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Thursday's Essay Preview
The first paragraph of Thursday's essay, "Ann Arbor, Michigan --- Where I Grew Up, " reads as follows:
I lived in Ann Arbor from 1952 through 1965 (sixth grade through my master’s degree from the University of Michigan (UofM)) — 13 years total. I say this only to provide some perspective regarding this essay. During that time my family moved twice. We began our stay in a house at 701 Sunset Road high above the city (as high as you can go above a city in which there are no mountains, only minor hills) and ended our stay at 1476 Kirtland Drive (a Drive my parents named after Michigan’s Kirtland Warbler), in a house just blocks from what was then called Ann Arbor High School (Pioneer High School now). All of my memories of Ann Arbor are positive, and that, too, colors the nature of this essay.
Thursday's Essay Excerpt - from the last paragraph of the essay
As you can see, I was an energetic youth. You can also tell from just these descriptions, that I led an active life. What made it particularly exciting was the variety. I was never still, never bored, never unengaged. For me, Ann Arbor holds wonderful, fulfilling, pleasant, and satisfying memories.
And Then Some News
Thursday's Essay Preview
The first paragraph of Thursday's essay, "Grow Up!, " reads as follows:
When I gave my lecture on “How to become a writer” to fifth graders, I had a young fellow ask me after the lecture was over, “Were these the things you did to become a writer?” Although I would have loved to say, “Yes, exactly!,” I had to be honest with him. “No,” I said, “but I didn’t have someone come into my class in the fifth grade and tell me what I’ve told you today. These are things that I learned and am now sharing with you.”
Thursday's Essay Excerpt - from the last paragraph of the essay
At the end of Chapter 6, “Get Out of Your Comfort Zones,” and as part of the conclusion to that chapter, I write what could be the theme or thesis of the entire book: “What many people fail to realize is that, indeed, they are in charge of their lives—qualified, capable, and able—and they have the key to their prison cells if they would just find it, put it into the lock, turn it, open the door, and allow themselves to be catapulted into new and uncharted territory” (p. 17). Catapulted, I might add, into new and uncharted territory that could best be characterized by “growth.” At least when someone tells you to “Grow up!, after reading You Rules, you will know how to do it.
And Then Some News
Thursday's Essay Preview
The first paragraph of Thursday's essay, "When the time is right, " reads as follows:
It is during January and February when I experience some of my most productive time when it comes to writing. I am able to “stock-up” on essays for my blog, write reviews of books for my blog, and compose speeches and other items, like no other time during the year. For example, since January 14th, 2011, when I finished reading page proofs for the 10th edition of my textbook, Communicating Effectively (McGraw-Hill), I completed more than 30 essays and nearly 25 book reviews.
Thursday's Essay Excerpt - from the last paragraph of the essay
If I have the proper mindset, my attention is sufficiently focused, and I am filled with passion, then I have happily discovered that with some relaxation and patience — perhaps even turning my attention to other things than the project at hand — I can accomplish what I need to do. It is as if I am offering directions and guidance — albeit surreptitiously [acting with stealth] — to the behavioral centers of my physical being. In the end (when the time is right), I am simply programming my self for productivity.
And Then Some News
Thursday's Essay Preview
The first two paragraphs of Thursday's essay, "How Do You Know?, " read as follows:
Our life can be our insurance policy. It doesn’t work for everyone; however, it can work for you if 1) you think about it, 2) prepare for it, and 3) use it.
We purchase life insurance, automobile insurance, and house insurance, and we spend a great deal of our money on these insurance policies. Seldom, however, do we spend as much money on any other kind of insurance policy. It is, perhaps, because these are obvious, they are what everybody does, and, as much as possible, they protect us from unexpected disasters, calamities, and accidents. Word of mouth from others who have been protected from such situations by their insurance policies is often sufficient testimony to convince us of the need for it.
Thursday's Essay Excerpt - from the last paragraph of the essay
The idea of being able to face any aspect of your life or any new experience with all of your skills and abilities at their peak can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. That is, if you know that your engine is tuned and fully fueled, you are ready to compete with any other vehicle in its class, and that information allows you to be confident, self-assured, and ready for action. It is as if your success is pre-conditioned and that strength then energizes you to be the winner that you are. That is when your life becomes your insurance policy, and the answer to the question, “How do you know?” is clear. I know I can face any obstacle, any problem, any predicament, and arrive at the best solution possible — because I have all the skill and ability I need!
And Then Some News
