Dani and Jay Herbert

We all have bought or received gifts. Sometimes paying a little or lot (sometimes they paid a little or a lot...at least we hope it was a lot, LOL!) only to not use them after a while, give them away or not have any long term impact from them. Can you relate? If so, here's some insight from some of the most successful people in the world and what gifts had the most impact on them. Some will shock you. And in the end, isn't giving more about how it makes something feel? And the longer the impact the better, right? Have fun shopping.

"A friend is not someone that you check their status; Your network is not on LimkedIn; A conversation doesn't happen on a blog; and You can't have a discussion on Twitter." - Simon Sinek... These are basic human requirements and we can't fulfill them on Facebook or any other social platform. Somewhere along the way, with all the great technology, we have lost the ability to build TRUST with others because we don't get to know their values and more importantly what they believe in. Can we truly get excited by receiving a text or email? Maybe I'm naive to think that we can find the same type of connection we once had before our phones became our best friends. Maybe I'm just hopeful. Hopeful that despite today's overwhelming reliance on the web for info, we can have more interaction with others in our physical space so we can be truly inspired by them and what they stand for. Not because we see a post about them. If we don't, the next generation will be so far removed from each other that the fun Disney movie "Wall-E" will be their reality. A Future where people talk to screens instead of the people beside them. We deserve more...they deserve more. #connected #realconversations #humanity

The average person seeks to be inspired by others while the successful person seeks to inspire others. The only difference between both people is how they view themselves. Make a decision TODAY to believe that you have greatness in you, that you don't have to dig up all the circumstances/bad stuff that conditioned you and that you can ACT as POWERFUL person you are. You see, all of us have the gift to lift up those around us...all we must do is BELIEVE!

It's easy to get caught up in life so pause & appreciate those closest to you. They are what matters most. #weekendgetaway #fun #gratitude

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Joe, who happened to be a volunteer for the Salvation Army. As we talked, I learned that he had been with the organization for 20 years, worked with the Lions club for 15 years before that and as a mason, he now also gives rides for Cancer patients. When I asked him, "Why he still helped out as much?" He said,"there doesn't seems to be anyone to fill my shoes." As we continued to talk, we discussed how the younger generation weren't coming ...out and lacked the desire to volunteer. How it seemed they were looking to get paid for helping out and how their desire to have fun or do something else created less of a sense of responsibility to make a difference in the community. Having volunteered for so long, I couldn't help but listen to this older gentleman who's experience was something to learn from. When I mentioned that there were more causes then ever before and that one of many reasons for the challenge, he agreed but promptly added, "there are more people having a tougher time." How could I disagree? We both recognized that life is speeding up and for various reasons, time seems to be scarce. However, we both know that everything comes down to a priority and he believes that his town, as a whole, has lost some of the giving spirit. As we parted, I thanked him for the conversation and wished him a great Christmas. Walking away, I asked myself if I was doing enough. Dani has volunteered her time this year to two initiatives, me to one and I coach youth basketball but is it enough? I don't have an answer for the dilemma we face on the volunteer front. With an aging populations, illness on the rise and families juggling work and kids activities, who knows whether there will be people to replace the great stewards who have helped out their respective communities for so long. In the mean time, if you can volunteer, lend a helping hand at the local mission this Christmas or find a cause that fills your heart, please get started because it's up to us to carry on the great example laid out by so many like Joe. See more