Blessings

Here's a little personal story
that will hopefully brighten your day.

There's been a lot of ugly lately.

A fair amount of stress

and an abundance of WTF's.

As I was sitting at work yesterday

after an 'exciting' start to my day,

feeling the usual pangs of duck survival

(calm on the surface, paddling like hell underneath),

answering the same question for the millionth time,

explaining the same process for the zillionth time;

my phone offered a muted ding.

After I finished my task,

I grabbed my phone and scrolled to find

the source of said ding.

Lo and behold ...

a name I have adored for a good 50 years

with a brief and beautiful note

of nothing more than kindness and love

and thoughts of me.

People,

take a moment,

focus on the good things,

the cherished souls,

the happy memories.

Send someone a note or text.

Just a simple "Hello"

or "Thinking of You".

What a fabulous place it would be

if we all took a moment

to share a little love.

Be

Found this gem

(of course I Lynified it)
and knew it needed to be shared.

On this World Kindness Day ...

Be humble

at the mountaintops.

Be steadfast

in the valleys.

Be faithful

in between.

Be the most

extraordinary version

of your 

incredibly beautiful

self.

An absolute fav

Psalm 91:4

He will cover you

with his feathers.

He will shelter you

with his wings.

His faithful promises

are your armor

and protection.

A tremendous thing

"Why did you do all this for me?" he asked.
"I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you."

"You have been my friend," replied Charlotte.

"That in itself is a tremendous thing."

~ E.B. White, Charlotte's Web

A respectful Veteran's Day to all who deserve it.

Thankful, Grateful, Appreciative.

Grateful, too, that Charlotte expressed things

so very well.

Mish Mash Friday

Quiet people
have the loudest minds.

Turn off the news.

Go outside.

Breathe.

Realize the beauty

that surrounds you.

Understand

what you are 

actually in control of.

Don't just 

count your blessings ...

frame them as keepsakes.

Love unconditionally.

Listen completely.

Learn always.

You were never meant

to carry the burdens

of the world

on your shoulders.

I know it's early. My apologies.

I am off-grid for a few days

to disconnect from the ugly

and reconnect with my kids

and meet new future family.

Carpe your diem, friends.

A little reminder ...

Walking Each Other Home
by Lyn Marinello

 

We are born into an unknown world, placed in outstretched arms

Showered in love and attention; protected from all and any harms

Taught to speak in kindness; to walk tall in faith and pride

In God's commandments and the Golden Rule eternally abide

In teenage years we might rebel and push the envelope we're in

Dye and pierce and smoke and drink; to parental-fatigued chagrin

We seem certain to known everything, til one day we find we don't

Those 'friends' we thought would have our back, simply can't or simply won't

And we once again find comfort in that envelope we left

We are unconditionally welcomed back, defeated and a bit bereft

College and adulthood open avenues unknown

One foot based, one set to bolt; we are stepping out on our own

Yet there's safety in the holidays, surrounded by familiarity

Re-grounding, reconnecting in sweet comfortability

As we age we find our way; unique to every single soul

Surround ourselves with good support; those folks who truly make us whole

Our blanket of security is tattered through the years

Patched by those around us as they comfort us through our tears

There are jobs and opportunities; sights to see, trails unexplored

Losses to be overcome and faith to be restored

Sometimes the road gets bumpy, life's potholes take a toll

We retreat to those we know and trust as they step up in their role

We wander through our highlights; stroll down memory lane

Realizing those connections are sometimes all that kept us sane

Take care of those around you; compliment, uplift

Your days on earth - unnumbered; every second is a gift

As the dinner bell rings on life; feast with loved ones at your table

Serve hope and faith to all who dine whenever you are able

And afterwards, enjoy dessert; and the company of those at hand

Savor the richness of both those things and try to understand

That the sun will set for each of us, no matter where we roam

We are our brother's keepers and we're just walking each other home.

 

Miracles

Loving this.
Sharing for you all ...

Life

is a series

of a thousand

little miracles.

Notice them.

Embrace them.

Absorb them.

Share them.

Good Tenant

No one to acknowledge for this.
There are so so so so many people
that need to read this ...
sometimes multiple times ...

and I hope it helps ...

Do not let anyone

rent a space

in your head,

unless they are 

a good tenant.

Tiny

Not sure who the penned this,
but very aware of the author.

I love places

that make you realize

how tiny

you and your problems

really are.

Enjoy your day

and all its blessings.

Shine

Without anyone to properly credit,
I am simply sharing.

It is not

in just one way

that you shine ...

but ...

a million little ways

that you light up

the world.

A Dog upon a Chain

 Written for so so so so many reasons ...

A Dog upon a Chain

by Lyn Marinello

 

Here I am, the chained up dog, my yard’s grass is worn beneath.

I may bark and I may growl, but I rarely bare my teeth.

I am fiercely loyal; a staunch protector of my pack.

Seldom the aggressor, but when provoked, I will attack.

I will raise my hackles. I might race til the links may break.

My conviction to my owner is the only thing at stake.

I may occasionally get loose and wander from my domain,

But I will always come back home to the security of my chain.

I am often times permitted to sit upon the shaded deck,

Or offered up an outing, a companion on your trek.

I am fed enough to stay, scratched sporadically behind an ear.

I may seem mostly docile but am alert to those who near.

I exist on minimal praise; or a much appreciated treat.

I sit ready, tail a-wagging, dutifully at your feet.

I embrace my boundaries though they’re not always clear.

I may test my tether’s limits but my devotion is sincere.

I am eager to obey commands, though I scratch and sometimes dig.

I’ll bring back the entire branch when you’ve only thrown a twig.

I am at my most content with purpose unrestrained.

I am just a steadfast hound, tied up here, upon this chain.

Whatcha think?

Contribution

I took this little tidbit
and Lynified it for you kids.
I hope you enjoy ...

If you want to know

where to find

your contribution

to the world ...

look at your wounds.

When you learn

how to not react to them,

but to respond;

how to recognize

the lesson in them;

how to realize

the strength they provide;

how to become stronger

in spite of them;

how to heal them ...

teach others.

Have a Happy Halloween!

I hope you're blessed

with full sized Nestle crunch bars.

Urgent!

With only a name who posted to acknowledge ...
thank you Lauren F.

There is nothing

more urgent today

than taking care

of your mind,

your body,

and your soul.

Please do so

today ...

and always.

Love This

This is so simple
and yet so very, very true.

If any of y'all

are struggling ...

You

will get there.

But right now,

you are here.

(and here

is wonderful)

Don't forget

to enjoy the journey.

Beautiful Things

I did not pen this.
I found it and am sharing it.

It is truth.

... the most beautiful things in life

are not things.

They are people,

and places,

and memories,

and pictures.

They are feelings,

and moments,

and smiles,

and laughter.

Master

You're not going to master

the rest of your life

in one day.

Relax.

Breathe.

Disconnect.

Recharge.

Listen.

Pray.

Master the day.

If that's overwhelming,

master the hour.

If that's too much,

master the minute.

Do your best today.

Try again tomorrow.

Know that you are loved.

Believe that you are able.

Even when you are falling apart,

know that your pieces

are made by the Master.

You, friend, are a masterpiece.

Camera

This
has no intent
or direction;
just something
I believe in.

When helping

those less fortunate,

leave the camera

at home.

Perform

for the cause

not the applause.

Health

This is not mine,
but I have Lynified it
and shared it with you.

This is good stuff.

Health

does not always come

from medicine.

Most of the time

it comes from

peace of mind,

joy in the heart,

light in the soul.

It comes from

simplicity.

It comes from

reflection.

It comes from

laughter and love.

Go get your health on.

Believe

Believe
in your heart

that you 

are meant to live

a life full

of passion,

purpose,

magic and

miracles.

This is not mine,

but it couldn't be more true,

so I'm sharing.

The Cave

A little something
that I've Lynified ...

The cave

you are scared

to enter

holds the treasure

you've been seeking.

Nothing

is gained

within your

comfort zone.

Good Voices

In a world
full of noise and fear,

listen hard

for the good voices.

They are the ones

that do not judge,

that lift you up,

that are honest,

that speak love.

And never forget that

if you can't hear one,

you can be one.

Enough

Enough
is a decision
not
an amount.

Draw your line.

Set your boundaries.

Stand firm.

Enjoy your day

and every little blessing in it.

Gratitude

From one Erica Layne:

Begin

and end

your days

with thoughts

of gratitude.

Those first

and final moments

set the tone

for the many minutes

that fall in between.

Grateful for you.

Wealth

There is
no greater wealth
than
peace of mind.

Today,

I pray for you,

that you find peace

of mind

of body

of soul.

That you stand

in tranquility,

speak

in kindness,

and breathe

in the blessings.

Let Them

From one

very smart Alicia Lockhard:

Life

became a 

lot simpler

when I decided

just to

let some people

misunderstand me.

Perhaps

This is not mine,
but it could be ...

Perhaps

our purpose

here on earth

is not

a grand accomplishment,

but a small kindness

that we don't

think much of,

that changes

the life of another.

Truth is ...

From a beautiful friend
who immediately just became
a piece of my heart.
Love and miss you much.

I hate that you moved

so very far away.

The truth is ...

we all have

a sad story to tell.

You either

make it your excuse

or

make it your motivation.

Be Silent

Lynified this snippet. <3

Be silent.

Sit still.

Breathe and relax.

Feed the calm.

Absorb the peace.

Heal and recover.

You need this moment.

Glow

Not mine ... but this is true.

You glow different

when your confidence

is fueled

by belief in yourself

instead of

validation from others.

Get out there.

Glow!!!

Bigger than the Storm

This was written in direction relation to Hurricanes Helene and Milton,
but it can be used in an absolute multitude of facets.

Bigger than the Storm

by Lyn Marinello

 

In the inky sludge of darkness, a monster lies in wait;

Conjuring up mayhem … how it might infiltrate.

It will creep in through the fear. It will howl with the wind.

It’ll pretend to back away, but it will not rescind.

It will rise up in flood waters. It will raze the land by fire.

It will attack your fortitude as you crumble while you tire.

It’ll set embers of deceit on the stage of leadership.

It’ll conquer by division. Alone you’re ill-equipped.

It will bring the tops of mountains to the villages below.

Crush the spirit of the people. Have you question all you know.

It’ll bring famine. It’ll bring death; through the guise of seeking power.

It will revel in its strength as you shrivel; as you cower.

But at the end of every storm, a ray of light emerges.

The battered, weary, weathered commune as night diverges.

The loss is overwhelming. The struggle’s just begun;

But strength is slowly garnered with every subtle beam of sun.

Unfathomable destruction is everywhere you see.

It’s difficult to choose what to do and where to be.

So, you do what you are able with whatever you can find;

With only hope to guide you; you are recovery-resigned.

You are deterred by many hurdles, but you are met with helping hands.

You rise to meet the challenges as faith, indeed, demands.

As you face the devastation; succumbing is the norm.

But you, my friend, are needed. You are bigger than the storm.

Health

Not mine.
Still sharing.

Health

does not always

come from medicine.

Most of the time,

it comes from

peace of mind,

peace in the heart,

peace in the soul.

It comes

from hope

and laughter

and love.

Stay in your ...

I'm betting you were going to say "lane."
Most times, you'd be right.
But ... found this quote and just adore it.

Might be my new go to ...

Be disciplined about

what you respond and react to.

Not everything

nor everyone

deserves your time,

energy and attention.

Stay in your Light.

Rest in your Light.

It was given to your

for a reason.

Note:

Note to the Empath:

Observe.
Do Not Absorb!


When you figure out
how to do that,
let me know.

Tired

There are two types
of tired:

one that

requires rest,

and one

that requires peace.

I am in need

of both.

There are many more

like me.

Today ...

whatever it is

that you need ...

I hope you find it.

A little Marley for ya ...

You never know
how strong you are,

until

being strong

is your only choice.

Know This:

Saw this.
Loved it.
Sharing!

You

are not responsible

for the versions

of you

that exist

in other people's minds.

We Rise

We rise
by lifting others.

I'm not sure who said it,

and at this point,

I don't care.

We've got to realize

that we only have one another.

We are one people ~

despite opinions and viewpoints.

There is not much that I can do from here,

but I will reach out and connect folks

however I can.

The loss is unfathomable.

The ache will be long and deep.

Do what you can

where you can

however you can.

Be kind to each other.

Confucius Tuesday

Seemed appropriate ...

Our greatest glory

is not

in never falling,

but 

in rising

every time we fall.

Miracles

Did not have anyone to credit for this,
and I Lynified it anyway ...

Every time

you put

something positive

out into the universe,

the world changes.

There are ripples

that reach folks

you will never know.

Your kindness

invites miracles.

Meant

From one Mr. Roy Bennett:

Believe

in your heart

that you are meant

to live a life

full of passion,

purpose,

magic and

miracles.

Harmony

This did not have
anyone to credit,
but it is worthy of sharing ...

The strength

of the whole

is the harmony

of its parts.

Are you part

of the harmony

or the discord?

Kindness

Kindness
has a beautiful way
of reaching down

into a weary heart,

a tired soul,

a beaten being

and lifting

and loving

and letting it

find its light to

and shine again.

Wednesday's Gide

A brilliant bit from Andre Gide:

Be faithful

to that

which exists

within

yourself.

Nobody knows you

like you do.

Whisper wisely

This is posted by Marc and Angel Chernoff:

It is not

what you say

to everyone else

that determines

your life.

It is 

what you whisper

to yourself

that has

the greatest power.

Whisper wisely.

In My Lane

Hoping you enjoy the words that woke me up.

 

In My Lane

by Lyn Marinello

 

In one of seemingly thousands

Of a management/employee review

I was told my over-reach

Had become a tad askew

I asked too many questions

And didn’t question the proper folk

And when I should have been quiet

Was precisely when I spoke

I took things too much to heart

Tried too hard to smooth the road

That it wasn’t my responsibility

To lighten anyone else’s load

I should just allow things to crash

Which, to me, seems completely inane

I should put blinders on to my job alone

I should simply “stay in my lane”

 

I was unimpressed with this scrutiny

But figured I’d give it some serious thought

Do a little soul searching

And see if there was a lesson to be taught.

I thought hard about my actions

Pondered tasks I’d undertaken

Questioned my motives; my morals

And arrived at this … unshaken …

 

I’ll take any task you give me

Without regard to how minute

Focus all of my attention

Determined; resolute

I will seek efficient means

To improve upon the wheel

Face any challenge offered

With an exuberance; a zeal

I will always try to leave things

Better than what I’ve found

Progress never happens

If you don’t push through where you’re bound

I will try to fill the void

If I see a chasm growing

I will ask to find improvements

If I see progress slowing

I will seek to ensure that others

Have the tools for their success

That the tasks that they are given

Can be attained with little stress

Although unimpressed with the directive

Against nearly everything engrained

I’ve come to grips and quite enjoy

The drive I’m taking in my lane.

 

Gratitude

Gratitude
is the best medicine.

It heals your mind,

refreshes your soul,

and renews your spirit.

The bonus?

It attracts more things

to be grateful for.

Enjoy your weekend.

Teach

Emily Maroutian with a Lyn-spin:

If you want to know

where to find

your contribution

to the world,

look to your wounds.

When you have learned

how to heal them

and move beyond them,

teach others.

It is in our frailty

that we share strength.

It is in our struggles

that we share tenacity.

It is in our weakness

that we share fortitude.

When we crack,

we allow the light

both in and out.

TT

Giving you a double whammy today
if you see both my FB posts and this blog,
but ... sometimes ...
that's just what we need.

Greetings Thankful Thursday!

So nice to see you again.

I love to come to you and acknowledge

all of the good and wonderful things

and people in my life.

I am grateful for the strong women

who surround me and support me;

the mother figures, the role models,

and bold and the seemingly fearless.

I am encouraged by your bravery

and buoyed by your strength.

I am thankful for the kind souls

that touch my days in ways

they simply do not understand.

A soft, sweet word

makes so very much slip away.

I appreciate my health, my family, and hope.

Thursdays make me pause and ponder

the many blessings that abound around me.

Yes ... there are always things to work on,

nonsense to push through,

and troubling mountains to climb ...

but there are also Thursdays!!!

Wild Things

From one William Hornaday

with a little Lyn spin:

The wild things

of this earth

are not ours ...

they have been

given to us

in trust ...

this includes

forests, seas,

creatures, and

people.

Which Way Are You Going?

All we can do
is our best.

Show up to our lives

every day.

Remain humble,

loyal, and 

live with integrity.

Spread hope

and kindness.

Let love

be your compass.

~ E. Hicks

I love this quote.

I only changed one little word.

It has been Lynified!

Enjoy your day.

Choose your path wisely.

Glimmers

In the chaos of today's climate,
there are many words that are ridiculously overused ~

gaslighting, empathy, inclusion, triggers, identify ~

let's add a nice new one ...

with much better context:

Glimmers

Glimmers are

those moments in your day

that make you feel

joy, happiness, peace or gratitude.

Once you

train your brain

to be on the lookout for glimmers,

your "triggers" will be fewer

and these beautiful moments

will multiply.

Your Saturday Tolkien

Here's a tidbit
that truly resonates with me ...

All we have

to decide

is what to do

with the time

that is

given us.

Short, sweet

and tremendously powerful.

(like me!)  LOL

Brilliance

This quote,
which did not give me
anyone to credit,

seems incredibly poignant

in the current climate

we are in.

Accept people

as they are,

but place them

where they belong.

Enjoy your day

and what's around you.

Light

From one Eddie Pinero:

Let the light

within you

be brighter

than the storm

around you.

The choice is yours.

Ameri-cans

In these tumultuous times,
let us assert a few truths ...

We are not

Ameri-guns,

Ameri-hates,

Ameri-splits

Ameri-spews,

Ameri-lies,

Ameri-won'ts.

We are

Ameri-love.

Ameri-hope.

Ameri-one.

Ameri-whole.

Ameri-truth.

Ameri-speaks.

Ameri-free.

Ameri-cans.

Tuesday Jones

I will always give credit when I can find it to give.
I don't normally rely on quotes to share positivity.
Yesterday, I found meaning in Mr. Graham's words.
And, since we are celebrating Mr. James Earl Jones today,
I thought I'd share some of his ...
(in that deep, rich, velvety, booming voice ...)

One of the hardest things

in life

is having words

in your heart

that you

can't utter.

Find a way to speak ...

A little Monday Graham

Billy Graham was asked:

If Christianity is valid,

why is there so much evil

in the world?

To this he replied:

With so much soap,

why are there so many

dirty people in the world?

Christianity, like soap,

must be personally applied

if it is to make a difference

in our lives.

Let's get to scrubbing ...

R U Ok?

Here's your challenge for today ...

ask another person - 

any person -

if they are ok.

It can be a family member.

It can be a friend.

It can be a total stranger.

Just check in.

And ... here's the hard part ...

LISTEN

to the answer.

If you can help, help.

If they need a hug, give them one.

If you can just be a sounding board, be that.

If they just need you to coexist with them, do that.

We are all in this together,

and no one's getting out alive.

Might as well make it comfortable.

R U Ok?

In Love

So very much needed
in this current climate
from every side
and every angle.

Wherever you are,

and whatever you do,

do in love.

You Decide

This little quip
is quite powerful.

Faith and Fear

both demand

that you believe

in something

you cannot

see.

You Decide

what you'd like

to believe in.

The Light

From one Wayne Dyer:

See

the light

in others;

and

treat them

as if

that is all

you see.

Find Yourself

By Rumi:

Your heart

is the size

of an ocean.

Go find yourself

within its hidden depths.

Why try so hard

to fit in,

when you are so clearly

created to stand out.

Dive deep.

Fly high.

It is all within you.

How Old Are You?

Saw this and thought I'd give it a twist:

Grandchild:    Grandpa, how old are you?

Grandpa:         Well ... let me tell you.

                          I'm so old that 

                          I used to have friends

                          and had no idea

                          what religion they were

                          or political party they belonged to.

Grandchild:    Wow!

                         Well then, what did you argue about?

Grandpa:        We didn't.

                         We just gathered and talked,

                         checked in with one another,

                         and took care of each other.

Grandchild:    Sounds like you're 

                         making stuff up again, Grandpa.

Grandpa:        It's been so long, pal,

                         maybe I am.

How old are you?

Catch Memories

Thinking of you today, Sal.

Credit to Ariana:

Come sit with me

on the edge of the world,

where the calm

meets chaos

and we are met

by our dreams.

Let's watch as madness

swirls by our feet

and love and scars

and all that is beautiful

passes by,

and then we'll lean over

and catch memories

in our butterfly nets.

Time

Thankful to my dear friend, Susan,
who shared this wonderful bit of wisdom today.
Thought I'd keep it moving

Time is

the only currency

you spend

without ever knowing

your balance.

Use it wisely.

Control

There are those
that seek to control

situations, environments

and people.

This simply screams

of their self-esteem issues.

Once you are able

to see beyond your reaction,

you can recognize

their petty, almost comical,

behavior patterns.

Their baggage

need not become yours.

You were never meant

to fix or repair

what has broken them.

That is their bridge to cross.

You've got 

much bigger and brighter

adventures to tend to.

Get on with it.

It is there

Making other things my own:

The voice of the sea
soothes the soul.
The whispers of the pines
calm the heart.

The quiet of the morning

smells of hope.

The kaleidoscope of dusk

paints of love.

Look around. 

Look within.

That thing you're looking for ...

it is there.

Quality Ashe

From one Arthur Ashe:

Start

where you are.

Use

what you have.

Do

what you can.

Make it a good week, friends.

Simple as that.

No one to credit for this,
but ... simple as that.

If it doesn't bring you

love, peace or

positive energy,

stop engaging with it.

Simple as that.

To rise

These were the words - and whole stanzas - that woke me up a few nights ago.
Before you get excited and start checking up on me ... please know that I am fine.

I do not always know where this comes from - I just write what is given.
Sometimes it is, I'm sure, a compilation of listening to friends,
family, and others who are having a hard time.
Just know that it is written in first person for ease - and nothing more.
And ... if it helps just one person ... I'm a raving success.

Would love to know whatcha think.

To rise

by Lyn Marinello

A million little pin pricks, shattered hopes and body shamed.

Broken hearts and battered dreams, betrayals and ego-maimed.

The friends who never were. Hopes so painfully dashed.

Once so fiercely driven; far too frequently I’ve crashed.

Memories of ache; turmoil bubbling just below.

Discontent and angry. Smothering woefully slow.

Fractured little plans, wasted efforts, stunted growth,

Windless sails and stolen breaths; yet glued to my own oath.

No matter the mountain before me or the chasm I’ll need to traverse;

The weight I’ll need to carry, or the internal self I’ll need to coerce.

The actions of other people do not dictate who I’ll be.

Each day’s an opportunity to define a brand new me.

I will sift through mangled pieces. I will filter all the waste.

I will be a better human - indifferent to adversity’s taste.

I’m too tenacious in my soul to stay cowering when attacked.

I’m undeterred, though cautious; splintered though still intact.

I’m no longer debased by scars - on my skin or on my heart.

They are marks that I have earned; filled with wisdom to impart.

I’m not a ‘me too’ movement, nor will you ‘hear me roar’.

It’s more - ‘Look what you’ve created. You’ve no idea what is in store.’

You can chip off many chunks; speak lies in hopes of my demise;

But you cannot clip the wings of the Phoenix born to rise.

Michelangelo Mantra

I saw the Angel
in the marble
and carved
until I set him free.

It is the same

with each of us.

Carve, baby.

Carve.

Control

From one Dan Millman:

You don't have to

control your thoughts,

you just have to stop

letting them

control you.

Rest

Loosely Mark 6:31

Come with me

by yourselves 

to a quiet place

and rest.

Voila Viola!

Viola Davis stated:

I believe

that the privilege

of a lifetime

is being

who you are.

Thank you, Viola.

You're welcome, friends.

Now go make the most

of your privilege.

The business of kindness

This one is so necessary.
Far too many folks confuse the two.

If you're helping someone

and expecting

something in return;

you are doing business,

not kindness.

Socrates Special

Here's a dandy bit of advice for you:

The secret of happiness,

you see,

is not found

in seeking more;

but in developing

the capacity

to enjoy less.

Each Day

I did not write this,
but I believe it.

An unhealed person

can find offense

in pretty much anything

someone else does.

A healed person

understands

that the actions of others

have nothing to do

with them

Each day

you get to decide

which person 

you will be.

Double Whammy

This is two fantastic tidbits
mashed into one.

She distanced herself

to save herself.

If there is no wind ...

row!

You matter!

Take care of YOU!

Purpose

A journey of a thousand miles
begins with a single step.

Appreciate where you are

in your journey,

even if it's not

where you want to be.

Every season

serves a purpose.

Love

It makes my heart so very sad

to see folks

who have been friends for decades

so ugly and hateful towards one another

because of politics. 

You can scroll past differences of opinion

like you walk past a restaurant

serving food you do not like. 

You can allow a variety of thoughts to exist

without losing your own. 

We need not be so vile and nasty. 

We can easily coexist 

by simply respecting one another

no matter which wing of the bird

you choose to flap on.

It's the same dadgum bird.

Let's try a little love.

Thankful

Be thankful 

every chance you get. 

Not because your life

has been easy or simple

or perfect;

but because 

the life you've had

has led you here.

You are a survivor.

You are strong.

You have overcome

all the things that have

haunted you.

You are here ... today.

Celebrate.

Be thankful.

Simplicity

Simplicity

is not

the opposite of wealth. 

It is the door

to the riches

you already own.

Don't Be Afraid

While watching Olympic coverage yesterday, there was a snippet in reference to a Norwegian track and field coach. 

The one thing that stuck out to his athlete was this: 

Do not be afraid of losing;

be afraid of not evolving.

This just really struck me. 

Hope it finds whoever needs it.

Daily Reminder:

Just in case you are confused or uncertain ...

let me clarify ...

1. You are beautiful. 

2. You are worthy.

3. You are brave and strong.

4. You deserve kindness and happiness.

5. You have all the tools within you to fight any battles you are facing. 

6. You are not defined by your past.

7. You are integral to the fabric of this world.

8. You are loved.

Becoming less

Becoming less ...

reactive

judgemental 

spiteful

critical

sensitive 

hurried

influenced

conformed.

Sometimes, growth comes -

not from gaining more-

but by becoming less.

Who Are You?

The heat woke me up a couple nights ago. My own tropical moment for those of you that understand. Grabbed a glass of water, equalized and then had an inkling to get my pen and paper. This fell out. For you, Renata ...

Who Are You?

by Lyn Marinello 

The ways in which we behave; the paths we choose to take

Speak volumes to our character and the legacy we make. 

There are those that step up front. The spotlight's their domain. 

They lay claim to ask ideas and grasp at everything to claim. 

Their fifteen seconds come and go; smoke and mirrors never last

Self-centered "m-ego" narcissists quickly fade into the past. 

The cunning little cons are another woeful class, 

Whose good deeds are just stepping stones to the kudos they can amass.

"How can I look better?" The only purpose to their deeds. 

They're unconcerned with others; simply focused on their needs. 

And then there are the quiet ones, who seek nothing in return. 

Whose only want in serving is you reciprocate in turn 

To someone in the future who might need a helping hand; 

And that web of selfless kindness exponentially expand.

Compassion's not a weapon; you're not going to win a prize. 

Kindness isn't measured by its pricetag or it's size. 

Your motives carry weight. Your efforts shout about your soul. 

Do they speak of care and love? Or a dark and selfish hole?

Those that seek applause and the grandiosity of fame,

Are mere facades of generosity sprinkling stardust on their name. 

But those within the shadows; those that give sans expectation,

Are truly blessed and beautiful, cloaked in simple, pure elation.

They do not need the fanfare. They're not in search of praise, 

Just hopefully they are imitated in their kind and selfless ways. 

Do what you're able with what you've got. Pay it forward when you can.

Do not be concerned with accolades, but rather your fellow man.

And then I went back to sleep.