Getting rid of prejudice

"Prejudice and contempt, cloaked in the pretense of religious or political conviction are no different. These forces have nearly destroyed our nation in the past. They plague us still. They fuel the fanaticism of terror. And they torment the lives of millions in fractured nations all around the world."  President Bill Clinton spoke those words in his second Inaugural Address back in January, 1997.

Mr. Clinton went on to say "These obsessions cripple both those who hate and, of course, those who are hated, robbing both of what they might become. We cannot, we will not, succumb to the dark impulses that lurk in the far regions of the soul everywhere. We shall overcome them. And we shall replace them with the generous spirit of a people who feel at home with one another."

It has been twenty-eight years and yet the prejudice and contempt that former President Clinton spoke of are still around.  To me it seems to be getting worse.  He said that we shall overcome them, but when?  Are we working on it at all?  Are we even trying?

What do YOU think?

one small spark

Jason Chu said it himself: "one small spark can light the whole night. So one small life can fight the good fight." This has not been the greatest year for so many of us, but Jason keeps on encouraging us. Jason keeps lighting those sparks. Jason keep fighting the good fight.

If this seems like a bit of déjà vu, yes I have indeed written here before about Jason. Based in Los Angeles, he is a rapper, poet, activist, storyteller, and an encourager. He keeps pretty busy too, even during the pandemic.  I find myself checking out his youtube videos over and over. 

He didn't just begin being active.  Over the years, Jason has done a lot.  He performed at the Obama White House, opened for Snoop Dogg, has written and recorded a lot of music, oh and he has a degree in Philosophy from Yale. Despite his many accomplishments though, he stays grounded and is kind, caring, and down-to-earth.  His lyrics can be fun and uplifting and he also can encourage, and make us think.

To me, Jason is the very definition of hero. He makes a difference. We all should be encouraged by him ad follow his lead. To quote him once again, "But I’ve learned: a hero isn’t about being super We become heroes because of what makes us human."

Rescued

This story isn't mine, but one that had been circulating on the internet, and one I enjoyed a lot.  I shared it here back when I first found it, but I would like to share it again.  I wish I knew who the author is so I could give proper credit.  Anyway, here's a very moving story about a doggie, once again - 

His eyes met mine as he walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt his need instantly and knew I had to help him.

I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so he wouldn't be afraid. As he stopped at my kennel I blocked his view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want him to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes the overworked shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want him to think poorly of them.

As he read my kennel card I hoped that he wouldn't feel sad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and want to make a difference in someone's life.

He got down on his knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort him. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; he was desperate for companionship. A tear fell down his cheek and I raised my paw to assure him that all would be well.

Soon my kennel door opened and his smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into his arms. I would promise to keep him safe. I would promise to always be by his side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in his eyes.

I was so fortunate that he came down my corridor. So many more are out there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today.

Before you kick it

I've always felt that having goals is a good thing. Lately I hear more and more people talk about their bucket lists. Are they really such a good idea though? Some people say we are rushing death (the term "bucket list" coming from kicking the bucket, a popular expression meaning to die) and others say we are creating lists with difficult to fill ideas. I'm thinking though that having defined goals, can't be a bad thing.

Some folks list very simple things, and some come right out of a thrill-seekers guide. What about you though - are there places you would really like to visit or people you want to meet of see perform or maybe some special things you want to do?  How about this:  don't just make a list but include other folks.  There are organizations that help fulfill the wishes of dying people, but how about if we all did something really special before someone else passed away - a shared bucket list if you will.  I think I could really get behind that idea!

So how many of you think that is a good idea? How many of you have a bucket list of any kind? Before you kick the bucket, is there something special you want to do for others?

Be extreme

“Was not Jesus an extremist for love: ‘Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.’ Was not Amos an extremist for justice: ‘Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.’ Was not Paul an extremist for the Christian gospel: ‘I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.’ Was not Martin Luther an extremist: ‘Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise, so help me God.’ And John Bunyan: ‘I will stay in jail to the end of my days before I make a butchery of my conscience.’ And Abraham Lincoln: ‘This nation cannot survive half slave and half free.’ And Thomas Jefferson: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’

“So the question is not whether we will be extremists, but what kind of extremists we will be. Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice? In that dramatic scene on Calvary's hill three men were crucified.

“We must never forget that all three were crucified for the same crime - the crime of extremism. Two were extremists for immorality, and thus fell below their environment. The other, Jesus Christ, was an extremist for love, truth and goodness, and thereby rose above his environment. Perhaps the South, the nation and the world are in dire need of creative extremists.”

These days our country is in bad shape for many reasons and a pandemic has turned the entire world upside down. We can't keep having business as usual. We need people who are leaders, like Dr King was, . Dr King was an extremist. So many of my friends are too. This is encouraging. There is so much to be done. I invite you to follow their lead!

tiny ripples make a difference

Some words today to think about from Robert Francis Kennedy, the late former Attorney General and Senator from New York.  I've quoted him here before, but Kennedy was quite an inspiration and had a lot of good things to say.

"It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and injustice."

Senator Kennedy's words are still true. Stand up for your ideals - strike out against injustice and build those tiny ripples into the greatest current our world has ever seen.  I really believe that together we can make a difference!

No Bullying Zone

Personally, I think the whole world should be a no bullying zone. Unfortunately, my wanting something does not make it happen. If all it took was my desire, we would have a perfect world with nothing but goodness.

To put an end to bullying, we ALL need to get involved. There is no neutral zone. There is no standing by and saying it isn't our concern. Justice and fairness is EVERYONE'S concern.  Bullying too often leads to a lifetime of self-hating or even suicide.  We need to say "No more!"  I'm talking about ALL bullying too.  None of it is ever acceptable.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu said it best: "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse, and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality."

On this Saturday, let us all say 'Enough!"  Let us all get involved.  Let's not see any more lives ruined because of bullying. 

how do you say thank you?

How many ways are there to say thank you?  I'm not talking about the many different languages, although putting together a nice graphic with those two words as they are said in other tongues can be a lot of fun and I'm sure would be pleasing to the person you are thanking.  What else though?  What can you do to convey that you are actually grateful for that something you have received?

 

We give thanks at different times for different things.  Sometimes a polite courtesy is almost taken for granted, but when somebody hold the door open for you or pulls out your chair or refills your water glass, say thank you.  When you receive a present or money, then most certainly thanks should be offered.  How about when you ask for someone to help you with a project?  Let me just say there is never a bad time to offer thanks. 

 

You are an awesome caring person and I'm sure you want folks to know you appreciate those things they do on your behalf.  Let it be known then! Let them see your happy dance!  Notes are always nice too.  I know many have fallen away from the habit of writing personal notes, but the most awesome people I know still write them and it means a lot.  I was just talking about this to a group of people, and every one of them agreed.

I know we can get back in the habit.  Say thanks in the way that works best for the particular occasion but say it!  I have so many reasons personally for saying it today.  That breakfast burrito I ate a little while ago and someone special made it happen.  Thanks!

Buddy can you spare a dime?

There probably aren't many of you who can remember all the way back to the 1932 song Buddy can you spare a dime, even though it was recorded by a number of different people. Perhaps you have been asked if you could spare a dime by someone on the street. Most who ask for a specific amount, are very willing to accept ANY amount. Being in need, is not a good thing, whether you are an individual, an entire family, or an organization trying to help others. They need donations, and they need them from us.

Does our donation have to be that dime? Oh no! We might not be much better off than they are. The list though of things we might donate really is endless. Sometimes when we think of giving, we divide into categories such as time, talent, and treasure. The treasure grouping is the one that gets the most attention. Give some money - the more the better. Our treasure might also include donations of used clothing or housewares or canned goods (to a food drive) or a car (many charities now look for used cars or even boats). Artwork might also be part of this list, and books too.

Donating our talent is a very valuable thing too. This is true whether your talent is taking blood pressures or giving tax advice or reading to children. Sometimes doing yard work or light cleaning can be a huge help to individuals in need.

Donating your time is another wonderful thing. Can you spend a few hours helping out in the office of our non-profit? Can you come in one day and help hand out bags of groceries? That yard work I mentioned - is it talent or time (or maybe both)?

Offer help in whatever way you can, even if it's just making friendly phone calls to check on the wellbeing of your neighbors.  As I have mentioned here a lot, giving takes many forms. Buddy, can you spare some time? Buddy, can you spare a dime? Giving in all its forms, is such a rewarding thing to do! 

I wish you enough

This story was recently shared with me by a friend. I found it very powerful and asked if I might share it further with all of you.

Recently overheard was a father and daughter in their last moments together at the airport. They had announced the departure.

Standing near the security gate, they hugged and the father said, 'I love you, and I wish you enough.'

The daughter replied, 'Dad, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Dad.'

They kissed and the daughter left. The Father walked over to the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, 'Did you ever say good-bye to someone knowing it would be forever?'

'Yes, I have,' I replied. 'Forgive me for asking, but why is this a forever good-bye?'

'I am old, and she lives so far away. I have challenges ahead and the reality is the next trip back will be for my funeral,' he said.

'When you were saying good-bye, I heard you say, 'I wish you enough.' May I ask what that means?'

He began to smile. 'That's a wish that has been handed down from other generations. My parents used to say it to everyone.'

He paused a moment and looked up as if trying to remember it in detail, and he smiled even more. 'When we said, 'I wish you enough,' we were wanting the other person to have a life filled with just enough good things to sustain them.' Then turning toward me, he shared the following as if he were reciting it from memory.

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

He then began to cry and walked away.

Again, not my words, but a message I thought we all could benefit from.  They say it takes a minute to find a special person, an hour to appreciate them, a day to love them; but then an entire life to forget them.

Let us all unite!

A marvelous scene by Charlie Chaplin from  "The Great Dictator," a 1940 film where he condemns Hitler and the Nazis calling them "machine men, with machine minds and machine hearts," really got me thinking last night.  There is a great remix of this speech from the movie with Chaplin's voice over images from the present, showing how the words spoken then are still true.

I urge you to take a few seconds and watch the video by clicking HERE.  Then take a few more minutes and think about it.  We can do so much.  Our hate and distrust for other countries, other religions, other races, other sexual orientations, other anything needs to end.  We need to put aside hate - ALL hate.

In his speech, part of what Chaplin says is "You the people have the power to make life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure. Then in the name of democracy let's use that power, let us all unite. Let us fight for a new world, a decent world that will give men a chance to work, that will give you the future and old age and security. By the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power, but they lie. They do not fulfil their promise, they never will. Dictators free themselves but they enslave the people. Now let us fight to fulfill that promise. Let us fight to free the world, to do away with national barriers, do away with greed, with hate and intolerance. Let us fight for a world of reason, a world where science and progress will lead to all men's happiness."

What a marvelous goal:  a united world!

Where do we go from here?

Certainly, one of the greatest men to live in my lifetime, was the Reverend Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.  Had he lived, he would have turned 96 last week.  It's difficult to remember sometimes that he accomplished so much in just 39 years of life.  

Today it the civil holiday honoring Dr King, and although many are looking at other events today, I'd like to share these words excerpted from his Where Do We Go From Here? speech, delivered at the 11th Annual Southern Christian Leadership Conference Convention in Atlanta, GA back on August 16, 1967:

"I'm concerned about a better World. I’m concerned about justice; I’m concerned about brotherhood and sisterhood; I’m concerned about truth. And when one is concerned about that, he can never advocate violence. For through violence you may murder a murderer, but you can’t murder murder. Through violence you may murder a liar, but you can’t establish truth. Through violence you may murder a hater, but you can’t murder hate through violence. Darkness cannot put out darkness; only light can do that.

"And I say to you, I have also decided to stick with love, for I know that love is ultimately the only answer to humankind’s problems. And I’m going to talk about it everywhere I go. I know it isn’t popular to talk about it in some circles today. And I’m not talking about emotional bosh when I talk about love; I’m talking about a strong, demanding love. For I have seen too much hate. I say to myself that hate is too great a burden to bear. I have decided to love. If you are seeking the highest good, I think you can find it through love. And the beautiful thing is that we aren’t moving wrong when we do it, because John was right, God is love. He who hates does not know God, but he who loves has the key that unlocks the door to the meaning of ultimate reality.

"And so I say to you today, my friends, that you may be able to speak with the tongues of men and angels; you may have the eloquence of articulate speech; but if you have not love, it means nothing. Yes, you may have the gift of prophecy; you may have the gift of scientific prediction and understand the behavior of molecules; you may break into the storehouse of nature and bring forth many new insights; yes, you may ascend to the heights of academic achievement so that you have all knowledge; and you may boast of your great institutions of learning and the boundless extent of your degrees; but if you have not love, all of these mean absolutely nothing. You may even give your goods to feed the poor; you may bestow great gifts to charity; and you may tower high in philanthropy; but if you have not love, your charity means nothing. You may even give your body to be burned and die the death of a martyr, and your spilt blood may be a symbol of honor for generations yet unborn, and thousands may praise you as one of history’s greatest heroes; but if you have not love, your blood was spilt in vain. What I’m trying to get you to see this morning is that a man may be self-centered in his self-denial and self-righteous in his self-sacrifice. His generosity may feed his ego, and his piety may feed his pride. So without love, benevolence becomes egotism, and martyrdom becomes spiritual pride."

Back on my soapbox

There are a LOT of things I could talk about this week.  So much of it is bad.  As I often say though, WE can make a difference.  Things get better when WE care enough to get involved.  So, this morning, instead of moaning about the bad, let me get up on my soapbox once again and urge us all to do some good.

Tomorrow is the civil holiday honoring Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.  Just looking at this incredible man and all he accomplished in his short time on earth should energize us to get involved and want to do good too.

Tomorrow is also when the White House occupants will change and regardless of who you voted for and how you feel about things, there will be some differences.  Stay informed on the facts from reliable sources and when something doesn't seem good to you, speak up.  At the same time, when you see do, speak up about that too.  All too often we only complain about the bad and seem to ignore the good things in our world.  There is good!

Is it too late to make resolutions?  Of course not.  It's always good to decide on positive changes.  For the past eight years I have coordinated blood drives and each year I have a goal of doing better.  I also write a blog about kindness, not because I am an expert or because I think I am an especially kind person, but to remind me every single day that I can do better.  We all can.

While we may hear a lot of negativity this week, let's turn it around and see the positive.  Now please don't think I'm suggesting we ignore the bad.  Not at all.  We need to all work on positive changes for the good of ourselves and for the whole world.  I think we can do better.  I always think we can do better!

Turn Around

Do you feel like you are just going nowhere in your job or in you education or in your social activities? There are other options, you know. The song that says It's too late to turn back now, is WRONG. You can always change!

Now, I'm not saying that you should make a change. You are the one who needs to make that decision.  First, step back from the picture and look at all sides. You might want to talk about things with a close family member or friend. You might also want to seek out a professional for advice. Just know that because you are heading in a certain direction, doesn't mean you have to keep going that way. Is it the right direction for you?

No matter how long you have traveled in the wrong direction, you can always turn around. Nothing says you cannot admit being wrong. If you are, be confident and know that there is no shame in turning around.

 

show the world your joy

Do you ever notice how small children always seem to be happy? Why can't the same be true for adults? Yes, every single moment of our life is not necessarily magic, but I think we could have a lot more joy if only we tried a little more!  Even with a pandemic all around us, increased hate crimes, and a slowed down economy, there is still something to be happy about.

Babies and small children are really good at showing off their happiness too. It seems there is something else we could copy from them!  Did you ever see a toddler giggle?  Oh my!

Someone once said that life is not about making others happy. Life is about sharing your happiness with others! Even those little tiny happy moments are worth sharing! Have I had happy moments in the past year?  You betcha!  Show the world your joy, especially when there seems to be so much darkness. You just might be surprised at the results!

an animal post

Animals are a lot smarter than you may think.  Your animals just might be able to look out for you. 

Most of the time though it is YOU who need to be looking out for your animals.  I have written here in the past about animal cruelty and neglect, but I keep seeing horror stories that make me want to keep reminding people. 

There is something we all need to consider when taking an animal into our home.  Are we able to care for it?  Do we have the time, the energy, the space, the money, the desire that is necessary to be guardian for a cat or dog or other animal?  (A very large dog, for example, is not going to have enough space in a tiny apartment).  If the answer is no, then proceeding with bringing an animal into your home is inviting neglect, even if that is not our intention.

I remember the time I saw a dog tied up outside a cafe while his caretaker was inside enjoying a nosh.  Poor little thing was crying and looking oh so sad.  Seems like maybe the dog would have been better off being left at home where at least he would have been in familiar surroundings.

Neglect and abandonment are the most common forms of companion animal abuse here in the United States.  Many studies have found a link between cruelty to animals and other forms of interpersonal violence. 

Think before you bring an animal home.  If you decide you cannot keep an animal you already have, look for a home where the pet will be well cared for or call your local animal shelter.  Do NOT just abandon the animal.  If you see abuse or neglect, report it!  Get involved.  Care.

Picture cooperation

I've told you this particular story about cooperation before, but I really like it, and since cooperation is such a great thing, I thought I'd share this story again.  (It isn't my story, by the way, but I don't know the author).

It's about a man who was taken on a tour of both heaven and hell. In hell he was shown a banquet hall filled with diners seated at a table that was covered with all kinds of delicious food. Each person’s back and left arm were tied to the chair so that bending at the waist was impossible, and the left arm could not move. The right arm was stiffened so that the elbow would not bend. The people at the table could gaze at the delicious spread and they could smell the aroma of the food, but they were starving.

In heaven, the picture was exactly the same – backs and left arms shackled, right arms stiffened – but the diners were feasting and rejoicing, because each diner used his stiffened right arm to feed the person to his or her right. It was a picture of people working together – a picture of cooperation. Working together as a team, we can do so much more!

Think about it.  How wonderful this world would be if we all worked together!

another chance for us to get it right

With this first month of the year nearly half over, how are you coming with those resolutions? Didn't do so well? Hey! There's always next month - or next year! I think it was Oprah Winfrey who said, "Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right." Of course, we can ask "What is right?"

Some of those resolutions that folks make at the beginning of the year, are really so difficult, that we have little chance.  That doesn't mean we shouldn't make resolutions but stop beating yourself up because you only lost five pounds when you said you were going to lose fifty.  Set realistic goals if you like, but be kind to yourself.  Encourage others along the way and quite often they will also encourage you.

Now, I'm not a huge fan of resolutions. Do your best every day of your life. THAT should be a goal everyone can get behind. Things like showing concern for my neighbor and trying to make a difference, are lifelong resolutions for me, and I believe in Oprah's "another chance for us to get it right" idea, but in my case I think of every day like that. Each day of our life we can try to do better and to be better.

So, let me ask you, are there goals that you have? Have you resolved to do any particular things? Share some of those with us!

Paying it forward

In his 1841 essay Compensation, Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: "In the order of nature we cannot render benefits to those from whom we receive them, or only seldom. But the benefit we receive must be rendered again, line for line, deed for deed, cent for cent, to somebody."  In other words, instead of paying back the person who did this good for you, pay it forward to someone else.
 

The idea isn't a new one but it can certainly be extraordinary.  In his movie, Haley Joel Osment, tries to make a huge difference in the lives of others after his teacher assigns the class to think of something to change the world and put it into action. Osment's character begins a movement that is responsible for some pretty incredible actions.  (This film by the way is twenty years old so some you may not have seen it.  Take a look.  It's very uplifting).
 

I'm not just talking here about random acts of kindness, although sometimes they are the same.  There may be another movement these days because I have certainly been hearing a number of heartwarming stories. Even in the midst of this pandemic I am hearing stories of generous gift-giving and of restaurant servers receiving unusually high gratuities. 

 

Of course we may not all have the funds to be this generous, but we can still help.  Maybe a group of people will get together for a cause.  Several people working together will lower the cost.  The cost does not have to be high either.  Next time you are in a restaurant and you see a waiter heading to someone's table with their check, intercept that server and pay the check yourself.  Paying it forward will really make you feel wonderful.

Inspired by Kennedy

When I was young, Robert Francis Kennedy was the junior US Senator from New York State, where I was growing up.  I remember him saying “There are those that look at things the way they are, and ask why? I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?” Those words had a profound impact on me.

Robert Kennedy's life was cut short by a bullet, but he had already gotten my attention.  I don't know how many lives he touched; we never know such things.  I do know that ever since I have been trying to not only get involved and make a difference in the world, but to motivate others to participate too.  I really believe that it was Senator Kennedy who inspired me.

We may not all be inspired by a Kennedy, but we all can give back to this world of ours.  It isn't important that we give in a certain way - the important thing is that we just do it!

happiness

On this Saturday morning, are you happy? Right now as you read this, do you have a smile on your face? Is there a feeling of joy about you? 

I want to talk about happiness here today because there are folks who never seem to be happy and others who always seem to be happy. It doesn't have to be an either-or situation. Do you fall into either group, or are you more in between?

There is a statement attributed to Abraham Lincoln that I find a lot of truth in. "Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be." In other words, we can decide if we are going to be happy or not.  It's up to us, at least in part.  Yes, I know bad things happen and I don't expect us to smile through those moments of sorrow, but I bet we can all smile a little bit more.

I'm fortunate to be part of a family that has always been filled with joy and I seem to find friends that are the same way. While every single day might not be the most marvelous, what good is feeling bad about it? There are always good things to look at! May your day be filled with happiness and the month ahead bring you lots of smiles!

all smiles

Did you ever notice that a smile isn't just the position of your mouth? When most of us smile, we use our whole face. We smile with our eyes, even if they aren't wide open. When I see someone smile, it makes me happy. How about you?  Do smiles brighten your day?

When I see someone who isn't smiling, I try all the harder. I smile every single day. Why? Because it really is contagious. You'd be amazed at how many smiles will show up as a result of yours!

Oh, one more thing about smiles too.  I will never suggest we be cold and uncaring about someone's bad moments. People you encounter might be going through financial or health difficulties or may have just been touched by the death of a loved one. These days are certainly more difficult than ever before, but there is still reason to smile.  

There are many reasons why someone's smile might disappear, but we can still smile with a loving and caring smile.  Let the world you encompass shine!

One person's trash

Something that one person considers to be worthless just might be considered valuable by someone else.  I think the old saying is that one man's trash is another man's treasure. 

You might also look at it as always seeing something positive, even in something as seemingly worthless as garbage.

I know people who always see the positive.  I try to be like that myself.  I would much rather enjoy the everyday experiences and rejoice in the hidden beauty that is so often missed than to spend unnecessary time and money going for the lavish expensive things that so many covet but which all too often are really overrated.

There is so much good - everywhere.  All we have to do is open our eyes and our minds.  Now, I'm not saying we should wallow in dirt and filth, but we can appreciate the less extravagant.  We can also do something about the filth and make it so that everyone might enjoy it!

Share a little tea

Is your life at all hectic?  Try though we may, there are moments of tension or stress that we just seem to not be able to get rid of.  Sometimes we try to do too much, or we let things we cannot control overtake us.  Good advice often is to simply slow down and relax and maybe share a little tea.  Peppermint perhaps?  Someone gave me a tin of teas this past Christmas, and I have really enjoyed the delicious variety.

 

All of life's answers are not simple ones.  Sometimes we need help.  Never should we feel alone or under a huge weight of burden that we cannot handle.  Certainly, I don't have all the answers!  If we really want to change the world though, one thing we can do though which is an awful lot of help, if to be present for others!  Being there.  Wow!  That really can be a powerful thing.

 

When things get overwhelming, remember there are professionals out there too.  Don't let stress or worry overtake you.  It's only the middle of the week.  Slow down, relax, and maybe have some tea, and if you feel you need it, get help.

Be Your Own Hero

I've talked here before about heroes - a lot.  I've asked on occasion who your heroes are and what you think makes a hero.  Having a hero in your life is a good thing, and there is no limit on how many heroes you have.  You can certainly have more than one hero.  Parents and siblings frequently make the list.

Show me a picture of a hero.  It's hard to do.  They come in all shapes and sizes!  Pull out a mirror.  Do you see a hero?

Something we don't give much thought to though is what we think of ourselves.  How do we view our own contributions?  Have we done good and courageous things?  Each of us cannot just have heroes and be heroes to others, we can also be our OWN hero!  I'm not talking about being puffed up and in love with ourselves.  You can be proud of yourself and still be humble.

Think about it.  Are you proud of things you have done?  Picture that person you consider a hero in your life.  How do they differ from you or do they differ at all?  What does your family think of you?  What do your friends think?  If you don't consider yourself a hero, there still is time - go do something heroic!

Time Won't Let Me

Does anyone remember the song "Time Won't Let Me" recorded by The Outsiders back in 1965?  For some reason that tune was running through my head and it got me thinking about time.  Lately, like many of you, I have had a LOT of extra time.  Without going to restaurants, sporting events, concerts, even our usual workplace, we have changed our whole way of doing things.  You would think we had all become more productive, huh?

"Some day when I have more time."  Have you ever said that?  I know I have.  Of course there was also "someday when I'm older," or "someday when I get married," or even "someday I'll read that book."  Does that "some day" ever come though?  Saying that time won't let me is not a valid excuse at all.  We don't need more time, we need to value and make good use of the time we have!

I remember clearly my mother's last Christmas.  It was a very simple observance because she had just moved.  Almost everything she owned was packed away.  We observed the holiday, but on a much smaller scale than usual.  We said next year will be much bigger and better.  Mom passed away before that next Christmas.  We never had the bigger and better celebration.

I'm not blaming time anymore.  I'm going to be more generous and more present.  I'm going to make every single moment count.  No more wait until next year.  No more some day.  From now on it's this day and this moment.  Celebrate!  Be here!  Join me and let's all make the most out of every single moment we are given.

do the right thing

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was a great man, usually referred to with the honorific Mahatma, meaning venerable, and most often thought of as a leader of non-violence.  He is often quoted and had some wonderful things to say about doing the right thing.

It is easy to do the "expected thing."  Many folks do the "thing that will bring them the most recognition."  The "right thing though is often the toughest - frequently it is not the popular thing to do.

“It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important," according to Gandhi. "You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there'll be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing."

 

Gandhi was so very wise.  He went on to say "You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.”

Live in the now

One of the biggest mistakes some folks make is to live a live filled with regrets.  I'm talking about those who strive so hard to get to another place, that they miss all the joys of being where they are.

 

There is nothing wrong with having goals.  In fact it is quite healthy to plan new adventures and to want change.  A lot of folks just made New Year's resolutions.  It can become unhealthy though if it is an obsession. Stop waiting for Friday to come as if you can only be happy on your days off from work.  Stop waiting for your vacations with the mindset that you are miserable the rest of the time.  Look with joy to relaxation of course but never feel like the rest of the time is bad or the bus will simply pass you by.  I know of people who dread Mondays. As for me, I'm excited for each new week I'm alive and I greet Monday (and pretty much every day) with a smile.

 

Do you know anyone who is desperately waiting for someone to fall in love with them?  This is the same thing.  Yes, it would be lovely if you had a life partner and who would not want to be loved, but don't focus on that above all else and stop living your live in the here and now.  It certainly won't make you a very attractive candidate for romance.  Even worse, it won't be good for you.

 

When we live in the now and find enjoyment in our daily lives, we are much happier people.  The world can always use more happiness!

Happiness is a warm puppy

The wonderful Peanuts cartoonist Charles Shultz said “Happiness is a warm puppy.”  That gives you an immediate image.  You can picture it immediately.  What else is happiness though?  What makes you happy?  What do you do to bring happiness to others?

Obviously, there is not just one answer to my question.  It's going to be a little bit different for each individual.  I really think that being happy is a choice.  We each have the power to bring happiness into our lives and into the lives of others. WE can make it happen!  In fact, Ralph Waldo Emerson makes the same point when he said, “For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”

Being angry or being unhappy can and does happen, even when we are trying to be upbeat and cheerful, but my point is that we can change things.  We can turn a bad day into a good one, just by changing our attitude.

So be happy, and while you're at it, spread some of that happiness around!

Smell the flowers along the way

What do you see? A brown eyed susan? A beautiful blue sky? A brightly colored roof? There is beauty everywhere just as there is good all around us. We only need to look and listen and smell and hear and feel.  There are difficult days and there is ugliness, but we shouldn't let ourselves get caught up in that.

 

To really make a difference in this world we need to have open minds and open hearts and open eyes.  We need to enjoy life.  We need to smell those flowers!  Really.  I used to say that every day and I still mean it.  Smell the flowers along the way.  Really.  It's important. No, we don't have to actually bend down and put our nose to a flower, but we do need to live! 

 

We have so much to give, and it all starts with love.  Smell the flowers along the way.  They're only here for a very short time and they need a lot of love to grow!

Happy New Year!

Here we are beginning a brand-new year. I hope that it is a good one for all of us. I really want to be a better person, and I hope each of us tries to do better. We CAN make a difference!

I know a lot of folks are already planning for the worst, but to me that seems a bit backward. Let us instead plan for and work for the best. Let us be kind and caring and always willing to help wherever needed.

On Sunday, one of this country's most decent citizens died. Former President Jimmy Carter was 100 years old and is being remembered for not only his time in office, but also as a champion of human rights, justice, and peace.  Following his example would be an excellent way to honor his memory and to make a positive difference in the days ahead.

Never give up.  Instead, work to improve your life and the lives of others.  Let us make this an excellent year and keep building on fairness and decency.  May the days ahead be good ones for all of us.  Happy New Year!