autum leaves

1No matter where you live, you have an intimate, ongoing relationship with your weather. What happens outside affects you inside your home and within you too. Consider how your life shifts as the seasons of the year phase in or out. You can take advantage of these seasonal changes to make each season special and unique in its own way.

Use these tips to help you get ready for a happy, healthy fall season that your whole family can enjoy:

1. Prepare your home for the change in the weather. It’s wise to take care of tasks such as examining weather-stripping, storm windows and your heating system this time of year.

* Look a few months ahead as you think about any preparations or repairs you might want to make to your home before the first cold fronts arrive. Being prepared brings you peace of mind and can avert a stressful crisis down the road.

2. Use special autumn activities to strengthen your family bond. Spend a dinner out together or a family evening at home to plan things to do together in the fall.

* Make it even more enjoyable by allowing each of your kids to choose a favored fall activity.

* Whether you visit a local pumpkin patch for hot apple cider in late October or plan a drive to your closest national park to view the changing leaves, you can arrange to spend plenty of special autumn times together as a family.

* Fall’s approach can be something for your family to look forward to together. Start new family traditions with fun fall activities.

3. Engage your family in fall menu planning. Encouraging your children to take part in the planning of some delicious seasonal meals serves many purposes.

* It’s fun for the kids to have a choice in what the family eats. As parents, you have teaching opportunities about foods, nutrition, cooking, budgeting, and cultural diversity. So you can all look forward to preparing and enjoying the meal together.

* Incorporate your children’s ideas into your fall meal planning as a way to teach them about fall vegetables and healthy, flavorful eating.

4. Evaluate your moods as fall sets in. In the past, have you noticed specific changes in your moods as the leaves drop from the trees and the weather cools?

* Do you feel relieved that the heat is dissipating for a spell? Or do you feel disappointed because there will soon be fewer hours of daylight and the weather will be getting cold?

* Thinking about how the coming season will affect your mood is a smart thing to do in preparation for autumn’s arrival. That way, you can be better prepared for any seasonal shifts in your emotions.

Regardless of where you live, it’s helpful to consider how your life will be affected when fall sets in. Embracing each season of the year through good planning will help you enjoy that particular season’s bounty. Get ready now for the shift into fall!

Sometimes successful women, that is those successful in business are not as successful in their relationships.  Here are some ideas to help you get connected.

Are you struggling with feelings of loneliness? As you can tell from when you still feel lonely in a crowd, these emotions don’t come from a lack of enough people around you. Your loneliness really comes from the perception of lacking the relationships you wish you had. It’s a symptom of not receiving the love and support you desire.

If you feel lonely, try these ideas to work through your loneliness and get your life back on track:

1. Avoid comparing yourself to others. Yes, some people seem to have incredibly active social lives – they go out and do more in a week than many of us do in a year. But what has that got to do with you?

* Decide the size of your social life based on your own needs, not someone else’s. You may be happiest going out once a month. Everyone has different needs. Think about what would be best for you.

2. Live your life purpose. If you’re spending the majority of your time on the things that are most meaningful to you, you’ll feel happier and more fulfilled.

* You’re also much more likely to come into contact with people that share similar interests and will be understanding of your passions in life.

3. Get out of the house. Other people are outside your house. You’re not going to find them hiding in your linen closet. Take a walk, say “hi” to someone new at the store, or join a club.

* When you’re feeling lonely, going to visit friends and family can satisfy your cravings for companionship.

4. Take up a hobby. Sitting at home pondering your loneliness will only tend to make things worse. This is a great time to take up that hobby you’ve always wanted to try out.

* A new hobby will get you out of the house and interacting with others. People with similar interests can become the best of friends.

5. Volunteer. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and get some perspective. When you interact with those less fortunate than you, it reduces your focus on your loneliness and brings you gratitude for the life you have.

* Try to find an organization that you can be excited about and proud to join. Your experiences there will also give you something to talk about with people outside of the organization.

6. Consider a pet. You might be surprised at the love and companionship you can share.

There are many things that you can do to find relief for your loneliness and create a life filled with the uplifting relationships you desire. First, examine your feelings and try to get to the root of why you feel loneliness. Recognize that everyone is different and we all have different needs.

Focus on living in accordance with your values, talents, and passions and good things will happen, including the right people dropping into your life.

Try to get out of the house and spend time with others in a meaningful way. Reach out to your friends and family. Put the above ideas into practice today, and loneliness will soon be a thing of the past.

“You Have the Power To Melt a Man’s Heart So He’ll Cherish and Adore You… Forever” Click here to learn more.

>

Friend

Who will stand with you when you face trouble?  Regardless if anyone else is with you or not, you will be there.  You must become the person that you can rely on and trust no matter what.  You must become your own best friend.

Although it might sound a little trite when you’re advised to “be your own best friend,” the fact is that all your life, you’re the only person you’ll always have. If you like yourself as an individual, you’re more likely to live a happy and fulfilled life.

So what does it really mean to be your own best friend? You’ll do and say all the things to yourself that a best friend would. You’ll support and encourage yourself to make wise choices and go after your dreams. Most of all, you’ll love yourself as only a best friend could.

These strategies can help you discover the joys of being your own best friend:

1. Do a personal inventory of your strengths and weaknesses. Be gentle, yet realistic, in identifying your personal qualities. Know what you’re great at and what you might want to work on.

2. Accept yourself just the way you are. Learning to feel comfortable with yourself is one of the biggest hurdles to being your own best friend.

* Maybe you laugh too loud or get jealous easily. It’s okay! If you’d like to change some qualities about yourself, accept these qualities as something you can work on rather than denying them or being critical.

3. Follow your own internal rules for what to do and not do. Listen to what your heart, mind, soul, and gut is telling you. Refrain from doing something you don’t respect.

* For example, let’s say keeping friends’ information private is important to you. If a friend tells you something in confidence and someone else tries to pump you for information, avoid behaving in a way that makes you feel upset later.

* What you feel and believe matters. Being your own best friend means you recognize the importance of your own thoughts and emotions.

4. Allow yourself to make mistakes. No one can realistically expect perfection. After all, you are human!

* When you err, make a concerted effort to review what you did and why you did it. Learn from your mistake so you’ll know how to handle a similar situation in the future. Consider it a learning experience instead of beating yourself up about it.

* In essence, give yourself a break.

5. Be protective of yourself. Refrain from allowing others to mistreat or take advantage of you.

6. Stand up for yourself. If someone has treated you unfairly, let them know you’ve noticed and that you don’t appreciate it. Then, tell them in an appropriate manner what you want or need from them.

7. Learn to soothe yourself when times are tough. You’ll benefit greatly from knowing how to help yourself feel better when you’re feeling down or sad.

* Figure out what eases your emotional pain and make use of it whenever necessary.
* For example, if reading a favored author relaxes and rejuvenates you, that might be one of your ways to self-soothe.
* If taking a long walk gives you the opportunity to think something through and be relieved of negative feelings, you’ve got another great method of self-soothing.
* Of course, it’s important to your well-being to find positive ways to self-soothe. Avoid using unhealthy methods like substance abuse or overeating.

8. Consider your own needs first. Although some would say this is selfish, in most instances, it makes perfect sense. After all, you’ll struggle in helping others if you aren’t taking care of yourself. So keep yourself in the best shape you can, emotionally and physically.

9. Know your own priorities and live your life in consideration of them. Once you establish what’s important to you, you’ll be able to go after whatever it is you want in life.

Vow to be your own best friend by following these strategies. Learning to treat yourself with kindness, respect and care will pay off throughout your life. Make it a life goal to be your own best friend forever.

Friendship is important to all of us.  Having ourselves as our own best friend is being true to ourselves.

Click here to learn more about being a friend to yourself and attracting new friends.

Pursue Your Dreams

If you are looking for a way to give your self-esteem a boost there is no better method than going after long held dreams.  There is a reson that you have those dreams and you validate yourself when you pursue them.

Have you ever awakened one day and realized that, although your life is going pretty well, there’s just one thing tugging at you? Something inside is telling you that something isn’t quite “right” in your life. Or maybe it feels more like something’s missing.

Perhaps those feelings are trying to let you know you haven’t been pursuing your dreams. For many, dreams about the future started when they were youngsters.

You might’ve grown to admire your uncle who’s a great golfer and wanted to try golfing to emulate him. Or maybe you do golf but there’s that one golf course in Europe that you really want to play.

It could be that your 7th grade English teacher, whom you loved, always told you what a great writer you were. But after high school, you’ve hardly written even a short story. You always thought you’d get back to writing, but just haven’t taken the time or effort.

It’s time to pursue your dreams!

Review these tips about following your bliss. You might realize that – YES! – you can go after your special goals while living your life and “taking care of business.”

1. Ask yourself, “Is there something I’ve wanted to do for a long time?” If so, what is it? 


2. Write down your goals for the future. Obtain a spiral notebook and devote it to your dreams. 


* Take your Dream Notebook and pen to the park or front porch. Then, ponder your dream. Write everything that comes to mind. Record your dreams on a small bit of paper and affix them to your bathroom mirror.


* Each day, when you see that message to yourself about what you want to do, it will inspire you.


3. Pledge to do just one thing each day or week to chase after your dream goal. Maintain your momentum toward following your bliss.


* Make your dreams a priority in life.
* Avoid allowing anyone or anything to get in the way of pursuing your dreams.
* Who knows what can happen when you “keep your eyes on the prize?”


4. It’s rare to accomplish dreams in a short period of time. Accept that you’ll be following your most cherished wishes for the long haul.


5. Think about ways to divide your path to your dreams into “chunks.” For example, if you’ve always wanted to travel to France to see the Eiffel Tower, you could separate your dreams into sections like:


* Read everything you can about France and the Eiffel Tower.

* Explore the subjects on the web.

* Become an “expert” about the topics of your dreams.

* Even though you might struggle financially to make ends meet, set up a separate bank account for your “dream” trip to Europe and make regular deposits (at least monthly), no matter how small.

* Regardless of what your dreams are, think of a way to move toward them somehow.

* Vow to keep your momentum going so you can achieve your dreams.


6. It’s okay to re-vamp or even totally overhaul your dreams. You can let go of a dream you had for a while if you discover you really aren’t interested in that goal anymore. 


* As you grow and mature, it’s not unusual to develop new interests and dreams.
* You can feel comfortable transitioning into a new goal to pursue.
* Give yourself permission to let go of an old dream, alter it, or even add a new goal.

7. Avoid thinking of your dreams as impossible for you to accomplish. Dreams keep you moving forward in life. 


* Tell yourself it’s entirely within the realm of your life to pursue and fulfill your dreams.
* You truly deserve to have goals and dreams, no matter what your situation. 


Following your bliss will enrich your life in so many ways. Allow yourself the opportunity to fulfill your special goals in life. Pursue your dreams because you’re worth it.

Pursuing your dreams will make your life feel like it is back on track again.  It will give you a reason to get up in the mornings and a reason for being.

Self love or self esteem is important, if you don’t love yourself then who else will?  You must first love yourself to move forward in life.   You will find that self talk will help you do this, always work to develop more and better positve self talk.  You will find more information on doing this here.

Recent psychological studies are confirming the wisdom that has long been taught in Buddhism and other traditions, that developing more compassion for yourself will make you happier and more successful at reaching your goals. Whatever your spiritual beliefs, these are some of the benefits of self-compassion and methods for attaining them.

Benefits of Having Compassion for Yourself

1. Experience greater happiness. Self-compassion means valuing yourself and treating yourself well. You’re bound to feel better when you remove negative self-talk and become a better friend to yourself.


2. Accomplish your goals more easily. There’s no need to criticize yourself to eliminate bad habits. Accept your flaws and focus on action plans that are realistic for you. If you break your diet, start again with the next meal. If you’re denied one job opening, beef up your resume so you’re ready for the next opening.


3. Become more resilient. Accept that life is full of ups and downs; take them in stride instead of being derailed by self-pity. You’ll bounce back faster when you realize that challenges and setbacks are as inevitable as rainy days.


4. Feel more motivated. When you learn to value yourself, you’ll feel more committed to making investments in your future. Giving yourself the freedom to make mistakes reduces the anxiety that holds you back from trying new things.


5. Feel more connected with others. The philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer suggested that we call each other “my fellow sufferer.” When we realize that we all want to be happy but we often need to become more skillful at creating happiness, we recognize how much we have in common with everyone around us.


6. Express more compassion towards others. If you’re gentle with yourself, you’re more apt to carry that mindset into your interaction with loved ones and strangers. You’ll be mindful of the challenges we all face and have a stronger desire to help others.


Methods For Developing More Compassion for Yourself

1. Dispel the myths about self-compassion. You may associate being gentle with being lazy. But with compassion, you’re channeling your time and energy into constructive activities rather than beating up on yourself.


2. Take charge of your emotions. Accepting disappointments as part of life enables you to remain at peace. You can accept your true feelings without letting them overwhelm you.


3. Change your self-talk. We sometimes say things to ourselves that we would regard as too hurtful to say to anyone else. Focus on giving yourself practical suggestions rather than calling yourself names.


4. Relax. Create an environment where you can generate compassion. Reduce stress and transition into a better frame of mind with meditation or some soft music.


5. Treat yourself to something nice. Just like you bring a meal over to a sick friend, look for ways to be your own benefactor. Brew a cup of your favorite tea or commiserate with yourself if you get stuck in heavy traffic.


6. Surround yourself with positive role models. If you feel like you’ve been conditioned to be harsh with yourself as the only way to get results, you may need to surround yourself with reminders to stay on your new path. Observe people who seem compassionate and adapt their methods to your own situation. Read books or take a workshop on compassion.


It’s easier to overcome difficult situations when you learn to cherish and comfort yourself. Practicing self-compassion will bring you greater peace of mind and closer to your life goals.

Develop self-love or self esteem in your life. Self esteem is vital to attaining any goal you want to achieve. You have to believe in yourself.

finding simple joy

The law of attraction hinges on your state of mind.  You need to be positive and forward thinking, but how do you get into that state?  Here are some simple ideas that will help you get into that place so you can move forward.

Do you find yourself often feeling tired, spent, or even exhausted? Maybe you feel challenged to find balance and contentment. Human lives can get very complicated sometimes. However, it’s possible to discover some of the simpler joys in life to soothe your soul. Simple pleasures are all around you. You just have to be alert to notice them.

Try these strategies to cultivate more joy in your everyday life:

1. Marvel, once again, about the clouds in the sky.

When was the last time you did this? When you were small, you probably laid on a blanket outdoors, staring up at the sky, looking for interesting shapes in the clouds. Why not do it now?

Invite your partner or your kids to go outside with you. Grab a blanket on your way out the door. Then, lay back in the soft grass. No radios or phones! Look up and lose yourself in the clouds. Be present in only this moment. No past – no future – there’s only now. Share what you see with your loved ones.

You’ve just found a very simple pleasure – one you can enjoy almost any time.

2. Watch a sunset.

Talk about a wondrous event! Sunsets vary each day. Like snowflakes, no two are exactly alike.

Watching the sunset can be an awesomely peaceful and quiet experience. Or it can be the cause for a celebration, whatever you choose. However you approach it, sunset watching is an effortless joy that won’t cost you a penny.

3. Re-discover nature.

No matter where you live, you can walk outdoors and see what’s there. Even in Brooklyn, a tree is probably growing near you.

Do you love birds? Get a pair of binoculars and sit outdoors on the porch step and watch the free show that only birds can present.

If you’re into horticulture, take a walk to admire all the lovely trees and plants you see.

For a real treat, drive to your local national park and take in all the bounty of simple pleasures that nature provides.

4. Revive your love of reading.

Whether you’re curling up on the sofa with a novel by your favorite author or sitting in the sun reading one of the classics, reading is a simple joy that you can do anytime you want.

5. Spend a day in your pajamas.

You know you want to!

After you’ve had one of those really hectic weeks where work and personal situations collided to produce a lot of tension, try setting aside a weekend day where you don’t even get dressed.

Spend the day lying around in your PJs. All day, do whatever you like. Talk with your kids or spend quality time with your partner. Maybe you just want to read. That’s okay, too! It’s your day, after all.

6. Make yourself a great cup of coffee, your favorite iced latte, or glass of tea and relax.

Sometimes, all you need to feel better is doing something simple: fix your favorite beverage and take five.

7. Decide to do whatever you want just for one hour today.

Life can seem so overwhelming sometimes that you may feel totally disconnected from the activities you love to do.

Whether you enjoy doing a particular craft or playing a sport for fun, make time to do what excites you.

Creating a life of harmony includes regularly seeking out simple pleasures. Very little money is required, so you can experience joy in your life every day. Make an effort to find your simple joys, and you can create the life you deserve.

Seek out the simple pleasures and bolster your opportuity with the law of attraction.  You will definately move your life forward.

Get More Out Of Life

Visualization is the little sensible things that can activate the law of attraction.  The law of attraction is lying idle or worse operating at random in your life.  Once you get your emotions and your thoughts aligned together you will begin to attract the things you want.  Add to this visualization of your dreams or better yet a vision arising from within you and overflowing into your conciousness.  Doing these simple things will begin to align your thoughts to make this possible.

Healthy Habits to Start Your Day Off Right

If you’re striving to live a healthier life, starting the day off right can make the difference in achieving your goals for the day. It’s not always easy to live a healthy life, but if you incorporate changes gradually, you’ll affect your lifestyle in positive ways. Starting your day with healthy practices helps establish a healthy mindset for the rest of the day.

Implementing these healthy habits in the morning will invigorate you all day:

1. Get plenty of sleep the night before. Experts advise 7 to 8 hours of sleep nightly for your health.

• It’s widely known that caffeine can cause sleep disturbances. If you’re having trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, consider stopping your use of caffeine. Switching to decaffeinated beverages, for example, might improve your sleep.
• If you get a good night’s sleep, you’ll be ready to get out of bed at a reasonable time. For best results, arise at the same time each morning and retire at the same time each night.

1. Establish a routine to take care of your skin. Clean your face with facial soap or cleanser, apply a toner or astringent, and finish with your facial moisturizer.

• Apply lotion to the rest of your body in the mornings as well. Many free radicals in the environment assault your skin throughout the day. Providing a protective layer of lotion over your skin every morning is an excellent healthy habit.

1. Drink plenty of liquids as a healthy start to your day. Hydrating your body and skin for the day is a habit that will pay off in many ways. It helps your body and mind all the way down to the cellular level for peak performance.
2. Have a good breakfast. The possibilities for a healthy breakfast are varied:

• Fat-free yogurt with blueberries and strawberries with a bit of granola
• Oatmeal with bananas and skim milk
• A boiled egg with a slice of toast and some fruit

1. Remember your vitamin! If your doctor recommends a vitamin supplement, after breakfast in the morning is usually an opportune time to take it. Taking your vitamin ensures you’re doing what you can to get adequate vitamins and minerals.
2. Consider taking a morning walk either before or after breakfast. Exercising in the morning brings vitality to your day.

• In addition, psychologically, you’ll feel pleased with yourself because you accomplished something, and feeling good about yourself contributes to good mental health. When you start your day feeling so positively, the rest of the day is less stressful.

1. Write a short list of tasks you hope to accomplish. Being organized is another healthy way to start your day. Make it a ritual to sit down for a few minutes in your morning to gather your thoughts and make a plan for the day.
2. Take care of your teeth in the morning. So important to healthy living, brushing your teeth thoroughly is integral to good health and a great start to your day.

If you’re trying to live a healthier life, you would do well to incorporate these habits into your mornings. Making changes in your lifestyle are best when introduced gradually. Keep your health goals foremost in your mind and these healthy habits will automatically have you starting your days with a smile.

the law of attraction will be activated as your thoughts, emotions, and actions align to bring you greater success in life.

Have A Great Day

Lets face it, life without energy is barely worth living.  You have to have energy to tap into the exciting things that are going on all around us.  Here are some ideas for reving yourself up to attain that energy so you can enjoy life.

Do you have a friend, co-worker or family member who seems to have unbounded energy? There’s no need to envy them, wishing you could kindle your own energy reserves. With a few minor adjustments, you too can increase your energy and have a great day!

Try these suggestions to rev up your “engine” to enjoy a productive day:

1. Work out in the morning. For many, working out first thing in the morning lights a fire that lasts most of the day.
2. Take part in the most important meal of the day: breakfast. Avoid skipping breakfast at all costs. Breakfast is your opportunity to fuel up your engine.

• Include plenty of protein in your morning meal to energize.
• If you aren’t a breakfast eater, consider trying a milkshake powder that includes the necessary protein and nutrients to start your day. Many varieties of these types of supplements are available at your local health food store.
• Starting your day off with plenty of nutrients gives you a lasting energy boost that coffee and other caffeinated drinks lack.

1. Write out your goals for the day. Whether you’ll be staying at home or going to work, clarifying your day’s goals will ignite your energy. Once you’ve written them, jump into action and get started.
2. Take a shower in the morning after you work out. Showers tend to re-vitalize and refresh.
3. Look your best every day. Particularly if you’re going to work, your appearance contributes to your self-confidence and can provide a nice boost to your energy. When you look your best, you feel your best.
4. Use positive self-talk to strengthen your energy reserves. What you say to yourself matters greatly and can affect your energy inventory. Avoid dragging yourself down with negative self-talk – it wears you out. On the other hand, when you make a habit of complimenting and encouraging yourself throughout the day, it energizes you.
5. Get enough sleep. Getting an adequate amount of rest contributes to high-energy reserves. If you get plenty of rest, you’ll be full of energy to expend during the day.
6. Consider Aromatherapy. For example, the smell of peppermint can bring about feelings of energy and revitalization.

• Shower with peppermint soap.
• Use peppermint lotion to massage your feet and legs.
• Burn peppermint scented candles to take advantage of their aromatic effects.

1. Listen to motivational music and podcasts that promote feelings of energy. On your way to work, listen to positive messages from experts who inspire self-confidence and energy.

Striving to increase your energy will make a big difference in how you approach work tasks, meetings and relationships with others. Increasing your energy ensures you’ll accomplish all that you want in your busy day. Plus, you’ll have the energy to really enjoy your life instead of resignedly watching it pass you by.

Grab for all the gusto you’ve got! Use these tips to develop skills and techniques to energize every morning. Now, go out there and have a great day!

You can do this, you can grab the energy that you need.  Stop being the beaten down barely alive you and energize now.

Related Resources To Have A Great Day

Bowflex TC5000 Treadclimber

Attracting The Life You Desire

Manifest Your Ideal Life

A friend sent me a link to DailyLifeCoach.com.  It is a great site and I thought I’d share it with you:

There are lots of great sites on the internet and we will share them.

]]> http://www.therealmikegriffin.com/2048/looking-for-a-positive-message-on-self-development/feed/ 0 http://www.therealmikegriffin.com/1941/s-kearns-goodwin-life-lessons-for-us-from-some-of-our-great-presidents/ http://www.therealmikegriffin.com/1941/s-kearns-goodwin-life-lessons-for-us-from-some-of-our-great-presidents/#comments Mon, 14 Sep 2009 10:52:48 +0000 Mike Griffin http://www.therealmikegriffin.com/?p=1941

Doris Kearns Goodwin has been studying and writing about our Presidents her whole life.  The Kennedy’s, Lincolon, Roosevelt, and Johnson.  Each of these men, regardless of your politics, regardless of wheter you belive they were good or bad Presidents, has great insights into life to offer you. 

In this video Goodwin shares those insights and you will get a lot from watching.

Other information from around the web by and about Doris Kearns Goodwin

• Fourth Lincoln Douglas Debate – House Divided is a great place to learn more about the Lincoln Douglas Debates. Through the Lincoln Douglas Major Topic Page, you can search by different events, such as by individual debates. One such debate was the fourth, …

• Teddy’s Goodbye – Swampland – TIME.com – “He would’ve adored it,” said historian Dorris Kearns Goodwin. “You would have heard him bellowing at the end, ‘YAY’” she added pumping her small fist. John Podesta cried during Ted Kennedy Jr.’s remembrance.
• TEDTalk – Doris Kerns Goodwin on Two Presidents – No wonder Obama is so drawn to Kerns Goodwin’s Lincoln. This talk really made me think about whether or not I am heading down Lincoln’s path or LBJ’s.
• The Book List – … A Portrait of An Artist (Georgia O’Keefe) by Laurie Lisle; The Women’s Room Marilyn French; Sarum by Edward Rutherford; The Fitzgeralds and the Kennedys by Doris Kerns Goodwin;
• Historian and author Doris Kearns Goodwin – Goodwin, an expert on presidential politics, is the author of several books including the Pulitzer Prize-winning No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The American Homefront During World War II.

Doris Kearns Goodwin is an award-winning author and historian.

Goodwin went to Washington, D.C., as a White House Fellow in 1967 during the Johnson administration, working as his assistant and with his memoirs. In 1975 she married Richard N. Goodwin, who had worked in the Johnson and Kennedy administration as an adviser and a speechwriter. Goodwin taught government at Harvard for ten years, including a course on the American Presidency.

Goodwin won the Pulitzer Prize in 1995 for “No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The American Homefront During World War II”. Goodwin received an honorary L.H.D. from Bates College in 1998. Goodwin won the 2005 Lincoln Prize (for best book about the American Civil War) for “Team of Rivals”, a book about Abraham Lincoln’s Presidential Cabinet.

Source -Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doris_Kearns_Goodwin