Next!

This was a favorite 'Mom-spression'.
She would use it in all kinds of facets.
If there was a bad situation:  Next!
If you celebrated a good time:  Next!
If you were facing an issue:  Next!

It kind of falls in line with:
This too shall pass.

But I'm thinking she willed it on
just a wee bit quicker with her Next!
I'm thinking, too, that she was teaching
that you are never idle.
Don't wallow at the pity party
and don't take up space at the victory table.
Go find your new adventure.

Next!

Yes! This!!!

In doing service for others,
we often find
answers to our own questions
and
solutions to our own problems.

My mantra for life!!!

I will

I will walk by faith
even when
I can not see.

Every Little Thing

Is Gonna Be Alright!
Don't Worry.
'Bout A Thing.
Cause Every Little Thing
Is Gonna Be Alright!

This is my message to you-ou-ou!

Tomorrow

It's a really good song,
but it is not promised to any one.

So, take a moment.

Share your heart.
Spread joy.
Give generously.
Be kind.
Do the right thing.
Forgive.
Be at peace.
Love.

How Will You Read?

I saw this quote last week
and it truly struck a chord with me.
Sometimes, things just do that.

In the end,
we all become stories.

So, will you be a . . .
Page turner?
Drama?
Manual?
Action packed?
Suspenseful?
Seuss-ical?
Murder/mystery?
Tear-jerker?
Adventure?
Memorable?
Inspirational?

I'm pretty sure we can all say
that any given chapter may include
a bit of each,
but I'm striving for the last two.

How 'bout you?

Powerful

Throughout life,
as we dodge, dip, dive, duck and dodge
from whatever is thrown at us,
I believe these things:

1. We are given what we can handle.
2. We are stronger than we think.
3. There is a reason for your struggle.
4. You can now be a witness.
5. You will emerge different - and better.

This little quote says it all:

You have been assigned this mountain
to show others it can be moved.

Powerful.
Just like you.

Difference

There is a tremendous difference
between a human being
and being human.

SWALBOL

It is completely extraordinary
what a simple note can do.
Not a text.
Not an email.
A moment out of someone's day,
to put their heart on paper,
to lift your spirits
and let you know you're special.

If you can find a smidge of time today,
let someone know you care.
Stuff a little bit of yourself
into an envelope
and send a little love their way.

SWALBOL!
(Sealed With A Little Bit Of Love!)

Perhaps

Perhaps.
Tiny word. Big definition.

You are fierce in your stance.
Perhaps you don't know all the information.
You are bold in your defiance.
Perhaps you're unaware of all the facts.
You are adamant in your decision.
Perhaps you haven't asked all the questions.
You are firm in your conviction.
Perhaps you are not seeing the whole picture.

Listening to only one source;
Limiting your intake;
Deciding based on gossip, pictures or clips;
Referencing only selective choice info;
Perhaps . . .
Just perhaps
You're not making a sound choice.

This relates to nothing in particular,
but more like . . .
everything in general.

Remember When . . .

Life was simple?
We ate dinner together - at a table?
We enjoyed each other's company?
The news told us what was happening
and not what to think?
We were kind to strangers?
We took pride in our behavior?
Marriage was sacred?
Honesty was the norm?
Generosity did not hope for reciprocity?
Love dwelled in our very core?
Hope was not a tag line?
Laughter filled the air?
Conversation was common?

Ah,
I remember it well.

Speak or Shhhhhhh!

I am a very strong advocate
of opening your pie hole when the need arises.
Situations will never change
if someone doesn't speak their mind.

However . . .

I have also learned that:

Silence can never be misquoted.

I have used both tactics.
I have taken some flack for doing both.
I've been ousted and rejected.
I would absolutely do it all over again.
So, either factually speak your mind
or
Shhhhhhh!

But do something.
Even if it's nothing.

Dad

It is Father's Day tomorrow.
I had three dads and a father-in-law.
Each had positive qualities.
Each had flaws.
I'm a little jealous of those folks
who have/had those real close father/daughter relationships.
(Like my husband and my daughter.)
It's a beautiful thing to see and witness.
But I have to be thankful and grateful for what I did have.
I have learned to filter the bad
and maintain the good.
My children are terribly blessed.
They've only had one dad,
but he's been kind of extraordinary.
Whatever kind of dad you are -
biological, step, foster, in-law, big-brother, or even mom -
remember that you are shaping our future.
You have a big responsibility.
I am thanking you in advance
for doing an amazing job.
Go . . . do Dad things.

Happy Father's Day!

The Beginning . . .

Today
is the beginning
of anything
you want.

Limits

Read it.
Remember it.


The only limit you have
is you.

Light

We are all aware of
Random Acts of Kindness Day.
Well, today is:
Random Acts of Light Day!

Edith Wharton said it best:

There are two ways of spreading light:
to be the candle
or the mirror that reflects it.

Which will you choose today?
Shine on . . .

Loving Day

Can you believe it?
Today is National Loving Day!

Now,
call me crazy,
but I thought that
EVERY DAY
is Loving Day!

Get out there
and do some lovin'!

Make Life Beautiful

Today is National Make Life Beautiful Day!

So . . .

Be honest.
Be genuine.
Be selfless.
Be hopeful.
Be grateful.
Be kind.
Be compassionate.
Be considerate.
Be helpful.
Be generous.
Be sweet.
Be loving.
Be YOU tiful!

You Matter

Here is a quote from RWE
that I really want you to ponder on today.

You Matter!

You make a difference.
You are important.
You are amazing.

The creation of a thousand forests
is in one acorn.

Own It. Move On.

Whether it is a mistake,
a social faux pas,
bad judgement,
poor behavior -
Own It.
Apologize and move on.

If it is a goal you've achieved,
a dream you've reached,
a comfort zone you've stepped beyond,
an accomplishment realized -
Own It.
Set new objectives and move on.

Own what you say.
Own what you do.
Learn from defeat.
Cherish the victory.
Don't wallow or relax in either.
Move On!

Help!

We often times wonder
why we are dealt with the hand we are given.
Why is this person sick?
Why do I have to go through this?
Why am I struggling so much?
Why am I dealing with so much pain?
Why so much stress?
And the answer is . . .

drumroll please . . .

To Help!

Our 'experiences and lessons'
enable us to offer assistance to others.
We are never given more than we can handle.
We are enabled with the skills to survive.
And then, it is a gift and an honor and a privilege,
to use those skills to aid others
as they traverse their rough times.
You can empathize, sympathize, and realize
that while you're giving back, you're growing.
Not only have you overcome your own obstacles,
you're helping others to hurdle theirs.

Breathe. Work through the issues.
Then put it all to good use.
Help!

There Is Love

The world these days
seems awfully full of
hate
division
anger
meanness
evil
bullies
and violence.

Know what else?

There Is Love.

It is a choice.
As long as you keep making
the right one
you will impact your little corner.
No matter what comes at you.
Choose Love.

Destined

When the world knocks you down;
claw your way back up.
When the brick wall seems insurmountable;
build a door.
When the chasm seems too deep;
create a bridge.
When the storm clouds seem to multiply;
grab a life vest and learn to sail.
When the curve ball's coming fast;
swing for the fence.
There is nothing coming at you
that you cannot re-interpret, rearrange, redistribute, or reimagine.
Make it work in your favor.
You are strong and resilient and tenacious.
You are built for beautiful things.
Chin up.
Knees down.

Even diamonds meet pressure

to become what they are destined to be.

Get Out

June is Great Outdoors Month.
So . . . Get Out!

Get Out on the beach.
Get Out in the woods.
Get Out on the course.
Get Out on a trail.
Get Out for a spin.
Get Out on a stroll.
Get Out and enjoy
all there is to do and see.

The outdoors really are great!