Apollo 13 lesson

We recently watched the movie Apollo 13 that stars Tom Hanks...based upon the true story of the NASA mission. When everything hits the fan and they realize the mission will not be completed, one of the NASA team members says, "This is going to be the most embarrassing moment in our history." The flight commander corrects him and firmly and confidently replies, "I think this is going to be our finest hour."

The team of people who solved complex issues and overcame all obstacles did not accept failure as an option...even though all the data was pointing to losing their astronauts. Those men returned home, and the mission went down in history as the "most successful failed mission." The team's goal of landing on the moon was replaced with simply surviving...making it back home to their families.

During the tough times we are facing individually and collectively, we have a choice on how we will respond. Will we look upon our challenges as the worst of times or will we decide that this may indeed be the opportunity for the best in each of us to shine brightly?

Multi Generations

Since I was in high school, I've been studying the unique generations and how the culture has shaped each of them. For the first time in our history, we have four different generations working together...or trying to anyway. Family life is no exception with multi-generations living under one roof. As conflicts and frustration rise, let me just offer some very basic suggestions (fyi...I have an excellent program that helps one understand the strengths of each generation and how to work together towards a common goal...contact me for more information):

1. Spend time with your elders. The Traditional or World War II Generation have lived through a wide range of life experiences. They have lived with and without. Their wisdom is priceless. Ask questions, listen and learn before it's too late. Besides, you will someday be considered an elder.

2. Encourage and support your peers. We are all on a journey trying to find our way. Let us not get so caught up in ourselves that we forget to offer a helping hand to those who need it. The holiday season is the perfect time to phone friends with kind words or a listening ear. Stuff is just stuff. We're all on this planet together, and we need each other.

3. Invest in our youth. Rather than complain about what they aren't doing, help kids develop areas they are lacking. Volunteer, mentor, coach, train or simply cheer our younger generations on. We'll get from them what we expect, so expect great things!