Lets "Talk Story"

Communication today is very different from just 10 years ago. Now we have cell phones everywhere, texting, posting, tweeting, etc. etc. Most times the communication is one way. Well maybe we need to change. I propose we have a two way conversation face to face. That can be scary for many who only want to communicate via keyboard. Well times are a changing and now is your chance to get a foot in the door of a program I call "Talk Story".

I grew up in Hawaii and until the missionaries came to Hawaii we had no written language. Culture, history, art, and everything else was passed down through stories. I have a  girls Hawaiian middle name Kalikookalani which means the heavenly budding flower. Now why a girls middle name for a boy? Here is the "story" I was told. When the American's took over the islands in 1893, they went after all of the Royals. Queen Liliokalani was put under house arrest. Those fearing the same faith took on English names to hide their Royal Lineage. According to the "story" I was told I am a decedent of Princess Kalikookalani, daughter of Kamehameha and Kaaumanu. Pretty cool right. I don't think its true but it is kinda fun to think you are an Alii. Well this is way off the subject. Or is it?

Talking story is a way for us to truly communicate. We sit and listen. I am sure it is different for men and women. We guys mostly talk about our hobbies, like fishing, cars, or sports. We try to one up each other. We tell politically incorrect jokes. We poke fun at each others faults. But most of all we laugh, we share, we become community. I am sure women are not much different. They may not talk about cars, fishing or sports though I am sure they are also building community. So how do we do this?

Have a party. Progressive dinners are fun, pot lucks are easy, however my favorite is a cook out. Men make fire. Put meat on fire. Eat meat. We all stand around the grill trying not to burn everything all the while the women gather to discuss the latest gossip. We laugh, we sing (me always off key), we understand that we are not alone.

What does this have to do with communication in today's society? Lets stop to communicating one way. Lets stop formulating what we are going to say before the person finishes their sentence. Lets make it a point to allow ourselves a chance to share our story. Our unwritten story. Let us all take time to sit back and listen to each other and wait for silence, then tell our story.

Harry

Recession Proof Yourself

Best selling Author Dan Miller, in his latest blog post, tells us to be astonishing. Each of us have unique qualities that make us standout from others. What makes you special? What is it that you do that makes you essential to your business or job? Are you doing what you love? If you answered no to the last question, then maybe I can help you get that dream job or start that business you always wanted.

As a life coach it is my job to help you fulfill your dreams. I design an individual plan of action to help you in situations that may seen unattainable. I listen to what you want. I help you set attainable goals. I help evaluate your progress and continue to help you improve. I use a technique from Japan called the 5S Philosophy as well as lean thinking. My style of coaching is unique in that I use the best business models and techniques and apply them to solve personal problems.

There are only a few days left in June to take advantage of my two free coaching sessions. E-mail me your phone number and a time for me to call. I will let you know if it fits in my schedule. If it does, I will send an e-mail confirmation. Each time we chat I would ask that you choose a place that is quite and offers limited or no interruptions. Coaching is not for everyone, so take this opportunity to find out if it will be helpful to you.

Harry

Take FIVE

A lot of people talk about centering themselves to calm themselves. What does that mean and more importantly what does it mean for me? In our busy lives we often find ourselves getting frustrated with our workload, endless e-mails, phone calls etc. An easy way to help get needed oxygen and refocus ourselves is to take F.I.V.E.

F is for Feel - most of the time we go about our day unaware of how we are feeling. We are concentrated on the task at hand and sometimes it can lead to anger, frustration, and overwhelming. So once in a while consciously feel out your emotional state. Understand your limits before you find yourself in trouble for doing or saying something you should not. If you have reached your point consciously move on to the "I" in FIVE.

Inhale. Yes that's right take a few deep breaths in through the nose exhaling out the mouth. Be sure to see your chest expand and rise slowly as you inhale and watch it as it slowly deflates. Also remember to feel it. Is the air cool going in, is my breath hot coming out, or does is smell like that last cup of coffee. Whatever the case be aware of it. Now lest move on to "V".

Visualize. Close your eyes and watch as with each breath you take, the pressure and stress you were feeling are being lifted off of your chest. As you do this you now need to become aware of your surroundings. Feel your feed in your shoes. feel your clothing on your body. Hear the cars going by, what ever just become aware. Now its time to finish our FIVE with "E".

Ease. Slowly open your eyes, continue to breath, and slowly bring yourself back to just after you let go of all your stress. You are feeling refreshed, your mind is sharper with more oxygen, and you now have a better understanding of what has been holding you back. What? I you do?

Remember when I asked you to become aware of your surroundings, feel your feet in your shoes, they way your clothes felt. Before you started a FIVE you were only acting from an emotional state or more closely an unconscious state. Like driving home and not remembering how you got there. Now being aware of your conscious mind, you are now ready to make clear decisions that will lead you to success and not a visit to HR. Remember to take FIVE.

Harry

What's All The Fuss About Gold

No one knows for sure when man (when I say this I mean women to) decided that gold was special. Gold is a metal that is easy to work with, doesn't tarnish, and fairly easy to find. It along with silver and copper became the exchange of choice many thousands of years ago. It it easier to carry around coins than to have animals, fire wood, produce or whatever to exchange with. Click on this link to see a short video about money. The video is part 1 of 5. It is 10 minutes long, however you may find yourself watching the other 4 videos.

Did this video make your blood pressure rise a little? Do you remember anyone teaching you about money in school? How about economics? We learned about supply and demand of goods and services yet only briefly touched on money. In finance the same thing, this time we learned how to calculate debt and cost analysis, yet not once did we ever get schooled in how banks and governments have worked together to essentially enslave the public.

My last post was about debt. If I knew what I do now about money when I was younger,  I would have never made the stupid mistakes that have caused me many years of frustration. This type of course should be taught in every school. It is simple to learn and easy to follow. Our grandparents or great grandparents used this system of money. It is time for us to get educated. If you would like help getting your house in order or have questions feel free to e-mail me at hyonemura3@yahoo.com or simply leave a comment below. Money is the number one cause of fighting among spouses. Don't let yourself become a statistic.

Harry

"Cash is King and Debt is Dumb"

The phrase "cash is king and debt is dumb" comes from Dave Ramsey, author, radio and television host, whom I have read and have attended his classes. He makes a compelling point about how getting yourself out of debt, cutting up your credit cards, and following his "baby steps" will lead to financial freedom. Well he is right on every point he makes and I agree with him and I teach his techniques to help others get their financial house in order. I also help people get employed. I use the techniques I have learned from Dan Miller, Dr. Steven Covey, and Dale Carnagie. I also sometimes loan people, who cant afford to purchase the books, my copies because I was once in their shoes.

For the last few years I have not been in the best of health. I have had thrombosis surgery, back surgery, compromised immune system, become diabetic, and have some form of arthritis that the doctors can't figure out. I can't work because I hurt all over. I can't go out for fear of catching a cold. I am locked up in my home. Well almost, I do go to church, doctors appointments, short trips to the supermarket, or pick up my child from school. I need to ware a mask when I am out, although on may occasions I forgo the mask, because people are afraid of me. All in all my life could be worst. I could be in the hospital or not be able to do anything. I miss work dearly and hope to return to Costco someday.

For now my safest way to make some extra needed cash is to provide financial strategies, assist people in their job searches, be a sounding board for business ideas, research information on the Internet, or anything I can do from home. Oh yea, did I forgot to mention, I am a computer geek. I can trouble shoot software and hardware problems, find the right parts at the best prices, and fix your computer. Some of you maybe looking for someone like me to assist you personally or know someone who could use my skills. I charge reasonable rates and am very successful at what I do.

If you would like to learn more or hire me, you can e-mail me at hyonemura3@yahoo.com. Please include you phone number so I call you. I find e-mailing back and forth is less effective than a phone conversion. Plus I also get to speak to a live person. Also if you would like to purchase any of the books I mentioned, just click on the authors name in this post at it will take you to Amazon.com. By purchasing a book that way you can also help me out. Thanks in advance for your time and also for all the prayers and comfort that I have received during the past years.

Harry