Category: Thoughts and Suggestions

Do you have kids or do you have children? I have kids. What’s the difference you ask? Good question. Children are well behaved. They only speak when spoken to. They are always clean without any mess on their faces or clothes. They would never think of coloring outside the lines or eating a popsicle. They are dignified and always say what you want them to say. Kids live life. They run through the house yelling for you at the top of their voices to come see the space ship they just invented. They color outside the lines and have watermelon all over their faces and their clothes. When you ask them, “Why?” “Because” is the answer you get. They try new things, do things they shouldn’t, make mistakes, and stretch their wings. You never have to push them out of the nest because they’re on the edge already. You’re holding on to their belt trying to keep them safe.

I was a kid with moments of childhood. My mom told me I had to wear a dress two times a week so my body knew it was a girl. I decided church counted as one of those times. The second time I came home with my dress torn and grass stained she decided I didn’t have to wear a dress to school anymore. Parents can be wrong sometimes. It happens.

I’ve made my share of messes with my kids. Thank goodness they have forgiven me and we all learned from it. I never did the grounding thing. I always thought it was a bad idea for everyone involved. Well, unless you could ground them at the neighbor’s house. With Erin, I took away her TV. She loved to watch Wishbone and My Little Ponies. Max had to pay money. Each kid is different and responds differently to learning experiences. As a parent, it can be hard to figure out what works. I use Love and Logic’s natural consequences and logical consequences. It’s one of the best ways to raise kids that become well-adjusted confident contributing members of society.

The next time your kid is being a kid remember it’s going to be all right and cherish your very short time with them. This morning Max, my senior in high school, said “Mom, I don’t want to go to school. Can I stay home and bake cookies with you?” “Okay,” I said. “I get the best of that. I get cookies, and I get time with you.” He is so busy this year with basketball and friends it seems like he’s always gone now. I’m glad we use to bake cookies. We had a laugh, and then he drove off to school.

Sometimes I just want to wrap my kids in bubble wrap and lock them in the house so I know they are safe; but that’s not living. It’s hard being a parent. My dad always said, “You couldn’t give me a million dollars for one of my kids. I wouldn’t take it. You also couldn’t give me a million dollars to have another one.” I totally understand that.

If you find yourself wondering if you’re doing a good job, you are. The fact that you’re questioning yourself means you’re trying your best. Keep up the good work. Rely on God and His word. Seek advice and remember kids are pretty tough. They can handle some learning experiences just like you can.

Thanks for sharing your time with me today.

Have an incredible day,

Back in December 2014, my husband and I had a discussion. We were completing our after-action review for the year. Our Bully Proofing You business had performed two events for the entire year. We discussed why we thought that had happened. I had made my sales calls the way I was taught by Blair Singer at his Sales Explosion Event. (If you have a business, it is a must to explode your sales.) Things just weren’t falling into place. The first quarter we had EXPLODED. We had increased gross revenues by more than 120%. Why were the other three quarters so bad?

The answer I came up with – I told the Lord when I started I would give away every tenth event for free. “Lord, how can I give the tenth one for free if I don’t book that many?” “Give first then receive,” was the answer I got back. So I decided, you can’t out give the Lord.

I started filling out “call for presenter” forms. If my subject would help them, I sent it in. I called the local group homes I had connections with from when I was a teacher and offered my services. “All I want in return is for you to pay it forward (tell others you think would benefit so I can be of service) and a letter of recommendation if you like the impact you receive,” I told them.

In January, I had two events here in Utah. In February, I had none. In March, I had six in Washington state. April – three in Arkansas, Kansas, and California. May – nothing but an event I went to with my husband in Kansas for growing your transportation company. I had tried to book some events, but nothing came through. The reason – there was a class on negotiation I needed to attend. In June, I was blessed to be back in Utah at the beautiful Corner Canyon High School–all this time just giving. If they asked me, I was there. Did I get every deal I called on? No, but I kept calling and giving and hoping. In July, I went to Colorado with my son Max (you may have read about our adventure in my blog at www.jeanieciscometh.com). We talked to the USA Blind Athletes Association at the Olympic center. They put in an order for my book on audio and asked me to come back in September. I am now in the process of getting my book recorded. We also had two other events. Now for the BIG one.

My event this past weekend, again it was here in Utah at the South Towne Expo Center, in Sandy. My daughter was able to help me part of Friday and all day Saturday. I loved every minute of it. I had two different times on stage to teach and give. I also had a booth were people could stop by and visit.

A women by the name of Kimberly Fletcher stopped by. We started talking and she was asking me if I could be of service in many areas. I knew all of which I told I had no problem doing. I know that is a bit vague. I’m not trying to be really. I just don’t remember everything I agreed to I just remember it was all things I was willing and able to accomplish. The reason I don’t remember is because SHE BLEW MY MIND WITH HER NEXT REQUEST!!!!! She said, “Jeanie, how would you like to be a columnist for The Blaze?” I said, “The Glen Beck Blaze?” “Yes,” was her answer.

You could have knocked me over with a feather. I was in shock. I told her I would be honored to accept that invitation. I took her information and she collected mine. Once she had walked away from the booth, Erin and I did the Snoopy dance. Then we danced right in front of the entire room. Telling everyone, “This is how we celebrate.” “Anyone want to join us?” we asked. They all declined but smiled at our craziness. Then I went out and called my husband.

CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?! This educationally challenged farm girl from Morton, WA was just asked to be a columnist for The Blaze. How incredible is that? The thought never entered my mind that kind of opportunity would come my way. I feel so blessed just to have two books on the shelves people can purchase. The Lord is amazing.

Thank you to everyone that has helped make this moment possible. I am blessed in so many ways.

The lesson I learned from all of this. Stop chasing the money and just live the life you love. You have a gift that will bless others. Go and bless them with your presence, your love, your mind, your heart, and your smile. The money will follow.

Thank you again for traveling this journey with me. You have blessed me.

Until next time,

Did you know that Bully Proofing You is having a live event that is ope to the public at the South Towne Expo Center in Salt Lake City, UT? Well, we are. If you would like tickets, click this link and get yours today. https://ldshomeschoolconference.com/

There are other presenters there as well. It is the LDS Homeschooling Annual Conference being held Aug 20-21. We would love to see you there. Make sure you connect with me. Also bring your book so I can sign it for you. Don’t have your copy yet? Pick it up at https://www.bullyproofingyou.com.

I’ll also be offering copies of my new coauthored book The Change. You can also get a Kendal copy on Amazon.com. If you can’t make it to the conference, just let me know you want a copy and I’ll get it in the mail for you. It’s the same price as Bully Proofing You and you can purchase it on my website. https://www.jeanieciscometh.com.

I look forward to connecting with you face to face.

Have a wonderful day,

If you are reading this, it means that one day you will die. Everything that is alive has an end. When I was younger, that end terrified me. I grew up with animals and witnessed some of my favorites pass. I never understood it. I still don’t totally understand how to handle it. I have grown to remember the good times and cherish them. I try not to be selfish or get mad because I want more. I try to accept it.

Sometimes, I think of those I love leaving me through death, and it freaks me out. The thought of losing a child or my husband can make me shut down from fear. It paralyzes me, and it can be very difficult to move past. When they are out of my sight, I worry. I want to wrap them in bubble wrap before I let them go. I want to lock them in the home and not let them go anywhere. I want my loved ones safe and free from pain or harm. I know that is not always possible. Life is full of risk. So, I let them live theirs the way they see fit with my guidance and direction. It is very difficult to watch the people I love go through pain that I can’t stop. My mother is in this kind of pain.

On August 7, we went to divorce court for her. Her husband of eleven years is divorcing her. I believe it is so he doesn’t have to pay for her care. In October 2013, my mom came to visit me from Ferron, Ut. While she was here, Dennis called my mother-in-law and told her he thought it should be permanent so she called me. That is how my mother came to live with me almost two years ago. Every day she has asked when she gets to see Dennis again. At first he would let her come and visit him. Then he said she would have to go into a nursing home when she visited. My mom is terrified of being left in a nursing home, but she tamed that fear so she could see him. Then he filed for a divorce and stopped seeing her.

My mom feels abandoned. She feels unloved and no matter what I say or do she still feels this way. While we were in court, she sat and stared at him the entire time. She doesn’t understand what is happening. Frankly, I don’t either. I think it is about money, and I tell her that. I tell her I love her and I’m glad she lives with me, but I know she wants to live with him.

How do you heal someone else’s pain? How do you help another person when you don’t know what to do? I have found I can’t so I give it to God. God is the answer to everything. I know it can seem like He has abandoned me from time to time because he has his time schedule, not mine. But if I am patient and I listen, He is always there for me.

Will you please pray for my mother? Will you lift her up to God so she might find healing? She is not long for this earth. Her time is near and no matter how much I want her to stay, I know she will leave soon. I don’t want her in physical or mental pain anymore, but I want her with me. I know that is selfish. Will you also pray for me? I need strength and courage. I need God to strengthen and support me.

Hold your loved ones close. Let them know how much you love them every day. You never know your last day.

May God bless you and support you in your time of need.

Do you want super powers?

The other day I was driving home from Costco talking to my husband on the phone, I have a Bluetooth so it is safe, when a person blew through a stop sign. I told Laurence, “If I had super powers it would be to throw up invisible force fields. Then I would sit at intersections and anyone who didn’t stop would run into it.”

So many people die every day on the roads. (Check out some statistics here https://asirt.org/Initiatives/Informing-Road-Users/Road-Safety-Facts/Road-Crash-Statistics) In Utah on I-15 they have a reader board and it tells you how many days it has been since someone has died. It tells you that in the __ days no fatalities have occurred. I’ve never seen it higher than four days. Usually it is one or two. That means that someone just lost a loved one and is in pain and grieving. It does not keep track of the injured just deaths. So if I had a super power, it would be to prevent some of that pain.

This letter is about super powers not car crashes. I’ll get off my driver education soap box now.

If you had super powers, what would they be? This is not a rhetorical question. I really want to know so make sure you send me an email. Also, let me know if it is alright for me to mention it in my podcast.

I kept thinking about super powers that day and what else I would do. That evening my son Max come to me and told me what he had done. He had set a new record and he was so proud of it. In a flash, I realized we all have super powers. I had an epiphany.

The epiphany? I am the creator of my life. Look at where you are right now. Just like magic you created that. So often I think of magic as instantaneous. You speak a word and it appears. That’s not magic that’s make believe. The real magic occurs when every day you speak the word and take action.

I know it takes time and dedication but it is still magic. Just think of how far you have come. I know that sometimes I get so focused on what I’m trying to create and how long it’s taking and I get discouraged. I have to sit down and look to the past and all the things I can do now that I take for granted. Like this newsletter.

I remember in December 2014 when Dr. Jeffrey Magee, my incredible mentor, challenged me to write one every week. I thought he was crazy. “I’ll never be able to do that.” I said to myself. Guess what!? I have not missed a week since. Every week I have written a newsletter. Sometimes two.

When I started, I was sacred! I put some things in place to help me; a routine – Sunday morning, piano music playing, good smelling candle, and an editor. I would sit down at my computer, say a prayer, and start typing. Now it is a habit and there is really no fear anymore.

I use this as an example for what I want to create now. If I tame my fear of writing, I can tame my fear of podcasting. If I can tame my fear of the water, I can tame my fear of heights. You get the idea.

Whatever it is you are trying to create, you can. You have super powers. You just have to use them every day. So today, use your magic to create the life you desire.

Go have an earth shattering day,

Do you ever find yourself asking that question– What’s next? For me, for my family, for my kids, for my life, for my career… the list goes on and on. Max, my son, just finished his junior year of basketball and is looking forward to next year with hope and fears. He is 17, one of the younger ones for his grade. He is the tallest person in his school. He is driven to improve himself all the time. He works-out every day to get stronger; he shoots and dribbles the ball to get better ball-handling skills. He is afraid he won’t be good enough when the cut comes next year. He’s afraid he’ll stop growing. In the last year and half he’s grown 4 ½” and been in pain most of the time. At 6’10” he wears a size 18 shoe and now needs a 40” inseam.

Last night we had a conversation about the things he can control and the things he can’t. There isn’t much he can do about his height but eat nutritious food, get plenty of sleep, and have tall parents. I told him to let that stress go. Then we looked at his age. Again not much we can do. What he can control is his improvement on the floor with the basketball. That is what he needs to focus on ball-handling, confidence to score, foot work, blocking out, etc.

The same is true for you and your goals. It can be a letdown when you finally reach them because it just happens. You work so hard for something. Maybe it takes you years to accomplish a goal you’ve set for yourself or your business. Then all of a sudden it happens. It is so exciting and earth shattering, then the next minute comes and it has passed and you’re looking for the next journey.

I challenge you to spend some time in the celebration phase of goal achievement. Pause and really enjoy it. Spend time reflecting on what it took to get there. Go over the lessons you learned and the changes you would make if you did it again. Remember the times you wanted to give up but didn’t. Think about the awe-inspiring people that helped you along the way. The incredible things that fell into place, finally.

I don’t know how much time you should spend, I just know that most driven people don’t spend enough. Take some time today to celebrate your wins of the past week. I know you have some. Human beings run on hope. It is their fuel, their power, their purpose. With it you can reach the moon and beyond. When you run from one thing to the next, you can get lost and forget what you’re running to. Take time today to focus on your reasons for doing what you’re doing. Ask yourself if you are living life to its fullest. Are you getting everything you need and want? Are you proud of where you are? Good, I’m proud of you also.

This is not a time to beat up yourself; this is a time to celebrate. This is a time to feel tremendous pride in the things you have accomplished. It doesn’t matter what they are, just that they matter to you. Find your fuel, your power, and your purpose and revel in it. Take a moment to be inspired by yourself and all the spectacular things you have done. You are a phenomenal person, and I’m glad to be sharing this time and space with you. Thank you for being you and sharing yourself with others.

Until next time,

I really do. I just got back from an amazing trip to Colorado. It was beautiful. They have had a great deal of rain so everything was green and lush. It reminded me of where I grew up, western Washington. I got to meet Courtney with the USA Blind Olympic Athletes Association. They want to purchase my book in audio form for their athletes. I went to volunteer for their camp. They were teaching Goal Ball to some military personal. I know Goal Ball and have taught to my PE class when I was a teacher so I was excited to help out.

There was only one problem, she had the dates wrong. They are having the camp this week. It was nice to just sit and talk and find out how I could be of service to them. Having a background in the Military and my subject matter for empowerment, is a perfect fit. They want me to come back in September for their cycling camp. It just so happens I was planning on going to the Def Leppard concert which is 28 September and the camp is the 21-27 September. I love creating my life just the way I want it.

My son, Max, went with me. He has become my personal assistant when he can travel with me. He is a big help. He had a lifelong dream come true. He got be at the USA Olympic Training Center. I think people thought he was a resident there because he had so many approach him, at one point I counted 20. He was so patient answering the question he gets all the time, “How tall are you?” and “Do you play basketball?”

We also had the spectacular opportunity of being recorded for an upcoming television appearance. I’ll make sure you get the info on when and what time it will air. When we were sitting in the green room waiting to go on, he told me another dream was about to come true.

I love my life and I love sharing it with my family. It is awe-inspiring to watch them take life and create what it is they want it to be. Decide today what you want. Now, take the first step to make it happen. You are on your way to what you want. If every day you take at least one step, every day you will be moving forward closer to your dream. That is all it takes, one action every day. You can do that. I know you can.

Let me and others know what you are creating. Your action will inspire others.

Have a successful day and tell others about it,

It’s not the fall. It’s the sudden stop at the bottom that does all the damage. My mom lives with me and has to go into an assisted living home when I travel for work. Last Thursday I had to take her in even though I’m home right now. She tried to take her walker down the stairs.

She didn’t even cry out or call for help. I was in my bedroom putting on my shoes. I had told her to head on down to the car after getting her ready. We were going to the movie. I had just finished tying my first shoe when I heard the crash.

I ran out of my room, down the hall to the top of the stairs, scared to see what had happened. She lay at the bottom with her walker on top of her. She was turned toward the wall so I couldn’t see her clearly. When I reached her and looked down at her, she looked up and said, “I’m okay.” It didn’t look that way from where I was. She had a big dent with a large cut on her forehead. The blood was flowing freely. Max, my son, reached us at this time. “Call 911?” he said. “Yes,” was my reply.

I knelt down to try and keep her from moving. I was worried about a neck injury. I told her to stop moving. She said, “I’m not moving” as she was trying to get up. I decided it was better to help her up than try to keep her down. We had her sit on the stairs, applied pressure to the cut, and kept her calm.

We live about five blocks from the fire station and the response time was really excellent. Two very nice men came in and took wonderful care of Mom. They transported her to American Fork emergency and at 11:54 pm we took her home. The only thing that had been broken was some blood vessels and her skin. No bleeding in the brain, no broken bones, just a Harry Potter cut on her forehead and lots of bruises starting to show.

Through the entire ordeal she had a smile on her beautiful face and did as she was told. Some of the tests were painful for her, but she did them anyway. She is one tough cookie. Always has been.

She has been a hard worker and one of the top sales people of every job she ever had. She never went to college and that always bothered her. Her teeth needed straitening so she was embarrassed to smile most of the time. It was a rare moment when you could get a picture of that beautiful smile that would bless her face.

That is one good thing about the dementia; she smiles all the time now. She is complemented on it by so many people. Everyone loves Martha and loves to be around her. She and Sheridan always had some kind of party going on and everyone was invited, literally. Their house was the get-together home on the street.

We had a birthday party for her on the 12^th. She turned 70. This past year has been hard on her and me. You never know how much time you have to live the life you dream of. Take action now.

I get to go pick her up today. She is doing much better and gets to come home. We have made a few changes at our house to make sure she is safer. I missed her every second she was gone and felt guilty she wasn’t with us. We visited her every day, but it’s not the same. She said okay when I told her we would be bringing her home soon. “It’s just for a little while until you feel better and can travel the stairs again.” She always says okay, but within five minutes she has forgotten and is asking again.

I am so grateful I get to have my mother with me. As I was leaving Lake Ridge Senior Living on Friday, I saw an obituary for Donna. Donna was one of the residents there. She has a special place in my heart and I started to cry.

I know my time with Mom is limited and I want to get as much as I can out of every second. I don’t know how or when, but I know we will all pass from this journey. Take time today to pause and really connect with those you love. Take time to just be with them and enjoy their company. Give them a hug and make sure they know they are loved. Spend time doing the things you enjoy. Live life and SMILE.

I’m off to get my mom and go to a movie, her favorite thing to do.

Bye for now,

This past week has been really hard. Boy, did I want to stay in bed and suck my thumb.

Our semi blew an engine and needs an in frame (that’s a rebuild while the engine is still in the truck). Our refrigerator stopped working. The coils were frozen over so I had to defrost it. Trouble shooting revealed it is the thermostat, a part I had to order and it takes three business days to get in. My husband’s phone will not charge. That is the way we keep in touch while he is driving the truck all over the country. It’s also how he books loads to haul, keeps in touch with brokers, shippers, and receivers so he can make money – the reason he is driving all over the country.

I know that what I focus on gets bigger, and for a while I was stuck in a negative feedback loop. Everything became a problem for me.

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time, right? First order of business was to get the truck back on the road. After calling every truck rental place in Utah, Idaho, Colorado, and Wyoming; I thought we were done for. No one had a truck to rent. Then the Lord blessed us and we found one at Peterbuilt . It is costing about $1,500 a week but we found one. Then we found someone to finance the $25,000 in frame.

We had saved some money because we knew the engine rebuild would be needed. We just didn’t know when and we didn’t expect it to be so soon or cost so much. (There’s over 1,000,000 miles on the Volvo). We were able to put the down payment on the rebuild and it should be ready this week sometime.

I also found a used refrigerator on KSL for $50 OBO. I told her I had $40 in my wallet. “Will you take that?” “Sure,” she said. I got my son and we went up to Sugarhouse and picked up a new used fridge, then we came home and rearranged the garage so it would fit, cleaned it out, and plugged it in. It works!!!! Our food was saved.

Well, except the ice cream. However, that worked out as well. It turns out the chocolate Creamies are better melted. Who knew?!

Laurence has found the solution to his phone and we are able to stay in contact once again. I don’t know how truckers did it before cell phones. I am so grateful for technology for many reasons the phone is just one.

I want to share with you how I kept going. When I say, “It is impossible”. God says, “All things are possible”. (Luke 18:27) When I say, “I’m afraid”. God says, “I have not given you a spirit of fear”. (2 Timothy 1:7) When I say, “I can’t do it”. God says, “You can do all things.” (Philippians 4:13) When I say, “I just can’t figure it out.” God says, “I will direct your steps.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

That which you focus on gets bigger; so, relax, change your focus, and trust in God. “I believe I am always divinely guided. I believe I will always take the right turn in the road. I believe God will always make a way where there is no way.” (Norman Vincent Peale) These words are by my bed. They are the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see at night. They have made a big difference for me. I hope they help you as well.

Take care for now,

Do you ever feel like there is just no way “it” is ever going to happen? Do you stand in front of the microwave and say, “It’s not ready yet”? I might be the only one, but I don’t think so. Sometimes, it feels like I’m not getting anywhere. In this fast paced technology infused world, it is easy to want instant results.

I want results like corn. Have you ever planted corn? It shows above the ground in about three days and grows like crazy. It seems like my results are more like bamboo. It takes five years before you see anything above the ground. It feels like one step forward and two steps back. I need to turn around, change my perspective, and then I can start running.

Corn is very fragile until it is harden in the sun if you start it indoors. It is easy to damage and pull out. It also only grows about six feet tall. Bamboo is strong and resilient and grows to about 90 feet. Yes, it takes longer, but it is worth it if you want something that will last.

When doubts creep in, I just tell myself I’m growing roots. When it takes me longer to do it right, I remind myself I am creating success habits. When people tell me it will never happen, I remind myself how far I have already come. In three years, I have created something from nothing.

It started as a vision in my mind that I took action on. Believe me, it was like a newborn calf trying to walk. I was stumbling all over the place. I even fell down on the first few attempts I made trying to learn the new skills I needed. Now most of those skills are habits that I can rely on to run smoothly while I create more success habits.

I love what I do 89% of the time. Eleven percent of the time it’s scary, and I’m not sure what to do. Three years ago those numbers were switched. I know there will always be new things to learn because I enjoy learning. I will always push myself, and when I am pushing I am stumbling until I get my roots grown. Then you can watch me accelerate toward the sky once again.

If you’re struggling, I encourage you to hang in there and keep moving forward. You just can’t see your growth yet. Take the time to make the right habits. The ones you need for a lifetime. They can be hard to change.

If you’re not stumbling, push yourself more. Potential is no good just sitting on the couch. Get up and use it. Make a difference in your life and the world. The world needs it. If you feel a pull, follow it. If you have the desire, it means you have the ability to make it happen. Make it so.

I look forward to hearing what you are creating. Keep in touch and keep moving forward.

Have a splendid day,