Saturday, December 10, 2011

Friday, December 09, 2011

For Husbands Everywhere

The Road Less Traveled

My Marriage has unraveled
Because of Robert Frost.
When I take the road less traveled
My wife insists I'm lost.
                             Bob McKenty

Visit Here

Monday, November 28, 2011

New Anti-bullying Cartoon

It is our collective and individual responsibility to care about the wellness and safety of every child. Mike Moore  Read More     

Monday, November 21, 2011

A Thanksgiving Story To Remember


I found this story on Speaker Bob Prentice's Mr Attitude Site

 
 

The Hand
Author Unknown

A Thanksgiving Day editorial in the newspaper told of a school teacher who asked her class of first-graders to draw a picture of something they were thankful for. She thought of how little these children from poor neighborhoods actually had to be thankful for. But she knew that most of them would draw pictures of turkeys or tables with food. 

The teacher was taken aback with the picture Douglas handed in a simple childishly drawn hand.
But whose hand? The class was captivated by the abstract image. 
"I think it must be the hand of God that brings us food," said one child. 
"A farmer," said another, "because he grows the turkeys." 

Finally when the others were at work, the teacher bent over Douglas' desk and asked whose hand it was. 
"It's your hand, Teacher," he mumbled.
She recalled that frequently at recess she had taken Douglas, a scrubby forlorn child, by the hand. She often did that with the children. But it meant so much to Douglas. 

Perhaps from this story, we can learn that one of the most important things that you and I can give someone is a hand that reaches out to them in love.

Click here  for more on stories and storytelling Stories Touch Our Lives

Monday, November 07, 2011

Shattered Self Esteem

When I was in my late teens something happened that shook me to my roots and yet started me on a journey to fulfillment that has resulted in me being the confident, person /motivational speaker I am today.


Let me tell you the story…I was 17 years old, 6’3” tall and weighed 129 pounds of rippling, power packed muscle. I really did look like a broomstick with glasses.

I was standing in front of a full length mirror combing my hair when my aunt, who was visiting from out of town, walked in front of me. She looked at me and said,” You know Mike it’s a damn good thing God gave you personality because he sure didn’t give you looks.” She laughed and moved on past me.

I just stood there in shock and disbelief not knowing what to say.

If you were standing in my place and heard these words directed at you how would you have felt?

I didn’t realize the long term impact her words would have on me during the coming years and how I would struggle to heal and grow beyond their bite.

For many years after I was married whenever my wife and I were dressed to go out on the town she would look at me with admiration and say, “Mike, do you ever look handsome.”

For a long time my response would be, “ Carol, I’m clean and I smell good but don’t get carried away.”

The lesson I learned from this is clear: We don’t always know how our words affect others. Once they leave our mouth it’s impossible to get them back and their negative, destructive impact can remain for years.

Because of this hurtful event I became committed to monitoring my mouth to make certain I didn’t hurt others in the name of trying to be funny. Being human, I sometimes fail but when I do I immediately say I’m sorry and get back on track.

I ask you …can you relate to this story? Has something like this ever happened to you? How did you handle it and how did you overcome the negative impact on your life?


This is just one of the stories from Embracing the Mystery ( Living the Life You Want)

For more wisdom and insight on living your life to the fullest and becoming the person you were meant to be
Get your copy now

Saturday, November 05, 2011

A review of my popular book Embracing the Mystery ( now on Kindle)

This type of review makes an author feel fantastic. Thought I would share it with you. Mike

This is a little jewel of a book, which contains a wealth of inspiration for living a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life. Moore provides tips for reducing stress, improving self-esteem, banishing fear, nurturing patience, and more. But more than that, he help us get back in touch with the sense of joy and wonder that so often gets buried under the busyness of daily life. The author is also a cartoonist and his casual writing style is enhanced by a generous dose of appropriate cartoons, which never fail to bring a smile to my lips, no matter how glum I'm feeling. This is one of those books to which I return whenever I feel like I need help becoming a better person.

Check it out here.
   

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Six Humorous Motivating Oneliners

Optimism is a lot like electricity... nothing much happens without it.

Doctor  to family of deceased patient: " He failed to achieve his wellness potential."

Willie Nelson's concept of leadership: Find a group heading in your direction and jump out in front of it.

" If it weren't for laughter we'd be a lot sicker than we are." Victor Borge

Men love women because they're wonderful. Women love men because chocolate can't  mow the lawn.

Why is it that health club commercials never show people who look as if they need to be there?

For 101  Humorous Oneliners like thoses above Click Here

Friday, October 07, 2011

Climbing the Listening Ladder

I wrote in my book "Embracing the Mystery" that there was nothing as flattering or as rare as the undivided attention of another. The fact is that people just don't listen well. I think it was Mark Twain who wrote that a bore is someone who wants to talk about himself when I want to talk about myself.

How many times have you experienced someone asking you a question, not out of a genuine concern for what you have to say, but rather as an opportunity for them to flood you with their thoughts and opinions on an issue?

People have a hunger to be listened to- to have someone care enough to suspend their own agenda in the interest of another's. Sadly, such unselfish, attentive people are few..

I once had a man at a party come up to me and say that my wife, Carol was a terrific conversationalist. On the way home that same evening I told Carol what he had said and asked her what she did to give him that impression. She thought for a moment and said, "All I did was ask him questions about his life and listen to his answers. From his answers I asked more questions." Therein lies the secret to good conversation ...LISTENING WELL.

From Carol's insight I have developed what I call the listening ladder. Climb the listening ladder and you will be on your way to improved social interaction.

THE LISTENING LADDER

L. Look at the person speaking to you.. This alone sends out the message that you are focussed and involved.

A. Ask additional questions flowing from answers given to your original starting questions. Remember that you learn what to say by listening to what has been said.

D. Don't interrupt. The only time an interruption is acceptable is when you require clarification.

D. Don't change the subject. The speaker will indicate when they are finished their story.

E. Empathize with the speaker. Short phrases such as, "How interesting." "How exciting." "You must be so proud." Send the speaker the message that you are an empathic, caring listener.

R. Respond to what is said verbally and non-verbally. A simple nod or leaning slightly toward the speaker indicates interest and attention. Add to this such phrases as, "I see." "Really?" "Is that right?" and you enrich your response.

In conclusion I want to make something clear. Conversation is a two way affair. Most conversations are monologues conducted in the presence of an observer. If, after a reasonable period of time, the one speaking isn't willing to ask you a question and become a listener then conclude the interaction and move on. I usually give the one speaking ten minutes. If, after that time, they haven't asked me a question or my opinion I say something like, " It was nice chatting with you. Conversation MUST be reciprocal.

I like the story of the self-possessed Hollywood star who was heard saying to an admirer, "Enough about me talking about me. I'd like to hear you talk about me for awhile." There is a great deal of truth in this little story.
Good luck climbing the Listening ladder. The view from the top is fantastic.


For a copy of Mike's popular book " Embracing the Mystery" Click Here

Wednesday, October 05, 2011

Cartoon inspired by observing a young guy in the pouring rain.

Once again I was sitting overlooking the golf course watching teenagers on their way to school in the pouring rain. I was inspired to write and draw this cartoon.

Check out my cartoon collections

Thursday, September 29, 2011

New Cartoon: From Backpack to Briefcase

I was sitting at the window watching the kids going back to school when I was inspired to write and draw this cartoon.


For more cartoons for your fridge and staff bulletin boards CLICK HERE

Thursday, July 28, 2011

How to Be Funny and Entertaining in Just 60 Minutes

I can just hear you saying, “ Come on now, Mike , can you
really teach someone to be funny and entertaining in just 60
minutes?” The answer is a definite YES I CAN.

I can teach you the skills you need in 60 minutes. What I
can’t do is give you the courage to go out there and use the
skills in social situations. But I even try to help you with
this in the section on shyness and confidence.

There is no doubt that some people have the gift of humor and
wit in abundance. It seems to come naturally to them. The
danger many naturally gifted humorists face is hogging the
platform and not appreciating the humor of others.

While I love being in the presence of naturally funny people I
do begin to get irritated when they dominate the social
setting and don’t appreciate what others have to offer.

I don’t take a back seat to them. Neither should you. Just
look for an opening and jump in.

Even if you don’t have the gift to the same degree as others
you can still shine when it comes to humorous and entertaining
conversation.

Only you can provide the DESIRE, DETERMINATION AND REFUSAL TO
ACCEPT ANYTHING BUT SUCCESS.

So stay with me, read and digest my suggestions, practise them
daily and watch yourself transform into a humorous
entertaining social butterfly.


Everyone wants to be funny and entertaining when engaged in
social interaction but many have difficulty doing so. Join me
in unleashing your Humor Potential.

What’s Stopping You from Being Funny and Entertaining?

* Shyness
* Fear of failure
* Fear of looking foolish
* low self esteem and self image
* negative self talk
* Embarrassment
* You love your comfort zone

To achieve your Funny potential make friends with your
discomfort zone.

Force yourself to do what you are uncomfortable doing and
watch great things begin to happen.

Funny Types

When considering your funny potential you have to examine
yourself closely to determine how you relate to others
humorously. In my thinking there are 5 types of “ humorous”
people.

1. People who can entertain and make others laugh easily in
both large and small group settings.

2. People who can entertain and make others laugh in small
groups but not in larger ones.


3. People who appreciate the humor of others and laugh easily
but are not bold or confident enough to take the humor lead.

4. Those who think they’re real jokers but no one else does.
These people can be real pains when they try to be the
constant comic in every situation. When they tell a story
they drag it out tediously, get confused regarding details,
flow and sequence and when they do get to the punch line it
flops BIG TIME.

5. Very shy people who have a sense of humor but who just are
not comfortable or confident when it comes to general
conversation let alone making someone laugh.

No matter which of the above types you fit into there is
hope. I am sure that if you follow my suggestions you can
begin a process of emergence from whatever type you are into
the type you’d like to be.

For more info on How to Be Funny VISIT HERE

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Top Ten Reasons to Put Laughter to Work for You By Mike Moore

1. It cuts stress in half
2. Lowers blood pressure
3. Increases your energy
4. Promotes happiness
5. Stimulates the immune system
6. Promotes healing (physical and emotional)
7. Positive humor fosters a positive attitude
8. Promotes social flexibility
9. Increases endorphins ( feel good chemicals)
10. Bonds us to one another and reduces social conflict

More on Laughter and Humor Therapy HERE