Wednesday’s word: Desidarata

The word desiderata is Latin and means “things that are yearned for.”  Desidarata is the name of a poem, a friend shared with me; it was her father’s favorite poem. Tucked into this poem I found many nuggets of wisdom and I found some ideas that left me a little confused. 

Nuggets of wisdom I found were:

• remember what peace there may be in silence
• even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story
• take kindly the counsel of the years
• it is still a beautiful world

An idea that left me wandering – be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. This was an odd phrase to me because I cannot imagine that what I conceive God to be has any bearing on who God is. For some I realize God does not exist, for others God is an overwhelming and fearful judge and for some God is the purest definition of love and hope. I suppose it does not really matter who we conceive God to be, but rather who God is. Yet who we conceive God to be will influence our relationship with God. (OK, I have confused myself now!)

Read the poem below for yourself. Are there any phrases that especially stand out as useful wisdom to you? Are there any phrases that make you feel uncomfortable?  People are much divided on this poem, they either enjoy it or they dislike it – what is your take on this poem? 

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Written-1927

Previous Wednesday’s Words

Priorities       Gratitude      Devotion        Neighbor      Service      Peace     

Rest        Veggies (Twisted Salsa Recipe)       Counting Calories       B R E A T H E 

Special thanks: Thank you to Becky Smith for today’s photo.  Please email me if you have photos that I can post.  I am looking for photos that make our spirits say thank you for the beautiful world we live in.

Wednesday’s Word: Priorities

The key is not to prioritize your schedule
but to schedule your priorities.
(Stephen R Covey)

It’s that time of the year, the time when fall schedules are being planned – WARNING, WARNING, WARNING! For many people and especially families, it is a time of the year that you can schedule every moment of every day. So how do you choose what is best for yourself, your family and your household?

It is very difficult for most people to state what their highest priority is for themselves and their household. Many parents have never considered what their highest priority is for their small children. What if spouses could agree on a mutual “highest priority?” We have all said, “Yes” to many good things and have been far too busy to embrace the best.

You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have
the courage—pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically,
to say “no” to other things. And the way you do that is
by having a bigger “yes” burning inside.
The enemy of the “best” is often the “good.”
(Stephen R Covey)

What is worthy of being a “highest priority?” How will your actions, planning and schedules reflect your highest priorities this year?

Special thanks: Thank you to Bob Thomson for today’s photo.  Please email me if you have photos that I can post.  I am looking for photos that make our spirits say thank you for the beautiful world we live in.

Previous Wednesday’s Words

Gratitude ( August 18, 2010)

Devotion (August 11, 2010)
Neighbor (August 4, 2010)
Service (July 21, 2010)
Peace (July 21, 2010)
Rest (July 14, 2010)
Veggies – Twisted Salsa Recipe (July 7, 2010)
Counting Calories (June 30, 2010)
B R E A T H E (March 17, 2010)

Wednesday’s Word: Gratitude

Help me! Am I grateful for the heat and humidity? Kelly at Forsyth Woman Magazine issued a special assignment – “Write about what you are thankful for, regarding the high temperatures.” Is she kidding me? Am I grateful for frizzy hair, dry and dying grass, wilted plants, high electric bills, sun damaged skin and so much more? I’ll be honest, summer is not my favorite time of the year, but I can rise to the challenge.

Gratitude is a like a cool breeze – once you notice it, you begin to feel it. What am I grateful for this summer? What are you grateful for this summer? Perhaps you could pause for three minutes and begin writing everything you are thankful for — Just Do It!

Then… share your list! Gratitude has a way of cooling everyone off — even on warm summer days. Below is my list (you don’t have to use an acronym; maybe you could use the entire alphabet!).

You can never appreciate the shade of a tree unless you sweat in the sun.
(Author Unknown)

S     Sunsets after a storm, Sunscreen, Swings, Sitting in the Shade
U    Umbrellas (for shade)
M   Mother’s cancer free biopsy results
M   Meta & Miriam (I have wonderful sisters!)
E    Electricity (so I can stay inside and watch a movie)
R    Rain (summer rain is much better than winter rain – unless it is frozen!)

H    Hair Products (especially those for frizzy hair)
E    Elastic hair bands
A    Air Conditioning
T    Tomatoes

&    & let’s not forget fans!

H    Heat & Humidity – I’m trying!
U    Under the shade trees
M   Mountains with Meandering streams
I      Ice Cream, Ice, Iced-Tea
D    Dawn (the coolness, the sound, the beauty)
I     Impatiens (the flower)
T    Toe showing shoes
Y    Your list!

Previous Wednesday’s Words

Devotion (August 11, 2010)
Neighbor (August 4, 2010)
Service (July 21, 2010)
Peace (July 21, 2010)
Rest (July 14, 2010)
Veggies – Twisted Salsa Recipe (July 7, 2010)
Counting Calories (June 30, 2010)
B R E A T H E (March 17, 2010)

Wednesday’s Word: Devotion

He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion. (Author unknown)

What is the difference between devotion and duty? Devotion is defined as passionate, enthusiastic, eager and often selfless love and dedication, as to a person or principle. Duty is defined as something you have to do, an obligation, a responsibility and even includes taxes, payments and dues.

Recently I was asked this question and I began to look at who I am and what I do through the lens of “devotion versus duty.” First I looked at primary relationships, which for me included God, my spouse, children, other family members and even close friends. Then I considered some of the things I do.

When I honestly evaluated myself, I realized that I was sometimes loving and doing from a sense of duty, and it was precisely there that unsettledness, frustration and other unsavory emotions dwelled.

When is it acceptable to do something from the perspective of duty? Could there be areas in your life where a shift from duty to devotion could lead to a more fulfilling and successful life or mission? What if parenting rose up from devotion to the family and the children? Are there times when you can be devoted to something and it is harmful to those that you love the most? Is it possible that we can learn to be better human beings from our dogs?

Previous Wednesday’s Words

Devotion (August 11, 2010)
Neighbor (August 4, 2010)
Service (July 21, 2010)
Peace (July 21, 2010)
Rest (July 14, 2010)
Veggies – Twisted Salsa Recipe (July 7, 2010)
Counting Calories (June 30, 2010)
B R E A T H E (March 17, 2010)

Wednesday’s Word: Service

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,
nothing is going to get better.  It’s not.
(Dr. Seuss)

Do not let what you cannot do
interfere with what you can do.
(John Wooden)

Wednesday’s Word is service.  What do you think of when you hear the word service? Sadly, most of us think of people who serve us such as those who work in restaurants or other establishments where we purchase items or services. What if when hearing the word service, our initial thought was serving someone in our home, the community or even the world?

Is it truly “service” if you are doing something, but secretly you are bitter and the “critical monster” is dancing in your head? (Let us be honest, we have all had mental visits by Bitter Betty and the Critical Cassandra!) If this is occurring, your motivation for service might be the issue and/or you could be over committed. Service, Rest and  Peace all live together; in fact they do their best work, working together.

Is one of the keys to a fulfilling life service?  How do you serve others? How do you serve your family? Why is it important to serve beyond the walls of your own home? Is giving money to important causes distinctly different from service? Can you do one or the other and have a fulfilling life?

How do you serve? During the next week, would you be willing to look for simple ways to serve others without any self-motivation?

Service (July 21, 2010)
Peace (July 21, 2010)
Rest (July 14, 2010)
Veggies – Twisted Salsa Recipe (July 7, 2010)
Counting Calories (June 30, 2010)

B R E A T H E  (March 17, 2010)

Wednesday’s word: Peace

First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others.

(Thomas a Kempis)

Worry gives a small thing a big shadow

(Swedish Proverb)

Wednesday’s word: PEACE. Do you want to grow peace within your mind and spirit? What if the word peace described your home, workplace and even your mind and spirit? Is it possible to have a peaceful spirit even in the midst of daily duties? Most of us would gladly welcome greater peace and calm within our minds and our overall being.

Peace within ourselves – what does it look like? What helps you cultivate a sense of peace within you? Here are my ten top ways to cultivate peace in my life.

How do you welcome peaceful moments into your life? What could you do today to nurture peace within your spirit?

Wednesday’s words:

Peace (July 21, 2010)
Rest (July 14, 2010)
Veggies – Twisted Salsa Recipe (July 7, 2010)
Counting Calories (June 30, 2010)

Living Life MORE MORE: Rest

He that can take rest is greater than he that can take cities.  (Benjamin Franklin)

Wednesday’s word is REST. Is there a rhythm of rest and work that is a secret key to living life fully, being productive and enjoying life more? Could it be possible to get six to eight hours of sleep and not be rested? If you made rest a weekly priority and included small daily periods of rest, would the quality of your life improve?

In many countries around the world, an afternoon nap is part of their daily rhythm. In fact, I was amused to discover that some workplaces provide napping areas in the workplace. Sadly, most Americans refuse to make time for naps or even allow short periods of rest in their day. Do we as individuals assume we are so important that the world would stop, if we paused for a few moments each day or is it possible that we are afraid of silence and stillness?

For one week, could you try to incorporate a few moments of rest in your day? What would be restful for you and what might a restful pause in your day look like? Could restful pauses become part of your daily rhythm of life?

Wednesday’s words:
Rest (July 14, 2010)
Veggies – Twisted Salsa Recipe (July 7, 2010)
Counting Calories (June 30, 2010)

Super Simple, Super Easy, Super Healthy Twisted Salsa

Wednesday’s Hint: Eat more vegetables! It is easy to increase your intake of fresh vegetables and enjoy low calorie treats during the summer. Great prices and great tasting vegetables can be found at local farmer’s markets and some of you are lucky enough to have family and friends with gardens. Tasty, easy and good-for-you are all packaged in the following summer salsa recipe. My husband found this recipe and as usual, I had to put my twist on the recipe. You can serve this with whole grain chips or put your own twist on the recipe.

Do you have a favorite summer vegetable recipe? Please share your favorite and healthy way to use summer vegetables.

Twisted Summer Salsa
• 1 1/4 pounds diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced green olives
• 1 bunch sliced green onions, (I think purple onions would be nice too!)
• 1/4 cup Harry & David Pepper and Onion Relish
• 1 tablespoon red-wine vinegar
• 4 teaspoons minced fresh oregano (I think you need more)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cracked pepper (you might want to reduce this if you aren’t a pepper fan)

“Feel Good!” Boxes

Have you ever heard of a Feel Good Box? Do you have a Feel Good Box? Perhaps you have another name for this special place of tranquility. A Feel Good Box is a box where you keep things, papers, selected pictures, a gratitude journal or other items that bring a smile to your face and/or remembrance of good times. It is a nesting place for thankfulness, gratitude, appreciation and good memories. It is not just for past, but for present and future. (More on memory boxes in a future blog)

A Feel Good Box is similar to a treasure chest. It is not so much the things that are in the box, as what the things represent. Feel Good Boxes are great for children as well as adults. A child’s Feel Good Box might have a few selected school drawings, a special book, a card from a grandparent or notes from parents, siblings or a special teacher. A child’s Feel Good Box might be a shoebox that they have decorated. An adult’s Feel Good Box might have a note from their child or parent; it might have a little “sit around” from an early time in their life or a variety of other things.

Hatboxes and Decorative boxes are great examples of Feel Good Boxes because you can display them in your home and even the sight of the closed box brings about a warm feeling, treasured memory, and a sense of well being or simply a smile. Do you have a Feel Good Box? What would you put in your Feel Good Box?

5 tips on taking a good picture with your phone…

We’re all enjoying sharing ourselves with the world using the camers built into our phone.  I’ve been to many a scenic overlook and heard, “Did you bring the camera?  No?  Well, I’ve got my phone!”  Here’s some tips on taking THE RIGHT picture with your phone:

1. Clean the lens.  We’ve butt dialed with your phones so heaven knows where they’ve been, clean out the dust and debris from the lens before taking your picture-WOW it is a LOT clearer isn’t it?
2. Avoid tight focusing, camera phones excel where everything is required to be in focus, take a scene type picture rather than focusing in on one item then trying to make the background out of focus.
3. Avoid bright reflections as this will cause the camera to underexpose the rest of the shot.
4. Set your phone to the highest picture quality.  This is different on all phones, check yours to make sure it is set correctly.  This will also increase the file size of the pictures, word to the wise.
5. Avoid the “mirror shots” or taking the pictures at arms length, not only does it give you the double chin but also will add the pounds due to the close proximity of the phone.  Break down and ASK someone to take a picture of you!

 Have fun and totally ignore all the advice above if it stops you from taking a picture.  Send that shot out into the world proudly – it’s your work of art!