Changing the world . . .

“As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world as in being able to remake ourselves.” --Mahatma Gandhi

If we want to make a difference in the world, whether that be a large or small difference, we need to first focus on ourselves. In doing so, don't you think that that--in and of itself--is what will then in turn change the world? Really, if we focus on being great ourselves, our world around us will be a better place.

Irish Blessing

May there always be work for your hands to do; May your purse always hold a coin or two; May the sun always shine on your windowpane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you. And may you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows you're dead.

Helen Keller said, "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love becomes a part of us." On this day, Friday the 13th, while people out there are focusing on the negative, let's take a moment and focus on the love and goodness in our lives instead.

Common Daily Stuggles

So as I left the parking lot today after getting groceries, I was cut off by some idiot thinking they just HAD to get somewhere so fast that they risk the lives of all those around them. I start fuming inside myself, and my thoughts wander to that dark place where all I do is focus on the negative. My mind starts counting all of the things going wrong in my life at the time, and I realize with a sudden start that I am focusing on things that will bring me down for no reason. All this--just because someone is driving badly? What was my problem? So I turn on the radio, find a song I can sing along to (loudly, since no body can hear me but myself and the ghosts in the engine of my car), and start purposefully counting all of the things I have to be grateful for. This is an exercise I do often, whenever I recognize the "little green monsters" are attacking me from all sides. Unfortunately, I have to do this activity often. Music seems to help the most. It takes me to a place where nothing else matters and I can focus on what is good. Which is a lot - we all have so much to be so grateful for. If we would but count the blessings we have each day, we would realize we have so much. As I was pulling into my driveway, thinking of the dishes, laundry, scrubbing, and "life" I had to face when I walked through the door--I smiled. Thank goodness I have those things in my life to plague me. They should be a blessing because they exist for me--not a curse.

So Close!

I am almost done! I finished the final edit--now my manuscript is off to the designers to turn into a real book! The cover is finished and now I am supposed to be helping with the design of my web page. On a sad note; today as I was visiting my son's grave, I discovered his January stuffed animals had been taken. I could tell there had been a recent burial, so I assume a little kid wandered over, saw cute stuffed animals, and decided to help themselves. I know these things happen, and it won't stop me from putting more animals out each month, but I have to wonder--what do these kids' parents think when they see the new toys? Makes you go hmmmmm....