Stand Out & Put The Luck of The Irish To Work For You

Yesterday was March 16th. Just a typical day or so I thought. The beginning of the NCAA tournament which is always a good thing (though my beloved NM Lobos are no where to be found in the tournament bracket..Drats!!).

For me, St. Patrick's Day and the NCAA go together like corned beef and cabbage. It signifies the beginning of spring and always reminds me that 'the hotter than a pimple on the ass of hell' days of summer can't be far behind.

I was casually going through mail yesterday as I semi-work and semi-play since my son is out on spring break. I came across a nicely handwritten envelope which always makes my heart stop. Do you ever notice that no one WRITES anything anymore? Well I immediately tore into my new prize with the anticipation of a kid on Christmas morning. Oh what could it be? Who would be writing me? I realized a smile was firmly affixed on my face as I drifted momentarily as to who it could be that would be sending me something. Oh the anticipation...the excitement!

No I don't always get like this when I go through my mail so no need to call the guys in the white coats. Effect baby....Now back to the story!

Adam Frishman, a good friend of mine, had taken the time to signify the LUCK OF THE IRISH in a personalized card just for me. The message was simple....he felt 2005 had been a lucky year and he was grateful to have met me. ME! Can you believe that? How absolutely cool is that? He considered meeting me one of the lucky things that happened to him this past year.

My point is not only to say I have a great friend that sent me a St. Patrick's Day card. My point happens to be the fact he is the only one. Yes sir, that's right.....he was the only one!

Think about that for a minute. When we all send and receive cards during the Christmas season we sort of expect them don't we? We get several in each day's mail leading up to the blessed day and yet none of them likely have the impact that this prized St. Patrick's Day card did. It was different. It was unique. It was allowed to be appreciated. Why? Because there was no other messages, cards or otherwise to compare it to. It was the one and only card that I received and it totally changed my state. It made me happy that Adam had taken the time to write what he wrote, licked the envelope and mailed it.

Though it is a little late to send out this year's St. Patrick's Day cards to the ones you want to impact, there is this great little invention called a telephone. Take a few minutes to make someone's day and bid them a "Happy St. Patrick's Day!" Wish them the luck of the Irish for the next year and I guarantee you will have them feeling like Adam made me feel. You will stand out!

Remember, people don't always remember what you told them, they may not remember what you did but they will ALWAYS remember how you made them feel! Thanks Adam and best of luck to you for the next year as well my friend!!!

In case you want to know something about this great day, check out this site:
http://www.historychannel.com/exhibits/stpatricksday/?page=history

Raise a glass this hallowed Irish day and offer the well wishes of luck to any and all that will listen to what you might have to say! Happy St. Patrick's Day My Friends!


P.S. Don't forget to get out and buy some St. Patrick's Day cards for next year! They will be on sale tomorrow .

Inspirational Blogger -- Asha Prasad

I am pleased to announce that a very good friend of mine, Dr. Asha Prasad, has entered the world of BLOGGING. For those of you who don't know, Asha has played a significant role in helping me promote my book and The 8 Minute Ripple. I am proud to call Asha not only a friend but a divine inspiration to my life, both personal and professional.

I have added Asha's BLOG to my favorite BLOG links on the sidebar but encourage you to check out her BLOG by clicking here. Trust me...you will like it!

Ripple On My Friends!!!

Steve Harper

It Apparently Was In The Genes

The past few days I have been traveling with my family to the great state of Arkansas. Last year my Aunt Flora (whom I hadn't seen since I was like five) sent my Dad a whole bunch of genealogy information that she had collected. During a trip last summer to see my folks, my wife became infatuated with the "Harper Family History" while I likely watched ESPN (I hate admitting that). It was apparently at this point that she made the conscious decision that that this "family-lite" sort of guy would learn about where his family came from and she would make sure of it. Hence....our present travels to Arkansas.

I have to say that I wasn't exactly excited about coming here. In fact, I was down right ticked that I was "told" that we were going and that I would "like it!" Well determined to defy "orders" I complained, whined and basically made as big a stink about coming as I could before and during our voyage out here. My wife is however, never deterred and remained focused on the outcome of our mission. She is amazing that way!

Thanks to my second cousins (Flora and Bob) we drove out to the very spots my Great Grandfather had run his five businesses during his short life (he was only 49 when he passed) and ultimately to his grave site. It was surreal to see a family member whom I obviously never knew but someone who played such a pivotal role in me actually being here (literally and figuratively). What was more awesome was seeing how entrepreneurial he was despite having such hardship in his life. My Great Grandmother died giving birth to their last child (which unfortunatly also perished) and saddled with raising 5 kids! I think trying to do my latest startup with 2 kids is murder...I have absolutely nothing to complain about!

I believe somehow the seeds of entrepreneurship were undoubtedly planted by him in me. I look at all I that I have done and accomplished in just a short 35 years and I am proud to know that this drive and desire comes from my lineage. I never knew that I would be as fascinated about my "family history" as I have become these past few days but now I am equally as fascinated as my wife. It has without a doubt opened my eyes to the importance of knowing and understanding where we come from.

James Turner Harper likely wouldn't know what to make of his great great grandson writing a BLOG about him; seems kind of funny if you actually think about it. Something tells me he would not only be impressed by what I discovered these past few days both about my past and myself, but would be happy to know 91 years later he is still making a difference. What a ripple!

My travels continue....

Ripple On My Friends!!!

Steve