Last week I had the unique opportunity to be in Washington DC on Election Day and then present my keynote to the National Honor Guard the day after the election. What a dedicated and disciplined group of individuals. These are the young men and women we often see on television during inaugurations, 911 memorial services, and many other notable events at the White House. What struck me most was their reaction to the election. I know that the weeks preceding Election Day were filled with anxiety. Emotions were high, accusations were flying, polls were bouncing around, volunteers on each side were doing all they could to win the vote for their candidate. We had unprecedented spending and campaign techniques, skits on Saturday Night Live, and more and more television commercials. Then finally the day came, individuals of this country voted electing our next President. Regardless of whether you received the outcome of your choice, we chose our next Commander in Chief. The National Honor Guard members did not for one minute engage in opinionated conversations. It was now a fact that Barack Obama was the next President Elect, their Commander in Chief. With this fact came a responsibility to honor him in his new position-- end of discussion.

Even though my candidate of choice was not victorious, I too believe that the office of President of the United States demands the honor of each and every citizen just like the flag he stands under and the Constitution he is called to uphold. The next day a new responsibility began for each one of us. A responsibility to support, honor and pray for our newly elected President.

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The last several newsletters have taken you through different aspects of Living life at Performance Level—writing your script, being the star of your life, and casting your show wisely. I don’t think you can go any further unless you are willing to take responsibility for your life. I call it “Being Response-Able” which is about taking ownership of one’s actions, decisions and reactions. It means being able to stop in the middle of what you’re doing and think before you act. It has to start with the small things, the little things you react to that end up dictating your day. What are you reaching for in the food pantry? Are you answering the phone just because it is ringing? Are you checking your emails 30 times a day because it is urgent or easy? You have to stop reacting, but the question is how? Let’s start with some small steps below:

Today: Be response-able for the relationships in your life
How many times do you use destructive phrases when speaking to those you love? “I already knew that” or “that’s great, but.” Today don’t allow yourself to start a conversation with the words “no, but, or however.” “No” means, “You’re wrong,” “But” says that you disregard everything that came before this and “However” is a fancy word for but. I have four words for you: help more, judge less.

This week: Be response-able for the multimedia in your life.
As you hear the phone ring, stop and focus on what you are currently doing. Is it more important than any phone call? Are you in the middle of a conversation or meal? Let the phone ring and return the call at your convenience. Try checking your emails only two times a day this week, morning and evening. Turn the television on only for a specific program and then turn it off immediately following the broadcast.

This month: Be response-able for the choices in your life
Are you in the job, relationship or economic situation you want to be? I ask you not to focus on why because why reflects the past. Instead, focus on what because what leads us to the future. What can you do to take responsibility and make a change? Don’t confuse a difficult choice or an undesired choice with no choice at all. You always have a choice, and as long as you live in this nation and have freedom to make that choice, your life can be absolutely spectacular. And it is.
1. Take ownership: Everyone has choices. Do you need to make better ones?
2. Be committed: Are you following through and focusing on the better choices?
3. Take risks: Is life comfortable yet unsatisfying? Do you need to jump off the cliff and go for something new in your job or relationships?
4. Get support: Find others who encourage yet hold you accountable.
5. Be happy: It doesn't matter where you are in life, be happy. Don’t look at other people or situations to make you happy.

Turkeys have outstanding visual precision, great hearing and taste, but are famously poor on smell.

About 300 million turkeys are produced each year. About 45 million (about 675 million pounds) are consumed at Thanksgiving.

A turkey below sixteen weeks of age is called a fryer.

Californians are the largest consumers of turkey in the United States.

Abraham Lincoln announced Thanksgiving to be a national holiday in his proclamation on October 3, 1863.

The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition began in the 1920's.

The Dallas Cowboys have hosted a game every Thanksgiving Day since 1966 (except 1975 and 1977).

The National Turkey Federation recommends roasting turkey at 325 degrees F.

Happy Thanksgiving!