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Posts tagged ‘Daily Life’

Jul 30

Stick

“The end is nothing; the road is all.” – Willa Cather

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”- Edith Wharton

“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”- Edith Wharton

As we go through the challenges of life – ours and others, stick. There may never be words adequate to comfort completely, but sticking around is enough. We are put into each others’ lives for a reason. And when someone tells you to go, stay. When you want to run, stop.

Stick and walk them through it, if only to hold a hand. Never underestimate your power to make a positive impact. We are really grown up when we realize it’s not all about us. If we can say at the end of our journey that we helped others on their journey, we will have lived well. Today, ask someone how they are doing and pause long enough for the real answer. Stick.

Jul 24

2 Comments

A Good Day

“What we call the secret of happiness is no more a secret than our willingness to choose life.”
– Leo Buscaglia

While I enjoy traveling, the ingredients that make up a good day don’t require getting on a plane. The recipe: hanging out at home with the girls, sleeping in without an alarm (except for several kisses on the forehead from Lily and Molly’s nose in my face at 5:30 am), no schedule, no meetings, no email, reading, going out for a long run that’s not rushed, taking a nap (I’ve been up since 5:30 am), a quiet walk at the end of the day.

With the limited number and the distance between vacations, we need to “work” in the good days, good hours, good moments throughout the week. What makes a good day for you? Create your checklist and start checking. And while creating those moments, always remember that we have the power to give “good day” moments to others as well – with a smile, a hug, a kind word.

Your good days are now. Don’t let them pass you by.

“I expect to pass through life but once.  If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.” – William Penn

Jul 22

4 Comments

Above the Clouds

“We’d never know how high we are, till we are called to rise; and then, if we are true to plan, our statures touch the sky.”  – Emily Dickinson

“Kites rise highest against the wind - not with it.” - Winston Churchill

“Kites rise highest against the wind – not with it.” – Winston Churchill

Sometimes our plans don’t always work out the way we plan. Last week, my excitement to escape for a quick vacation came to a grinding halt when our flight was cancelled two hours before leaving. Since it was a quick trip to Las Vegas, losing one of three days is substantial. We were able to get another flight with a stop in Portland, only losing five hours.

Floating above the clouds, I was gently reminded of the importance of rising above the clouds to get a fresh perspective. To know what’s really important and what’s not worthy of more than a moment of our time and attention.

We have daily inconveniences and detours disguised as opportunities to take a different view, to be more patient, to slow down, to stop multitasking every moment away. And the true measurement isn’t in what happens to us but in how we deal with it.

Jul 17

6 Comments

Accept the Gift

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today.  Have you used one to say “thank you?”
– William A. Ward

Each day is a gift. Open it.

“Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.” - Ruth Ann Schabacker

“Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.” – Ruth Ann Schabacker

“Joy is the feeling of grinning inside.” - Melba Colgrove

“Joy is the feeling of grinning inside.” – Melba Colgrove

May 24

5 Comments

Give

“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” – Albert Pike

Our lives will be measured by what we’ve given. As we our surrounded by entitlement, fairness and me first, think about what we can give – time, attention, compassion, love. So as Summer officially kicks off with Memorial Weekend, think of and honor those who have given so much for others, giving without counting.

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” – Buddha

May 21

3 Comments

Laugh, A Lot

“At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities.” – Jean Huiston

May 20

2 Comments

At Ease

“Ours is a time of anxiety because we have willed it to be so. Our anxiety is not imposed on us by force from outside. We impose it on our world and upon one another from within ourselves.” – Thomas Merton

We’re “connected” at all times – texting, email, cell phone … Technology is a major part of what I do in my career everyday, but it’s not a replacement for relationships and reflection. Take time each day to unplug by yourself and to reconnect with others one on one – face to face, not only Facebook to Facebook.

And don’t just buy the hammock and adirondack chairs for decoration. Put them to good use for regular restoration. At ease … that’s an order.

"Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why." - Eddie Cantor

“Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going fast – you also miss the sense of where you are going and why.” – Eddie Cantor

May 16

6 Comments

Wellspring

“Happiness is not in our circumstance but in ourselves. It is not something we see, like a rainbow, or feel, like the heat of a fire. Happiness is something we are.” – John B. Sheerin

“Friendship, love, health, energy, enthusiasm, and joy are the things that make life worth living and exploring.” - Denise Austin

“Friendship, love, health, energy, enthusiasm, and joy are the things that make life worth living and exploring.” – Denise Austin

“The secret is this. You make your own happiness.” - Harold Klemp

“The secret is this. You make your own happiness.” – Harold Klemp

Be a wellspring of encouragement, enthusiasm and excitement. Our days can feel like a desert, leaving us thirsty and dry. We can be an oasis. Our happiness and contentment is mulitpied by giving ourselves to others in simple yet meaningful ways. The world is starving for recognition, acknowledgement and “likes.” Say a kind word (or many), smile (alot) and shine (everyday).

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