Validation

There comes a time, intermittently, when we find ourselves questioning our efforts. It could be due to opposition or confrontation or just constant hurdles. It is as though we are almost literally beating our heads against that proverbial brick wall.

It is physically draining and emotionally exhausting.

And then . . .

Validation!

It can be a finished product.
It can be a kind word.
It can be someone confiding in you with their concerns that align perfectly with yours.
It can be a stranger's smile.
It can be a simple pat on the back.
It can also be the most insignificant acknowledgement of your value and worth.

But . . . it is

Validation!

No matter what seems to be piling up upon you, there is always something better awaiting you. Something confirming your efforts, your patience, your tenacity, your courage.

YOU are amazing!

My theory

So I have this theory . . .


I believe that whatever good or bad fortune might befall you,
you can ALWAYS give it meaning and transform it into something of positive value
and that you cannot ever do a kindness too soon,
for you never know how soon it will be too late.


OK . . . so I kind of co-mingled two really good quotes, but I kind of made it my own, too.
And it's true!

Meaning & Purpose

If this is a repeat, forgive me.
It is WORTH repeating.


The MEANING of life is to find your gift.
The PURPOSE of life is to give it away.


Give, people . . . give!

Read and Ponder

Another perfect snippet that jumped up and bit me today:

"Act as if it were impossible to fail."

Imagine what you could do . . . what any of us could do . . . if we followed this little gem!

Words to Live By

Without an author, I cannot thank whoever came up with this ~ even though I changed it a little bit, but I will surely share it.

It is beautifully written and perfectly said!


Work for a cause, NOT for applause.
Live life to express, NOT to impress.
Don't strive to make your presence noticed,
But do what you can to make your absence felt.


This is just SO everything I'm all about!
Make it a good one folks.

Stand Your Ground

This blog is not about an unused defense that has been wielded to incite racial divide and spur riots. Instead this is about knowing who you are, loving what you are, accepting and seizing opportunities, and protecting what is yours!

As many college students begin a new year or a first year, I hope you've remembered to pack four of the most important boxes you can ever carry with you.

These would be:

The soap box  ~  use this to stand up and speak up for the wrongs you see, the rights you've been given, and the passions you possess.

The ballot box  ~  this country is based on the 'voice of the people'. Don't ever be afraid to let your voice be heard or think that it doesn't count. YOU matter!

The jury box  ~  this civic duty is an opportunity to learn, to grow, to expand your thinking and your aptitudes as you protect the rights and liberties of others. Be proud of this opportunity you have.

The cartridge box  ~  one of my favorites!  The 2nd Amendment gives us the Right to Bear Arms. Provide a little force to defend your other three boxes. What's yours is yours ~ your possessions, your family, your life. Protect them.

Stand your ground today.

The Three C's

I try to abide by these as much as I can.

Calm, Cool, Consistent.

When things get all crazy and frenzied, your best course of action is NOT to jump in the rapids and try to swim upstream. It is, instead, to remain calm.

Take a deep breath. Look at the big picture. What can you REALISTICALLY do about the situation to alter its progression? Once you're leveled off, move forward.

While others are ranting and raving and losing their marbles . . . stay cool! Reacting to trouble is a bad thing. Responding is much better. Let the coolness get into your vertebrae! (One of my favorite movie lines!) Even if your blood is boiling inside, keep your cool on the outside. To assess, instead of obsess, is the smarter way to go.

Consistency is key!

I know so many people who completely unravel during hard or stressful times. I feel bad for them. They need to find an outlet, and other people's feelings is NOT the right choice. We all have full lives. We all have WAY too much to do. That is usually by our own doing. What we heap on our plates is almost always by our own hand. The key to successfully navigating your to-do list, is to remain consistent. Freaking out; reacting; spouting before scouting, is just NOT cool.

If you're unsure of something ~ ask.
If you need an answer ~ ask.
If you'd like some clarification ~ ask.

And then . . . move forward calmly, and coolly, in your even-keeled manner!

Calm, Cool, Consistent . . . sure beats crazy, confrontational, and calamity!