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With whimsy, imagination and a little something from the heart. |
 May we give the light of love to those who need it most all the year through.
See you in the New Year.
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 I’ve checked all the boxes and am ready for Santa. I know I’ve been a little naughty, but mostly nice, I believe. I’ll let him decide. The most useful thing I can do now is review this past year. What can be improved upon? What things, as they say, “forget about it?” What positives to nurture and grow for the coming year? I’ll try to string all of these together with a garland of gratitude.
Anyway, there’s not much else to say at this point. I wish you all peace and many blessings with whatever holiday you observe this year and for the coming year.  This week begins the twelve days of Christmas. The gold rings, milkers, swimmers, leapers, dancers, drummers, et al are great fun. How about a different version such as twelve days of kindness?
Following are ideas for the 12 days. It is so easy, even in the smallest way, to do a kindness for others, animals, the environment. So I invite your generosity of spirit and creativity to expand the list below. Dec. 13, day 1 – Pay someone a compliment. Be specific. Dec. 14, day 2 – Smile. Sometimes a smile is the only bright thing in someone’s day. Dec. 15, day 3 – Do an errand for a neighbor or friend who may be unable to get out. Dec. 16, day 4 – Be kind to the environment and your bank account. Unplug devices over night and reduce energy use where ever possible. Dec. 17, day 5 – Buy someone a coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Dec. 18, day 6 – Leave a treat in your mail box for the mail carrier. Dec. 19, day 7 Let’s not forget our fine feathered friends. Put out some suet and seeds for the birds. Dec. 20, day 8 – Leave an extra tip with an appreciative note. Paying it forward never gets old. Dec. 21, day 9 – Make a donation to a food bank, a toy drive or favorite charity. Dec. 22, day 10 – Leave sticky notes with positive messages where ever you go. Dec. 23, day 11 – Be kind to yourself. Taking the time for self-care helps us to maintain the reserves needed to take care of others . Dec. 24, day 12 – Have a very Merry Christmas or a very Merry holiday of your faith and tradition.  While trying how to start off this final month of the year, I came across the following by Linda Anderson Krech. I felt she really addresses the climate of the holiday season in a most poignant manner.
“Are you looking forward to the holiday season? If you are happy with the state of your life, and you’ll be spending time with people you love, it’s easy to look forward with positive anticipation. The jingles and the jangles of the season may sound sweet to you, and the holiday sparkle lifts your spirits. But not everyone is embedded in a cozy world of a loving family. Many people do not have a cohesive family, or a healthy family, or any family. The festive sounds and sights of the holiday may be experienced very differently if your relationships are under strain or if you find yourself isolated due to divorce, illness, relocation, rifts or the death of loved ones. One of the seasonal traps that we can fall into is focusing on what we don’t have. That’s so easy to do when we are saturated by images of the perfect family gatherings. If our life looks very different, we can become acutely aware of what is missing and find ourselves dwelling on what we don’t have. This sets us on the path of disappointment and self-pity. But this is where we can go beyond our circumstantial limitations and discover a way to make the holidays meaningful. What could that look like? We can do something interesting, creative, helpful, generous, loving or sweet and, in the process, replace self-pity with fulfillment and satisfaction. How to do this may not be at all obvious, at first glance. That’s part of the challenge and the opportunity to expand ourselves, using resourcefulness and taking initiative. What can you offer, and who can you offer it to? Can you lend a hand with activities that are already organized, or can you come up with a small scale effort of your own? Can you do something anonymously with strangers, or strategically with specific people you know, maybe gifts for school custodians or hospital staff, or special attention to the animals at the Humane Society. May we all find a way to work with and enjoy our circumstances. The more we attempt to use our energy toward the common good in some way, the more rewarded we will be in our own hearts and lives. It’s easy to lose sight of that simple truth under the holiday hubbub, but let's try to keep it in view." Comments are welcome.  Well, folks, this week totally got away from me. I had a technology issue that also blew out my internal circuits. The issue triggered a major freak out on my part. Thanks to a dear friend I was able to contact the service provider and arrange for a technician to come in the afternoon. A couple of other things went wrong while waiting for the afternoon to arrive. Thanks to another good friend, who came over to take a look at things. He actually found a simple solution which restored everything to working order. He even took me to get a coffee and sandwich for a needed treat. I then cancelled the tech and all has been well since. Fingers crossed.
After recovering from that episode, a second nasty thing happened which I will not go into. It did, however, result in loss of sleep. Like Alexander, I had a couple of terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days. Thus, we have here a nothing burger of a blog. Sometimes it can be difficult finding the positive from challenging situations. In this case it was an easy find. I am so grateful for the blessings of having good friends. They are to be cherished. Comments are welcomed  November, though it is almost over, has been National Gratitude Month. That is something that ought to be the theme of every month. That said, I learned some different ways to incorporate gratitude in our daily lives. Having a new approach to a habit or ritual can add some spark and fun that may have waned. It’s been said that when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Here are a few different looks.
Look for the “glimmers” throughout your day. Glimmers are those little things that give you joy, fun, happiness, smiles. The glimmers may also be special memories. It can be fun to count your glimmers as well as your blessings. Some might even be all wrapped up together. If you have difficulty sleeping, try singling out one person you care about. Think of all the things you appreciate about that person. This tends to be relaxing and focuses our attention on the positive. Those who have tried this, said they wake up in a better mood the next morning as well. Select one food for which you are grateful. Consider all aspects – where it came from, how it is produced, what goodness it provides for your body and health. I would not rule out a fun food as well. For me, my fun item is good coffee. One final suggestion. Everyone has a special skill, character strengths and something or some things they are really good at. What is your super power? What do you appreciate about your super power? How does it make a difference in your Life? This week Many will be celebrating Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to those of you. And, Happy Holidays to all during the upcoming holiday season however you celebrate. Comments are welcomed.  When Covid came along it profoundly changed our lives. Even though some degree of normalcy has returned, it still may never be as it once was. People of all ages have been seriously affected in many different ways. There’s no need to do a deep dive on this. You all know what I’m talking about. Now there’s another crisis brewing in the Middle East which has spilled over into protests in other countries.
I came across the following message from Linda Anderson Krech in the ToDo newsletter, which I felt was a great way to look at the current situation. “It's a difficult time in many respects, for many people across the globe. A time of crisis and terror, for many. A time when the basics of life are no longer available. And a time of grief and loss. But for some of us, life still holds together quite well and moves along quite smoothly. There are sporting events to attend and restaurants to enjoy. We may hear news on the way to the supermarket or in the comfort of our living rooms, but we are not directly touched by war and desperation. Should we not enjoy our good fortune, given all the suffering in the world? I think we should enjoy our lives as much as possible, to help balance what is occurring elsewhere. But more importantly, let's do something to be useful or helpful to someone else. If we can't directly help those in the war, then let's help someone nearby. We cannot save the world and can't even help the most needy, but we can do something for someone. We can make a gesture of kindness in the world. That's something we can do.” Comments are welcomed.  Here I sit. Still comfortable and secure on the fence. Still noodling whether to write or not to write. Taking a 360 view of things opens one up to new and different perspectives. Nothing like noticing new things to make one more mindful and present. You know, like that lovely sincere pumpkin patch which I may otherwise not have noticed. Consequently, I was able to come to a decision about my dilemma. Very simply, I decided I did not need to decide. Nope. I can stop making a big deal out of something that is a little deal in the great scheme of things. The bottom line is if I feel like writing, I will. If I don’t I won’t. And there you have it.
Just one more thing. A line in Robert Frost’s poem, Mending Wall, says, ”Good fences make good neighbors.” Good fences also make good thinking partners. So, if you find yourself in the morass of indecisiveness, grab your drink of choice, find a fence hop on and relish the view. Comments are welcomed.  Tomorrow is the annual time when the spooks, ghosts and ghoulies emerge from the woodwork and various nooks and crannies looking to engage in mischief and shenanigans. I must say the times they have changed from the more innocent days of my childhood. One thing that hasn’t changed over the decades is Linus’ determination, perseverance belief and faith that the Great Pumpkin will Make an appearance in the sincerest of pumpkin patches.
“With each year the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch he thinks is most sincere. He’s got to pick this one. He’s got to. I don’t see how a pumpkin patch can be more sincere than this one. You can look around and there’s not a sign of hypocrisy. Nothing but sincerity as far as the eye can see. Just wait and see, Charlie Brown. I’ll see the Great Pumpkin. I’ll see the Great Pumpkin. you wait, Charlie Brown. The Great Pumpkin will appear and I will be waiting for him.” Perhaps the Great Pumpkin will one day materialize. Then it will sprinkle the earth with magic pumpkin seeds and all the goodness in everyone will come forward to do good in the world. Not to mention how healthy we will become thanks to the anti-oxidants, iron, zinc, magnesium, protein, vitamin K and the many other nutrients found in pumpkin seeds. So let’s give it up for Linus, Charlie Brown and the pumpkins that provide fun, nutrition and deliciousness. Comments are welcomed.  As I was sitting on that fence I wrote about last week, I looked around to see what might be on either side. I must say it was a beautiful, exhilarating October day. There on one side of the fence I spied a very inviting pumpkin patch. Of course, I had to jump down and check out the pumpkins and how sincere they were. You never know if the Great Pumpkin might make an early stop over as well. Not to totally abandon you, I have shared this delightful poem about October.
October’s Party by George Cooper October gave a party; The leaves by hundreds came-- The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples, And leaves of every name. The Sunshine spread a carpet, And everything was grand, Miss Weather led the dancing, Professor Wind the band. Comments are welcomed.  That is the question. This has popped up a number of times, more frequently recently. Whether ‘tis foolish to continue to sit on the fence of insufferable uncertainty, or to stand up against the morass of swirling indecisiveness and by making a decision, end it. The easy answer is just make the decision. This is not a matter of great consequence. Whatever the decision, it can always be reversed. So, what’s the problem, I ask myself? I’m making this a bigger deal than it is. If you stop to think about it, with every decision, there is uncertainty going into it. Yet, we still decide things. Sometimes with regret. Most times we do what seems best.
Since decision is freedom and indecision is torture, I’m going week by week and write or not in accordance with the greener side of the fence. And there you have it. Today is Thanksgiving in Canada. I wish all of you who celebrate this day find much to be grateful for. What we need to rmember is gratitude is not for one day. It is for all seasons. Enjoy the turkey and all the fixin's.   As I was mulling over the conditions around the world and how much anti nearly everything has come to the surface, I had to take to heart Morgan Freeman’s sentiment about kindness. Even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference greater than we might ever know. It could work like the famous “butterfly effect.” Given this, I decided to reprint a previous blog on Small Kindnesses.
Our choices can powerfully impact those around us. We get to choose how we want to show up when we walk into the coffee shop, take our seat on public transit, or call customer service. We have the option to acknowledge our shared humanity, and be present to one another. How do we want to show up? Who do we want to be? Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness. Research has shown that kindness can lower blood pressure, improve heart health, reduce stress and anxiety, even lessen pain. Who wouldn’t want some of that? Small Kindnesses By Danusha Laméris I’ve been thinking about the way, when you walk down a crowded aisle, people pull in their legs to let you by. Or how strangers still say “bless you” when someone sneezes, a leftover from the Bubonic plague. “Don’t die,” we are saying. And sometimes, when you spill lemons from your grocery bag, someone else will help you pick them up. Mostly, we don’t want to harm each other. We want to be handed our cup of coffee hot, and to say thank you to the person handing it. To smile at them and for them to smile back. For the waitress to call us honey when she sets down the bowl of clam chowder, and for the driver in the red pick-up truck to let us pass. We have so little of each other, now. So far from tribe and fire. Only these brief moments of exchange. What if they are the true dwelling of the holy, these fleeting temples we make together when we say, “Here, have my seat,” “Go ahead — you first,” “I like your hat.” Here is a lovely example of humanity and a kind heart: As the bus slowed down at a crowded bus stop, the Pakistani bus conductor leaned from the platform and called out, "Six only!" The bus stopped. He counted on six passengers, rang the bell, and then, as the bus moved off, called to those left behind: "So sorry, plenty of room in my heart — but the bus is full." He left behind a row of smiling faces. It's not always what we do, it's the way we do it. Comments are welcomed.  Here are a few life lessons I’ve selected that came from the Ted Lasso show. There are many more, but these popped for me. I’ve also bottom lined them.
Start where you are. Ditch any beliefs that you should already be an expert. Take stock of your own assets, such as your character strengths that will propel you. Own and share your emotions - The lesson is clear: When you experience emotional pain, acknowledge it. Allow yourself to feel it. Seek and accept support. Forget the outdated mandate to power through it alone—a sure prescription for burnout and psychic numbness. A more effective way to cope is to reach out to someone who cares, who will validate your pain and walk with you. What is the best version of yourself? What would the best version of you look like? As Atomic Habits author James Clear reminds us, "Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become." Who do you wish to become? What kind of actions will you take? Make quality connections. A reliable predictor of psychological health can be found in one's quality connections. Taking time to nurture your relationships does not represent dereliction of duty but expresses wise self-care. You'll experience more immediate pleasure and meaning while investing in future dividends. This is my favourite: Be a Goldfish. Part of Ted's hope strategy involves turning off the negative self-talk. "Be a goldfish." He claims they are the happiest creatures on earth because they have a ten-second memory. The next time your inner critic gets out its whip, call on your inner goldfish and move on. Comments are welcomed.  Here’s the thing. Did you ever find yourself not in the mood to do something? You can either push past that unmotivated moment and do it anyway or, flow with the mood. That’s where I found myself as I sat down to write this week’s blog.
There have been a number of times over the years when I went on a hunt for a muse to supply me with wonderful, fascinating blog topics. Not the case this time. There are options in my idea repository from which I could select. Sorry, but I am just not into it. I decided to buddy up with the mood and “go along not bothering.” All that being said, I will not leave you with nothing. Following is a little something, a little Autumn poem and a little Autumn Haiku. Starlight bowed then slowly faded from eventide's blue shadowed sky giving way to the gilded glow of autumn's harvest moon as she reigned over the world below - Michael Burch Gentle breezes blow Coloured hues of red and gold cloak the waiting earth. - Mary Serenc Raindrops on the roof. Golden leaves crunching underfoot. Snuggle with a book. - Ann Southall Comments welcomed. |
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