BABY STEPS - STEP 2 OF A 3 STEP ACTION PLAN FOR MANAGING CASH

For a good twenty years, I managed cash daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly at privately held companies I worked for.  Consistently working cash flow so we were prepared for anything.

Step two for managing cash is using a weekly cash management tool.

This is a 52 week spreadsheet that tracks cash flow going in and coming out of your bank accounts. General checking, payroll account (If you have a separate account) savings account, and line of credit. In addition, this spreadsheet tracks accounts receivable, account payable and any credit card debt you may carry. 

Using this tool will have you looking at your accounts consistently and the tool allows you to manage and plan, when you need borrow from a line of credit, pay down the line, and or transfer money into savings.
For the gym, we have a savings account and we sock $500 to $1000 each month to cover the semi-annual real estate property taxes.  In addition, if there is more than enough we will put additional funds aside to cover new equipment for the gym.


Why manage cash weekly? This is the path that provides knowledge and direction for your financial goals for your business. This is so you know where you have been, where you are and see where you are heading at all times. Knowledge is power. Mapping out cash coming in and going out weekly, allows you to see and plan what is needed.


A question I am constantly asked - Why do I need to manage cash flow daily when I use QuickBooks.?


Great question - the answer - CASH is KING. Cash is worked daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly.  Cash is the lifeblood of every business. If you don't manage the cash coming in from accounts receivable and going out, accounts payable you run the risk of putting yourself out of business.  When you don't manage sales and accounts receivable you run the risk of missing income. (See previous post ) If you are not managing your expenses. i.e. accounts payable you can run the risk of negative circumstances where you have to scramble.  The numbers are only information, with that information, you make choices and decisions how to move forward.


A short story about cash flow. Back in 2008 I was working with a company that sold goods wholesale to large retailers.  There was one company that we had to constantly monitor as there were rumbles of bankruptcy in the air. Frightening, especially when there was over $500k in outstanding receivables. They continued to make promises to pay, however at the end of June we were notified they filed for bankruptcy protection. 


The good news, we had one advantage, our product the business was selling, was their best seller. They needed our product.  I immediately created a letter to the President of the company that filed bankruptcy stating all sales will be paid in advance by a wire. The President agreed. How did we do with cash flow? The cash sales from the bankrupt company funded our growth as the business grew 74% that year. You need cash to grow.


Your business will fail with poor cash flow management, so why run the risk?

Create that new muscle, a new habit and learn how to work your cash flow differently.  Cash happens right now, in this very moment when you receive a payment or are purchasing goods or services. Working cash daily and weekly forces you to look at and plan.  You are the CEO of your business and the CFO. Lead your finances as you lead your business.


Remember, CASH is KING, so you need to know where you are at all times.Creating simple, easy baby step habits opens the door to new possibilities for you and your business.

Next is step three - Cash Flow Management - Planning and mapping out sales i.e accounts receivable, expenses, i.e. accounts payable and credit card debt weekly.


Get in to action, and get cracking on managing your cash daily. If you have any questions or need help with managing your cash, reach out and ask for help, e-mail me at d.rosenfelt@cfomadeeasy.com to set up an appointment to discuss your needs.

Warmly -


Debbie Rosenfelt
President/CFO

CHANGING PROBLEMS INTO PROJECTS

Every morning I treat myself with a ritual of reading, meditation, journaling and praying.  When I come across a really good thought provoking story and insight my heart jumps a beat and states . . I must share this insight . . this wisdom.

Some of you may wonder or ask why? - Because my belief is we were put on planet earth to support each other to succeed.  In whatever it is we are here to do on our journey of life, and our journey of business.

If you feel or hold the notion that you are here to "do it" on your own - think again. 

I challenge you to ask yourself internally, "What is it that has me think I need to go/be on the journey to do life/business alone?"  Look around you - God did not place you on this planet alone.  Who made the rule;  its not ok to ask for help?  Leaders ask for help.  . There is strength and courage in asking for help.

So here it is . . the bit of wisdom I came across last week from the daily guides of Science of Mind . .

Changing Problems into Projects

"While in Southern California a few years ago, I was being interviewed on a radio program. The moderator said, “I have been to your church, and I notice that you are always happy, and you act as if you never have a problem. How do you do that?”

My heart responded, “I see problems as projects, because when we have a project, we seem to look for a plan to find the answer. And so I refer to problems as projects.”

What we call a problem is a temporary detour from a course of action, an unexpected event, or some interruption in our intentions, aspirations, or goals. One way to address a problem is to remember the biblical thought that says, “And it came to pass.” Deep within each of us lies an insular Tahiti—filled with peace and joy. That thought implies that despite challenges, problems, or temporary interruptions of our goals, there are answers available for every project.

Significant learning may be garnered from a strenuous situation, and this learning may be used for future enrichment. A wise counsel during problematic times is to be still and know. Another workable idea is to refrain from constantly verbalizing the issue. By taking the time to be still and listen within, we fulfill the words of a writer who says, “Be quiet, or your mouth will keep you deaf.” In silence, we access answers and promote greater receptivity for our good."

Science of Mind December 2013 Daily Guides

How do you see problems or issues in business?  In life?  Why not reframe from 'problem" to "project"?  Brainstorm solutions with your staff, business partner, coach, spouse or friends?

Problems/projects arise on our journey of life and business because we have something significant to learn.  Are you listening?

Warmly -

Debbie
 

Have questions or want support? Email me at d.rosenfelt@cfomadeeasy.com

COURAGE AND FEAR ARE INSEPARABLE

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.  Anaïs Nin

Fear is an inevitable part of the landscape of our existence.  We have the results if billions of years of biological evolution built into every cell, every organ, and every system within the body.  Fear is an essential quality in the physical world, whether it is the awareness of danger or an encounter of with an unknown.  Fear just is.

So our goal cannot be to eliminate fear.  That would be like trying to eliminate skin - impossible.  What we must learn to do is to take greater dominion over our inner processes, including the fear response.  One way to do this is to develop courage.  Courage is also part of the landscape of our existence - another evolutionary gift from the ages.  Courage is the capacity to override fear where appropriate.  Courage is never present unless fear is also present.  every courageous act that we admire is performed by someone who overcomes fear.  And in order to overcome fear, we have to experience fear.  I have tired, but I cannot find a way around this.  We move through the fear, let the inner power express, and the experience is transformed.

So courage and fear are inseparable.  These two qualities go together.  As we develop the capacity to express courage, we do not rid ourselves of fear; we become the master of fear.  That is what we are to do in this life. (Science of Mind Magazine, July 2013, Jim Lockard; page 42)

Read this the other day and I felt one of my deeper inquiries was answered.  Last December I made an internal decision to conquer my fear as I am just tired of it.  It's paralyzing effects where it just stops me in my tracks.  I purchased quite a few books on "Fear" (Fear Thich Nhat Hanh,  The Transformation, Ainslie MacLeod, May Cause Miracles - A 42 Day Guide book, Gabrielle Berstein) to help me get to the point that I could stand on the top of the world and shout out.  . "I have CONQUERED you fear, Dam it."

Yet what I have noticed, I have read, listened, acknowledged and practiced recognizing what my fear is and just being with it.  Asking myself, "what am I learning about me and fear?"  What is needed?  I learned for me, it takes courage and compassion to stand up to fear.  With courage and compassion for self, I have developed a deeper connection and understanding of me.

Now learning that fear and courage are two qualities that hold hands and  that I will not rid myself of fear, I am able to be more purposeful when fear pops up.  I will ask myself, is this true fear of danger ahead, or is it because of the unknown.

Take time for yourself with courage and inquire deep within you what is your fear.  Know there is nothing to fix, just be curious to explore what it would take for you to move forward, if you feel stuck or paralyzed.

May this affirmation speak to you:

" I am a being of great courage.  I know that my inner strength is unlimited.  I face my fears from a place of deep knowing that there is more to me than fear -infinitely more."

 

Warmly -

 

Debbie Rosenfelt

Chief Heart Officer

 

 

 

GROWING THROUGH IT

I am easily inspired each day if it be reading a quote that speaks to my heart, a short story, watching a video or a movie, even through deep conversations with family and friends.  I intuitively seek the positive in every aspect of life or business.

This morning's encounter of inspiring words of encouragement came from "Science of Mind" daily guide, for June 14th, 2013, by Rev. Sally Robbins

The story's undertone resonated for me and empowered encouragement of what is possible.  I live from the land of possibilities in everything I touch, hear or see.

As you read, notice and listen to the underlying message.  May this speak to your heart in what ever you are encountering in your life and or business.

Growing Through It.

"Deep within man dwells those slumbering powers; powers that would astonish him, that he never dreamed of possessing; forces that would revolutionize his life if aroused and put into action" Orison Swett Marden

I would rather see a student of this Science prove its Principle than to have him repet all the words of wisdom that have ever been uttered.  It is far easier to teach the truth than it is to practice It.  ~The Science of Mind, page 423

I lived in Minneapolis in 1993 when there was record flooding along the Mississippi River. Scientists discovered that the plants that normally grow on the bottom of the Mississippi and

reach to just above the water line were significantly taller that year. Due to the flood waters being over six feet above the Mississippi’s normal water line, the plants had to grow at least six feet higher to reach the top of the water to receive the sunlight they needed. There was
something within them that urged them to grow—and grow far taller than theyhad previously grown.

Sometimes we can feel overwhelmed and feel that the waters of life are closing in over our heads. It is in this moment that we have the opportunity to practice our spiritual principles. This is the time when we get to walk our talk. As Morpheus from The Matrix says, “Sooner or later, you’re going to realize that there’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path.” Instead of spouting hollow platitudes, we courageously walk the spiritual path and learn from it.

There is something within us that is calling us to grow. The challenges in our lives are opening us to greater possibilities. Just as those plants in the Mississippi River needed to grow taller to reach the sunlight, we can grow through whatever comes. (Science of Mind, June 14, 2013 Rev. Sally Robbins)

So I whisper to your heart, what is calling you to grow?

What is your heart yearning?

What challenges are opening you to greater possibilities?

Your heart is talking to you.  Are you listening?  If you don't who will?

If this story or inquiring questions have created a spark of curiosity inside of you e-mail me at d.rosenfelt@cfomadeeasy.com

 

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt

Chief Heart Officer

 

Leadership Lessons from the Ant

I was given an invaluable gift this week by a fellow leader, entrepreneur, businessman, husband, father, Elder who has this quiet grounding presence. I so appreciate the gift my heart shouted, share, share, share with other leaders, entrepreneurs and business owners. The gift, the Maxwell Leadership Bible by John Maxwell.  The book shares lessons of Leadership from the word of God.  So over the course of time as a story or insight speaks to me, I will pass it on and share it with you in this blog.

If you enjoy what you read, please share it with someone that you think could benefit from giving this a read.  I'd be ever so grateful if you did.

What spoke to me from "Leadership Lessons from the Ant" was the very first sentence - "Do you want to make a difference?"  My eyes lit up, my heart jumped and my mind shouted from the roof tops a resounding YES. 

How about you? Do you want to make a difference?  Then pay attention to the metaphor of the ant.

Leadership Lessons from the Ant

It's amazing that one of the smallest of God's creatures can become one of His greatest teachers.

A - Attitude of Initiative

Ants don't need a commander to tell them to get started.

N - Nature of Integrity

Ants work faithfully and need no outside accountability to keep them doing right.

T - Thirst for Industry

Ants work hard and will replace their anthill when it gets ruined.

S - Source of insight

Ants store provisions in summer.

If we consider and learn from the ways of the ant, we can grow wise.

(The Maxwell Leadership Bible by John Maxwell - Page 770)

As you read this, what glean of insight sparked inside of you? 

Are you curious to learn more about you?  Quietly ask yourself these questions, then journal and discover.  Do you have an attitude of initiative?  Are you faithful to yourself?  With your business or job?  Are you thirsty for support?  Do you have insights yet ignore them?

I know you have it in you to dive deep.  Be curious about self discovery to open and expand your heart with self acceptance.  YOU are UNIQUE and you are here to share your UNIQUE gift of you.  When you uncover what is hiding underneath your beliefs, you will unearth what is driving you in your life, business/job and finances. 

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt

d.rosenfelt@cfomadeeasy.com

FRIDAY'S STORY TO INSPIRE - The Great Challenge of Life

Today's story to inspire is from Jim Rohn who shares a bit of wisdom - YOU count.  You matter. It takes you, no one else but you to choose what you want. 

How does this apply to business, and finances?  read on . .  enjoy!

The Great Challenge of Life

Here's the great challenge of life - You can have more than you've got because you can become more than you are.

I have found that income seldom will exceed your own personal development. Once in a while income takes a lucky jump, but unless you grow out to where it is, it will go back to where you are.

Somebody once said if you took all the money in the world and divided it among everyone equally; it would soon be back in the same pockets. However, you can have more because you can become more. You see, here is how the other side of the coin reads - unless you change how you are, you will always have what you've got.

The marketing plan won't do it. It's a good plan but it won't work without you. You've got to work it. It is the human effort that counts. If you could send a sales manual out to recruit - wouldn't that be lovely? The major thing that makes the difference is what YOU do.

In order to have more, you need to become more. The guy says "If I had a good job I would really pour it on, but I have this lousy job so I just goof off." If that is your philosophy, you are destined to stay there.

Some people say if I had a lot of money I would be really generous, but I don't have much so I'm not generous. See, you've got to change that philosophy or you will never have "the lots of money." Unless YOU change, IT won't change.

Amazingly, however, when we throw out our blame list and start becoming more ourselves - the difference is everything else will begin to change around us.

Jim Rohn
1930-2009, Author and Speaker
www.jimrohn.com 

What spoke to your heart about this story?  What spoke to your head?  What ever challenges you have in life around finances, it will take YOU to step up and choose to want to do it differently.  There is no magic formula, no magic pill, or magic wand it just takes you.

What's stopping you with your finances?  Business or personal?  How do you know what you don't know?  Start asking questions. Start asking for help. It's that simple, it's that easy.

I would love to be your financial coach,  are you ready?

Please share your comments below and share this blogpost with your friends and colleagues.  I am here to support you with moving forward.  d.rosenfelt@cfomadeeasy.com

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt

Chief Heart Officer

FRIDAY'S STORY TO INSPIRE - Are You Guarding A Concrete Slab?

Happy Friday . . Today's story to inspire is a thinker . . . this can be applied to anything, even business finances and personal finances.  How??  Read and I will share a couple of examples after the story. .

Are You Guarding A Concrete Slab?

There was an army barracks that had on its duty roster 4 soldiers to guard at all times a concrete slab in front of the barracks. The soldiers changed shifts guarding the slabs for many years. Different commanders came and went and the tradition continued.

After many years, a new commander was assigned to the barracks. Amongst the things he did was asking why things were done the way they were. When he asked why soldiers were guarding the slab, he was told, "We've always done it this way. It's our tradition. Our former commanders instructed us to do that."

The commander was adamant on finding out why. He went to the archives to look for answers and he came across a document that had the explanation. The document was very old.  It had instructions written by one of the retired commanders who had even passed away.

The new commander learnt that over 80 years ago, the barracks wanted to build a platform where events could be performed. When the concrete slab was laid, wild animals walked over it at night before the slab would dry. The soldiers would fix it the next morning but when evening came the same thing would happen. So the commander ordered that 4 soldiers should guard the concrete slab for 3 weeks to allow it to dry. The following week the commander was transferred to another post and a new commander was brought in. The new commander found the routine and enforced it and every commander that came did the same. Eighty years later the barracks continued guarding a concrete slab.

What beliefs, attitudes, traditions have you carried on that were relevant to certain people or a certain time and they are still being carried out by you? Is your opinion about yourself, people of a different race, the opposite sex, certain business opportunities, new products etc obsolete? Question the status quo.

Sandras Phiri

I told you it was a thinker . . . how are you guarding a concrete slab? 

 

Are you managing cash by going online every day?  Or do you have a system in place that supports you with consciously planning cash for business or personal finances?  During hard core crunch times, do you react or respond, because "that is the way you have always done it?"

Ask yourself, what needs to change? What needs to be looked at from a fresh perspective so an old belief pattern stops?  Can you see how the "concrete slab" is an old belief?

Here is today's action plan - Jot down one or two areas in your finances, business or personal that you want to change.  For example, create a check register in excel  (I offer a 12 month check register) and start tracking your cash.   What are the recurring charges on your credit card statement that has been on there for months or years and your not using? Start monitoring utility bills to see how much your using and spending.  Is usage going up? Are there inconsistencies? Check it out.  Create a spreadsheet to compare the costs sided by side for a rolling 12 months. What do you see?

If you want help, reach out and ask. If you believe that you can figure it out, yet everything stays the same, it's time to ask yourself - How is that working for you?  Stop watching the concrete slab and make a change to move forward. I woud love to support you with moving forward.

Have a questione-mail me at d.rosenfelt@cfomadeeasy.com

Supporting you with moving forward.

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt

CFO Made Easy

Friday's Story to Inspire - Good or bad . . right or wrong .

"A mistake is simply another way of doing things." ~ Katherine Graham

 Children are often told that they are good or bad when what is meant is that their behavior is seen as pleasing or not pleasing.  When the idea of being good and bad is planted deep into consciousness at an early age, it leads to a belief that we have two parts, one good and one bad.  such a belief divides us against ourselves.  f we believe that we are half bad, we cannot really believe that we are one with Divine. This causes major conflicts, the symptoms of which are guilt, shame and a feeling of being unlovable.

The now-famous Dr. Albert Ellis, a pioneer in the field of cognitive therapy, eloquently stated, "We are always doing the best we can, given that we know what we believe."  Believing this invites us to easily understand why we behave the way we do and why change is often difficult.  Many years ago, this insight led me to the realization that I am neither good nor bad; I just am.  we are all beings acting in accord with what we know and believe.  The good news is that we can and will change what we know and believe, and we will always act accordingly. "Change your thinking, change your life" is much more than bumper-sticker wisdom.  by  Bob Luckin

As you read today's story to inspire what thoughts came up for you?  How can you internalize this concept to allow yourself to move forward in your business? In your life?  What if there was no "good" or "bad", "right" or "wrong". From my perspective we make choices.  A choice is a choice, not a label.  Why do we feel we need to label ourselves or others?  Labeling sets our world to make us feel ok about ourselves.  When in fact we are ok exactly as who we are, (without the labels) and where we are in any given moment.

I can understand how this may be a stretch for you, yet I invite you for one day, to remove  "good" and "bad", "right" and "wrong" from your vocabulary . .and just allow what shows up to be.

For example, when working on your business or an area of your personal life something does not go the way you planned, step back and say, "wow, that is not what I expected", then let it go, move forward.  There still may be the urge to label it as "good" or "bad", "right" or "wrong' yet just notice what you learned and the feeling you were left with.  this is allowing . . allowing you to be with where you are in that moment.  Notice and let go of the "label" and just be.

This is just another way of doing things in business and in life.  Because YOU are the CEO and CFO of your business and of your life.

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt

CFO Made Easy  

BABY STEPS - STEP 3 OF A 4 STEP ACTION PLAN FOR MANAGING CASH

"Gross revenue means nothing if, at the end of the day, you have no operating cash." ~ MIKE MICHALOWIZ

For a good twenty plus years, I managed cash daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly at the privately held companies I worked for.  Consistently working cash flow so we were prepared for anything.

Step three for managing cash is using a 52-week cash flow projections.

This is a 52 week spreadsheet that tracks cash receivables coming in and cash payables going out. Cash Receivables are listed at the top. You can create a variety of categories for cash coming in.  Examples, receivables from various areas of the business, coaching, products,, events, and seminars, etc.  Cash going out categories, inventory, then list your various vendors if that is how you want to track purchases. Commissions, payments to contractors, weekly or bi-weekly payroll, plus normal monthly expenses, rent, utilities, electricity, natural gas, phone, internet, water, lease payments, car payments.  The 52 week cash flow spreadsheet is a cash story book, it tells you where you have been, how you performed and the variances that have occurred, which will allow you to realign how you are managing cash.  At the end of the spread sheet it tells you if there is lots of cash left over for the following week, or not enough to cover you, so then you can plan to borrow or adjust what will go out.

You can purchase the weekly cash flow management tool to your right for $225, equal to $4.33 a week, which is equivalent to less than one Vente latte.

Why manage cash weekly? This is the path that provides knowledge and direction for your financial goals for your business and life. This is a tool used to see where you are and where you are heading at all times. Knowledge is power. Mapping out cash coming in and going out weekly, allows you to see and plan what is needed.

A question I am constantly asked - Why do I need to manage cash flow daily when I use QuickBooks.?

Great question - the answer - CASH is KING. Cash is worked daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly.  Cash is the lifeblood of every business. If you don't manage the cash coming in from accounts receivable and going out, accounts payable you run the risk of putting yourself out of business.  When you don't manage sales and accounts receivable you run the risk of missing income. (See previous post ) If you are not managing your expenses. i.e. accounts payable you can run the risk of negative circumstances where you have to scramble.  The numbers are only information, with that information, you make choices and decisions how to move forward.

Business's fail with poor cash flow management, so why run the risk?

As I have shared in earlier posts, create that new muscle, a new habit and learn how to work your cash flow differently.  Cash happens right now, in this very moment when you receive a payment or are purchasing goods or services. Working cash daily and weekly forces you to look at and plan.  You are the CEO of your business and the CFO. Lead your finances as you lead your business.

Remember, CASH is KING, so you need to know where you are at all times.

Creating simple, easy baby step habits opens the door to new possibilities for you and your business.

Get in to action, invest in yourself and your business. Purchase the weekly cash flow management tool and get cracking on managing your cash. If you have any questions please leave below or e-mail me at d.rosenfelt@cfomadeeasy.com

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt

Chief Heart Officer

PURPOSE IS A GUIDING LIGHT . . . . .

"A #2 pencil and a dream can take you anywhere." ~ Joyce Myers

I am an avid reader of the Science of Mind magazine. Each message speaks to my heart and soul. Below is one daily reading I want to share with you.

Are you, YES YOU, moving forward with discovering your purpose?  Is your heart and soul nudging you?  Whatever that looks like for you.
Just a quiet little reminder. Enjoy!

Purpose

Sometimes, it is difficult to figure out purpose.  Too often, friends are willing to tell you what they think your purpose is, especially when it serves them. I have found something interesting about purpose: all I need to do is decide what my purpose is and be 180 degrees away from it. Once you set an intention to find your purpose, however, the universe will conspire to guide you. The only thing you can do wrong is to do nothing.

Purpose is a guiding light. You must not forget your purpose, but don't allow your purpose to tether you. Choose a purpose, and don't be attached to having it be the right one. Choose nothing, and the universe knows you are not yet willing to play. (SOM, August 4, 2012)

So, are you playing? or are you not yet willing to play? Share your passion, your purpose below.  . GET IT OUT!.  . Scream it to the world. .  we are waiting to hear your voice. Your soul is waiting for you to play.

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt

Chief Heart Officer

BELIEVE IN YOU!

This morning as I was reading, I came across this short gentle reminder.

Notice and realize YOU are the CEO of your life and business and the CFO of your life and business.

Your strength and effectivness increase as you believe in yourself and your ability to grow from the experiences you have in life. Look upon challenges as opportunities to learn and apply your knowledge and your magical touch. ~ Doreen Virtue

Warmly -

Debbie
Chief Heart Officer
CFO Made Easy

FRIDAY'S STORY TO INSPIRE - Pick Up Your Oar And Start Rowing

Today's story is a heartwarming story, that just makes you think in more ways then one.  Keeping it light for you today.  This finance stuff can get really heavy.

An inquiry - what is your heart wanting for you today?

Enjoy!

Pick Up Your Oar And Start Rowing

My boss, two co-workers and I stood behind the hard plastic seats. We were in the front section, on the first-base line at Shea Stadium, home of the New York Mets. We were so close to the infield, there was a protective net over our heads. I was new to the New York City area and had never been to Shea Stadium. These were dream seats. My heart pounded with excitement.

We stood with our umbrellas held high. The rain beat down on everything around us. It bounced off the seats and quickly formed deep puddles on the cover protecting the field.

"Steve," I asked my boss, "How did you get such great seats?"

"They came from Ed at the office. His dad is a blind sports writer and has a long- standing relationship with the Mets and Yankees."

The game was called due to rain. We left the stadium disappointed. On the long subway ride back to Jersey City, I wondered about the man behind the seats. How could a man be blind and be a sports writer?

Years have passed since that rainy night. Old friends back in Canada often ask me, "Mike, have you gone to a baseball game in New York yet?"

I say to them, "I've been to a few, but let me tell you about the best seats I ever had but couldn't use."

Whenever this happens, the memory of that night comes flashing back. I wonder about the blind sports writer. What was his story?

It had to be special.

I sat at my computer one night. An email popped into my in-box. I didn't recognize the return address. The subject line said, "Inspirational SI article about my dad, Ed Lucas." I was curious.

I opened the email. It was from a gentleman sending me a clip of a story written by Steve Rushin for Sports Illustrated. It was a wonderful read about a special man. Through the article and the man who sent it to me, I learned the full story. The following is a synopsis:

Twelve-year-old Ed Lucas ran home from his school in Jersey City. It was October 3, 1951. He arrived in time to see Bobby Thomson win the pennant for his favorite team, the New York Giants.

After the game, Ed ran out to play ball with his friends. During the game, Ed was hit between the eyes by a line drive. The force of the blow detached both retinas, leaving Ed permanently blind.

Ed became depressed. His mother, Rosanna, took matters into her own hands and took Ed to a Newark, New Jersey men's store.

There, she introduced him to Phil Rizzuto, a part-time employee of the store and a Yankee star. Phil befriended Ed.

Rosanna wasn't done yet. She wrote the Giants Manager, Leo Durocher, about her son. Leo asked her to bring Ed to, what was then called, the Polo Grounds. On June 14, 1952, young Ed sat in the clubhouse with the members of the Giants. It was the beginning of a special relationship.

Ed enrolled in St. Joseph's School for the Blind in Jersey City. The nuns were demanding. Ed learned to make his bed and match his clothes. If he whined about being blind and not being able to do what other kids could, Sister Anthony Marie was quoted saying, "Isn't that a shame? We're all in the same boat here, Ed. Pick up your oar and start rowing."

Ed enrolled in university to study communication arts. He worked hard. He knew no other way. The nuns had made sure of that.

He graduated in 1962 and became a regular in the Shea and Yankee Stadium press boxes, where he interviewed the players. Years later, a young Mets rookie, Ron Swoboda, took Ed by the hand. Together they walked the warning track around the field. Ed traced his fingers along the outfield wall. His fingers, sensitive to reading Braille, seemed to read the history of the park. Every dent, scratch and chip he touched meant something to him.

Later that year, Ed married. He and his wife had two sons - Eddie and Chris. Sadly, at a very young age, their mother left forever. Ed had to raise his two sons alone. With the strength he learned years ago at St. Joseph's, Ed took on the task. He taught his sons to be strong.

It was not uncommon for the two young boys to see Billy Martin in their home. "Huge stars like Mickey Mantle would tell me my dad was their hero," Chris was quoted as saying.

Years later, a friend came to Ed and told him about a nurse, Allison Pfeifle, whose detached retina left her legally blind and unable to continue her profession. He asked Ed to speak to her.

Ed and Allison talked on the phone for many years before meeting in person. They were baseball fanatics and spent their first date at Shea Stadium.

On March 10, 2006, at Yankee Stadium, Allison walked from the dugout to home plate and became Ed's new bride.

With his two sons at his side, Ed started a new life, at the place he holds so dear, and with the woman who captured his heart.

Ed, now 68, was quoted saying, "Baseball took my sight, but it also gave me my life."

***********************

I sat in shock. Could it be? I mailed Chris back and told him about the seats we couldn't use that rainy night.

He confirmed, his father was the man who provided those unused seats. Chris told me later, "They are the first couple in the 80 year history of the stadium to have the honor of marrying there."

I finally knew the story. It was sure worth waiting for.

Michael T Smith

Michael lives in Caldwell, Idaho with his wonderful wife Ginny. He writes in his spare time and is completing a collection of his stories to be called, “From My Heart to Yours.” Michael writes inspirational stories in his spare time. To read more of Michael's stories or to contact him, go to Michael-Timothy-Smith Stories

For support e-mail me at d.rosenfelt@cfomadeeasy.com.

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt

Chief Heart Officer

CFO Made Easy

FRIDAY'S STORY TO INSPIRE - "TELL ME SOMETHING GOOD"

Today's GREAT inspiring story . . I LOVED it as soon as I read it and thought this is PERFECT to share.  Of course I am always thinking.  . how can I apply inspiring stories around finances . . business and even personal . .

So as you read.  . apply this to how you think about and work with your finances . . this is about shifting your perspective . . look at the positive . . .
Tell me something good  . . .below . . Be inspired to just be with where you are.

Enjoy!

Here is your Friday story,

"Tell Me Something Good"

Many people that work at the hospital know me by the phrase/question: "Tell me something good!" Of course there are many things in this world that are bad; HOWEVER, there are also many, many things in this world that are good.

It took me years before I realized this valuable life's lesson, but I finally learned it! Therefore, I "spread" this message around work at the Harris Healthcare System, mainly at Ben Taub General Hospital on the trauma floor, to patients, families and staff.

On one occasion I called a discharged patient, Barbara, whom I had worked with over a lengthy hospitalization. Every time I would enter her room, I would ask her to "tell me something good!" At first, she did not have any answers because she felt that "nothing was good." However, eventually she started thinking deeply and realized, "Sure, I have many problems, but I also have many positive things. At least I am able to say I woke up."

She became positive and started smiling more and more, as she progressed daily. Eventually, she was discharged from the hospital. After a week, I called her to see how she was doing. Barbara answered the phone and I said, "Hi, this is Mike Segal." I waited for her to respond . . . and waited . . . and waited some more. I heard nothing but breathing on the other end of the phone. I broke the silence by repeating, "This is Mike Segal" and added "from Ben Taub Hospital." I was sure she now would realize who I was; however, again "nothing" but silence on the other end of the phone receiver. Quickly I said, "Tell me something good!"

I could "feel" Barbara's smile as she screamed, "MIKE!" She started yelling out questions and said she was doing very well. Now, it was my turn to smile!

I never know what to expect when I ask that question. One day I walked into a room and saw a patient in his hospital bed with his wife close by in a chair. "Hi, it's Mike. Hello John . . . Hello Sara. John, tell me something good."

I had been working with his wife, mainly in the waiting room, so I had not had much interaction with John, especially since he had been in the ICU, heavily sedated. However, now it was my time to ask my question, "Tell me something good."

John calmly answered, "Peanut Butter."

I started laughing and said, "Yes . . . Peanut Butter is good, but tell me something good ABOUT YOU!"

"I am looking forward to eating a Peanut Butter sandwich."

I continued to laugh as I thought, "At least he is not thinking negatively!"

Yet another patient, Mary, had been in the hospital for many weeks. She was beginning to get somewhat depressed, thinking on more than one occasion "that she would never be discharged from the hospital." I tried to encourage her, having her focus on what was positive in her life: family, friends, improving . . . I told her about one of my favorite books (out of print), which was a collection of positive short stories called, "Focus On The Bagel, Not On The Hole." I explained that, "Sure, there are many bad things in life; however, there are so many great things: Like the bagel!" I always tried to encourage her to "FOCUS ON THE BAGEL!"

One Monday when I walked into Mary's room, I saw her smiling from ear to ear. I quickly asked, "Mary, tell me something good." She hurriedly replied, "Mike, the doctor said maybe I could go home at the end of the week!"

I jumped back in, asking, "So what's the first thing you're going to do when you get home?"

Mary calmly smiled and said, "I'm going to eat a bagel . . . with Philadelphia cream cheese spread over and blocking the hole!"

I laughed, but realized how far she had come - both physically and emotionally. Sure, life can hurt, but Mary taught me that with a positive attitude, plus the Philadelphia cream cheese, most things are possible!

Michael Jordan Segal ©2012
Michael Jordan Segal, who defied all odds after being shot in the head and then returning to college, is a husband, father and social worker. He works at a level one trauma center (giving emotional support and hope to patients and families), freelance author (including a CD/Download of 12 stories, read with light background music, entitled POSSIBLE, as well as working on his autobiography, which will be entitled A SHOT OF INSPIRATION), and inspirational speaker, sharing his recipe for happiness, recovery and success before conferences and businesses. To contact Mike or to order his CD, please visit www.InspirationByMike.com   as well as checking out his youtube www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZLkyz4KG7A

How did that feel?  Share . .  Tell Me Something Good below . .about your business . . about your finances   .about your life.

Make it a great weekend . . and share a story to inspire . .

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt
Chief Heart Officer