Cold

There are many levels of cold.
There is Florida cold - when it 'plunges' below 60.
There is new North Carolina cold - when it struggles to find 10.
There is Bismark cold which doesn't even register on a dadgum thermometer.
All are ridiculous.
All are ludicrous.
But . . . each is livable.
Each area contains the strategies and tools to survive the surroundings.

The most bitter cold.
The one that is most unsurvivable . . .
is the coldness of one's heart.

When you allow the world,
in all of it's craziness, to creep inside . . .
to slither its icy tendrils toward your soul.
THAT is a cold that frightens me more than any other.

No matter your situation.
Keep your heart warm.
Know that you are a human worthy of love and grace and accomplishment
who, in turn, can bring those values to other folks.
A giving heart is a toasty heart!

Go be toasty!

Blissful Quiet

I lived in NY for 21 years.
I moved out of GA when over a foot of snow fell.
Then I threw my patio furniture in the pool for hurricanes for a couple of decades.
Since moving to NC we've survived a horrid drought.
We've squeaked beyond crazy forest fires.
Last night we got about 5 inches of snow.
Life offers us many options and opportunities.

It has been eons since I lived in snow country.
There is such a peaceful serenity to its arrival.
Out here, where there's land and landscapes,
its majesty is unrivaled and calming and mesmerizing.

Now, if only someone else would shovel it . . .

Mash Up

So here are a few quotes
that seem to have all come around the same time
and they just kind of go together.
Coinkydink?
I think not!

Speak in such a way that others love to listen.
Listen in such a way that others love to speak to you.
Live with purpose.
Say the courageous thing.
Celebrate the simple thing.
Never apologize for your enthusiasm.
Follow your dream.
Be someone who makes everybody feel like a somebody.

Now go be the extraordinary person
that you were meant to be.

Be

Be strong.
Be brave.
Be bold.
Be courageous.
Be generous.
Be kind.
Be loyal.
Be silly.
Be diligent.
Be gracious.
Be tenacious.
Be loving.
Be doting.
Be happy.
Be willing.
Be eager.
Be lieve!!!

You are Entitled to . . .

NOTHING!
You were gifted with being born.
You were gifted with air to breathe.
You were given hands to work with.
You were given legs to use.
You were allowed a heart to feel compassion.
You were offered a mind to make a difference.
You were spoiled with your first breath.

Now,
go and make the most of all those gifts.

No hands out.
No expectations.
No freebies.

If you want it,
work for it and get it.
You were given all the things you need.

Have at it.
See what extraordinary things you can do.

Enough!

Found this posted and absolutely LOVED it,
so . . . I thought I'd share.


You are enough.
You are SO enough.
It is unbelievable
how enough you are!


Let THAT sink in.

New and Better

In my 50 years,
I have seen much.
I've been hurt,
betrayed,
stepped on,
abused,
punched in the gut,
wind taken from my sails,
called names,
accused,
suffered great loss,
anguished over decisions,
and more.
But, as a new year begins,
it always reminds me
that I am still here!

None of that has defeated me.
None of that has stopped me.
None of that has changed me.
None of that has killed me.

I chose to survive.
I chose to win.
I chose to start over.
I chose, each time,
to be new and better.

What will you do?