Veterans Day

Somehow I always equate the word Veterans with WWII and not the Vietnam or Gulf War. But a veteran is anyone who serves our country and puts their own lives at risk whether defending our country or following the orders of his leaders. I've never had any of my four sons serve in the military but I can just imagine the worry and heartbreak that accompany that event. Let us all be thankful today and always for those who serve and protect our FREEDOMS. (Photo of me about age 3, and my uncle Weston who served in the Army in WWII.)

Self Image

Talking about marketing ourselves, got me thinking of the self image we all have. Considering first of all-AGE. I think we adults all feel younger inside that we appear outside. Gazing in a mirror or window as we pass a store or house, it's interesting how we PERCIEVE ourselves. First of all, I check out my WEIGHT-am I looking any better since I'm loosing weight? In the mirror a SMILE takes years off my face and makes anyone look better.

Then there's HAIRDOS and CLOTHES. I have some apparel that I love to wear and feel great in, then other articles of clothing that sit unworn in my closet. Everytime I try them on, I end up taking them off and putting them back on the hanger. I don't like how they feel or look. Those are items I need to donate to a second hand store, also old shoes that I never wear. We Americans tend to have too much MATERIAL THINGS and could so easily share our access with those in need. We're also too influenced by the skinny youth model standard out there in advertising and magazines.

So our SELF IMAGE is made up of many things-our appearance, our age, our experience with others, our CONFIDENCE, our outlook, health, current stresses, EXPECTATIONS, etc. We can choose HOW we see our life despite any problems or challenges that are in our way. One way to change our viewpoint is not to dwell on our problems but rather COUNT OUR BLESSINGS...write them in a JOURNAL or a BLOG. This is a great month to do that. Also we need to practice UNCONDITIONAL LOVE on ourselves-despite our challenges. God loves us, and we need to love ourselves. Even the scriptures back that up. Love your neighbor as yourself. Make a list in a comment of 10 of your greatest blessings or things you love about yourself and your life. Here's mine:

1. My family-each one of them
2. Faith in God and a church I believe in
3. Writing abilities and opportunities
4. Trust worthy loving husband
5. Living in Utah-my home
6. Opportunities to teach
7. Friends to enrich my life
8 Internet for blogging, education and shopping.
9. Health and opportunities to exercise
10. Ancestors and a heritage

Putting your best foot forward

That's part of marketing too. I had a fun experience at church yesterday. Sat down next to a new couple and we started talking. They are new to our area, moved here from Idaho for the warm winters. We seemed to click and I ended up inviting my new acquaintance and her hubby to accompany us to a archeology club meeting this week. Later I got to thinking how making new friends is like marketing or presenting yourself. You smile, you listen, you ask questions and sometimes you connect.

Another experience last night at dinner our friendly waiter smilingly said "beer or root beer?" I laughed because I live in Utah where there are many non drinkers and root beer is a favorite drink. He was marketing or presenting himself as our helpful waiter and probably hoped to receive a bigger tip for his performance.

Then we went for a walk and I noticed the many desert flowers still in bloom-more marketing for those houses for sale, and for our community which has standards of maintenance to keep our area looking nice. I'm uploading some of the photos taken on our walk and will let you think more about appearances, smiles, dress, manners, behavior, dating, teaching, conversations, politics, etc as marketing. Note the difference in your reactions to the appearance of the daisies and the cactus. Would love your comments...