"Everyone has days that start out with a 'thud,' and from there, they can easily say, "Well, my day is shot!" or something similar. Helping raise 2 grandchildren while being a business owner, traveling from coast to coast, many of my days start out not exactly as I'd like! I always find, however, if I stop to cound my blessings, be thankful for the rest of the day, and make every decision for the day with care and thoughtfulness, it only gets better! Often, I find there is a beautiful reward at the end of the day! This can either be from a new opportunity, an unexpected visit, new client, or just having a great night with my grandsons! Life is full of surprises if we don't let the hick-ups stop us in our tracks. Always thrive for excellence. May be an old cliche' but it still applies. Never let the way a day may start, or a glitch in the day may halt you, keep steady in your course and always learn from whatever gets in your way as a deterant to prevent it from happening again! Tracy's advice to 'own your own attitude" is so true! You are the only person who can control your day and, for that matter, your life!"
- Camryn

"I used to have a one-hour commute of only 18 miles. At times it really got to me, but I was usually able to use the inbound time to get organized and mentally review the day ahead. By the time I got to work, I generally had a few new assignments for my secretary, and had added to my own to-do list as well. Going home, it was helpful to review and reflect on the day's events and brainstorm for the future. After a long, hectic day I typically enjoyed the solitude and chance to wrap up thoughts and ideas and wind down.

Of course, there were also times I just put the listened to a recorded book or my favorite band! "
- Melinda

"Sometimes your tips come at the perfect time. Just went to the state fair and of course there were many lines there, and I made a decision to make the most of the lines and do the small talk thing. I met people who were at the fair for the 23rd year in a row, got great tips of the best food stands, met proud grandparents, dog lovers, overwhelmed parents, adorable children and you're right--my time in lines became more precious and lines become less burdensome--an amazing combination. Great tip!"
- Nancy, Educational Talent Search

"Hi Tracy, I received your kind note the other day – I’m pleased that you had as much fun with us as we had with you at the CUPA-HR seminar in Syracuse.

Since then, I have read your book and have found myself sharing the concepts with several of my clients here at the University. I have been working with them on finding ways to deal with the changes they’ve been experiencing for the past four years under new leadership (to say nothing of the strain of the current economic times!), and your material adds another tool to my toolbox."
- Barb

"Started reading the book! I love it, Tracy. It's upbeat and full of great advice. And, the cool thing is that I can hear your voice as I read! Thanks for my copy!"
- Anna

"Tracy, Loved your latest thriving tip!! I forwarded it on to my entire student manager team - most of them are Type A's, and I hope they are as enlightened as I was after reading it...... Thanx!!"
- Mary Ellen

"Tracy, The tips you send me also provide me with some good reflections to start my meetings with. With the way things are in society today, everyone needs a gentle reminder about "ethics" and "ethical behavior". Way to go....you hit the nail right on the head with your Ethics posting. I am going to go find my soft pillow too *smile*! Tracy, The tips you send me also provide me with some good reflections to start my meetings with. With the way things are in society today, everyone needs a gentle reminder about "ethics" and "ethical behavior". Way to go....you hit the nail right on the head with your Ethics posting. I am going to go find my soft pillow too *smile*!"
- Char Kawleski

"Just wanted to let you know that Middlesex Hospital is certainly on board with your idea about rewarding those who help. They have a program called "Stars Among Us" Peer-to Peer Recognition.

I have used this on many occasions when co-workers have helped me out.
The reward you get is many fold:
1) you get a card from your co-worker that states right on it why they are special
2) you can a food or beverage reward from the cafeteria (soda or breakfast sandwich)
3) you get published in the weekly newsletter that goes out to the entire company.

How the "Stars Among Us" Peer-to-Peer Recognition Program works:
1. Take a "You are a Star" card from a display.
2. Complete the form, to say thank you to a peer for:

a. Commitment to the customer
b. Always having a smile and positive attitude
c. Going that "extra mile"
d. Making a difference for you, or for a patient
e. Making quality and customer service their number one priority
f. Superior skills and ability

3. Tear off the card portion and give it to the coworker you want to thank.
4. Send the other half (the Award Receipt) to "Star Cards"
c/o the Volunteer Services Department. (Please print neatly so staff can read it.) so it can be published in Stat!
You'll feel good because you stopped to tell someone you recognized the work they do. The person you send it to wi ll feel good because they have been recognized for their work, and everyone will know it!
Cards will not be printed if they do not have a name listed in the "from" section."
- Michael

"When I was a student on campus I saw Tracy do her over involved students session at a conference. Now that I have graduated and have a full-time job, things haven't slowed down. I trust that she is a real authority on the topic of busy and hectic lives."
- Brina

"Tracy- I really appreciate the moments of reflection that your emails provide. Not only do they give me a moment to reflect and see what I need and can do differently once I read them, when I see that I have gotten the email, it brings a smile even before I have read the contents - I purposely put off moving it to my "fun file" in my archives just so I can have the daily smile!"
- Pam

"Tracy - Thank you for a copy of your book. As a long-time "Thriving In Chaos" kind of person, the book really hit home for me. I read a few pages each night before bed because during normal day time hours I'm much too busy spinning my wheels (even in retirement) to actually sit down and read it. I'm on page 93. So far I have been shaking my head in agreement with you every step of the way. I'm glad you wrote the book. Colleges should pass it out to women at graduation so they will know what's coming. Could it be any truer!"
- Susan

send tracy an email with your chaos story and/or your thriving tip to post here and share with others.