Happiness

Happiness, Life lessons

Be Brave

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LightheartedSigns

So many times, as I’ve learned about great leaders throughout history, I’ve imagined that they’re different somehow – that they didn’t feel the fear and trepidation that I do. But it isn’t true. These brave men and women experienced the same weakness and self -doubt any human does; they simply overcame it.

“I came to the conclusion
that there is an existential moment in your life
when you must decide to speak for yourself;
nobody else can speak for you.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Men, their rights, and nothing more; women, their rights, and nothing less.”
Susan B. Anthony

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”
Mahatma Gandhi

Photo by LightheartedSigns.

Happiness

Wedded Bliss

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Love2

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” Lao Tzu

I attended a wedding in Hawaii this week. It was as beautiful as you can imagine. Set on the beach with waves crashing behind and a clear, blue sky above, a ring of flowers represented the altar.

The couple, dressed in white, has been together 15 years, deciding now is the time to make it official. Having been married and divorced, I’ve often wondered why some folks insist on getting married. Why not just live together?

But seeing these two exchange rings and say their vows, promising to love and grow as one, pledging that they’ll never be alone, tears of joy making their eyes shiny, made me see why. They’ve been through a lot together: losing family support, opening and closing businesses, encountering uncalled for hatred and bias. Their wedding was a victory, a testament to their commitment.

It’s clear to me that there were more than 25 people on the beach that day. God and all that is good was there too, enveloping us with love and blessings.

Weddings always make me cry, and this one was no different. Yes, the newlyweds are two men, and yes, their commitment can finally be formally recognized, but the significance of this day is as beautiful as any wedding that has ever taken place. Love truly does conquer all.

Photo courtesy of Dennis Skley

Happiness, Life lessons

Learning Patience from a Wienie Dog

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Mickey

When my boyfriend moved in with us, he brought his little dog, Mickey. Mickey is about 8 lbs., 10″ tall, and doesn’t take no for an answer. A miniature dachshund with a big attitude, he’s tasked with teaching me how to slow down.

When I take Mickey for walks, he goes at his own pace and he rules the road. Any tugging on my part is rewarded with a staunch, dogged (no pun intended) resistance. He’ll put his head down as if to say, “I’m in charge here, lady. Don’t even think we’re moving yet.” As a doer with many tasks to complete, this drives me crazy. Does he not know all that’s on my list?

But after a minute or two of wondering why he must smell every single blade of grass, I look up and around. I see leaves blowing off of trees, hear birds chirping, and smell the coming of Fall. Sometimes patience is taught by the most unlikely of characters; in this case, he’s known all along what he’s here to do.

Happiness, Parenting

Censorship

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Censorship

Can it be that we’re in a time machine? Is it even possible that censorship is being proposed in our school system?

I don’t follow the news much but this recent craziness regarding changing what we teach our students so that we can “promote citizenship, patriotism, essentials and benefits of the free enterprise system, respect for authority and respect for individual rights” as well as not “encourage or condone civil disorder, social strife or disregard of the law” has me in a state of wonder.

The United States of America does not have a pretty past but that does not mean we can stick our heads in the sand and pretend those things didn’t happen. How else can we learn not to make the same mistakes again? I recently read a great book inspired by the historical figure of Sarah Grimke. “The Invention of Wings” by Sue Monk Kidd follows two young girls – one white, one black – who wondered why they had the roles they did. Why one had to “own” the other? Why girls couldn’t own property or vote? They both eventually made real changes in their world and isn’t that what it’s all about?

No country is perfect just as no individual is perfect. We are all learning as we go and we hope we’re heading in the right direction. It is only by reflection that we can see whether we need to steer left or right, front or back. To the students and teachers who are speaking out against this censorship, I applaud you. For that truly is a step in the right direction.

Photo by Andréia Bohner

Happiness

Friends Forever

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 Friendship

 Yesterday was a gift of friendship. First, I went to lunch with a childhood friend and she gave me a birthday gift reminiscent of our youth. This small item plays a song that she and I shared in our world of make believe. It was a world filled with happiness and laughter. Opening and seeing this adorable instrument brought back a flood of cherished memories.

In the evening, another dear friend (this one from high school days) and her husband took my boyfriend and I to Lannie’s Clocktower Cabaret for “The Songs of Sam Cooke & Stevie Wonder – Starring Soul Singer – De Thomas.” What a blast! The place was booming with excitement and catapulted us back to a time of musical genius.

When I got home, I just couldn’t stop thinking about how lucky I am to be so blessed. Good friends, the ones that stick by you through self doubt and broken hearts, are what make this sometimes crazy life fabulous. If we all do one thing today, it should be to call a friend and say, “Hey, I was just thinking about you…”

Photo courtesy of bekassine…

Happiness

Ever the Student

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Birthday

I just celebrated another birthday and although some could panic at another year gone by, I’m learning that each year brings new opportunity to learn. I have many things on my list including learning how to:

  • write children’s books and finish mine plus a few more
  • get my newly minted book(s) published
  • let go of things I cannot control
  • be as good a friend as mine are
  • relax
  • meditate (for real, not just sitting and wishing those random thoughts would go away)
  • be kinder and gentler

One thing I’ve learned so far: never say never and never say always, because absolutes simply don’t roll in this crazy little thing called life.

Photo courtesy of Theresa Thompson

Happiness

Meditate for Peace on August 8

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Meditation

I just learned about a world event taking place on August 8, 2014 at 10am (MDT). Deepak Chopra has organized a meditation event to promote peace:

“Studies have shown that setting an intention brings you tangibly closer to your goal. What would happen if we brought together a critical mass to set the shared intention for peace—within ourselves, and around the world? We need your help to find out.

Be at the epicenter of this historic event as we attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest group meditation in history…”

Won’t you join me?

Photo courtesy of Moyan Brenn

Happiness

How Lucky We Are

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AmericanFlag

This morning, I heard the sound of a train and thought, “How lucky am I that this sound does not frighten me? Or that no sounds frighten me?”

Being in a Book Club for many years has enabled me to read books I wouldn’t otherwise read. Novels that take me back to times of slavery, the holocaust, or show me how, even now, there are places where freedom and happiness are unknown.

I am so thankful that, as a woman, I have the freedom to have an education, to own my own home, to travel, to choose my own partner and how I live. I hear someone complain about something here in the states and I wonder, “Do you know how lucky we are?”

Photo courtesy of Mike Mozart.

Community involvement, Happiness

What can I do?

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HomelessChildren

 

I’ve been thinking a lot about giving back to my community (beyond the occasional donations). I’m especially drawn to children in need; they didn’t ask for their lots in life.

So today, having just listened to Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror,” I’d like to commit to doing SOMETHING within the next 6 weeks. I know that sounds like a long time but I do have to find it first, y’know.

Photo courtesy of Alex.