Are You the Best You?

     Recently, I was sorting through my books (yes, some people still have books) and discovered my large collection of self-help/motivational books. The titles on the book store shelves always catch my eye- 'Your Best Life Now' or 'Become a Better You'.

     While perusing through my collection, I begin to wonder why I bought the books. The lessons or advice provided seemed pretty common: be a life-long learner, don't join the negative co-workers, always be willing to help, etc.  I decided to donate the books to my local library, as I didn't see the need to keep any of them. Then, I stumbled across the book that contained every message all the other books were trying to teach. It is, in my opinion, the only book that should be passed along to every new employee and become the rules of every company. The book is by Robert Fulghum.

     'All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten' was first published in 1986. The rules Fulghum posted can, and should, be followed today to be the best you.

     1. Share everything.
     2. Play fair.
     3. Don't hit people.
     4. Put things back where you found them.
     5. Clean up your own mess.
     6. Don't take things that aren't yours.
     7. Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.
     8. Wash your hands before you eat.
     9. Flush.
     10. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
     11. Live a balanced life- learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance
     and play and work every day some.
     12. Take a nap every afternoon.
     13. When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together.
     14. Be aware of wonder.
     15. Remember that everything/everyone will die one day; enjoy them now.

     I paraphrased a few of Fulghum's rules, but I think they are all important. I will try to remember them daily. Will you?
    
    

    

'Glimpses of Heaven': A Book Review

     'Glimpses of Heaven' by Trudy Harris is a great read for anyone who is dealing with the loss of a loved one or helping someone to pass with dignity and peace. The book is written as a collection of experiences Trudy, a Hospice nurse, has with her patients.

    The following quote from the book summarizes the message well:

    'All of life is a journey from the day we are born until the day we die. We are learning every
minute we are alive. No one, except the God who made us, knows what He put into each of our baskets of learning when we were conceived in our mother's womb. Only He knows the process by which we will grow to spiritual maturity and how easy or how hard the lessons will be for us. He will provide all the nourishment required to complete the journey well, but we have to be willing to learn from each and every person He puts on the path to teach us,whether or not we think the person is worthy of that role. In so doing, the underneath-threads, subtly woven by Him, will complete the tapestry of our lives, unseen by us.' (Harris, 177-178)

     'Glimpses of Heaven' is a quick read, but the myriad of stories from those who passed will linger in your thoughts.  Dying is really just the beginning of the journey home.

'Did You Know?' Video...I Didn't

     It's always nice to reflect on the 'good old days' and take pride in how much we have achieved as a society. It can also be a little scary when reminded of how quickly those changes happened, and continue to happen at an ever increasing rate of speed.

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 :-)
  

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.

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 :-)

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!