Encouragement

As Summer Moves On

Backstory

After two years of canceled events and empty beaches, it’s been nice to have a summer that feels more like what we’re used to. We also had the gift of perfect summer weather in late June, which led to promises of the summer days to come. July and August wound down fast, and here we are, ready to jump into autumn. It got me thinking.

As Summer Moves On

Summer always seems to end too soon. We’re watching flowers blossom and bloom, birds and bees are doing their thing, and suddenly one day we see that an early tree is losing its leaves. The deep shades of green on the landscape are fading, the grass is taking on a golden tone. It seems to be Mother Nature’s reminder that nothing lasts forever.

No longer can we head out the door barefoot and jacketless. Now the autumn weather requires preparation and thought to keep from being caught somewhere cold and damp. The autumn breeze that cools things down also sets the scene for other changes. New teachers, the new schools, new subjects to study, new wardrobes, and new political or philosophical considerations. New friends require rethinking. Some of the values you carried in light of their newly expressed values.

Organizations restart up their activities after the summer hiatus. And you have to choose where you will volunteer and what next year’s passion will be.

And then there is the big issue of balance between work, family, church, community service and your own social life. There may be a new love in your coming winter or a new hobby, or a new favorite haunt.

So much to look forward to that you almost forgive summer for moving on.

P.S.

Whether your autumn participation is in person or Zoomably, our work continues, our interests expand, our community service increases. We figure out how to make it work. Be kind. Keep loving. Above all, take steps to stay safe.

[Show #539]

Congratulate Success

Backstory

My friend Elizabeth Cottrell just published a book about how handwritten notes have comforted, encouraged, and provided extraordinary support. Her book Heartspoken provides a guide to help readers improve the emotional support of their handwritten words.

Reflecting Elizabeth’s advice to write out encouragement, today’s Consider This show is about conveying best wishes on success. It recognizes the importance of acknowledging small triumphs as well as major joys.

Congratulate Success

A friend just bought a new house overlooking the Atlantic. I am so happy for her. It’s exactly what she wanted; a dream come true.

If I applaud her success and wish her well, and really mean it, then her success adds to my own happiness. Isn’t it great, how that works? Hers is a really big success.

But we are surrounded daily by lesser successes that can also be recognized and appreciated. Be sure to acknowledge the success of those around you. Don’t just assume they know you are proud of them. Tell them. Make a special call to give congratulations. Write a personal note. Friend, relative, child, colleague, or acquaintance, your congratulations will add immensely to their joy in success. Give kudos generously. They’re FREE! And they have such value to those who receive them.

Do it today. Find a reason to congratulate success. Even better, spread the word about someone else’s success. There is no finer form of flattery, especially when it is sincere And from the heart. Look for someone to congratulate today, and make it a good one.

P.S. Who has time to sit around writing notes? Here are some suggestions for creating time:

Mute the TV when serial commercials begin and write away.
Choose a greeting card that expresses what you want to say and write less by hand.
Put a clipboard and notepaper in the car. Write while stuck in heavy traffic.
Be motivated by how much you love the person you’d address.

[Show #264]

Private Moments for Mothers

Backstory

The role of mother has always been pivotal. Even more so in times like a global pandemic and dangerous disruption. Mothers are called on to calm fears, provide balance, keep moving things in the right direction. And they do. This is for you.

Private Moments for Mom

This is a little private moment for the mothers in our audience. Did you ever think you’d be able to nurse a baby, cook dinner, and sew a button on a shirt, all at the same time? Where did we learn how to do things like that?

What magical power was bestowed upon us for the years when our families needed us 24/7? Where did we get the patience to sit and rock for hours on end soothing a crying baby who refused to be comforted? Sometimes we know exactly what to do . . . and sometimes we don’t.

So this is for mothers whose children have gone astray, who can’t find the words to reach them. This is for all the mothers who taught their children to be peace-loving and now pray they come home safely from a war.

The emotions of motherhood are universal and our thoughts today are for young mothers stumbling through diaper changes and sleep deprivation, and mature mothers learning to let go. For working mothers and stay-at-home mothers. Single moms and married moms. Mothers with money, mothers without.

Hang in there. In the end, we can only do the best we can. Tell them every day that we love them and show them besides. And pray and never stop being a mom. No, never stop.

P.S. As Mother’s Day approaches and you consider a gift for your mom, put at the top of the list – time with her. Go shopping with her, take her to the park, cook her favorite dinner – together. Realize that YOU are the best gift she could get.

[Show #288]

New Wardrobes

Backstory

Americans are generous givers. We donate to good causes more than our European neighbors. Besides donating money to charitable causes, we are willing to share locally. Some sell their stuff for cents on the dollar. Others give stuff away. This story is my experience in that genre.

New Wardrobes

In an earlier time, I had a job that required good-looking business clothes, high heels, and spiffy accessories. Now living in the country, my dress is more likely to be jeans and a comfortable top.

I decided that my business clothing should have a second chance at making someone look good. I created five wardrobes. Each contained six dresses, suits, and tops. I added matching shoes, scarves, jewelry, purses, and other accessories to each.

I put an ad online, offering a wardrobe to any woman in need of business clothes who would come and get them.

One wardrobe went to a woman going back to work for the first time in 20 years. She had gotten the job but had no idea what she would wear as she, too, had lived in jeans for years.

Another was shared by two sisters. Both supporting families, their budgets did not cover the luxury of good clothes.

The third went to a mother who was embarrassed to accept and sent her 10-year-old in to take the things. There was no need for that, my dear, but your son was a delight.

The fourth went to a young woman who had trouble finding business clothes in this size.

The final wardrobe went to a grey-haired woman who no longer was employed but liked to dress up for church on Sunday. We even added some hats to that wardrobe.

It was such fun to meet these women and hear how they planned to wear their new outfits. Good job, ladies.

P.S. Influencer Shelley Shiley recently listed the five different love languages – affirmation, quality time, physical touch, gift giving & receiving, and acts of service. She noted that “all of these languages of love start with one thing; time.“ Even if we can’t give money, cars or wardrobes, we can still give time. What cause have you chosen to give your precious time?

[Show #612]

Empty Seat

Backstory

“You make me happy.” It’s often said when you have someone with whom there is mutual love and respect. When you find yourself smiling as you think of someone, you can’t help but assign happiness to them. Yet the true source of happiness comes from inside. We make the decision every day whether to be happy or not; whether we realize it or not. This story is about the happiness that comes from within.

Empty Seat

It’s a beautiful day and you’re driving through our countryside. Cloudless sky, green mountains, all is right with the world. And you know . . .

It IS that way, whether the seat next to you is empty or not.

Too often, we depend on other people for our happiness. Spouse . . . children . . . friends . . . co-workers. Yet when all is said and done, each of us is responsible for our own happiness.

Prayers are comforting if they are said in the quiet of your home, or with a church full of people. A beautiful song is just as melodic, whether it’s heard by one person or hundreds. It can take you soaring . . . and give you a smooth landing. Sometimes you get more benefit from listening to the notes by yourself, where they can wash over you without distraction.

Being alone is sometimes a gift; a break brought to you by the universe because it’s time to refocus on YOU.

Next time you are alone, don’t rush to fill the space. Let the empty seat next to you give you serenity and the time to look inward. You may find something there that you missed before. Or you may discover ideas that are fresh and new.

You may like what you see and hear and feel.

P.S. Being alone and being lonely. Quite a difference between the two. I have experienced both. Probably you have, too. Do stop and consider. If the seat next to you is empty, it may be time for you to regroup, check things out. It may be time to change paths a little. You do so much for others. Take some time for yourself now and make sure things are the way they should be. Spend some time with yourself and check out your happiness quotient.

[Show #17]

This Day Shall Never Come Again

Back Story

“Today is only one day in all the days that will ever be. But what will happen in all the other days that ever come can depend on what you do today. It’s been that way all this year. It’s been that way so many times.” ― Ernest Hemingway

This Day Shall Never Come Again

Today is the first day of the rest of your life. You will never see this day again.

Surely you’ve heard that phrase before. But I wanted to repeat it for you today because it applies to this very day. This very hour.

How can you make your next 24 hours worthwhile? You could take the time to think big thoughts. You could take care of yourself. You could do something special for someone else. Nothing big, but something.

You’ll probably have a busy day – work…kids…errands…household chores. But amidst it all, take time for yourself. Take time to stop and be still…Allow yourself to drift. Give your subconscious a chance to percolate.

You will be amazed at the solutions…ideas…plans that will come your way, just by sitting for a while quietly, alone, allowing your spirit to take over. You may find you’re more clever than you thought.

My prayer for you on this special day is that you be protected at all times. May you be safe and be surrounded by people who love you – whether you know it or not. Take this wondrous day and make it your own. Make it count. That’s really all that can be expected of you.

P.S. All those individual days strung together equal a lifetime. Hemingway was right! The major twists and turns of that life were directed by what you chose and what you did – in just one single day along the way.

[Show #375]