Women's Sports Coverage Disparity.

Every day I read the sports news in the newspaper, on social media sights and listen to it on television and I have discovered not much about women’s sports is being mentioned. There is nothing wrong with men’s sports mind you, but I am tired of hearing about all the big boys, who are making big bucks, in court trying to get suspensions from their games rescinded. All athletes should be held accountable for their actions. Is one player worth millions of dollars a year?

There are many skilled women athletes who need an equal playing field, equal support, and a fair share of financial support and news coverage. It is time corporate America take a look at Women’s Sports and invests some time, energy and money. Are you going to let all women’s athletic careers end with college?

A breakthrough must come from somewhere and start a move forward now. It can start with our young men and women in advertisement and sports management by coming up with fresh new creative ideas. It can start with all the young men and women in the media industry to research and work on stories about promoting women athletes. There are many great stories out there. Photographers can bring action shots alive by catching great action on the women’s playing field as well.

It is up to the women in sports to seek out news and media coverage. Players, coaches, and sports related industries certainly need to join hands and be united to promote, in a common effort for the good of their sport.

Fans of Women’s Sports are also in the equation. Speaking up and requesting more coverage in the media for their sport. Joining hands with other businesses to sponsor media coverage for television and radio coverage can solve the problem of coverage being unaffordable for one business alone.

It will take everyone, joining a united team to find the solution to the disparity.

 

Why Be A Good Listener

Listening Skills

Listening skills are most important if you want to get along with others.  We all have at least some skills, we don’t use them much and they just get rusty over time The biggest communications problem is we don’t listen to understand, we listen to reply.. Here are 10 tips to work on:

Don’t Interrupt

Ask Questions-means you are listening.

Make acknowledgements like “Yes, I know or I understand”.

Summarize conversations.

Keep your ears and eyes focused on the one talking.

Be willing to become a good listener.

Understand why you should be a good listener.

Repeat and write it down.

Keep eye contact

Be yourself

Being a good listener will prompt others to listen to you, respect what you have to say and improve communication skills.

Why Understand Anger ?

Anger is an emotion we snatch up to avoid less comfortable feelings confusion, fear, and sadness.  Anger is a normal human emotion that always occurs after we experience something that causes us frustration worry, etc. It is usually associated with forms of stress…emotional family, psychological, work, or a work-related experience.

Why should we understand our anger? Some say it is good to have a little temper to show you are not a pushover if the temper is uncontrollable is it not acceptable in our relationships with family, with others, with business relations or even us.

Here are some things that anger can cause:

Anger leads to more stress causing more anger

Anger reduces our social skills and compromises other relationships too.

Anger leads to making mistakes.

Anger could mean a loss of business because it destroys your relationships with contacts.

So start now with a few tips to control stress and anger.

Think Before you speak- Take time to collect your thoughts before you say something you will regret.

Express your anger in a non-confrontational way after you calm down. State your concerns clearly and directly without hurting others or trying to control them.

Exercise!  It reduces stress which can cause you to be angry. When you feel your anger rising stop and go take a walk. Do something you enjoy.

Time outs are for adults too. During stressful times of the day take brief time outs. A quiet time helps prepare you better for things ahead without getting irritable.

Work on issues at hand. Remind yourself that anger won’t fix anything and might even make it worse.

Don’t hold a grudge. Don’t get swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of frustration. With forgiveness, you might even learn from the situation.

Practice relaxation skills. Put those relaxation skills to work. Breathe deeply; listen to music or maybe a little yoga. Maybe even repeat a calming word.

 

My Life Long Theme- The Starfish Story

It is often popular for a leader of a group to have a theme or motto to help set the goals and a path to reach those goals and objectives.  Mine was The Starfish Story, you know the one. I was born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, a city that stretches along beside a 26 mile stretch of beach. It was also a time when I was the District Director for Business and Professional Women Organization in the state of Florida whose mission statement is:

TO ACHIEVE EQUITY FOR ALL WOMEN IN THE WORKPLACE THROUGH ADVOCACY FOR WORKING WOMEN.

The objective of the group is to elevate women through education. Programs have been developed to be used at the local level for BPW’s local clubs across the state to use. Members thrive and enhance professional skills and leadership abilities such as individual development skills, women in transition programs, mentoring, young careerist, and the BPW/Fl. Leadership Institute.

Setting goals is a very important tool for success whether it is a personal endeavor or as a leader of a group. Knowing what you wish to accomplish and a reminder to stay the course one step at a time, for me it was the star fish that reminded me that reaching one woman at a time makes a difference, I still have my star fish necklace  to remind me each day.

Now I pass this message on to my daughter. She now has a Starfish necklace and a framed photo of the Starfish Story.

Do You Have A Social Media Model ?

How do you grow your brand with the new kid on the block Social Media? You start by learning the different ways you can use it. Start by using one method at a time one step at a time. Then go on to another method. Through actual posting you will experience and find the best methods for you or your company. You will become aware of the best times to post, which tool is best for what you want to do and learn how to combine several methods and tools like Hoot suite, Smart phones and others to save time and money in posting.

Beginner myself and having  a need to get more exposure for my little shop on line I began to study other businesses on line posting Face book, Twitter, Linked In, Google + and many more. I read many blogs on” how to build” your brand. One Business I found quite interesting and started following as it started out its venture in exploring and building its brand is the National Pro Fast pitch Women’s Softball League. The interest was there because I love Women’s Fastpitch Softball, I support women in business, and I noticed a remarkable increase in their exposure and opportunities. Everyone has a role model.

National Pro Fastpitch Women’s Softball League is on its way to becoming a household word. You can see the name popping up on social media and the reason for this is all the hard work of the NPF Office. Through research and a lot of hard work the NPF Brings It! These are the reasons:

New NPF Website- updated and in the now. www.profastpitch.com NPF Newsletter –The Newsletters can be seen on the website. For a Newsletter request go the website and submit your email address in the Newsletter Request box. NPF Social media involvement on Twitter and Facebook by the NPF staff, @Cheri Kempf League Commissioner and Gaye Lynn Wilson Vice President NPF makes daily posts with updates on players, coaches, games, schedules, and breaking news. On social media you will see posts for all things softball.

The NPF Televised Draft show has been televised from Music City Hall of Fame Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee, headquarters for NPF. The show is the actual draft of players through each round by the Team Owners.  This is a great way to watch in person or on Television

 A new path to reach an audience is the new “Throw-in’ Down” Radio Talk Show. It is a very interesting and fun show with interviews of team owners, coaches, and players. Then too, an occasional visit by the Commissioner herself with updates on league news and happenings. Fans can participate by calling in or tweeting their questions for each guest.  But what makes it special is the host of the talk show Barb Jordan who is a Color Analyst for several TV Networks and now adding CBS Sports Network to resume. Barbara is the Vice President of Club K

Many action pictures of plays made during the games and players involved in signature signings after the games are available to post through Instagram which is another tool at NPF’s hand is making videos of various subjects the Commissioner wants to communicate to the them

Stay in the now, keep up to date on Social Media changes and keep  your face-to-face  meetings and customer qualities at its best

Self-Help And Hope

The quote “If is to be-it’s up to me” keeps floating in my thoughts after reading a week’s worth of inspirational and motivational quotes and blogs.  All were well written and shared many positive thoughts.  It’s all well and good but now what? Where Do I Start?

Everyone wants something good to happen and think it could happen or be true Hope is the feeling that what is wanted can be had.

Social media has many of these types of blogs. These are messages that are not face-to-face and only have your interpretations of what you read. If you don’t understand whose fault is it?

The blogger tries with true intent to give clear, positive, and motivational messages. It is their intent to provide enough energy and hope to get the reader to take action and change; this puts it back to the reader. The reader must read with an open mind and heart. They must understand what the blogger is saying.-not their understanding of what someone thinks.

Everyone needs hope sometimes because it is hoped that strengthens one's beliefs and makes the person feel like his or her life is worth living. Normally, when individuals hope for something they feel encouraged and motivated to achieve their dreams and overcome the obstacles. When people believe a good outcome is possible because they tend to gain strength and willingness for what they want.

So what is next? If you want to accomplish anything in life you can’t just sit back and hope it will happen. Believing in you is at the heart of healthy self-esteem. Read your motivational blogs, and jot down things that you find helpful.  Talk with a trusted friend. Write down the things you are good at. Write down things you want to accomplish. Then complete one step toward your goal each day. Martin Luther King said “You don’t have to see the whole staircase just take the first step in faith” The biggest mistake you can make is continually fearing you will make one. For every person who doubts you, tells you that you will fail, try twice as hard to prove them wrong.

Square your shoulders to the world, be not the kind to quit; it’s not the load that ways you down but the way you carry it. it is the first step in faith you must take. Even the strongest people need someone to listen and say it is going to be okay once in a while. Today is a new day. What’s your first step to take action.

How Do You Smile On The Internet.

Social Media has created a faster way to communicate but it hasn't taken the place and value of the face-to-face meeting. In the fast-paced world, it is hard to get away, drive through heavy traffic to meet in what was supposed to be a " new networking" event. You know the one, a handshake, a business card, and a plate full of calories. Then you go back to the office or home and you wind up with a drawer full of cards. Something has happened to the sit-down, have a cup of coffee and get to know you face-to-face times. Some organizations have started to change by a member sharing business a business card with another and later on calling and meeting over lunch or coffee. And, in the meantime, we continue our Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Google.

So how can we better communicate with this new communication wonder? It can start with you.
All the sites have a place for you to upload your picture called an avatar. This too can be a problem.
I like to see who I am talking to, but then I see something that looks like an egghead. It is hard to communicate by looking at an egghead. Then there are avatars of babies, animals and all sorts of things.
This is fine on Facebook for families sharing pictures and honoring members of their families. The avatar should be you and you can upload pictures as well. Besides, if you keep changing your avatar how do you expect people to recognize you? But if you are in business it would be nice to see who you are communicating with. It is acceptable to show a logo of a company like AT& T or other large corporations that have built a respectable business and have many employees.

The Avatar sets the tone of your message. Remember, when the telephone was the newest way to communicate your business? You were taught to give the conversation your undivided attention and put a smile in your voice. Social media calls for putting a smile on your message. So how do you do that? You put a smiling avatar up. Let people see a genuine smile.

The egghead avatar has caused me to encourage a change by creating a "Grandma Grin Award" I try to publish each week, Put a smiling avatar with your message.

Social Media-It's A Good Thing.

Social media has taken the world by storm. The new technology is fast moving and proving it is for all ages, anytime, anywhere.  But is all this fast moving communication all good?

First of all, let me share some good things I have learned

Social media affords you many new friends around the globe. You can talk each day; there are many group chats about subjects you are interested in and you can research so much faster than visiting a library.

There are so many things to learn about this new vast communication network.  You learn to write more concisely and you review your spelling lessons.  Most screens allow you to correct your spelling before posting. You can learn to journal and find the stories you want to tell. There are many who learn to cook by searching food websites online.  Savings coupons are downloaded online and, of course, shopping online is growing, but there are some downsides to this distant communication.

How do you build trust and respect over cyberspace? Here are some thoughts:

Face-to-face communication is the best way to build trust and respect. When telephoning became the new way to communicate and do business we learned how to give our undivided attention to the conversation and learned how to put a smile in our voice. Cyberspace gives you the ability to see who you are talking to through the use of the avatar. So what do you see in avatars you encounter?  Have you noticed the ones that look like eggheads?  Who wants to talk to an egghead? Seeing an avatar showing an animal flower or a child’s picture is far better than being face to face with the egg head. Well-known brand logos like AT&T is the face of a large company we all recognize and is acceptable. Post an avatar of self helps build that integrity and respect.

The last on the not so good list are all the hackers, spammers, and scammers that appear. Social media has created a monster because dishonesty is quick and hard to trace. Be careful. Follow the rules of social media safety.

Today social media is the way to learn, and grow personally, professionally, and politically. What you do, what you say, and how you say it is all important in building respect and integrity. “Your mouth is full of what’s in your heart” The smiling avatar has been so much a crusade for me that I developed a “Grandma Grin Award” I issue in social media to the person with the most genuine warm smiling avatar. This I award each week.

And I will close on a good note: “Connecting, caring and sharing is a good thing”.

Be Careful What Seeds You Plant

We have all heard the expression:” you reap what you sow”.  I heard it from my mother and grandmother, and then I heard it in Sunday school during a bible study session. When we did not do as we were told and got into trouble we heard another expression: “you made your bed now lie in it” It means about the same thing. Watch the way you live because you will reap what you sow. There is an effect for everything you do or say and that the effort a person puts into something will be rewarded.

Look within yourself and you will see who you are. Concentrate on the positive and acknowledge the negative. Just believe in yourself and you will feel the power of your own love. When you do take action to improve or simply smile and give yourself a hug.

Real improvement begins with you. I am not saying to sacrifice the learning experiences, new technology or your responsibilities. Accept your responsibilities. And while accepting those responsibilities. Find peace; find joy in your life.

Here are seven Seeds to plant in your thoughts:

“If you plant honesty, you will reap trust”.

“If you plant goodness, you will reap friends”.

“If you plant humility, you will reap greatness”.

“If you plant perseverance, you will reap contentment”.

“If you plant hard work, you will reap success”.

“If you plant happiness, you will reap success”.

So be careful what you plant now, it will determine what you will reap later.

 

 

Are You A Participator ?

Did you join an organization to connect, share, and gain knowledge for success, or was it because you wanted to look good on your resume?

One of the main things you should remember, you only get back from an organization that you have put into it. Some meetings are like the Tater Sister Skit; Instigator, Agitator, Irritater, and Participator. You have seen them all:

The instigator is the sister that instigates negative feelings and other problems for the group.

The agitator is the one who agitates and pesters all. She does not contribute but gets jealous of those who did.

Irritater is the one who stays irritated by every suggestion. "We have never done it that way before".

Participator- one that shares the tasks at hand, gets along with others, and promotes the organization.

Are you a participator? Do you connect and share with others like the organization was designed to do? There are many avenues online to promote organizations like Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Google Plus..all important, but the most important is your own website. It is your newsletter so to speak where you gain knowledge and share with others... Start now and promote your group at least once daily by word of mouth, by phone. by email, by social media, or post on the website.

Be known by your participation.




 

 

Who Is Responsible For Publicity

Getting the name in the newspaper is not the only reason for publicity. And, the publicity chairperson is not the only one responsible to get the word out. Publicity comes in many different ways. It is writing newspaper releases on the organization's events and programs. It is sending out public announcements for public broadcasting.   It is that personal contact with a friend or a neighbor telling them about your organization. Handing out the organization business card to those you meet at a gathering where there is an opportunity to network. Handing out fliers and brochures explaining the benefits of belonging to your group is a great opportunity to attract new members. Sending an invitation to attend a meeting is a special way to interest a person in attending. Publicity is walking it, talking it, and believing it. Why do we need publicity? It is necessary to attract new members. New members add diversity to the organization. It keeps the group alive with fresh ideas. New members provide a pool of varied talents -new members mean plenty of people to carry out the plans and goals of the group.

How can you attract new members if they don’t know your organization exists. Networking is face-to-face communication.  It is a time when you can get to know people and listen to their stories-what they offer.

 

Publicity is effective if it explains the benefits of becoming a member or customer. It is beneficial if it has a personal tone to it. It is best with a personal conversation over lunch or coffee. Invite that teacher, real-estate broker or you know to lunch.  Get to know them better and build respect and trust.

Who is responsible for publicity? As, a member of the team you must do your part. 

 

 

Making A Dent In The Universe

When I was approaching my 80^th birthday I made a decision to make each birthday a milestone. At my vintage age it was the only way I knew how to finish my goal of putting a dent into the universe. I wanted to be able to say “I did it my way” Yes, I am fond of ole blue eyes, Frank Sinatra and his great song.  The lyrics are so inspiring. My days of working, raising a daughter, and making a home is no longer on my to do list. My daughter and I have switched role models. She is now assisting me and I have learned so much from her. 

For my 80^th birthday I participated in a 5k walk for charity with my Cadillac blue walker with my daughter at my, side. It was rewarding for the both of us. She was my trainer leading up to the walk.

As soon as that goal was reached I joined the Mt. Juliet Senior Center and founded the Imagination Traveler’s Book Club which is now a year old, and satisfied my 81^st birthday goal.

My goal for my 82 Birthday was to turn in at least 100 hours of volunteer time. Making a difference at the Senior Center became important to me. My volunteer hours began to grow as I am a leader of the book club and serving on the media committee. Every day I create posts about the center's programs and events for the center’s Facebook page, Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center. https://www.facebook.com/#!/MTJSAC. This adventure has accumulated 182 volunteer hours in time for the Annual Volunteer Day, April 24^th 2014 but also for my 82 birthday April 27^th Please feel free to like my page.

My 83 birthday goal will begin April 27^th 2014 as I celebrate my birthday. Senior Centers are so important in keeping seniors moving, happy, and healthy. My community senior center has over 80 programs and has outgrown the space. We are constantly trying to raise funds for a new home. My personal goal is to raise $1,000.00 by donating $1.00 for each item sold from my Etsy store, You see, I hand paint glassware and I  also create notecards in prints of my original paintings.

It is my wish, that people will look at my ETSY store, https://www.etsy.com/shop/FromMyBrush  and order some very affordable hand painted items.  Along with each order I will enclose a page of matching address labels and donate $1.00 for each item purchased.
The Center telephone is 615-758-9114
Executive Director, Linda McClanahan.

Anyone wishing to just donate make check out to:

Mt. Juliet Senior Activity Center ( In memo print building fund)

2034 N. Mt. Juliet Road, Mt. Juliet TN. 37122

What Happens At A Senior Center Part II

Isolation and loneliness are two major concerns of aging folks. Families are concerned something will happen to their loved ones. Isolation has a serious effect on seniors which often leads to depression.

Seniors love to share stories about their grandkids and discuss activities they enjoy

Here are some known facts about senior centers from The National Council on aging.

Senior Centers are the most well used service among senior adults.

Approximately 11,000 centers provide service for about 1 million

70% of those attending are women

The average age of senior center participants is 75

Most Senior attend one to three times a week

Seniors spend about 3.3 hours each visit at the center

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA)., seniors have higher levels “higher levels of health” social  interaction. And life satisfaction”

Senior Center Benefits

A Senior Center is a place where your senior will make new friends and learn something new. They have the opportunities to try things and the games they loved playing in their younger years. It is a place they might go to that they would not dare to go alone. They will make friends willing to share life experiences each time they visit. Participation in activities will help them stay well and manage any chronic diseases.

Just being a part of something and having a reason to face each new day their life hopefully preventing loneliness and depression.

Many seniors wish they had started attending years before once they found what senior centers could really be. Families will also have peace of mind that their senior is socially stimulated and are not alone all day long.

“ A place where friends meet” .

What Happens At A Senior Center?

Senior centers have evolved over the years in order to meet aging desires. Most senior centers accept participants over 50. Many participate in the programs offered including exercise classes and special events. Membership may be a fee but a minimal one based on programs offered.

Senior centers and the services they offer may vary so check out the one in the area where you live. Listed are some of the programs:

·        Nutrition programs and meal services many centers provide programs transporting meals to homebound seniors as well as in the center.

·        Health and fitness programs-activities such as Tia Chi, Yoga, exercise programs; dancing; health fairs; exercise equipment with certified instructors.

·        Games like cards, bingo, board games, horseshoes, and many more.

·        Arts-crafts and activities that stimulate creativity and self-experience programs like sewing, quilting, knitting, cooking, and crocheting.

·        Educational Programs- Speakers on various topics of interest.

·        Volunteer coordination for community service.

·        Multigenerational activities.

·        Special events and holiday celebrations.

·        Field Trips to interesting fun spots.

Senior Centers are a great place for older adults to be with others and a great option for the senior who is living independently.

Team Mindset for Softball

The National Pro Fastpitch League is still considered in its infancy years however, in those few years the league has grown in the eyes of the public as a wonderful family recreation. It has provided 180 elite players a chance to play ball as a career choice. And it will provide more positions with expansion.  It has helped others to find careers in sports management, journalism, sports broadcasting, and sports medicine.

 The Internet, blogs, radio blogs, sports magazines and other on-line capabilities are chances to promote the NPF and help get the corporate companies to come aboard and sponsor a team in the league. There are so many in the softball world of journalists, and businesses using the new technology of social media who promote everything except the NPF.

There is a need for all to join the team. This is a place for coaches, players, staff, umpires and fans to approach the 2019 season with a team of “Promote National Pro Fastpitch Softball” There is a need for those who manage the ASA to select their 18 players for Team USA and give others a chance to play by sponsoring an ASA Team in the NPF. USSSA has done this and are providing a chance for great players to showcase their skills. The fans love them.

“It takes team effort to succeed. “

“Team before me”

“It takes a village”

We all have heard these old sayings and they still hold true.

Each and every one has heard these sayings before. How do they apply today? It takes everyone pulling together for the sake of Women’s Fast pitch Softball. Why limit spaces for women to play professionally and pulling together for a league that will mirror MLB Baseball. It also takes that village to get softball and baseball back into the Olympics. MLB has partnered with NPF Why not Softball Leagues & Corporates . With all together Women's Softball will grow. Each and every one reach for your goals but collectively form a team of people who can find ways to the corporate door. The time is now while there are games to play. The time is now when a team could research-:"what can I do for promoting NPF,

Proud To Know You

The Professional Women’s softball season is almost half over and after watching the 2019 draftees play it is time for this vintage soul to say to all National Pro Fastpitch League players “ I am proud to know you “ And, yes I will take my three strikes at the plate.

You are a role model for women and young girls for pursuing a career in the field of Women’s Softball. You lead the way by “doing what you love and love what you are doing.” It is through your hard work and dedication that got you to the top level of softball-the NPF. It is also a time to work as a team and show how team effort and sportsmanship are two character building skills.

This is where the important second pitch counts. As teammates you work together to define and resolve any difficulties you face together. You thrive from each other’s energies. And, you extend that energy and caring to all women. As A two time cancer survivor I am extremely proud when I see you wear those beautiful pink jerseys, pink socks and ribbons on “Pink-Out Games” I am proud to see all the events you sponsor for cancer research. It makes my heart swell when you run in a Marathon or visit young cancer victims in the hospital. You cover the backs of all women and girls by example through your exercise and staying healthy.

Pitch three- out of the park! It is an inspiration to all women by sending the message that you can be what you want to be. Softball is a way to earn an education through scholarships and playing out your dreams. Education for women is just as important to women as it is for men. It is an opportunity to grow to full potential and make a better place in the workforce for women. This is treating the whole person professionally and personally. How much better can you be by having confidence, self-esteem, self-sufficiency, and a heart full of a grateful attitude? These are great experiences for all to share and know that you can be a great mother as well.

GrandmaOnDeck

Plans Leading to Maturity

This is actually a part II of my blog about maturity. The choice is always yours. It is a guideline to develop maturity and emotional status.

Maturity is this:

Responsibility and independence instead of dependence.

A giving rather than a receiving attitude.

Cooperativeness and feeling for the human enterprise, instead of egoism and competitiveness,

Gentleness, kindliness, good-will instead of hostile aggressiveness, anger, hate, cruelty, and belligerence,

The ability to distinguish fact from fiction.

Flexibility and adaptability, instead of awkward and stubborn resistance to changes dictated by fortune and intelligence.

Practice thought control. When you catch yourself starting a thought that will produce a stressing emotion like worry, anxiety, fear, apprehension, discouragement or the like, stop it and substitute thinking that brings a healthy emotion like courage, determination, happiness and cheerfulness. Maturity brings life in balance and harmony.

Thoughts On Maturity

Maturity is many things. First it is the ability to base a judgement on the big picture-the long haul. It means being able to pass up the fun-for-the-minute and select the course of action that will pay off later. One of the characteristics of infancy is "I want it now" approach. Grown up people can wait.

Maturity is the ability to stick with a project or a situation until it is finished. The adult who is constantly, changing friends, and changing mates-is immature. He cannot stick it out because he has not grown up. Everything turns sour after while.

Maturity is the capacity to face unpleasantness, frustration, discomfort and defeat without complaint or collapse. The mature person knows he can't have everything his own way. He is able to defer circumstances, to other people, and to time.

An individuals self-concept is the core of his personality. It affects every aspect of human behavior...ability to learn...capacity to grow and change...choice of careers. Self-respect makes a good person.

Maturity is the ability to live up to your own responsibilities, and this means being dependable, It means keeping your word, And dependability equates with personal integrity. "Do you mean what you say and say what you mean."

The world is filled with people who can;t be counted on. People who never seen to come through in the clutches. People who break promises and substitute alibis for performance. They show up late or not at all. They are confused and disorganized. Their lives are a chaotic maze of unfinished business.

Maturity is the ability to make a decision and stand by it. Immature people spend their lives exploring endless possibilities and then do nothing. Action requires courage...And there is no maturity without courage.

Maturity is the ability to harness your abilities and energies and do more than expected. The mature person refuses to settle for mediocrity. He would rather aim high and miss the mark than aim low and make it.

It is no exaggeration to say that a strong positive image is the best way of life,

Treating The Whole Person

Treat the whole person, professionally, personally, and politically has been a constant message I have heard and kept in my head for many years. Many workshops such as Dress For Success which is often mentioned, Briggs-Meyers test for who you are and how best you can work within a team concept to, the "Lipstick" Test...the list is endless.

When one embarks on a new life path or a new path is forced upon them, it is stressful and unsettling. On the other hand, it could be potentially exciting with an opportunity to fulfill one's dreams. Some have forged onward and no matter the outcome have discovered that there is always growth and a new learning curve. Change and transition require risk. Women In Transition applauds all who are pursuing the unknown and the uncharted- be it be personal or professional.

 Budgets, self-esteem, self-efficiency are all important. May those in transition seek out Women's organization for support and mentoring to reach their goals. You must continue to learn and grow. Be true to your self first and the "who you are a picture" will shine through to others.

Here are some reflections and inspirational quotes by a few who chose the "road not traveled"

"You must do something you think you cannot do" Eleanor Roosevelt

"May the bridges I burn light the way." "In a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing  vessels is more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks"- Warren Buffet

"Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein " - Life's Little Instruction Book

"One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching." Unknown

"If today was the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?"-Steve Jobs

For The Love Of The Game- I heart it.

GrandmaOnDeck has championed women's softball for 41 years by selling ads, running concession stands, providing transportation, keeping score, cooking dinner for teams and the beat goes on. Many ladies out there have had grandma's cookies over the years. I love to see the ladies play with such awesome skills. I love to go to ball parks and watch people like Jennie Finch and Monica Abbott "Bring it." I like to watch balls being launched, spectanfabulous catches, and speed on the bases and eating popcorn. I have watched many play ball through younger years, high school and the wonderful college years. I love the NPF Draft and the NPF games. At 82 I now get to ball games sometimes. But I am savvy with social media, keep up with the games, through radio talk shows, websites. Twitter, Facebook and more. I am still in there supporting by promoting softball on line..tweets, re tweets, and mentions. Posting and re posting Is a good thing for all of us. February is Women In History month and The opening of NCAA Softball season. I would like to salute those who pioneered the sport before us.

There are many women like Joan Joyce, who played before leagues were formed, and before Title IX. These coaches who brought teams forward to success because they played ball themselves and for the love of the game they became coaches and passed it forward. There are Coaches out there like Carol Hutchins of Michigan who has spent many years coaching the game and building character-that's what they do. Mike Candrea of Arizona, Sue Enquist former UCLA both have spent many hours doing the same and showed the world that the young players deserved an equal place on the playing field as the boys enjoy. It is hard for me to mention them all , but I know there are hundreds of you who have made an impact in the world of  Women's sports and I heart you for your efforts. Young Softball Ambassadors of now: Jennie Finch, Monica Abbott, Cat Osterman, Samantha Ricketts, Lea Amico and many others who took up the reins and are coaching, teaching and working in the sports world. Some went on to broadcast on national networks like Michelle Smith, Jessica Mendoza, Barbara Jordan to share the great experience of Women's Softball. Others are working as sports trainers and in sports management. And, I must not forget the women umpires, they have come a long way too.

Then I must mention The Commissioner and President, Cheri Kempf, National Pro Fastpitch League, a world cup pitcher and a former coach at Austin Peay. Gaye Lynn Wilson-Vice President of NPF development who coached at Daytona State College, University of Florida. They both are bringing The NPF into to the now with television, radio, newspaper and social media. Games are being played in better venues with a great increase in attendance.

To the young players, who want to be professional softball players, learn about the women in your sport who pioneered for equality an recognition, Know their their struggles, know their passions, and love for the game.

Here is the sight to read the history of the National Pro Fastpitch League and the accomplishments they earned. http://profastpitch.com/about/history/

Why I became A Member of A Senior Center

Why I joined the Senior Center in Mt. Juliet. My husband passed away and I needed something to do to help fill my time. When this happens you feel lost at dinner parties with your friends. You try to revisit places you went and enjoyed with your spouse-not the same. During my working career I helped raise funds to build a Senior Center in the community where I lived. How proud the community was of... Sica Hall , named after our beloved Dr. Sica.

Even though I expanded my circle of friends through the years, and joined service organizations something was still missing. I asked my self the question ; "what would you really like to do".
I would like to travel but not alone. I like to play bingo a lot. Then I would like to learn to paint. The list just grew. I did some of my list but something was still missing.

At this point I thought about Sica Hall Senior Center. But I am not at a point I feel like a senior. What is it suppose to feel like? So I set out to find out.

The center was filled with on the move seniors. They were healthy and happy. Some were handicapped but were there having fun. There was something there for everyone. Also there were socials, bingo.craft shows, art, day trips, music, lunch. fitness center and so much more.

I found the something I was looking for. The center was comfortable, warm, and friendly. It was like home where I could go have coffee and talk. I don't have to be alone unless I want to have some time to my self.