The Open Sky Fund is an amazing organization dedicated to providing musical instruments to children so they can experience the power of music to change their lives. I don’t often use this platform to solicit contributions, but I believe in this project so passionately that I am asking for your help.
Look- I’d be very happy if everyone on earth would become a Black Belt. If they did, I know that everyone would be disciplined, focused and confident and most people would be respectful, happy and productive.
I have to admit…that’s not the only way!
I always say that you don’t have to be a Black Belt to think like one. But- to THINK Like a BLACK BELT you do need to understand that practice is the secret to all achievement and you do need to embrace the continual process of self-perfection.
You can grow and develop yourself in any worthwhile pursuit.
It may surprise you to hear me say that while martial arts profoundly changed my life, another activity had as great an impact on my life:
Music!
The Coon Cats backstage with Dolly Parton: Randy Morabito, Jim (pre-black belt and still with some hair!), Dolly, Garth Adams and “Fiddlin’ Phil Sweagart.” Photo by Don Lonsway.
In a past life, I even made my living as a musician. Like most musicians, it was arguably a lean living- but a living none the less. I even tasted the big time on a couple of occasions. Hearing one of my own songs on major radio and being the opening act for Dolly Parton were two of the best.
Music, like martial arts, can teach discipline, focus and the power of practice. It requires focus and practice if you want to be the next American Idol or if you just want to enjoy playing the guitar around the campfire.
The Open Sky Fund recognizes the incredible transformational and developmental power of music. Amanda Parkhurst founded the Open Sky Fund in 2009 to provide musical instruments and instruction to children, many of whom would not otherwise be able to afford them.
Open Sky Fund founder Amanda Parkhurst presenting a donated instrument to a very happy kid!
I became involved when I donated a set of bongo drums. I heard Amanda speak at a networking event where she happened to mention that a young girl really wanted a set of bongos. I just happened to have a brand new set that I had seldom played and were now just a decoration in the Black Belt Mindset Studio.
A few days after making the donation, Amanda sent me a picture of a smiling little girl with her new drums and a note that read, “I love my drums!” Hanky please! (Yes, tough old black belts can cry sometimes!)
To date the Open Sky Fund has provided instruments to dozens of children, but the demand is greater and Amanda is expanding her efforts.
Of course you can always make a donation of either cash or an instrument. Right now you can help make the Open Sky Fund self-sustaining.
Amanda needs just $200 to produce “The Frog Song,” a children’s music book and CD written by Van Lawton and illustrated by Liz Fallon. Not only is this a wonderful resource for kids, but proceeds from the book will continually fund the efforts of The Open Sky Fund.
Your donation in any amount TODAY is greatly appreciated! Amanda’s goal is to have the book available for the holiday season.
Use this link to make a donation…
If you contribute $50, I’ll send you a signed copy of THINK Like a BLACK BELT. Contribute $100 or more and receive a complimentary Black Belt Mindset Peak Performance Coaching Session.
Any funds raised in excess of the $200 needed for this project will go directly to the Open Sky Fund to provide instruments for more children.
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The political season rages on…an lot’s of people are raging about it! We continue to offer Jim’s solutions to contentious political debate…
It seems like a long time since I made this short video on how to conduct respectful conversations in the office. I’ve become a bit more erasable since this was done, but you may still find this useful!
And you can download this PDF poster for your office bulletin board: The 5 AssUmptions!
If you’d like to host our THINK Like a BLACK BELT for Respect & Civility in the Workplace program at your business, college or university call 800-786-8502 for booking information.
THINK Like a BLACK BELT just $1.99 on Amazon Kindle!!!
(Amazon Prime members can always borrow THINK Like a BLACK BELT and thousands of other titles for their Kindle…FREE!)
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Think Like A Black Belt: The Blog! 