Yesterday, I posted the “no complaining for 24 hours” challenge and took it myself. It was easy and felt so good, I am doing it again today. My bestie since birth, Carole, commented on how easy it was for her because her mom, Judy, taught her complaining didn’t get you anywhere. Great lesson, but plenty of people have great teachers, yet never put into practice what has been shared with them. I have to also add, —and I probably should have asked Carole first but I am taking the liberty here—that when Carole was being treated with chemo for breast cancer some years ago, she told me how she wouldn’t complain to her friends about it because NO ONE wants to spend time with complainers, and she wanted to continue to hang out with her friends. So simple, but so huge! Carole may or may not realize this, but that line–that concept–impacted me and made sooooooooooo much sense. Most everyone in the world wants to be with people who are upbeat and spread light. Can we always be that person? I don’t think so but we can surely always do our best. Thanks, Carole, for the lesson and for your constant light.
I see there is a formal announcement on Facebook of the Swanson Award winner. Apparently Grace overcame some pretty serious health challenges and has found that by coming regularly to SilverSneakers classes, her health and her life have improved tremendously. Congratulations to her. In all fairness, Charlotte is pretty much the picture of health, so….once again, she’s a winner. Ok, she did outlive not one, but 2 husbands (and has been sworn off men by her children who say she kills them). I was a little concerned when she wasn’t in class today, but found out that she opted for the casino, instead. Gotta love her. Talk about a shining light.
Mitch and I completed the 21-day meditation challenge, which came with 2 bonus days. I plan on continuing to spend at least 10 minutes “sitting” each morning before the day unfolds, which seems to be the best time for me. Besides all the positive effects meditation is scientifically proven to have on the mind and body, it really gives one a chance to BE PRESENT. This means that though thoughts of the past and the future will go through the mind, returning to the present (which is the goal) is happening, at least in intervals. Somehow, being present allows us to let the past go a little more easily and worry less about the future. I heard a quote recently (on Criminal Minds…yes, I am obsessed) by David Rossi–it was something about how our scars tell us where we have been, but don’t determine where we are going. I loved it, because each and every day we have the ability to move beyond our past and create a new present. Today really is the first day of the rest of our lives…
And speaking of today…it is the 3rd of September…which really just wants to make me sing aloud…thank you Temptations!
Finally, I found this little gem on Facebook today. It reminds me of what I said to Nicole and Kyle in their wedding toast, about depositing more into the wedding box than you withdraw. Marriages, friendships, all relationships require a lot of give and take. I was thinking about it and thinking the only exception is parent/child, because it’s expected parents give a hell of a lot. But then I thought, there comes a time when your kids start giving back. Maybe it’s with accomplishments that make parents proud or maybe it’s bringing home the perfect addition to the family. (Thanks, boys) Maybe it’s the care we give to our ailing or elderly parents. Whatever it is, we must always remember that we cannot expect from others what we are not willing to give ourselves because that would make life a one way street and we all know that is not the case!
I’m ALWAYS happy to share whatever might help anyone else… so THANKS for your post…
I love the FaceBook ‘gem’ – “Be a reflection of what you’d like to see in others”… I LOVE that!
No complaints here!! ;^)