A smile is the same as sunshine; it banishes winter from the human countenance. ~ Victor Hugo
Max Ehrmann
Let me do my work each day; and if the darkened hours of despair overcome me, may I not forget the strength that comforted me in the desolation of other times.
May I still remember the bright hours that found me walking over the silent hills of my childhood, or dreaming on the margin of a quiet river, when a light glowed within me, and I promised my early God to have courage amid the tempests of the changing years.
Spare me from bitterness and from the sharp passions of unguarded moments. May I not forget that poverty and riches are of the spirit.
Though the world knows me not, may my thoughts and actions be such as shall keep me friendly with myself.
Lift up my eyes from the earth, and let me not forget the uses of the stars. Forbid that I should judge others lest I condemn myself.
Let me not follow the clamor of the world, but walk calmly in my path.
Give me a few friends who will love me for what I am; and keep ever burning before my vagrant steps the kindly light of hope.
And though age and infirmity overtake me, and I come not within sight of the castle of my dreams, teach me still to be thankful for life, and for time’s olden memories that are good and sweet; and may the evening’s twilight find me gentle still.
Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. ~ James M. Barrie
A friend asked me the other day if I liked to dance. I said that I enjoy dancing. My friend then asked me what kind of dances I like to do. I said, ‘When I feel the music I go out on the floor and have fun.” My friend pressed on, ‘No, I mean specific dance types.’ I said, ‘My dancing genre is fun and joy. I don’t have time to think about the rest of it.” Then my friend asked, “Do you care what other people will think?” I quoted a Bonnie Raitt hit song, “I’ll give them something to talk about.” Get on the dance floor. Have fun, enjoy life, don’t worry about what other people think. Give them something to talk about.
Listen to my Podcast, Journey from Grief to Healing, Episode 127 on your favorite podcasting app or click here for Episode 127
Welcome to Episode 127 of the Journey from Grief to Healing Podcast! In this episode, we explore the powerful metaphor of a dog’s treasured rubber bone and how it mirrors our own struggles with holding onto past hurts and painful memories.
Join us as we delve into the emotional and physical impact of clinging to our “rubber bones” and how it can hinder our healing process. Drawing inspiration from a touching encounter with my neighbor’s dog, Sailor, and the poignant country song “Let Go of the Stone” by John Anderson, we discuss the importance of letting go to find peace and emotional freedom.
Discover how recognizing and releasing our grip on past pains can lead to profound healing and growth. We’ll also reflect on the experiences of a widowed friend who struggles with daily memorials and how this relates to the broader journey of grief recovery.
Tune in to learn practical strategies for letting go and find hope in the message that, despite the challenges, good things are on the horizon. Whether you’re deep in grief or simply looking for a way to lighten your emotional load, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement for your healing journey.
That best portion of a man’s life, his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love. ~ William Wordsworth
I don’t get it. Why don’t more folks choose to be happy? There are so many things around us that make me smile. I saw men and women dancing in a zumba class this morning. There were having a great time moving to the music. They made me smile. A daughter called while I was eating lunch. Not a problem, lunch can always wait. We had a great conversation. I saw two squirrels chasing each other in circles in my yard – that’s got to make you smile. It feels good to be happy, to look on the bright side. I’m not traveling down the tunnel of doom.
John Kenyon
A face I saw, whose outward calm
All inward peace might well express;
And whose, I asked, that brow of balm?
Her name, they said, was Happiness.
And what those fillet-bands, I cried,
The which in either hand she bears?
Just such round Cupid’s eyes are tied,
And such eternal Justice wears.
“Wouldst Thou be happy,” ’twas replied,
“O’er coming hours must one be cast;
And one (I knew the truth, and sighed)
Must shroud the memory of the past.”
It’s another hot day in south Texas. The cactus don’t seem to mind. That’s the way it is in August around here. One hot day after another. It might be the reason the iced tea glasses are big, I mean really big. If I take trip to the River Walk I’ll smell fajitas sizzling well before I walk down the steps to the River Walk. I’m getting hungry now. August is a good time to lay back and take it easy for a few days. We all need to let all the busy stuff go every once in a while, enjoy the day regardless of the weather, and catch up with the people we love and who love us.
The temperature will hit 103 F (39.44 C) today in south Texas. Bring it on. I love the heat. I’ve got iced team in the fridge. The air conditioner is working fine. I’ll lather on some sunscreen and go for walk (while it’s still cool (in the nineties – lol). We can’t change our weather. We can change our attitude toward it. That’s how it is with a lot of the circumstances we find ourselves in. We can always find a way to make it a great day. Hope you’re having one.
