Health and Lifestyle
ABC’s . . .
Alphabet soup was always a novelty to eat. Sorting out the noodles to spell my name made eating soup more fun. Well I just got this new keyboard cover and as I put it on, I thought of the first typing class I took. Who in the world created the keyboard in this arrangement? It seemed so strange. so I looked it up for all of us.
The first typewriter was created by Christopher Latham Sholes. The positioning of the keys had to be arranged because of the rods (typebars) that had to clear one another. Certain keys were close because of need. These were the TH and ST. It took awhile and several attempts to make it efficient. So to this day, we use what they call the QWERTY keyboard.
People made things to fit their needs and certainly the typewriter like so many other inventions have come a long way in making our lives productive. I needed to get a colorful keyboard as a change. The keys underneath are actually white, which is hard to keep clean over time and frequent use. I love to have new covers (they run $1.98 up).
Colors and changes in our clothing make life more interesting. Living in a black and white world once existed. Black clothing was for mourning. Black and white broadcasts, now a thing of the past, was all that was available in the beginning of the television. People would put colored plastic sheets on their screens to give them some color.
Black and white was a common scheme for clothing and still is a beautiful combination. God made our world in color with its sky and waters of blue, and flowers in every hue. We must think joyfully and enjoy it all. Good compromises make life pleasant and enjoyable.
Coloring your world as a beautiful place to live is up to each of us. We can be part of the solution and help one another ease some of the tension in our midst. Speaking of coloring, there is a wide variety of coloring books in the bookstore. People have found it is a good way to be creative and relax. I was talking with someone yesterday about finding new hobbies and learning to have fun like the “kids do”. Reestablish the fun things you enjoyed. Hop on a bicycle, listen to music, or call a friend and hang out for a cup of coffee. Time to reinvent the “good times!’
Years ago I was visiting a nursing center when it dawned on me all those in need. Even in our own backyard there are numerous nursing centers, medical centers, and hospitals to care for the sick. Every suburb has its share. People are lonely. Let’s reconnect and enjoy time playing board games. Checkers or Hopscotch anyone?
Peace for your day. Listen for the mini miracles in your life.
Send me topics and suggestions to linda@lindagullo.com
LEARNING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Well I think I will forever be a student. Yesterday I spent an afternoon with my soon to be 18 year old granddaughter. She has graduated from High School and has a job at a local fast food place in here community. They aren’t the nicest at this establishment, but like so many people she stays there for right now to make a few dollars toward her gas and “needs”. I applaud her efforts for this is her second job and she has been faithfully working.
I am not sure how well I understand youth, but I try. I have several students coming to my office and each one is so unique and special. Each of them presents different issues and concerns. They are all exceptionally smart in some manner. We have a generation of wonderful young people coming up to take a place in society. They are trying to figure out how they fit in the bigger picture. Aren’t we all trying to do that?
Our granddaughter and her brother are about to go on their 3rd mission trip. She tells me the one to Detroit was very uplifting and dynamic. It had a large group of students from around the USA gathering together. I think it is a great thing for our teenagers to be involved in the lives of other people who are materially and educationally less well off. It helps us to keep things in perspective. Suddenly we are making a difference. Isn’t that what life is about? Everyone needs to feel useful and appreciated.
The students worked at different fundraisers throughout the year to be able to pay their way to Tennessee, Detroit, and this year to West Virginia. Once they get to their destination, they rehab homes, help clean up neighborhoods, help in day take care camps to take care of younger children, and learn what it is to give back to the less fortunate. They do the projects that many adults won’t even venture out to do.
Well yesterday thanks to the extra helping hands, our house got vacuumed and the pantry cleaned out. I had been thinking about staining the picnic table and so we began to tackle those sort of projects. More to be done outside, but it was just too hot to be out there!
Rosy got a bath too; she’s soft and smells so good today. I think she is a happy dog. She also lifted her head up last night for me to take this photo. It was the first opportunity after her surgery a few weeks ago to get a bath. She still is healing on her side as you can see. She had
3 growths removed. The one of her side was a precancerous one the size of a pencil head. Glad that is out.
As we get older everyone is more conscious of sun damage. It is wise to wear hats, sun screen, and be aware of these oddities for our animals too. This has been a hot summer and being outside and on the beaches can be rough on our skin.
Back to our youth. Not all the things we see as important as adults are appreciated by youth. I am not sure that is all bad. Then it hit me last night that my mentoring job has just begun with grandkids up and down the age scale, there is much to share and learn. How about for you? Who do you need to set an example for today? What is important to you? It can be for your own children or others. We often influence those outside our homes more than in our homes.
May Mini Miracles flood your life today along with new insights and joy!
Always appreciate your ideas for topics. Send them to linda@lindagullo.com
A Gate to Life
Experience is valuable if one uses it as a “GATE” to a better life. Here are 10 ideas that “experience” can provide.
Enhance opportunities by being open to them.
X-ray your motives for authenticity.
Pursue dreams by acting as if you have already reached them.
Encourage chances by using a good attitude.
Reinforce ones strengths by repeating good habits.
Include God in your plans and invite Him to keep you company.
Eliminate the negative attitudes.
Nurture the youth in your family and community.
Change willingly; always make the most of time.
Enlist the help of friends.
Experience can be a gate to Delight in Living!
Brokenness
Brokenness
The flower was beautiful, but the stem was broken. It hung over the edge of the vase. The candy cane now in several parts was in the candy dish several months past it prime. The cracked glass that had fallen was now in fragments. It’s all good since flowers only last a few days after they are cut, candy gets stale after time, and vases are replaceable.
Years ago I had a friend who made jewelry from pieces of silver and metal chips. She was a science teacher. I think this was a hobby that came about in one of her labs. Her signature pieces were beautiful crosses. The metals were melted to show the brokenness in our lives; yet as people we are more beautiful, empathetic, and loving because we survive. We are not the same, but softer in spirit.
Some things in life are not repairable and it is important that we recognize these. At the same time, we must not let these circumstances injure us permanently and keep us from functioning or enjoying our lives. Broken families, those in poverty, the loss of a limb, or the death of a loved one conjure up in my mind as “brokenness”.
How we choose to deal with issues can help us live fully. Labeling each situation is a way to help us dismiss situations from taking us over. The part we play in each story is important too. We can’t bring back a loved family member. We can however, recognize their contributions to us and to our communities. We can memorialize them and teach others about their attributes. We can try to find cures for the disease that contributed to their death. Maybe we can find cures or medications for the next generation.
It may help us to become more prayerful. Or push us to take steps with those in charge to get that stop sign in at the intersection where your loved one died. Sometimes it makes us recognize our blessings more, when we are aware of how other people are suffering.
People all have problems; some carry them better or have help. Here is where I suggest that asking for help is indeed wisdom, not weakness. Share with others who can help. Or reach out if you can help another person.
Blessings for the day and “Delight in Living”
What Depression?
What Depression?
Yesterday I was going through my normal day, when I heard the broadcasters discussing Paul McCartney. Recently he has opened up about his depression following the break up of the Beatles in 1970. Now that he is in his early 70’s, he was reflecting on this strained time. It was a difficult period of time for him; his wife Linda helped to bring him forward and refocus.
He had been with the Beatles for a long time and suddenly the loss of these close friends was unbearable. He related it too army buddies who are supportive and connected to one another during their time of service. After their release back into society, things are not as they left. People around them have to readjust too. It is difficult to separate from the security of friends and explain that to those back home who waited. One must acclimate and readjust.
When times of transition happen in our lives, there appear many unknowns. What will I do now? I am so lonesome, who will fill the void? Who will support me emotionally and in my career? How do I begin again? Sadness takes hold of us. Time is needed to process and yet being alone isn’t good. We need people around us to reflect reality for us. It is time to mourn and yet dance to new music.
The good thing about Paul sharing this is that so many people are depressed and keep it inside. It would have been good if had shared this earlier. It may have helped other people. Entertainers, public figures, and professionals are people, too. They hurt so much and aren’t always able to share. They become the headline of the day upon their self imposed death.
It takes courage to be open and to share knowing it could affect their professional success. Often they feel they are the only people that are lonely or despondent! They don’t know what or how to respond to circumstances.
Drinking, drugs, and bad habits like overeating or dormancy can take over. These conditions make things worse. One loses perspective. Minds get cloudy and confused and behaviors tend to bring everyone around us down too.
All of us have emotions. We have feelings and times of loneliness. If you are on a natural high and tend to be joy filled, by all means reach out to those who aren’t. Good feelings can be contagious too. So here are a few thoughts:
1-As counselors, coaches and professionals, we are here to serve and help.
2-Take one day at a time.
3-Place yourself among happy, healthy and vibrant people.
4-Physically get up and start with a simple walk.
5- Go places to be with other people. Laugh and play as children do. They make things fun.
This child was at a Department Store imitating store models. Fun was spontaneous. We all need to enjoy “the moment” at hand!
6-Eat well, but in moderation.
7- Listen to music, take up a hobby, learn a new skill–Just do it!
8- All things are temporary and better times will come around. Hang on, stay productive in some way.
9-Volunteer your services and time. It helps to value yourself and keep you purposeful.
Good news is just around the corner, “Delight in Living”! Mini Miracles are present in Minor Moments!
Do Risk Takers Get Ahead?
Any risk here?
Do Risk Takers Get Ahead?
Well all kinds of studies have been taken over the years about whether “risk takers” get ahead! What do you think? Are you a risk taker? And if so, what made you become that way? Do you think that gamblers are smart? Are travelers going into foreign lands brave or foolish? And how are newscasters different from you? What motivates people to risk their reputations, their lives, and their fortunes on risky behaviors?
Speeding down the highway may not be the best behavior. Although some people find it a thrill, animals and obstacles may come into one’s path. Tires can blow and loss of attention for even a second can become deadly. Many accidents happen in the rural areas of our country, because people are speeding for the fun of it. Then there are the young people, who play chicken and don’t turn their headlights on! They are immature and not thinking about the safety of other people. They don’t see the car as a means of transportation, or as a privilege of their age. The car becomes a weapon instead of what it was designed to provide for us.
Our world is spinning with new technology every day. Instantly news is spread via through social media platforms, phones, and other communication systems in place. Drugs that were created for the purpose of curing ailments or saving people are used inappropriately. Addictions and improper use of medications can maim and kill individuals. The things designed to help us can become a disaster as well.
There are the storm chasers who often risk their lives running into the eye of a tornado. They are scientists trying to understand Mother Nature and how future generations can be saved. On one hand I think it is great their are researcher in every arena doing this things, but on another hand it is sad when their good intentions are deadly.
There are the Veterans who can tell us of the many dangers they encountered. They may be suffering PTSD from the things they have seen or became part of during their time in battle. That is also true of those who serve as ambulance technicians, hospital workers, and hospital attendants. Lurking dangers can create unbearable fear and stop us in our tracks.
Being a sitting duck is often worse than taking action. But that is true in all situations. We cannot become victims, but rather we must learn to take calculated risks and be assertive.
So what made me think of risk taking on this fine sunny day in May? I was at a Graduation Ceremony yesterday and looked over the sea of people there. I listened to the speeches. I viewed the sea of Royal Blue Graduation Gowns and felt so much potential oozing from them. There are so many opportunities and challenges ahead of these High School graduates. Many of them will blossom into leaders.
There was a tribute to those about to enter the United States Military. The speaker asked all those who served in the past to please stand along with those about to enter into service. There was a frail man, obviously a grandfather, who sitting on the nearby bleachers was helped by those around to stand up. I had watched him slowly and with effort to climb the bleachers. To some degree his being there was a risk of safety. None of us would ever go anywhere or do anything if fear reared its ugly head!
So I see small risks in things we face everyday, like the cat and bird in this picture. Things that are seemingly inconsequential can become suddenly very dangerous. Prudence is a great virtue to learn. I hope there are many mentors and people around you to offer good judgment Enjoy your day and “Delight in Living”!
Daily Efforts in Relationship Building
Daily Efforts in Relationship Building
When we built our home in 1973, we purchased the parcel of land. It was a corner lot on 3/4 of an acre on a slight hill. We excitedly sought out blueprints that would be ideal for us and hopefully a family. We watched as the hole was dug for the foundation on April 1st. Forms were fitted and concrete poured. Soon the construction began and each room took shape. It was a dry spring and it never rained until Mid July. An ideal situation couldn’t have been planned any better.
A young mom sits at a wrestling match for one of her 5 children will tending to the 4 month old at her side. Mom’s are the best!
We actually moved in on July 1st. All was complete except for the main level, which we worked on ourselves. We did our own staining and finishing work over the next year. Ever since we have made improvements. We have great memories of how it all went together from blueprints that we had tweaked and modified to fit our needs.
Well in many ways, relationships are built in the same way. Unfortunately, there are no simple blueprints. It takes time and effort to be present. We need to be involved and aware of another person’s needs. We need to listen and become part of their world. It doesn’t go as quickly as we’d like and may happen in small increments. Our good friends develop over the years. We support their interests, listen to their dreams, and share in their disappointments.
As spouses we give our time and energy to help one another grow and blossom into professions. We go together to the local hardware store. We grocery shop and invite others to join us for dinner. We travel together from short day trips to more extensive trips overseas. We attend family birthday parties, attend to aging parents, and pray together.
When it comes to family, we drive one another to their events. As parents, we give 100% of our time and energy to helping our children become the best version of themselves. Initially we feed, clothe, and teach the basic skills of trusting and loving others. We attend school events, sit at band concerts, attend ballet recitals, and pick them up from sporting events. We laugh and cry with one another!
We spend our time to daily help with homework and attend open houses. All the while we are encouraging them to try new sports and meet people. We take them to church each week to help them develop good self disciplines for attending regularly with like minded people. We have the hope that they will develop a strong faith and healthy moral compass. All the while, we are taking the time to develop one-on-one long term relationships.
With the use of social media, which we all enjoy, we must reach out to one another and talk to one another. I have tried to do that more. Today I took a 5 minute break at the Bank to talk with one of the receptionists. I was on a time limit, but figured I could also end up wasting that at a red light. I didn’t get stuck and found it to be a win-win.
Neighbors returned from a “snowbird” vacation; my intentions are to drop off some pastry to welcome them back. Time is just elusive and yet we need to prioritize.
Years ago a neighbor was diagnosed with lung cancer. It was a Thursday and I thought I’d stop over there on Monday. I was in my twenties and about to learn a big lesson that week. Well our plans changed to attending a wake when I heard he died that weekend. Never put off what you think is important. So much is out of our control and prioritizing changes with the day.
Engage with friends and family today. Don’t wait to do what is important. Enjoy your day and “Delight in Living”!
8 Tried and True Life Lessons to be Shared!
8 Tried and True Life Lessons to be Shared!
1- Don’t recreate the wheel. Ask others the way to go. Experience is a great teacher, but we can learn vicariously as well.
2- Finish what you start. Last night’s newscast featured a man in his 80’s who received a Bachelor’s Degree. He graduated with Summa Cum Laude and was signing up for another class. What a great example of completion to a goal he set after retirement. We grow and put closure on things allowing a new door to open widely.
3- When buying anything, do a little research. It will save you money, time returning things, and give you peace of mind. I have a rocker that is 40 years old and continues to serve us well. A little time in finding it has paid off royally.
4- It is easier to prevent something than cure it. It is raining out. So much better to have those windshield wipers fresh and working.
5- An apple a day keeps the doctor away. In essence, it is good to eat the right foods to stay healthy and feel our best. It is prudent to find what works for you!
6- Dress for the day. It might serve you well to have an umbrella, sunhat, blanket, and a hooded jacket in the car. Often Chicago weather changes and its a benefit to keep ahead of the game. In the winter, a safety kit with flashlights, protein bars, and salt might be worthwhile. We’ve all been caught in the wind, rain, and cold.
7- New isn’t always necessary. In others words, if something is working well, don’t replace it. A man gave me that advice regarding a hot water heater. It had a long life and served us well many years after he told me that! Thank you!
8- When there is a warning sign, take it seriously. This includes weather warnings and health signs. Two such thoughts come to mind. Many people owe their life to listening to the warning of tornado sirens and taking prudent steps to save themselves. Just this week, we had several growths removed from our dog and one was a “Mast Cell” caught early. It was only the size of a tiny spot, but seemed bothersome to her. Thank goodness we had it removed.
Hope these tips help make good choices for you. May your day be blessed. “Delight in Living!”
A Few Keys to Overcoming Procrastination
Why is it that some people are so successful and others flounder? Being prepared starts when we are small children. We are taught to lay out our clothes for the next day. Our parents and teachers get us involved in church, school, activities or sports. We copy lessons from the blackboards. We are reminded to turn in our school assignments. Dinners, bath time, and reading books are part of our routine before bed.
Carry that on to the adult level now. We all have a job. That is parallel to our schooling as a child in that dooing it well means following a schedule. If we are working as homemakers, our schedules are filled with cleaning, shopping, chauffeuring children, and organizing family dinners. If we work out of the home we have deadlines and obligations on the job.
In the process we learn that we cannot be selfish. We need to share our time, talent, and money with the ones we love the most. Much of the time we are working and giving up the things we’d like to do. We need to be faithful to our spouses even when it it hard. Times will get better even when one thinks otherwise. Life is tough, but we can be tougher! Check out Jon Acuff at acuff.me I heard him on a Podcast on platformuniversity.com He is so generous and humble.
Field Flowers from a Trip to Portugal
1-Make a list of things to do. Break the tasks into smaller steps. A little at a time and things get done. I used to watch my dad paint steps. He’d do every other one on one day and the opposite steps the next. Or he’d do the left side one day and the other half after the first had dried well. Our steps always looked great.
2-Post a note and paste it where you’ll see it. On the door, on the TV, on the Computer works too. Visually it helps to have reminders. If you are going to paint. Gather all the supplies and put them right where you will be reminded to paint the outdoor furniture or whatever.
3-Gather people together to help. Company and someone to chat with helps immensely. Gardening is one thing I don’t like, because I feel lonely. I used to take our big Boxer outside when the kids were little and he’d lay next to the garden while I worked nearby. It really helped. Now I will even ask my husband to come sit on the swing while I plant my geraniums or water flowers.
4-Create a routine. Walking to work helps me fit in exercise. Blogging is done at the same time each day and often I will do more than one while I am in a creative mode. Doing the same thing each week can be good. I get gas in my car at the same gas station usually on Saturday evening or Monday morning. I find it is helpful in not running out of fuel and I can easily track my charge card statement each month.
I run into an elderly man who shops on Friday mornings. His consistency has helped him through grieving the death of his wife and a few medical issues. It is stabilizing point in his week as his habit of going to church at the same service each Sunday. Set points like these are helpful for everyone.
5-Bring it to the table. Sharing strategies for making life more joy filled is fun. Ask others what works for them. Learn from those who are successful and duplicate their patterns. We don’t have to be original in every area of life.
Feel great and stop procrastinating! “Delight in Living!”
Transitions
I grew up in a world of ink, typewriters, and carbon paper. I didn’t realize I was from the dark ages until one of my interns asked me “what is carbon paper?” Carbon paper is what you didn’t want to be using if you made a mistake! It was messy, smeared all over one’s hands and was impossible to neatly erase. It was used whenever one needed a copy. It was the forerunner of carbonless copies and thermal paper. It served its purpose, but I am so happy it is not in my office!
Today I went to use an eraser; it is my friend. I love erasers, because it frees one to make an error and remove it. Yet I remember in school, when we were told we needed to do everything in ink. Although using a pen elevated us to a more adult level, I think that is when I feared putting anything onto paper. It created an unspoken anxiety about writing anything down. Even though making mistakes is part of the growth process, but no one told me that.
Then I entered the world of typing. One of my first jobs was working in a law office where we needed copies for just about everything. We didn’t have correction ribbon at the time, nor the white out we all can use these days. There were no self correcting ribbons! I learned to focus on what I was doing so I didn’t have to retype letters or documents.
When I taught, the ditto masters that were used had purple dye for creating a master copy. Mistakes were removed by scratching off the purple letters with a razor blade. What a hassle! Plus the smell and purple finger tips did not lend to looking professional.
Now we live in the world of computers! Computers are wonderful. We can write a whole paragraph or create a design and voila, simple hit the delete key if anything was put down in error. Remarkable, neat, and simple.
But what about our lives? When we make a mistake, what happens? It isn’t easy to hit delete and start over. There are consequences of marrying too young. Pain in one’s body due to a bad car accident in our early driving times may plague us forever. Falling into a bankrupt state due to using credit cards may keep us from the dreams of owning property. Job losses may result in marital breakups. Raising children all with different IQ’s, emotional states, and behavioral issues can be difficult. Help!
Holding hands and walking with people through difficult times is my job. We all need support especially during transitional times. Times of failing health, broken marriages, and grieving for loved ones may come when we least expect them. There are moments of confusion and tension that seem to overwhelm us.
We need to learn to share our thoughts and feelings and also express them. For many people, being strong equals being silent and swallowing the pain. It doesn’t work well and eventually comes out in our behaviors. Counseling is a privilege. It was once only for the rich and famous, but now is available for everyone. It is good for resolving issues.
Hopefully your day is a good one today. Whether it is erasing a difficult time of transitioning into a better time, “Delight in Living” along with me.