Story Library

Just Like You

Backstory

The song was from the If You’re Going Through Hell album by country singer, Rodney Atkins. It was titled Watching You and it was released in 2006. It’s the tearjerker behind this story.

Just Like You

There’s a country song I love. A father is singing about his young son who lets loose with a profanity. “Where did you learn to speak like that?” the father demands. “From you daddy,” the child responds. “I wanna be just like you.”

Later in the song, the father is redeemed when he hears his son speak original words to God and asks where he learned to pray like that. “From you daddy”, the child responds. “I wanna be just like you.”

How often do we wonder where one of our children gets an attitude, or a prejudice, or passion? Often, we just need to look in the mirror to find the source. The things that you say and do everyday influence everyone around you; for the good, and for the bad.

So, when you decide what kind of stance to take, think twice about what you say. The position you take may well become the same one your children will carry into the next generation. You may never hear your child say, “Mommy, I want to be just like you.” But how often has it occurred to you, “Oh my God, I have become my mother” or “I have become my father.”

When that thought occurs to your child, make sure it makes them smile, not frown. And when your children become you, make sure they can be proud of the person they’ve become.

P.S.

In 2021, there is more need than ever for parents to display the traits you want offspring to emulate. Are you standing up against bullying? Have you explained ways to channel anger? Have you practiced conversations that respect all points of view? Kids are on a new playing field these days that may require patient consideration and discussion. Be sure your children can find that at home.

[Show #485]

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]

Replacing Doors

Backstory

Have you noticed how nothing is simple anymore? The smallest task seems to get layers of complication. Like this one did.

Click to listen or follow below to read.

Replacing Doors- #483

We are replacing all the exterior doors in our house. It’s part of a larger renovation and we decided to go all the way and replace them all. Sounds easy, right?

The house already has doors, so we know what size they need to be. You just tell the guy, “Give me another door like this one.” Right? Not by a long shot.

There are so many decisions to be made over a simple thing like replacing the doors. Should they be wood or metal…should they swing in or out…do we want them to be insulated…should they have regular glass or thermal glass…what kinds of knobs or handles or hinges…should the sliding doors be replaced with new sliders or would French doors be more contemporary, more practical.

Then there is the issue of cost. Do we want the practical line, the affordable line, or the beautiful classic line? One door has stained glass in it. Do you know how many choices of stained glass there are?

When the man said, “replace the doors,” I envisioned a question that would take ten seconds to answer. Yes or no. Done. Not so.

A month from now, we may have all our options pinned down and be ready to make our decisions. The doors will open to our future, in time, in a lot of time from now.

Have you noticed; nothing is simple anymore?

P.S.

Speaking of simple, why is everything so difficult to open? From aluminum cans to microwave boxes and plastic containers. They all seem to fight me. Is this what happens as you get older or has someone orchestrated this daily challenge?

[Show #483]

Gone for the Rest of His Life

Backstory

I thought I knew him well, but I never saw this coming. We were business associates, and he was enthusiastic about our accomplishments. And then one day., he was no longer there.

Gone for the Rest of His Life

“Gone for the next chapter of my life.” That’s the message received if you sent him an email.

Two young men inherited the business from their father. They worked at it for over 20 years, built it up, made it a success. Then the older brother decided there was more to life.

There were so many things he still wanted to do, and learn, places to see, people he had yet to meet. He honestly felt that he could no longer stay in one place tied up in business responsibilities.

How fortunate to have a brother willing to take over with the leadership skills to continue the business on its successful path. So, he told colleagues and customers, “I am gone for the next chapter of my life.” What a rare option to choose. One not open to many and chosen by few.

What now? I wonder if he is hiking in the Himalayas, surfing off the beach in Hawaii, dispensing life saving polio vaccine on a Rotary mission to India. How did he decide what the next chapter of his life would encompass? Is he simply enjoying his garden, his woman, his grandchildren?

What would you do if you left your current life path to pursue the next chapter of your life? What a question to ponder.

P.S.

There is a belief that wherever you are and whatever you are doing at this moment is exactly as meant to be. It’s a decision that has been made by the universe. What happens if we have the courage to turn that decision upside down? To determine that your future is around a different curve. Consider the possibilities. He did, and never looked back.

[Show #411]

The Art of Downsizing

Backstory

Just how to start downsizing. That was the question. Most families realize that at one time or another, they’re going to need smaller space that will only accommodate less “stuff.” That time finally arrived for us and here’s how we went about it.

Click to listen or follow below to read.

The Art of Downsizing – #608

I gave away seven gaily painted nutcrackers and ten wooden toys. They were part of our Christmas decorations, as the children were growing up, and long after. I took them to the family Christmas party and invited each grandchild to choose some. The Christmas angels will be shared next year. It’s the start of our household downsizing phase. A very small start, but definitely a beginning.

What’s next? Bill’s ancient electronics are definitely on the table. For decades, they were treasures. In the age of computerized electronics, they are archaic. Then we’ll go on to the household items of which we have too many.

Friends warned that downsizing would not be easy. I envisioned delighting locals with a yard sale where they could find great stuff for pennies on the dollar. Then we considered how much work that is. Maybe it’s time to call in Junk Monster instead. You pay him to take it all away.

I have heard it said about material things – First you wish you had them, then you own them, then they become a burden. That’s where we are.

When Bill and I combined our households, five truckloads of furniture, books, domestics and glassware went to the church thrift shop. I hope they have room for more stuff, because I feel it going their way, as we shrink our belongings and organize our life for a simpler time.

P.S.

I am pleased to say that we resisted the temptation to rent storage lockers as a final resting place for our stuff. We have seen friends pay heavy money over time to secure belongings eventually tossed or sold at auction. Even worse, to will stuff to heirs who move it to their own stowage in the absurd cycle of life-long holding.

[Show #608]

« Previous Page