Sunday, June 30, 2013

Mean People Are Necessary

     I hope the title got your interest and maybe even raised your eyebrow! Yes, I did type correctly and I do believe that mean people are necessary. Think of a mean person you have met and, if you used the experience as a learning tool, you should have gained the following:
  
     1. Model for Inappropriate Behavior
     2. Self-control
     3. Resilience
     4. Tolerance
     5. Sense of Humor
     6. Respect from Others
     7. Perseverance
     8. Wisdom
     9. Maturity
    10. Sympathy
    11. Compassion
    12. Gratitude
    13. Acceptance
    14. Pride
    15. Knowledge of One's Self

     I am sure you can add to the list, and please do! I like the last one on the list the best- knowledge of one's self. When you encounter a mean person, you become aware of exactly who you are and what you believe in, because that 'mean person' differs with your ideals and visions dramatically. However, a mean person cannot agree to disagree, because they have not acquired enough knowledge & confidence of their own self to surround him/herself with differing thoughts or outlooks.
     If you remember this the next time you meet a mean person, it should be easy to move forward. And, be thankful, for you are confident in knowing who you are :-)
  

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Qualities of a Trustworthy Person

    In the latest edition of Reader's Digest (June 2013), people were surveyed to find the most trustworthy people and professions. They defined a trustworthy person as somebody possessing the following:
                          1.  Integrity
                          2.  Character
                          3.  Exceptional talent and drive for personal excellence
                          4.  Strong internal moral compass
                          5.  Consistent message
                          6.  Honesty
                          7.  Leadership

     The ten most trusted professions were as follows:
                          1. Doctors
                          2. Teachers/Educators
                          3. Movie stars
                          4. Philanthropists
                          5. Spiritual leaders
                          6. Journalists
                          7. Filmmakers
                          8. Talk show hosts
                          9. Judges
                         10. Professional sports stars
                         11. Business leaders
                         12. Financial experts
                         13. National political leaders
                         14. Political pundits
                         15. Influencers

     I find that about half of these professions don't match the definition used to define a trustworthy person. Are people confusing what they want to believe with reality? I also checked this list twice and noticed a very important profession was missing- parent. I believe the qualities of a trustworthy person are everything we want embedded in our children. How do we make that happen? By example of course.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Morning Manners

     Every morning I walk my dog. Every morning we pass the same people in cars driving to work, with their coffee cup in hand or talking on their cell phone. As every car passes, I wave and sometimes even say good morning. Please keep in mind the total of cars is probably less than twenty, but lately I've noticed something interesting.
   
     The people who return my wave live in my neighborhood. There is one other car that does not live in my neighborhood (it's actually a pick-up truck), and he always waves too. The other people who pass just stare forward. Some are even as bold to glance my way and then turn, as if to say 'sorry, no time to wave for two seconds'.

     Is it poor manners to not return a wave? Should I stop waving to every one? I've noticed the people that wave back are always smiling. Some have even stopped their cars at times to say 'I can set my watch to your walk' or 'your dog is adorable' (I like this comment the best!). It's also a nice feeling, as I start my walk every morning, to know the cars my dog and I will pass. They may even stop if we need help;especially from those black bears roaming my neighborhood!

     I'll keep waving...even to the people who don't wave back. Maybe, one day, one of the non-wavers will actually smile and tell me my dog is cute :-)

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Are Summer Picnics Extinct?

    For some lucky souls (like myself), summer vacation is two months or so- depending on your school district. I already have made a list of house projects and setting aside time to write and complete my next book. During the past few weeks, I listened to others discuss their plans (children too!) and not one mentioned going on a picnic.
    
     Are summer picnics extinct? Are we so busy planning the 'big vacations', we forget the importance of life's little pleasures. That's right, I said it- picnics are an important, little pleasure. Think about it....once you arrive at your destination, with picnic basket in hand, there is nothing left to do but eat, relax and talk. In a world where so many of us eat while driving, at our desk or in a meeting- it would seem to be a luxury to just eat-relax-enjoy the people with you.

     Is there a national picnic day? I guess I'll have to add that to my summer to-do list!