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Posts tagged ‘writing’

Jun 30

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New Carpet

“The results you achieve will be in direct proportion to the effort you apply.” –  Denis Waitley

If I would have thought too much about what it would take this week to get the yard in order, I wouldn’t have started. Everyday, each step built on the next. Move wood chips and pull weeds on Monday; rototill on Tuesday; move a big pile of dirt on Wednesday; even out new dirt and move block back along the house on Thursday; put down “new carpet” on Friday. All done after work and in 90 degree heat. No complaining, just getting the work done. Well, maybe a little complaining before going to bed exhausted and waking up with stiff and aching parts – neck, back, wrists, elbows …

With projects like this, you get to see the results immediately. There’s an undeniable satisfaction in hard work, in earning the win. Also, an appreciation for those who show up to help and work as a team to get the job done.

To relax today, I ran 6 miles, watered the new carpet and took a few naps. I will be looking for a new tree in the next week to put the final touch on the blank canvas. Lily and Molly are enjoying the new yard, a great improvement over laying on wood chips. This morning, Lily ran through the sprinkler and then rolled around belly up on the new carpet with a big smile, making the effort more than worth it.

Jun 17

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Come to Your Senses

“He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.”
– Albert Einstein

“Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing.” - William James

“Common sense and a sense of humor are the same thing, moving at different speeds. A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing.” – William James

As we juggle our mulitple and competing demands each day, our senses get dulled.

Smell the fragrance of the flowers (lilacs are my favorite), of fresh cut grass, of a wood burning fire. Hear the symphony of the birds at dawn, the hearty laughter of children playing, the rhythm of rain tapping the roof. Taste the sweetness of a fresh picked tomotoes, the fun of bubble gum or pop rocks. Re-engage and reignite your senses – see, hear, touch, smell and taste it all.

And while you’re at it, discover a few more senses like wonder, delight and the most important one – a sense of humor – a gift to yourself and others all in one.

“Humor is the great thing, the saving thing.  The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.” –  Mark Twain

Jun 12

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Learn and Forget

“You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no weights to my ankles.” ― C. JoyBell C.

Much of our learning happens through difficulty. Learn the lesson and forget the pain. Invest your time and attention in what you can impact and let the noise of what you can’t impact fade to the background. We carry the past, the future and others’ baggage. Carry yourself lightly through the present moment.

Jun 3

Summer BrEASY

“Then followed that beautiful season… Summer….
Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light; and the landscape
Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.”

– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

‘In summer, the song sings itself.” – William Carlos Williams

There’s an easiness and simplicity in summer. We overcomplicate our days, our lives – over committing, overdoing, over the top. Summer calls and reminds us of what could and should be in our hearts and minds all year long. Life is before us in this very moment to be taken in and given back out. Be present, gentle and generous as a summer breeze.

“Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own; and from morning to night, as from the cradle to the grave, it is but a succession of changes so gentle and easy that we can scarcely mark their progress. “ – Charles Dickens

May 16

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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).

Apr 4

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Third Impressions

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.

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