Thank you so much for following my blog; it’s been a while since I’ve written as we’ve been working on a new website. I’ve updated all the photos and revised some content so please come explore my new site and subscribe to continue to receive my weekly blogs. I have lots of information to share and look forward to connecting with you!
Taking Care of Others Takes Care of You
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Leo Buscaglia
I was recently in Chicago, sitting in a busy plaza watching city dwellers hurry to their destinations. I was savoring my last few minutes when an old woman appeared to my left and sat near me. She was wrapped in a tattered coat and had a cart on wheels filled with clothes and blankets and bright old sneakers that didn’t appear to be hers. She sat there for a few minutes and then lay her head down on the cement bench. I watched how others reacted to her. Most would glance, take a harder look, and then move ahead quickly, as if hesitation might incline them to assist, or to listen to their conscience asking, “How can you ignore this?”
A few questions raced through my head:
- What if that were me?
- What if that were my Mother or Father?
- The wind is so cold in Chicago, where does she go?
- Why do so many of us think, “Someone else will take care of her”?
I spoke to her as I was leaving and gave her some money, more than I’ve ever given anyone I didn’t know. As I was walking away, the most amazing thing happened. The sun appeared – not gradually as you’d expect with a cloud moving by – but suddenly and blindingly. It was a beautiful moment, both inside and out.
Filed under Life lessons
Us vs. Them
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was no “us vs. them”?
No distinction based on age, disability, nationality, race, sex, sexual orientation, political affiliation, the food we eat, the music we listen to, the car we drive or if we don’t even own a car to drive, profession, the neighborhood we live in, the clothes we wear or any of the other things that make us unique.
What if we were just honored for being?
Filed under Life lessons
What do people think of you?
Do you ever wonder what people think of you? What might be said at your funeral?
I think that you would be surprised at how wonderful and successful you are viewed. We are all hard on ourselves, “Why can’t I be younger, thinner, smarter, braver, etc.” but we shouldn’t be. When I think of people in my life, I see how patient they are, or supportive, how their faces light up when they’re happy, how soulful or insightful or crazy they can be.
Look upon yourself as you see others; I think you’ll like what you see.
Filed under Confidence
Be Present Today
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”
Buddha (Hindu Prince Gautama Siddharta, the founder of Buddhism, 563-483 B.C.)
Filed under Being present, Buddha, Life lessons, Live for today
Fill Yourself Up
One way to ensure you’re always at your best is to fill yourself up. Fill yourself with all the happiness you can find.
Ten ways to start:
- Make or buy yourself a delicious cup of coffee or tea
- Call an old friend just to say, “Hey!”
- Visit a neighborhood shop and browse
- Hug all the special people in your life
- Go for a nice walk and stop midway to look up at the trees and sky
- Set aside 30 minutes for a great book
- Congratulate yourself on all your accomplishments
- Pet your cat or dog for a full five minutes
- Luxuriate in a hot bat or shower
- Listen to some beautiful music
As you fill yourself up, you’ll most assuredly share that love and happiness with those around you. And so it continues.
Be Brave Today
So many times, as I’ve learned about great leaders throughout history, I’ve imagined that they’re different somehow – that they didn’t feel the fear and trepidation that I do. But it isn’t true. These brave men and women experienced the same weakness and self -doubt any human does; they simply overcame it.
“I came to the conclusion
that there is an existential moment in your life
when you must decide to speak for yourself;
nobody else can speak for you.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Men, their rights, and nothing more; women, their rights, and nothing less.”
Susan B. Anthony
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
Mahatma Gandhi
Filed under Bravery
Wedded Bliss
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” Lao Tzu
I attended a wedding in Hawaii this week. It was as beautiful as you can imagine. Set on the beach with waves crashing behind and a clear, blue sky above, a ring of flowers represented the altar.
The couple, dressed in white, has been together 15 years, deciding now is the time to make it official. Having been married and divorced, I’ve often wondered why some folks insist on getting married. Why not just live together?
But seeing these two exchange rings and say their vows, promising to love and grow as one, pledging that they’ll never be alone, tears of joy making their eyes shiny, made me see why. They’ve been through a lot together: losing family support, opening and closing businesses, encountering uncalled for hatred and bias. Their wedding was a victory, a testament to their commitment.
It’s clear to me that there were more than 25 people on the beach that day. God and all that is good was there too, enveloping us with love and blessings.
Weddings always make me cry, and this one was no different. Yes, the newlyweds are two men, and yes, their commitment can finally be formally recognized, but the significance of this day is as beautiful as any wedding that has ever taken place. Love truly does conquer all.
Filed under Uncategorized
Learning Patience from a Wienie Dog
When my boyfriend moved in with us, he brought his little dog, Mickey. Mickey is about 8 lbs., 10″ tall, and doesn’t take no for an answer. A miniature dachshund with a big attitude, he’s tasked with teaching me how to slow down.
When I take Mickey for walks, he goes at his own pace and he rules the road. Any tugging on my part is rewarded with a staunch, dogged (no pun intended) resistance. He’ll put his head down as if to say, “I’m in charge here, lady. Don’t even think we’re moving yet.” As a doer with many tasks to complete, this drives me crazy. Does he not know all that’s on my list?
But after a minute or two of wondering why he must smell every single blade of grass, I look up and around. I see leaves blowing off of trees, hear birds chirping, and smell the coming of Fall. Sometimes patience is taught by the most unlikely of characters; in this case, he’s known all along what he’s here to do.
Filed under Dachshunds, Patience
Censorship
Can it be that we’re in a time machine? Is it even possible that censorship is being proposed in our school system?
I don’t follow the news much but this recent craziness regarding changing what we teach our students so that we can “promote citizenship, patriotism, essentials and benefits of the free enterprise system, respect for authority and respect for individual rights” as well as not “encourage or condone civil disorder, social strife or disregard of the law” has me in a state of wonder.
The United States of America does not have a pretty past but that does not mean we can stick our heads in the sand and pretend those things didn’t happen. How else can we learn not to make the same mistakes again? I recently read a great book inspired by the historical figure of Sarah Grimke. “The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd follows two young girls – one white, one black – who wondered why they had the roles they did. Why one had to “own” the other? Why girls couldn’t own property or vote? They both eventually made real changes in their world and isn’t that what it’s all about?
No country is perfect just as no individual is perfect. We are all learning as we go and we hope we’re heading in the right direction. It is only by reflection that we can see whether we need to steer left or right, front or back. To the students and teachers who are speaking out against this censorship, I applaud you. For that truly is a step in the right direction.
Filed under Censorship
Musings, Meanderings and Madness 