Inspiration

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]

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]

Motorcycle Annie

Backstory

Do you see an action video on Facebook featuring a mature woman and ask yourself, “How does she do that, at her age?” Annie had the same question. And then, something happened!

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Motorcycle Annie – #701

I just saw an intriguing photo – a lovely lady perched on her motorcycle. At 71, Annie has just completed the motorcycle safety course. She is brand new to the bike and she loves it.

Annie wasn’t doing too well a few years ago. She had aches and pains that seem to come along with Social Security. But this lady decided to do something about it. She got into an exercise program that improved her strength and brought back her vitality. She spends it on that motorcycle – among other things.

For YOU to improve your overall physical fitness, what you really need, to start, is just -your FEET. Yep, a program of fitness can start as easily as simply getting out of your chair and on your feet. Walking is easy. As you gain stamina, you add other activities.

Go for the gusto and motorcycle with Annie, Or take a more pedestrian route.

In any case, you’ll be amazed how fast it makes a difference.

P.S.

Even if you never get past the stage where it’s your feet moving you around, the oxygen will pump blood through your veins and will help you thrive.

[Show #701]

Butterflies

Backstory – Butterflies

Why a butterfly? Looking at all the butterfly-themed things in my possession, I wondered how it became such a symbol for me. Exploring that concept resulted in this story. I hope you enjoy it.

Consider This Show – Butterflies

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The butterfly has been my signature for a long time. My mom just loved monarch butterflies so I guess it was passed on.

Over time, I have been gifted with butterfly-inscribed scarves, jewelry, magnets, bookmarks, paintings, stationery, note cards, even the cover of the CD we did with these radio shows. My letters are often headed by or stickered with that beautiful winged creature.

After my mom died, the butterfly became her symbol to me. There have been magical moments when her spirit seemed to be represented by a butterfly.

Like the time I got the call that my daughter and her unborn child were in distress. I jumped in the car and started the six-hour drive to their bedside. Shaken with concern, I called on my mother’s spirit during the whole grueling trip. “Come on, Mom, give me some words of comfort or strength.” Nothing. Her spirit was silent and brought me no solace.

I finally arrived. As I opened the front door of the hospital, a monarch butterfly sashayed over and stayed. It was suddenly clear. My mom had not been with me on the trip, because she was here with them, watching over them and protecting them. She must have been, because they both came out well.

Was it real? To me, it was. And always will be. So, bring on those butterfly-themed gifts. Each one is cherished and makes my mom remembered and loved. And that’s a good thing.

[Show 607]

A Woman’s Prayer

Backstory – A Woman’s Prayer

I enjoy reading letters, poems and prose written long ago. Living in Civil War country, the libraries and museums hold a wealth of hand-written words from soldier, parent or brokenhearted lover. Viewing artifacts from the period and hearing of the battles sets the tone for reading the words with sympathy and empathy.

The prose of old seems so lyrical, especially when alluding to romance or the possibility of mutual affection. How I enjoyed reading the letters sent by my grandfather Anthony to the lovely Stella who he met at an afternoon dance and with whom he was immediately smitten. I could just see their love grow, as the letters moved from witty to wistful to fervent. Our family is so fortunate to have this relic of the short time they spent together and the love they shared.

Another favorite reading is self-composed prayers. While churches provide prayers in books to guide our words at Sunday service, I so enjoy reading the words composed by a single person, beseeching divine intervention. The glimpse of a conversation between a person and their deity is intimate, personal and precious.

In today’s Consider This show, you gain access to the heart and soul of a woman who was mother and wife, more than a hundred years ago. Come with me as we listen to her prayer and marvel in its simplicity and humility. How many of us might prayer the same words today?

A Woman’s Prayer

Elsie sent in a prayer written by Lillian Mayfield Roberts, sometime between 1921 and 1938. After 80 years, it still seems a relevant appeal. Lillian prayed,

“Dear God, I am a woman – no weaker and no stronger than the rest. And I ask this prayer tonight, for help and guidance in the little things.

“If I could feel your hand upon my lips on days when I am sick, or merely tired of all the trivial worries, perhaps the stabbing words would dart out, to wound my child, and turning, cut into my heart.

“I do not want to nag. I only want guidance to understand that each of us has her small troubles, and that mine are not harder in truth than other women bear.

“And when the little troubles vex me so, I am too prone to turn and cry them out In maudlin tears upon my husband’s breast. Keep me from this; he has enough to bear.

“And one more prayer that I would make tonight: If I could only see the difference between the really big things and the little things. . .

“I do not ask for better, or for more, I only ask for this: God keep my soul from growing petty. It will be enough. Help me in this, and I am satisfied.”

[Show #633]