Richard Dedor: Finding Focus » Journal

2010 – Amazing Awaits

Richard — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:38:32 +0000

“Amazing Awaits” is the theme for my 2010. There is so much to not only celebrate from 2009, but to look forward to in 2010! Here are just a few of the things that I’m either looking forward to or working towards.

Business

Sell my book (get a free chapter!)
Get published on six different blogs
Enter four writing contents
Increase RSS Feed subscriptions
Increase FOCUS email subscriptions
Work with ten (10) speaking clients

Personal

Read 10 books
Pay down half my student loan
Paint four paintings
Run 25 miles / month
Play in four tennis tournaments

What are you looking foward to in 2010?

(Flickr photo by Ben Spark)

Tops From 2009

Richard — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:53:04 +0000

2009 was an amazing year for myself and Finding Focus. I had a goal when the year began to write 52 blog posts, one per week. I am happy to say that I shattered my goal. My total number of posts ended up at 126 posts, not to mention the 50 FOCUS posts that come each Thursday.

Here are the top five viewed posts of 2009:

Is This Heaven? No, it’s Iowa. (April 3, 2009)
Movies While You’re Sick (March 13, 2009)
Dream Big Dreams, Take Small Steps (September 28, 2009)
Donor Sibling Registry Supports New Families (April 6, 2009)
Let There Be Love (April 27, 2009)

Here are my top favorites from 2009:

Clear Eyes (June 15, 2009)
This. Is. It. (May 6, 2009)
30,000 Miles (January 9, 2009)
We Are OneStream (September 16, 2009)

Thanks everyone for a great year!

Coming Wednesday: 2010 – Amazing Awaits!

No related posts.

2009 Dedor Awards

Richard — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:10:06 +0000

Last year I started what I believe will end up as a very fun tradition here at Finding Focus. I created the Dedor Awards and 2008 was the inaugural year. We only awarded a few categories and I’m sure over the years I’ll add more and more, just for the fun of it. At the end of this post, I will list the winners, so if you don’t want to watch the video unveiling the winners, just read on.

Otherwise, watch the video below to see the winners of the 2009 Dedor Awards. You can then read the explanation underneath the video. Here’s to a fantastic 2009 and congrats to all our winners!

Book of the Year (that I read):

Past Winner: Riding with the Blue Moth (by Bill Hancock)
2009 Nominees: Beautiful Boy (by David Sheff), Outliers (by Malcom Gladwell) and The Agony and the Ecstasy (by Irving Stone)

This year’s nominees are from three completely separate genres. I began the year wih Sheff’s book chronicling his life with his teenage son, a drug addict. Gladwell’s latest masterpiece was an extremely interesting and entertaining look at how success is determined in life. According to Gladwell, it can be because of birth, culture or pure hard work. Finally, a book I began in 2008 and finished in 2009 was the historical fiction work of Stone. He chronicles the magnificent Michelangelo. From his early years to his late struggles with multiple Popes. While a tough read, I learned more about one of the world’s greatest artists and what makes an artist the passionate person they are. This year’s winner is an oldie, but a book I would recommend to everyone, The Agony and the Ecstasy.

Best Sports Moment:

Past Winner: Matthew Mitcham wins Gold
2009 Nominees: Wimbledon Men’s Final, US Open Men’s Final, US Open Women’s Final

Yes you read the 2009 nominees correctly, all three are tennis events. Other potential nominees include Jimmy Johnson’s record fourth-straight NASCAR Cup Title or the Yankees winning the World Series again, but these three stand out in my mind.

In the Wimbledon Men’s Final, Roger Federer returned to the fortnight to reclaim his ground taken from him in 2008. Andy Roddick did all he could in an all-or-nothing fifth set, but couldn’t prevail. In both the men’s and the women’s US Open finals, former champions were on center stage. Federer and returning ace, Kim Clijsters. Federer was beaten by Juan Martin Del Potro and Clijsters stormed back to the women’s game, winning her second US Open. This year’s winner is an easy choice: Kim Clijsters wins the US Open.

Artist of the Year:

Past Winner: Coldplay (Viva la Vida)
2009 Nominees: Switchfoot (Hello Hurricane), Nathanael Porembka, The Office (Subtle Sexuality)

For those who know me well, know that Switchfoot is hands down my favorite band. This year they came out with their much anticipated album Hello Hurricane. It did not disappoint. My boyfriend Nathanael Porembka is also a nominee because of his senior fashion these, “The Dawn of Man.” You can watch the show here, but it was moving, emotional and brilliant. The final nominee is the Subtle Sexuality by The Office. I was apprehensive at first, but can I just say that this television show has changed the way we interact and enjoy a sitcom? Amazing! This year’s award goes to my friend and boyfriend, Nathanael Porembka.

Person of the Year:

Past Winner: Barack Obama

This is obviously the toughest award to select. I could pick President Obama again because he has had a busy year. But there are a few others who could be on this list. I could honor Sarah Palin or Nancy Pelosi, but those are all political. This year, I want to honor someone who always amazes me with their ability to add clarity in a blurry world. This year’s honoree is the lead singer of my favorite band, Jon Foreman. With their latest work, Hello Hurricane, Foreman and his band, Switchfoot, have again asked daring life questions, and have done their best to answer them. Their words always help me to question my own personal life and the battles I fight.

Congratulations to all of those who made 2009 the memorable year it was.

This decade now comes to a close; what will 2010-2019 bring … it will soon be history, but lets be sure to live it.

The Improbable 2009

Richard — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:13:58 +0000

2009 is almost in the books! What an amazing year it has been and how amazing the future looks! I can hardly imagine what is possible, but I know anything is! A lot more happened this year than I thought possible… so here is just a glimpse.

1. I Can Run!

I began 2009 with a plan to run more. I didn’t figure I’d play much tennis, so I wanted to be more physically active. Nathanael gave me the Nike+ Running “friend” for my birthday in January and what has happened is nothing short of amazing!

This first image is from April… My runs are averaging about 1.8 miles per run.

Jump forward to today and I’m averaging about 3.2 miles per run and just set a personal best for distance and mile pace. This year I’ve run (as of mid-December) 284 miles and spent more than 45 hours running. My goal was 275 miles, so I’m pleased and surprised with my final results. Next year will be more of the same, but I’m going to work on my consistency.

2. Reading is Awesome!

In 2008, I had a goal to read 20 books. I didn’t hit that mark. In 2009, I had a goal of 12 and while I came up a bit short, I read two 700+ page books, all the while writing my own and being a freelancer and writing 3-4 posts a week here at Finding Focus. All told, it was a wonderful year of growth for me. My goal will remain 10 books for 2010 and I already have that stack started. My favorites from this year included my one political read, Team of Rivals, as well as Outliers, Beautiful Boy and Agony and the Ecstasy.

3. World-Class Athletes are Very Humble

This year I had to amazing good fortune to fill in at the last minute at the US Open USTA Wheelchair Championships. I had never seen any wheelchair sport in person and I was skeptical. Not anymore. You can see some of my photos from the event. I will forever be a fan of this sport now. The best part aside from meeting some amazing people, were the athletes themselves. These were the best wheelchair tennis players in the world! Just having conversations with them over lunch and at the hotel… they are the most humble, relaxed and kind athletes I’ve ever met.

4. Challenging Yourself Brings Results

I’ve written numerous times this year (here and here) about how deciding to chase after a passion, painting, has resulted in some really cool opportunities. I’ve also had a chance to join a local writing group which has challenged me to be an even better writer, but also allowed me to learn about other writers. Both these passions have given me much this year, and I will continue to challenge myself next year to see where things can go.

5. Be True to Who You Are

This has been an extraordinary year for gay rights. In April, The Iowa Supreme Court ruled in favor of gay marriage. Other states also took steps and some still took steps backwards. But just this month, our nation’s capital legalized gay marriage. My friends have been amazingly supportive of my own personal and family struggles this year, and while it hasn’t been the easiest year at times, I remain true to who I am, which helps me be true to the world.

6. Thou Must Giveth

I’ve been out of college for four years now and this is the first year that I actually gave earnestly to charities. I hope it is a trend that will continue. It began with Kiva back in the early spring. Then this fall, I ran a campaign called, OneStream, which you can still join and support entrepreneurs around the world. To date, I have given nearly $150 in loans around the world. In addition, I donated money to Heifer International this year for a few Christmas gifts.

7. Anything is Possible

That has been the theme for my year for sure. My speaking opportunities grew, and some were a surprise. I will never forget that day in August or September when I got one email and two phones calls on the same day from people and groups interested in bringing me in for an event or training. It is no surprise that Anything is Possible is also the name of my book that will be available in early 2010. This will remain a theme of my life in 2010.

As 2009 ends, I’m looking forward to an amazing 2010. I remember back on December 31, 1999, sitting in my bedroom at my parents’ house, watching the celebrations around the world as each major city welcomed the new millennium. I now welcome a new decade. In the past decade I have graduated from high school, graduated from college, started my own company, written a book, came out and showed my work in an art show. But most of all, I think what I will take from 2000-2009, is that I found love. I found it in the strangest of places and in the closest of friends. I can only imagine what 2010-2019 will bring. I welcome the journey.

What are YOU taking from 2009?

A Coffee Shop Show

Richard — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:57:51 +0000

I’ve written often of my journey with photography and painting. Ever since that day back in March 2008 when I gave a speech at Kirkwood Community College and didn’t follow my own advice. Since that day, I have only painted a few times, but I enjoy it every time I do. I’ve spent more of my time working on my photography skills. (I plan on doing even more photography in 2010, but double my painting output too!)

This year, I achieved a goal I didn’t even know I had: I was in an art show! That was the first time I’d shown any of my art in the view of the public – and let them talk to me about their thoughts on it! For the month of November, a few pieces of my work were up on display at my local Starbucks. It was cool to stop by, have a cup of coffee and see my work hanging up. I hope the patrons enjoyed it too.

This has been an incredible journey and I can’t wait to see where it goes next!

One Final Day

Richard — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:17:17 +0000

Over at Makin Moves, Katherine is asking the question, “If you had one day left, how would you spend it?” Here is my answer:

I’ve often thought of my final day, my final moments. What will I be feeling? Who will be around me? Will I feel complete at my final moment? I have never been able to answer or completely grasp the answers to those questions. But in recently reading Tuesdays with Morrie, I have found the answers lie in the days before the final day.

My “Life To Do” list is long and will take me a lifetime. So I hope I’m not faced with this question until every item is checked off. In my life I want to visit France and Slovakia, and see the works of Michelangelo. I want to touch the lives of people around me. I want to cry. I want to hug. I want to love.

On my last day, I will do everything I can to do everything one last time. I will wake up early as I am known to do. I’ll make a cup of my favorite coffee and drink it on my porch, watching the sun come up and the world come to life. Soon after, I’ll go for a run. It will be a perfect run. The wind in my face, the feel of my lungs pounding through my chest. I will be alive.

I’d gather some friends for a fun lunch at a local cafe. The mood would be lite and of course, they’d be making fun of me for something. It happens today so why shouldn’t it happen on my last day? We’ll reminisce, but also talk of the future. Of our next lunch together. We’ll talk of our dreams and our failures. We’ll share the moments we’ve had in between. We’ll say farewell with a long, close embrace.

I may read in the afternoon or maybe I’ll pick up the tennis racquet one last time and hit a few with my best friend. He won’t let me win, but that’s the way we are. I’ve always been a competitor, so why stop now?

There are so many foods that I enjoy, how can I pick a last meal? It could be sushi or Italian or pizza or pasta or chicken or a great, big, juicy cheeseburger. No matter the food, I will again with friends at this, my final meal. It won’t feel like it though. It again will be fun and there will be talk of sports and upcoming events and past moments of joy. And again, I’ll be the butt of jokes.

I will want to spend some time writing. There are things I’ll want to say to people. Notes of thanks and of love. Of appreciation for kindness never forgotten and words never shared. I’ll kiss my loved ones good-night and crawl into bed. I’ll be at peace. I’ll know that I gave my life to love. I’ll believe in the power of my memory to keep changing lives. I take my last breath and deliver myself back to the Universe. I will be at peace. That will be my final day.

(Flickr photo via eelssej)

Continue the Ripple of Kindness

Richard — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:26:50 +0000

I recently received an email after one of my FOCUS emails from someone who signed-up at one of my workshops this summer. My FOCUS message was about the ripple effect of kindness and what I did to start my ripple. (In case you are wondering, I sent a greeting card with a gift certificate inside to an old friend.)

I received an email from this woman now only thanking me for the message, but praising the idea of a random card. Of course, she works at Hallmark so it’s in her blood to have this mentality. But she said, working for a company that is all about “enriching” people’s lives, it was exciting to see me write about the ripple effect that these random acts of kindness have in the enrichment of all our lives.

So, I implore you to do two things:

If you’re not already, sign up to receive this week’s FOCUS message.
Second, send someone a random message of kindness, friendship, compassion and enrichment. You’ll both be glad you did.

Finally, as a special gift, the first person to comment on this post with the correct answer to the following question (and who supplies their email address, which is kept private from the post) will receive a personal card from me within the next two months with a special message inside!

Question: What was my campaign slogan when I ran for mayor of Mason City in 2002?

(flickr photo by mrsenil)

Animals Change Lives

Richard — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 16:31:21 +0000

We’re nearing the end of the 2009 One Stream promotion… and I wanted to talk about one last way for you to change the world. A great organization is helping families around the globe with something very simple: cows. Yes, Heifer International has “learned over the years that a holistic approach is necessary in order to build sustainable communities. So we’ve developed a set of global initiatives – areas of emphasis that must be addressed if we’re to meet our mission of ending world hunger and poverty and caring for the earth.”

And you can help! They take donations as small at $10 which can buy a sheep, a goat, a flock of chicks or even a pig. Check our their catalog of giving. One of the great features of this site is that you can gift someone a charitable donation and they can pick the project to fund for themselves.

We can all make a difference and I urge you to do something to help change the world today!

We are One Stream

Richard — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:33:42 +0000

Join & Donate to our Kiva Team!

Email me (OneStream@RichardDedor.com) and tell what you’ve done to help One Stream this month

We live in one world. Just one. Oftentimes it however it seems we live in many and can only affect the world nearest us. We live in our neighborhoods, then communities, then cities, then states, then nations, then our continent and then the world. But alas, it is one world we live in. What I do here in Kansas City affects what happens in San Fransisco and what happens in this country affects what happens in Bolivia and Turkey and Russia and Cuba and Pakistan… and on and on.

For one month, September 16 – October 16, 2009, we’re running a fundraising campaign. It’s up to you! There are tons of ways for you to change the world. After all, we are all part of One Stream. I’ve created a team on Kiva, a micro-lending organization. In a nutshell, this non-profit collaborates with lending companies all around the globe to loan money to entrepreneurs in any country in the world. You get updates on their business and their family. I hope you’ll consider a $25 loan. The money goes to their business and so far I’ve personally helped a carpenter, a farmer, a person in the clothing business and others! The best part is you can get the money back after it’s repaid! Even better, if you choose you can re-loan that money out again!

That’s what One Stream is about. It’s about you and your neighbor. Your human neighbor. It’s about the power you have as one person at this spot of the stream, taking a positive action today to change the life of someone down the stream who depends on the sustenance of the stream, just like you. We are one. What happens to you, happens to all.

People need to see that, far from being an obstacle, the world’s diversity of languages, religions and traditions is a great treasure, affording us precious opportunities to recognize ourselves in others.

-Youssou N’Dour

Now more than ever we have it within our capacity to change the world, one person at a time. You can change the world.

Ending extreme poverty is the great opportunity of our time. I disagree with that. I think there is more opportunity for us than just ending extreme poverty. It can be the great opportunity for us to bring quality education to every corner of the earth. It can be the great opportunity for us to bring healthy water to every unsafe stream in the world. It can be the great opportunity for us rebuild a new world. And it begins with us, right now.

If you can’t join our team on Kiva, take some time over the next 30 days to volunteer or donate a smaller amount of money to a cause you care about.

Whatever you do – it makes a difference! Also, I want to know about it. I want to share with everyone how much of an impact we make. If you volunteer for five minutes or five hours, or donate any money over these 30 days, please email me OneStream@RichardDedor.com (You’ll be kept private – promise!) and when the month is over, I’ll let everyone know how much of an impact we made on our world.

It starts with you my friends. Come with me! We are all at this One Stream. Let’s change the world.

Join & Donate to our Kiva Team!

The Lost Generation

Richard — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:12:33 +0000

60 years ago, we found the “Greatest Generation” but it appears we are now finding the “Lost Generation.” It is a sweeping generality so I apologize but just keep reading.

Today marks the anniversary of my first experience with suicide. (I’ll preface that in a minute…) On September 2, 2000, my friend Steve shot and killed himself in the early morning hours. I’ll never forget that week. I’ll never forget that school year. I’ll never forget going to school the first day after his death.

We will never know what really caused his death and that’s not what today’s post is about. It’s about helping teenagers. It’s about saving a generation.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL):

* 19.3 percent of high school students have seriously considered killing themselves.
* 14.5 percent of high school students made actual plans for committing suicide.
* 900,000 youth planned their suicides during an episode of major depression.

While suicide does not seem terribly common, it is nevertheless a major cause of death. The CDC reports that it is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 15 to 24. The only two things that cause more death among teenagers are accidents (usually in the car) and homicide. And even younger children do not escape. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for young people between the ages of 10 and 14.

This is simply unacceptable. What is causing this major uptick, this epidemic-like rise in suicides among our youth?

I do remember growing up battling with my own depression and being suicidal. I will say it’s not a pretty place when someone reaches that stage. That’s where family, friends and love are all too important. We can not continue to allow this to happen.

Our call must be to be supportive, tolerant and mostly a friend. Then and only then can we stop this terribly tragic experience. Please be the best friend you can be to everyone.

*If you need to talk with someone, please call The Trevor Project. It’s free and confidential, 24/7.