Advice and Encouragement

Prevent or Treat?

Backstory

As they sought to save us from the ravages of Covid 19, modern medicine invested in treating the disease. That’s what you do. I keep wondering how we could have done better. Then I learned about preventive medicine and a light went off.

Prevent or Treat?

Take responsibility for your body! It’s today’s message from the medical community. Rather than waiting until something happens and then treating it, the idea is to make changes that will prevent illness or disease. The concept is changing the future for today’s young people. And folks of every age can benefit from it.

For the last hundred years, doctors have had the responsibility of treating the sick. Today, they’re trying to work with their patients to prevent them from getting sick in the first place. What a concept!

Now, as never before, we have so much information on staying healthy that we cannot ignore the facts. Admit it, we know what should be done. We just don’t want to get out there and do it. But we all have to start making the right choices.

Educate yourself of the ways to diet and exercise. Smoking, drinking and stress all affect your health. Make the necessary corrections to improve your choices. Recognize that so much of declining health is not given to you, you give it to yourself by the way you eat, think, smoke, or sit still.

Decide today not to be a victim. Start practicing preventive medicine rather than seeking remedies later. Take responsibility for your own health and well-being. It could pay off for more good days with those you love.

P.S.

As we reset into post-pandemic mode, let’s create the mind-set of prevention rather than treatment with a whole new set of personal health standards.

[Show #545]

Haves and Have Nots

Backstory

In these months of constantly present hidden threat, optimism tends to wane, along with thankfulness. Reflecting on our state reminded me of an earlier time, when Americans were left without jobs and without income. This story is about that time for my family and what we learned.

Haves and Have Nots

“Be thankful for what you have, not for what you don’t have.” I first heard that mantra back in the 70’s. Be thankful for what you have, not for what you don’t have.

At the time, we were living in our first house. It was a nice three-bedroom split level in a residential development. But somehow after a few years, the house seemed small. We needed more garage space, more bedrooms. I wanted bigger, better.

Then the recession hit. Security became very wobbly. The things I had assumed I deserved and would always be mine were being challenged. I might not have a job. My husband might not. Oh boy, how I wish I had those hundreds of dollars we spent on last year’s vacation.

Suddenly I looked around my beautiful, perfect, plentiful home and said, “Please God – Just let us keep up the payments. Let us keep this roof over the heads of our children.”

Well, we did survive. The whole country did. Things turned around and we did eventually move on. But I never forgot the lesson I learned then. It may help you too.

Be thankful for what you have, not for what you don’t have.

P.S.

While sheltering in place during the pandemic, we have been thankful for thoughtful outreach, small and large. A team of walkers have a favorite route through our community. We sometimes glimpse them at wave distance. One day as they jogged through, they left candy and hand-written notes of blessing on porches. Gestures like that, especially from strangers, really make a difference. They remind us of the joy, friendship and kindness waiting on the other side.

[Show #108]

Acknowledge Inspiration

Backstory

The day started off badly. The weather was awful. People arrived at the lecture site cold and wet and cranky. No one expected the result to be the inspiration that was created.

Acknowledge Inspiration

Recently I mentioned talking with folks at Bayse Library on Bridges to Life Planning. The session was very participative and toward the very end one woman had a confession to make.

She told us she almost hadn’t come out that morning. It was a dank and dreary day; like her life at that point, she told us. She was having a hard time. She said, “I really think it was divine inspiration that brought me here today. After hearing what you all had to say, I know I can make it.” We all saw her countenance change right before us.

That lady was indeed determined to make a go of it, and it was like she got the incentive from the energy in that room. Wow, what a gift she gave to us all! To let us know that our thoughts and ideas made an impact that one person’s life might now be better because we had gathered to share.

She gave us another lesson too. When someone inspires you, let them know. Say out loud what you’re feeling in your heart. There can be no greater gift than the compliment that is spoken not just thought.

Bless the giver and the receiver both, as that woman did on a rainy Saturday morning in Bayse, Virginia.

P.S.

As a young wife and mother, I was frequently inspired by Millie. She was the epitome of a gracious hostess, understanding mother, dedicated wife and loyal friend. I wanted to be just like her.

Half a century later, Millie receives frequent notes from me. She has forgotten who I am, but my notes are always full of my admiration and appreciation. Her daughter said Millie’s eyes light up when she hears from “that nice lady out there” who thinks she is pretty special.

[Show #15]

Be Aware

Backstory

My husband’s father was a very down-to-earth working man. While he might not correct your grammar or your manners, he did have certain demands of those he loved. He wanted you to be cautious. He felt that your life could depend on it.

Be Aware – #478

My father-in-law had a favorite lesson to impress on his kids and grandkids. Always be aware of your surroundings. He taught us to do that when walking from the building to a car. Be aware of who’s around, what cars are headed your way, what looks suspicious or what or who looks like they may need help.

He taught us to anticipate risks and eliminate them. A toddler in the kitchen could find himself in peril unless the room is made safe for a teetering little person.

Today we call it situational awareness. Police try to instill it in kids to keep them safe from predators. Older people use it to address obstacles that could cause a fall. On the job, situational awareness saves lives and limbs. A piece of equipment left in the way, a machine that Is not working right, an electric cord stretched across the walkway. They are all possible accident causes. They are so often overlooked and so easily relieved by anyone who is really paying attention.

Let’s all ratchet up our situational awareness. If it’s not right, let someone know or reach out and fix it. Consider it part of that business of, doing unto others as you want others to do unto you.

P.S.

Today, social media would surely top this dad’s cautions. New dangers keep popping up with the potential for dire consequences. Some protection can be purchased and some just require good common sense. As dad would have said, “Be aware!”

[Show #478]

Give a Bit More

Backstory

My sister was behind two women in a McDonald line. They were fumbling with their change to pay. She stepped up, paid for their food and added a few more meals besides. How did she know they were needy? Why did she step up, even though her own needs were many?

Give a Bit More – #12

Have you ever been tagged by someone who is paying forward? A stranger may pickup the tab for your lunch, or your coffee, or pay your toll on the highway. It’s a nice gesture that can make someone’s day and can cost no more than a few cents or a few dollars.

To the person on the other end, those dollars may mean far more than they do in your pocket. For those of us who are holding our own in this economy, now is the time to give a little more than usual.

Make your tips more generous in restaurants, give a few bucks to the guys at the car wash, or the happy dollars jar at the Rotary Club meeting. Buy some extra groceries next time you’re food shopping and drop them off at a local food bank.

Haven’t worn it for two years? Donate it to the local thrift shop. Buy $4.25 worth of stuff at a yard sale, give them a five and tell them to keep the change.

You’re paying forward for the blessings about to come into your life as well as those you already enjoyed, for the beautiful day, for the love around you, for the peace we have all enjoyed for so long.

Give a little and get a lot in return. Something to consider!

P.S.

It’s a new year. Set new, higher standards for generosity and philanthropy. And if money is tight, consider giving something even more important – your time.

[Show #12]

My Sister

Backstory

When I began speaking in public, a mentor advised, “They may not remember who you were or what you said, but they’ll always remember how you made them feel.” That’s what my sister Karyn leaves behind. (Be sure to read the P.S. to this story.)

Click to listen or follow below to read.

My Sister – #503

My sister and I were having a discussion about what we wanted to leave for posterity; what we wanted people to remember about us when we’re gone. My sister is a very spiritual person; learned in religions of the world, yoga student, teacher of meditation and other skills for achieving tranquility and ease of well-being. I can imagine that she leaves many people with the tools to find serenity.

My sister has found that inner place for herself. Her daily ritual of meditation is often held in conference with nature. When she’s at the ocean, she ventures out in the darkness before sunrise, finds a comfortable place within eyesight of the ocean and lets the calming waves bring her into the new day. What joy she must achieve, for herself only, for this is a time of inner focus.

And the rest of her day is spent outward bound in the creativity of a writer, a genealogist, a grandmother, a gifted crafter and a would-be businesswoman whose strategic plan usually reverts back to meditation rather than achievement.

She is a full circle success, my sister. And her legacy will be the joy known by anyone who has made her acquaintance. You would remember her red hair, her welcoming smile, and that you felt instantly at ease in her presence.

Some of us leave monuments for posterity, others leave the gift of just having known them.

P.S.

You’ll find my sister, Karyn Romani, these days at The Positivity Tree. She has joined her daughter Ella Miller to become a cultivator of positivity rooted in optimism. The Positivity Tree is about being curious, empathetic, self-aware, balanced, less stressed and more appreciative in life. Together, they explore how to bring more optimism to work, home, family, relationships and life. It’s a beautiful place. https://www.thepositivitytree.com

[Show #503]