Bill

For years, Bill McLeod has been inspiring parents world wide with his message of perseverance and success. He is the author of "Kickin' Butt as a Single Parent - 99 Tips That Every Single Parent Must Have". He is a frequent contributor to syndicated radio shows and magazines, and has been interviewed on radio programs around the country, as well as on CBS, ABC, NBC and WB-2 affiliates for his insight and commitment to succeeding as a single parent. For his ongoing work and dedication in these areas, Bill has won the prestigious State Farm Insurance Companies "Embrace Life Award" presented annually to only thirteen individuals in the U.S. and Canada. His story will enlighten you; inspire you and give you hope that anyone can succeed, as long as you realize that you will never change your life until you change something you do daily.

I Think That I Forgot Where My Kids Are!!!

 Posted by Bill on February 27, 2012  General, How to Communicate with Your Kids, Raising Children as a Single Parent  No Responses »
Feb 272012
 

Have you ever heard the story about the little boy who answered the phone call?

One day, the phone rang, and the little boy answered.
“May I speak to your parents?”
“They’re busy.”
“Oh. Is anybody else there?”
“The police.”
“Can I speak to them?”
“They’re busy.”
“Oh. Is anybody else there?”
“The firemen.”
“Can I speak to them?”
“They’re busy.”

“So let me get this straight — your parents, the police, and the firemen are there, but they’re all busy? What are they doing?” Continue reading »

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These Three Things Are Guaranteed To Change Your Life In 21 Days.

 Posted by Bill on February 20, 2012  General  No Responses »
Feb 202012
 

 

So often I hear from people who want to make a change in their life but are either afraid, or unwilling to take the first step. What is it that keeps people from making a change? Is it that they fear the unknown? Is it that they believe that the sacrifice is greater than the reward? Or is just that they enjoy wallowing in their own unhappiness? No matter what the reason, or excuse that they use, they continue to live in a state of unhappiness, despair and self grief. Well today I am going to change that for you. Today I am going to give your three small things to do that I guarantee will change your life. Not one of these things will require you to lose weight, get up early, or make a drastic change in your life, but if done twice a day for the next 21 days they Will Change Your Life. Are you ready to take the challenge?

Here is the deal. Getting out of a bad relationship, working out, losing weight, dealing with your kids, getting a new job, changing your financial picture and finding happiness come from one place, and only one place YOUR MIND. You first must believe in it in order to achieve it. Below are three things that I challenge you today to say to yourself each morning when you get up, and each evening when you go to bed. I challenge you to not just recite them but to believe in them. Say them with conviction, say them with intention and say them as if they are the three most important things you will ever tell yourself. Once you do they will become part of your mind set, your being and your future. Continue reading »

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“Time For Another Hopeless Holiday” by Michaela McLeod

 Posted by Bill on February 13, 2012  General  1 Response »
Feb 132012
 

My daughter Michaela is a very gifted writer. One year ago I posted this blog that she wrtote for her high school newspaper. It is interesting how a 15 year old high school girl views Valentines Day. I think she needs a boyfriend:)  May all of you have a Valentines Day filled with love for the ones you love the most.

On Valentine’s Day, you’re likely to be walking through the hallways, practically smelling romance in the air. You can look over and see giggling girls putting teddy bears, chocolates and flowers into their lockers while hugging their boyfriends with a big “thank you!” You can look the other way and see happy couples with no presents to exchange, and yet they are as content as everyone else.

            These are situations we’ve all seen plenty of times. We’ve all grown up with Valentine’s Day once a year, and whether or not we’re in a relationship we’re aware when it comes around. Flower prices go way up and the mall is a frenzy of nervous boyfriends trying to find the perfect piece of jewelry for their significant other. These couples contribute to the clichéd holiday of Valentine’s Day. Continue reading »

Victor Cruz, From Single Parent Household To NFL Star.

 Posted by Bill on February 6, 2012  Raising Children as a Single Parent  3 Responses »
Feb 062012
 

So often I hear the media, the so called experts and even the occasional parent tell me that their children are at a disadvantage because they are being raised by a single parent. Their children don’t get the attention of both parents and because of this, their children will have a tougher time finding their way, feeling loved or having the same opportunities as children in dual parent households. Every Time I hear that I get mad, because I believe that once you start to use being raised by a single parent as a crutch, you give your children, and yourself a reason to make excuses.

In my opinion children need three things in life. They need to feel safe, they need to be listened to, and they need to feel loved. If we as parents do these three things, our children will be free to find their passion, set their goals and exceed all of our expectations.

I want to share with you a story of someone who was raised by a single parent, and against all the odds, has exceeded his expectations in the NFL. Continue reading »

How Do You Spell Love?

 Posted by Bill on January 30, 2012  General  1 Response »
Jan 302012
 

Whenever I speak to groups, I always like to give them a little spelling test. It is really a very easy test, but one that everyone always seems to fail. My question is “How do you spell Love”? Most of the time everyone will proudly answer, L.O.V.E. Oh sure there are the occasional L.U.V.’s that come out, but in general L.O.V.E. is the answer. Each time I do this I have to correct the audience. The real way to spell Love is T.I.M.E. If you truly want to show your children, your family, your friends, yourself  and others in your life that you love them, then you need to spend time with them.

If there is one thing that we never seem to have enough of it’s time. We all seem to be busy running around, taking care of ourselves, our kids, our jobs and are so preoccupied with life, that we just don’t spend enough time with those that are closest to us. Every year around this time, what is the one thing that we all like to say? “Where has the time gone”? Someone once told me that if you want to live forever then get married, because when you are single times flies by and once you get married, time slows down to a crawl:) That person by the way is now divorced! Continue reading »

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With Everything That Happened To You, You Can Either Feel Sorry For Yourself or Treat What Happened As A Gift

 Posted by Bill on January 23, 2012  General  2 Responses »
Jan 232012
 

“With everything that happened to you, you can either feel sorry for yourself or treat what happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing. You get to choose.” Wayne Dyer

Over the years I have reflected back on this quote on more than one occasion. I have even sometimes wondered if the author was a single parent. During the past eight years I have been through living with an addictive wife, a broken marriage, interventions, rehab. centers, a separation, a divorce, the death of my children’s mother, the death of their grandmother, the executor of two estates, an IRS audit (which I won), a failing business, the meltdown of my investments in the stock market, a depreciating home value, raising my children on my own 24/7, dealing with their grief, anxiety and fear issues while wondering when, or if, it will ever stop? So again I say to myself:

“With everything that happened to you, you can either feel sorry for yourself or treat what happened as a gift. Everything is either an opportunity to grow or an obstacle to keep you from growing. You get to choose.” Continue reading »

What Do The Denver Bronco’s and Single Parents Have In Common? Everything!!

 Posted by Bill on January 9, 2012  General  No Responses »
Jan 092012
 

As I sat at home yesterday and watched the Denver Broncos, and Tim Tebow, pull out another miraculous victory I couldn’t help but to think how much the Broncos and being a single parent have in common. Now all you Pittsburgh fans may not agree with me here but let me explain.

As the Broncos began their season, no one really gave them much of a chance at being successful. They didn’t have the talent, they didn’t have the skills, and they didn’t have a chance. Well as the season began to unfold the so called experts seemed to be right as the Broncos started off with a record of 1-4. But then something very interesting happened. They made a change in how they approached the season. They named a relatively inexperienced young Tim Tebow as their new starting quarterback. The so called experts jumped all over him. He didn’t have any experience in the NFL, he didn’t have the skills to succeed at this level, and he was nothing more than a good guy, with good intentions, in a bad situation. So much for the experts…

As the season continued Tim Tebow and the Broncos began to win, they began to believe and they began to succeed. The so called experts said it was just luck and that there was no way it would continue, they were sure to implode in no time, and for a few games they were correct. The Broncos lost three games in a row and everyone said “See I told you so.” Then something happened that no one thought was possible, they got into the playoffs. Again the so called experts, as well as the odds makers said, “There is no way they will beat Pittsburg” they are lucky to be where they are, they are huge underdogs. Well anyone who watched the game knows now that the Broncos did win the game, and Tebow performed like an All Pro quarterback. Continue reading »

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