Happy 24th of July -- Pioneer Day

Happy 24th of July! For those of you outside of Utah, July 24 is Pioneer Day in Utah and is a state holiday. It is the day we celebrate the pioneers settling in the Salt Lake Valley.

July 24th is a huge holiday full of fireworks, parades, and family celebrations. It's always fun to have an extra holiday during the year.

Read more about Pioneer Day

The Four Agreements - Life Changing Book

If you want to change the quality of your life, pick up and read The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Very highly recommended book. Helps to identify limiting personal beliefs, change them and see the world differently -- in a more peaceful and joyful way.

Giving Compliments

Have you ever been truly complimented -- out of the blue? I read an article recently about a woman who was having a terrible day. She ended up in the grocery store and suddenly another woman who was passing her, turned back and said, "I really like your hair." One comment. Simple.

How do you think that statement changed the first woman's outlook? It changed her whole day -- made her feel good about herself and her attitude and perspective changed.

Experiment for a day - when you see something that deserves a compliment -- speak up! Open your mouth! (Make sure it is sincere otherwise it won't work). At the end of the day, think back to those you touched and how it affected you as well. Did your day go better? Were you happier? Were you looking for the good and not the bad?

This is an interesting process - but a heart-felt compliment has tremendous power.

Accepting Others

There is a great article today on Daily OM about allowing other people to experience their own journeys through life and not being judgmental about others making mistakes. We all have our own lives and it's important to gain experience. If you want to get uplifting and thought-provoking thoughts each day, sign up for their free emails - highly recommended.

Happy 4th of July!

On Saturday night I attended a great 4th of July celebration in Provo -- the Stadium of Fire. It was a wonderful event with Lonestar, Mandy Moore, Lucy Lawless, Debbie Reynolds, Louis Gossett Jr., Fred Willard, a 4,000 voice children's choir, F-16 flyovers, and a 25 minute firework presentation. Everything was spectacular. We had a live link with troops in Afghanistan and Iraq -- and some soldiers were able to talk to their families who were in attendance. It was a very powerful event. Great kickoff for the 4th of July and celebrating our freedom. Happy 4th everyone and thanks to all the troops who are fighting to protect freedom around the globe. Freedom Festival