I was in front of computer at home.

Nothing new for me!

I heard a few voices and dog barking. That small dog "yap yap" that triggers not nice thoughts in my mind. I wont' go into that :(

SOME FOLKS I KNEW

At any rate, I knew three folks that had just stopped in to say "Hi!"

Why did I know them?

Well, one was my son-in-law: I'd better know him! Beyond son-in-law factor was something else --

I have taught each one of them at one level or another about what they were doing: visiting people!

THE JOY OF INFLUENCE

Sitting here at my computer and reflecting about me being a positive influence in their lives brings me great joy!

It is joy of being a positive, personal influence in life of another person.

SOMETHING YOU CAN'T BUY

You don't purchase power of *personal* influence. Note word I used: "Personal."

I will say it again: you don't purchase power of personal influence.

You earn it.

Step by step, action by action, and word by word ... it is earned.

You "create" a hearing by consistently giving people "good things" you possess.

And what are those good things?

Your sincerity, time, and wisdom. I have found, however, that if I am going to give people these "good things" I must have possess something myself.

DETERMINATION

A deadly virus threatens my home. A computer related virus.

I have located virus and even discovered its name.

WHAT'S MY NAME?

The name is ... Lee.

Several code names identify nature of this in house killer. You may recognize a one or two of them.

*Preoccupation *Forgetfulness *Out of balance *Insensitivity *Self-centered *Misplaced priorities *Overwork *Clueless

A DARK SIDE

Yes, I enjoy my part-time business. I appreciate being able to work at home.

I love working in my own house. On my own computer. In my own way.

Who wouldn't?

But...

Love for my at home business can have a dark side: forgetting my business at home!

PREVENTATIVE MEDICINE

There is a bright side to this. Really! And bright side is me.

I have power to practice preventative medicine. I'll prescribe just two for starters. You can expand my thoughts with your own list.

LISTEN AND RESPOND

Miracle of miracles: my chair turns around. In a moment's time I can turn that creative masterpiece around and do something special.

Face my family member!

Imagine that -- I can turn "screen time" into "I love you time" as quick as I can access that oh-so-very-important web page!

Then I can listen and respond. Really hear. Really listen. And really respond.

Just as if cared. Really.

Yeah, I know it's overkill on "really" but I am trying to make a point: because I don't always find myself in winner's seat on this one.