By Donna Braymer
Published by the Harrison Daily Times
Oct. 13, 2009
Whom do you enjoy being around? A person that grumbles, expects the
worse and is always negative? Or do you prefer to be around a person
with a kind word and a positive outlook?
Today’s character word is “optimism.” One definition is, “a general
disposition to expect the best in all things.”
Here are some examples of statements we hear all the time. You decide
which ones are optimistic:
• Oh no. It’s Monday again.
• That teacher always gives bad tests.
• Yes, we have some crime in our country, but look at all the good
things being done.
• Since the sun is shining, I’m going to send these 25 brats outside.
• He is a difficult teacher, but I am learning a lot.
• We are in a beautiful area of the country, and many people want to
live here.
• That team always loses.
• Yes, you accidentally spilled your milk, but at least we have more.
• I can never get an “A” on a paper.
• Mondays are like a blank piece of paper, just waiting for me to fill
them up with good things.
• I don’t like strangers moving into our area.
• Winter will be cold, but the snow gives us some beautiful days and
is so good for the soil.
It’s all how you look at every situation. I think being negative is a
way for some people to get attention — but that’s not what I want to
be known for. Listen to yourself. Are you optimistic?
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Millionaire Integrity
By Donna Braymer
Published 10.6.09
Harrison Daily Times
I love to hear what books successful people are reading. Several
people have mentioned the two books by Dr. Thomas J. Stanley, “The
Millionaire Mind” and “The Millionaire Next Door.”
Of the thousands of completed responses for his study, most were
first-generation millionaires. They did not inherit the money, but
began their own companies or invested wisely from a young age and
never spent more than they made.
They were asked, “What are the top five factors important in
explaining your economic success?” The number one factor was integrity
— being honest with all people.
Surprised? Did you think millionaires would lie, cheat, steal and
gamble their way to the top? No, they don’t. Luck was number 27 on the
list.
Discipline — applying self control — was their second choice. Social
skills — getting along with people — was the third. A supportive
spouse was number four, and hard work —more than most people — was the
number five.
All of these, with the exception of a supportive spouse, are character
traits students can develop right now. Interested in being a
millionaire?
Most of the millionaires also had strong leadership qualities. “We
have the ability to sell our ideas to our employees and suppliers and
our products to carefully targeted audiences,” Stanley quotes a group
of millionaires. “We provide a product or service that has strong
demand, but few suppliers to fill that demand. We do not follow the
crowd.”
Integrity — being honest with all people, can affect your bank account.
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Published 10.6.09
Harrison Daily Times
I love to hear what books successful people are reading. Several
people have mentioned the two books by Dr. Thomas J. Stanley, “The
Millionaire Mind” and “The Millionaire Next Door.”
Of the thousands of completed responses for his study, most were
first-generation millionaires. They did not inherit the money, but
began their own companies or invested wisely from a young age and
never spent more than they made.
They were asked, “What are the top five factors important in
explaining your economic success?” The number one factor was integrity
— being honest with all people.
Surprised? Did you think millionaires would lie, cheat, steal and
gamble their way to the top? No, they don’t. Luck was number 27 on the
list.
Discipline — applying self control — was their second choice. Social
skills — getting along with people — was the third. A supportive
spouse was number four, and hard work —more than most people — was the
number five.
All of these, with the exception of a supportive spouse, are character
traits students can develop right now. Interested in being a
millionaire?
Most of the millionaires also had strong leadership qualities. “We
have the ability to sell our ideas to our employees and suppliers and
our products to carefully targeted audiences,” Stanley quotes a group
of millionaires. “We provide a product or service that has strong
demand, but few suppliers to fill that demand. We do not follow the
crowd.”
Integrity — being honest with all people, can affect your bank account.
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Monday, September 28, 2009
A little lie won't hurt. Will it?
By Donna Braymer
Published by the Harrison Daily Times
Sept. 29, 2009
What’s wrong with a little lie every now and then? It is certainly
easy to do. But a lie is still wrong, whether little or big. Why?
Honesty is an very important character trait. Once you have a
reputation for not telling the truth, it’s hard to convince people you
have changed.
People around you need to know they can trust you, and can always
believe what you say.
To my shame, as a teenager, I was very good at not telling a lie, but
also not telling the whole truth. That is just as wrong.
Once you start telling small lies, it gets easier and easier to
continue the deception. I’ve known some people who have told enough
lies, they aren’t sure what the truth really is.
It’s often said, “Tell a lie long enough and loud enough, and people
will take it for truth.”
Sometimes we tell ourselves lies, which are also dangerous. We think
we are not very smart, or put ourselves down for making a mistake. If
you constantly bombard your inner self with negative thoughts, you
will become what you think and be very miserable.
Small lies turn into big lies and lots of complications. Learn to
always tell the truth, to yourself and others. You are human. When you
make a mistake, admit it. Don’t blame others — be honest. Take
responsibility and make wise, honest choices.
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Published by the Harrison Daily Times
Sept. 29, 2009
What’s wrong with a little lie every now and then? It is certainly
easy to do. But a lie is still wrong, whether little or big. Why?
Honesty is an very important character trait. Once you have a
reputation for not telling the truth, it’s hard to convince people you
have changed.
People around you need to know they can trust you, and can always
believe what you say.
To my shame, as a teenager, I was very good at not telling a lie, but
also not telling the whole truth. That is just as wrong.
Once you start telling small lies, it gets easier and easier to
continue the deception. I’ve known some people who have told enough
lies, they aren’t sure what the truth really is.
It’s often said, “Tell a lie long enough and loud enough, and people
will take it for truth.”
Sometimes we tell ourselves lies, which are also dangerous. We think
we are not very smart, or put ourselves down for making a mistake. If
you constantly bombard your inner self with negative thoughts, you
will become what you think and be very miserable.
Small lies turn into big lies and lots of complications. Learn to
always tell the truth, to yourself and others. You are human. When you
make a mistake, admit it. Don’t blame others — be honest. Take
responsibility and make wise, honest choices.
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Monday, September 21, 2009
Cooperation
Cooperation is the key!
Published in the Harrison Daily Times
9.22.09
By Donna C. Braymer
Have you ever watched an ant farm at work? All of the ants cooperate with
each other to prepare for their daily and future survival. They are
such hard workers, it is interesting they do not have a “boss” or
“teacher” standing over them watching every move.
They live in colonies, and Wikipedia says, “The colonies are sometimes
described as superorganisms because the ants appear to operate as a
unified entity, collectively working together to support the colony.”
Cooperation is essential in a home, school and work environment.
Another definition states cooperation as being the association of
persons or businesses for common, usually economic, benefit.
Everyone benefits when the group cooperates. A classroom benefits
because everyone learns and enjoys the process.
A business benefits because customers want to come back and spend more
money.
The home benefits because we enjoy eating meals, wearing clean clothes
and doing fun activities as a family.
Work is involved in each aspect of cooperation. Where there is work,
there is reward. Businesses pass out paychecks and bonuses for hard
work. Schoolteachers pass out grades and year-end promotions for
learning well done. Cooperation helps families grow closer and enjoy
their time together.
See if you can spot someone cooperating today and give them a high
five!
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Published in the Harrison Daily Times
9.22.09
By Donna C. Braymer
Have you ever watched an ant farm at work? All of the ants cooperate with
each other to prepare for their daily and future survival. They are
such hard workers, it is interesting they do not have a “boss” or
“teacher” standing over them watching every move.
They live in colonies, and Wikipedia says, “The colonies are sometimes
described as superorganisms because the ants appear to operate as a
unified entity, collectively working together to support the colony.”
Cooperation is essential in a home, school and work environment.
Another definition states cooperation as being the association of
persons or businesses for common, usually economic, benefit.
Everyone benefits when the group cooperates. A classroom benefits
because everyone learns and enjoys the process.
A business benefits because customers want to come back and spend more
money.
The home benefits because we enjoy eating meals, wearing clean clothes
and doing fun activities as a family.
Work is involved in each aspect of cooperation. Where there is work,
there is reward. Businesses pass out paychecks and bonuses for hard
work. Schoolteachers pass out grades and year-end promotions for
learning well done. Cooperation helps families grow closer and enjoy
their time together.
See if you can spot someone cooperating today and give them a high
five!
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Patriots Make A Differance
Patriots make a difference
Published in the Harrison Daily Times 9.15.09
Last Friday the United States remembered the attack our nation
suffered eight years ago on September 11, 2001.
The tragic event has been turned into a day to remember the
individuals that place their lives on the line to protect freedom and
provide safety.
I am very thankful for the brave men and women that serve in our
military, and provide local emergency help and protection. Sometimes
the question is asked, “Why would you want to have a job that could be
dangerous?”
During our life time, even working in a school can be considered a
dangerous job. I believe people choose a profession because they want
to make a difference. Everyone wants to feel needed and make like
their life count.
Does this line of thought apply to students? Yes it sure does. I still
remember students that were kind, helpful and protective. I’m sure you
know some that are cruel bullies, always demanding attention, and
causing problems.
What would our world be like if today’s students determined to be
young patriots? To have the needs of others put before their own. To
care for other people’s property and to respect authority. It is very
possible. Start by doing something for someone else, without expecting
any recognition.
Cowards attacked our nation and changed our world forever. Be a brave
patriot and determine to make a difference in a good way.
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Published in the Harrison Daily Times 9.15.09
Last Friday the United States remembered the attack our nation
suffered eight years ago on September 11, 2001.
The tragic event has been turned into a day to remember the
individuals that place their lives on the line to protect freedom and
provide safety.
I am very thankful for the brave men and women that serve in our
military, and provide local emergency help and protection. Sometimes
the question is asked, “Why would you want to have a job that could be
dangerous?”
During our life time, even working in a school can be considered a
dangerous job. I believe people choose a profession because they want
to make a difference. Everyone wants to feel needed and make like
their life count.
Does this line of thought apply to students? Yes it sure does. I still
remember students that were kind, helpful and protective. I’m sure you
know some that are cruel bullies, always demanding attention, and
causing problems.
What would our world be like if today’s students determined to be
young patriots? To have the needs of others put before their own. To
care for other people’s property and to respect authority. It is very
possible. Start by doing something for someone else, without expecting
any recognition.
Cowards attacked our nation and changed our world forever. Be a brave
patriot and determine to make a difference in a good way.
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Friday, July 31, 2009
Where has the summer gone?
I don't know about you, but the summer is almost gone! I know it's just July 30, but still, school activities are already getting started.
Rowdy and I have been very busy this summer starting the promotion of his newest book, Rowdy Raccoon and the Turtle Who Wanted To Fly.
The publisher, her staff, and the artist did a tremendous job on the 32-page, hard cover...all color book!! Can you tell I'm excited?
I'm also thrilled that Arkansas Children's Hospital has accepted Rowdy as a fund-raising partner. So a portion of the proceeds from my personal book sales, is donated to the hospital. Very exciting!
Help us get the word out on the national scene. The book is available everywhere! Just ask for it, if your favorite store doesn't have it yet.
Also ask at your library!
If you'd like an autographed copy to a special child in your life, just purchase from Rowdy's web page. (www.RowdyRaccoon.com)
Also, Rowdy has ventured into the FaceBook scene. Sign up for his fan club at "Children's Book for Character."
One more thing...if you are interested in using Rowdy as a fund-raiser for your school or organization just give me an email and we'll talk!
Until next time....
Donna
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Rowdy and I have been very busy this summer starting the promotion of his newest book, Rowdy Raccoon and the Turtle Who Wanted To Fly.
The publisher, her staff, and the artist did a tremendous job on the 32-page, hard cover...all color book!! Can you tell I'm excited?
I'm also thrilled that Arkansas Children's Hospital has accepted Rowdy as a fund-raising partner. So a portion of the proceeds from my personal book sales, is donated to the hospital. Very exciting!
Help us get the word out on the national scene. The book is available everywhere! Just ask for it, if your favorite store doesn't have it yet.
Also ask at your library!
If you'd like an autographed copy to a special child in your life, just purchase from Rowdy's web page. (www.RowdyRaccoon.com)
Also, Rowdy has ventured into the FaceBook scene. Sign up for his fan club at "Children's Book for Character."
One more thing...if you are interested in using Rowdy as a fund-raiser for your school or organization just give me an email and we'll talk!
Until next time....
Donna
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Heading to Arkansas Children's Hospital
Rowdy and I will leave Friday for a trip to Little Rock for the Circle of Friends meeting at Arkansas Children's Hospital. I feel so honored to be a part of this wonderful group of volunteers that give of their time and money to raise funds for the hospital. This will be my first time to visit the hospital, and I'm looking forward to the tour. I hope I have the opportunity to let some children give Rowdy a hug and get a book mark.
Arkansas Children's Hospital has approved me as a partner to represent the hospital with Rowdy at fund-raising events. So a portion of the proceeds of the new book, Rowdy Raccoon and the Turtle Who Wanted To Fly will be donated to the hospital. I'm very exctied about this partnership. They are such a worthy cause! Plus I'm excited because the new book looks so great. I can hardly wait!!! It will be out in just days. You can pre-order a copy from Rowdy's web page or Amazon.com.
Later!
db
www.RowdyRaccoon.com
www.DonnaCBraymer.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
