Sal's Reflections

When asked how they feel about their jobs the overwhelming number of people respond with the answer that it is not their dream job.When you consider that most of us spend half of our waking lives on a job that is an issue of most concern. The issues behind these feelings initially appear as monetary ones, but on closer examination it is almost always that they feel they are stuck,not taken seriously and do not get a sense of purpose or fulfillment out of their work.Changing jobs is not so simple today ,so one of my suggestions is if possible add a dimension to your job.take on a new assignment or ask yourself what aspect of my job could I change without asking for permission.Reach out to someone and pursue the possibility of a joint project.Examine a weakness or flaw in the organization and attempt to offer an alternative strategy.There is always some dimension that you can find more satisfying.Reach within yourself with the knowledge that if you feel undervalued and underutilized it is up to you to create adjustments that put more energy and inspiration in your spirit.

One of my mentors in the business world was famous for telling his staff not to settle for tiny goals.I can still hear his strong baritone voice telling his staff that”life is short so seek huge hairy goals.”With his words in mind I would like
to share some of my “hairy goals with my friends here.

To have “Hitler’s Priest made into a movie
To secure over fifty Holocaust and Leadership presentations in a year.
To fulfill my promise to Viktor by promoting both novels so that it makes others aware-that silence only supports evil.
To find media opportunities to further the Holocaust and Leadership work.

Any runner or athlete knows that it is essential to stretch before performing any strenuous activities.The stretching loosens the muscles and creates a level of preparation that will often prevent injury One could say that there is a similar situation with our minds. New learning widens the possibilities and often opens up a vista of opportunities that have previously been unknown.There is no point in the human experience when mind stretching is not possible. I am constantly aware of information that stretches possibilities that literally transforms my life.I hope that today and every day forward I will learn something that I already knew at a deeper level, or something new that stretches my mind and spirit.

Yesterday on my way to the Corner bakery in the morning I observed a policeman stopping traffic to allow a group of very young children and their caretakers to cross the street. Once they reached the other side the policeman engaged them in playful banter, and apparently knew all of their names. The children were smiling, and many hugged him and knew his name as well.When the children left I spoke to him and said what a joy it was to witness the interactions.”He smiled and said’ I try to do this everyday so that they see a cop that cares about them, and is just another friendly person in authority. Also I must admit it is the highlight of my day, and the best part of my job..”
I thought that about it at the bakery ,and realized that every job can be made better if we find one act that makes us feel valued and respected. Looking for ways to make where we spend half of our waking lives is a mission that hopefully we all will take on.

Hope is part of our lives and it is frequently uttered in our everyday speech. We hope that we will get this job and we hope that this or that does not happen. We hope that our child ,will be successful,l and we even hope that it will not rain the week we are at the beach.It is most normal to have hope about a host of phenomena but it becomes more vibrant when it is accompanied by action.Hope can become more than whimsy when we plan and behave in such a way that the chances of what we hope for are enhanced My hopes and dreams become more than castles in the sky when I perform all the necessary actions that make the hope more real and possible.

There is a growing level of excitement regarding the Pope’s visit to America.Pope Francis has caught the attention and admiration of not only the catholic world but also people of good will all over the globe.It is not necessary that one agree with every sentence uttered by this most compassionate man to see that above all he is filled with love and concern for all.His words are not the usual nuanced carefully guarded phrases that usually accompany his office. He is open,forthright and fearless as he appeals to the higher angels within persons who often are driven by motives of fear and hate. Above all he is an example of a pastor who cares for all the sheep even those who differ with him.May his tenure in office be blessed with longevity.