Severe cramps with increased heart rate

I knew this would happen sooner or later. I’m not as young as I used to be and my body’s natural defenses have slipped a bit in the last few years. I’m more prone to infections and this latest attack is no exception. I am more aware now that I catch things easier and it takes longer to recover than when I was in my 20’s and 30’s.

I recently had an issue where I experienced an increased heart rate, difficulty breathing and severe cramping. Below is my story, as best as I can remember, of how it happened.

It all started with someone else. The germ is airborne and I’m pretty sure I wasn’t the first to get it. Since it is highly contagious, it spreads quickly and there is little you can do to prevent becoming infected yourself. You might try to keep your distance but it is just too strong and it goes from host to host without any concern of who it infects.

The symptoms start slowly. But soon they involve the entire muscle system around the cheeks, under the eyes and across the forehead. It pretty much involves the entire facial area. Soon, breathing becomes faster and louder, as the diaphragm has an uncontrollable urge to expel vast volumes of air all at once. The throat constricts and affects your ability to speak. The adrenal gland is involved and you get a rush of excitement that usually accompanies the rush of blood coursing through your veins.

Until, finally, a smile breaks out.

And you just can’t hide it any longer. This may happen in as little as a few seconds. For those who have the stamina to fight, it might take longer.

I guess it’s a chance you take when you make someones day.

Be careful, you might become infected yourself. And you smile so much that it makes your cheeks cramp.

đŸ™‚

Day 18 – Make someones day.


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Posted in 31 Day Challenge, Exceed Expectations, Extra Mile, Smile | 4 Comments

If you could see his face

He hasn't stopped smiling.

You had to be there. Oh wait . . . I was.

Following up on yesterday’s post, I delivered the pin. He smiled from ear to ear. He was still smiling when I went by after work. He’s probably going to be smiling the next time I see him.

And you could tell it was genuine.

Today, I made a difference. But I can’t take full responsibility for this not-so “random act of kindness.” There are many to thank along the way. And the letter (email) has already been sent to the VP thanking those who might not always get the credit where it is due.

And remember, . . . .

“My only hope is that we never lose sight of one thing, that it was all started by a mouse.” Walter Elias Disney (1901-1966)

Day 17 – Make ’em smile. Make a difference.

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Posted in 31 Day Challenge, Disney Institute, Wow | 7 Comments

Special Request

Guess where?

The secret is out. Or maybe it was no secret at all.

Disney. It’s a place I enjoy. I go there for fun. I go there to learn. I go there for affirmation. That’s why I made my special request.

I wear a pin to work everyday. This pin is very special to me as it was a gift from a Disney Cast Member. It has nothing to do with my job. Yet it has everything to do with my job.

About a year ago, a customer noticed I was wearing the pin. He asked how it came into my possession. This turned into a five-minute conversation describing the history of the pin and why I proudly wear it all the time. From that moment, he made it crystal clear to me that he wants my pin. I wasn’t ready to give it up. So I did the next best thing I knew how to do.

I put in a special request for the pin directly from the source.

I emailed my Business Solutions Advisor, asking where I could buy the pin for my customer. Well, it arrived at my house within 2 days of my request, at no charge! There’s another WOW moment!

In just a few hours (for those of you reading this on Wednesday morning), I will be delivering a new pin to my customer. He has no clue what’s in store!

How do you handle those special requests from your customers? What if it is something outside of the business or service you offer? Is this one customer worth it?

You betcha!

Day 16 – “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”

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Posted in 31 Day Challenge, Disney, Disney Institute | 5 Comments

Mondays are for Achievers

Why do Mondays come so early in the week?

I was calling our group of stores to give the managers some important information needed for the week and to motivate them for a new sales contest we were having. Some stores were busy (that’s Great!) so a few had to call me back.

The last manager I spoke with was really upbeat so I played off that and encouraged her to do even more! As we were talking, she shared  the title for this post:

Mondays are for Achievers.

I know I’ve written before about how some people dread Mondays. But why is that? They have their reasons.

Maybe it’s just an attitude adjustment. There have been days when I have not had the best attitude when going in on Monday.

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, noted author and minister, is credited for this saying: “Change yourself and your work will seem different.”

Celebrate Mondays. Don’t dread them.

Day 15 – Mondays are for Achievers

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PS. I have a frog on my blog. Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk!

Posted in 31 Day Challenge, Celebrate | 5 Comments

Shortcut followup

A friend who worked in Orlando just moved to Japan 10 days ago to begin a new job.

This wasn’t the kind of welcome he had in mind.

Jarrod, we’re praying for you. Friends, pray for Jarrod and everyone else in Japan and around the world who will be joining forces to help.


 

Day 14 – The long way is the shortcut.

Posted in 31 Day Challenge, Design, Despair, Dread, Grateful, Impactful, Preparedness | Comments Off on Shortcut followup