In the Midst of Confusion!
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Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments. It’s the minor moments in life that allow us to make giant leaps forward. It’s the minor moments in a conversation with a friend that opens up clarity and insight for you. It’s those minor moments that bring us joy and mini miracles!
Welcome to Podcast # 84 called “In the Midst of Confusion!”
This is your Host Linda Gullo and today I have a short podcast with a list of insights for you to think about. Do you stop and think about the biggest win in your week? This can give you great insight. For me it was checking in with a doctor, because of a foot problem. Once I knew what the issue was all about, I began to resolve the problem and also took measures to rearrange my diet. It is amazing how one thing can clear up our minds.
In the midst of confusion we can lose our way. Often we just give up and ignore taking any steps forward. We are stuck. In the midst of confusion we can lose our way. Every week in life gives us opportunities for growth and personal insight. Today someone asked me, “So you think everyone should be in therapy?”
Without skipping a beat, I said “yes, of course!” At least everyone should have a therapist set up for themselves. One doesn’t think twice about having their home covered. They know who to call to fix the furnace. There is the local Mr. Fix-It, even if it is a family member. There is the garden guru, the chimney sweep, and the exterminator on call.
For ourselves, we have our dentist, podiatrist, and doctor’s numbers in our smart phones for the regular check up or emergency. We don’t think twice to get the dog into the vet when it rips its nail or needs shots. So why in the world, wouldn’t you have a therapist in your phone who knows your situation? It doesn’t mean you need to clock in every week, but it certainly helps with things get hectic and you’d like to talk thing through.
After the conversation with this person, I thought of a host of questions.
Where do you want to be? Who is holding you back? Why do you spend hours on the phone or sit at a restaurant by yourself on social media? Why haven’t you tackled the list of “to-do’s” you made 3 weeks ago? Who have you put ahead of you on the list? Are you exercising? Drinking too much? How do you want to improve? What purpose in life are you fulfilling?
Well there are not perfect answers or a vitamin you can take to answer and fulfill these questions. It isn’t like fixing a broken window with specific steps to take. There are many ways to reach your destination and many people who may help you make the journey, but a therapist is there for you to help you recognize that you are silently ignoring certain things in your life.
Now is the time to take the first step that can put you on the escalator of success.
Story of Uncle Charlie
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Children see things so differently than adults do. There ability to accept things as they do— helps all of us conquer the difficult things in the world. I love to be with small children. They delight in things we can’t even see. They giggle and have genuine reactions to simple things. We get so derailed on our vision of life as we get older. Our ways of seeing things are clouded by fear and perhaps a single bad experience. We know a little to much for our own good.
As a child, we owned a big Maple table with folk art painted on it. The table was also a big part of our childhood adventures. My brother who is 5 years older would cover the table with a big black Indian print blanket. The instant playhouse was great fun. We’d crawl in and out of the flap door. The chairs were our shelves to put things on. We just enjoyed hours of playtime there.
Folk Table
We were out of the way and able to play cards or our games nearby our parents.
On one occasion an Aunt of mine came over with a man she was dating. He was a hefty gentleman with a good laugh and smile. His name was Charlie. On this day, my mother and aunt were busy chopping celery for chop suey. I remember the scene so clearly and the sun of the nearby window shining in through old fashioned lace curtains as I played underneath the table.
The man had a unique leg. As a 3 year old, I saw it was shiny like my dolls legs and I focused on it. It had no hair, was pink, and well just fascinating. His shoes matched each other but I could see that his legs were different.
Years later as a teenager, Charlie & my Aunt lived in Indiana. It was a marriage of companionship. They seemed to thrive on doing things for one another. My aunt was a great cook and Charlie seemed to enjoy sitting at the kitchen table with his coffee and fresh fruit pies on many occasions.
Charlie drove a car with a ball on the steering wheel. My Aunt did not drive and he would take her around town or where ever she needed to go. Often he’d sit in the car and wait for her.
He had only one arm; the left sleeve dangled down- often tied at the wrist or tugged in. He’d ask me to help him wash and dry his hand before dinnertime. I realized early-on how difficult life must have been, but he seemed to take things in stride.
Charlie had been in an accident when he worked for a railroad company. He had slipped on ice during the night on and was run over by a train. Because of the extreme cold, he survived the awful accident. He learned to get around with a prosthetic leg that strapped onto his body.
Both he and my aunt lived full lives. My mom told me he as a bouncer in a bar following WW II. He owned a tavern and would pick up cases of bottles and stack them with ease. Obviously he managed to keep strong physically, as well as, mentally. He seemed to thrive on being with people and I am sure that keeping involved with others helped him immensely.
Everyone deals with their concerns in a different way. Learning how you do that is a key to solving problems. I am thankful for the minor moments of playing underneath our table and having a safe fortress.
I am thrilled that I saw adversity from a child’s point of view and that I learned how people were able to carry on life’s duties in spite of their limitations. I read that success is never owned; it is only rented, and the rent is due every day.
So try new things often, be aware of all the opportunities that we put off or the problems we amplify. Enjoy the minor moments that are steps onto the escalator of success.
See you next week as Kate and I dive into a topic of Embracing Sad Moments.
Powerhouse Phrases to Help You Grow
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Powerhouse phrases to help you grow can be a bigger part of your life. Today Linda Gullo and Kate Halma discuss sources of energy, strength, and encouragement.
“You can do it!” “That’s awesome!” “You’re the best!” “Good job!” “I appreciate you!” “Count on ME!”
Linda tells the story of a lady she volunteered with at a local resale shop many years ago. The lady who was a mother of many was also a mother for her that day. She mentored for Linda in a powerful way. Check out the story and how she reminded Linda to “hold her head up high.” She encouraged her to put things in perspective. Her words became powerful words that still resonate. People can give us encouragement in when and how they say things to us.
Kate and Linda encourage everyone to think about the value in words. One of the messages that Kate reminded us to follow is “Don’t own that!” Listen to this podcast and see just what she was referencing.
Kate also referred to the inspirational sayings that both thrive on as shown in this photo. This is just one of 3 doors at Delight in Living, Ltd. that help clients and patients to step through the difficult and challenging times in life.
Encouragement changes frequently here at Delight in Living!
Louise Hay who created Hay House Publications offered Affirmation cards that gave people powerful and positive messages. Those cards which are still available at bookstores and on line (https://www.hayhouse.com) were encouraging.
Linda quotes Isaish 40:30– “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (NIV). Verses from the Bible and people of fame often leave us with wisdom in their words.
Finally Kate shares “nothing is impossible; the word itself says I’m possible!”
Put you best foot forward, “just one step may put you on the escalator of success!” Thanks and have a great day!
Join the ladies in 2 week when they will discuss, “EMBRACING SAD MOMENTS” We hope you enjoy these podcasts. Please let us know by signing in for updates and to encourage us too. We’d love hearing from you.
Linda can be reached at 815-459-5161 most days of at linda@delightinliving.com
Legacy, What Do You Want to Leave Behind?
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Legacy can be defined in many ways. What do you want to leave behind? Kate and Linda discuss the different ways people are remembered and encourage you to think about the legacy you are building. Is a quality of some sort like inclusiveness, kindness, hospitality, genuineness, availability, being an aunt, or monetary?
What do you want to leave as your legacy?
Here are some of the books mentioned: Wise Moves by George Ludwig, The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene’ Brown, PhD., LMSW, Your One Word by Evan Carmichael or Giftology by John Ruhlin.
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The Art of Being a Domestic Guru
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Today our Podcast revolves around Domestic Arts. It is actually a Management position that had been downplayed for years. In the 50’s and 60’s, schools taught Home Economics. The courses taught adolescents the relevance of contributing and learning skills to become independent. They were refined at home. Later the term domestic engineers was given to mainly women who took their home economic skills to the next level.
Domestic engineers were then and continue to be needed in making our homes warm and hospitable. Linda and Kate discuss the evolution of these skills. Whether they pertain to men or women, they are much needed in our society today. Those of us who know them well need to be instrumental in teaching and passing them on to the next
“Home-making today should have a background of scientific training because only in this way can real efficiency be achieved.The average girl wants to be able to keep her house with the least possible strain, and in order to do this she must have good training. this can best be achieved by taking a good course in home economics.” Eleanor Roosevelt (1933) First Lady and Social Reformer
Being creative and adding hospitality to our homes is essential and so appreciated by everyone who enters our doors. Let’s make memories for our youngest family members.
This family is getting ready for a small dinner!
Also check out the Best Year Ever by clicking on the Icon here. You’ll be glad you did!
Stress Less Tips for the Holidays
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Crystal Lake Santa Run
A time for toys and candlelight!
Kate and Linda are excited to be here with you today and share some tips for you by sharing stress less tips for the holidays.
We are all rushing in order to get things done, but often the best plans go by the wayside. Our expectations begin to pressure us in ways we don’t even realize.
- Establish a good morning routine. Perhaps fill your car with the needed supplies the night before.
- Rejuvenate with yoga, take a walk, or just move more. You may not feel like it, but once we start, it is easier.
- Identify your biggest strengths and use them. If you are organized excellent! If you are less so, call on a friend for help.
- Focus on small things that can accumulate and add up. I began wrapping a presents as I got them. Soon I will sort and add ribbons.
- Remember more is not better when it comes to decorations, trees, and packages. Keep things simple this year.
- If you send cards, again attack the task in pieces. I just updated the address list. I sorted the cards I want to use. Next I will address the ones for the office. Then do my personal ones.
- Maybe traditional practices will need to be put on hold if there are other pressures this year. It is okay. Being flexible is better.
- When there are family illnesses, deaths, and sadness sometimes a quieter holiday is called for with a gentle spirit. Sometimes it is good to just sit and discuss the memories.
Change a few obligatory traditions if you are overly pressured. We set our expectations too high sometimes.- Note what stresses you the most. Is it the financial pressure? Is it the shopping? the wrapping? the pressure to be with less than desirable people who you find toxic? Remember it is temporary.
Saying no to visiting or entertaining can wait until January or February. The season of giving and being with one another should not be draining.
Alan Cohen said, “There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.”
Linda ends this weeks show with “nothing we do is carved in stone, so be flexible, create new traditions, and let some of the old ones that are difficult dissolve. Take one step forward to stay well over the holidays, it may put you on the escalator of a better disposition in the weeks ahead.”
http://www.activebeat.co/diet-nutrition/7-surprising-foods-that-fight-stress/
Mayo Clinic suggests https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress/art-20047544
The Value of Losses
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The Value of Losses can become a cornerstone for you. Although this Podcast is short and simple, it is powerful and necessary to hear. Please take the 5 minutes out of your day and listen. Ask others to subscribe to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments where the minor moments lend great insight into living a full and complete life.
Less is BEST. Why is that?
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Often “less is best” when it comes to overeating, having enough to wear, and being productive. Today’s Millennial’s view materialism is much differently than that of the baby boomers. Often people from that generation were striving for the house, the boat, and/or the fancy cars. They had come to believe that more made them happier. Millennial’s find minimalism freeing. Actually a few special pieces of clothes, the right books, or valued friends can do the job better of fitting the bill for them.
Kate and Linda share a few ideas to help you feel better. The first story Linda shares is a short story about a friend who was content with using a single small knife in the kitchen to prepare dinners. Kate chimes in about George Carlin, who had a comedy routine about “stuff.”
Check out Less is Best. It is a book by Sage Wilcox. It is in regard to storing and decluttering! How many people do you know who are hoarders?
Even our computers need to be cleaned out. It is easy to accumulate files since many are not needed.
There is beauty to simplicity. Linda shares about going into her “St. Francis mode!”
Linda shares that when her mother was in boarding school as a High School Freshman, the students were issued 3 set of clothes. Here is one of her hangers from 1929. She had 3! Of course society was different then too. Great shifts come with every decade!
Kate brings up Blue Zones where people are happier and healthier living with less. check out https://bluezones.com
Check out https://zenhabits.net/simple-living-manifesto-72-ideas-to-simplify-your-life/
“Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want.” Jim Rohn
Kate talks about mindfulness, sharing the load, and coming together as friends.
Sorry for the inconsistent audio today. Enjoy the little things in life for one day you’ll look back and realize that they will be the big ones.
What’s Better: Rushing or Waiting?
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Good Afternoon and Welcome to Mini Miracles from Minor Moments where it is the seemingly minor moments that bring us the potential for great joy and insight into our life.
This is Podcast # 76 on What’s Better: Rushing and Waiting? The topic actually created itself beginning with a minor moment last night.
It had been a full day with lots of the usual chores packed in around work, cooking, and taking the dog outside. I was delighted to get in another long walk out in the country for some enjoyable exercise. It was cool and pleasant, but the sunshine was an invitation to move.
Last night a glass of ice water accidentally fell into an open filing drawer. Chaos erupted as we ran for towels and started separately files. Drying and discarding what we could, the room suddenly had piles of papers scattered about to air dry. We rushed to blot away any water that was standing.
Ironically, I had just commented that I wanted to change the way I was filing paperwork and return to an approach that we used many years ago. I had remarked that it was easier to find things quickly in my older method. Well now thanks to this little unexpected glitch, the new filing system will go into effect this weekend. I have already set up new file folders this morning. I like to be inspired to get jobs done, but this was not the ideal way to prioritize reorganizing.
The End of Day
It was at the end of the day as we were winding down and saying goodnight when this incident erupted. Needless to say, I stayed up afterwards to relax before heading to bed. I took a few moments to connect with my daughter as I usually do at nighttime. Our families are the most precious things in life and even the smallest practices of connecting with them are essential to our well being. With that I finally went to bed.
This morning I was in a store and found the clerk rushing me. I did purchase one of the things I needed, but recognized that I would have spent more money if she had not been so quick to exit me.
Then at lunchtime, the news came on and the newscaster talked so fast that I had to really listen to catch what was being said. No wonder everyone is so anxious. I shut the radio off to slow down.
On the other side of the spectrum is the issue of waiting. Almost every doctor’s appointment takes longer than necessary because one has to wait. Sometimes after being in their main area one is escorted into the patient room where the door is closed and one has to wait some more. It is easy to grow anxious. The doctor flies in, asks his or her questions, and exits. One of my clients tells me that often she has not had the opportunity to ask her doctors her questions, because of this practice.
Often getting an appointment takes forever. Several people close to me are waiting for scans, and specialists to get them in for evaluation. All the while, conditions may worsen because they have to wait 3 weeks or more.
I understand that waiting gives us options on how to respond. It allows us time to investigate the choices we’ll make like for treatments or costly home repairs. Waiting gives us time to find bargains, compare services, save money or talk to others for insight. So being delayed isn’t always bad.
Learning to balance the rushing and waiting game has become a challenge to me personally. I find it is easy to become impatient when I have to wait. On the other hand I actually schedule in slow down time. Time to walk and think. Time to pray, meditate and filter my concerns by writing. This has come through lots of hard work and a conscious desire to slow down and savor the best of each day.
Next week I will be at a Next Level Workshop with Cliff Ravenscraft and a dozen other people learning more to share with you.
That means that I will be here with you in two weeks from today to bring you an episode “Less is Best” with my Joy-filled friend Kate.
I pray for you my listeners, and for all those I coach to enjoy the minor moments of your life today. “One single step may put YOU on the escalator of success!”
Check out our Counseling Services at https://www.delightinliving.com
Failure Can Lead to a Brilliant Outcome
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This is Mini Miracles from Minor Moments with Kate Halma and Linda Gullo. Welcome to Podcast # 75 on Failure can lead to a Brilliant Outcome?
Kate and Linda share on the value of failing. The lesson here is not to worry, because the trials you face may lead you onto the escalator of success.
As a small child, Linda shares how she worked hard in school. Spelling was something she really excelled at so when she misspelled the word “during” she shares how she felt. The lesson of the story is that she never forget how to spell the word during, nor did she forget the value of making a mistake. It is indeed okay for all of us to make mistakes, because there is a silver lining in doing so.
We all must learn. Roy T. Bennett in his writing The Light in the Heart says, “Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying.” It is a concept that we must all embrace.
Kate shares the story of her husband’s successful business as a Dog Trainer at K-9 Motivation which he developed after he is was forced out of a job. She also shares of her own story about receiving a “pink slip” and how this turned out to be a blessing.
Life can be “rocky” at times, but become a solid foundation for us!
As Kate talks about her nieces learning to drive, it reminds Linda of her taking a driving test at the age of 16 in a snow storm. The reality of not passing the test, may have in the long run saved her. She ended up learning the skills of driving in sleet, snow and inclement weather! Trials often lead us to having a triumph and a greater perspective.
Our discussion led us to the understanding that giving up doesn’t always mean you are weak; sometimes it provides a means to becoming stronger and smart enough to move on.
Linda defined failure for us. Failure is the state or condition of not meeting a desirable or intended objective.It is a perception that can fuel us for success. It automatically rules out options and clarifies facts from fiction.
This is noted from a Forbes newsletter. “Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary tour, not a dead end. Failure is something we can avoid only by saying nothing, doing nothing, and being nothing.” — Denis Waitley
Is it from a failure to anticipate, perceive, or carry out a task?
“You must make a decision that you are going to move on. It wont happen automatically. You will have to rise up and say, ‘I don’t care how hard this is, I don’t care how disappointed I am, I’m not going to let this get the best of me. I’m moving on with my life.” Joel Osteen
Samuel West who opened the Museum of Failure in Sweden focuses on how we can all learn from failure, tells us to Accept failure as an essential aspect of progress & innovation!