Big O

Growing up, I remember my Dad had some really good friends. They had the most amazing, positive and magnetic energy. Arguably, they were also among the "coolest" of their time. One in particular, is not only admired by me, but by countless others who affectionately know him as, "Big O." "Big O" is called "Big O" for several reasons. The most obvious; he's big! Two, his first name is Orin. And three, his son, Orin, Jr., is nicknamed, "Little O."

"Big O" just happens to be big on optimism, as well. Quite frankly, he's one of the most optimistic and friendly individuals you could ever meet. Optimistically, he led his high school football team. Optimistically, he happily married and became a loving husband, father and grandfather. Optimistically, he took the initiative and brought Little League Baseball to a small city that didn't believe it was possible. Optimistically, he mentored children from several communities. Optimistically, he built a state-recognized program for hundreds of troubled youth. Optimistically, he ran -- and successfully served -- as Mayor of my city. Optimistically, he comforted my family when my Dad died unexpectantly. Optimistically, "Big O" did, and continues to do, the most incredible things.

Optimistic individuals are enthusiastic, grateful, and positive visionaries. Optimistic people passionately share their ambition, energy, ideas and plans. Optimistic people stay committed to their dreams, values and goals. Optimistic people not only positively affect the lives of others, but their own lives as well. But, most importantly, optimistic people neither have to be big, nor have a first name ... which begins with the letter "o."

Fran Briggs is an inspirational speaker, author and peak performance coach. She is also the principal of The Fran Briggs Companies, an organization which helps groups and individuals take their potential, beyond the max! For more information or to sign up for your free successzine/newsletter, visit http://www.franbriggs.com/

This essay is dedicated to Orin Allen, Sr., in recognition of the tremendous leader he is; and the person of magnificent influence, he has always been.

---

Flaming Fire Within Our Bones

Jeremiah was certainly one of the most distinguished notables of... Read More

Brilliance in Balance

"For everything you have missed, you have gained something else;... Read More

I Hate My Computer and Other Inspirational Thoughts

The New Year has not started out very well for... Read More

Magical Wreaths

Wreaths are like rings. They represent the Universal Circle ("Let... Read More

Just One Person We All Need

I understand that all the self made people of this... Read More

The Ant Philosophy

Over the years I've been teaching kids about a simple... Read More

The Seasons Of Life, Part 5 of 5

This week is Part Five of our five part series... Read More

Persistency - Element In Reality

One of the keys to being successful in anything you... Read More

Conscious Living

Earlier this year, following an intention to live more consciously,... Read More

Jerrys Yo-Yo

The blaring sound leapt under Jerry's skin and strangled him... Read More

A Perspective on Life!

All of our lives we always seem to direct our... Read More

The Serpents Genesis 1 and 2

Not long after the beginning a being fell from the... Read More

Dream Board

DREAM IT, CREATE IT, BECOME ITIf you've been reading my... Read More

The Two Choices We Face

Each of us has two distinct choices to make about... Read More

Embracing Your Wildness

As small children, we were all wild. Not unlike the... Read More

Opening the Heart and Exploring Beneath the Surface

Exploring beneath the surface of a reoccurring relationship issue can... Read More

Eradicating The Heart of Poverty

Poverty can sometimes only be a state of mind, based... Read More

Anything That?s Worth Doing, Is Worth Doing Poorly

Yes you got it. You read it correctly. We're not... Read More

7 Strategies to Overcoming Anxiety and Panic Attacks

You Can Overcome panic attacks and anxiety! That is great... Read More

Anam Cara - Losing your Religion

I am sitting before a window of morning light "losing... Read More

Triumphing Over Tough Times

Right now many people are facing tough times. Life as... Read More

Secrets Exposed

Direct Answers - Column for the week of October 13,... Read More

Everyone Has Been Hurt...Part 3

Continued....When I turned 18 years old, I met a new... Read More

My Journey

I believe it's important for you to develop a mission... Read More

Consulting Your Soul

Recently I approached a traffic light where a man stood... Read More

Worship and Football: Lets Take Another Look

At a recent seminar we were asked to imagine if... Read More

Trusting Your Genius Within

Comments about New Theories in the Professions and Business!I recall... Read More

Are You Really Living Your Life Today!

Yesterday I was but a child, looking. Looking ahead at... Read More

A Time To Awake

What has become of your fondest dreams?If you were guaranteed... Read More

Choicemaking: Self-Help Secrets Revealed

We all assume that making choices is a simple process.... Read More

How To Be Secure In An Insecure World

Most of us believe that our happiness and security are... Read More

The Art of Letting Go

It has been six months since I left the corporate... Read More

Love the Opportunity

Somebody said you have to love what you do, but... Read More