Happy Heavenly Birthday!

Doesn't matter what I write.
There just are no created words;
nothing that defines the hole
the loss
the emptiness
where you once were.
I'm so lucky to have been born to you.
I'm so blessed to have been given
your grit and determination.
I'm so grateful that you pushed me
toward every passion
and cheered me on through victory -
no matter its size.
Thank you for raising me to be
strong and resilient and positive.
Thanks for encouraging my dreams.
It is a rare day
that you don't flit across my mind.
You usually sit squarely
on my heart.
I hope you hear me
when I talk to you, or sing to you,
or laugh, or cry.
I love you more than I could ever express.
I miss you, Mom.

Happy Heavenly Birthday!

Love This

Saw this
and loved it!
On many occasions
we need to remember
that we don't need to explain
the journey we've taken.
Most folks
will never understand it
anyway.

I am under no obligation
to make sense to you.

Tick Tock

Time is a precious commodity.
Choose how you spend it wisely.
Yes, we need to work,
but find something that fulfills you.
Call and check in on those you love.
Travel, see, and educate yourself
about the things you like.
Why spend hours festering in hate,
spewing division,
yelling at others because they
believe differently than you?
Embrace the challenge
or walk away.
Hug the folks you adore.
Smile at the ones who need it.
Help the ones you can.
Make your heart happy.

Wee Ones

With new birth
there is hope.
A baby brings with it
joy and happiness
and love and awe.
As they grow,
we are inspired
to see through their
unbias eyes,
their innocent thoughts,
their unconditional love.
Celebrate.
And hope.

Actions

Actions really do
speak louder than words.
Sometimes,
a simple hug
makes the world a better place.
A kind gesture
lights up another person's world.
Simply sitting with someone,
spending a little time,
quietly coexisting,
is absolute bliss.
More folks
should really consider
the weight
of their actions.
Go
be the good.

Gratitude

There will always be things
about which to gripe.
Jobs, health, money, time, people.
But when you face the day
with gratitude
for all the blessings you have,
those troubles are lessened,
the loads are lightened,
the hurt begins healing.
Be grateful.
For the morning,
for the sunshine (or the rain),
for the friends who love you,
for the goals you've achieved,
for the support that's constant,
for the beauty surrounding you,
for the family around you,
for life.
Start your day
with gratitude.

Key

This has been around,
but needs to be shared again:

She woke up different.
Done with trying to figure out
who was with her, against her,
or walking down the middle because
they didn't have the guts to pick a side.
She realized that opinions
were a dime a dozen,
validation was for parking,
and loyalty wasn't a word
but a lifestyle.
It was this day
that her life changed.
and not because of a man,
or a job,
but because she realized
that life is way too short
to leave the key to happiness
in someone else's pocket.

Where is your key?

Good Stuff

A quote by Brene Brown:

Vulnerability
sounds like truth
and feels like courage.
Truth and courage
aren't always comfortable,
but they are never
weakness.

Read it a few times
to let it seep into my bones.
That's good stuff.

Struggle and Strength

I am thankful
for my struggle;
because
without it
I would not have
stumbled across
my strength.

Ships

Ships don't sink
because of the water around them;
ships sink
because of the water that gets in them.
Don't let
what is happening around you
get inside you and weigh you down.

Happy Place

It really is true

and a wonderful thing to do.

It is time for Spring cleaning.

Rid your home

and your life

of all things negative and toxic.

Walk away from

heavy and weighted situations.

Things that do not benefit you,

mentally, physically, emotionally,

are not things you need to deal with.

You deserve happiness.

You deserve positive.

You deserve beauty.

You deserve good.

I hope you find your path

to your happy place.

Make it magical

Bad stuff
happens to everyone.
We all are
disappointed,
displaced,
demeaned,
angered,
hurt,
sick,
stymied,
depleted,
and a thousand other things.
The choice you have
is whether or not
to let it all define you
or deliver you.
Learn the lessons.
Filter.
Enjoy the journey.
You only get one.
Make it magical.

It Is Said

It Is Said

It is said that I gave life to you
But I'm not sure that's true
That I chose to add to what's on earth
That reasoning's misconstrued
Your features resemble my own
Your height, I'm sorry, does too
Your dimples are in far better places
Than the ones that I hide from view
I birthed you both with troubles
Issues you've both overcome
Excelling beyond expectation
Unhindered by where you've come from
Your strength is far greater than any
That I could achieve at a gym
It begins at your very center
And is magnified out from within
Undeterred by any obstacles
Confrontations are met without haste
You embrace life's every second
You've learned time is too precious to waste
It is said that I gave life to you
But I'm not sure that's true
I am absolutely confident
That my life is far greater because of you.

Tea Bags

Tea bags are just stuff
in a vessel.
Nothing much going on
till you put it in hot water.
People
are much the same.
You don't really know
what you've got
until there's some hot water.
Don't dip too little.
You'll not reach full body.
Don't steep too long.
You'll lose your flavor.
Don't tear.
You'll sour the drink.
Immerse yourself
in the heat of the lesson.
Emerge better.
And always know ...
you are exactly
my cup o' tea.

Rise

There is nothing
more beautiful
more inspiring
more powerful
more amazing
more incredible
more elating
than to witness
someone awaken
and rise

Begin Again!

Do not be afraid
of being a beginner.
Nothing grows
in a comfort zone.
Step outside.
Learn new stuff.
Try new things.

Begin Again!

Lose Yourself

Great quote
that I adamantly believe:

The best way to find yourself
is to lose yourself
in service to others.
~ Gandhi

Big Buts

Sad that it is ending,
but happy that it happened.
Weak from all the effort,
but thrilled to offer aid.
Feeling isolated,
but never really alone.
Angry with betrayal,
but stronger from the lesson.
Questioning the path,
but walking on in faith.
Doubt stops by for coffee,
but determination stays for dinner.
Unsure of my purpose,
but certain of my worth.
One step forward, two steps back,
but the dance is beautiful.

I like big buts and I cannot lie.
Seek the positive.

Be

Worry gives a small thing
a big shadow.
Do not be swallowed up
by the if's and maybe's.
Do not be thwarted
by the could haves and should haves.
Do not be minimalized
by the opinions of others.
Be bold.
Be brave.
Be beautiful.
Be you.

Trying

There is no failure,
if you're trying.
Trying to be
a little better than yesterday.
Trying to be
a little kinder.
Trying to act
a little more compassionate.
Trying to behave
a little more civil.
Trying to listen.
Trying to learn.
Trying to support.
Trying to be positive.
Trying to thrive
no matter the situation.
Trying to find
the ever-present silver lining.
Trying.
Just trying.

Sometimes

I found this quote
and really kind of liked it.
I'm hoping it hits home
for someone out there, too.

Sometimes
we find ourselves
in the middle 
of nowhere.
And sometimes,
in the middle
of nowhere
we find ourselves.

Manage People Not Things

Have actually had several conversations
in just the past week with folks across this great country
who are having management issues.
I have worked in all kinds of capacities.
The 'itty bitty, lowly stocker' to the 'almighty supervisor/manager'.
Here is what I've learned.
To be successful, one must manage people not things.
Surround yourself with folks
who know their tasks,
who have a passion for what they do,
who want to excel.
Praise, support, positively guide, listen, work beside,
and be amongst 'your people'.
Every tiny effort is essential.
A party without the soda person is a very dry event.
You cannot fix the issue by turning up the music.
If we realize the quality and value of each person,
the workload is lighter,
the atmosphere is happier,
the workers are empowered,
the communication freely flows,
and production is higher.
Realize the worth of what you have before you.
Manage People Not Things.

Greener Pastures

It would seem
that us silly humans
are eternally searching
for greener pastures.
Why does it take us
so very long to realize
that the grass is greener
where you water it?

Hope and Rainbows

Today is National Day of Hope
and Find a Rainbow Day!
Aren't we naturally full of hope
when we find a rainbow?
Here's hoping your skies are filled
with an abundance of color
and your heart is overwhelmed
with the prospect of promises to come.
Enjoy your day!

Let It In

For those that believe

that you need to be strong

to be a leader,

learn.

For those that believe

that emotion is a sign

of weakness,

learn.

For those that believe

that humility is a display

of insecurity,

learn.

When you allow yourself

to be vulnerable

to the kindnesses of others,

your world becomes more beautiful -

your heart becomes more full -

your life becomes more blissful.

Let It In.