How is your day going? I’m off to a great start. I am writing this post before I head to the gym. It’s early morning. I’ve done my stretching, child pose and sleeping baby. I did the plank, full bridges and one legged bridges. I showered and dressed for the gym. I made coffee, ate oatmeal and a side dish of blueberries, I made oatmeal yesterday and put it in two bowls in the fridge (I really like cold oatmeal with cinnamon and drizzled honey). Now I working on my blog. I am grateful for a good night’s sleep, a hot shower, being able to exercise (I find great joy in exercising), my hot coffee and oatmeal. I’m grateful for this blog and for those who read it. When I take the time to be grateful, I feel a peaceful easy feeling covering me. It’s a good space to be in. I agree with William Arthur Ward who wrote, “Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.
Happiness
Happiness is Like a Kiss
There’s an old song sung by Ella Fitzgerald and Louie Armstrong titled, It Takes Two to Tango. The chorus lyrics read: “Takes two to tango, two to tango / Two to really get the feeling of romance / Let’s do the tango, do the tango / Do the dance of love.” That’s the way it is with happiness. Our happiness increases in direct proportion to the number of people with whom we can share it and who reciprocate it with us. Think about going to a ball game alone. Your team wins an exciting game. The people around you are sharing their joy with their friends, It’s not quite the same as when you have someone with you to share the joy of victory. When I passed my dissertation defense on my way to my doctorate, I called my wife as soon as I got out of the defense meeting. She screamed with joy. We were sharing a happiness moment. Bernard Meltzer had it right when he wrote, “Happiness is like a kiss. You must share it to enjoy it.”
The Power of a Smile
One of the things that makes me happy is to see people smiling. When I see people smiling (not the fake posed kind, the kind that comes from the heart) I know they are happy. Smiles have a way of silently expressing a genuine love for others. Smiles are contagious. I know when I smile at someone, they return the smile. In that moment, two human beings made contact and in a silent way assured each other of life’s goodness. Each time we offer another a warm smile we are sharing a moment of peace, a moment of connection, and a moment of love. Mother Teresa said, “A smile carries a powerful message. We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.”
It’s Time To Lighten Up
Just living is not enough… one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. ~ Hans Christian Andersen
Choosing Life After Grief: Rising Like the Phoenix
Choosing Life: Rising Like the Phoenix
In this powerful episode, we explore the courage it takes to rise after life’s darkest moments. Grief can leave us feeling beaten, bruised, and lost in shadows, but within each of us lies the strength to choose life and joy. Drawing on the wisdom of French philosopher Voltaire, the poignant poetry of Theodore Roethke (In a Dark Time), and May Sarton (The Phoenix Again), we reflect on how to break free from despair, embrace resilience, and rediscover the light. Learn how to climb out of fear, like the mythical phoenix, to live fully once again.
Join us as we delve into the transformative power of hope, healing, and the determination to never give up.
Keywords: grief, resilience, hope, healing, overcoming loss, choosing life, Theodore Roethke, May Sarton, phoenix, embracing joy, finding light, inspirational podcast, personal growth, self-reflection, rebirth, never give up,
Sometimes You Have Roll With It
An older friend gave me a great piece of advice when I was younger. When I remember it, life suddenly takes a turn for the better. His advice was simple, “Ray, when things are not the way you like them and you can’t change them, roll with it.” It works. Here’s an example of how I recently used his advice, This past Sunday I went for breakfast at a French bakery. I ordered coffee and a speciality omelet. On Sundays I like to treat myself to one of their bran muffins. They were out of the bran muffins. I could get upset and leave or I could roll with it. I rolled with it and asked for the blueberry muffin instead. Not quite as healthy, but it was delicious.
Practicing Gratitude in the Midst of Loss: A Thanksgiving Reflection
In this episode, we explore the power of gratitude, especially during difficult times like grief and loss. We’ll discuss practical tips for cultivating gratitude and share a poignant poem by William H. Merwin.
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving – Grateful for all my followers. Thank you for the wonderful gift of you.
Be Sunny ~ A Poem by Wildie Thayer
Be Sunny
Wilde Thayer
Does the world seem void of beauty ?
Does your home with shade abound ?
Then this is your binding duty:
Be the brightest thing around.
The Gift
What a wonderful gift it is to wake up knowing we have a full day in front of us. We’re not entitled to this day. It is a gift. We are alive. We have a chance to do something with this day. What kind of footprint do you want to leave on this day? How will you affect those whom you interact with this day? Will everyone you meet be better off because you passed their way? We can take in the wisdom of the Roman philosopher, Marcus Aurelius, “When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.
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