Apr 19
The father of my best friend in grade school passed away from cancer and the funeral was today. Patty and I still connect a few times a year (not enough) and each time we do, it’s like we just talked yesterday, one of those rare connections that doesn’t fade with time. I’ve been reflecting a lot about the people and places that we grew up with and in – the neighborhood.
Apr 15
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” – Anais Nin
Many of our thoughts, ideas and dreams remain as buds until risk that first step to open them up to the possibilities. We can also cast light on others so their thoughts, ideas and dreams can blossom as well. Imagine the fragrance of life if we nurtured more buds into blossoms.
Apr 11
“In a time when nothing is more certain than change, the commitment of two people to one another has become difficult and rare. Yet, by its scarcity, the beauty and value of this exchange have only been enhanced.” – Robert Sexton
53 years ago today, my parents were married. They are a model of love and commitment through 12 years of night school while working full time to get a college degree, raising three (pretty awesome) kids, three (pretty awesome) grandchildren, two knee replacements, a broken hip, cancer, and daily challenges of life.
Some of the many lessons that I’ve learned from them include:
Faith will get you through everytime;
The value of hard work;
Don’t take the gifts you’ve been given for granted;
The importance of laughter;
Discipline produces results;
The satisfaction from giving your all, regardless of the results;
Ask for forgiveness and mean it;
There’s nothing better than a good polka;
Respect others and yourself;
Pay your bills on time and don’t get over your head in debt;
Life isn’t fair, so what, do what you can with what you have without complaint;
You can be both family and friends;
Give without counting;
Quiet perseverance;
Character is more important than personality;
Life is short, so appreciate each day.
They’ve taught these lessons not in words but in living them everyday. Thanks Mom and Dad for the many gifts, blessings and lessons. Happy Anniversary.
Apr 10
Life – it’s simple math really. We add or substract. We multiply or divide. What equation will you choose to be today, tomorrow?
A Good Life = + and x.
Do the math. Show your work. Do it right. Repeat.
Apr 4
We often let our first impression block us from going deeper. We can miss out on wonderful people and places if we rely on only one encounter. Our experiences and memories shape our world and can also limit our perspective if we are not open to second and even third impressions to give us a more accurate view.
First impressions of others or that others have of you can be based on merely one signal that is sent while we are preoccupied, tired or upset about something completely unrelated to the situation. Don’t miss out on new discoveries of people and place – give a second or third look to find the treasure.
Mar 29
The fact that I am writing a blog regularly is amazing. I am a pretty private person, your classic introvert. In my career, I have learned to speak up more to have a voice, but deep down I am an introvert to the core.
I also don’t write much about my family to respect their right to privacy. So I am going to break my rule a bit. I adore my parents. They are my best friends and do so many “little” things that are so BIG to me. They take care of the dogs when I travel, check on them when I have a long day or even when I don’t.
Mar 25
“All greatness of character is dependent on individuality. The man who has no other existence than that which he partakes in common with all around him, will never have any other than an existence of mediocrity.” – James F. Cooper
With multiple and competing priorities of daily life, it’s easy to fall into “good enough” syndrome to just get by. We are surrounded by it – at work, our options of programs on 300 cable channels, in the service we receive at the mall. And the “good enough” crowd has a membership recruitment campaign going to get you to join. Don’t. Fight it with all of your strength. We own our feelings, beliefs and attitudes and get to choose our way.
Be the opposite of the status quo. Stop striving for “fairness” or trying to figure out why people accept less than their potential. You don’t own that – they do. Ignite your best, do it with fury and draw the most out of every single day. Be proactive, positive and passionate about what you do, who you spend time with and how you live your life. I can get excited about that. As for the “good enough” crowd, they have plenty on their team.
Feb 13
“I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.” – Maya Angelou
I come home to these smiling faces everyday, with the same level of excitement of going to a family reunion. Home is so much more than a building. It’s that undeniable feeling of comfort and acceptance that you have when you see family and friends (I include dogs in the family/friend category). I come home when I visit my parents, with family just hanging out. I come home when I see or talk with friends I haven’t seen in years, picking up the conversation and connection like it was 10 minutes ago. What a gift we can be if we become “home” for others.
She's home!
Feb 8
Some days are thicker than others – I’ve had a turkey this week – three in a row. Great if I was bowling. It really doesn’t matter “why” or “what” but more important is the “how” we go through these days. With grace or complaint. All of us have them – remember that. No one, no one, no one does not go through “thick days.” We all do. And having that awareness and looking for the cues can allow us to help others through them.
While I was running with the girls on Sunday, I was thinking about the surprise party we had the night before for my sister-in-law. It was a lot of fun and many pitched in to make it happen. I then thought of how I spent my time at the party. While I visited, I was drawn to checking on the food and picking up dishes. I was one step ahead to make sure the work was done, even though others would help.
