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Hanes is a Hero

The clothing industry is brutal.
There is tons of competition.
How many ways can you create a t-shirt?
I mean really.
But, not too long ago,
Hanes came out with a fabulous idea . . .
in the name of comfort . . .
remove the tag!
Get rid of the label.

Perhaps,
just a little something
we all might want to consider.

Good Neighbor

Today is Good Neighbor Day.
Every day is good neighbor day.
Imagine this . . .

You walk out your door
and you're greeted with a chorus of hello's.
You get to work
and each person says hi and asks about your morning/health.
You break for lunch
and have meaningful, peaceful conversation with a coworker.
You finish the day
and your boss thanks you and wishes you a great evening.
You go to the grocery store
where some stranger compliments your shirt.
You finish with your purchase
and are assisted to your car.
You get back home
and a local kid helps you carry in your bags.
You turn on the news
and there's nothing but heartwarming stories on.

Wouldn't that be just delicious?
It could be real.
It begins with you.
Pleasantries, courteousness, politeness,
gratitude, kindness, generosity.

If we each tried just a little harder . . .

How Extraordinary

Isn't it simply extraordinary
that the same God
who created the galaxies,
the heavens,
the earth,
the mountains,
the valleys,
the creatures,
the flowers,
the forests,
the beaches,
and more
decided that we needed
YOU?!

So glad you're here.
So glad you're you.

A Great Word from a Great Woman

So, amidst much nonsense on social media,
there came a tiny voice, from a sweet little woman
whom I have known and respected for years.
No one famous - except maybe in her classroom.
She isn't a supermodel, or actress, or great athlete.
She's just a person; a human being;
a beautiful soul who offered a word
that touched my heart today.

Heal.

This nation.
This world.
People.
Races.
We need to Heal.

Bridge the divides.
Close the gaps.
Stop the hate.
Breathe.
We need to Heal.

Stop being offended by everything.
Stop believing you have the only viewpoint.
Stop thinking everything you read is right.
Do not respond to every statement.
Do not react to every action.
Do not be swayed with what you're shown.
Educate yourself and make your own decisions.
You're entitled to it - BUT you don't have to fight about it.
Heal.
Heal yourself.
Heal those around you.
Heal your community.
Heal your world.
Heal.

Remember

When you believe you're at the edge of a precipice,
remember how many chasms you've already crossed.
When you think you're in front of a brick wall,
remember how many new paths you've already forged.
When you cannot fathom how to solve your problem,
remember how many trials you've already overcome.
When you're certain you cannot take another step,
remember the distance you've already travelled.

You are strong.
You are worthy.
You are resilient.
You are amazing.
You are beautiful.
You are tenacious.
You are deserving.
You are incredible.
You are extraordinary.

Remember!

A Rough Lesson

I am still continuing to re-learn this
but am getting better.
Folks have a hard time understanding
that just because someone does not
think or behave the way they want them to,
doesn't mean they aren't entirely sincere or passionate.

Example:
I adore my husband. He is my world, my rock, my everything.
I would literally run through traffic for him.
Now, he, on the other hand may not do exactly that.
He might not scream his affections from the roof tops.
But that does not mean he doesn't love me with all that he is.
He just does it in his own way.
And that's ok.

We have to stop trying to force people to see our visions.
We cannot expect everyone to behave as we think they should.
As someone posted yesterday . . . 6 + 3 = 9.
So does 5 + 4. So does 7 + 2. So does 8 + 1.
There are many ways to reach a destination.
Just because someone doesn't take your route,
doesn't mean they aren't just as eager to get there.
Allow people to be themselves.
They are beautiful in their own way.
Just as you are.

Life: The Great Cha Cha

Seems like no matter the person,
no matter the timing,
no matter the area,
there is always one step forward
and two steps back.
Sometimes, if you're lucky,
you get to take three or four steps forward.
And then, back you go.
Although those backward jaunts
may take the wind from your sails,
may make you sad or disappointed,
may beat you down a bit,
remember ~ always ~
that the forward step is coming.
One cannot do the cha cha
without this constant rhythm.
Just keep dancing.

'No Regerts'

We've all seen the bad tattoo 'No Regerts'.
It's good for a laugh,
but how many of us can actually say
we live with 'No Regerts'?

I have done some stupid things.
I have made some bad choices.
I have allowed folks to hurt me.
I have believed some negative people.
I have been betrayed and belittled.
BUT
I have not repeated said stupid things.
I have learned from those bad choices.
I have figured out I'm unique and important.
I have pushed out the negative.
I have grown stronger in spite of the torment.

I have 'No Regerts'
because I choose to make less-than-perfect events life lessons.
I have 'No Regerts'
because I believe I add value to this world.
I have 'No Regerts'
because the option to become victorious instead of victimized
is up to me.
I have 'No Regerts'
because I am resilient and tenacious and fierce and brave.

And so are you!

Live with 'No Regerts'.

Do Not Be Afraid

Being comfortable
in your own skin
in your own abilities
in your own talents
in your own world
is vitally important
to a happy existence.

Do Not Be Afraid
to seek that comfort
to find that peace
to reach for those goals
to hope for that world.

Do Not Be Afraid.

Faith is a beautiful place.
Decorate it with who you are.
Enjoy the vista you are given.
Bask in the unique exception that is you!

Do Not Be Afraid.

Without Ceasing

Pray.
Give.
Love.
Laugh.
Learn.
Hope.
Live.
Without Ceasing.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

In chatting with a dear soul yesterday,
it was a recurring theme amongst us 'black sheep' folk,
that all we really want is a little respect.
It's all anyone really wants.

I may not think what you think.
I may not believe what you believe.
I may not like what you like.
I may not want what you want.
I may not choose what you choose.

It doesn't make me less than you.
It doesn't make me more than you.
It doesn't make me worse than you.
It doesn't make me better than you.

It makes me different.
And that is a beautiful thing.

Sock it to me!

Let Us Strive

When we refer to different types of critters,
we use the terms 'flocks,' 'herds,' 'gaggle,' etc.
When we refer to different types of flora/fauna,
we use the term 'species'.
When we refer to our neighbors and peoples,
we use the term 'humankind'.

Humankind: the human race, humanity.

It is a compound word:  Human + Kind

The more we do to actually emulate that equation,
the better off we'll be.

Why does it take a monumental catastrophe
for the best of us to come out?

It's simple math.

Let us strive to find the answer.

Teacher Ch-Angels

A quote from Malala:

Let us remember:
one book,
one pen,
one child,
and one teacher,
can change the world.

Thank you all SO much
for all that you do;
the sacrifices you make;
the choices you've made;
the time you've given;
to make this world
a little better!

Gratitude

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance,
chaos to order,
confusion to clarity.
It can turn a meal into a feast,
a house into a home,
a stranger into a friend.

~ M. Beattie

Perseverance

Through the pain;
through the heartache;
through the betrayal;
through the search;
through the storms;
through the setbacks;
through the limits;
through the hurt;
through the angst;
through the tears;
persevere.

You will come out the other side.
You might be changed,
but make it a change for the better.
You might be different,
but make it a positive difference.
You might be in another place,
but make that place beautiful.

Encouragement

Today is a National Day of Encouragement.
I believe pretty much EVERY day should don this moniker,
but I'll take a full day to support others!

I'm encouraging all those who survived Harvey and Irma,
I'm encouraging all those who survived 9/11,
I'm encouraging all those who are sick,
I'm encouraging all those who are looking for work,
I'm encouraging all those who have suffered loss,
I'm encouraging all those who feel defeated,
I'm encouraging all those who are sad,
I'm encouraging all those who defend our freedoms,
I'm encouraging all those who patrol our streets,
I'm encouraging all those first responders,

I thank you for your efforts.
I applaud your resilience.
I feel your pains.
I am here to help however I am able.

Make today a good day.
A positive step sort of day.
A leap of faith if necessary.
You got this!

Storms

There will be storms.
There will also be the passing of storms.
There will be devastation.
There will also be the rebuilding from that devastation.
There will be darkness.
There will also ALWAYS be light.

Prayers

In Florida sits 20+ years of my life.
Memories, friends, family, framily
and my daughter and soon-to-be son-in-law.
I've sat through several many hurricanes.
This one, however, seems far more severe.
I ask for your prayers, your kindness, your support
for all of those in harm's way.
God bless and keep you all.

Kindsight is 20/20

So, in my search for cover pages for Facebook
regarding 'Self Improvement'
I happened upon this one posted today for 'Kindsight'!
What an ingenious play on words.

When we give freely;
when we offer assistance;
when our hearts are open;
when we do not judge;
when we envelope others;
when we realize we are all one;
we develop 'kindsight'
and it truly is 20/20!

Be safe. Be well. Be brave. Be bold.

God Bless

As this world seems to spin
wildly out of control,
my roots of faith grow deeper;
my strength of spirit soars higher;
my breadth of prayer grows wider.

Take help when offered.
Be appreciative and
reciprocate when you're able.
We are one world.
Help your neighbors.
If you are blessed with another morning,
make the day count.

God Bless
and be safe.

Momma

It would appear
that Mother Nature is not a happy camper.

We've got record heatwaves, raging wildfires,
massive flooding, and a big nasty girl aimed at Florida.
Maybe we should stop texting and tweeting,
blaming and bickering, hating and fighting.
Maybe 'Mom' is telling us to go to our rooms
and not come out til we can behave a little better.
Maybe 'Mom' is sending us that delicate message
that we are acting poorly.
Maybe we need to be a little more loving and caring,
helpful and sharing, kind and neighborly.

Cause . . . when Momma ain't happy . . .

Honesty

Honesty is the best policy.

Geesh! That has been said for EVER.
And yet, folks still don't get it.

There are those that bend the truth
to suit their needs.
Those that skew the truth
to meet their goals.
Those that warp the truth
to gain sympathy or attention.
Those that outright fib
to avoid consequences.
The problem is . . . the truth will find a way.

The truth will ALWAYS find a way.

Be honest with others.
Be honest with yourself.
Life will be simpler.

Beauty Tips

Forget all the creams.
Dispose of the lotions.
Ditch the videos.
Toss the juicer . . .

For beautiful eyes,
look for the good in others;
For beautiful lips,
speak only words of kindness;
And for poise,
walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.

Go Ahead

Amaze yourself.
Try something new.
Learn a new language.
Blaze a new trail.
Read a new book.
Research a new hobby.
Eat something different.
Take a nap.
Laugh at silly stuff.
Be kind for no reason.
Leap into the unknown.
Take a chance.
Forgive someone.
Forget someone.
Get some sun.
Take in a new vista.
Explore.

Go Ahead.

Why not?

Love

There is far too much labelling;
far too much finger-pointing;
far too much judging;
far too much self-righteousness;
far too much selfishness;
far too much anger;
far too much hatred;
far too much division;
far too much yelling;
far too much bitterness;
far too much ugliness.

Let's try a little more inclusion;
a little more humility;
a little more acceptance;
a little more accountability;
a little more generosity;
a little more serenity;
a little more kindness;
a little more unity;
a little more communication;
a little more sweetness;
a little more love.