Shining means doing what others do, but doing it in a way that makes you stand out. 

Sonic Drive-ins freeze water better than any of their competitors.  Their ice comes in small and crunchy pellets that are kind of porous and easy to chew.  I love their ice and when I want a cold soft drink to quench my thirst, I happily drive through Sonic over any other fast food chain in the area.  

The cost of freezing water for Sonic is the same as the cost of freezing water for Wendy's, McDonald's, or Taco Bell.  It's just that other fast food restaurants don't believe that shining at something as simple as water can actually win you customers.  Wrong.

I shop at the Owl's nest for kids birthday presents because their gift wrapping is better than anyone else's.

I'm loyal to a particular dry cleaner because their wire hangers are better than those of their competitors.

And, my husband insists on Unilever Q-tips because the stick is sturdier than other brands.

When you do what others do in a way that makes you stand out, you shine. 

As you get today underway, spend some time thinking about your recipe for frozen water.  What ordinary tasks do you complete in such a way that friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues would drive across town to have their thirst quenched?  I'd love to read about them in the Community Forum labeled, Today's Post. 

Shining off until tomorrow...