The principal theme of our discussion centers upon the notion that transformation is not solely the product of monumental experiences, but rather, it is sculpted through the daily choices we make in the aftermath of those pivotal moments. We explore into the significance of daily intentionality, emphasizing that it is through the repetition of small, deliberate actions that we cultivate the character we aspire to embody. Our conversation further explores the vital role that values play as a compass, guiding our decisions and shaping our interactions with others. We reflect on the idea that legacy is not merely an inheritance left behind, but rather, it is crafted each day through acts of kindness, presence, and encouragement. Ultimately, we invite our audience to contemplate their own journeys of becoming, urging them to consider how they will live each day in alignment with the person they wish to become.
Takeaways:
Reflecting on our daily choices is essential for personal growth and transformation.
Life's true legacy is built through everyday actions rather than grand achievements or possessions.
Understanding and living by our values serves as a guiding compass in difficult times.
Mindfulness encourages us to appreciate and engage fully with the present moment, enhancing our daily experiences.
Intentionality in our actions is key to becoming the person we aspire to be over time.
The storms of life shape us, but it is our intentions that ultimately define our character.
Transcripts
Speaker A:
Welcome to Make a Difference, a podcast about reflection and self improvement.
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Each month the podcast will choose a series of quotes centered around a topic for reflection and then thoughts for discussion and implementation.
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We all get stuck sometimes and these shows are designed to show us a way to get unstuck.
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These shows are published Monday through Friday.
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Join us daily to make a difference on how you view your personal outlook and hopefully improve it.
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We will kick off the show with your host, Mark Quinn after this short break.
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Welcome back to Make a Difference.
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A thought for today states the person you become is not shaped by the biggest moments in your life, but the small choices that you make after those moments have passed.
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The transformation isn't complete when you survive the storm.
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It's complete when you begin living differently because of what the storm taught you.
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In our last episode last week we asked one of the most important questions we can ever ask ourselves.
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Who am I becoming after that?
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What happens after we answer that question?
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Because knowing who you want to become doesn't automatically change your life.
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Living like that person does.
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And today I want to focus about choosing that life one day at a time.
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That's really what I'm working on on a daily basis.
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Nobody accidentally becomes the person they admire.
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Our character isn't created in one dramatic moment, it's built in ordinary Tuesday afternoons.
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We make daily choices about what we're going to do, what we're going to focus on, how we're going to get to the next point in what we're doing.
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These set the daily attitudes and we think about how we're going to be working on these things.
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Those drive the daily conversations and the responses we get in return.
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Growth comes through repetition.
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What's really important here to think about is that your values become your compass.
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What matters most now?
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Have you ever stopped to think about that on a daily basis and really think about what your values are, such as kindness, integrity, patience, service, gratitude, courage.
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This is some of mine, but I invite you to choose your own and insert that into that list and reflect upon that.
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When life becomes difficult, your values become your compass.
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Goals can change, circumstances can change, but your values remain.
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I've shared with you the illness that nearly took my life.
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I've talked with you, how I have looked at things differently, how I'm prayerful and mindful in the morning before I start my day and refocusing my thoughts towards a positive perspective.
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We spend so much time preparing for tomorrow that we forget to experience today.
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If you can be mindful and focus on the now, it really gives you a Different perspective for the day.
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What if today wasn't just another day?
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What if today was your life?
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Think about the family dinners, sunsets, conversation, laughter with those around you, quiet moments.
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These are life, they are not the interruptions to life.
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And sometimes, and I've thought about this after having my tomorrow in question, I was so busy trying to look forward to things and plan and move forward.
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I didn't focus on those things with the amount of attention that I really should have.
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And I think that changes everything once you begin to do so.
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It all centers around gratitude.
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Being grateful for what those things bring you and what you have on a daily basis.
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The other point that I have been considering is that many people think legacy is something left behind.
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Our society drives that home, funeral planning, what we leave behind, inheritance, etc.
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But actually legacy is created every day.
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It's found in encouraging someone, forgiveness, helping others, listening and being present in the moment with those around you.
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Long before people remember what you accomplished, they remember how you make them feel.
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And that has an impact on how you feel and it changes the way you look at your day and what you're trying to accomplish.
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And I think that's worth a moment of reflection.
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As you think about reflecting on that, I ask you to consider this thought in coordination with that.
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The greatest measure of your life isn't what you achieve, it's who experiences more hope because you were part of their story.
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I ask you to think about this as you reflect on the things for this episode.
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When someone describes you five years from now, what do you hope they will say?
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Not about what you owned, not about your career, but about who you were.
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As I think about these things, I'm looking at what I'm going to do to be intentional each day about making a difference about who I want to become.
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Here are some suggestions for you to consider where you could do this for yourself.
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Write a thank you note to someone who made a difference in your life.
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Encourage a co worker.
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Put your phone away during dinner.
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Tell someone you're proud of them.
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Pray for someone, forgive someone.
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Let that grudge go.
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Call someone you've been thinking about.
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Don't put it off.
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Call them now and let them know you're thinking about them.
And I can tell you as I'm going through this, after my experience and working through my recovery, it's the intentional experience each day that really makes the difference and leads you to the person that you want to be.
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In closing, consider this.
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The storms of life change us as we've discussed.
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Recovery reveals us, but the intention defines us.
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Every morning, we wake up with another opportunity to become the person life has been preparing us to be.
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So as you begin this week, don't simply ask, who am I becoming?
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Ask, how will I live as that person today?
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Because every day is another opportunity to make a difference.
