Lighten up, never lose your cool

[Note: This article was originally published in Michael's Friday5 newsletter. Subscribe here for motivational messages, movie reviews and music recommendations.] Reflecting 

The cast of Ferris Bueller's Day Off held an online reunion that's a ton of fun.  Reunited Apart is hosted by Josh Gad and includes staggered (and mind-blowing) introductions of seven cast members of the 1986 classic directed by John Hughes.  Bueller?  Anyone?  Bueller?     Relaxing 

A long pandemic makes it hard to relax.  Check out the color of noise and see how variations of the old "white noise" can help you get some rest.  There are countless variations on YouTube, including brown noise, blue noise, red noise and pink noise.  They come in shades of blended, watery, smoothed, organic and more.  Black screen versions make it super easy to fall asleep.  Check them out and let me know which is your favorite! Joking 

A wealthy matron was so proud of one of her antique vases, that she decided to have her bedroom painted the same color as the rare vase.   Dozens of painters tried to match the shade, but none came close enough to satisfy the eccentric woman.   Eventually, she located a painter who successfully mixed the proper color.  The high society woman was very pleased with the results and made sure the entire art community knew the artist’s name.   A few weeks later, several artists cornered the painter at an art show.  “That lady is so hard to please!" they said.  "How did you get the walls to match that vase so perfectly?”   “I repainted the vase,” the painter said. Thinking 

Eric Hoffer, author of "The True Believer"

Yeah, I know life decisions are hard right now.  But, never stop thinking for yourself.  Eric Hoffer, author of The True Believer and the Indian mystic, Sadhguru have written about the problems of belonging, believing and identifying.  Most people "belong," but are not involved anyway, so consider being more your own person on important issues and you'll feel better.    Storytelling

Everyone has a book in them. No one regrets writing a book, but lots of folks come to regret not telling their story.  Use your story to build your brand; improve life for others and yourself.  Tip: Writing your story is easy compared to getting it out there.   Let me know if you want help and I'll get you pointed in the right direction with  a free consult.  The video above offers encouragement.

   Keep making friends

People are your greatest resource.  Don't let The Shutdown keep you from building your social media networks.  Start with yours truly on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.  See you there or talk with you soon!