Welcome
Cheers for Diversity!
Soul Restoration Tip
Personality Assessments
My Wish for You
Contact Info
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Welcome to this issue of The Bright Side! The article this week focuses on diversity and our unique perspectives. In that vein, I would like to acknowledge our subscribers in countries outside of the United States. We are read in all the continents (21 countries) except Antarctica! Any chance of a new subscriber from there??? :)

A special welcome today to our subscribers in the following places: Netherlands, United Kingdom, Singapore, Israel, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Malaysia, Germany, Hungary, Switzerland, Japan, Egypt, Mexico, Hong Kong, Austria, Slovenia, Argentina, Philippines, and Croatia. Wow! We are grateful to have you with us! Pass it on! Thank you!

I need your help! I am seeking "Good News Stories." These can be about kindness, how we affect others, how we have been affected by others, gratitude, good luck, and the power of prayer. I seek only true, personal stories that you know of firsthand. There's no need to make it long -- 300 words is the maximum I am looking for. Will you share your stories with me? I'd love to hear them and will credit you if/when I use them in some of the work/writing I am creating. Please email me Beth@BrightSideCoaching.com to share. Thank you very much!

With Love,
Beth
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Cheers for Diversity!

Being one to seek insight in ordinary (and extraordinary) experiences, I have to tell you what happened the other day. I was driving in my car when I heard an advertisement for McDonald's. They were seeking new employees and at the end of the commercial, the announcer enthusiastically stated, "McDonald's is committed to building a diverse workforce!"

It struck me as an unusual thing to say in a commercial, but I immediately liked the thought. Of course we have often heard and read advertisements for organizations that say they are 'an equal opportunity employer,' meaning that they don't discriminate in their hiring practices. McDonald's, however, is essentially shouting, "Bring your uniqueness here! We value that and see it as an asset. Come work here where you can be yourself."

There's a song called Signs from 1971 by The 5 Man Electrical Band. The lyrics say, "And the sign said 'Long-haired freaky people need not apply'. So I tucked my hair up under my hat and I went in to ask him why. He said, 'You look like a fine upstanding young man, I think you'll do.' So I took off my hat, I said 'Imagine that. Huh! Me workin' for you!'"

Again, the McDonald's ad is saying, "Hey! All you long-haired freaky people (or whatever your difference happens to be), come apply here! You are welcome!" I like this proactive stance in recognizing that our differences are gifts. Being unique is cool!

All too often, we like people who are similar to how we are. We like the comfort they provide and we like them to fit in with our image of how we think things "should" be. When we (or organizations) do that, we cheat ourselves out of new insights, exposure to creativity and substantial growth.

I have a friend who could definitely be considered different. She has had some real challenges in her life, but has come through stronger than ever. She's an inspiration! If the firm she works for had an exclusive mindset of hiring folks "just like them," they may have missed the opportunity to work with this offbeat, brilliant woman. The firm would have missed working with someone who has subsequently won numerous, prestigious awards for her exceptional creativity. Her uniqueness is a gift and they recognize that!

Think about it this way: each time we exclude those who are different from us, when we think our way is the only way and make judgments, we are essentially saying to God, "What were You thinking when You made that person like that?" I imagine God finds that to be pretty insulting, don't you?

This week begin to notice when you make judgments, whether aloud or in your head. Ask yourself what unique perspective each person could bring into your life and begin to expand your world. Like McDonald's, you too can embrace diversity and build your own unique support system.

Be sure to include the long-haired freaky people. :)
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Soul Restoration Tip

Here's a neat website I found for those of you who do speak English as your primary language or for those who wish to communicate in another language. Check out www.systransoft.com. You can plug in text and the website will automatically translate it in one of five languages. What a great way to experience new friendships!

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Personality Assessments

I am pleased to offer the DISC (dominance, influence, steadiness and compliance) assessments to Bright Side subscribers. DISC is "the universal language of observable human behavior." Currently, we are offering both the Employee-Manager Version and the Personal Interests, Attitudes and Values. Both assessments are available online and take 10 minutes each. At the completion of each one, you will receive a report with everything and anything (both reports total 38 pages of information) you ever wanted to know about yourself and your behavior in your work and personal life. This is a VERY POWERFUL tool!

I will also receive a copy and we will arrange for a private telephone call to review your results and make recommendations. The feedback consultation will last approximately 90 minutes. Cost for this service is $150.00 in advance. To arrange for your assessments email Beth@BrightSideCoaching.com or call 678-938-0419.
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My Wish for You
May today there be peace within you.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the
love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing that you are a child of God.
Let His presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the
freedom to sing, dance, and to bask in the sun.
It is there for each and every one of you.
~ Author Unknown

Faithfully,
Beth
Professional Life Coach /Writer / Human Being
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Contact Info

Copyright 2001 Beth Burns
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Beth Burns is a Professional Life Coach -- partnering with motivated people on their personal and professional goals. Her mission is to teach people to love themselves and love their life! She offers two free email newsletters and can be visited on the web at www.BrightSideCoaching.com.  She can also be reached by calling 678-938-0419 or by email Beth@BrightSideCoaching.com .