There is so much noise surrounding us it distracts us from focusing on what is really important. Focusing on what really matters brings us a sense of calm, inner joy, and happiness. For me, family, health, and living my faith have my priorities. What are yours?
family
A Better Life ~ Meals Can Bring Us Together
When I was growing up in my Italian family meal were a big deal. We didn’t have much, but there was always plenty of pasta. It was time for all the family to be together. The meal wasn’t rushed. We stayed at the table until everyone was finished eating and often remained well beyond the eating. There were no TV or other digital distractions. We were together. Meals are great ways to bring people together, it can be a family meal or a date. The meal provides time for people to renew with each other. Try it for a month. It will make all the difference.
A Better Life ~ What to do with Leftovers
After a large holiday get together there are lots of left overs.We figure out what we’ll do with the leftovers. Some we will use to go into meals. Other leftovers we will have to eventually toss out as they turn bad. Our life experiences are lot like leftovers. We have to figure out what to do with them. Some we can make use of and others we have to toss away. Keep the good leftovers from your experience and put them to use. Discard the rest.
Think About It
I love the holiday season in the US. It runs from Thanksgiving (the end of November through New Year’s day). It’s festive. I see family and friends I haven’t seen in a while. I like to hear the stories of those I haven’t seen in a while. And, to hear their stories of their dreams for the future. The best gifts I will receive will be the gifts of their presence. I can’t imagine anything more valuable than that for me.
What If taking Responsibility Were Commonplace
What if taking responsibility were commonplace? Taking responsibility is easier said than done. It’s easy to point fingers at others and say, “He/she should take responsibility.” Responsibility begins when I own it. When I take responsibility, for better or worse, for my actions or duties in relationship to myself and to others. Responsibility means I recognize what is required of me as a man/woman and act accordingly. When society values responsibility families are stronger, neighborhoods are healthier and safer, and doing what’s right triumphs over self interest.
A Better Life ~ Take Stock of What You Have
Take a moment and take stock of what you have. Do you have good health? Do you have a family who welcomes you? Do you have friends you can count on? Do you have people who depend on you? If you do, you are rich beyond measure. You may not have all you want, yet, what you have is a treasure.
A Better Life ~ Moving On
A good friend is moving out of the neighborhood to move closer to family nearly 1200 miles away. She was a good neighbor and friend. We’ll all miss her and wish her well. We’ll have good memories of her time here. Now, the goal is to welcome our new neighbors into her home. I’m looking forward making new friends. Life goes on and we all have to move on.
Today’s Inspiration ~ The Starting Place for Love
“Love begins by taking care of the closest ones – the ones at home.” ~ Mother Teresa
A Better Life ~ Good Info for People We Love
Often times letting people who are close to us know they are always loved and there is a safety net is the best we can do and it is the best thing to do.
Stress Hack: Create a Circle of Friends
“There are many different ways to cope with stress. We know from a lot of different studies that having close personal relationships—people with whom you can talk, with whom you can share your feelings—can be helpful,” says Kiecolt-Glaser. “So spending time with family and friends in order to maintain those relationships is perhaps one of the most crucial things you can do as a stress reducer.”
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