How to Survive Bad News and Hard Times

1. Accept where you are – even though that’s hard to do. Being honest and real will help you function and survive. You need to push through the shock, and the pain, and the denial.

2. Recognize that this is “now” … but change is also possible. It’s a bad part of your story – but you can still have a bright future.

3. Look for something you are grateful for – a lesson you have a learned, a friend who’s understanding, or the chance to start again.

4. Try to find some meaning and some purpose in your life. You’re so much more than what has happened. See this as one incident.

5. Seek to be more mindful, and to just live in this moment. Don’t let your mind rush ahead, so you are filled with fear or dread.

6. Try to slow down for a while, and take things slowly if you can. You need to take care of yourself and ration out your energy.

7. Remember struggles make us stronger. They help develop perseverance. One day you’ll look back with amazement at how you’ve grown and changed.




Ubi concordia, ibi victoria.
"Where there is harmony, there is victory."
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Camellia St. John - Portrait of Dedication

1989 - 1992 Director Region VII, American Society for Medical Technology
1985 - 1988 President-Elect, President, Past President, Texas Society for Medical Technology
1981-1985  Secretary, Texas Society for Medical Technology

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Camellia St. John is being inducted into the Paris Junior College Academic Hall of Honor and Athletic Hall of Fame.  She is a past president and secretary for TACLS (formerly known as Texas Society for Medical Technology.)  She was and still is very involved on the national level and is currently a member of the By Laws Committee for Alpha Mu Tau.

Camellia is Professor Emeritus of the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, School of Health Professions at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.  Following graduation from PJC, she went on to earn her bachelor's degree as a medical technologist from Texas Women's University and her Masters of Education from Prairie View A&M University in education and guidance counseling.  

What IS Clinical Laboratory Science?

Clinical Laboratory Science involves the hematological, chemical, immunologic, and microscopic analysis of body fluids and tissues in a health care environment.  Physicians use the information gained from laboratory tests to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease.

The Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) and the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) contribute to the care of patients in many areas.  A MLS/MLT working in the Blood Bank utilizes current immunologic technology to determine compatibility between a blood donor and a blood transfusion recipient.  A MLS/MLT can work as a microbiologist and determine the pathogens involved in patient infections.  A MLS/MLT can work in the areas of hematology, coagulation, and chemistry where they provide physicians valuable information from laboratory tests performed on blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and other bodily fluids.  A MLS/MLT can work in clinics, hospitals, reference and research laboratories.

The field of clinical laboratory science is always changing as technology and scientific knowledge improves.  A career in clinical laboratory science is challenging, fascinating, and rewarding!

For more information use the link below:
 http://www.ascls.org/leadership/ppc/lifesavedvideo.asp

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Great Message from Nathan Law

Signs of a Failing Leader

#1 – He refuses to admit his mistakes. 

#2 – He begins to blame the problems on people or circumstances rather than actually seeking out what the problem might be. 

#3 – He refuses to listen to the team assembled around him. 

#4 – He fights every idea that isn’t his own, thinking his originality is what must keep the church afloat. 

#5 – He refuses to face reality. 

#6 – He is unwilling to make the necessary changes because it would be highly unpopular. 

#7 – He tries to listen to what everyone has to say about every situation. 

#8 – He begins to believe that God’s favor on his life is because of how good he is rather than because of how good God is! 

#9 – He believes that he can’t learn anything from churches that are smaller than his.  (This would be arrogance!) 

#10 – He abuses his staff to accomplish his agenda rather than leading them to accomplish God’s. 

#11 – He fears asking for commitment because of how people may perceive him. 

#12 – He becomes obsessed with the way things are rather than how they should be. 

#13 – He views himself as an expert. 

#14 – He tries to motivate with fear rather than vision. 

#15 – He doesn’t seek fresh revelation from God and often goes back to what has been done instead of seeking direction for what has never been done.

#16 – He stops taking risks and becomes obsessed with playing it safe.

What do you do if someone struggles in these areas? Galatians 6:1-2: 

"My friends, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right; but you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too. ² Help carry one another's burdens, and in this way you will obey^[a] the law of Christ."


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Tuesdays with Morrie 01

“There's a big confusion in this country over what we want versus what we need," Morrie said. "You need food, you want a chocolate sundae. You have to be honest with yourself. You don't need the latest sports car, you don't need the biggest house. The truth is, you don't get satisfaction from those things. You know what really gives you satisfaction?...Offering others what you have to give...I don't mean money, Mitch. I mean your time. Your concern. Your storytelling. It's not so hard.” 

 Mitch Albom

Vision Casting. Why Not Now?

A vision is a 'motivating view of the future.

It creates pull. It gives direction.

Think about what you are trying to achieve. 

Go out into the future. Look around and see what is there.

Step into the shoes of others and see, hear and feel as they do. 

Walk a mile with them.

Look at your plans and seek their direction, then follow that line.

Make it memorable

A vision only works when it is remembered and is up-front-and-central in your thoughts for most of the time - especially when you are making important decisions in this area.

If the vision statement is long, then it will not be remembered. If it uses bland words or motherhood-and-apple-pie statements, it will not be remembered. If it is the same be-the-best vision that everyone else uses it will be yawned at.

Use dynamic and emotive words that to paint motivating pictures. Use words like 'sharp', 'now' and 'value'.

Phrase it in the present tense to make it more immediate. Use 'is' rather than 'will'.

Use active verbs that talk about what is happening. Use 'suffering' rather than 'pain'.

Test it with others to ensure it works for them too.

How it works

Visioning works because we are imaginative beings and are motivated by what we perceive as a possible or desired future.

It is also affected by our ability to recall thoughts. By making it easy to remember and associated it with stronger emotions, we make it easier to bring fully back into memory when it is needed (rather than 'Now what was that vision? It seemed good at the time...'.)

A good vision is both realistic and stretching. Too far into the future and it does not create pull. Too close to today and it is just another plan.

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Signs of an unhealthy relationship

An unhealthy relationship develops where one, or both of the parties is…

1. Failing to communicate: Problems are ignored, or not talked about at all. One or both don’t really listen, and they rarely compromise.

2. Acting in ways that are disrespectful: One or both are inconsiderate toward the other person; and they don’t behave in ways that send the message that they care.

3. Refusing to trust the other person: One or both is suspicion of their partner’s loyalty. Hence, they make false accusations, or won’t believe the truth.

4. Acting in a way that is dishonest: One or both is deceptive, or they lie and hide the truth.

5. Acting in a controlling way: One person thinks that they should set the one who rules, controls the other person, and say how things should be.


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John Lennox - "Why I am a Christian"

God and Science - Part 1 | Dr. Hugh Ross

The Road to Success

1. It will hurt.

2. It will take time and effort.

3. It will require commitment.

4. It will require perseverance.

5. You will need to keep on making make healthy decisions.

6. It will require pain and sacrifice.

7. You will need to push yourself to the max at times.

8. There will be tough days and discouragement.

9. There will be temptations that you’ll have to push against.

10. But it will all be worth it – and you’ll get there in the end.


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"Normal Anxiety" Versus Generalised Anxiety Disorder

The difference between “normal” worrying and generalized anxiety disorder is that the worrying involved in GAD is excessive, intrusive, persistent and debilitating. 

With normal anxiety:
1.Your worrying doesn’t get in the way of your daily activities and responsibilities.
2. You’re able to control your worrying.
3. Your worries, while unpleasant, don’t cause significant distress.
4. Your worries are limited to a specific, small number of realistic concerns.
5. Your bouts of worrying last for only a short time period.

However, with Generalised Anxiety Disorder
1. Your worrying significantly disrupts your job, activities, or social life.
2. Your worrying is uncontrollable.
3. Your worries are extremely upsetting and stressful.
4. You worry about all sorts of things, and tend to expect the worst.
5. You’ve been worrying almost every day for at least six months.
 
Most people with GAD experience a combination of emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms.

Emotional symptoms
• Constant worries running through your head
• Feeling like your anxiety is uncontrollable
• Intrusive thoughts about things that make you anxious; you try to avoid thinking about them, but you can’t
• An inability to tolerate uncertainty
• A pervasive feeling of apprehension or dread

Behavioral symptoms
• Inability to relax, enjoy quiet time, or be by yourself
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing on things
• Putting things off because you feel overwhelmed
• Avoiding situations that make you anxious

Physical symptoms
• Feeling tense; having muscle tightness or body aches
• Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep because your mind won’t quit
• Feeling edgy, restless, or jumpy
• Stomach problems, nausea, diarrhea

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More Productivity - Less Effort

1.Sort out your priorities. Make time to honestly reflect on your life, and to think about what is important to you. Where are you going? What do you want? What are the steps that will take you there?

2. Focus on the essential tasks. Next, think about your short term responsibilities. Ask yourself: “Out of all the tasks that I have to do, which will get me the greatest return for my time and effort?” Make a list of these types of tasks — they’re your most important things to do this week.

3. Eliminate what you can. Now look at your list. What on the list is not essential? Is there anything there that you can drop from your schedule, delegate to someone else, or put on a “waiting list”. Often when we review these non-essentials later, we find they weren’t necessary at all.

4. Do essential tasks first. Begin each day by doing the two most important tasks. Don’t wait until later in the day as they’ll get pushed aside to make time for other stuff that arises throughout the day. You’ll find that if you do these tasks right away, your productivity will really increase.

5. Eliminate distractions. If you allow yourself to be constantly interrupted by email notifications, IM, cell phones, social media and so on, then you’ll never be productive. Turn them and, if you can, disconnect yourself from the internet.

6. Keep it simple. Don’t waste time on applications that are meant to organize your schedule. Make a simple to-do list with a word document, or with some paper and a pen. Then get started on whatever work you had planned on doing.

7. Do one thing at a time. In most situations, multi-tasking slows you down. You can’t get things done with a million things demanding your attention. Focus on what’s in front of you, to the exclusion of all else. That way, you are likely to achieve more, in less time, and with less effort.

8. Make time for honest reflection. At the end of the day, reflect on what you have achieved. Make sure you affirm yourself for your hard work. Think about possible changes you need to make - and commit to keep going, and aiming for your goal.


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When you are not there...

If they miss you,
they’ll call.
If they want you,
they’ll say it.
If they care,
they’ll show it.
And if not,
they aren’t worth your time.



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10 Steps to A Better YOU!

1. If it feels wrong, don’t do it.

2. Say “exactly” what you mean.

3. Don’t be a people pleaser.

4. Trust your instincts.

5. Never speak badly about yourself.

6. Never give up on your dreams.

7. Don’t be afraid to say “no”.

8. Don’t be afraid to say “yes”.

9. Resist the need to always have control.

10. Stay away from drama and negativity – as much as possible.

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10 Traits that Lead to Success

1. Independence

2. Self-confidence

3. Persistence

4. Creative thinking

5. Being thick skinned

6. Knowing who you are and what you want from life

7. Setting clear goals – and going after them

8. Staying focused

9. Optimism

10. Passion and a zest for life.

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