Life & The Sunday Series

Find your why and find your way. Become more.

  • About Mark Brodinsky
  • Contact
  • The Higher Shelf!
  • Home

Need inspiration to find your why and your way?

Join the Tribe Today!

It’s Giving, It’s Working: It’s Just About… Life.

October 3, 2013 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

giving tree
Progress. It’s the only way to know you are headed in the right direction. “The great goal of this human adventure is productivity.” – Jim Rohn

How do YOU get started toward reaching a dream? It’s baby steps, then slowly learn to walk. There is no such thing as an overnight success, it is hard work, discipline, doing the little things no one else wants to do, day in and day out, dig down deep and do it from the inside out. And all along the way, find a way to give back, to have an impact, to change the world, if that’s your goal.

I started this blog back on January 9th, 2013, and it had a different title then, Observations of Life, (http://markbrodinsky.com/2013/01/09/moments-observations-of-life/), but I thought that was a bit too cold, especially when all I attempt to do here is warm the heart. So it became, “Just About… Life” and each day I try to fill in the dots. I decided the blog would not be controversial, not political, not a sounding board for someone to shout louder than the next person, there are plenty of blogs, plenty of websites and plenty of TV news shows you can go to for that. No, this would be my outlet to become more by helping others to do the same.

Almost ten months in and nearly 19,000 participants later, it is working. I am giving, you are listening and it is making a difference. The blog helps keep me focused on what is right with the world, and kept my head on straight, focused and motivated while at the same time I worked to complete my first book, It Takes 2, (www.spouses-story.com). Publishing the heartfelt journal of my wife’s battle against breast cancer was one way to give back. It’s working, the book went to # 1 on Amazon in just a few days. I’m giving back and apparently people are paying attention.

Just yesterday I collected a check and wrote one of my own, to donate a portion of proceeds from the book launch party at Michael’s Cafe last week and sales of the book, going to Men Against Breast Cancer, (www.menagainstbreastcancer.org). It’s not a king’s ransom, but it’s a start.
checks
Next Monday I will present the ladies who organized the Breast Lunch Ever, a check for the Tyanna Foundation, (www.tyanna.org). The more we sell, the more I give. The media push and the book signings begin tomorrow. The Amazon sales haven’t even been included yet in donations, those dollars will be tallied at the end of the month, we have plenty of time to drive up the numbers. We are just getting started.

Then there is the blog, my baby. Back on March 9th, I wrote a blog called Baby Blog, (http://markbrodinsky.com/2013/04/09/baby-blog-its-all-about-life/), about how the blog was still in its infancy. Baby steps, remember. This week I think I realized we are learning to walk.

Three different times yesterday I had people, unsolicited, tell me what an impact I was having on their lives. Barb Moore from CBS Radio told me she was an avid follower of everything I am doing, reads it every day, loves it, told me to keep doing it. A woman in my networking group came up to me to let me know how during a difficult weekend she thought of me and our one-on-one meeting from weeks back. She told me philosophy on gratitude, appreciation and a focus on even the few things that go right every day, helped her make it through that weekend. And then last night, after a long and busy day, I got a Facebook message from Wendy Brown, I barely know Wendy, but she has been following this blog and my activity and her message touched my heart: “Keep doing what you do. You make more of a difference in more people’s lives than anyone else I know!”

I am humbled, yet at the same time, vindicated that I am heading in the right direction. The comments above are not to pat myself on the back, far from it, they are to prove a point. It’s proof that the goal of this human adventure is productivity. I am making progress. My book, It Takes 2, did not write itself, though the subject matter of my wife’s courage and fight against cancer was inspirational fuel to get the job done. And this blog does not happen by accident. It’s very early morning wake-ups and sometimes late night writing sessions, so I can post even every other day. It’s discipline and focus and paying attention to the little moments in life with the end game in mind, to give back. My point is that I’m working really hard, day after day, toward my goal of becoming more, by helping others do the same. Anything you strive to achieve, which is bigger than you, takes hard work, patience and persistence. Add passion and use your G-d given talent and I don’t see how you can lose. You can’t. You won’t. Just do it. Time is not on our side, for any of us. Do it now.

For me, giving is working. But it doesn’t feel like work, it feels like I’m alive.

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

Related

{total}Tweet
{total}+1
{total}Like
{total}Share
{total}Pin

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Top Posts & Pages

  • Time vs Money: It's Just About... Life
  • Good Enough: It's Just About... Life.
  • The Sunday Series (30), with Mark Brodinsky
  • The Sunday Series (66), with Mark Brodinsky
  • "It's Your World Now": It's Just About... Life
  • About Mark Brodinsky
  • A Rose Is A Rose: It's Just About... Life

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Search over 500 posts, including The Sunday Series

Get all My Latest News & Offers
Introduce yourself with your name and email below

#1 Best Seller on Amazon

Click to order your copy today!

The Book Trailer

Mark Brodinsky
Emmy Award Winner, 1996

Ever thought about writing a book? check this out!

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

Connect with Mark!

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

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 

Recent Comments

  • Patricia Storey on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky
  • markbrodinsky on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky
  • markbrodinsky on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky
  • Abby Scherr on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky
  • Sheila Hyman on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky

The Sunday Series (82), with Mark Brodinsky

This is really what started it all: courage, hope and inspiration. Before The Sunday Series and my mission began to share other people’s stories with the world, there was the book. September 26, 2013 we published our very personal journey, It Takes 2: Surviving Breast Cancer. A Spouse’s Story, a compilation of journal entries I kept as […]

The Sunday Series (77), with Mark Brodinsky

Live in gratitude and never take it for granted. We’re talking about life of course. It’s not about what happens to you, it’s about what you do to make something happen.  Be grateful, be transparent, challenge yourself and most importantly turn adversity into advantage, and then share your tale so the world can be moved and […]

Categories

  • Life
  • Sunday Series
  • Uncategorized

Pages

  • About Mark Brodinsky
  • Contact
  • Resources
  • Storytelling
  • The Higher Shelf!

Connect With Mark!

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Categories

© 2023 Life and The Sunday Series. All Rights Reserved.

Built Masterfully on WordPress and Maintained by the Blogging Experts