Story Library

Gratitude

There’s been a lot of talk lately, it seems, about gratitude. There are gratitude journals and gratitude blogs and gratitude books – including a few to teach you how to be grateful.

One item I read said that gratitude is your Magic Wand. “Whatever you point gratitude at increases, expands and escalates.” But, the author warns, “You have to pick up that magic wand and use it.”

Being grateful applies, no matter who you are, no matter where life has taken you, no matter what your circumstances or your desires; wherever you are at this moment, is where you are meant to be.

And there are things for which you can and should be grateful. It may be the lessons you are learning, if things are tight financially. It may be the good health of your children or your parents. It may be your ability to put food on the table and take a shower when you need one and drink fresh water that won’t make you sick.

The only error would be to stop giving thanks – to the people who bring your joy or the Deity who gives you contentment and peace.

Take time every day to write in your gratitude journal, even if it’s just a mental one. Think of all the things for which you are thankful and then go do something for someone else, for which they will be thankful.

[Show #427]

Talented Townsfolk

Who could have guessed that there was so much untapped entertainment talent out there in our country?

When you watch early auditions on talent shows like American Idol, you have to wonder what some people were thinking when they decide to try out. How could they possibly believe that the screechy voice or the bellowing screams they emit qualify them as singers? Who told them they sound good? Nasty friends? Kind parents? Wishful thinking?

But once the nincompoops are weeded out, oh my, what a field of talent.

Of course success will involve so much more than simply a good voice. Will they have the stamina to keep up with the demands of stardom? Will they have the right professional guidance to help them, choose the right songs, the right auditions, the right looks and quotes and publicity?

Will they avoid the temptations that take so many fine artists down the road to destruction?

Will they manage to keep close, those who love them and treat people fairly? Do they really know what they are getting into when they decide to accept celebrity? Is it worth it?

We cheer them on and wish them well and watch them evolve right before our eyes.

Destined for stardom, tragedy . . . or both.

[Show 423]

God Given Gifts

I believe in the truth of the God-given gift. When you receive one, through your genes or your upbringing or the opportunities you’ve received, I believe that you are expected to use that gift, not waste it or let it lie unused until it just dies away. It can be as simple as baking good pies or as important as a new invention or the cure for a dread disease.

Some people get directed down a path early on that does not allow them to develop or use their talents. It’s almost like that’s what retirement is for. When you retire from the tasks you were required to do all your life, you can start using your talents for the rest of your time on earth.

And today, we are blessed with the good health that allows most of us extra time to spend using our God-given gifts.

When Kirsty Ally did cartwheels on the TV show, Dancing with the Stars, she was called the poster girl for folks in their 60s and what they can accomplish. The rest of us may not go tumbling across the dance floor, but if we are still of sound mind and body, retirement is indeed a time to use your God-given gifts to make the world a better place.

If you have not gotten around to that yet, you may want to give it a whirl.

[Show #424]

Advice for Adult Children

I look into the face of a middle aged man and it’s hard to believe that I once taught him to walk, to talk; that I helped him take his first step to independence, when I took away his pacifier.

I gaze into the eyes of a thirty something woman and see the same sparkle I so enjoyed when she was just 3 or 4 or 12. How did she manage to grow up so fast? How could it be that she is now the mother to children of these ages?

And what should our relationship be, now that she is on her own? Some parents seem to have trouble accepting their children as adults. They seem to feel that grown children still require their parents’ advice to solve their problems or choose their friends or their lifestyle. Not so.

Oh it is fun when they ASK for advice. But the time when you have the right to imprint your values on their lives is over. Now it’s their turn to live the way they choose. They have to be allowed to mix your values with their own. They have the right to a life of their choosing, not yours.

What a delight it is though when you wind up being friends with the grown up version of those babies you brought into the world. To respect and admire the adults your children have become. Tell them you’re proud of them and what pleasure you take in knowing their lives are full.

What a blessing to have children who grow into friends.

[Show #509]

Made in the USA

What do you think about buying merchandise made in the USA? Probably the first thought that comes to mind is that it’s more expensive. Two points –

Made in the USA may NOT cost more.
Maybe it’s time to consider paying a dollar or two more to buy goods made here at home.

For the last fourth of July, I wanted some new American flags. I found them in one of those dollar stores – yep, for a buck. Made in China. It just did not seem right to show my patriotism by flying my country’s flag – made elsewhere.

Big Lots had flags made in America. They were $2 each. Consider my purchase as my contribution toward a better economy here at home.

Let’s start making an effort to buy – Made in the USA.

Ace Hardware features merchandise and machines made here. Hallmark cards are now made in China. I found lots of cards made in the USA at the Dollar store – fifty cents each. Kitchen Aid is made in the U.S.A. GE light bulbs are now made in Mexico. You can find bulbs made in the USA.

Just like reading labels for nutrients and calories when you buy food, let’s start checking for manufacture origin when we buy anything.

The job you save may be your own or your neighbor’s!

[Show #430]

Save

When Things Go Wrong

A few shows ago, we talked about what to do when something goes wrong.

Regina shared how she handles righting a wrong. She said, “I get silent and listen. I take in as much data as I can. I consider all the consequences of my actions and those of others. I consider all the different ways I can react to it.”

“I try each reaction on like a coat. Does it feel right in my gut? If not, I try another coat and another.”

“I don’t rush it. It may take days. I may ask for advice. I may journal. I may sleep on it or dwell on it for days. I consider whether I can go on without resentment over what was done wrong. I come to the best conclusion and I act.”

“But I have trouble swallowing the resentment. That takes much longer. It does ease, with time. I mature . . . I grow and eventually, I let it go and forgive.”

She points out that – “Forgiveness is like ocean waves. At first you try to forgive and move on, but the waves are so big they take you down with them. You struggle to stand up and forgive again, again you fall.”

“Over the years, the waves get smaller and you learn to step over them. In time they are but a ripple tickling your toes and you enjoy the peace of the ocean once again and you forgive and are at peace.”

[Show #432]

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