April 30, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
I’ve got a friend I met when I was in college and she made the comment at the end of the day that she had forgotten to eat that day. Now, it’s been my life’s dream to utter those words at the end of a day–and really mean it. Now, I could forget my umbrella. I could forget my cell phone. I could forget my car keys or where I parked my car, but I’ve never forgotten to eat. Thought that’s what I was supposed to do to get thin–forego eating. Seems I’ve been doing it all wrong for a lot of years. I ate breakfast when my Mom had it ready for me, but I rarely have taken the time to make myself breakfast unless it was a weekend. Seems I needed that breakfast to kick-start my metabolism. Funny thing, this body of ours. It’s designed to keep you from starving, no matter how little you eat and it seems my years of dieting have made my metabolism progressively slower. Seems my body’s been smarter than me all along. So, I’ve already begun, but just barely–your task for the day…
Today’s task is to take some time to eat breakfast. That’s right–and it doesn’t have to be a giant breakfast if you’re someone who has a difficult time making yourself eat first thing in the morning. Grab a piece of fruit or some yogurt or whatever you like. Just do it! I dare you. You will be surprised how much better you feel. I know I do. I’m also trying to do something that was tabu to me since forever. I’m snacking. About mid-morning, I have a little healthy snack. The same thing in the middle of the afternoon. And don’t forget a little lunch in there, too–at a reasonable time–no fast food please, unless you choose wisely. And the funny thing is–because I’m not starving myself all day, I don’t feel deprived. I don’t feel the need to eat a lot because I know that I’ve already got my next “little” meal all set up already. I’m surprised that I have to remind myself to eat it. It’s all new for me, so I’ll keep you posted, but it’s definitely different and just might be what I’ve been looking for. Seems lately, I don’t feel the need to dream that I could utter those words about forgetting to eat. Think you’re tough enough to take good care of you? Eat healthy! You are the Best! You deserve the best! And today will be a chance to do it right. Make me proud!!!
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April 29, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Do as I say, not as I do–okay, go ahead–Do as I do!!!
Every year when I was in college, my sister and several of my friends and I went to Florida for a week’s vacation toward the end of winter–about the time that you’ve just had enough of the snow and the cold and a break allows you to come back and finish out the rest of the winter and still maintain your sanity. One summer we visited an area with breath-taking floral scenery and under a pavilion there were big, bright-colored birds. As we walked along enjoying the scenery, I heard someone calling for help. At least I thought I heard someone calling, “Help me!” Everyone else was laughing and talking, as we walked along, and didn’t hear it. I heard it a second time. Finally, after the third time, I got everyone’s attention and made them be quiet and listen. Finally, everyone heard it. “Help me! Help me!” We looked around to see who was calling for help–and much to our surprise, the calls for help were coming from a beautiful parrot in a cage.
When we realized that it was the bird calling for help, everyone burst into laughter. Then, the bird laughed. When my sister laughed, it made her cough and when she coughed, the bird coughed, which made us laugh again. And the bird laughed. Well, you can imagine our laughter attracted just a bit of attention from a park attendant, who joined us to tell us about the bird. It had been donated by an older woman. The attendant told us that the bird swore like a banshee. He said the old woman blamed the television for the bird’s cursing. He wasn’t quite as certain.
Today’s task is to be aware of what you say and do. Even if you don’t have a bird to mimic your actions, you just might be teaching young children or rubbing off on a friend or two. Worked in an office where no one ever cursed until a new man came on board who did—and suddenly the rest joined right in. Be aware of being drawn into what the crowd is doing. It is much harder to do what’s right, especially when you’re being told that by someone who’s not doing it right. You can go along with what the crowd is doing or you can pull them in your direction. Choose to make the other guy better. Don’t let them bring you down. Lift them up! You are the Best!
Help me!
Help me!
I know you can. And today will be filled with fresh vision, enriched courage, and the ability to lead the way. Make me proud!!!
April 28, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
When James A. Garfield, who afterwards became President of the U.S., was president of Hiram College in Ohio, a man brought his son for entrance as a student, for whom he desired a shorter course from the regular one.
“The boy will never take all that in,” the father said. “He wants to get through by a shorter route. Can you arrange it?”
“Oh, yes,” replied the president of Hiram College. “I can arrange it. Your son can take the shorter course. It all depends on what you want us to make out of him. When God wants to make an oak, he takes 100 years, but when he wants a squash, he requires only 2 months.” ~Author Unknown
Ever notice that life seems to be all about choices? Ever have a day when you feel like cutting corners–just want to be done–and you’re willing to take shortcuts? Even if it means we’re going to be doing the job half-way? I will admit that on occasion I do get just a bit tired and when the thought crosses my mind to cut a corner, I remember those times when I gave in and lived with the regret of a job half-done or worse yet, spent lots more time trying to correct the mistake. How about you? Think you’re tough enough to be rock-solid, character built of structural steel? You know I’m believing you ain’t no squash, my friend! Don’t let me down–or even worse, don’t let yourself down. Do it right! And today will be a day filled with strength and courage to do it right! Make me proud!!!
April 25, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
“Youth is wasted on the young.”
When did the children start having careers? Seems every doctor’s office I visit these days is run by a teenager who calls himself a doctor. The first doctor who entered the examining room wearing tennis shoes caused me to bite my tongue so I didn’t ask if his father would be coming soon. HE was the doctor.
Took my middle daughter to visit her new doctor, an orthodontist. He introduced himself and then excused himself for a minute. He looked like the young version of Ron Howard from Happy Days. While he was gone, I told my 15-year old Laura, that the doctor was “her” age. She rolled her eyes at me with teenage perfection. When he returned to the room, I noticed he was wearing a wedding band, so he couldn’t really be 15, could he?
Went out to dinner the other night and since there was a considerable wait for our table, we took a seat at the bar. The young man who came up to us asked what we would like to drink. I wanted to ask him if he was old enough to serve us, but I held myself in reserve.
My girls were discussing a young man who sat ahead of us a few Sundays’ ago at church and they described him as “that college boy”. I said, “You mean that high school kid?” much faster than I could stop myself, as it dawned on me that he was indeed a college boy.
So, today’s challenge is to take into consideration that every age has a different perspective. My Mom has a very wise outlook on most things–always has–and I asked her how she keeps a youthful perspective. Her response, “To stay young, surround yourself with young people. It makes the difference.” I’m thinking that’s not really going to be too difficult for me to do.
Think you’re tough enough to enjoy whatever age you are? Enjoy the wisdom that your age brings to you and remember to gain valuable insight from the variety of other ages you come into contact with every day. And surround yourself with young people. We can teach them something, too. You are the Best and good things are coming your way. And today will be filled with the wisdom of the ages. Fair warning: I intend to hold onto a youthful perspective, liveliness, and enthusiasm until those doctors start looking like grandchildren–maybe even great grandchildren!!! Care to join me in my endeavor? Make me proud!!!
April 25, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
“Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.”
~Edward De Bono
One of Bonnie’s favorite toys when she was a little kid, was a bright blue plastic pencil case about 8″ long which looked like a large pencil. It had a zippr around his middle where he opened to access the pencils stored inside. He might even have been animated with facial features. She picked him up one day and said, “I know what I’ll call you–you’re Pennsylvania.” Well, new toys arrived and departed, but Pennsylvania remained on the scene for a very long time. I wouldn’t be surprised if I found him still tucked in a corner of one of her dresser drawers. Because everything is new and fresh to children, they look at things with a different perspective. I think sometimes the more we learn, the less we know. I know that’s definitely true in my case. Sort of makes sense, doesn’t it, that teenagers know everything and the older we get, the more we realize that we have only just begun to touch the tip of the iceberg as far as knowledge.
Today’s task is to choose something normal and ordinary and take a minute to look at it with a fresh pair of eyes. If you find yourself having difficulty, enlist the support of the nearest youngster in the vicinity. Get them to give you their take on it. You might be surprised what they could teach you. I learn something new each and every single day from the teenagers living in my house who give me a chance to see things with a new and fresh perspective. When I asked my Mom how she keeps a youthful attitude on life, her response is to always surround yourself with young people. She is very wise. Think you’re tough enough to take today’s challenge? I know you are. You are the Best and good things are coming your way. And today will be filled with a fresh outlook and new vision. Make me proud!
April 24, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
When Bonnie started Kindergarten, one of the first projects she was asked to complete was to make her house. You know I was dying to put in my two cents’ worth on this project, but I restrained myself. I knew you would be proud of me for that. And she did complete her little project. It was cute. It was simple. It was “her” perception of her home and her family. However, when I got to school later, all of the houses were posted on a board in the hallway outside of the classroom–and guess whose house was indeed the simplest and most likely done by a kindergartener? You got it–my Bonnie’s. There were beautifully painted houses, there were multi-colored homes make with construction paper. There was even one house that was 3-D with actual shingles on the roof. Now, even my child protegy, Bonnie, couldn’t pull off one quite like that. I’m thinking the 3-D house belonged to the child with a father who was in construction–no doubt.
Now, have to admit that my parents always expected us to do our best and on many occasions and they did expect us to complete our own school projects, however, my Mom would always put some special finishing touches on them, saying, “That’s really good, but–” It wasn’t until I went off to college and lived on campus that I actually turned in my first project truly completed only by me–and I held my breath, not really knowing that I could complete something and get a good grade on it all by myself. It wasn’t until the teacher handed me back that good grade that I realized that I could do it on my own.
So, today’s task is to make sure that you’re helping wherever you’re able, but make sure that you allow others, children and adults alike, to know that you think highly enough of them to encourage them to do things on their own. Just because they didn’t complete the job exactly like you had worked it out in your mind doesn’t mean that it’s not right. Think you’re tough enough to take today’s challenge? You are the Best and good things are coming your way. And today is going to be a day filled with inspiration and quality input from someone else. Look for the best in others and give them a chance to shine–all on their own. Make me proud!!!
April 23, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Today’s challenge is to expand your horizons. Are you a creature of habit? Do you always drive home the same way–do something different! Do you always go to the same restaurant? Do you always order the same thing to eat? Try something new. You might be surprised. Expand your horizons! Always watch the same kind of movies? Read the same kind of books? Play the same kind of sports or games? Do that same hobby. Reach for something different! Always drink the same beverage? If it’s water, that’s okay, but if not, go for a change.
So, today you will look at everthing in your daily routine and watch for those things that make you feel like you’re in a rut and bored. Try something different. It will give you a new, fresh outlook and put a new spin on what might otherwise be considered plain, dull, and ordinary. Think you’re tough enough to spice it up? I know you are–and so am I. You are the Best and incredibly new and interesting things are on their way. Have some vision! See the light! Make me proud!!!
April 22, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
“A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that individuality is the key to success.” ~Unknown
What’s the answer? Everyone wants to fit in, but we also want to be special. Work to be a cohesive member of the team, but show your individual strengths. Going to school, I’m sorry, but I remember answering questions on a variety of tests with this thought in mind–How do “they” want me to answer this question? Now if the question involves facts, the answer can be black or white, but what if the answer could be in shades of grey? How about poetry? I never got what “they” wanted me to get from other people’s poetry. I guess I always liked to put my own slant on most everything (even if I kept my thoughts to myself). Maybe I just got lost in the grey fog!
Making your way through life is a balancing act. What you choose to juggle is up to you and if you drop one of the balls every so often, you prove that you are indeed very human, like the rest of us, and the most important part is to pick that ball back up and try to juggle one more time. If you are a professional when it comes to juggling, I will be giving you extra credit today and if you would be willing to give lessons, swing on by–I’ll be waiting. If you drop a ball once in a while, you are indeed my hero.
I know that I am a work in progress, but I get up each morning facing life with great enthusiasm–expecting a good day–and working to be just a little bit better today than I was when my head hit the pillow last night. Think you’re tough enough to join me in my endeavor to learn a bit more from every situation, every person, and every task that I face today? You are the Best and I’m expecting great things from you today and every day. You are very special! Keep those balls in the air–I will, if you will! Make me proud!!!
April 21, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
“Why do people say “no offense” when they’re about to offend somone?” ~Unknown
Ever preface a statement with the words, “I don’t want to hurt your feelings, but…”? Seems I’ve heard those words once or twice on occasion and wanted to duck beneath the nearest shrub or climb into a hole before I found myself stung with their intensity. Was I right to feel that way? You know I was. If you ever find yourself about to start a sentence with those words, stop talking, bite your tongue, don’t do it. Why would you want to go out of your way to hurt someone’s feelings? If there’s something they really need to know, you know there’s a better way to say it. I dare you to think of a gentler way to help them see the light.
Think you’re tough enough to look out for someone else’s feelings? I know you are. Just think of how your words would sting you if they were said to you on a topic that might be painful to you. What if the shoe were on the other foot? How would you feel? You are the Best and today will be filled with the opportunity to use some wisdom and understanding in your dealings with people. You know how to be tactful. Lead the way! Make me proud!!!
April 19, 2008 - Posted by Anne- 0 Comments
Seems I just might have a restaurant critic living at my house. What am I talking about? Well, since Valerie was really little, when we would sit down at a table in a restaurant, she would ask if I wanted to know if we were in a good restaurant. When I answered, yes, she would take a peek under the table to see if there was any gum stuck on it. No gum, you got a high rating. Gum–you receive a failing mark. Who are these people who stick gum on the table at a restaurant? I can’t even imagine doing such a thing. And I would be ashamed of my children if they ever did such of thing.
Today’s challenge involves having integrity. What is integrity–being honorable, respectful, and honest even if no one were looking. Think you’re tough enough to take the challenge? You know you are! You are the Best and I’m expecting great things from you. And today will provide another chance to choose to have character and dignity. I hold you in the highest regard. Expect nothing less from yourself. And if there’s a restaurant you’re thinking of visiting the near future and you’d like my restaurant scout to rate it for you, let me know. She’s never wrong. Make me proud!
