The Power of Idea Napkins

Posted on September 30, 2025 by Terry McDaniel

My filing cabinets aren’t filled with papers, tax forms, or business documents. They’re filled with napkins. Yes, idea napkins.

Every time I sit at—my favorite breakfast spot I get a stack of napkins— It’s for capturing thoughts. I’ve sketched out ideas, doodled concepts, written hopes, and mapped dreams all across those table covers. Some of them are messy, some of them brilliant, and a lot of them are still waiting for their chance to come alive.

There’s something magical about scribbling ideas on a napkin. It’s quick, it’s raw, it’s honest. No overthinking, no editing, just pure possibility. Those napkin notes remind me that ideas don’t have to be perfect when they’re born—they just have to exist.

Do I pray and hope one of those great ideas will bounce? Absolutely. But I’ve also learned the real value isn’t just in the idea itself, it’s in the habit of writing them down. Because when inspiration strikes, if you don’t capture it, it’s gone.

So here’s my advice: don’t wait for the “right time” or the perfect notebook. Grab whatever’s in front of you—napkin, receipt, back of an envelope—and write down your idea. You never know which one will change your life.

Because sometimes, the biggest dreams start on the smallest scraps of paper.

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Paul Potts: A Powerful Reminder to Believe in Yourself

Posted on September 29, 2025 by Terry McDaniel

Sometimes life has a way of testing our confidence, making us doubt our dreams and wonder if we’re aiming too high. Paul Potts, the British mobile phone salesman who rose to global fame after his stunning performance on Britain’s Got Talent, is a perfect reminder of why believing in yourself matters.

Before the spotlight, Paul faced countless rejections and moments of doubt. Singing had always been his passion, but the path was far from easy. His story reminds us that even when the world doubts you—or you doubt yourself—persistence, self-belief, and courage can transform your life.

Paul didn’t let fear or skepticism stop him. He kept performing, honing his craft, and sharing his voice. When the opportunity finally came, he gave a performance that stunned millions, changed his life, and inspired countless others to chase their own dreams.

The lesson is simple but powerful: believing in yourself isn’t about arrogance; it’s about recognizing your potential and committing to it, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

So the next time you face a challenge, a naysayer, or a moment of self-doubt, remember Paul Potts. Trust your abilities, keep working toward your dreams, and know that the right moment can turn your persistence into something extraordinary.

Your dreams deserve your belief—keep going.

Watch here:

Believe in Yourself.

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Big Enough for Criticism, Ready for Praise

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Terry McDaniel

Earl Deason once said, “If you aren’t big enough to stand criticism, you’re too small to be praised.” That’s a tough but powerful truth.

The reality is, we can’t expect applause without being willing to handle the criticism that often comes with stepping into the spotlight.

Think of yourself like a balloon. When it’s small and uninflated, it’s easy to tuck away, unnoticed, safe. But when it’s filled with air, it rises, stands out, and catches everyone’s attention. That visibility is exciting—but it also makes you a bigger target.

If you want praise, recognition, or growth, you must be willing to risk critique. The two always travel together.

Take John, for example. He’s a gifted musician with a voice that could silence a room. Yet he’s afraid of performing for a larger audience because criticism terrifies him. Then there’s Sarah, a brilliant artist whose canvases could inspire many—but she keeps them hidden, worried someone won’t approve.

Both John and Sarah are holding themselves back. Their talents deserve recognition, but fear of criticism keeps them small.

Here’s the truth: you can’t be celebrated if you never show up. If you want the joy of being praised, you need the courage to endure the sting of criticism.

So, step into the arena. Share your music. Show your art. Speak your truth. Some will criticize—but others will applaud. And often, the praise will far outweigh the criticism.

Remember: greatness comes with both critics and fans. Be brave enough to face both, and you’ll discover just how big you can be.

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Don’t Worry—Live in the Moment

Posted on September 25, 2025 by Terry McDaniel

As we know, life’s not always sunshine and roses. Sometimes you plan a nice day, lay out the blanket for a picnic, and then—bam!—a rainstorm comes rolling in.

I remember one time that very thing happened to me. Everyone around me started packing up, grumbling about the food getting soggy and the day being ruined. But you know what I did? I stood up, tipped my hat back, and started dancing in the rain. At first, folks thought I’d lost my marbles. But then, one by one, they joined in. We laughed, we twirled, we got soaked—and we made a memory that still warms my heart today.

That’s the thing about life: you can’t control the weather, or a whole lot else, but you can control how you respond. You can spend your days fussing over what went wrong, or you can decide to enjoy the ride, even if it takes an unexpected turn.

So here’s my advice—don’t waste your time worrying. Live in the moment. When the rain comes, don’t hide from it. Dance in it. That’s where the real joy lives.

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A Story of Priorities and a Jar…Tips for Squeezing More into Your Life

Posted on September 24, 2025 by Terry McDaniel

The following story is one that’s been circulating for a while. I believe it holds a very important message regarding appropriately setting priorities in our lives.

A professor of philosophy stood before his class with some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly picked up a large empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks about two inches in diameter. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was full. So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly and watched as the pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks. The professor then asked the students again if the jar was full.

They chuckled and agreed that it was indeed full this time. The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. The sand filled the remaining open areas of the jar.“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognize that this jar signifies your life. The rocks are the truly important things, such as family, health, and relationships.

If all else was lost and only the rocks remained, your life would still be meaningful. The pebbles are the other things that matter in your life, such as work or school. The sand signifies remaining “small stuff” and material possessions. If you put sand into the jar first, there is no room for the rocks or the pebbles. The same can be applied to your lives.

If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are truly important. Pay attention to the things in life that are critical to your happiness and well-being. Take time to get medical checkups, play with your children, go for a run, and write your grandmother a letter. Take care of the rocks first – things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just pebbles and sand.

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Be There When They Need You Most

Posted on September 18, 2025 by Terry McDaniel

You know, life has a funny way of showing us what really matters. It’s not the money in the bank or the trophies on the shelf—it’s the people around us. Family, friends, neighbors… those are the treasures worth holding onto.

And I’ll tell you something I’ve learned in my years: the times people remember most aren’t when everything’s smooth sailing. No, they remember when you showed up during the storms.

Maybe it’s a late-night phone call when they’re feeling lost. Maybe it’s helping fix a leaky faucet when they don’t have anyone else to call. Sometimes it’s not even about solving the problem—it’s just about sitting next to them, letting them know they’re not alone.

Being there when someone needs you most doesn’t take grand gestures. It takes presence. It takes listening. It takes a little patience, maybe a pot of coffee, and a willingness to pause your own plans for someone else.

One day, you might find yourself in need too. And when that time comes, you’ll be grateful for the hands that reach back to steady you. That’s how love and friendship work—it’s a circle, not a straight line.

So here’s my advice, from one old soul to anyone who’ll listen: be there. Not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard. That’s when it counts the most. And trust me—those are the moments that make a life well-lived.

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Learn From Mistakes – “You Don’t Fail If You Learn”

Posted on September 17, 2025 by Terry McDaniel

Now sit down for a minute, kiddo, and let me tell you something I’ve learned over the years. You’re going to make mistakes—plenty of them. Don’t let anyone fool you into thinking otherwise. Life isn’t about never stumbling; it’s about what you do after you trip.

I’ve made my share of blunders. Bought the wrong things, trusted the wrong folks, even missed a few opportunities I should’ve taken. At the time, I thought I’d failed. But looking back, those weren’t failures—they were lessons in disguise.

See, you don’t fail if you learn. Every mistake is a teacher, if you’re humble enough to listen. The trick is to ask yourself: What can I take from this so I don’t repeat it? That’s how you grow stronger, wiser, and more prepared for the next challenge.

Here are a few things I’ve figured out about mistakes:

  • Own them: Don’t point fingers. Admit what went wrong—that’s the first step to fixing it.
  • Learn quickly: The faster you take the lesson, the quicker you can move forward.
  • Don’t fear them: Playing it safe all the time keeps you from discovering what you’re capable of.
  • Pass it on: Share your lessons with others—it might save them some heartache.

So, don’t beat yourself up when you stumble. Dust yourself off, tuck that lesson in your pocket, and keep walking. One day, you’ll look back and realize your mistakes weren’t the end of the road—they were just part of the map that got you where you needed to be.

And remember, kiddo: failure only sticks if you stop trying

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Hard Work Beats Talent When Talent Doesn’t Work Hard

Posted on September 16, 2025 by Terry McDaniel

I’ve been around long enough to see a thing or two, and let me tell you: talent’s a fine thing to have, but it won’t carry you very far if you don’t roll up your sleeves and get to work.

I remember a young fella I knew, sharp as a tack, full of natural ability. But he thought his talent alone would see him through. Did it? Not a chance. Meanwhile, others with less “gift” but more grit were the ones moving mountains, making things happen, and getting noticed.

Here’s the truth: hard work beats talent every single time when talent decides to sit on its laurels. Talent might open a few doors, sure, but persistence, consistency, and effort will take you through those doors, down the hall, and out into the world.

So how do you put this into practice?

  • Show up, every day: Even when you don’t feel like it, do the work. The routine compounds over time.
  • Focus on improvement, not comparison: Don’t worry about what others can do naturally—get better at what you can control.
  • Finish what you start: Talent might get someone halfway there, but finishing the job? That’s all hard work.
  • Stay humble and learn: Hard workers listen, learn, and keep their eyes open for ways to improve.

Remember, there’s no magic shortcut. No one ever achieved greatness just by being naturally gifted. It’s the ones who grind, who push through, who keep at it even when it’s tough, that leave their mark.

So, keep at it. Talent’s nice, but it’s the work you put in that really counts. And one day, you’ll look back and realize it was your effort—not just your knack—that got you where you wanted to go.

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The Best Things in Life Aren’t Things

Posted on September 9, 2025 by Terry McDaniel

You know, when you’ve been around the block a few times, you start to notice something funny. All that stuff you once thought mattered—the shiny car, the fancy watch, the bigger house—well, it doesn’t quite shine the same way as the years go by. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with having nice things. But if you’re banking on them to bring you happiness, you’re barking up the wrong tree.

What really lasts are the moments, the people, and the memories. It’s a belly laugh at the dinner table with family. It’s a walk in the park on a crisp fall morning. It’s your grandkid slipping their tiny hand into yours. Those things don’t come with a price tag, and yet they’re priceless.

I’ve seen folks spend their whole lives chasing the next thing—a bigger paycheck, a newer gadget, a fancier vacation. And still, they’d come up empty inside. Meanwhile, the richest people I’ve ever known didn’t have much more than a loving family, a circle of good friends, and time well spent. Funny how that works, isn’t it?

So here’s my advice: Don’t let your days get swallowed up chasing after things you can’t take with you when you go. Instead, collect moments, not possessions. Invest in laughter, in kindness, in time with people who lift you up. Because when you’re sitting in a rocking chair someday, it won’t be the stuff you’re thinking about—it’ll be the stories, the smiles, and the love.

The best things in life aren’t things. They’re the people you love, the memories you make, and the time you share. And if you keep that close to your heart, you’ll always be rich.

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Stand Up Straight and Look ‘Em in the Eye: Confidence Without Arrogance

Posted on September 8, 2025 by Terry McDaniel

I’ve been around long enough to see a lot of people fumble through life because they either didn’t believe in themselves or thought they were better than everyone else. There’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and let me tell you—standing tall and looking someone in the eye will get you a long way if you keep it on the right side of that line.

1. Posture Speaks Volumes

Standing up straight isn’t just about looking good—it’s about how you feel. When your shoulders are back and your chin is up, you send a signal to the world that you respect yourself. And when you respect yourself, others will too.

2. Eyes Tell the Story

Looking someone in the eye doesn’t mean staring them down—it means engaging, being honest, and showing you’re present. People trust those who meet their gaze with sincerity. Arrogance comes when you look down on someone, not when you meet them head-on.

3. Confidence Without Bragging

You don’t need to boast about your accomplishments. A quiet, steady confidence—knowing what you’re good at and owning it without rubbing it in—goes further than any loud claim. Remember: humility makes your confidence shine brighter.

4. Practice Makes Permanent

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you practice. Start small: greet people with a firm handshake, make eye contact during conversations, and stand tall even when no one’s watching. Over time, it becomes second nature.

Confidence is about showing up fully without stepping on anyone else. Stand tall, look people in the eye, and let your character speak louder than your words.

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