Move Over Lemons............

       "When opportunity doesn't knock, build a door" ~ Adrienne Gusoff

Yes, Yes, Yes...build a door darn it! I think as a society their is a sense of entitlement that many feel,  as if things should come our way with the greatest of ease. I'm just not in that camp. I truly feel when we want to achieve something and it is not presenting itself, (those stars can't always line up correctly) we do indeed need to build a door.


So go ahead and build your door, make it happen.....knowing the sense of accomplishment will be your sweet reward!


**An OMG moment...while typing this post I am listening to Pandora Radio.  Bob Dylan's "Knocking On Heavens Door" came on. Crazy Right??

Years Bring Wisdom...............

"Growing older is like climbing a mountain: the higher you get, the more strength you need, but the further you see".

Received this quote in my email the other day and really identified with it's meaning. I do feel the older I get I am required to muster up more strength...and I'm not just talking physical, because goodness knows I sigh when I get out of bed in the morning with body aches, but referring to the more substantial issues that I am faced with the older I get.


It's the second part of this quote that really brings me comfort. I do feel with age has come the ability to "see further" and in a more soulful way. I am now able to find the good in more and more situations, I can put reason and compassion in the mix when disagreeing with someone and realize there is more than one way to look at things. I feel I can offer insight and guidance to teenage sons, even though at times they remind me I "just don't get it". Also, in relationships I can truly appreciate the value they bring into my Life. Another very important piece that has come with age is the confidence to follow my heart and put forth in the world what I believe in, regardless of the resistance that sometimes come along with it.


All these aspects of life were lost in my younger years. Perhaps "seeing further" is saved for the later years..or wait a minute, as I write this I think, they were not "lost" I simply had not acquired them yet, because I had to "live and learn" along the way. That's when the age and wisdom piece falls into place. 


Each morning I whisper a silent prayer, seeking patience and guidance, as well as strength to face the "climb" ahead....as I look to add my own little piece/peace in the world!

Ode to Thelma..............

I recently found myself belly laughing to a story being told! It's a family story that I have heard many times and each time I hear it I have the same reaction.  My eyes water, my speech becomes limited and I can't catch my breath as giggles tumble into a roar. It feels fabulous! The rush of "happy" fills me and I don't want it to end. It got me thinking......"why isn't there more laughter in our days"......there use to be........ wasn't there?? Such carefree kids we were.


Could it be responsibilities, maturity and pressures of Life take over and frequent bouts of laughter fly out the window?  


But laughter is so therapeutic!


I remember having a job years ago (you know who you are) that consisted of a great deal of laughter on a daily basis. No matter how many times I heard the stories (from dodging a sprinkler with eeww the car was so close, to a Christmas tree falling over and pinning a not so obedient child) tears of laughter would fill my eyes and warm my heart!


It gets me thinking....there is clearly a correlation between sharing laughter and the positive role it plays in our daily lives. It makes the "mundane of the day" that bit more enjoyable. It makes us aware of "the funny".


Now I could share with you the family story I mentioned in the beginning of this post, but it would clearly not be as funny to you as it is to me, because it's lengthy and knowing the people involved is key. (and I must protect their identity) I will however share a piece of advice.... "if you are ever traveling by bus/train, don't lie your head down to sleep on the empty seat next to you. You never know when a fellow passenger is walking to "stretch his legs" and suddenly looses his balance and needs to sit"!


So how about we lighten up, bring laughter back to our days....and fill our hearts with "funny"!

Touch A Life.............

It feels as though I have become a little relaxed with my actions to spread happiness (beyond what comes naturally).  I don't like it...so today I take a stand and commit to bring back to the front of my mind, how I can share a little kindness to brighten some one's day.....and I WILL follow through with it! 

I WILL engage in cheerful banter while waiting in line at the market
I WILL smile and say hello to those I pass in the store
I WILL smile while driving, to feel that silly rush that reminds me there are things to be happy about in each day
I WILL mail a note to someone special
I WILL place "you matter" sticky notes randomly out in public
I WILL hug my family just a little longer (refraining from hugging strangers feels like a wise choice)


Would love to hear what's on your list!

Taking The Oath..................

My efforts to live in the moment and touch lives along the way, has enriched my soul in a way I want to continue. I strive to make it a natural way of living, that doesn't require much thought to make happen, it is woven into my awareness and appreciation for all that I am blessed with.

Take nothing for granted!

This "positive thoughts" way of living feels so natural and at the same time burdensome when I find myself defending it and trying to explain myself. That's when I must dig deeper, but I'll be honest sometimes I just get cranky....that's where the guilt lies. There is this thought that those of us who live a glass half full way of life, are being hypocritical if we allow our less than positive attitude present itself.

I want to go on record as saying "there are moments in each and everyday that hold tenderness and goodness. We can choose for ourselves how we will see them...and that can vary from time to time....but the real tenderness comes into play as we interact and respond to those that are seeing it in a different way".

How wonderful it would be if we could all choose to keep in mind that there is goodness around us, while being compassionate that everyone is going through something and bringing to each moment their own perspective and glass filled to wherever they choose......and that glass level will go up and down.... I know mine sure does!

              

             Love is in the air......memories I hold in my heart

Eating a fuzzy peach on Falmouth Heights Beach as a toddler

Walking through our new 300 yr. old house after being handed the keys

Celebrating my parents 50th wedding anniversary

Tender moments with my Mémère in her final days

Both times a "plus" sign came up on the pregnancy tests

The moments I first held each of my sons & whispered in their ears

Being an angel in the 6th grade Christmas Pageant at church 

Dancing to "One In A Million You" on our wedding day

Mark coming home with a slice of Red Velvet cake to celebrate my first blog post!

Something Good.................

Recently I was asked what I see myself doing in five years. While the specifics are not yet clear to me,  I was able to share what it will involve.


What I know for sure.....I want to be an essential part of something good! I want to feel the vibe of people working together, as we make a difference for others, touching lives and adding value!

My path is not exact just yet, nor do I feel it needs to be. As long as the steps that I am taking are leading me in the right direction, I am content....and that feels good!

On my quest, I am becoming more aware and tailoring my surroundings to include people I want to spend time with, activities I want to participate in and pursuing areas I want to learn more about. Also, asking myself if the time I am spending on something is moving me forward.......closer to my goal?  


Defining my goal, as broad as it is at this time, provides me with direction and motivation.  I challenge myself to approach each and everyday with an open heart and mind, to all the possibilities that are before me.....and the ones I make up along the way!