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www.darylwizelman.com

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Blog: www.heartleader.com

June 2011 Newsletter

Drumming and Expression

I was diagnosed with ADD or hyperactivity as it was known at the time of my diagnosis (early 1970's).  I was a kid who couldn't sit still, talked out of turn at school and at home and was very impulsive.  For those of you who know me, you're probably thinking that nothing has changed and I am the same as was as a child.  My thoughts and feelings are the same but I have learned to control my actions and behaviors through the study of Emotional Intelligence.  I am still a work in progress but I am getting there.

In addition to taking Ritalin for many years, my parents bought me a practice pad, drum sticks and some drum lessons.  They believed drumming would be one way for me to dissipate some of the overwhelming energy I carried with me every day.  Today, almost 40 years after my diagnosis I still play my drums (acoustic drums from Drum Workshop) almost every day.  It has proven to be both a physical and emotional outlet and a place for me to create art both privately and publicly.  I am so grateful to my parents for encouraging me to play an instrument that evolved into a passion.

I tell you about my experience with ADD and the drums because for some of you it may be time to find a passion and/or an outlet.  Music is inspiring and educational.  It is a place where we can lose ourselves and escape from the reality we are forced to face every day in our lives.  You may already have a hobby/passion that you find therapeutic pleasure in.  If not, today is a new day to try one.  It doesn't have to be the drums or even an instrument.  It can be writing, a sport or exercise, another type of art or starting a new hobby that you have been thinking about but haven't taken action.  I highly encourage you to try something and look for a way or ways to feel better about getting through the obligations and responsibilities that we all have.

Go Fishing -- Enjoy Life!!

A boat docked in a tiny fishing village.  A tourist complimented the local fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took him to catch them.  "Not very long," answered the fisherman.  "But then, why didn't you stay longer and catch more?" asked the tourist.  The local fisherman explained that his small catch was sufficient to meet his needs and those of his family.  The tourist asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"  "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, and take a siesta with my wife.  In the evenings, I go into the village to see my friends, have a few drinks, play the guitar, and sing a few songs.  I have a full life."

The tourist interrupted, "I have an MBA from Harvard and I can help you!  You should start by fishing longer every day.  You can then sell the extra fish you catch.  With the extra revenue, you can but a bigger boat."

"And after that?" asked the fisherman.

"With the extra money the larger boat will bring, you can buy a second one and a third one and so on until you have an extra fleet of trawlers.  Instead of selling your fish to a middle man, you can negotiate directly with the processing plants and maybe even open your own plant.  You can leave this little village and move to Mexico City, Los Angeles, or even New York City!  From there you can direct your huge new enterprise."

"How long would that take?" asked the local fisherman.

"Twenty, perhaps twenty-five years," replied the tourist.

"And after that?" the fisherman asked.

"Afterwards? Well my friend; that's when it really gets interesting," answered the tourist, laughing.  "When your business gets really, really big, you can start selling stocks and make millions!"

"Millions? Really? And after that? said the fisherman.

"After that you'll be able to retire, live in a tiny village near the coast, sleep late, play with your children, catch a few fish, take a siesta with your wife and spend your evenings drinking and enjoying your friends."

The moral is: Know where you're going in life...you may already be there.

Book and Music Recommendation

 I recently learned about the inspiring and beautiful music of Damien Rice.  This collection of music is a called "Live at Fingerprints."  It is a collection of powerful and moving songs.  This music has been a source for deep introspection and reflection.  I often listen to it in bed and it serves to calm me and help me to find my center and fall asleep peacefully. 

I hope you enjoy this music as much as I do.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Awaken the Olympian Within is a collection of amazing stories examining the human condition and what it takes to be the best in the world at something.  The book has served as a series of lessons of perseverance, faith, integrity, how hard work pays off and the value of discipline and consistency.  It is a great read regardless if you are a sports fan or not.

Enjoy the read!

Quotation

"How often times it happens that we live our lives in chains and we never even know we have the keys."

          -These are lyrics from "Already Gone" by the Eagles

A Closing Note

Thank you for reading this month's newsletter.  I hope you are able to use some of the content to improve your life and/or your career.  If there is an opportunity for me to speak at an upcoming conference or meeting, please let me know.
 
If you like what you see, please feel free to review my web site at www.darylwizelman.com.  I speak on leadership, work/life balance, strategic initiatives, emotional intelligence and life planning among other topics that can be viewed on my web site.  I believe I can inspire your group and provide them with excellent practical tools to improve their career and their life.
 
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Again, thank you for your interest.
 
Daryl

Daryl Wizelman
www.darylwizelman.com
daryl@wizelman.com

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