Imaginary Script
I have to admit that over the years I’ve watched soap operas on occasion. In college it was Another World, followed by General Hospital in my 20s and Days of our Lives in my 30s. After celebrating my 40th, I turned to Young and the Restless, which I had actually become acquainted with years earlier. I had a buyer at a large sporting goods store in Atlanta who enjoyed the show but couldn’t keep up with it because of her work schedule. I’d buy a copy of Soap Opera Digest just so I could carry on a conversation with her about all that was going on in the Y&R world. I’ve never had the time to watch these on a daily basis, but you can always find someone who’ll fill you in on all the latest goings-on. Plus, because of a phenomenon called soap opera speed, the same story line can go on for a year or more thus never leaving you out of the loop.
I believe that many of us find ourselves living out these imaginary scripts--albeit not always as dramatic as the soaps--and creating a lot of unnecessary drama in our own lives. Some of us have become so attached to drama that it; has become part of our persona. True happiness and a fulfilling life don’t evolve from artificial drama. The excitement in life comes from the discovery of the script within you, which includes your inner joy, peace, and serenity—your own true nature.
“It is hard to tell which is worst; the wide diffusion of things that are not true, or the suppression of things that are true.”—Harriet Martineau (1802-1876) English Journalist and Social Reformer
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Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Change
Change
We all know that the economy is going through an “adjustment” right now that seems to be turning everything topsy-turvy. An example of this came to light this morning in one of my many email newsletters. One of the items declared that thirty or so malls in Southern California would be cutting back on the hours they’re open. Wow! I can remember back to my youth when stores were open fewer hours per day and not at all on Sunday.
Despite the severe economic turmoil and the many crises it’s spawning, both nationally and personally, I can see some positive things coming from it. I don’t think it’s such a bad thing that families are eating at home more often and spending more time together. Based on the latest statistics, people are saving more than they have in the past ten years or so. I know some individuals planning their first vegetable garden who never would have considered doing so before now. We seem to be making much better use of our time, energy and money today. In my view, it’s all part of trusting the journey and remaining confident that all is as it should be.
We all know that the economy is going through an “adjustment” right now that seems to be turning everything topsy-turvy. An example of this came to light this morning in one of my many email newsletters. One of the items declared that thirty or so malls in Southern California would be cutting back on the hours they’re open. Wow! I can remember back to my youth when stores were open fewer hours per day and not at all on Sunday.
Despite the severe economic turmoil and the many crises it’s spawning, both nationally and personally, I can see some positive things coming from it. I don’t think it’s such a bad thing that families are eating at home more often and spending more time together. Based on the latest statistics, people are saving more than they have in the past ten years or so. I know some individuals planning their first vegetable garden who never would have considered doing so before now. We seem to be making much better use of our time, energy and money today. In my view, it’s all part of trusting the journey and remaining confident that all is as it should be.
"Whatever you hold in your mind will tend to occur in your life. If you continue to believe as you have always believed, you will continue to act as you have always acted. If you continue to act as
you have always acted, you will continue to get what you have always gotten. If you want different results in your life or your work, all you have to do is change your mind."--Unknown
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Monday, February 9, 2009
Laughter
Laughter
In my recent travels I was waiting for a flight and noticed a family that was laughing that laugh we all know—the one where it is so deep and hard you just can’t stop. The family actually had me smiling from their pure joy in the moment. The ripple effect of laughter is magnificent.
I’ve always believed laughter is a wonderful gift. If you pay close attention, you’ll notice that whenever there is laughter in your day, 99% of the time you’ll find yourself focused on that moment. Have you ever found yourself in a hearty laugh and at the same time thinking about something else? My guess is probably not. We all know that when you sneeze you can’t keep your eyes open. As hard as you try, especially when driving, it’s almost impossible. Laughter works just like that. It’s the song of the heart and the reward of a well-balanced life and good sense of humor. We all need more laughter in our lives.
“A good laugh overcomes more difficulties and dissipates more dark clouds than any other one thing.”
--Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957) American Pioneer and Writer
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In my recent travels I was waiting for a flight and noticed a family that was laughing that laugh we all know—the one where it is so deep and hard you just can’t stop. The family actually had me smiling from their pure joy in the moment. The ripple effect of laughter is magnificent.
I’ve always believed laughter is a wonderful gift. If you pay close attention, you’ll notice that whenever there is laughter in your day, 99% of the time you’ll find yourself focused on that moment. Have you ever found yourself in a hearty laugh and at the same time thinking about something else? My guess is probably not. We all know that when you sneeze you can’t keep your eyes open. As hard as you try, especially when driving, it’s almost impossible. Laughter works just like that. It’s the song of the heart and the reward of a well-balanced life and good sense of humor. We all need more laughter in our lives.
“A good laugh overcomes more difficulties and dissipates more dark clouds than any other one thing.”
--Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957) American Pioneer and Writer
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Saturday, January 24, 2009
Kay Yow
Kay Yow
One of the first things I did in March, 2007, when Trust Your Journey was yet to come to life, was to write to Kay Yow to congratulate her, her staff and the team on advancing to the Sweet 16 in women’s college basketball. I also shared with her the similarity of our paths through life, the challenges of breast cancer and the three simple words that changed my life forever. Most importantly, I wanted her to know just how much she had inspired me and so many others.
Kay Yow passed away today, leaving behind more than just memories. The many seeds she planted during her journey among us will hopefully bear much fruit. She established an incredible foundation that will continue to work toward a cure for cancer. She touched the hearts of countless women who will carry her vision forward into future generations. She taught all who knew her that their greatest challenges can become their greatest opportunities. She truly trusted her journey.
“I am so honored and blessed to have the opportunity to establish the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund in partnership with The V Foundation. Despite all the games that I have coached and all the great opponents that I have battled on the court, breast cancer has by far been the toughest opponent I have faced. My hope is that this funding will help to change the lives of many men and women who face this opponent daily. Cancer is something that touches everyone’s life and it is important to understand that we all can make a difference. Each of you can be a part of finding an answer. Join me today and let’s beat cancer once and for all!”—Kay Yow (1943-2009)
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Sunday, December 28, 2008
The Puzzle
The Puzzle
Every Christmas my family sets up a jigsaw puzzle for all of us to enjoy piecing together throughout the holiday season. It really wasn’t until this year that I realized how much meaning the puzzle had for our family and about life itself. I was amazed by how this holiday tradition got the attention of all the family members, from 13 to 83. We often found ourselves shoulder-to-shoulder searching patiently many minutes for one or two pieces. Better yet, when someone eventually found a crucial piece, they’d get on a roll and fit five or ten more in quick succession. Sometimes you’d walk away for a breather; other times you’d sit there contentedly for hours just staring, searching, choosing, and hopefully making a contribution to the overall effort. Occasionally you’d get a little frustrated and try to force the wrong piece into the right space but found out repeatedly that you can’t get into a contest of wills with a jigsaw puzzle. In the end, all the pieces fit together to make a lovely picture that was the sum of the efforts of many family members.
After reflecting on this Christmas tradition for a while, I realized that this is how the journey works. It is comprised of many pieces that gradually form the whole of your life. Those pieces come into your life with their own perfect timing, and it’s futile to try to force something that just doesn’t fit. In your heart you know what works and what doesn’t. And in the end, all of these pieces will form a picture of your unique journey through life. They’ll fit together seamlessly, and the resultant picture will be perfect, clear, and quite beautiful.
“Who in the world am I? Ah, that is the great puzzle!”—Lewis Carol (1832-1898)
After reflecting on this Christmas tradition for a while, I realized that this is how the journey works. It is comprised of many pieces that gradually form the whole of your life. Those pieces come into your life with their own perfect timing, and it’s futile to try to force something that just doesn’t fit. In your heart you know what works and what doesn’t. And in the end, all of these pieces will form a picture of your unique journey through life. They’ll fit together seamlessly, and the resultant picture will be perfect, clear, and quite beautiful.
“Who in the world am I? Ah, that is the great puzzle!”—Lewis Carol (1832-1898)
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Tuesday, December 16, 2008
"Tis the Season
’Tis the Season
I recently heard about a man who had been in a coma for some time and whose family had tried just about everything to wake him. It wasn’t until he heard someone singing a Christmas song that he awoke and then recovered fully from that deepest of sleeps. I can’t recall exactly what tune they sang, but it did the job, and now he’ll continue his life’s journey.
Christmas songs hold some of our most vivid memories, and I’m sure that no matter where you are or what you’re doing, hearing Christmas music triggers flashbacks to your childhood or adolescence and some especially precious moments associated with the holiday season. Never deny yourself a few minutes to reflect back on those days and all those special memories. One thing for sure, if I’m ever in a coma, be sure to play The Carpenters’ “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” or Andy Williams singing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” I promise I’ll wake up.
“What is Christmas? It is the tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.” –Agnes M. Pharo (19th/20th –Century American Writer)
I recently heard about a man who had been in a coma for some time and whose family had tried just about everything to wake him. It wasn’t until he heard someone singing a Christmas song that he awoke and then recovered fully from that deepest of sleeps. I can’t recall exactly what tune they sang, but it did the job, and now he’ll continue his life’s journey.
Christmas songs hold some of our most vivid memories, and I’m sure that no matter where you are or what you’re doing, hearing Christmas music triggers flashbacks to your childhood or adolescence and some especially precious moments associated with the holiday season. Never deny yourself a few minutes to reflect back on those days and all those special memories. One thing for sure, if I’m ever in a coma, be sure to play The Carpenters’ “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” or Andy Williams singing “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” I promise I’ll wake up.
“What is Christmas? It is the tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.” –Agnes M. Pharo (19th/20th –Century American Writer)
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Wednesday, December 3, 2008
The Value of...
The Value of…
On a long drive recently I was listening to the radio and heard one of my favorite country songs, “Chicken Fried,” by the Zac Brown Band. Probably because I was born and raised in Atlanta, this song touches many chords with me. Among the many great lines in the song, one of my favorites is “no dollar sign on a piece of mind.”
I started thinking about all the wonderful things in life that have incredible worth but are often overlooked on a daily basis. What’s the value of a piece of mind, good health, your family’s health, friends, the love within your home, someone special in your life or one more sunrise? My wish for you is that in the hubbub of daily living, you take a few moments to recall the value of life’s simple but precious things. You’ll soon realize that they are indeed priceless.
“Well I was raised up beneath the shade of a Georgia pine
And that`s home you know
Sweet tea, pecan pie and homemade wine
Where the peaches grow
And my house it`s not much to talk about
But it`s filled with love that`s grown in southern ground
And a little bit of chicken fried” –Zac Brown Band 2008
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