NOT DEAD YET - Attitude of Gratitude

NOT DEAD YET – Attitude of Gratitude

NOT DEAD YET is up and running and I must say I’m amazed at the range and diversity of our initial followers.  NOT DEAD YET truly transcends all age, genders, and lifestyles.

NOT DEAD YET has attracted a group of college kids on the East Coast and Extreme Snow Boarders in California.  We’ve heard from military veterans appreciative of their freedom and thankful to be alive.  We’ve heard from Moms that have raised their children and want to get back to school or start a second career. There are also so many people dealing with the toughest financial times they’ve ever faced.  Regardless of the circumstance or obstacle, they all believe The Best is Yet to Come.

The most emotional Not Dead Yet Fans are those that have faced life threatening situations or illnesses.   David Liddy is one of those survivors, you can read his amazing story on the NOT DEAD YET Facebook page Discussion Tab. Another beautiful story came from a lady that lost her brother to cancer.  She said that even though he’s not with us he would have loved the NOT DEAD YET message.

Barbara responded to our first blog,  “I’m so grateful for the perspective that comes with age, and the humility to appreciate the vastness of truths yet to be revealed. My favorite quote of late is: If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space!” What’s yours?”  You can read the rest of Barbara’s comments from the first blog on our website.

There have been numerous others that have embraced the NOT DEAD YET theme as their new mantra.  We’re so thankful that this message is inspirational to so many.  That’s what makes this endeavor so enjoyable. There’s a NOT DEAD YET passion waiting to erupt in all of us. 

NOT DEAD YET folks share many common qualities.  One that I’ve noticed is they have an “Attitude of Gratitude”.   There’s something special about people that appreciate what they have.  I read somewhere that the healthiest human emotion is not love but gratitude.  It actually increases your immunities.  It makes you more resistant to stress and less susceptible to illness.  People who are grateful are happy.  But people who are ungrateful are miserable because nothing makes them happy.  They’re never satisfied. It’s never good enough.

So if you cultivate the attitude of gratitude, of being thankful in everything, it reduces stress in your life. 

I enjoy collecting positive affirmations.  Here’s on I received this week that I wanted to share with you.  Enjoy.

I am Thankful:  For the wife who says its hot dogs tonight, because she’s is home with me, and not out with someone else.

For the husband who is on the sofa being a couch potato, because he is home with me and not out at the bars.

For the teenager who is complaining about doing dishes because it means she is at home, not on the streets.

For the taxes I pay because it means I’m employed

For the mess to clean after a party because it means I have been surrounded by friends.

For the clothes that fit a little too snug because it means I have enough to eat.

For all the complaining I hear about the government because it means we have freedom of speech.

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning because it means, I AM ALIVE.

Live well, Laugh often, & Love with all of your heart!  

Do you have an Attitude of Gratitude?  What are you thankful for?

Thanks for reading and Please continue to share the NOT DEAD YET MESSAGE.  Optimism & Hope are contagious.

Not Dead Yet, St. Patrick's Day Photo Contest

NOT DEAD YET PHOTO CONTEST

Greetings NOT DEAD YET Fans! Thank you so much for your loyal support of our online store launch last week.  Now we want to provide you an opportunity to GET LUCKY, and enter our St. Patrick’s Day Photo contest. When you purchase a NOT DEAD YET shirt from notdeadyet.com, please take a photo of yourself wearing it and post it to our NOT DEAD YET Facebook page. The photo of you wearing your NOT DEAD YET shirt posted by midnight March 16^th will qualify your name for our St. Patrick’s Day Raffle.  And yes, all of you that already purchased a shirt are eligible to win. The Original Not Dead Yet Guys will pick two winners on St. Patrick’s Day, Wednesday March 17th and the winners will receive a $50 American Express Gift Certificate.  The raffle will be videoed and posted to our Facebook page later that day. We look forward to seeing your smiling faces!  Good Luck everyone and don’t forget to identify yourself or tag your photo so we know who you are.

NOT DEAD YET, The Best is Yet to Come

Frankly Speaking, February 5th, 2010

           

Welcome to the inaugural NOT DEAD YET Blog.  I’m Frank and I am one of the Original Not Dead Yet Guys. You may be wondering what all this “Not Dead Yet” stuff is all about.   For me, it started when I noticed how some people began addressing me as sir, or treating me like I was an old man.  Hey I’m only 53! I don’t feel 53, ok sometimes I do physically, but not mentally.  In my mind I’m still 35.  So back up, I’m Not Dead Yet.  I don’t have to submit to this misconception “Not Dead Yet” for me simply means, I’m not done yet. I’ve got a lot left to give, a lot left to do.  I’m not slowing down…I’m just getting started, the best is yet to come!!!

Lately I’ve been reflecting on my life experiences.  Taking a look back at where I’ve been, where I’m at now, and what I’d like to be doing.  When I was younger I remember listening to Zig Ziglar at a motivational conference.  He was about 65 at the time and he said something I remember to this day. He said “I figure it’ll be about 20-30 more years before I even peak”.   I liked his attitude then and I like it even more now.

Together, we Original Not Dead Yet Guys came up with three words that exemplify what NOT DEAD YET is all about; Resilience, Spirit, Wisdom. 

Resilience – People who never give up regardless of what obstacles life throws at them; they refuse to lose.  People who are survivors and can’t wait until tomorrow because they’re getting stronger every day.

Spirit – People with the Spirit of Joy, Appreciation, Adventure, Passion, and Compassion

Wisdom – People who have experienced life, who are wise enough to know that we’re all unique but also share many similarities.  Wise enough to know that they’re never too smart to learn.  Wise enough to be content with who they are.  Wise enough to realize that while they can’t change the past, they can influence the present and the future.

I’ve got 4 wonderful children, ages 12 thru 21 and a beautiful two and a half year old granddaughter.  I want to see what the world has in store for them.   I want to learn how to play the piano, learn to speak Italian, complete my MBA, and travel with my beautiful wife.  I want to volunteer and serve others and give back to my community.  Maybe I’ll be a High School teacher and a baseball coach.  Something I’ve always wanted to do.   It feels like halftime for me.  There’s so much more to learn and do.

I know I’m not the only one in this state of mind.  What about you?  What do you think about?  What would you like to accomplish? Are you inspired by people who are adventurous, still growing and taking on new challenges?   Are you full of life?  Do you see the best in others and want to make an impact where you can? 

 Please share your Not Dead Yet story or the story of someone you know.  Optimism and Hope are contagious.  Keep an eye out at notdeadyet.com. The Grand Opening is coming real soon.