Newsletter Archive – February 2009

Things I learned from Mom … while she lived and at her death

Published February, 2009

Hi There
This isn’t a newsletter but I wanted to let you know why I haven’t sent one yet. I will do it very soon.
On Tuesday, February 3rd, 2009 my mom passed away. She was 83 years old.
My brother Phil (in London, Ontario near mom) called my brother John (who lives near me here in Toronto ) to tell him. John came here to tell me in person. It was really good to have him to hug and hold on to. (I have 3 brothers – 2 in London and one here.)
We went to London the next day and stayed for several days. There were lots of people to see and things to do.
I wrote something to read in church at the beginning of the memorial Mass (the priest was somebody I went to grade school and high school with!). All three of my brothers stood with me while I read it to everyone.
This event made me think again of things that really matter to me. I’ve written about some of them here. Thanks for reading.
My Happiest Wishes for you,
Trudy
Marketing Mentor for Small Business
mailto:trudy@smallbizbuilder.com http://www.smallbizbuilder.com
Please print or forward this to your friends and colleagues – I have lots to tell you and would like you to give this info as a gift to yourself and others. Enjoy.
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1. FEATURED ARTICLE. Things I learned from Mom … while she lived and at her death.
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1. BE TRUE TO YOUR REAL SELF.
All her life, we would say ‘Well, that’s mom!’ Whenever she said or did things, they came from her heart. She was ALWAYS herself – whether we agreed with what she said or did – or not!
Be yourself.
2. CELEBRATE – DANCE AND SING. The funeral parlour made a ‘looping’ DVD with the photos two of my brothers picked out (there were SO many to choose from) and two songs (Ave Maria and one by Josh Groban). One of the pictures showed mom and dad dancing together. They were really joyful. Dance when you’re happy.
Don’t just take photos, look at them and remember glad times they remind you of. Show them to other people who appreciate them.
3. LOOK AT THE POSITIVE IN EVERYTHING. I’ve always been positive and looked for the good in EVERYTHING. My friend Jane said that’s how she thinks of me.
I must have learned it somewhere. Well, I was reminded by mom’s friends that she was that way, too. It really helps no matter what happens to you, those around you, and the world.
4. SMILE AND TALK TO EVERYONE.
Mom talked to everybody she met from the bus driver to her customers when she worked at K-MART. When I was a little girl, I was embarrassed by this and told her so but when I got older (over 30) and had my own businesses, I talked to people, too. At 50 when I would speak to everyone, Mom was uncomfortable and told ME! I said that I’d learned it from her!
It helps you in life and in business. People like you more.
5. HELP OTHERS
Everyone can do it. It doesn’t matter what you have or are, you can always give something to help another. Mom did and that’s one the things people remembered.
6. BELIEVE IN YOUR GOALS.
Mom lived all of her life believing in rainbows and what they represent and resided on
Rainbow Avenue
for most of it. We saw many rainbows from the front window there. I even have a photo of one framed in my place.
Do you think it’s a coincidence? I don’t think so.
Goals are very important for all of us to have whether they’re personal or business. My wanted to go quietly in her sleep in her own bed … and she did.
Funerals are not really for the dead. They have left and maybe they’re watching us. I learned a long time ago that funerals are more for the living. People who I haven’t seen in years came to honour Mom .. and let me know. Give tribute to people to their faces – while they’re alive.
I subscribe to ‘sayings’ of the day. This came last week. I think it’s relevant for all of us.
‘Think back to a happy time in your life. A really, really happy time. If you can, try to remember the happiest you’ve ever felt. Think of the laughter, the peace, the confidence, the ease of it. Emotionally, relive a few of those moments. Think of the way you felt.’ GREAT, ISN’T IT?
Keep learning, … and until next time.
© 2009 Trudy Van Buskirk
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3. THINK ABOUT THIS QUESTION: What are you doing every day that makes a difference to the people around you? Do you live in the present?
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ABOUT TRUDY VAN BUSKIRK
Trudy Van Buskirk, is the founder of Smallbizbuilder. As a small business consultant, trainer, author, and resource (she knows people, books, etc… lots!), Trudy ensures that her clients get the results they want using her practical and disciplined systems which motivate them to plan AND to take action. She has built three businesses from the ground up in Canada and the U.S.; consulted with small businesses and professionals; developed and delivered training courses for entrepreneurs; given keynote addresses and authored four books for TVOntario’s Bits ‘n Bytes television series on computers in 1982 and Winning Women in 1992, and uses e-coaching (coaching by email which you can do any time) in her practice.
CONTACT ME: Email: mailto:trudy@smallbizbuilder.com
Voice: 416-778-9976 (Eastern time)
Web: http://www.smallbizbuilder.com
Copyright © 2009 Trudy Van Buskirk. All rights reserved.
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