A Challenge

Oh, I love a challenge!
This may have stemmed from being one of seven children.
It may have stemmed from being the only girl of seven children.
It may have stemmed from folks telling me I could not do something.
Whatever the reason, I am thankful I've got the drive and stamina and determination
to meet whatever comes my way.


I've been challenged with many things in my lifetime.
Each has molded and shaped me into what I am today.
It may not always be pretty, but I am strong and sturdy and steadfast.


From the illness of a child, to the passing of my mother, I was present in the challenge.
Now, we have ice buckets and rain makers.
The latest challenge I have been tasked with is to share my blessings.
I only have seven days and three to be thankful for each day.
The hardest part will be choosing which things to write about.
I hope those of you that are faced with the same challenge, have the same problem.


Some challenges may seem rather unconquerable;
but assess, assault and overcome.
You can do it . . . no matter what it is.

We need more ING

A super special ch-Angel friend put up a post this morning.
This post was perfect for her. She's always so uplifting and brilliant and beaming.
It was the 'ing's that truly glared out at me.
I think we need more ING.


smiling
dreaming
loving
hugging
holding
searching
thanking
feeling
learning
playing
laughing
thinking
wishing
praying
forgiving
healing
expressing
appreciating
believing
cherishing
creating
hoping
living

Strength

I subscribe to all kinds of fitness and strength posts and emails.
I gain all sorts of insight into what exercise works which parts best and what works best for me.
But the strength I am referring to today, has nothing to do with any muscle but your heart!


Some folks I know are laying family members to rest.
Some folks I know are helping family members get ready for that next step.
Some folks I know are going through treatment for horrible diseases.
Some folks I know are fighting like crazy for their children and the issues they are facing.
Some folks I know are fighting addictions.
Some folks I know are working through self doubt.
Some folks I know are seeking new avenues to better themselves.
Some folks I know are trying relentlessly to improve their lives.
Some folks I know are overcoming obstacles no one should face.
Some folks I know are simply trying to survive.
Some folks I know are accepting new challenges.
Some folks I know are unwilling to allow hurtful people to hurt them any more.
Some folks I know are victorious in simply getting through the day.


The strength that allows all that is found within one's heart.
I believe it is faith.
Whether faith in a religion,
faith in one's self,
faith in nothing but sheer determination.
It is faith.
Faith imparts a strength that cannot be denied.
Faith allows a strength that cannot be quelled.
Faith gives way to a strength that can achieve absolutely any thing!


Today, I wish you faith and strength!

WHAT?

Here's an idea.
This one just might shake up your whole day and make you say, "WHATt?"


For all you Eeyore types,
those of you who are the nay-sayers
the party poopers
the Debbie Downers
the always-coming-up-with-issues people . . .


How about this:


Choose to believe that it's impossible to fail!


Did you see the light bulb come on?
Why not pursue the possibilities instead of taking up residence on the obstacles?
Your "I Can!" is far stronger than your "I probably won't be able to."
What you put in your head is what you get done.
Take baby steps toward whatever goal you want to achieve,
but take STEPS!
Your success lies completely within YOU!

Oh yes

From John Burroughs:


I still find each day too short
for all the thoughts I want to think,
all the walks I want to take,
all the books I want to read, and
all the friends I want to see.
The longer I live,
the more my mind dwells
upon the beauty and the wonder
of the world.


Oh yes!

A virtue?

Patience, they say, is a virtue.
I'm wondering if that's right.
A virtue is defined as:  moral excellence
Hmmm


At this point, I'd settle for folks realizing it is a necessity.
A simple, day-to-day life skill without which society crumbles.


Is it really that important to get to the stop light twelve seconds before the person you just cut off?
Do you need to purchase all the pasta to save thirty-four cents?
Do you need to begin your child's dance lessons at four months so they are the best?
Do you have to answer every email before you pay attention to your toddler?
Can't your text wait til you're at a light, or better yet . . . at home?


Patience has moved beyond virtue.
It is a lost art form.
An abandoned behavior that the world is truly lacking.
A little more patience would create a much more peaceful world.


Take some time to breathe.
Respond. Don't react.
Let the other driver in.
Let someone else save a few pennies on groceries.
It's ok for your child to not always be a superstar.
Your email and texts can wait.


Let's try a little patience today.

Every Day

Every day holds the possibility of a miracle!


My daughter send me an article of some nearly 400 people who played pay-it-forward at a St. Petersburg Starbucks.
My awesome husband brought me home a beautiful bouquet of roses and other flowers for my birthday without a single hint.
Literally hundreds of friends and family took a moment from their busy schedules to wish me a happy birthday.
Old communications have been re-opened.
Beautiful youngens opened their hearts.


Every day . . . every single one . . . holds the possibility of a miracle!
Of A Miracle!


I wish for you, today, your very own miracle!

The greatest gift

Today is my birthday ~
The greatest gift I've been given.


To be able to make friends, be a friend, create and raise children, be a wife, be a daughter, a sister, an aunt, and to try to make a difference.


My humble and sincere thanks are given to each of you.
For helping to make me be better, stronger, smarter, safer, and more compassionate.
You've taught me courage and determination and fortitude.
You've brought me faith and support and love.
You've picked me up, brushed me off, lifted me beyond my troubles.
You love me.


The greatest gift each day is to realize I've been blessed with all of you.
Thank you for a fabulous birthday present!

Go be amazing!

"You're only given a little spark of madness.
You mustn't lose it."
~ Robin Williams


To all those young adults returning to college in the near future ~ remember this.
Grab life by the nads and seize each day for all it's worth.
Don't give up on your dreams because society expects a certain behavior from you.
Be everything you've been blessed to be.


Go be amazing!

Fire and Ice

I understand that the ALS Ice Bucket challenge has brought millions of dollars to the ALS Foundation. I sure hope they are able to find a cure. It would be wonderful to be rid of that.


But . . .


When I was tasked with the challenge, I wondered why I would donate to ALS when so many other things hit so much closer to home for me. And so . . . the Marinello clan went rogue.


Without taking anything away from ALS, I am challenging folks to the:


Marinello Make-It-Rain Charity Challenge!


I videotaped our family tossing several hundred dollars into the air. This cash will be split between two charities that truly touch my soul ~ All Children's Hospital and The Children's Dream Fund.


I'm challenging you to go videotape yourself or your family Making-It-Rain for the charity of YOUR choice. Some folks might choose Alzheimer's, Autism, Cancer, Animals, or whatever truly move YOU! If you cannot afford a couple hundred and can only donate $5 . . . then do it in pennies, put on a hard hat, and Make-It-Rain in pennies! (tag me in it on FB at Lyn Rider Marinello)


Put your paper where your passion is.
Make a difference to something that's made a difference to you.
But, please, do Something!


Use the Fire you have for the charity you choose,
or the Ice you have for ALS.


Fire and Ice

Infinite

This was sent to me from a friend.
I'm sure it's old, but it made me chuckle.
Thought I'd pass the chuckle along.
Please don't take life so seriously.
Enjoy the trip!


"Two things are infinite:  the universe and human stupidity;
and I am not sure about the universe."


Have a wonderful day with a smile on your face.

First Day

Down here in the Sunshine State, today is the first day of school.
Although my 'babies' are not part of this group any longer, I am seeing photo after photo being posted of the children of friends who are headed back to another year of learning.
As much as I admire and respect all you teachers out there, this is a most interesting day for all those kids . . . be it entering kindergarten or becoming a senior.


They will undoubtedly reconnect with old friends and enjoy stories of summer shenanigans.
They will also, however, meet hoards of new faces.
They will learn how to act and react, behave in new surroundings, and become a little more independent.
They will begin to learn new methods of behavior.
They will absorb and become overwhelmed with a cavalcade of calamity.
They will bring home homework for the parents and stories for the ages.


Enjoy it all.
Whether you are the child, the parent, or the teacher.
It is, beyond the First Day, . . . an opportunity.
To touch a life.
To mold a mind.
To make a difference.
No matter who you are!


Make it a great First Day!

Dare to Bare

Every single one of us is vulnerable and can be hurt.
Every single one of us is also capable of love and happiness.


When we Dare to Bare our inner self;
our true,
unfettered,
original,
unobstructed,
unpainted,
simple and beautiful self . . .
an amazing thing happens.
People see the REAL you!


They are drawn to you.
They see honesty.
They feel comfortable.
They sense hope and love and caring.
They are at ease.


Dare to Bare the real you.
You are a beautiful, talented, giving, worthy, wonderful soul.
Share all those gifts with the world.
Don't cloak them in what the world seems to want right now.
YOU are absolutely incredible . . . exactly as you are!

Simple Things

Sometimes I wake up with inspiration swimming in my head.
Other mornings it is difficult to find something to elaborate on.
Some days, like today, it was one of those obvious days where a recurring theme was everywhere.


The Simple Things.


Some are not content unless they are rolling in money with the newest gadgets in their hands.
Some are not happy unless they stand head and shoulders above the rest.
Some need constant back-patting and hand-holding in order to feel ok.


Others . . .


Well they are ecstatic that their kids are settled comfortably in a new school.
They are thrilled that they can enjoy fresh flowers from their own garden.
They are over-the-moon that they are walking again.
They are beside themselves with joy that their child is happy and laughing.
They are enjoying a little quiet time with chirping birds and lapping waves.
They are frolicking in the knowledge that they are loved.


Find contentment in the people and the beauty that surrounds you.
It will far outlast your money, your fame, and your gadgets.


Go enjoy the Simple Things.

Change

I have many friends who are going through loss, change, and uncertainty.
Know that you've got folks around you that are thinking of you,
praying for you,
cheering you on.
These are YOUR Ch-Angels!
Know that your journey isn't 'over.'
It is simply taking a new direction.
There is much pressure on an arrow as it is drawn back.
Its purpose, however, is to find the target.

A little progress

I'm mashing together a few different quotes and stirring in a little Lynicism!


Behold the turtle.
He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.
Our greatest weakness lies in fear and giving up.
The most certain way to succeed is always to try - just one more time.
Fear and inactivity will certainly get you and the turtle nowhere.
Be cautious. Be slow and steady.
But stick your neck out there.
Get out of your 'comfort zone' and make a little progress.

Nanu Nanu

Robin Williams signs off one last time.
Such a devastating loss to comedy, tv, big screen, and life.
From Mork, to Popeye, to Hook, to Mrs. Doubtfire.
"The World According to Garp," "Dead Poets Society," "Good Morning Vietnam".
"Good Will Hunting," "Moscow on the Hudson," "Cadillac Man," "Awakenings,"
"The Fisher King," "Aladdin," "Being Human," "The Birdcage," "Patch Adams,"
"One Hour Photo," "Insomnia," "Night at the Museum," and "The Butler".
I probably missed some, but that is more than enough.
You touched generations.
You made us laugh. You made us cry. You made us think.
You were your own universe and your own island.
Thank you for what you gave to so many for so very, very long.
You will be missed!
Genie, you're free!

See ~ Say ~ Do

From Marian Wright Edelman . . .


Service is the rent we pay for being.
It is the very purpose of life,
and not something you do in your spare time.


If some folks would take heed of this,
realize it is not about 15 seconds of fame,
back patting, name in lights and all that jazz,
the world would be a better place.


See something, say something, do something!

Choo Choo

I took this from a friend. Thank you Ch-Angel!


At birth, we board life's train and meet our parents.
We believe they will always travel by our side.
However, at some station, our parents step down and depart.
The train does not derail. It continues on.
Others board the train. Some will be significant to us. Some will not.
Some will catch other connectors. We must let them go.
The train does not derail. It continues on.
Children will arrive and occupy seats.
Friends and family will make the journey interesting and fun.
There will be joys, sorrow, expectations, hellos, and goodbyes.
A successful passenger has a good relationship with all passengers.
We never know when it will be our time to depart the train.
When you leave your seat . . .
Leave it filled with beautiful memories for those around you.
The train does not derail. It continues on.
I wish you a joyful journey on the train of life.
Enjoy the scenery. Enjoy the passengers. Enjoy the trip.

To teach . . .

To teach . . .


As the Florida teachers return to work, I stand in awe of all that they accomplish.
Not just Florida teachers - but all teachers . . . everywhere!
They babysit, mend, guide, mediate, love, endure, provide, enable, teach, and so much more.
They are supportive and expectant and stable and giving.
They humble themselves to do great things.
They mold minds and hearts and lives.
They make an incredible impact on strangers who wander the halls for a brief moment in time.
It is a beautiful profession!


Thank you!

Seek

Our biggest search and most rewarding find in life
is someone who will inspire us
to be better;
to be amazing;
to try harder;
to step out of our comfort zone;
to dare to dream;
to be what we know we could be.

Journey

No one is ahead of you.
No one is behind you.
You are not more advanced.
You are not less enlightened.
You are not better.
You are not worse.
This is not a contest.
You are exactly where you need to be.
We are all teachers.
We are all students.
This is life.
This is a beautiful and untamed journey.
Enjoy.

The forest

I believe the quote is:  We cannot see the forest for the trees.


All too often, we are searching for a particular answer or victory or outcome.
We fail to see the entire picture.
We may think we've failed at a relationship, but fail to see the incredible children and grandchildren that are a product of we "perceive" as a failure.
We may think want to be famous or some ground-breaking difference maker, but fail to realize that if we've impacted just ONE life - it is extraordinary gift to that ONE life.
We may want to see some specific result from our efforts, but don't understand that the actual outcome is a thousand times better.


Enjoy the forest!
It's a beautiful place!

New Beginnings

With every birth, we celebrate a new beginning. A new life.
This is written for several folks that I love dearly who are in the midst of New Beginnings.


It is not just a baby that brings new life.
It is the refreshing, the cleansing, the open door that affords us the opportunity of a New Beginning.
To stand and dwell on your past,
to labor in your losses,
to fret about your misfortune,
to wallow in your pain or anger
brings you no closer to the beauty and blessings that stand before you.
Believe in faith that you are right where you are meant to be.
You are leaving whatever it might be behind you for a reason.
Never let a toxic past infect your future.
We each contain within us a fire,
a fuel,
a fortitude.
We each carry forth a mission,
not only for ourselves, but to assist and benefit others.
To bring peace and hope and love and trust and guidance.
Your path is an instrument for someone else's journey.
Embrace your New Beginning.
It is a gift!
Love you!

Be Your Own Special Self

A few days ago, while sweating half to death mowing the lawn,
I found myself standing in the garage drinking a bottle of water
trying to regain some sense of not falling down from heat exhaustion.
I happened to look up on the wall and saw a gift from my gymnastics coach from
. . . let's see . . .
some thirty-plus years ago!
It is a simple plaque with a little ballerina on it.
She's got horrible stance as she props one leg up on the barre -
bent knee and all.
Her hair is 'mostly' up and some askew.
She's also blowing a giant bubble of gum.
The phrase above the tiny dancer says:


Be Your Own Special Self


I was given this plaque for most-improved gymnast that year.
I remember it well. It was a good year.
It was an even better gift.
Obviously! I still have it! Thanks A3


The point is (or the Pointe is ~ for your dancers) is
to always be your own special self.
No matter what.
Your talents and your gifts are your own.
You are unique and beautiful and wonderful in your own way.
Don't ever let anyone EVER steal your inner joy, your drive, or your passion.


Be Your Own Special Self!

A Moment

Today . . . amidst the chaos of whatever your day might hold for you . . .
take A Moment.


Listen to the quiet stillness of the early morning.
Enjoy the songs of the birds outside.
Take in the splendor of the sun light streaming through the clouds.
Bask in the warmth of that sun on your face.
Marvel at the water or the mountains or the woods or whatever beauty surrounds you.
Take delight in blooming flowers.
Lose yourself in a friendly hug.
Drift away in peaceful thought.
Relish a memory long tucked away.
Linger in a child's laughter.
Drink in puppy breath or the roughness of a kitty kiss.
Share a smile with someone in need.
Give thanks for all the blessings you have.
Sleep peacefully into tomorrow.


A Moment can set your world right.