August 11, 2023 has arrived. William James who is often called the father of American psychology said, “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” That’s a good reminder. Always remember, you have superpowers. You can make people feel good or make people feel bad. Use your power wisely. August 11 is Annual Medical Checkup Day, National Raspberry Bombe Day, National Raspberry Tart Day, Play in the Sand Day, Presidential Joke Day, and Son and Daughter Day. On this day in 3114 BC the Mayan Mesoamerican Long Count calendar began. On this day in 1597 Germany threw out English salesmen. On this day in 1772 an eruption blew 4,000 feet off the top of Mont Papandayan in Java killing 3,000. On this day in 1866 the 1st roller rink in America opened in Newport, Rhode Island. On this day in 1935 the Nazis held a mass demonstration against German Jews who were less than 1% of the population. On this day in 1965 the Watts riots began in Southeast Los Angeles. The riot lasted 6 days. On this day in 1968 black pitcher Satchel Paige, then 62, needed 158 more days on a MLB payroll to qualify for a pension. The Atlanta Braves signed him to be a pitching coach. Since I started this post with William James, I’ll end it with his quotes: “The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.” “Thoughts become perceptions; perceptions become reality. Alter your thoughts, alter your reality.” “Our view of the world is truly shaped by what we decide to hear.” “The mind is made up by what it feeds upon.” Last one: “If you give appreciation to people, you win their goodwill. But more important than that, practicing this philosophy has made a different person of me.” Abide.
