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Brand New Magic: It’s Just About… Life

January 29, 2016 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

There’s the idea, the words, the image, the vision, and then all it takes is a picture to fill in the blanks. That’s what my buddy Mark Pallack did for me this morning, as I finished my workout and decided the theme of my weekday blog, simply by texting a picture of his daughter Piper.

Piper and magic

We’ve all been where I went yesterday. I left my house at 8:15am, pulled into my driveway at 10:50pm.

Long day.

I should have been tired. I should have been worn out. I should have been ready for bed. But I was energized, because I was grateful. Grateful for every piece of the day, among the many moments of the day, for which I could give thanks.

It’s not the easiest thing to do, but it gets easier every day you do it.

A few moments from my day:

My morning workout in my basement got interrupted by my daughter and I was never able to go back down.

My dog threw up on my daughter’s comforter and I spent part of my morning getting it clean.

I went nearly an hour out of my way before my first appointment of the day to drop my other daughter off at her friend’s house. I got stuck in traffic three different times and thought I would be late for every appointment.

I had my lane on the beltway suddenly run out on me because of snow banks and I almost died, twice.

I only closed 50% of the appointments I sat with – in three different counties – over a span of 10 hours.

The only dinner I had was a bag of pretzels.

I nearly ran out of gas.

I had little time to listen to any of my motivational CD’s or music because my phone kept ringing with agents and clients.

I ended my day visiting a house of mourning for a cousin who lost his brother.

After that there was an hour drive to get home.

That was most of the 18 hours of my day before bed.

success

Now… the same day focusing on the power of  the magic of gratitude:

I did complete my morning work out upstairs with a modified version.

I took care of the comforter and was even able to have a moment to toss it in the dryer before I bolted out of the house in the morning.

I could see in my daughter’s eyes she was thankful when she realized I was going in the complete opposite direction, up the beltway, to drop her off in the morning before my first appointment.

I actually got to my first appointment early. In fact, despite the traffic of the day I was on time for every appointment.

I managed to change lanes in time to avoid crashing into the snow banks.

I put myself in the position to close all four appointments.  The reason two others didn’t close were completely out of my control. I did it right, circumstances beyond my control made it impossible. But on the final appointment of the day, the farthest one from my home, I submitted an application with two minutes to go before the cut-off of business for the week.

I had a new agent with me on three of those appointments during the day and she got to learn a ton about the health insurance business and how people think and react.

At least I found some pretzels to eat and didn’t succumb to the hunger for a fast-food run.

I didn’t run out of gas. I made it to the gas station and filled-up for $40. Just a few years ago it cost me twice as much.

Although I entered a house of mourning, I left feeling fulfilled. I got to see some extended family members I don’t get to see much at all. I got to engage with some younger cousins and hear about what they are doing with their lives and even share a conversation with one of them, decades younger than I, who has read the same book I am reading for the 3rd time: The War of Art.  That’s some serious synergy.

The last words I spoke to my cousin as she closed the door were, “I love you”. A reminder that despite the distance miles and time can create, there is still family to bring your heart back to center.

I got to speak to my wife and say goodnight on my hour drive home. I got to talk to a great friend of mine and I got to listen to a song which has become one of my favorites: Brand New, by Ben Rector. (The You Tube link is at the bottom of this blog, I encourage you to start your day with this song, you simply can’t lose!)

And before I went to bed, just before midnight, I read a great passage in the other book I am reading. In fact it’s a book my entire mastermind group is reading and engaging in – The Magic, by Rhonda Byrne – all about the power of gratitude.  I believe so strongly in the power of the number three and last night as I read the following paragraph it offered me complete validation for my own perspective:

Saying thank you three times is also a magic formula, because it is the mathematical number of all new creation in the Universe. For example it takes one male and one female to create a baby. The male, female, and baby total three, completing a new creation. The same rule of three applies to the creation of everything in the universe, including the creation of your desires, and so when you say thank you three times in a row, you are using the magic number of creation, and a secret magic formula!”

A little magic in my day and the focus on being grateful.

What about yours? Can you find the magic? The more you do it, the easier it gets to feel gratefu…and brand new.

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark
(markbrodinsky@gmail.com)

Mark Brodinsky, Author, Blogger, Speaker, Speech Writer, Emmy Winner, USHEALTH Advisors

Author: The #1 Amazon Best Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
(http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Brodinsky/e/B00FI6R3U6)

Huffington Post: (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-brodinsky/)

The Profile: (http://www.talkinggood.com/profiles/MarkBrodinsky)

The Podcast: (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sunday-series-courage-inspiration/id1028611459)

USHEALTH Advisors: (http://www.prweb.com/releases/markbrodinsky/072015/prweb12862708.htm)

 

 

 

 

 

I’ve been listening to this song by Ben Rector called Brand New.

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Mark Brodinsky
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Blog Reviews

Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

 Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

Aileen Braverman

I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

Beverlee Rendelman

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné Pallace
September 24, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. Riecks
November 4, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

ittakes2_reviews_2

A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. Bogash
Seven Valleys, PA

ittakes2_reviews_2

There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

 PattiM
September 25, 2013

 

ittakes2_reviews_2

From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

 Jenny Schloss 

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Epic: Observations of Life

Sometimes a picture says a thousand words. In this case, not so much, since a few hundred thousand other people really need to be in the camera lens. I just wanted proof we were there. The one-word title is what really says it all. Epic. And it almost didn’t happen. But practice what you preach… […]

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