Motivational Monday: President’s Day Edition ~ The Great Communicator

Happy President’s Day!

Here’s a tribute to my personal favorite Commander-in-Chief, Ronald Reagan, whose 105th birthday would’ve been earlier this month ~ as well as to the Challenger Crew, whose crash took place just over three decades ago …

References to The Great Communicator:

• History. (n. d.). Ronald Reagan videos: The great communicator. History. Retrieved from —http://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/ronald-reagan/videos/the-great-communicator
• Khachigan, K. (2011). What made Ronald Reagan the great communicator. The Orange Country Register. Retrieved from —http://www.ocregister.com/articles/reagan-287119-great-dollar.html
• Kline, R. D. (Producer & Director). (2011). Ronald Reagan: An American journey [Motion picture]. Chatsworth, CA: Enduring Freedom Productions. {photo above}
• O’Reilly, B., & Dugard, M. (2015). Killing Reagan. New York: Henry Holt & Co.
• Wright, J. (2006, Aug. 7). Tribute to Ronald Reagan. YouTube. Retrieved from https://youtu.be/h8_G-mlKxTY {video above}

 R.I.P. ✌ also to my Lolo Tico (February 10, 1909-August 26, 1996) on his birthday and his 20th anniversary this year.

Motivational Monday: Mis Padres

Pope Francis offers his take* on how home influences our faith [my commentary in brackets]:

“Faith opens a ‘window’ to the presence and working of the Spirit. It shows us that, like happiness, holiness is always tied to little gestures.

‘Whoever gives you a cup of water in my name will not go unrewarded,’ Jesus says (Mark 9:41).

“These little gestures are those we learn at home, in the family; they get lost amid all the other things we do, yet they do make each day different. They are the quiet things done by mothers and grandmothers, by fathers and grandfathers, by children, by brothers and sisters. They are little signs of tenderness, affection, and compassion.

• “Like the warm supper we look forward to at night [my mom‘s homecooking], the early meal awaiting someone who gets up early to go to work [my dad‘s coffee].

“Homely gestures.

• “Like a blessing before we go to bed [blessing my honorary GODdaughter Maggie at bedtime, as her family does], or a hug after we return from a hard day’s work.

“Love is shown by little things, by attention to small daily signs that make us feel at home. Faith grows when it is lived and shaped by love. That is why our families, our homes, are true domestic churches. They are the right place for faith to become life and life to grow in faith.”

*Pope Francis in the U.S.: Words of Mercy and Hope (2015), Daughters of St. Paul, pp. 22-23 ~ as said at the Closing Mass of the Eighth World Meeting of Families, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA, Sunday, September 27, 2015.

^– I actually used this passage as my pre-brunch prayer of grace with my parents today! –^

Bearing in mind these homely gestures, let’s also consider our cultures and upbringings…

Have you ever wondered why your parents act the way they do then realize that you’re turning out more like them as you grow up?

Wong Fu was right on point:

Have you eaten yet? = Priceless ♥love♥

Speaking of family …

Happy 17th Birthday to Rey-Rey, my beloved GODdaughter Reyanna mañana!

Soul Saturday: Scripture Strategy

As I prepare for my service to our Church as commentator*** today, I continue to seek the Holy Spirit‘s guidance.

Lector✌ & Church ♫Singer♪ Prayers | ***Courtesy Straight from the ♥Heart♥ … A †Prayer† Companion (Rev. Fr. Ladra, Marío José, 2007)

Dr. Grassi, in Guts, Grace & Glory, approaches scripture like a linebacker* ~ so I’ll do the same, per these positions:

• Stance ~ “starts with the right foundation”

Our heart home was built on stone, which serves as a solid foundation for unwavering ♥love & faith✌ full of flowers + stores festive traditions every season!

So then, anyone who hears these words of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain poured down, the rivers flooded over, and the wind blew hard against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock. But anyone who hears these words of mine and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain poured down, the rivers flooded over, the wind blew hard against that house, and it fell. And what a terrible fall that was!

~ Matthew 7:24-27

Book of Matthew, Chapter 7 | **Courtesy The Catholic Rainbow Study Bible: Good News Translation (2nd ed.) (Rainbow Studies, Inc., 2000)

• Alignment ~ line up with the right people

Double✌ E-Team: Evangelista EVIE y Educator Elaine ~ mi corazón♥ ~ at her house blessing

Keep company with the wise and you will become wise. If you make friends with stupid people, you will be ruined.

~ Proverbs 13:20

Cupcake Cheers: QT w/ Evie after I made a sweet treat run ~ looking forward to tonight’s dinner after we serve at Church for Vigil Mass

Do not be fooled. “Bad companions ruin good character.”

~ I Corinthians 15:33  

• Assignment ~ “study the playbook” (The Bible**) to “know the plays” {for the truth and our service as we proclaim GOD’s Word}

Christ’s message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts.

~ Colossians 3:16  

The Tabernacle: The Blessed Sacrament

So Jesus said to those who believed him, “If you obey my teaching, you are really my disciples; you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

~ John 8:31-32

Spiritual Sources

• *Grassi, J. E. (2013). Guts grace and glory: A football devotional. New York, NY: Thomas Nelson. (p. 69)
• **Rainbow Studies, Inc. (2000). The Catholic Rainbow Study Bible: Good News Translation (2nd ed.). El Reno, OK: Rainbow Studies International.
• ***Rev. Fr. Ladra, Marío José. (2007). Straight from  the ♥Heart♥ … A †Prayer† Companion. (pp. 146-147).

Study Saturday: Prime Time Wisdom

Advice / Anecdotes (like the Alliteration?) from Fall TV

Grey’s Anatomy revolves around Dr. Meredith Grey (center), here with her ½-sister from her late mom, Dr. Ellis Grey’s side, Dr. Margaret Pierce, a.k.a. “Maggie” (to her right/viewer’s left) & sister-in-law from her late husband, Dr. Derek Shepherd, a.k.a. “McDreamy‘s” side, Dr. Amelia Shepherd (to her left/viewer’s right) after they demolished a wall ~ as my doc friend–turned published author says, we “build out of bricks,” so here these 3 are, starting over from scratch. #HomeReno #DISPObustAFlow Rando Info: Doesn’t the actress who plays Maggie look like the Special K commercial chick in lumberjack (red and black) plaid on a bus? | Courtesy ABC

Grey’s Anatomy on Leadership

Be worthy of being believed in, of being looked up to.

~ Dr. Edwards to “the other” Dr. Shepherd* (Feb. 26, 2015)

You have to lead.

~ Dr. Harmon to “the other” Dr. Shepherd* (Feb. 26, 2015)

Being a leader isn’t about whether they’ll listen to you, it’s whether they believe in you.

~ former Chief Dr. Richard Webber to new Chief Dr. Miranda Bailey (Oct. 1, 2015)

I call this GA 360 because this is relevant to followers and leaders alike:

• Mentors, in the resident’s case of following the attendings
• Speakers, in my college public speaking students‘ case
• Leaders, as I’ve studied for my Doctor of Philosophy

Confidence

“There’s a scientific study that shows that if you stand in superhero pose for just five minutes before a job interview or a big presentation or a really hard task, you will not only feel confident, but you will perform measurably better.

~ *Dr. Amelia Shepherd to Dr. Edwards on Grey’s (March 5, 2015)

From Big Bang Theory {next three examples}

Dr. Leonard: “I’m a little nervous” (about approaching George Lucas at Skywalker Ranch).

Dr. Sheldon Cooper: “Get over it. Confidence is key in these situations.”

Empathy

It’s an evolutionary advantage to be included in things.” [as I teach about affection being a basic interpersonal/social need]

~ Dr. Amy [played by real-life Ph.D. and the Blossom star from 2½ decades ago] about feeling left out to empathize with bf Sheldon

Alliteration and Assonance

You are the King Kong of Ping Pong. You are the Menace of Table Tennis … You said you played Badminton? More like Sadminton!

~ Dr. Howard to Dr. Raj

Progress

You know why you’re acting this way? You’re so close! I’ve been there … When you’re about to make a breakthrough. Keep going. Don’t stop.

~ Dr. Derek Shepherd to Dr. Caliet (wannabe mistress) on GA (March 26, 2015)

^– I most certainly must heed this as I approach my finish line! –^ 

Side chart note: Without McDreamy and McSteamy in the mix at Seattle Grace (now Grey-Sloan ~ bad-to-the-bone), it’s “Attending Poser” / *NEW* *HOT* Intern who I’ll chase [not really — just making time to rhyme as always all days]! #DISPObustAFlow 

Thirsty Thursday: CFG is for …

R.I.P.✌ all of the fatalities in today’s Oregon community college massacre.

Those who were shot and killed are modern-day martyrs.

While we live in a nation where we have the freedom to express ourselves (First Amendment) ~ including through our religion, we unfortunately may encounter those who express their animosity against our beliefs.

C is for …

CHRIST * Character * Confidence

F is for …

Faith * Football * Field of Life

G is for …

Guts * Grace * Glory

In Jim Grassi‘s Guts Grace & Glory, connections are made between the football field and Christianity. Dr. Grassi, who has worked with pro football players in my beloved Bay Area, makes athletes’ testimonies and scripture readings relevant with the game and our overall moral conduct as a whole…

Besides the textbook from which which I teach, I also refer to supplementary sources for my speech students! While I still separate religion from education in the public school system, I tie in certain codes of conduct practiced when relevant.

This leads me to pursuing my legacy, even at my age, because we never know whether we’ll still be here tomorrow ~ so

How will you be spiritually when you meet your maker?

Affirmations for Athletes and Non-Athletes Alike

• Grassi, J. E. (2013). Guts grace and glory: A football devotional. New York, NY: Thomas Nelson.

Another Inspirational Reading from a fellow Christian

• Tebow, T. R., & Whitaker, N. (2011). Through my eyes: A quarterback’s journey. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Study Saturday: Conscientiousness

During this week’s conference call with my dissertation chair, she called me

conscientious.

I not only accepted this ~ to ♥heart♥ and absolutely at face value ~ as the best compliment from her (when we were discussing the running and re-running of my statistics for my research results) but also am ensuring that I live up to this standard.

St. Joseph the Worker †prayer† that contains the word conscientiously from my Doctor of Philosophy friend who I idolize

When my cohort members and I were admitted into our doctoral program, conscientiousness* happened to be one of the personality traits for which we tested and that we studied in our leadership theories literature. It comes from the (1b) Big Five psychometric assessment that uses the “OCEAN” acronym:

• Openness (or Originality)
• *Conscientiousness (or Consolidation)
• Extroverion ~ I’ve also consistently tested high for this in the (2) Myers-Briggs (as an ENFJ for Extraversion • Intuition • Feeling • Judging) both when I took it as a psych minor for my undergrad and again in doc school
• Agreeableness (or Accommodation)
• Neuroticism (or Emotional Instability) ~ the reverse of this attribute as leaders and doc students is ideal to deal

According to the (1a) instrument provided by my doctoral degree program, someone who is conscientious is “achievement”-oriented and “self-disciplined” ~ so this implies that conscientiousness involves intentions (definitely something for which I strive).

Currently, my conscientiousness has stuck with me through school ~ as both a scholar and an educator!

Throwback: Some timing that Grey’s Anatomy premiered its 12th season this week ~ I actually reported on it during my 1st year of doc coursework (my Grad Cat is the #PhotoBomb #BombDotCom shortly before baby sis Stat Cat‘s birth Annie-versary) ~ this is an example of a presentation aid that I just covered with my speech students

This past week, I taught my students about literary terms, so I tied them into ♪music♫ and pop culture:

Asyndeton in ♫George Strait‘s ♪The Chair♪

Irony in ♫Alanis Morissette‘s ♪Ironic♪

Verbal and Nonverbal Communication in Jeremy Lin‘s How to Fit in the NBA

Personification plus Alliteration and Assonance in Funny Face that featured Audrey Hepburn!

If it (Quality magazine) won’t speak to me, it won’t speak to them.

~ Ms. Prescott, Editor-in-Chief

D for

• Down * Dreary * Dull * Depressing * Dismal and * Deadly

Banish the Black * Burn the Blue * Bury the Beige

• Think pink * Red is dead * Blue is through * Green‘s obscene * Brown’s too boo

Now I know that my advisor wasn’t trying to flatter me, but her acknowledgment meant encouragement … of the ♥heart.

I challenge you fellow servants and leaders to consider which personality traits that you have in order to enhance your strengths and improve from your weaknesses!

Site Sources

1. Big Five/OCEAN: http://ipip.ori.org/ and http://oaks.nvg.org/big-five.html
2. Myers-Briggs: http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/

Another Reference (when I minored in psychology)

Oldham, J. M., & Morris, L. B. (1995). The new personality self-portrait: Why you think, work, love, and act the way you do. New York, NY: Bantam Books.

Addendum

After I helped lead my †Church† in prayer at Vigil Mass, Fr. Bob, our Pastor, greeted me as “Soon-to-be Dr. Dispo” ~ to which I replied, “GOD-willing,” and “to glorify GOD.”

Happy Belated Birthday to our Fr. Kumar, our Parochial Vicar!

Thirsty Thursday: Spiritual DNA & Bootcamp

Our Holy Father has spread joy & hope all around the world leading up to his World Meeting of Families | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special

¡Biénvenidos, Padre!

“Don’t walk alone, always be encouraged. Walk with courage. Courage gives you joy, and joy gives you hope. Always move with courage, and always move with hope. Ask GOD for these.” ~ Pope Francis tells young girl in Spanish (this translated message transcends to all of us) … Similarly, Bishop Mike advised me to always look at the †cross† to refresh my soul with new hope, ♥love♥ and trust. | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special

As Pope Francis journeys on his well-anticipated trip to America (Philly to D.C. to NYC)

Pope Francis has addressed the *U.S. Congress* | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special

our awareness has been raised on how we take care of our environment … and each other.

Pope Francis has connected with my previous home: el Valle | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special

We also must consider how we take care of ourselves, in terms of our own †spiritual† health.

Pope Francis lifted up this young man’s spirits for taking care of his family | Courtesy ABC‘s Pope Francis & the People special

Lately, I’ve reflected on my self-centered tendencies and been praying to be relieved of them in order to put my life in GOD’s hands. This hasn’t been easy. Fortunately, more messages have reminded me to get more †spiritually-fit.

Has this already been part of our genetic disposition* or is this something that we can learn**?

Courtesy United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

*Spiri†ual DNA

M is for …

Maryknoll‘s Father Finch uses a molecule metaphor about our spirituality already being part of our †souls, from the Holy Spirit to uncover GOD’s mysteries. By following these “spiritual† genetic instructions,” we serve and lead faithfully.

en español | Courtesy United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

**Spiri†ual Bootcamp

First, we must make sure that we maintain our religious practices for the mind:

• Go to Confession every month
• Pray the Rosary everyday ~ offering our daily duty to be closer to the Holy Spirit
• Scapular ~ “form me and shape me, Mother, in the form of Your Divine Son” (Marian way of life)

Furthermore, we must stay in good physical shape, so we have capable bodies:

• Calisthenics are effective to take care of our temples ~ this activity is more ideal for our spirit than pop culture (e.g., watching TV, going online)

Courtesy The Lake

Bearing in mind and ♥heart♥ all of the above advice plus last week’s scripture, I realize now more than ever that I’m no better than anyone else in the way that I treat others and ought to be treated; after all, as said every Ash Wednesday:

For you are dust, and to dust you shall return. ~ Genesis 3:19

 That being said, let’s follow the Pontiff‘s solid guidance to seek from GOD: courage –> joy –> hope ~ as I’ve studied this leadership practice for several years:

Encourage the ♥Heart♥

Courtesy Maryknoll

Spiritual Sources

• ABC. (2015, Sept. 4). “Pope Francis and the People.” [TV special].
• EWTN. (2014). Women of Grace “Marian Devotion: For Such a Time As This.”*
• Finch, Fr. Raymond J. (2015, Sept. 20). Reflections from Maryknoll.** [Email].

Inspired by Pope Francis | Courtesy Maryknoll

Study Saturday: Schooled By The Sopranos

Quick breather from my research writing for refreshment🍮 & reception🍭

📊Stats📉📈 at 💫💸Starbucks☕️ are where it’s at ~ got this comfy cozy horseshoe booth to myself, booyah!

Strolling through campus for a quick snack🍩 ~ chocolate croissant is as close as I can get to a cannoli ~ & fresh 🌟perspective!

While 💡studying✨ my 🔭statistics🔬 📙book, I came across this Bill Cosby example!

 It’s business training without the whacking🔫!

Out of the business-savvy shows out there, my personal favorite would have to be the The Sopranos. I’ve always been fascinated with mafia  ~ not that I’m interested in joining the mob ~ but because organized crime still involves communication and leadership that I’ve studied and taught all through college and graduate school, such as mobster managers

• Sonny Corinthos, the “King of Port Charles” in General Hospital, and
• the movie Goodfellas, in which the main character’s wife’s character is played by the shrink on The Sopranos!
  

  Until I received my book order, Amazon provided electronically reading from Kindle!

  Tony Soprano may not have written the book on leadership …
  

… but I’m reading a couple of books📚 that are written about his management ~

  

• both for pleasure

• and to quench my thirst for knowledge on my major course of study!

These 📓readings📔 offer insight on intrapersonal communication * professional relationships * making decisions * managing conflict * solving problems!

The Sopranos Business👔 Books📕 (for your reading👓 pleasure)

• 📗 Tony Soprano on Management: Leadership Lessons Inspired by America’s Favorite Mobster by Anthony Schneider
• 📙 Leadership Sopranos Style: How to Become a More Effective Boss by Deborrah Himsel {from 👛Avon💄}

The Sopranos‘📺 “Cliffs Notes”📔/Greatest Hits📻 (if you have ⌚️2h/video🎥 to spare for your entertainment)

• 💽Best of Seasons 1-6
• 🎬E! True Hollywood Story

Fuggedaboutit! ✌

Motivational Movie Monday: Vic Vids

For a 💡dose🍊 of motivation:

My 👓Must-See👀 💿DVDs📀

  

Get Coached is a collection💾 of 🎬segments🎥 from 🌠winning🏆 🏉football🏈 📣coaches📢

• 4 NFL head coaches, including 2 Mikes ~ one (Singletary) who played for another Mike (Ditka) & the father (Buddy Ryan) of another featured coach (Rex Ryan), + another one (Sean Payton) who I actually reported on for one of my last doctoral classes
• The Florida State Seminoles former coach (Bobby Bowden)

 

I also am including how their speeches🎤 ~ which are relevant not just in terms of athletic leadership, but 👔corporate💼 🏣business, as well ~ tie in with the 🌈exemplary💭 leadership theory that I’m exploring in my doctoral🎓 📜dissertation.

📢Cheers👏🏽 to 🏉NFL🏈 Preseason I 🎊2015🎉 👟kickoff!

Manic Monday: March Madness Motivation Edition ~ Coach K Wins 5th NCAA Today!

“Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.” ~ Vince Lombardi 🏈

That was a quote from a clue that appeared on today’s episode of Double Jeopardy! 📺

M is for …

March Madness * Motivational * Men’s Basketball * Magnificent Coach = Mike Krzyzewski

Coach K aims high: one and done, son! ☝️

The commentators for tonight’s close [insert here: 💅nail-biting😁, white-knuckling👊, edge-of-your-seat💺, screaming-when-you’ve-already-lost your-voice😱] NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball🏀 Championship described Coach K as magnificent.

A is for: Ability to Adapt and Adjust

These analysts also attributed this to Coach K.

Coach K now can count his NCAA championship titles on one full hand 👋

Now, more than ever, I’m confident that I chose the right topic for my doctoral🎓 dissertation📜 research because this amazing man was the one who affirmed it more in the first place and has served as a driving force behind my continued studies!

Coach K won five by five! 🙌

Aside from Coach K’s coaching leadership on the court and in the locker room for both college and pro ball that I’ve observed and studied*, I’ve admired him for the following reasons in which I can relate:

• He served our country🇺🇸, through the United States Army (I appreciate all of our veterans)
• He also is a devout🙏 Catholic💒

What a way for this senior to wrap up his college ball career! 👊

I must update my dissertation introduction, in which I mentioned that Coach K has led his Duke Blue Devils to four NCAA titles🏆 –> I now can revise it to FIVE!!! 

Also, my 😸Double A-Teammates😻 deserve credit as my good luck🍀 charms toward this championship because during most of the game when the Wisconsin Badgers led, I was working on school💻, and when I tuned in more during crunch and clutch time⏰, they joined me to cheer📢 on the young Devs that included majority freshmen in the starting line-up! 

YES, my Snow Angels go for the Blue Devils!

Lastly, I wish to point out that the very first paper that I wrote for my doctoral coursework compared the coaching styles of Coach K and his West Point coach, Bobby Knight ~ I’m proud that I aced🃏 it back then and proud of this team this whole season and tonight! 🌠

For the love of the team and the love of the game! 💝

*For more reasons why Coach K has the winning leadership recipe that champions both high performance and satisfaction, please read his books📚 and these studies📑 that I cited about him and Coach Knight, a.k.a. The General:

My Concept Map Bibliography (LEAD 9310, Oct. 21, 2008)

• Carpenter, M. (2001). Quotable general: Words of wisdom, motivation, & success by and about BOBBY KNIGHT, basketball’s unrivaled teacher. Nashville, TN: Towlehouse.
• Coach K.com. (2008). Coach K – The official web site of Coach Mike Krzyzewski. Retrieved October 20, 2008, from http://www.coachk.com
• Feinstein, J. (1989). A season on the brink: A year with Bob Knight and the Indiana Hoosiers. New York: Simon and Schuster.
• Klein, P. (2006). Management styles: Bob Knight vs. Coach K. Organizations and Markets.
• Krzyzewski, M. (2000). Leading with the heart. New York: Warner Books.
• Maresco, P. (2007). Leadership and recruitment: What leaders can learn from Coach Robert Montgomery Knight: A conceptual view. Academic Leadership, 5(1).
• Mellen, J. (1988). Bob Knight: His own man: The man behind the myth – on and off the court, 1^st ed. New York: Donald I. Fine, Inc.
• Plonsky, C. (2008). The softer side of Bobby Knight. Chronicle of Higher Education, 54(24).
• Silverthorne, P. (2006). HBS cases: On managing with Bobby Knight and “Coach K.” HBS Working Knowledge.
• Sulek, R. P. (1990). Hoosier honor: Bob Knight and academic success at Indiana University. New York: Praeger.

Nothing but net! 🏀