Still missing this beautiful lady . . . .

July 1, 1961 - August 31, 1997

"I want my boys to have an understanding of people's emotions, their insecurities, people's distress, and their hopes and dreams."

-Princess Diana

Beauty at any age . . . .

Hang on to your sanity . . . .

If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane.

-Jimmy Buffet

A simple thank you will do . . . .

Mark Twain once said, "I can live for two months on a good compliment." Isn't that the truth? Compliments are HUGE. They can make such a difference in someone's life. However, it is amazing how many of us are not very good at accepting them. If you think about it, the person giving the compliment saw something wonderful in you that they wanted to convey. If we respond with a dismissive remark, it can be insulting, not only to the giver, but it indicates that we don't value what we've been complimented on. At the very least, we need to acknowledge our own self-worth by accepting the compliment confidently. Simply saying thank you is enough. I'm holding on to the one I received a week ago. According to Mr. Twain, I have another 7 weeks to enjoy that one!

Here are a few good ones..............

"God was just showing off when he created you."

-from the movie Keeping the Faith

"Baby, you're the greatest."

-from The Honeymooners

"You're the best friends anybody ever had."

-Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz

"You have muscles in places most people don't have places."

-Bucky Waters

Becoming real . . . .

Becoming real is a point in your life when you stop listening to what others believe you should be, and start listening to your heart. Your heart has been speaking to you for years! The process of 'becoming real' begins when you decide to listen - when you learn to accept and appreciate what it is that makes you different from all the others. As you learn to trust the wisdom of your heart and begin to make creative choices based on what you know is right for you, it is at this point, we grow into ourselves. This is when becoming real, becomes reality.

"Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else."

-Judy Garland

Believe in yourself . . . .

"You are powerful and influential when you believe in yourself! Life is a gift and its challenges are a chance to grow and develop further as a human being."

-Christina Waltner - yoga instructor

What's in it for me? . . . .

If we ask ourself that question every time we give something, it ceases to be a gift. At that point it becomes an exchange, or a trade for some kind of reward. Mind you, our intentions are likely genuine, but we can unintentionally spoil the lovely experience of giving, by focusing on what we will eventually receive in return. Giving without expectation is the ultimate joy. I personally feel that whatever you give will come back to you many times over, often in completely unpredictable ways. Enjoy the wonderful surprises that present themselves to you when you have given with full intention of receiving nothing in return.

I promise, the ultimate rewards are the warm feelings that come from the act of giving!

The Invitation . . . .

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living.

I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare

to dream of meeting your heart's longing. . . . .

From the book The Invitation

In a world of endless small talk, constant traffic jams, and overburdened schedules, "The Invitation" opens the door to a new way of life - a way of intimacy, honesty, and peace with ourselves, others, and the world around us. The author invites us to embrace the varieties of human experience, from desire and commitment to sorrow and betrayal, and to open ourselves to all that is possible. The Invitation is an invaluable guide to overcoming the obstacles that stand in our way and to discovering the true beauty that life has to offer.

The best part of the day . . . .

When my kids were young, we used to go around the dinner table and each take turns sharing our highlight of the day. It was a way to focus on what was positive about our day, instead of all the negativity, setbacks or challenges that we may have faced that day. (We could deal with that later.) I was thinking about my day yesterday that consisted of an 11 hour travel day, and trying to find something that I could call my greatest moment. My highlight of yesterday was the way my husband and I travel together. We sit on the plane with our arms locked, leaning on each other, sharing a set of ear phones so we can listen to the same music, and smile at each other as our favorite songs play. After 25 years of marriage that is definitely a highlight that I can be grateful for.

What was your highlight for today?

Take a look at yourself . . . .

We make judgements about others all the time, and we often don't even realize it. We judge others because it's a lot easier than looking at our own faults. Unfortunately, it's also completely unproductive and, in many cases, harmful. It causes ill-feelings in relationships, and even worse, it prevents us from trying to improve ourselves. Recognizing our own faults gives us the opportunity to grow. Try to catch yourself in the act of judging, turn it around, and judge yourself instead! Consider how you could improve!

"Woman Looking In Mirror"

by artist

Linda Naiman