As Gamification affects the individual, it too affects the family. For generations the family as a vital institution within society provided not only early stage nourishment but was the ultimate source of socialization. Today, that is not so as the gaming industry has grown bigger and more advanced. As a matter of fact, it no longer accentuates family time but has evolved to take the place of what once was quality time.  In many ways it has become a babysitter for the all too busy parent, and the crutch for a fast paced society that (in my opinion) no longer promotes outdoor play for children. If we teach the family to exist within the virtual world, to spend more and more time in that virtual reality it makes it harder and harder (especially on our children’s impressionable minds) to distinguish what is real and what is not. What is the future of the family nucleus and can we win back the quality time we once knew?

Stamford, Conn.-based research firm Gartner Inc. predicted that by 2014, “an estimated 70 percent of the top 2,000 public companies in the world will have at least one gamified application. This strategy which has already began amongst such industry giants as Verizon and Samsung. The goal is to focus on creating such a highly personal experience for the customer while too building a community. The customers seem not to realize that they have not only given over their loyalty but have evolved into brand specific groupies. Not that this isn’t good for the businesses or for the entrepreneur who learn to use such tactics. It is evident those who provide excellent customer service with a little over the top adage are the ones who thrive in the business.

While gamification is trending less as a leisurely activity and more as the norm, it should not become the way of life. The way of life is reality, not what is built simply around our virtual imaginations, and deceitful optimism. Why? Because it is simply not real, we do not live in a game as some would suggest. We exist in a real world where real life happens and real decisions have to be made. Life is the existence of what we experience and how we handle that experience. To many simply put REAL Life happens.

If we are not careful as parents, caretakers, grandparents, mentors, leaders, we can hinder that curiosity and thus stifle a child’s ability to Dream and Dream Big. Dreaming allows both them and you to grasp the VISION for life….

The Bing dictionary (online) defines vi•sion [ ví'n ] “as the eyesight: the ability to see”…..I venture to say, its one’s ability to see their future being, to forecast what it is they want in life, it simply gives direction to activities and motivates one to move forward to achieve a desired goal.

These are a few tips to help in nurturing the Vision in today’s YOUth!

• Give them the Freedom to think, to feel, to be them.
• Be an Example of a Creative Person in Action, we are our children’s   primary role models therefore be creative and open to new adventures, activities. Follow your own interests and passions.
• Respect their imagination, for that is where creativity begins.
• Practice affirming them in their Vision. Such affirmation statements nurtures a creative environment in which to allow them to pursue their Vision;  You are so creative, Tell me more about your dreams, visions, and Wow that sounds like a great idea.
• Appreciate their Creativity and encourage inquisitiveness and a sense of wonder.
• Envision them as the wonderfully unique individual that they are. Such self-fulfilling prophecy is a strong influence on children’s behavior, including creativity.
• Maximize Success by giving children every opportunity to develop their interests, experience new things as well as build new skills.
• Have Fun by laughing, having fun while they Dream and Dream Big, encouraging more creativity and a sense of enjoyment while they pursue their VISION.

Let it be okay, let it be great, let it be the norm for YOUth to express themselves in whatever (healthy) way that feels good to them. Then will come the Albert Einstein’s, the Steve Jobs, the Michael Jordan’s, the Barak Obama’s, and the Oprah Winfrey’s of the next generation…. When we foster a “Free To Be You” environment and allow the same for ourselves, life takes on a greater meaning, a meaning of Purpose.

It never too late to pursue your vision as an adult neither is it too soon to help our YOUth in pursuing theirs. I believe that former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt said it best “You rarely achieve finality. If you did, life would be over, but as you strive new visions open before you, new possibilities for the satisfaction of living”. As long as there is breathe in your body, you have another chance at Dreaming and Dreaming BIG…. Enjoy your today to the fullest!

The Individual

Being hard on the issue and soft on your people is easier said than done. Because we live on the cusp of individualism and are so inundated with everyday tasks, we tend to be surface dwellers. Anything that requires dealing with the issue or its root cause is simply not at all appealing. Instead we resort to the opposite, far from an empathetic heart. After all, the actual Issue isn’t a living, breathing, tangible thing but another person on whom we can project our emotions on is.In the long run the lack of willingness to address such issues (effectively) whether personal or publicly manifests in a mountain of prejudice and thus an un-fulfilled life.

The Family

There are so many instances within the family for which we can measure the impacts of being hard on the issue and soft on people. One instance that comes to mind is that of the training and development of children. In order to raise healthy well balanced children, a parent or caretaker should implement consistent discipline techniques along with setting clear unyielding boundaries. The idea is to promote the lack of tolerance for destructive behavior/issues while maintaining a show off empathy. During this process it enforces the no tolerance rule but emphasizes love and support. Thus promoting healthy living, healthy relationships, and healthy adult life. The family nucleus is indeed important and furthermore how we address Issues within the family. It can mean the difference between a functional and dysfunctional family in the next generation.

The Business

For many employees, managers, or business owners “be hard on the Issue and soft on your people” has already made its way into their managerial /staff discussions. We see this change echoed via the cultures nurtured in the corporate arena today. Through long hard transitions, reductions and workforce turnovers many corporations are promoting this concept. By doing so it promotes a team environment, fosters better work relations and motivates employees to not only be productive 90% of their day but develops loyalty to the business at hand.  The trickle down affect proves that Leaders and Managers who focus more on the issues at hand while being soft/empathizing with their staff gain more respect. The overall result is a win-win for all and the bottom line results, in happy client, happy customer.

Life’s Perspective

We live in a world where the importance of people skills transcends every element of daily living. From our own individual perceptions, to familial and corporate experiences, relationships are constantly either being built up or torn down. What we fail to put in proper perspective is the fact that human error plays a huge role in Life.

When proper perspective is applied then there should be emphasis placed both on addressing the issues at hand while too empathizing with the person. When handled with such a cohesive outlook, we promote a healthy balance and relationships are instead strengthened and a sense of mutual respect/bond developed. Then will we see a better developed individuals, a healthier family unit and stronger, longer lasting businesses.

source: janiewilliamsbrown

Reblogged from JaneNOTdoe:

According to Burley-Allen (1995) “When we listen to ourselves we can increase our self awareness and begin to understand why we behave the way that we do. Early in life we formulate beliefs that affect how we behave, those beliefs then influence how we talk to ourselves”. (pp. 88)

On this  day, I would like to stress the importance of (negative/positive) self talk.

Read more… 189 more words

Although life existed all around me (people, places and things were going on about their daily living) I was at a standstill. My emotions were in turmoil, my thoughts jumbled, my heart was hurting and words escaped me. I myself -was being bullied on this journey called life. The intimidation, the torment, the oppression was too much for me to handle.

It was then that II Corinthians 12:9; “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” helped me tremendously.

Our Weakness is defined as;
Not able to resist external forces or withstand attack
Mentally and intellectually deficient
Resulting in or indicating lack of judgment or discernment
Chink in someone’s armor, weak point, limitation, fragility
His Strength is defined as;
Power to resist force
Power of resisting attack
One regarded as embodying or affording force or firmness
The quality or state of being strong

Gradually His peace diminished my anxiety; His words became my hope and the Holy Spirit my Comforter.

Isn’t it funny how the bullies of life in which we hope to avoid, have a way of traveling right down our lane? They work themselves into our daily living so much so that we have no choice but to deal with them head on. Till this day, I have learned that there is no way around them and they won’t just go away. Yes, you have to deal with the bullies of life that come to steal, to kill and to destroy and deal with them you must- Today.

In doing so my friend, keep this one thing in mind – bullies are oh so unkind. But this one thing I know and have the scars of life to show! With Jehovah-Sabaoth, the Lord of Host as your source, no bully in hell or otherwise, can stop your flow!

Blessings to you in all your endeavors as you press through to becoming, the vessel of purpose you were always meant to be. Live on Purpose in 2013! #LEAP

Works Cited
The Holy Bible, New King James Version. (1982). Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Mary did as most of us do today; she began to question the plan and purpose of God. Echoing for all of womankind she asked, “How shall this be?”

Having arrived with predestined comfort for Mary’s heart and for generations to come, the angel answered her and said, “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee:” Luke 1:34.

Mary after receiving peace in her heart accepted the assignment, stepped into purpose and the call to destiny. “And Mary said, behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” Luke 1:38.

Points of Interest:

• Believe in the Impossible
Luke 1:37 “For with God nothing shall be impossible”.

• Accept God’s Purpose for your Life
Luke 1:38 “Be it unto me according to thy word”.

• Connect spiritually with those who are Anointed to Speak Truth and Light into your life
Luke 1:42-45 “And Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: And she spake out with a loud voice and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb. And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

• Make Worship a Lifestyle
Luke 1: 46-47 “And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior.”

From our Family to yours this holiday season, we wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Happy Kwanza…….

With this being the season of Thanksgiving, I found it most fitting to share just one thing that I am thankful for.

Although a bit non- traditional, I find myself most thankful for the freedom of choice. Having the freedom to choose has led me on paths far and wide. As the years have gone by, I’ve tried many things in the way of relationships, ministry, business, jobs, education, etc. All of which led me to this moment and the following thought in which I will share with you today.

“In Life Realize” by Janie Williams Brown

By realizing the things In Life that I do not like…..

I have come to realize the things In Life that I do love……..

By realizing the things In Life that only fools try…..

I have come to realize the things In Life that’ll make one cry…..

By realizing the things In Life that I do not want….

I have come to realize that the good things In Life are worth the hunt….

By realizing the things In Life that God foreknew….

I have come to realize the things In Life that I am destined to do…..

This one thing I know to be true and that is that no one is to blame for the mistakes I’ve made along the way. Whether battles won or wars lost, I am the captain of my own choices.

 In fact, I used my TaMiM to arrive at my current destination. What is a TaMiM you ask? According to ancient Jewish wisdom it is an affirmation of life which requires use of our God-given capabilities to make choices. Through life’s earnest experiences and the choices made I’ve come to a place of knowing who I am; who’s I am and most importantly appreciating who I have come to be.

Most graciously, I am thankful for this current cycle of choice; my choice to share this post, your choice to read it and the choices that will bring about positive thought and in-turn positive change this Thanksgiving Season.       

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours…..

According to Burley–Allen (1995) “a stroke is any form of recognition or attention one person gives to another. Strokes are either positive or negative, expressed through physical touch or nonverbal behaviors (i.e. winks, frowns, smiles, gestures). Strokes can also be compliments or criticisms”. (Burley–Allen, p. 26).

What an interesting approach to illustrating how we interact with one another. Not quite, what I had in mind before reading this text.  However once read, it really struck home with me. All at once, I was able to see my reflection in the mirror.

My oldest daughter (who loves communicating) one day told me that she was reluctant to share certain things with me because the frown on my face automatically made her think that I was angry. Although I had explained to her several times that I am not angry, rarely have I thought to say “this intense look is me concentrating on what you’re saying to me, it is not an angry look at all”.

Just from this interaction with my daughter and a personal revelation of Self, I am constantly reminded to be attentive in my listening manner. I have come to know that my strokes affect all four of my children. It either hinders or enhances their ability to communicate not just with me but with others, which in-turn affects their overall self-esteem.

Since becoming aware of Self, I have had several opportunities to practice this technique by stopping to face my children, looking them directly in the eyes and in some situations turning the frown upside down. By doing this, I am practicing positive stokes and at the same time teaching them how to be better communicators themselves.

In my profession and observation of family relationships, I have come to believe that “Children really do what they see and not what they are told”. I am convinced that my children’s future really does begin with my daily revelation of self therefore my prayer is;

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”

(Excerpts from the Serenity Prayer, Author Unknown)

Works Cited

Burley-Allen, M. (1995). Listening The Forgotten Skill A Self Teaching Guide.New York Chicester Brisbane Toronto Singapore: Joyhn Wiley & Sons, Inc.

I find that I am becoming more and more aware of the communication process and the importance of communicating effectively. I understand that at each stage of communication whether inhaling/exhaling we all have a responsibility. In the past, I saw communication as an aggressive opportunity to get my point across. Not realizing that the information that I received was equally important as the message I was sending.

Stewart teaches that at this stage of communication the listener and the speaker should have equal power in the communication process. This is no doubt a far cry from today’s society and how we as a people see and/or engage in the communication process.

Proverbs 18:13 says “He who answers before listening–that is his folly (stupidity) and his shame (embarrassment).” On a regular basis more so than not, we commit lawless acts of stupidity which all too often results in embarrassment.

My prayer: As we progress through this life; that we as a nation, as a society, as a people, as the human race simply learn, to communicate effectively. That we learn this in order to preserve life, preserve character and preserve relationships.

Works Cited:

Stewart, J. (2012). Bridges Not Walls. New York: Mc-Graw-Hill.

The Holy Bible, New International Version. (1984). Grand Rapids, Michigan: Biblica Inc.

Ask yourself the following questions;

Do I see any attitudes, habits, or behaviors in my life that create an ongoing cycle of defeat and seem to be an avenue of negative influence?

Do I wrestle with distorted messages, or negative self talk concerning my God-given Purpose and personal value?

Do I struggle with believing and receiving the Lord’s love?

Do I experience uncontrolled feelings of envy, intimidation, fear, anger, criticism, etc toward others?

If you have answered yes to these questions, you are probably dealing with strongholds of the self.  By leaving these areas unchecked, we allow ourselves to be vulnerable to Satan’s trap, enticement, deception.

Strongholds are defiantly persistent and not easily subdued by reason.  They are in direct opposition to your Purpose; the Purpose of God being fulfilled in your life.

If a Mother, Father, spouse or friend has ever demeaned you, even that message could be bound within.  We often nurture unconsciously, miserable mindsets and feelings associated with demeaning words.

Five points in defeating Strongholds;

1. Submit yourself to God (James 4:6-7)
2. Reaffirm the Truth (Romans 12:1-2)
3. Take personal Responsibility (Eph 4:22 & 2 Cor. 10:5)
4. Forgive others as God has forgiven you (Mark 11:25)
5. Pray with Authority (Mark 11:23)

Step into the freedom that you were meant to possess. Begin today living a life of Love, Laughter and Liberty.