by Dave Wine, President & CEO

There is one thing – and one thing ONLY – that we have the ability to control and that is our mind, our thoughts.  That is why I believe practicing mindfulness is so important and can help us in every aspect of our lives.  One of the easiest things to do is simply to put a note on our desks, computer screen, a string around our finger, – something to remind us to take time often throughout each day simply to ask:

What Am I Thinking Now?

As you notice what you are thinking, you can then decide whether you want to change that thought(s).  I am simply amazed (a positive way to think about this) to find that so many of my thoughts are judging, analyzing, fretting, anxious, etc.  But most of the time I am holding those thoughts subconsciously and not paying attention to them. Then I wonder why I’m not joyous and free and happy!  When I pause often throughout the day to note, What Am I Thinking Now?, I can recognize my thoughts and then choose different thoughts.  I can express thanks, gratitude, look around and see all that is right and good, commune with God/Spirit, feel the sense of the wonderful team I get to work with at MAX, etc.  And my attitude, demeanor, and spirit changes, too!  Really mindfulness is simply paying attention to creating the thoughts and communion we most want to have in our lives – the one thing we can control in an uncontrollable world.

The easiest and the hardest thing to do!!

David Wine

David is the President and CEO of the MAX enterprise, having served in that capacity since its formation in 2001.   He has forty plus years of  leadership experience in the business and faith-based worlds, being an ordained minister, having been elected to the highest position in his denomination,  and receiving numerous awards and recognition for his leadership in the insurance industry. He currently serves on numerous boards in the church and insurance sectors.  His hobbies include hiking, biking, skiing and snowshoeing as well as being an avid reader.  David and his wife, Sharon, have three daughters, a son, and four grandchildren.