First off, it seems a little clarity is in order. I’ve realized, in Chapter 23, my reference to Carol at Forklifters might suggest the wrong thing. When I said “she’s a bargain at twice the price”, I meant she would be. That is, if she charged twice the price. Which she doesn’t! Her services are amazingly affordable, but she was worth more to me.

Chain Link
Moving on. In order to be the best business person we can be, we must be the best person we can be. For those of you who know me, you know I’m speaking on a holistic level. We’re not just a body. We’re not just a mind. We’re not just a spirit. We are the whole ball of wax, rolled together into one being. And we must learn to access our Higher Selves in order to be our absolute best. How do we do this? Well, it’s a process - a journey - it must be taken one step at a time. It begins with taking care of ourselves, so we can develop good relationships with others. Why does nurturing self impact relationships? Because we are all connected.

Taking care of ourselves may at times seem complicated, but it doesn’t need to be difficult. (Nothing is anything before you turn it into something. It’s your call.) Getting healthy in one area tends to produce a healthier result in all three. So, start somewhere! You’ll find that eventually it’ll all start to fall into place. Start with the place that bothers you the most. If you feel your body needs adjusting, start with a change of diet and/or exercise. If you find you’re often grumpy or moody, begin by getting to the root of that problem. Once you’re working to improve these areas, start a program to nurture your spirit. This is the glue that will pull everything together. How can you possibly heal your body and your mind when your spirit is deprived?

Cloud Nine
This makes a case for attending to your spirit first. But whatever. Do something. Start with what works for you. You are unique, and your plan will be unique to you.

So, how do you nurture the spirit? You’ll have to figure that out for yourself. Here’s what works for me: meditation, prayer, exercise, time spent with friends and family, treats, weekends away, vacations, time out for entertainment. Note: all of the above incorporate stillness or some other form of release for the mind. Nurturing your spirit never involves developing your mind. Best to leave your mind out of it.

Although exercise might belong in the physical category, it fits in here as well. That’s how closely everything is linked. We’re not a physical being, nor an emotional being, nor a spiritual being. We’re all of the above. Although I do lean toward the theory that we’re spiritual beings first and foremost. After all, we were created from spirit (hence the connection of all beings - are you getting this yet?) And I’ve noticed if I begin every day by nurturing my spirit, it’s much easier to promote a healthy mind and body. If I was to create an order for creating a healthy me, I would say a healthy spirit leads to a healthy mind, leads to healthy body. Whatever. The only important thing is not to neglect any of the aspects .

Field of Beans
Hold on for the book recommendation: I’m currently reading “Life! - Reflections on Your Journey” by Louise L. Hay. She puts everything I’ve discussed into perspective. While going into some detail about her own routine, she does emphasize uniqueness. Don’t get stuck on the parts that don’t resonate with you. Focus on her message. Considering she was in her 70’s when she wrote the book, I believe she’s earned the right to share her ideas.

Which brings us to whether I’ve earned the right to spout off all the stuff I constantly do in this column. Of course, the free speech thing automatically gives me the right. Whether others agree is up to them. They have the privilege to decide whether I’ve earned the right to influence them. This is my platform. I use it because I hope to help people learn, just as others have helped me. I’ve learned a lot by listening to others. Mentorship is extremely important to the learning process. And if we’re not learning, we’re not growing. Some would suggest if we’re not growing, we’re dying. Are you ready for that?

Lost in Grace
So, whether you care to listen to anything I’ve said is up to you. I only hope I’m able to make it interesting enough so people will read my words, and I’ll influence those that need to be influenced by me. I believe there’s a plan for everything in the universe. Somewhere out there are those waiting to be touched by me.

That goes for you, too. Somewhere out there are people waiting to be touched by you, both in your personal life and in your business life. So, by becoming the best person you can, you’ll be fit and ready when those people turn to you. Remember, absolutely all of your actions in some way affect someone else. Always. All ways. So by taking steps to live in your Higher Self, when they come knocking on the door of your life or your business, you’ll be prepared to give them what they want. In fact, I’m going to step out of my nest and go out on a limb to suggest that by accessing your Higher Self, you’ll actually attract people to you and to your business. If the premise that we’re all connected is true, this will work. Sound crazy? Try it, and let me know.

Bridge Over Troubled Plotters
Point in case: Referring back to my first paragraph, take a look at the service you give your customers. Are you worth more than you charge? If you were dealing with your company, would you be a return customer? Or do you think you might be falling short of what you yourself would expect? If you’re unhappy with your answers, then you know what you have to do.

At Corbins we believe in providing the type of service that attracts customers and keeps them. We believe our business is about you. We’re always striving to make it better for you. Please help us. Tell us what you would like from us. Join us at our Print & Cut Expo. Check out the products, enjoy some refreshments, and talk to us. You’re the most important part of our business.

For your success,

Team Corbin
 

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