the right mix of people that can take it to the next level. Not there yet. It’s ok though, I am firmly ready for more change. Change is good. What we embrace and learn from is only going to benefit us.

We laughed, we joked, we caught up. We only had about an hour and then we had to go our seperate ways. It was nice. I looked into each of their eyes and listened to their stories. From that I clarified some direction. It was a way of measuring where I had come from. We will see each other again.

I also had a chance to share some one on one time with a friend who I have put so much value in. I admire her, she lives her own life, no excuses, no apologies. Her dreams and goals have changed so much since the day I met her. I have watched her morph into an incredible women. What I respect the most is the ease in which she moves forward. I don’t agree with some of the choices she has or will make, but it’s not my life. I am sure that people you know will look at you and your choices and question their logic. Sometimes they may be right, sometimes they may be wrong. You will decide. Life provides you with guides, lamp posts that can light your path. You choose to see them or not. In the end it’s your life.

So what did I learn this weekend. Somethings I can control, somethings I can not. I am stubborn. I have grown since 1992. My life and my friends, those that I truly love have affected me. I hope that I have affected them equally. Until I see you all again, I will continue to grow. I am not (and you shouldn’t be either) the type of person that accepts what ever comes next. You are in control. My four friends have shown me that.

Thank you.

Here is today’s question…. Read it, write it, answer it and of course, as usual share your thoughts!

Who in your life has taught you lessons? Who are people that you respect? Why?

Back together again… Left to right, Stu, Ian, Dwayne and Andy

For more information on YLCC please email us at info@ylcc.com

There are moments in our life that will last forever. They don’t have to be huge or spectacular. They can be a simple meeting on a bus or a conversation at an office party. These moments tend to happen more often to those who choose to participate in life. Choose to be a driver rather then just a passenger.

Don’t get me wrong, sometimes being the passenger is ok. The challenge for many people I meet while travelling are they’re simply taking up space. I was at the mall last night doing some shopping with my mom and my friend Trish. I went to the bathroom and had the opportunity to watch and listen to three young guys probably in their late teens or early twenties. Pants hanging down so low it looked as if they should be wearing some adult diapers! Hats on sideways and coats barely on their shoulders.

As I observed these three, as I listened to them I couldn’t help but feel a little sorry. The were swearing every second word, mumbling, shuffling along as if they had no power in their legs. It was a sad scene.

After they left, an older gentlemen in his late seventies looked over at me and said… “They’re going to miss out on the beauty of life, hmmm.” and winked and smiled at me and was gone.

That was a moment. One that I won’t forget. The beauty of life. That’s what it is all about. You don’t have to make millions of dollars and have lots of “things”. The beauty of life is all around us. Be a driver, choose some directions and have some great adventures.

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

How will you become the driver in your life? What choices could you make today to create some wonderful adventure, some brilliant moments?

I had a lot of wonderful moments as I held my annual Festive Saturday celebration at my home! One tradition everyone wears RED!